A monument on the trail is pictured.

At 11 a.m. on Dec. 24 Chautauqua Rails to Trails will continue its tradition of commemorating the tragedy at the site of the deadly Christmas Eve, 1872 train wreck near the Prospect Station trailhead on the Alison Wells Ney Nature Trail.

The earlier start time, for this year only, is a break from tradition. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Prospect Station Road and Fish/Barnes Road. For GPS purposes the trailhead parking lot is near 7000 Fish Road, Westfield.

One of the many benefits of utilizing the trail system created and maintained by the organization is an appreciation of our county’s railroad history. The day lives in infamy because a Buffalo, Corry and Pittsburgh train went off the trestle, causing the passenger car to fall 25 feet, crash and burn. Twenty-one lives were lost. Many descendants of the victims keep that dark day in mind even today.

After a quarter-mile hike to the accident site, Chautauqua Rails to Trails President Emeritus Jim Fincher will speak and relate the story of the tragic event. Current president, Bill Ward, will perform his original composition, “Christmas Eve at Prospect Station,” which he co-wrote with Mike Bratt.

As a membership promotion, the first 10 people to express an interest in joining the organization will receive a CR2T goodie bag. Light refreshments will be offered.

For more information call Ward at 716-753-2800 or refer to the website chaurtt.org or the club’s Facebook page.