The Newtown bee., 1888-10-19
THE DERBY EXTENSION OPENED
Col Stevenson Drives the Silver Spike and Runs the Locomotive.

Col Stevenson Drives the Silver Spike
 and Runs the Locomotive.
 It is little more than year since engi- neers began to survey through the towns of Newtown, Monroe and Huntington, for railroad known as the extension of the New Haven and Derby railroad, fa- miliarly called ''Little Derby" In March, 1888, active work was begun and has been carried forward with such ra- pidity that, notwithstanding numerous obstacles and the difficulty of grading, the last rail was laid, Saturday, ,October6. Col William II. Stevenson, president of the road, was formerly a member of the press and always takes, good care of the newspaper men; therefore, representa- tives of all papers in the State were in vited to meet him at New Haven and proceed over the road in special train. Nearly 100 were present, from all parts of the State and from New York and joined the officers of the road. The Wheeler < Wilson band furnished excel lent music and gave concerts at New Ha- ven before the start. Guests were taken through part of the spacious new de- pot now building and from which the train, gaily dressed with flags and bunt- ing, started at 10 8 m. Conductor Phillips was in charge and Lester Ferris ran Engine No. ,, which was covered with bunting. White satin badges, bear ing two links, symbols of the Housaton- ic main line and the Derby road, with suitable inscriptions, were distributed on the way to Derby. Here the ovation be- gan; flags waved, bells rang, whistles blew and the people cheered. With Col Stevenson at the throttle, the train mov- ed slowly over the river and stopped in Shelton, where the band gave concert but the rain, which soon descended il floods, drove them to the cars for shelter On again, with more cheering and whist ling and rain; then, after few more stops, the train proceeds on it's way ovel the new road, awakening the echoes by frequent blasts of the whistle. Magnifi cent scenery delighted the eye durins the journey up the river valley and sool the sun came out again.
 When Station 300, in view of Zoa Bridge, was reached, from which view of surpassing beauty may be seen, ,wher portions of four towns, Monroe, New town, Oxford and Southbury, are visible the train was greeted by swarthy Italian laborers and an Italian band. Here tn train was stopped and, amid the roar o cannon and the music of the band, Co Stevenson drove the silver and coppe spikes, under the watchful eyes of tn reporters and scores of the neighborin people. Speeches were deferred unt later, as another downpour of rain wa threatened and the train moved on wit hearty cheers for the road and it's officer: The spikes and the tie in which the were driven were removed, the former { Bridgeport, the latter to New Havel Although portions of the road were nc fully ballasted, the cars ran smoothl and easily and there was no jolting.
 At Botsford, the train ran over u where Engine No 26, with Walter l Ferris at the throttle and couple new brooms at the pilot, awaited then Here Col Stevenson resigned his positio as engineer and T. J. Bartley took char. of the train. At Brookfield Junction, a other engine was attached and Danbnl reached at l 45 p m.
 Headed by the band, the compar marched up White street and down Ma to the Turner house, where sumptuo, dinner was provided. Speeches we made by Col Stevenson, Judge Luzon Morris Democratic candidate for go ernor), Gen $. E. Merwin (Republic; candidate for lieutenant-governor), Ht N. D. Sperry of New Haven, Judge D. Birdsall of the Hartford Telegram, C l.. l.. Morgan of the New Haven Reg News association, B. W. Naples of t Norwalk Hour, F. Sherwood of t Bridgeport Leader, E. B. Lounsbury
 the Danbury Democrat and others. Y speeches were heartily applauded and the close, q royal cheer was given ( Stevenson, to whose enterprise, sagaci and foresight is due the successful inar uration of this railroad venture, whie yet in it's infancy, promises to expa and develop until not only itself, but t cities and towns which it connects a through them the State, shall enjoy greater and increasing tide of prosperi After serenading the Democrat and Ney the band and scribes returned to Brid, port.
 Despite the dismal prophecies of tn, who opposed it, the Derby extension open and the Derby road has become part of the Housatonic system. Ira will soon run regularly.
 LONG HILL.
 R q. Touaev railroad nolica aecc