The Wanamaker, Kempton, and Southern Railroad (WK&S) is a privately owned heritage railroad company founded in 1963, operating on a rural section of the former Schuylkill and Lehigh branch of the Reading Railroad Company line in Kempton, Pa. It is a tourist railroad nicknamed the Hawk Mountain Line, which offers rides along a section of the original track traversing through agricultural communities.
The village of Wanamaker along with Wanamaker’s General Store were built because of access to the railroad, which could carry goods into the area and provide export for local potato farmers. The original Wanamaker Station still sits just behind the store. Area residents used to ride to school in Slatington on the “Berksy,” which was a passenger train that traveled along this line.
Thefts took place along this section at different times between April 16 and 26. Among them were the railroad crossing sign in Steinsville, the whistle sign, two other crossing signs and the “Railway Express Agency” sign that hung on the Wanamaker Station. These are all cast-iron signs. Above any monetary value, these items hold a deep sentimental value to the community as part of its history.
The Wanamaker’s sign was stolen around 11:30 p.m. on April 26. It was taken by someone driving a Subaru SUV. Regional scrap yards have been notified and also collector groups and forums.
If anyone has any information about these thefts, contact the WK&S by calling 610-756-6469 or emailing allaboard@kemptontrain.com.