THE   BALLAD   OF   HENRY  BURDICK

Henry hitched his sorrel up
To a Carter car on a narrow gauge railroad track
Reins in hand he'd let the brake off
And he'd drive the 209 from Newark to Centerville and back

You might think it's crazy
But Henry made the most
Of a three mile spur that connected to
The South Pacific Coast

For thirty years his milk train ran
And the local kids all rode to school with Henry
Then the narrow rails all went to standard gauge
And a steam locomotive hauled out the last strawberry

You might think it's crazy
But Henry made the most
Of a three mile spur that connected to
The South Pacific Coast

Henry's not forgotten
Though he's left this world for good
I think of him every time I drive
The train at Ardenwood

This poem is based on historical fact and is dedicated to the fine folks who work to preserve this railroad history.  The narrow gauge railroad days are gone, but during its heyday, it was a very important link for the shipment of goods and the transport of passengers, including children going to school.  I had, for a while, the great pleasure of driving the horse-drawn train at Ardenwood Historical Farm in Fremont, California.  It was an amazing step back in history.  For more information, visit our links page.and jump to SPCRR (Society for Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources)

© 1991 Mary Barnett All Rights Reserved