Although opened in 1829 for the transportation of anthracite from the coalfields in Lackawanna County to the terminus of the Delaware & Hudson Canal in Honesdale, PA, the D&H Gravity Railroad later came to include passenger cars. The D&H offered quick rides between Honesdale and Carbondale as well as excursions to the beautiful park built by the company at Farview. The spectacular view from the mountain included parts of five states, and the picnic grounds, athletic fields and entertainment provided summertime fun and relaxations for thousands of local citizens, who ate, played, danced and sometimes brawled. 

In 1890, more than 5,000 people gathered at Farview to watch a man parachute from a hot air balloon. The park died along with the Gravity Railroad in 1899. Examples of the D&H Gravity passenger cars can be seen today: The elegant “Eclipse” enclosed car is exhibited at the Wayne County Historical Society, and the open-air Car 43 can be seen at the Waymart Area Historical Society.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.