UNDERGROUND RAILROAD 

February 18, 1962 

After many questions regarding the underground railroad and the possibility of some stations being located in Machias , I found a news item containing the following facts: 

"Shortly before the Civil War, the last leg of an underground railway was established between Franklinville and Canada. The ideal stop of the country. Half a mile or so behind it was Nichols Brook winding through a tangle of wild cherry trees and chokeberry vines. Here Elihu Rice hid the fleeing slaves and brought them food from his kitchen. 

"The fugitives were spirited in by wagon from Franklinville, arriving sometime early in the morning. They spent the long daylight hours huddled in the underbrush, down by the creek, At dusk, young Alfred Rice would hitch up his spring wagon and head down the lane to the station, looking about to make sure he wasn't being fo11owed." 

The fugitives used to carry their possessions wrapped in a calico cloth tied to the end of a stick. They laid in the bed of a wagon covered by straw or canvas, during the 3 hour ride to East Aurora. Rewards were posted for the runaways. 

"The old tavern marked by a towering black cherry tree which stood squarely in the center of Buffalo Road and neatly divided traffic, is now a private dwelling occupied since 1942 by Mr. and Mrs. Guy Mordan. '' 

SUMMIT STATION 

In the southwestern part of Machias is an area that was known as Summit Station. Besides containing the Bird post office, there was a steam sawmill on the B R & P railroad that was erected by Van Dewater and Jewell. The mill burned in 1884 and was rebuilt the same season. The mill manufactured hardwood lumber and rough last blocks.

The above information was obtained from the Machias, New York, Chickasaw Sesquicentennial 1827-1977 book.