On January 8, 1902,there was a train collision in the tunnels beneath Park Avenue between two steam engine trains traveling into NYC. The following 17 people from New Rochelle, NY, died: H. Franklin Crosby, Henry G. Dimon, Theodore Fajardo, Walter Forbes, Byron D. C. Foskett, Edward C Hinsdale, Amanda (Cox Hungerford) Howard, William Howard, William Leys, Charles B. Mars, Oscar W. Meyrowitz, Albert E. H. Mills, Alfred M. Perrin, Winfield A. Slutz, Ernest F. Walton, George D. Winter, Frank Washburn and some 30-40 people were injured.

As a result of this crash, laws were passed in New York state barring steam engines in NYC., forcing the NY Central RR to convert to electrical rails. Additionally the old Grand Central Deport was pulled down and the Beaux-Arts-style Grand Central Station was built which still stands today.

For information about the 17 who died and the accident, visit: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nywestch/NewRoc1902/