ploits, family history, and articles for various historical societies, especially about railroads and other related occupations. One of his noted Railroad works was “The Wilkes Barre & Eastern Railroad, the Susquehanna Railroads Path to the Poconos”, published in 1986. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 60 years. Harold was also active for many years with the Pearl River Methodist Church, and later on with the Gracepoint Gospel. Arrangements were held at the Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home, Pearl River, New York. By Richard Onorevole Editors Note: For many years I have put together the “Reflector” our Society’s magazine. For just as many years, Harold was always there to help me with content. If he wasn't suggesting a story he was providing one. T he Society and both the railfan and historical community lost an icon this year with the death of noted historian Harold S. Fredericks who died on May 12th, 2015. At the remarkable age of 101. Harold was a friend of the Society and many related historical and rail groups had always relied on him as an impeachable resource, especially with regard to the Susquehanna Railroad. Harold S. Fredericks was born on August 19th, 1923 in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. His Father was the Station Agent for the Susquehanna Railroad and his mother was the local postmistress. Harold was educated in a small schoolhouse and attended Butler High School, to which he biked to every day despite the conditions. He attended college and graduated in 1937 with a degree in engineering. He was later employed as a draftsman/engineer at the Fibre Conduit Company in Orangeburg, New York, which was considered a “defense essential” corporation during World War II. Along the way he married Alice (nee Marlat) Fredericks who he would be married to for 71 years until her death on November 11th, 2011. The marriage produced a daughter Judith Brown of Schenectady, New York, and a son Donald of Rotterdam, New York, along with five grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great-greatgreat-grandchild. Harold was also an outdoor enthusiast, enjoyed hiking, biking, camping and canoeing. He was a proficient writer and photographer and penned many memories of his early exHarold loved hiking on the old NYSW mainline trails. 3 When it came to story telling, especially about the Susquehanna his tales we not only factually right on, but, quite entertaining as well. I remember one of the first times I met Harold. We were operating the M-1 on the Susquehanna. For whatever reason, we were low on fuel and didn't know what to do. The trip was about to get cut short! Harold got someone’s attention and said “ I might be able to help”. One phone call later, and a Fredericks Fuel Oil truck met us at the Oak Ridge Road crossing. As Rich mentioned above, Harold was 101 when he passed. Much of the Susquehanna history he wrote about, he lived! One of my favorite stories had Harold as a young boy sneaking out of his bedroom window after everyone went to sleep. He would ride with the crew down to Butler, hang out with the crews and come home on the early milk train. This all worked good until the day there was a derailment and he couldn't get home. Let’s just say, there was hell to pay when his parents couldn't find him! One of the articles in the Reflector had some pictures Harold took when he was a boy. They were of Oak Ridge Station and various family members etc. One of our readers wrote me to complain, because I failed to note the photographers name. I had already stated that all photographs were taken by the author. They proceded to tell me that I was mistaken, that’s not possible! They were wrong, it most certainly was. I am very grateful for all the help over the years, but even more grateful for having such a kind soul as a friend. He would call just to see how things were going and was always there to help. Harold, you are missed...
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