At the time of the organization of the present company, a contract was made with Louis Roberts, to finish the building, and to equip the road. This task was performed by Mr. Roberts in a most active and energetic manner. The right of way was repurchased, the grading finished, and the track laid and the completed road opened for business in the spring of 1881. The length of this road from High Bridge to Brewsters (Putnam County) is fifty-three miles, and the length of the extension from High Bridge to Eighth Avenue is one and one-sixteenth miles. The benefit of this road to the property holders along its entire length can scarcely be overestimated.

The general superintendent and the heart and soul of the enterprise is Mr. Frank S. Gannon, whose whole life has been identified with railroad management. Mr. G.innon was born in Spring Valley, Rockland C.)uiity, N. Y., but removed to Orange County when a boy. He became connected with the Erie Railroad in 1867, as telegraph operator and agent at various stations. In 1870 he became connected with the Midland Railroad where he remained till 1875, when he went to the Long Island Railroad as telegraphic train dispatcher and master of transportation, and the value of his services were fully recognized by all who had any connection with that road. Mr. Gannon became connected with the Northern Railroad in April, 1881, construction trains being the only ones then running. The bridge over Harlem River was finished May 1, and passenger trains began running to Brewsters on that day, and in the Fall of that year the road was finished and in good condition. The road was laid through a sparsely settled district and during the first year trains were run at a loss, but from that time to the present the business has been constantly increasing and has now reached large proportions.