The Historical Association of Lewiston will host Richard Waite for its March program: “She Went Like the Wind; Engine 999 Set a World Record!”
The breaking of the 100-mph speed barrier by a man-made vehicle was accomplished by steam locomotive “999” between Batavia and Buffalo, piloted by Buffalo’s Charlie Hogan in 1893. Waite will talk discuss how “Empire State Express was able to reach 100-mph and what happened with Hogan after the historic ride.
Waite is a graduate of Alfred Tech where he studied industrial chemistry, and both Canisius College and the University at Buffalo where he studied European intellectual history and historiography. After retiring from Williamsville North High School where he taught history, psychology and sociology, Waite wrote a series of articles for the Western New York Heritage Magazine which highlight several intriguing events, institutions and personalities encountered in our Western New York past.
This community event is free and open to all but donations are greatly appreciated to help support the museum. Refreshments will be served at the presentation, which takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston.