7053----1871 Butler PA railroad branch opening to Freeport PA - newspapers

7053----1871 BUTLER PA RAILROAD BRANCH OPENING TO FREEPORT PA - NEWSPAPERS Coverage of the historic 1871 opening of the Butler (PA) branch of the Pennsylvania RR to Freeport PA. This is now known as the Butler-Freeport Community Trail. This listing includes two rare, ORIGINAL (and complete) four-page issues of the Pittsburgh Commercial of Jan 19-20, 1871. These are NOT cheap, terrible "gift shop" type reprints, but original Pittsburgh newspapers. Two long articles on the grand opening of this branch with incredible details. Unbelievable list of VIPs invited. We have photographed most of the railroad articles for preview below, as well as other interesting ads/news of the day.   (For lack of space, some of the railroad articles had to be omitted.) The Jan 19, 1871 issue has an enormous article on page 4 with an additional paragraph on page 2. The Jan 20, 1871 issue includes a follow-up report with even more information. Both issues are in good condition with expected wrinkles, bends, and some little border tears. These remain in completely readable condition and can still be handled without the fear of tearing or disintegrating. Newspapers of this time period were enormous in size.  These issues open up to a huge size of 44" x 30." They will be shipped flat and folded as they remain. NOTE:  We acquired these at a local auction and were told they were kept for years by a family of an old railroader. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *