Ferrario Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of Sayre

Great News!!!! Do you have your vehicle or vehicles serviced and winterized for the cold months ahead? We are now open on Saturdays from 8am until Noon for your convenience! Call 570-731-0004 or stop in and see Mike Hannis to schedule.

New John Wilkes train makes maiden trip in 1939 Sunday, May 28, 1939 was a banner day in Sayre when the newly christened John Wilkes express train made its m...aiden trip to Manchester and back. A series of photographs from the Joseph Mullen Collection brings that day back to life. According to the May 29, 1939 Sayre Evening Times newspaper, thousands of local residents toured the the swanky maroon, black and white updated streamlined train. For two hours, it was open to the public for inspection after having been released from the Sayre Shops. Through the eight remodeled cars, sparkling with the latest in decorating ideas from thistle colored paint to air conditioning, a steady stream of Valley residents filed, and a platform had been constructed so those who wished could get a close-up view of the engineer’s cab in the snub-nosed locomotive that rivals the most modern streamlined engines on the rails today, stated the article. The train was moved to Wilkes-Barre a few days later for a real christening with all the trimmings and then went on regular service between Wilkes-Barre and New York City, the Time account said. Riding comfortably in three coaches, a smoker, a club diner and club car were officials in the Sayre system shops, the men who designed it, many of those who had a part in the construction, wives and guests, including an Evening Times reporter. J.P. Laux, superintendent of motive power, was the host with Charles F. Helme, shop superintendent as his assistant. The train traveled to Manchester at about 20 miles per hour for the first 25 miles, the Times stated. That was due to concern over the newness of the cars, according to the account. After an inspection of the wheel journals, the speed was increased to 35 miles per hour the rest of the way. On the return trip, the newspaper account said, the train was clocked at 68 miles per hour over a part of the trip. The train trip was one-of-a-kind. The excursionists had a grand time, said the newspaper. All along the main line people dashed out of houses and stood and gaped at the train, its brilliant coloring an obvious if startling relief from the drab colors so long considered a requisite in train construction. Cars stopped on the highways and their occupants likewise watched the streamliner streak past. Farmers sat on their fences and waved, and everybody in the train waved back. It was great fun for those privileged to make this maiden trip, and those who saw it seemed to enjoy it too, to judge from their expressions. The train had all new upholstery, thick pile carpets in the aisles and in the club and diner cars, fluorescent lights, and bright colors throughout the cars, according to the newspaper. The bullet-nosed locomotive and train was designed by industrial designer Otto Kuhler. John McKenna of Sayre was the engineer on the run. Members of the crew included fireman Leon VanHorn of Sayre, head trainman Ernest Holland of Waverly, and flagman C.K. Rounds of Sayre. The John Wilkes was the first fully streamlined train to be constructed in the Sayre System Shops, according to the May 27, 1939 Sayre Times. See more

YES WE ARE OPEN! During the Spring St Construction. No worries! We are here to sell you a new Jeep-RAM-Dodge or Chrysler vehicle of your dreams. Shop now during our Fall Sales Event and you can save even more. You can even "Make Your Own Deal" from the comfort of your home. We are here to Service your vehicle! Fall is here is your vehicle road ready?... Plus we are here to order any parts you may need. Visit www.ferrariosayre.com today. Jim Bronson and his Team are ready to assist you in your shopping and service needs. We hope to see you soon. See more