Watchman’s Shanty

Watchman’s Flag Shanty
West Shore Railroad

The New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railroad was established in 1882, but the owners never expected it to be a successful business. They knew that rail baron Chauncey Depew did not like competition with his New York Central Railroad; they expected that Depew would purchase the West Shore just as he had done with other rivals. After only one year of operation, the West Shore went bankrupt, and its holdings were purchased by New York Central. Construction in the Hollow took place between 1882 and 1883, and the first train crossed Main Street on 1 January 1884.

The watchman’s flag shanty guarded the West Shore Railroad crossing on Main Street in the Hollow. The watchman’s shanty was a small wooden building adjacent to the tracks. It was furnished with a bench, a comfortable chair, and a small coal stove. The long-handled stop sign hung outside the door within easy reach when a train approached.

In 1959, the watchman’s job was abolished. Mrs. Phyllis Ruszaj saved the shanty from destruction. It was moved by wagon to the Melvin Ruszaj farm on Salt Road. Michael and Barbara Scott donated the shanty to the Historical Society of Clarence in 2004.

All buildings on the Museum Campus are owned by the Town of Clarence

Signage funded through Erie County Legislator Christopher Greene