The
Map 3C
quadrant of the Rahway Valley Railroad covers the railroad
in the area of Branch Junction, where the Rahway Valley Railroad
Co. (mainline) forms a junction with the Rahway
Valley Line (Maplewood Branch).
The Rahway Valley Railroad
(mainline) was first constructed through this portion in 1905.
A grade crossing was made with the toll road, Chester Road,
and a station stop was established here known as Doty or
Doty's. Doty was later renamed Union in 1907.
Wright Chemical Co. was
constructed here, perhaps during World War I, and this area
became known as "Wright's Switch."
The Rahway Valley Line
(a.k.a. Maplewood Branch) broke ground here in 1914 as part of
the 2.9 mile long extension into Maplewood, constructed during
World War I. The branch was completed in 1918. The junction
with the mainline formed what in railroad terms is known as a
"wye" track arrangement. The wye completely surrounded Wright
Chemical. This junction later became known as "Branch
Junction."
Industrial concerns were
constantly moving into and out of this portion. Wright
Chemical Co. was the first to locate here. Wright later became
E.M. Davis (a.k.a. Davis Chemical Products Co., Inc.). Davis
eventually became R. Gelb & Sons, machinery rebuilders.
Other concerns in this portion were Kelley & Tennant
(chemicals), John R. Anderson & Co. (electrotypers wax
mfrs.), A. Schneider & Co. (metal sheating), a scrap yard,
Albert Paper & Stock Co., Carpenter Steel Co., Essex
Chair Co., Smith Tractor & Equipment Co., Foley
Machinery, and Ply-Gem.
Chester Road, the old toll
road, was eventually overtaken by State Route 29 in 1927. A
seperate roadway, solely for westbound lanes, was constructed
in 1940. This road was redesignated U.S. Route 22 in 1953.
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