Willow Mixed Media

A film by Tobe Carey

Rails to the Catskills is a documentary by filmmaker Tobe Carey on Catskill Mountain history. Carey notes, "I had been asked for years to make a film about railroads." This DVD highlights the cultural and economic impact of railroads on the area—from their emergence after the Civil War, through the prosperity of the Gilded Age to eventual mergers and bankruptcy in the 20th century. Carey makes use of original footage, vintage and contemporary photographs and rare film. He includes commentary from six area historians: Eugene Dauner, Dale Flansburg, Robert Haines, John M. Ham, William Helmer, Evan Jennings and Bob Mohowski. Carey's documentary explores the following aspects of railroading in the northern and southern Catskills:

• Before railroads—the Delaware and Hudson Canal
• Canajoharie & Catskill Railroad
• Catskill Mountain Railway/Otis Elevating Railway
• Delaware & Ulster Railroad
• Electric trolleys
• New York, Ontario & Western Railway
• Rails and trails conflict

Length: 95 minutes