About the O.R.H.S.
Mike Spinelli photo
Founded by a small group of railroad enthusiasts, the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society (ORHS) promotes the preservation of our Ohio railroad heritage. ORHS is recognized as a non-profit 501(3)c historical, educational organization based in Orrville, Ohio, a town that owes it's very existence and development to the railroad industry in Ohio.
In 1981, membership was opened to the general public and there are currently about 200 paid members in the organization. Membership is open to those interested in preserving the railroad heritage of the area.
In 1981 the first Depot Days were held, an annual event that continues today as Railroad Days.
In 1982, the committee purchased and restored the former Pennsylvania Railroad Union Station and signal tower. The station was built in 1868 and is a well-known historical landmark.
Also in 1982 the group started operating passenger excursions using both steam and diesel locomotives. There have been over 70 excursions. These trips have been powered by such famous locomotives as Nickel Plate 765, C&O 2765, Norfolk and Western 611 and 1218, Ohio Central 1551, 1293, 6325 and diesel locomotives of Conrail, Norfolk Southern, Ohio Central, and Wheeling and Lake Erie.
In 1989, the society acquired the Pennsylvania Railroad type N5C caboose from Conrail and relocated it to it's site adjacent to the depot and tower. That completed a core cluster of buildings and equipment which house the ORHS and serve as an educational center.
In 1992, the OHRS adopted it's current name thereby replacing the original name of the Orrville Railroad Heritage Committee. The change was adopted to more accurately reflect the growth of the organization since it's beginning.
To support the excursions, the ORHS has purchased several classic passenger cars and a diesel locomotive. Currently a number of equipment pieces have been or are being restored by volunteer members of the ORHS. The equipment consists of passenger coaches, a concession car and a box car/shop.
All Aboard, the official newsletter of the ORHS, is published quarterly for members and friends. All Aboard helps to keep the local community and supporters informed about the progress of the organization which it helped to form.
Refer to the Membership section for information about joining the ORHS.
