Feeding People Near and Far
The Pickering Valley Railroad connected Anselma, once known as “Cambria Station,” with Byers and Phoenixville.
Since the 1700s, flour from the mill and farm products found their way over the busy Conestoga Road (now Route 401) to the tables of Philadelphia. Urged by local businessmen such as miller John Oberholtzer, the Reading Railroad opened the Pickering Valley Railroad in 1872. The railroad connected food, produce and people to Philadelphia, bringing new prosperity to Anselma.
John Oberholtzer built a warehouse and store along the tracks next to present-day Route 401, creating the Anselma Station and Post Office. The Pickering Creamery collected, processed, bottled, and shipped milk and butter. It was not uncommon for 400 cans of milk to be shipped to Philadelphia from Anselma.
Wheat, flour, and the milling process
Harvest Season and the Legacy of the Pickering Valley Railroad
