The Captain, the Sleigh, and the Unmarked Railroad Grade
Joe Cusick knew every road into Newport — except the new, unballasted track that threw him into the snow at Third Street.
Capt. Joe Cusick and Theodore Shumaker, of Cusick, drove up to Newport on Monday. Before returning late that evening the captain decided that he wanted to see a friend in the old town, and so started for this side of the line. He usually followed the Third Street road when coming over here, so took it that evening. He did not know that the railroads were constructing a transfer track in that locality, so kept right on going until his team shied and threw him out of the sleigh, bruising him severely and damaging the sleigh and harness. The horses became disengaged from the rig, but did not attempt to run away. A couple of passers-by found the rig and the captain. The latter was seated on the railroad track in a dazed condition. He was assisted to his rig, the horses attached, and he was taken to the Antler Hotel, where he received treatment. His injuries are quite serious and he has been confined to his room at the hotel since the accident. There was no danger signal at the crossing where the accident occurred. The track had not been ballasted and was fully a foot higher than the street grade.
“There was no danger signal at the crossing where the accident occurred. The track had not been ballasted and was fully a foot higher than the street grade.”
Newport's growth in 1908 meant new track, new grades and new hazards, and the complaint was the one drivers still make today: no warning sign, no flag, and a road surface that jumped a foot overnight. The Miner's point — that construction outran public safety — is the same argument heard at every modern council meeting about a torn-up crossing or a blind intersection.
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