There’s a place nestled unassumingly in the community of Airville, Pennsylvania, where you can explore firsthand what living in a bustling railroad town in 1915 was like. I’m referring to Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village at Muddy Creek Forks, possibly one of York County’s best-kept secrets.
Not only does a visit to the heritage village today exude an authentic, ever-present sense of the bygone era, but it enables you to experience the closest thing to a step back through time, back to the heyday of Muddy Creek Forks as a prosperous community of commerce and activity situated along the Ma & Pa Railroad route. It also sheds a more localized light on the heritage and history behind this once-popular railroad, which played a far more vital role in connecting surrounding rural regions with bustling city life than most people today realize. That’s why, in this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m enlightening readers to discover the overall backstory behind Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village at Muddy Creek Forks.
Ma & Pa
Exploring the Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village at Muddy Creek Forks today requires learning more about the general history behind the Ma & Pa Railroad. Let’s start with the name “Ma & Pa” and what it refers to. If you were wondering, no, these weren’t anybody’s parents. The “Ma & Pa” in this case, is an abbreviated moniker for the Maryland (Ma) and Pennsylvania (Pa) Railroad.
Established in 1901 following the merger of two earlier narrow-gauge lines (Baltimore & Delta Railway, later the Baltimore and Lehigh Railroad, and the York and Peach Bottom Railway, later the York Southern Railroad), the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad operated as a short-line railroad connecting Baltimore, Maryland, and York, Pennsylvania. In the days before modern highways and automobiles, it was a crucial, highly depended-on means of transport between rural communities and larger cities. The original line operated both passenger and freight trains throughout the first half of the 20th century.
By the 1950s, passenger service began dwindling and by 1954 was discontinued entirely. The Maryland tracks were abandoned in 1958. In 1976, the remaining Ma & Pa Railroad acquired a former 19-mile branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad between Hanover and York (now operated by York Railway). Most of the remaining line in Pennsylvania was abandoned in 1984.
Restoring Muddy Creek Forks
Two years later, in 1986, the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society was founded. Comprising largely of train enthusiasts, historians, and even former Ma & Pa employees, their goal and mission was to “promote an appreciation for the fundamental role the railroad played in the culture and development of the region and in the daily life of the communities it served.” The Society’s first course of action was to preserve the vibrant heritage of one of the railroad’s most renowned en-route communities—Muddy Creek Forks.
They started by acquiring the last-surviving eight miles of Ma & Pa track running between Laurel and Bridgeton, directly through Muddy Creek Valley. By 1992 their acquisitions expanded to include most of Muddy Creek. Restorations have since been made to several notable buildings and historic landmarks, including the general store (which also served as a post office and railroad depot), a roller mill/grain elevator complex, several other farm buildings and structures, a creamery, and so many other community callouts.
Attractions in the Village
While preservation efforts remain ongoing, visitors to the site today can experience plenty of unique onsite attractions and activities. Some exciting explorations featured here include a piano you play with your feet, a record player that doesn’t require electricity, a freight elevator with no motor, and so much more.
Since the living history village has been restored to reflect the industry and commerce it knew back in 1915, you’ll find plenty of costumed interpreters onsite, making rounds and adding to the overall vibe of nostalgia and authenticity. They’re here to answer all your questions, conduct tours, and even lead in demos when it is called for. They’re all friendly and eager to engage with guests, not to mention knowledgeable and also a lot of fun.
Among the many unique pursuits to check out upon visiting the village is the opportunity to ride along in an open-sided motorcar on a delightful train ride excursion. These are short outings through nature, primarily offered between June and September. In addition to regular rides, there are several special event excursions presented throughout the year. One example is their upcoming Pumpkin Patch Excursion, which will take place on October 5 and 6. Cookies and drinks will be offered as part of the package, and each child will receive a pumpkin decorating kit and be invited to partake in a decorating activity once they select the perfect pumpkin of their choosing.
Another upcoming consideration will be the Fall Foliage Excursions. These are always offered during the last three weekends in October.
Special Events
In addition to special train excursions, the Heritage Village plays host to several other events and engagements onsite throughout the year. These include Mid-Atlantic Milling Days and their famed Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social in June, ongoing Discovery Days and a Civil War Encampment in July, their Early American Autos showcase, Discovery Days, and a WWII Encampment in August, their Heritage Day celebration every September (which was held last Saturday), the aforementioned Pumpkin Patch and Fall Foliage Excursions every October, and the Christmas City Express in December. You can learn more about rides and other onsite events here.
Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village truly is a one-of-a-kind destination to explore. The physical site address is 1258 Muddy Creek Forks Road, Airville, PA 17302. For directions, hours, tickets, and all other information visit the website at www.maandparailroad.com.