Kempton Station
The current Kempton station and yard complex is located a few hundred yards immediately north of the small town of Kempton. The original Kempton station, located in the middle of town, is long gone. Shown here is the current Kempton station which includes a ticket office, waiting room and crew room. Although not original to this line, it is an original Reading station that was relocated here from the town of Joanna, Pennsylvania along the Wilmington and Northern Branch of the Reading Railroad. The Joanna station came to the WK&S in 1963. At that time the original Kempton Station in downtown Kempton was still standing, but was in use as a freight station by the Reading Company and unavailable. When the original Kempton station did become available, the WK&S did not have the need or the money for it, so it was lost.
This picture from around 2012 shows a fresh coat of paint and new concrete steps.
Another shot from 2012.
Inside the waiting room looking toward the ticket office.
Informational plaque added in 2013.
New welcome sign added in 2013.
Below is an early shot of the current Kempton station. Note the complete lack of trees and landscaping that exist today. The "museum" sign at left is curious. This photograph appears to predate the back track museum display as well as construction of the hole track. Perhaps the sign refers to car #72, which originally sat on the ground to the left of the picture and may have housed some sort of display.
An early shot of Kempton station.
This black & white picture shows the "Kempton" station in its original location at Joanna, Pennsylvania.
First WK&S Antique Car Show in 1963. The Joanna station stands alone. The gift shop and refreshment stand have yet to be erected.
The railroad got some TV publicity in 1973. During September Hess's department store videotaped their fall fashion show at the WK&S which was subsequently broadcast from Philadelphia. The broadcast boosted WK&S ticket sales.
Hess's fashion show taped in September 1973.
Hess's fashion show taped in September 1973. Note the Hess's Junction sign added to the station.