Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
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Source: April 1981 Volume 19 Number 2, Page 46

Quicksand in Easttown Township

from Daily Local News: April 7, 1885

Page 46

A gentleman from Easttown Township tells us that quicksands in the road in his neighborhood are more numerous this season than he ever knew them to be before. Furniture wagons from the city have in several instances been driven out there only to stick fast with their heavy loads in the treacherous spots that are found in the most unexpected places. Where it does not give way the road bed shakes and quivers in a most alarming way.

A bad quicksand has formed under the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad between Wayne station and the Eagle. Whenever a train of cars passes it shakes and quivers and engine and cars alternately rise and fall as if they were riding waves instead of passing over a railroad track. Our informant told us that he noticed this morning that both the engineer and fireman on the train he came upon stood at the door ready to jump off if the engine should careen, so as to leave the track. A force of workmen have been employed for two or three days past trying to ballast up the track and keep the road in passable condition; but so soft is the earth beneath the ballast that every passing train causes the mud to gush out from under the ties. If their present efforts are not successful piles will be driven, which are always to be relied on to make a firm foundation.

At present a flagman is stationed at the above-mentioned dangerous point, and trains are run over it slowly and cautiously. It is to be hoped that the vigilance employed will prevent any serious accident from occurring.