RCC Math Professor Turns to History for New Book

Douglas Barberio may be an associate professor of mathematics at Rockland Community College, but his passion for railroads has also made him a history expert.

Barberio's knowlege of history is shown in latest book, "The Middletown and Unionville Railroad," published by Arcadia Publishing under their Images of Rail category.

Due to be released on Monday, the book includes vintage photographs and a detailed account of the Middletown and Unionville Railroad, which operated from 1913 until 1946. The railroad's main revenue was derived from the transportation of dairy products, feed, coal, lumber and passengers along its 14.5-mile right-of-way from the city of Middletown through Slate Hill, Johnson, Westtown, and Unionville in Orange County.

"This book is crammed with information for the train buff, local historian and for those who will eventually be able to walk on an eight mile abandoned portion of this former railroad from Slate Hill to Unionville in Orange County, New York," Barberio said.

Barberio will make a presentation on the book at Middletown Railroad Day on Sunday, July 25, at the Middletown Senior Center.

"The Middletown and Unionville Railroad" is Barberio's second book. His first book, "The New York, Ontario and Western Railway's Middletown Branch, Part I Cornwall to Burnside," was published in 2005 by the Ontario and Western Railway Historical Society.

Barberio is a founding member of the Middletown and New Jersey Railway Historical Society and has served in various capacities as an officer and trustee. He is currently the co-editor for the society's quarterly newsletter, the Unionville Flyer, and has written a number of articles for the publication. He has presented many lectures on the railroads that formerly operated in the tri-state area around Orange County.