DEAR EDITOR:

Two historical-related situations are recently occurring in Warren. First the CSX Railroad (formerly the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad) is being abandoned through Warren and adjoining areas.

The rail line was constructed in 1882, the last railroad built through Warren. Until the B&O line was relocated through Lordstown circa 1904, the line now being removed was the mainline of the Baltimore to Chicago rail route. Piers for a double track, never built, stand in the Mahoning River, south of South Street. This rail line was the last to operated steam locomotives (1957) in the Warren area.

This railroad followed and used the right-of-way of the Pennsylvania and Ohio Canal which operated from 1839 to circa 1870, and ran from New Castle, Pa., to Akron.

The second history-related situation is the likely soon-to-be torn-down home at 670 Mercer St., the former home of notable author Earl Derr Biggres, who created the famous Chinese detective, Charlie Chan, of whom there were nearly 50 Hollywood films produced. Many Asian Americans and general movie attendees admired Charlie Chan for his wise and honorable portrayals of detective work. Earl Derr Biggers graduated from Warren High School in 1903 and Harvard University in 1907.

ROBERT J. SMITH

Boardman

past president

Trumbull County Historical Society