Late-Night Train Sounds Spark Memories of a Lost Mother

The late-night sounds of eastbound trains in Dawson have reignited memories for local resident Roy Hess Sr., who reflects on the questions his mother posed about the ongoing noise from the nearby railway. Hess recalls that his mother, who lived in their family home built by his father starting in 1956, often inquired about the engines that ran through the quiet neighborhood.

Hess’s mother continued to reside in their bungalow until her passing in 1970, battling health issues but remaining astute and engaged. She frequently remarked on the late-night train sounds that seemed to echo through their home. “Late at night when everything is quiet,” she would say, “I can hear something.”

Hess, who now lives in a newer home with a view of the Youghiogheny River, has also noticed the pronounced sounds of trains, particularly during winter when the trees no longer muffle the noise. He has observed that the eastbound trains, especially those pulling large freight loads, can produce significant sound as they approach the borough, often lasting several minutes.

On a recent night, Hess experienced an unusual occurrence that led him to revisit his mother’s queries about the trains. As he lay in bed after midnight, he listened to the familiar sound of an eastbound train approaching. However, the sound persisted longer than usual, prompting him to investigate.

After about ten minutes, it became clear that the train had come to a halt at a red block at the lower end of Dawson. This situation, he realized, was not uncommon in rail operations. When trains encounter delays, particularly in busy areas, they must stop to avoid blocking crossings and to maintain proper spacing on the tracks. Such delays can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.

As he observed the situation unfold, Hess recalled his father’s long career on the railroad and his own upbringing near the tracks. He now believes that the sounds his mother heard during those late-night hours were likely the results of trains idling at the red block, rather than her tinnitus or any supernatural explanation.

This realization has provided Hess a sense of closure regarding his mother’s questions from years past. He cherishes the memories of their talks and feels a renewed connection to her, rooted in the understanding of the railway that shaped their lives.

Hess’s reflections highlight how something as simple as the sound of a train can evoke deep memories and foster connections across generations. The late-night trains of Dawson, with their rhythmic sounds, continue to tell stories both old and new, bridging the past with the present.