Civic Institutions: Rail Connection

I would like to record Poggioreale’s regret at having been cut off of the main Castelvetrano-Porto Empedocle railroad line, which signifies being cut out of the Salaparuta-Corleone-Palermo line as well. From the Salaparuta station, the community of Poggioreale is distant about four kilometers. Whoever wants to take the train must cross that inconvenient road, especially for the first runs of the last, must travel at night, and we know how, not very long ago, during the entire winter season, the robberies were very frequent and spread terror in the minds of the Poggiorealesi. Not even this could interest the Government to intervene with the creation of a Poggioreale-Salaparuta trunk line, or even with bringing close to Poggioreale the current line, so that from Salaparuta-S. Margherita instead of running directly, it would connect the abandoned town of Poggioreale, which is then an agricultural community and commerce could more easily be carried out with benefits, and without losses for the State. It has been a grave discomfort this, and notwithstanding deliberations and protests, the steam whistle still does not gladden this territory!

When that Salaparuta-Belice rail track was laid and if, while leaving from Salaparuta and being directed in its first leg towards the east, rather than running towards the south with a slight curve, it had been directed under the Donna Rosa hill to come out of — through a very short tunnel ‚Äî on the other side, within sight of Poggioreale, it would have then descended easily to the same point on the river Belice, running on solid ground and exposed to the east. Poggioreale would have been able to have its station at least 200 meters from town. This variation would not have lengthened that Salaparuta-Belice track, and the line would not have cost the State a great deal for frequent repairs. It would be timely to read the deliberation of the Poggioreale Town Council of April 26, 1902… but, sunt lacrimae rerum, at this point.

However, the town has not renounced bringing its hopes to the Governors and now to the providential Regional Government has overturned its votes, expressed with justified faith in the town council deliberation of April 20, 1951, number 8. May the voice of hope of Poggioreale not be lost and in vain that vox clamnntis in desertom.

[This webpage is excerpted from the book: “The History of Poggioreale, Sicily – From 1640 to 1956.” Originally written in Italian by: Canonico Dottore Francesco Aloisio in 1956. Adapted and translated by: Dr. Jeremiah P. Spence, Ph.D. of Austin, Texas. 5th Edition. International Order of Genealogists Publishing. Ireland. 2019. ISBN: 9781072403371. The book can be purchased online at: https://www.amazon.com/History-Poggioreale-Sicily-1640-1956/dp/1072403374/ ]