Chautauqua Rails to Trails will continue its tradition of commemorating the tragedy of the Christmas Eve 1872 tragedy when a Buffalo, Corry, and Pittsburgh train went off the trestle, causing its passenger car to fall 25 feet, crash and burn.

Twenty-one lives were lost. Many descendants of the victims keep the dark day in mind even today.

The commemoration will take place at the Prospect Station Trailhead at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Christmas Eve. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Prospect Station Road and Fish Road. For GPS purposes, it is near 7000 Fish Road, Westfield.

After a quarter-mile hike to the accident site, Jim Fincher, Rails to Trails president emeritus, will speak and relate the story of the tragic event. Current president Bill Ward will speak as well and perform his original composition “Christmas Eve at Prospect Station” which he co-wrote with Mike Bratt.

Upon return to the trailhead, refreshments will be served. Memberships will be offered.

The organization will also offer its secretary Wendy Lewellen’s fundraising book, “Good soles: Chautauqua Rails to Trails Namesakes and Trailblazers.” She will sign the books and donations are appreciated.

The book profiles the individuals for whom the various trail segments are named. It also honors the people who worked hard in the 1990s and beyond to establish the almost 30-mile trail system. $27.95 check or cash is the suggested donation. Credit cards with shipping options may be used via the website chaurtt.org. All proceeds benefit Chautauqua Rails to Trails. The book is also available at Webbs Candies and Gifts, Loud Performance, Bemus Point Library, Full Strength Coffee, Portage Hill Gallery, Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, and the Fenton History Center.

For more information call 716-753-2800 or refer to the organization’s website and Facebook page. All trail, railroad and local history lovers are welcome.