Wilmington and Western Railroad announces excursions in fall, but later takes down post

According to the railroad's website the  board will be in charge of the railroad with the roadmaster serving as the sole employee.

The excursion railroad announced via social media post it needed to replace a bridge and get equipment up and running before resuming excursions. The fall date would allow the railroad that runs on a scenic route  from Prices Corner area to the Hockessin area to resume its popular fall and holiday trains.

However, the post was taken down and later the Facebook page was deleted.  This came after critical comments were posted. The website retained the original note that indicated the closing would cover the 2025 season.

 Volunteers, who staged a protest this week at the railroad's Prices Corner station reported by WDEL have complained about a lack of communication with the board of directors. The railroad reports that it receives more than 15,000 hours of service from volunteers each year.

The railroad is one of northern Delaware's leading tourist attractions, but has been under criticism from volunteers who claim  the board, led by Bear-Glasgow homebuilder Robert Peoples, Jr., has not responded to their concerns.  Peoples has not publicly responded to requests for comment. 

Excursion railroads that operate vintage equipment rely on volunteers and contractors  to handle many if not most tasks.  They are assisted by a few paid staffers. 

In the deleted post, the  railroad  posted a photo of a diesel locomotive undergoing repairs at its shop near Prices Corner.  The railroad operates  vintage passenger cars, steam and diesel locomotives and for a time  a "Doodlebug" self-propelled car.

The diesel locomotive was later seen departing the Wilmington and Western yard on Saturday afternoon.

A Delaware Business Now look at non-profit reports with the Internal Revenue Service showed the line to be in solid financial condition as of 2023 after posting losses due to COVID-19. As of 2023, the line had virtually no debit and assets of more than $12 million.

A group known as Concerned Volunteers of the WWR posted an online letter demanding  that the board provide information on corporate governance  or face possible legal action.

The railroad  apparently received pandemic assistance that included a $5,000 grant from the Delaware Community Foundation. Reports from nonprofits to the IRS come with a lag time of a year.

Many nonprofits publicly post financial information  for donors and the public to view.