2026-07-16
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No. 173, Colonial Express

Probably hauled by a 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive, the daily train
No. 173 -- Colonial Express -- was about to leave Providence, RI. It
was 10:06 AM on April 6, 1922, when the steam filled the cylinders and
the passengers felt the first pull. Some of them came all the way from
Boston, MA, and some boarded in Providence -- at least one I know of.

The swaying cars traveled via New London, New Haven, and Bridgeport,
to enter New York shortly before 3:00 PM. The train made a stop at the
Pennsylvania Station, where the gentleman detrained, likely carrying a
bag which he reported packing the evening before in one of his
letters. It was the first time H.P. Lovecraft visited New York to
spend several days with his literary friends.

Whether it was in fact the train No. 173, Colonial Express -- I don't
know for sure, but given the route and timing details from the letter
[1], I've had luck being able to research it with the help of the
NHRHTA New Haven RR Forum members -- a fantastic group of
knowledgeable enthusiasts who shared a timetable detail from September
30, 1923. That helped me identify what is very likely the train and
its probable ALCO-built locomotive.

Now, as for the reason of this investigative effort, being a fan of
traveling myself, I tend to notice little things that make my mind
wonder and inspire me. In a way, it feels exciting to imagine things
of the past, and how the small details might have inspired the works
of art created later [2]. The entanglement of the biographical and
literary works is a fascinating one, and HPL is a great source of
both. He has written thousands of letters describing all sorts of
peculiar details. I sympathize with such an attentive attitude towards
ordinary things. And most importantly, perhaps, this crossover of real
and imaginary creates an immersion which makes me appreciate his
literature more. It's probably why some people (myself included) enjoy
visiting filming locations: they are like gateways to the world of
fiction.

[1] The letter was addressed to Maurice W. Moe, dated May 18, 1922.

[2] One example is "He" -- a rather disturbing short story with a very
clear biographical context.