New York Central begins electric operations on Harlem Line

The New York Central Railroad inaugurated regular electric service using third-rail powered MU cars on its Harlem Division. This innovation eliminated smoke in the Park Avenue Tunnel and allowed faster, cleaner schedules into Grand Central Terminal. The project, led by chief engineer William J. Wilgus, demonstrated the viability of mainline electrification and influenced similar conversions worldwide, including the Pennsylvania Railroad's later efforts.