Our History
In March of 1880 Benjamin G Mellinger and his brother William bought the train station from Andrew Mehaffey and started B.G. Mellinger & Son. The train station was on the Philadelphia & Reading rail line that ran from Lancaster to Quarryville. B.G. Mellinger & Son served the community with freight service, coal, lumber, and passenger service. In February of 1893 John Wanamaker commissioned Baumgardner station as a post office. As the trolley system developed in the early 1900’s the mail and passenger service ended.
Lancaster and Reading Narrow Gauge Railroad chartered in Harrisburg
Right-of-Way bought and construction started.
Financial panic of 1873 halted work.
Line leased to Philadelphia and Reading and work finished as a standard track line.
First run to Quarryville.
Three trains were needed to take crowds to celebration at Quarryville hotel. Fare 50¢ one way; 75¢... 
Buildings built at Baumgardner by Andrew Mchaffey.
B.G. Mellinger bought the property and buildings.
Freight and passenger service prospered. In one month 42 cars of iron ore shipped to Reading and man... 
Baumgardner Post Office and mail service started
Lancaster and Reading Narrow Gauge Railroad sold to Pennsylvania Railroad.
Passenger and mail service taken over by trolley
Raising of large coal shed with conveyer to unload coal cars for local use.
Bessemer first motor truck purchased by B. G. Mellinger
Up to this point all supplies, lumber, and coal were delivered by horse and wagon.... 
Purchased first international S-24 Truck, used Internationals for next 80 years.
B.G. Mellinger dies and second generation takes over.
Harvey C Mellinger took over the business.... 
First oil tank truck.
1,200 gallon tank, oil 12¢ a gallon.... 
H.C. Mellinger dies. Business incorporated by third generation.
Brothers Benjamin and Parke took over the business and B.G. Mellinger & Son was incorporated in ... 
Coal shed torn down as sales decline.
Flooding following Hurricane Agnes washes out rail line.
End of 100 years of rail service to Quarryville.... 
Trucks took over pick up and delivery of heating oil.
Fourth generation bought the businesses as uncles retired.
Expanded to air conditioning and HVAC work
Fifth generation brought more technology and modern equipment.... 
Company motto remains
131 years at Baumgardner!...