John Bull

"John Bull?"  What kind of name is that?  I actually had to look that up.  John Bull is a national personification of the United Kingdom in general and England in particular, especially in political cartoons and similar graphic works. He is usually depicted as a stout, middle-aged, country dwelling, jolly, matter-of-fact man.  Well, you are looking at a replica of a railroad steam engine also known as John Bull, a British-built railroad steam locomotive that operated in the United States. It was operated for the first time on September 15, 1831 and was initially purchased by and operated for the Camden and Amboy Railroad, the first railroad in New Jersey.  I stumbled across this today in the middle of Hicksville.  I have no idea how long it has been here, but I think about 10 years.  It was built by the Chamber of Commerce President James Pavone.  He built it in two years!  How is that even possible?  It is a stunning piece of history!