The business of the N. Y. & P. railroad decreased in volume with the decline of the lumber industry, and finally ceased to pay operating expenses, but service was maintained, with two passenger trains each day, down to the close of this period, though the resources of the road did not admit of keeping it in very good shape. An amusing incident occurred at Shinglehouse in June, 1905, when the Olean and Shinglehouse trolley line attempted to put in a crossing over the tracks of the N. Y. & P. on Academy Street. The officials of the railroad sent an engine to stand on the site of the proposed crossing and hold the ground. But the people of Shinglehouse were favorable to the trolley company, and a number of men appeared on the scene, with teams and equipment. A hose was turned on the engine, drenching the engineer and fireman, and then was effectively used to extinguish the fires in the locomotive. Teams were then hitched on, and the engine hauled off the disputed ground. Stones and lumps of coal flew, but no one was seriously injured. Before any new move could be made by the railroad company, the rails had been cut and the crossing put in. An injunction was served on the trolley company, which caused a few days delay, but the victory was theirs. The crossing was not used for several years preceding the abandonment of the trolley line. The N. Y. & P. railroad lost their founder and chief promoter,
Joseph B. Rumsey of Oswayo, near the close of this period. He died in 1915. 

Fight over Trolley Crossing Trouble ensued when the Shinglehouse trolley company attempted to put in a crossing over the N. Y. & P. at Shinglehouse in 1905.  Photo: Oswayo Valley Mail