Interest in railroad service in Franklin Township began with the proposed New Jersey Western Railroad, a project of entrepreneur Cornelius A. Wortendyke.[7] However, passenger service began on April 8, 1871, when the New Jersey Midland Railroad began service to Pompton Township (modern-day Pompton Lakes). Upon the opening of the railroad, railroad shops were established at Midland Avenue in the Wortendyke area.[8] The facility included a 46 by 89 feet (14 m × 27 m) roundhouse and a 58-foot (18 m) diameter turntable.[6] The shops lasted until 1897, when they burned down. Instead of rebuilding, the railroad chose to move the works facility to North Hawthorne.[9]
Passenger service through Midland Park and Wortendyke station continued on the Susquehanna Railroad discontinued service on June 30, 1966.[4] The station depot currently serves as the home of a pottery studio.[10]