(rshsdepot) Re: RSHSDepot Digest V1 #1519

[ColinHrdng_@_aol.com]

Hi Jim:

Actually your 1955 date probably applies to the New Haven's Midland Division 
that went from Boston through Walpole via Putnam and Willimantic to Hartford 
and had direct passenger service between Boston and Hartford. It was closed in 
August 1955 by Hurricane Diane and never rebuilt or reopened. The line was cut 
back to Blackstone and then again to Franklin in 1966, as you say, by damage 
to a bridge - another big storm between Franklin and Blackstone. However, the 
line between Franklin and Boston is busier than ever with MBTA commuter rail 
service.

Of interest also was that there was actually another railroad before the 
Norfolk County Railroad - the Walpole Railroad - that existed only on paper and 
became part of the Norfolk County Railroad I think in 1847.

On the Old Colony, the line that went through Walpole was called the Northern 
Old Colony Division and went from Mansfield to Lowell. The railroad that 
actually built the line in 1870 through Walpole was called the Manfield and 
Framingham Railroad and almost immediately upon completion, became part of the 
Boston, Clinton & Fitchburg Railroad. This line never had much passenger service 
and all passenger service ceased I think in 1934. I think this was the time that 
the Old Colony, now part of the New Haven, was going through major changes in 
the aftermath of the Depression, automobiles, etc. Closed many stations and 
really cut back on passenger service.

Also of interest, the Branch Line Press in New Hampshire is getting ready to 
start selling a book, 'A Field Guide to Southern New England Depots and 
Freight House', by John H. Roy, Jr. Think the cost is $19.95. Needless to say, I'm 
ordering a copy and there maybe more folks who might also be interested. Their 
website is www.branchlinepress.com.

Cheers, Colin<BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email 
to everyone.  Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.</HTML>

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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #1520
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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org