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Winnipesaukee Divers · 05-03-2008, 09:48 AM

The train wreck is pretty close to where it’s indicated on the charts. The operative word here is “wreck”, meaning not much recognizable. It looks like a pile of old boards and some iron wheels strewn about the bottom. The real treasure (there I go, loosely using that word again) is further down the slope about 90 feet deep are six huge rolls of paper, you can add your name to the honor roll.

A better dive site in that area is the “Pile Driver” also on the chart. This is a 90 foot long, steam barge with derrick on one end, sitting upright on the bottom. There is a pile of coal, cables, winches and tools still on the deck. The story is; it was working barge used to put in pilings around the lake and was commission as a viewing platform to watch the greatest fireworks display at Weirs Beach on the fourth of July, 1922 (marking some momentous event for the town). There was this lavish party on board and the Champagne was flowing. When the first of the fireworks went off all the party goers crowed to the starboard side for a better view. Water shipped over the side and down she went 65 feet to the bottom. I seem to recall reading that there were a hundred drunken people in the water in the middle of the night, but all managed to survive. The last time I was at the wreck, the Champagne gasses and bottles were everywhere as well as the tools.

Both of these wrecks are deep and cold, so be prepared. Pick a bright sunny day and mid-day is best.

05-03-2008, 09:48 AM	#54
Winnipesaukee Divers Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Exeter, NH or @ WCYC on weekends Posts: 250 Thanks: 7 Thanked 46 Times in 28 Posts	A little more inforatn on the wreck site The train wreck is pretty close to where it’s indicated on the charts. The operative word here is “wreck”, meaning not much recognizable. It looks like a pile of old boards and some iron wheels strewn about the bottom. The real treasure (there I go, loosely using that word again) is further down the slope about 90 feet deep are six huge rolls of paper, you can add your name to the honor roll. A better dive site in that area is the “Pile Driver” also on the chart. This is a 90 foot long, steam barge with derrick on one end, sitting upright on the bottom. There is a pile of coal, cables, winches and tools still on the deck. The story is; it was working barge used to put in pilings around the lake and was commission as a viewing platform to watch the greatest fireworks display at Weirs Beach on the fourth of July, 1922 (marking some momentous event for the town). There was this lavish party on board and the Champagne was flowing. When the first of the fireworks went off all the party goers crowed to the starboard side for a better view. Water shipped over the side and down she went 65 feet to the bottom. I seem to recall reading that there were a hundred drunken people in the water in the middle of the night, but all managed to survive. The last time I was at the wreck, the Champagne gasses and bottles were everywhere as well as the tools. Both of these wrecks are deep and cold, so be prepared. Pick a bright sunny day and mid-day is best.