Lakeshore Railroad - "All Aboard!"

[mcdude]

All Aboard! for a journey on the old Lakeshore Railroad from Alton to Lakeport and beyond.

The Cocheco Railroad (so named because it follows the Cocheco River) was chartered on July 2, 1847. It's original charter was to reach from Dover, NH to Meredith, NH where it would connect to the Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad. On June of 1848 construction began. Tracks opened from Dover, NH to Farmington, NH on September 21, 1849 and then opened as far as Alton Bay, NH in September of 1851.

The Cocheco Railroad never reached it's final destination of Meredith - with Alton Bay being the end of the line. In April of 1863 the Cocheco Railroad reorganized as the Dover and Winnipisogee Railroad and in November of that same year it was leased to the Boston and Maine Railroad. In June of 1892 the Dover and Winnipisogee Railroad was absorbed into the Boston and Maine Railroad. For many years this was a popular way to reach the lake from Boston.

from the Rattlesnake Gal Collection.


Click here for SUPER-SIZED Image
As one drives up Rt. 11 through Rochester and Farmington, vestiges of the old railroad bed and some granite bridges to allow streams to flow underneath are visible. (See granite bridge just north/west of Walmart on your right as you travel). The 1919 topographical map above shows the Cocheco tracks (highlighted in pink) following along the Merrymeeting River and crossing over the road where the Alton Traffic Circle now is. Note that the new Rt. 11 and the new Rt. 28 to Wolfeboro had not yet been built. It appears that the new Rt. 11 was built on the former railroad bed. Just down the road in New Durham would be the (now defunct) New Durham Railway Station restaurant. Adjacent to the restaurant is a state DPW barn that was formerly a freight house for the New Durham station. The track continues northerly from the traffic circle, behind what is now the Dunkin' Donuts, to the Alton Village Station which was located behind Alton Town Hall and the present Gilman Library.

(Image courtesy of the Henry Stevens Collection - Click for website )
Alton is now undertaking an effort to revitalize this old station and create a town park. Here is the charette that appeared in Alton's "Main Street" newspaper.



The station was located behind town hall on your right.

From the Alton Village Station the train proceeded across Main Street in the vicinity of Ginny Douglas Park, Old Wolfeboro Road, Karen's Restaurant and the former St. Joan Of Arc Church.

Remember this place? It burned down a few years ago. From here the rail line must have gone down a very steep incline on its' way to the Merrymeeting River and the bridge there.

(Image from the mahidable Collection) Merrymeeting River Bridge Postcard

from the mcdude collection


View of the Merrymeeting River and bridge today looking south. Taken December 27, 2004.

View of the bridge abuttments looking north. Photo - 12/27/04

View of the Merrymeeting Bridge from the JacksonB Collection.

After crossing the river the train approaches Alton Bay. It goes under a bridge on what would now be the beginning of Rand Hill Road, next to the Alton Bay Inn (now J.P. China's) and behind the Blue Jay Mini Golf at the busy corner.

(Image from the JacksonB Collection) In this postcard the bridge can be seen to the far right. Here we enter the Alton Bay Station.

(Photo by mcdude)

This card shows an older and a newer station eventually connected with a platform probably from circa. the 1870s. The steamship Mt. Washington is seen at the dock. This steamship was built in 1872 for the Boston and Maine Railroad. The previous steamer "Dover", later named "Cocheco" was not a side-wheeler. Both the station and the freight house had, at one time, "drive-through" service with the tracks leading all the way through the station, under the platform roof and out the freight house. As rolling stock and engines grew larger, it eventually became impossible for equipment to pass under the station and the tracks leading under the station's hood were 'stubbed' just jort of the station. Tracks to the freight house still allowed for equipment to enter the building from the north of the yard. The station was destroyed by fire on November 4, 1906.

(From the JacksonB Collection) View from the other side of the station.

(From the RattlesnakeGal Collection) View of the Station and pier from the Steamer.

There are too many excellent images of the Alton Bay Station to display on this thread. Here a just a few.....

(From the JacksonB Collection)

(From the JacksonB Collection)

(From the mcdude Collection) Old Alton Station from Water

(From the mcdude Collection) Tracks in relation to Campground

(From the mcdude Collection)

(From the mcdude Collection) Cottages on the Lakefront showing tracks

(From the mcdude Collection) Here is an image of the new station that replaced the one that burnt in 1906.

A third station was built just a couple of hundred feet down the tracks after the first two burned. Although rail service ended on this branch in 1936, and roadways now pave where the tracks used to be the replacement station still stands today. And just across the road from this station (at the entrance to the Alton Bay Campgrounds Association) you can still see the cement footings for where the water tower once stood. Pop's Clam Shell is in a close proximity to where there was a small 2-3 stall roundhouse stood complete with turntable.

Moving out of the Alton Bay Depot we head toward Back Bay.

(From the JacksonB Collection) Rather than go around the bay, a trestle was built to cross the mouth of the bay as depicted here.

(From the JacksonB Collection) View of Back bay from the trestle with trestle in lower left of photo. JacksonB recalls "The last cottage on the campground, when driving north toward Sandy Point, was where the land originally ended. The railroad created a causeway with fill and built the original wooden trestle shown here. My mother's generation would see who could be the last to jump off the trestle before the train came. I believe the stone bridge, that is there today, was built when the highway (Route 11)was constructed."


Moving along we head toward Loon Cove.

Loon Cove is somewhere in the vicinity of the intersection of (the new) Rt. 11 and the north end of Rand Hill Road/south end of 11D/and Jesus Valley Road.

When the new road was constructed the little bridge was altered and now only allows a small vessell into a little cove.
______

(From the mcdude Collection)

(From the JustSold Collection) The station still exists today and is found down a dirt road in the woods.

Here's a photo of the Buckley Whistlestop.....No date

Click below to enlarge
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...31/buckley.jpg
Next stop.....Mount Major Station

____

Click here for SUPER-SIZED image


(From the mcdude Collection)
_____
Click here for an additional postcard of the Mt. Major Station
____

(From the JacksonB Collection)




(Continued in response, below)

[mcdude]

Next stop....West Alton




Mt. Major from the West Alton Station

This station still stands today along the side of Rt. 11 and is currently for sale. Here is the REAL ESTATE AD and additional photos
___

Next stop, the Springhaven Station at Sleeper's Point

(From the JustSold Collection) This station can also still be seen along Rt. 11.
There was also a stop along this section at Ames Farm.

In this image you can see the old railroad bed in the left foreground and then two poles along the bed that must have been associated with the railroad. Follow the link below to see an old photo of the Ames Farm Station
Click here for photo of the Ames Farm Station
You can clearly see the "gazebo" in the background that is still at Ames Farm today.

A Granite railroad bridge just southeast of Ames Farm - visible from Rt. 11.
Next stop.....Lakeshore Park Station

(From the lakegirl Collection)
Follow the link for a photo of the Lakeshore Station converted to a "camp" now within Lakeshore Park.
Click here for Photo

Lakeshore Park Station from the carguy collection
and here is an image of the tracks comming up from Lakeshore Park and headed towards Belknap Point, Locke's Hill and Kimball's Castle.

Heading along the shore the tracks can be seen here in front of the Lincoln Cottage

TO BE CONTINUED! We still have Glendale and Lakeport!

[glennsteely]

That was a great post, I am looking forward to the next part.....Thanks!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Thanks McDude! That was so informative and so well done. All the photos, postcards and maps really paint an excellent picture.
Thanks again for taking the time to put this all together for us to enjoy!

[Island Girl]

Really great job, McD.!

[lakegirl]

I'm speechless McD!!! Great post.

[mcdude]

Heading up toward Belknap Point, one can clearly see the tracks passing in front of the Lincoln Cottage.

This was in the area where Benjamin Kimball was building Kimball's Castle. He was a railroad executive from Concord who used the railroad to bring in many of the supplies for his castle. He had his own private rail car that was parked on a spur by the lake while he was at the castle. At one time workers were boarded on a steamship docked at the Belknap Point Station.

Concerning the building of the Castle, "The stone used to build the castle was hauled to the building site by oxen from the construction site on the south side of Locke’s hill, but since a part of the Lakeshore Railroad just happened to run by the site, the cut granite used for the parapets was hauled by rail from Concord. An English architect, who also made all of the interior furnishings, designed most of the woodwork and ironwork. Then it was shipped over to Boston by boat, where it traveled to Locke’s hill on the Lakeshore line. However, oxen carried it directly to the castle and it was then re-assembled inside."
From a Web Page on KIMBALL'S CASTLE
Click here for more postcard views of the Castle

(From the mcdude Collection) View from near Glendale

(From the mcdude Collection) View from the Boston and Maine Railroad with a view of the old Mt. Washington Steamer.
Next stop is Gilford which may have also been known as Sanders....as in Sanders Bay.
Click for Photo
Next stop is Lily Pond.

Eventually the track crosses the main drag (Union Avenue?) near the McDonald's and goes up along the bay to Lakeport.

Lakeport was the terminus of the Lakeshore Line.

(From the mcdude Collection)
Here it intersected with the main rail route that has come up along the Merrimac River and is heading to the White Mountains. Along this line you could head for Laconia, the Weirs or Meredith.

The Lakeshore Line tracks were ripped up in the late 1930s.

from the Lacpicguy collection - added 12/11/13 thanks Lacpicguy!!

[mcdude]

Lakeport Station from Union Ave. Many of these buildings are still there.

From the Library of Congress Collection found here......

The following text is excerpted from the Hobo and Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad Web page Boston, Concord and Montreal Line
LAKEP0RT The freight house is still standing here, on our left behind the fire station. There remains an unused track which meandersed for about,a mile thru the Irwin Marine boat yard on the right, continued across Route 3, through McDonald's parking lot to an industrial are in recent years. This is the remnant of the Lakeport Branch which ran from Dover to Lakeport until 1935 when trackage between Alton Bay and Gilford was abandoned. The station at Alton Bay on Route 11 with its order board was on this branch. Grade crossing signals are planned here after 2002. We again cross the Winnipesaukee River, on a bridge modified as a draw bridge in 1990 for the use of the many pleasure boaters in the area. A state owned engine house was constructed in the 1970 s for use of the operators of this trackage. Behind it can be seen the only remaining stall of the former original brick engine house. Paugus Bay is on our right for several miles. Trains from the Winipesaukee Scenic Railroad stop here, where the long siding is, to exchange ends with the engine so they can continue their trip back to Weirs Beach and Meredith. 6000 ties were installed from this point to Meredith in 1997 with the completion with ballast and laser alignment done in 2001. The Elm St grade crossing, just before the freight house, was relocated and new crossing protection added in 2003.

LAKEPORT STATION DISMANTLED. See articles (below) from the Laconia Citizen.
article #1
article #2
article #3

"Attention all passengers! Please step to the right for the train to the Weirs and Meredith. Step to the left for the westbound train stopping in Laconia"

WEIRS BEACH A summer colony for well over a century. The railroad shares the station with the MV Mt. Washington II. This diesel powered ship cruises the lake during the summer months on 2 - 2 1/2 hour cruises. Smaller boats, the Doris E. and the Sophie C. offer shorter voyages.

Link to an older postcard of this station

The station and boardwalk was rebuilt in 1986-87. We proceed northward along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee's Meredith Bay, passing occasional clusters of cottages before passing under Route 3 and arriving at Meredith. This is the main stop for the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and where thousands of tourists board for the scenic lakeside ride.

(From the Rattlesnake Gal Collection) Tracks at the Weirs Station. A Library of Congress Photo - 1908
For more on the WEIRS DEPOT....CLICK HERE

MEREDITH The freight house, a baggage car, some cabooses occupy the yard area. This is the base of operations for the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and the most northern of its stations. Here trains turn for the return trip to Weirs Beach and then Lakeport. The former passenger station was relocated to the hill above the tracks at the Route 3 overpass years ago, and served as a restaurant. It burned several years ago and has not been replaced. The former passenger station site is marked by a curbed, paved platform on our right on the north side of Main St. Lake Waukewan is on our right as you leave town. Year-round passenger service to Meredith ended on October 25, 1959. Summer service from mid-June until mid-September continued until 1965.

(From the mcdude Collection)

____________
"LAST STOP AHEAD! LACONIA DEPOT! Prepare to disembark!"
Instead of heading toward Weirs Beach, Meredith and beyond to the White Mountains, one could head west toward Laconia. Laconia boasted a superb station completed in August of 1892 and designed by New York architect Bradford L. Gilbert. This magnificent structure still stands today. It features a Romanesque Revival style. It is constructed of light gray rusticated granite highlighted by red sandstone trim and set in a red mortar.

Click here for many more photos and a history of this station

Click here for a bit of the history of industry and the railroad in Lakeport and Laconia


(From the mcdude Collection)

A photo taken between 1900-1910 (A Library of Congress Photo From the RattlesnakeGal Collection)



Click here for a Photopost photo of the station by FlyGuy


(From the Webmaster collection - thanks Don!)
Laconia had quite a railroad history of its' own. It was famous for the train cars made at the Laconia Car Company. Click for more information

The Laconia Depot itself is listed in the Registry of Historic Places as follows:

Laconia Passenger Station ** (added 1982 - Building - #82001667)
Also known as Laconia Railroad Station;Boston & Maine Railroad Station
Veterans Sq., Laconia
Historic Significance: Person, Architecture/Engineering, Event
Architect, builder, or engineer: Gilert,Bradford L.
Architectural Style: Romanesque, Other
Historic Person: Busiel,Charles A.
Significant Year: 1892
Area of Significance: Transportation, Commerce, Architecture, Industry
Period of Significance: 1875-1899
Owner: Local Gov't
Historic Function: Transportation
Historic Sub-function: Rail-Related
Current Function: Government, Transportation
Current Sub-function: Government Office, Road-Related

This concludes our railway journey for today. Please exit the car carefully. Hope you had a pleasant trip. Hey! Who's that sleeping in the back of the train? Upthesaukee? ...WAKE UP!





This thread continued here...... CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE

[BroadHopper]

I'm impressed.

[Tired of Waiting]

Me thinks McD must be snowed in to take this amount of time on a post

Thanks McD, great post.

ToW

[gtxrider]

I love history! This looks like labor of love.
Some of the sites look the same others have really changed.

[mcdude]

Thanks to all forum friends for your contributions and encouragement! I had a blast putting it all together. ....and, yes, ToW, it's a snow day.....a day that has to be made up in June! It's like trading a day at the lake during the week before 4th of July for a day shovelling out this mess!

[Pine Island Guy]

This is fascinating and truely a labor of love, thank YOU!!! I've seen you bidding on various Winnipesaukee postcards/photos/etc on eBay, and now I know why... you have put your winning collection to great use, maybe Don would be interested in making it a page on the site?

waiting for ice...

[Just Sold]

McD,

You have done a more than spectacular job with this! I just love the history of this railroad and the lake. I cannot say enough but THANK YOU McD. I cannot wait to see the rest of what you have to post.

For those of you who are facinated with the old railroad a drive along the lake on the side roads off Route 11 from Alton Bay to Gilford and with a keen eye you can see where this railroad traveled. McD's post helps you see this oh so perfectly. I did the trip along the lake just this past Tuesday and saw a lot of where the old RR beds still exist or the reminants of where it cut through property all along the lake to Bea Mae's in Gilford. But, McD's post is just perfect and such a wonderful labor of love that he has provided us here.
Lake Shore Railroad History!

[Pepper]

McDude, when my Mother-in-Law returns from Florida in the spring, I will have to get the two of you together! She can tell tales of when the trains were still running! As a child her parents had a camp - in the truest sense of the word camp - a platform tent, at Lakeshore Park. Eventually her father built a "proper" building. Anyway, they travelled here from Central NJ for Summers all through her childhood. She's now 86, and I could sit and listen to her stories all day! Let me know if you're interested, and I'll arrange a "date" for you!

BTW, it was WONDERFUL to finally meet you and your adorable canine companion. I hope you spent all the time relaxing, knowing someone else was shoveling while you were here.

Have a great day at work tomorrow! Thanks for spending so much time on this thread, it's fabulous.

[Lin]

Fantastic Job McDude, I've passed this along to my railroading family fans!

[upthesaukee]

McDude...I fell asleep and ended up in Glendale......!!!!!!


Seriously, Great Post!!!

[Rose]

There was also a stop along this section at Ames Farm.

In this image you can see the old railroad bed in the left foreground and then two poles along the bed that must have been associated with the railroad. Follow the link below to see an old photo of the Ames Farm Station.

The Ames Farm Station was moved across the street and can now be rented. It's a one-bedroom cabin known as the Honeymoon. It would be to the left in this photo in your gallery.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...at=500&page=15

[Grant]

Wow -- Thanks for the lesson/journey. Awesome post.

[obie]

Wow!! what a great job McDude did on the railroad history. All I can say is "Thank You!" I salute you on that one.

[DRH]

What a wonderful Alton railroad history lesson! Thanks, McD!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by glennsteely

Grant, the train wreck in Meredith bay, that is from these tracks huh ? Is it older, or newer ?

The train wreck just above The Weirs - taken from
Images of America, The Weirs by Warren D. Huse.
First published in 1996.
It is a wonderful book with over 120 pages of excellent historical information and photographs.
There was another wreck on the west side of Lake Paugus, August 19, 1912. The northbound White Mountain Express, en route to The Weirs, left the rails at a curve on the shore of the lake about half way between Lakeport and The Weirs. It was fortunate that it jumped towards the land-side of the track because it would have been a serious disaster as the water is deep at that point and the train would have gone under water. Wrecking crews cleared up the site within a few hours and traffic resumed.

(McDude, if you have more to add regarding this wreck, I can delete mine.)

[mcdude]

Here's a link to the Lakes Region Historical Society page and their accounting of this accident

Click for.....Train Wreck at the Weirs

Actually, I'm on line just finishing up the "train journey" thread when I saw your new posts. I have added things here and there, but mostly, I have just completed the trip to Laconia and it is finished! I was wondering what
was talking about when he asked

about the train wreck. I should have known you would know the answer! Don't delete those photos at all. I think they're fascinating. McD

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by mcdude

I was wondering what
was talking about when he asked

about the train wreck.

On all the Lake Winnipesaukee Maps there is a B&M Rail Car up near Maiden Lady Cove in Meredith Bay.
That is how I knew what Glenn Steely was referring to.

[Cal]

Thanks for the great ride McDude. Best thread in quite so time

[T.H.E. Binz]

Thanks to everyone who contributed to what I would nominate as "Best Post of the Year!"

[JacksonB]

Truly an informative and interesting visual journey through the history of the railroad. Thanks McDude.

[WeirsBeachBoater]

I vote for more threads like this one and less about big boats!!!

[Mee-n-Mac]

Originally Posted by T.H.E. Binz

Thanks to everyone who contributed to what I would nominate as "Best Post of the Year!"

I bookmarked this post as one I had to read when I had the time to appreciate it. Well done mcdude, well done indeed !

[Kevin C]

Thanks McDude.....What an interesting and important part of NH History.
Well Done !!

[SteveA]

mcdude,

I've been driving by this marker for 30 years... took these pics today.

Is this a "Mile Marker" it sits just off the old railroad bed, about 50 yards west of old LSP train station. You can see the station in the background of 1 of the pics.

Also, what do the Letter and Number designate?





SteveA

[Merrymeeting]

There are similar markers along the rail trail going out of Wolfeboro, and they do appear to be mile markers. If you follow the rail trail out of Wolfeboro, just beyond Albee Beach on Lake Wentworth there is a similar marker that has "S 9" on one side (heading toward Sanbornville), and "W 2" on the other (toward Wolfeboro).

Not surprisingly, these numbers are roughly the milage shown on the trail maps, and based on the running I've done there, seem to be reasonably accurate.

http://www.cottonvalley.org/

[SIKSUKR]

Based on what Merrymeeting said,my guess would be L7 means Laconia 7 miles and D38 means Dover 38 miles.

[SteveA]

Laconia and Dover... the milage is just about right

Thx SteveA

[ike]

SIKSUKR is right. Laconia 7 miles, Dover 38 miles.

[carguy]

SteveA:

Nice post on the mile markers. How many times through the years at Lake Shore Park did I walk by them?

There used to be a worn path on the hill by the D38 marker that led up to one of the community toilet buildings we had at LSP long before the camps had toilets in the cabins, and many, many, years before sewage linnes were addied to LSP.

When you had to go to the bathroom, you had to "go over the hill" as we called it back then. There were five of these glorified outhoses with running water toilets in the Park back then. I just verified this number with my brother, Conrad, who had the dubvious pleasure of cleaning them all every day, for his first summer job at the Park.

I told you that I would bring some "good poop" to this forum.

[Captain Bob]

What I remember the community outhouses at Lake Shore Park being called is "Johns". And when we'd carry the steel-with-ceramic-coating "pot" from the camp to empty it in the "John", we'd say we were going to "water the blueberries". Details about how the "pots" got so full in a crowded camp would be beyond good taste...

Which reminds me of a place that's still there, on Rte 11 near the road to Wiers - although it was "Barton's Village", my Dad (or was it us kids) would always say "There's Bathroom Village!"

[Captain Bob]

Originally Posted by Captain Bob

What I remember the community outhouses at Lake Shore Park being called is "Johns".

CarGuy, I specifically was a regular user of thet hilly, deep-cut path from the railroad bed up to that Jogn by the split rock. Not that this has much to do with the old rail bed! But I've also been fascinated with the rail line along the lake shore, and the old Lake Shore Park station down the hill from my camp. The pictures were great!

[Just Sold]

I passed by the Springhaven Station in West Alton today and saw that the station has been moved and a new foundation has been poured to go under the station. A lot of work has been done so I would guess it will be placed on the foundation pretty soon.

[Spit'n Image Farm]

Just a little info on the Springhaven station. It is going to be moved from its original location. The new foundation is for a new house. The station is in the process of getting site plan approval to be moved just up the road to a campground to be used as a recreation hall.

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by Spit'n Image Farm

Just a little info on the Springhaven station. It is going to be moved from its original location. The new foundation is for a new house. The station is in the process of getting site plan approval to be moved just up the road to a campground to be used as a recreation hall.

Oh now, that's just plain WRONG!!!!!!!! (IMO.) When someone buys a historic building, that person has a responsibility to ensure the building remains WHERE it is, and lovingly cared for, and NOT moved. When that happens it loses some of its historical integrity and becomes more of a curiosity......... just goes to show what a "disposable" mentality a lot of this society has these days.

Sorry, getting off of my soapbox now, and thanks for the information. (As I walk away, snorting in disgust........)

[Pineedles]

Some times the owner of the "historic Building" has no choice but to move it. There are numerous examples of buildings being sold for $1.00 so that the buyer can relocate the building. BTW, the cost of moving is enormous.

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Spit'n Image Farm

The station is in the process of getting site plan approval to be moved just up the road to a campground to be used as a recreation hall.

Drove by and saw it today all ready to be moved. Will it be the new rec hall for SpringHaven Campground?

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by mcdude

Drove by and saw it today all ready to be moved. Will it be the new rec hall for SpringHaven Campground?

I drove by the other day and they were widening the entrance into that campground. I guess I know why.

[Spit'n Image Farm]

Just an update on the Springhaven station. On 1/16/07 the Alton Planning approved the site-plan for the Springhaven campground to move the station to their property for use as a recreation hall. They do plan to do some restoration work to the station.

[mcdude]

Springhaven Station moves down the road. Photo by Just Sold.

[Argie's Wife]

mcdude -

Just a note of thanks for all you did to post this thread and all the photos. I thought you'd like to know that I had printed it and shared it with the owner of the model train museum in Wolfeboro last year. I had told him about the thread one day when I was there with the kids and knew he'd be very interested in it. When I returned a week later with 20+ pages in my hands, his eyes lit up like a kid's eyes at Christmas!

I mentioned it to him a couple of weeks ago when I had my boys in his museum again and he commented on what a great read this was - and I agree!

Thanks again!

[mcdude]

Mrs. Argie:
Thank you for your kind words. Your friend from the

WOLFEBORO MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM might enjoy this thread about the

WOLFEBORO RAILROAD also!

[OFD232]

As a history and train buff all your work in putting it together as well as some of the other responses makes for a great read and obviously it was a labor of love THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

[Chickie]

Mcdude,

Being a new member of this forum, I am gradually reading past postings. I have just taken your excellent pictorial train ride to Laconia. What a fantastic posting! I wonder if you have ever read the account of the opening of this section, which appeared in the Laconia Democrat at the time it opened on June 17, 1890? It can be found on microfiche at the Laconia Library and is a very lengthy and detailed account of the festivities of the day. All of the state’s dignitaries came to the event and it seems a good time was had by all who attended.

Four trains, made up of 20 cars were necessary to supply the transportation to Alton. In the first section, in an observation car was Lakeport’s own Rublee’s Band. As it required some time to reverse the engines for the return trip to Laconia, Rublee’s Band and the Barnstead Cornet Band entertained the crowd in an open-air concert in Alton while waiting. Upon their return to the Laconia Railroad Station, guests were escorted down Main Street to the rear of the Hotel Wonalancet, where a large regimental tent, capable of accommodating 1,000 people was set up, and Caterer J. Tyler Hicks of Boston served “one of his famous collations.” The article even details a list of the various foods available. If you haven’t read the account as reported in the Laconia Democrat, I think you would find it most interesting and worthwhile. Copies can be made at the library from the microfilm.

[mcdude]

From the Citizen - May 20, 2008

With help from a local crane company as well as two city councilors, the Lakeport Community Association on Monday set into position a railroad boxcar that will be a large part of its proposed museum of Lakeport history.

The depot is expected to open later this year as a museum and the boxcar, which will be painted a Boston & Maine color scheme, will be a highlight of the association's goal of recreating what the depot, which is 108 years old, looked like in its B&M heyday.

Fortier hoped that the work of restoring the 70-year-old boxcar's exterior would be completed by the end of the summer. He said the association members would likely vote on whether to paint the boxcar in the maroon-with-gold-stripe color scheme that the B&M used up until the mid-1950s or the blue-black-and-white color scheme the railroad adopted in the second half of the 1950s.

The association bought the boxcar for $2,900 from Peter Dearness, the owner of the Concord-based New England Southern Railroad. The Hobo Railroad hauled the car into Lakeport Sunday afternoon.

To date, the association has spent more than $80,000 on its proposed museum.

READ THIS ENTIRE ARTICLE click here

[Spit'n Image Farm]

Just a note. The Town of Alton has now been given the Loon Cove station. We are making preparations to move the station to the Alton's B&M Railroad Park behind town hall. We hope to be able to move it in the spring if we can raise all the necessary funds and get all the necessary prep work, demolition of additions, etc. and permits. Work has already begun. I'll keep you posted...Marty C

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by Spit'n Image Farm

Just a note. The Town of Alton has now been given the Loon Cove station. We are making preparations to move the station to the Alton's B&M Railroad Park behind town hall. We hope to be able to move it in the spring if we can raise all the necessary funds and get all the necessary prep work, demolition of additions, etc. and permits. Work has already begun. I'll keep you posted...Marty C

Good work Marty and the rest of the DRC. By the way, there is a short thread here about the Loon Cove station move.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=6865

[Spit'n Image Farm]

This is an update on the Loon Cove station. At this time, it is scheduled to be moved on Sunday 4/26 starting at 6:00 am. In case of really severe weather it will be on Sunday 5/3, same time. Should be an interesting move up Route 11 and through Main Street to it's new home behind town hall. The concrete pillars have been poured to accommodate the station at the park. NH Electric Coop and Union Telephone have donated there services that day for the move. Get your cameras ready!!! Marty C

[mcdude]

Just today I received an original postcard or the Loon Cove Station (posted up above....somewhere) postmarked in 1916 and printed in Germany. Quality is real good...


CLICK HERE FOR SUPER-SIZED VIEW

Does anyone know when the re-located Loon Cove Station will be open for viewing?

Fundraising for Loon Cove station continues
ALTON

— The Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC) will continue to raise funds for the historic Loon Cove station in the coming months. Funds raised will be used to refurbish the 1890s Lake Shore Railroad station. Work began last fall by T. Justin Caldon of Four Corners in Gilmanton. Visitors are welcome to visit the B&M Railroad Park in Alton Village to see the work done to preserve the station. The DRC is a tax-exempt organization, and donations may be sent to P.O. Box 659, Alton, NH 03809. For a limited time, the DRC is offering veterans’ memorial plaques made of black granite, with lasercut lettering by Ken Liversige. The tentative end date for requesting plaques is April 30. Space on the American Legion flagpole base at the park will be limited to 21 additional plaques. Request forms for memorial plaques can be filled out with the honoree’s information at the town clerk’s office in Town Hall until April 22. On April 24, the DRC will have a table at the Rotary Club’s Home, Garden, and Recreation Show at Prospect Mountain High School where the plaque forms will also be available. The donation per plaque is $100, with contributions benefiting the Railroad Park and the restoration of the Loon Cove station. At the DRC table, members will also be selling a selection of current hardcover books for a modest donation. They will also be offering a beautiful afghan, a spiral ham and a frozen turkey. The drawings for these three items will be at 3 p.m., at the closing of the Home Show. Please call DRC members Bonnie (at 630-4194) or Deanna (at 875-7562) for more information.

I also wanted to add a few photos that Tallyho has just added to photopost


The Lakeshore RR crosses Union Ave at Burger King. After the Lakeshore RR was torn up a spur remained from Laconia to the old Grossman's Lumber Yard approximately where Lowe's is today.

Just past Irwin's looking out over Paugus Bay

New England Southern running past Irwin Marine on former Lakeshore RR trackage. The track was used as a spur to reach the former Grossman's lumber yard near the original Lake's Region Plaza, (Jackson's Star Market).

[oche16]

Wonderful presentation here. Im really enjoying this thread immensely and have learned so much about the western shore tracks. Definitely worth printing out -in color!

McDude,
I believe I found the location of this particular 100+ yr old postcard shot. Ive been past this particular spot a hundred times over the years and certain this spot on the map below is correct. Sorry, no photo from this location. But will snap one next Bike Week.

Also, I'd like to add, there is a 20' wide level terrace effect crossing the Greystone Inn's backyard as well as the adjacent properties and fairly close to the shoreline. It is where the adirondack chairs are located OR the second terrace above. Sadly, I dont recall finding any remnants ie, ties, rails, stone/gravel, posts etc, though I will look deeper in June. I

Would anyone know where on the property the whistlestop was located. I do have a postcard of the Greystone that shows a telegraph pole in the backyard. I'll need to take a hi-res scan, as it's an old, worn postcard. Boy, there had to be a LOT of blood, sweat and tears shed to place this rail line.

I wonder, Are the railroad's old railbeds still the property of the railroads, an easement or now claimed by the homesteaders?

Very enjoyable and well designed thread.

[SteveA]

about the location. Thanks for posting this card!

[oche16]

When leaving the rally yesterday. Took some shots from the approximate vantagepoint of the original postcard's photographer and a closeup on the railbed at Scenic Dr. Gilford. Sorry that my droid was set to B/W. Enjoy, Steve

[Spit'n Image Farm]

Here is an update on the Loon Cove station Project. The outside has been been restored to its original look including the slate roof and tin work and hsa a fresh coat of primer. If in the area, take a look at it. The Park was also named as one of the Top-10 Small Adventure Parks foe 2011 by NH Magazine. I posted some pictures. The first is 1915, the second is 2009 when it arrived at the park and the last 2 are October 2011.

[oche16]

Would appreciate some help with this one. It was the only non-Boston Braves photo on an old album page.

This is a very small photo, app 2.5 x 1", with silvering. Back reads; "looking W. Abt (about?) H. R. Br (bridge?) B&M RR. 5-30-15"

I see a couple of mountains far left background and I wonder if HR refers to a river... Any guesses? Thankyou, Steve F

[Redwing]

Might this photo have been taken in Connecticut? HR = Housatonic River? Any Connecticut connections in your family??

[BroadHopper]

I don't think the B&M railroad travel below Boston. Housatonic River may be out of the picture.

I'm thinking somewhere along the Merrimack River. A major B&M rail line follows the Merrimck River from Lowell Ma. to Franklin NH. It follows the Winnepesaukee River to Laconia.

[SunsetPointWentworth]

I was poking around and came across these pics of the train wreck in 1912 at the weirs. They are posted on the website cardcow.

[diz]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I don't think the B&M railroad travel below Boston. Housatonic River may be out of the picture.

I'm thinking somewhere along the Merrimack River. A major B&M rail line follows the Merrimck River from Lowell Ma. to Franklin NH. It follows the Winnepesaukee River to Laconia.

B&M owned the track that went out through Florida Mountain (the Hoosac Tunnel). That's the area where the Housatonic River begins, I believe. Could be a reference to a bridge up that way.

[BroadHopper]

Here is a picture showing the Lake Shore railroad round table and water tower, about where Lakeport Landing is today. I was told the steam engine will reverse on the table to return to Alton.

[Tallyho]

The turntable bridge has been removed and is laying alongside the pit. To try and date the picture, I sent it to a friend who is a former B&M employee and RR historian. His response is as follows:
"Looks like it was taken in the forties........When the 44 tonner (locomotive)was bought and replaced the steam switcher there was no more use for it..........The table would have turned the engines off the branch from Alton.........."

[Smith Point]

Hi McD,

I noticed you had alot of railroad memorabilia--I have a couple of antique railroad lights I am looking to sell--Any interest? Let me know if you are....maine5js@aol.com Thank you

[kjmorse]

I very much enjoyed reading this forum on the railroad.
I am wondering where I can get copies of postcards and articles shown in the feed?
Interested in info around Gilford part of the line?

[Old Sarge]

My ancestor John Davis owned a farm on Valley Road in New Durham across Rt 11 from Davis Crossing Road. The original house is still there (He was a revolutionary War Veteran buried on the property). Old maps at the library of congress list this area as "Davis". Aside from my great, great... grandfather I guess there was lots of Davis' in this area. The railroad would have cut right across John Davis' property as does RT 11 today (the state purchased a right of way to build Rt 11 from the current owners who own the same hundred acres as John Davis did!) I have attached a picture purportedly of "Davis Station". I was wondering if anyone knew if this picture is authentic or if they had any information on Davis Station? It may have been a small area to load goods and supplies and drop people off.

[mcdude]

There was indeed a stop on the Cocheco Railroad called "Davis". For more on the Cocheco Railroad click here
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...hlight=cocheco
There also is a Davis Crossing Road off of Rt. 11 in New Durham.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Here is a picture showing the Lake Shore railroad round table and water tower, about where Lakeport Landing is today. I was told the steam engine will reverse on the table to return to Alton.

I know I'm late and I'm sorry I do not see a round table in the picture. If you are talking about the round spot near the water tower, I do not see any tracks coming or going from the circle.

[BJAM]

My Grandfather was Clinton Flanders and he was section foreman from West Alton to Lakeport. I do not know the exact years, but he lived at Lake Shore Park.

[Trail Goer]

Originally Posted by RLW

I know I'm late and I'm sorry I do not see a round table in the picture. If you are talking about the round spot near the water tower, I do not see any tracks coming or going from the circle.

When the picture was taken the turntable was no longer in use and had been removed. In the photo you are questioning, the turntable pit has been filled in and the turntable itself, is sitting just to the right of the pit.