Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Lakeshore Railroad

Chickie · 10-30-2007, 09:47 AM

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.

10-30-2007, 09:47 AM	#50
Chickie Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 367 Thanks: 0 Thanked 67 Times in 38 Posts	Lakeshore Railroad 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.