Lakeshore Railroad - "All Aboard!"

mcdude · 01-06-2005, 12:47 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 01:07 PM

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

Rattlesnake Gal · 01-06-2005, 01:10 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 01:15 PM

Really great job, McD.!

lakegirl · 01-06-2005, 01:17 PM

I'm speechless McD!!! Great post.

mcdude · 01-06-2005, 01:20 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 01:21 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 01:29 PM

I'm impressed.

Tired of Waiting · 01-06-2005, 01:34 PM

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

Thanks McD, great post.

ToW

gtxrider · 01-06-2005, 02:23 PM

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

mcdude · 01-06-2005, 03:21 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 04:57 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 08:11 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 11:16 PM

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 · 01-06-2005, 11:25 PM

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

upthesaukee · 01-06-2005, 11:47 PM

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

Seriously, Great Post!!!

Rose · 01-07-2005, 08:55 AM

Quote:

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

oche16 · 11-11-2010, 07:06 PM

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 · 11-17-2010, 07:11 PM

about the location. Thanks for posting this card!

oche16 · 06-19-2011, 10:22 AM

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 · 10-31-2011, 10:04 AM

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.

01-06-2005, 01:15 PM	#4
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay,NH, and FL Posts: 2,359 Thanks: 19 Thanked 577 Times in 183 Posts	Wonderful Really great job, McD.! __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

01-06-2005, 01:17 PM	#5
lakegirl Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gilford-Northern MA Posts: 38 Thanks: 3 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	I'm speechless McD!!! Great post. __________________ Lakegirl Never leave home without your camera

01-06-2005, 01:20 PM	#6
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,344 Thanks: 370 Thanked 1,033 Times in 480 Posts	Belknap Point, Glendale 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!! Last edited by mcdude; 12-11-2013 at 10:04 AM.

01-06-2005, 01:21 PM	#7
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,344 Thanks: 370 Thanked 1,033 Times in 480 Posts	Lakeport and beyond. 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 Last edited by mcdude; 01-20-2012 at 06:42 PM.

01-06-2005, 01:34 PM	#9
Tired of Waiting Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 519 Thanks: 111 Thanked 259 Times in 107 Posts	Snowed in??? Me thinks McD must be snowed in to take this amount of time on a post Thanks McD, great post. ToW

01-06-2005, 12:47 PM	#1
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,344 Thanks: 370 Thanked 1,033 Times in 480 Posts	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! Last edited by mcdude; 10-24-2018 at 01:13 PM.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to mcdude For This Useful Post:
CTYankee (04-02-2016), Mskelt (03-26-2016)

01-06-2005, 01:07 PM	#2
glennsteely Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Mantua, N.J. Posts: 472 Thanks: 90 Thanked 111 Times in 38 Posts	That Was Awesome...... That was a great post, I am looking forward to the next part.....Thanks! __________________ You have to go out on a limb sometimes, cause that is where the fruit is. You can't get to the fruit from that nice safe spot, clinging to the trunk of the tree......

01-06-2005, 01:10 PM	#3
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,253 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,455 Thanked 1,357 Times in 476 Posts	Wow, Great History! 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!

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to mcdude For This Useful Post:
Airedale1 (11-19-2012), Lacpicguy (12-20-2013)

01-06-2005, 01:29 PM	#8
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,716 Thanks: 3,338 Thanked 1,145 Times in 823 Posts	Great job! I'm impressed. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

01-06-2005, 02:23 PM	#10
gtxrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Piscataway, NJ Posts: 1,030 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 24 Posts	Wow! I love history! This looks like labor of love. Some of the sites look the same others have really changed.

01-06-2005, 03:21 PM	#11
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,344 Thanks: 370 Thanked 1,033 Times in 480 Posts	Thanks! 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!

01-06-2005, 04:57 PM	#12
Pine Island Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: pine island of course! Posts: 412 Thanks: 263 Thanked 252 Times in 115 Posts	unbelievable!!! 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...

01-06-2005, 08:11 PM	#13
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,616 Thanks: 1,086 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	Wow! 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! __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

01-06-2005, 11:16 PM	#14
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Yo, McDude! 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. __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

01-06-2005, 11:25 PM	#15
Lin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Massachusetts & Moultonborough Posts: 673 Thanks: 41 Thanked 15 Times in 11 Posts	Fantastic Job McDude, I've passed this along to my railroading family fans! __________________ Lin

01-06-2005, 11:47 PM	#16
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,617 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,495 Thanked 1,988 Times in 1,088 Posts	McDude...I fell asleep and ended up in Glendale......!!!!!! Seriously, Great Post!!! __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

11-11-2010, 07:06 PM	#18
oche16 Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 23 Thanks: 4 Thanked 25 Times in 7 Posts	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. Attached Images Last edited by oche16; 11-24-2010 at 10:11 AM.

The Following User Says Thank You to oche16 For This Useful Post:
mcdude (01-05-2012)

11-17-2010, 07:11 PM	#19
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	I think your correct... about the location. Thanks for posting this card! __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

06-19-2011, 10:22 AM	#20
oche16 Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 23 Thanks: 4 Thanked 25 Times in 7 Posts	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

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to oche16 For This Useful Post:
Rattlesnake Gal (07-23-2013), SteveA (06-19-2011)

10-31-2011, 10:04 AM	#21
Spit'n Image Farm Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 25 Times in 5 Posts	Update on Loon Cove Station Restoration 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. Attached Images

The Following 8 Users Say Thank You to Spit'n Image Farm For This Useful Post:
DRH (10-31-2011), ghfromaltonbay (10-31-2011), Just Sold (10-31-2011), mcdude (10-31-2011), NoBozo (10-31-2011), Slickcraft (01-04-2012), SteveA (01-19-2012), Tallyho (10-31-2011)