On this episode of Minuteman Tales, we visit the town of Bedford, MA - once a busy junction town between the Lexington Branch and the Reformatory Branch - and an area steeped in history of all sorts.
I’d like to give a big shoutout to James R. Stander who saved the depot and freight house from demolition in the 70’s, purchasing it and operating businesses out of it until it was transferred over to the town of Bedford.
Enjoying the series so close to home. My great grand father, Philip Donohoe, was the crossing guard for the railroad at Chelmsford center. He lived at the big Center house in Chelmsford with my grandmother and her two sisters. All three used to ride the train up to Baptist Pond.
It was a very busy freight line. I grew up next to the line in Lexington. Hanscom Air Base had a spur line and received freight five days a week via the noon time freight. Reefer cars of food, tank cars of oil, jet fuel, and freight on flat cars were a constant sight. Some of the rails to that line are still visible off Maguire Rd.
I worked at Itek for some time before getting a job with the New Haven. Single Budd ran by the facilities in commuter service. Never saw any freight service.
Not sure if you guys are open to requests, but if you get the chance I would love to see a Minuteman Tales about the town I live in, Alton, NH. There’s a few cool remnants of the B&M including the station in Alton Bay and the depot next to the police station that has a caboose there.
Cannot even fathom how incredible it would be to have train service from Boston to Beford in todays day and age!
I’d like to give a big shoutout to James R. Stander who saved the depot and freight house from demolition in the 70’s, purchasing it and operating businesses out of it until it was transferred over to the town of Bedford.
Oh yeah! I’m a guy who happens to live next to the old Billerica and Bedford line, and this is great to see the history of this area! Great job!
Nicely done! The Friends of Bedford Depot Park have done a terrific job on the building and the Budd car.
Thanks for another great video, Rick. Learning a lot about the B & M.
Enjoying the series so close to home.
My great grand father, Philip Donohoe, was the crossing guard for the railroad at Chelmsford center. He lived at the big Center house in Chelmsford with my grandmother and her two sisters. All three used to ride the train up to Baptist Pond.
Awesome video! The good old days. I grew up on Hartford Street, played in the area and worked at Builders Specialty.
Fantastic episode, well done!
It was a very busy freight line. I grew up next to the line in Lexington. Hanscom Air Base had a spur line and received freight five days a week via the noon time freight. Reefer cars of food, tank cars of oil, jet fuel, and freight on flat cars were a constant sight. Some of the rails to that line are still visible off Maguire Rd.
I worked at Itek for some time before getting a job with the New Haven. Single Budd ran by the facilities in commuter service. Never saw any freight service.
The spur to Hanscom ran to the left just before Itek. The line was stopped in January 1977@@ruffian2952
Absolutely adore the videos you make! Always gushing to anyone who will listen about how great this channel is.
Another fantastic video!
Another wonderful work by the BMRRHS. Thank you
I with they still ran trains to Lexington, that area is pretty underserved
R.I.P. - Jim Shea (1959-2022)
Went to high school with James 😢 great guy, sorely missed
Is the Depot Store open?
Not sure if you guys are open to requests, but if you get the chance I would love to see a Minuteman Tales about the town I live in, Alton, NH. There’s a few cool remnants of the B&M including the station in Alton Bay and the depot next to the police station that has a caboose there.
7:09 - where was that video from?
Excellent video! On maps, it says the depot is permanently closed, is that just a error on googles end?
That should be an error; best to check their website and reach out to see what their hours are!
7:09 - Arlington MA.
Keep the videos coming