Does anyone have a good book or resource for the Montpelier & Wells River RR, and the Barre and Chelsea RR? I know that these two were related. (B&M ownership?) And in the end, one went into the other? Would like to find out some specific dates for what happened, and when. Believe they were all abandoned in 1956? Boxcab E50
Boxcab, the only place I can think of is the B&M Bulletin, Vol. 6 #2 was all about the M & WR. I may have that one, a friend just gave me about 40 issues that I have to go through and catologue. If you go to Ebay and look for "Alden", that is Alden Dreyer, and if you email him, if its out there he will have it for Bulletins.
Aha! I have that issue - The M&WR was merged with the B&C on January 1, 1945. The B&C closed in November of 1956, later that month Sam Pinsly bought part of the line still intact and started the Montpelier & Barre RR.
Wow! Excellent! That was fast! I have many other questions about RR mergers, etc., around North America. A few more from New England...... Thanks! Boxcab E50
Boxcab - I have a 1950s B&M timetable which has some info about the M & WR in Wells River. I sent you an Email with Aldens Email address. Contact me if you would like me to scan the info about Wells River.
A recent book has been published, Sky Route to the Quarries". Includes the Barre and Chelsea Railroad, Montpelier Wells River RR and other participating railroads of the region. A definitive book for anyone interested in the region, and small short line railroads. Author is Bill Gove.
The best book on the M&WR/B&C, is Vermont's Granite Railroads. The authors are Robert C. Jones, Whitney J. Maxfield, and William G. Gove. It covers all the operations from the begining to end. Also motive power rosters and plenty of photos. Several of the photos from the 40s and 50s are by Philip Hastings. Duane Goodman
Thanks for the book info BM50, and welcome to Trainboard. It's great to have more B&M fans on board. Bill
The M&WRR (1873-1944) was under the ownership of the VERMONT VALLEY/B&M 1911-1944. (The VRVRR that I come up with is another hour of research, but it goes back to 1851, changed names and returned back to the "Vermont Valley" in 1881 and became part of the B&M in 1925). The M&WRR became part of the Barre & Chelsea in 1944. The Barre and Chelsea (1913-1957) was under VRVRR/B&M control from 1918-1944. It became the Montpelier & Barre in 1957 which became the WASHINGTON COUNTY in 1980. No further info on the Washington County after 1982. FYI: The "Barre RR" was a switching and terminal rr from 1889 until 1913 when it became the "Barre & Chelsea", a Class II road.
