Greetings! I am new to the Forum and this is my first posting. I am a Fan of several Fallen Flag Railroads, one of which is the Shepaug Valley RR. (I'm not sure if this posting should be here or as a sub-thread of the New York, New Haven and Hartord RR which eventually took it over). According to Wikipedia: “The Shepaug, Litchfield and Northern Railroad was a short independent railroad in western Connecticut that was chartered as the Shepaug Valley Railroad in 1868 and operated from 1872 to 1891 when it was taken over by the Housatonic Railroad. [3] In 1898 the Housatonic operation of the line was in turn taken over by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. As the Litchfield Division of the NYNH&H the line was operated until being abandoned in 1948. Much of the line remains in place as rail trails to this day.” I live in Bethel, CT which was Hawleyville-Bethel Branch of the Shepaug. One of the more easily recognizable remnants of this railroad can still be seen crossing the Beaver Brook near Plumtrees Road as seen in the photo below. Thanks for looking! Nick
Always fascinating to see these bits and pieces of remaining history. I've noticed some of the photos you've been unloading, of NYO&W items. Very interesting. Hope you'll share some stories about them? I am far away from that part of the USA, but it peaks curiousity. I have at least four NYO&W books. My collecting is confined to a few train orders. Boxcab E50
Welcome aboard Nick! Glad youre finding stuff of interest. I know little to nothing of your side of the country but will post stuff I find.
Hi, Boxcab E50. I wish I had more interesting stories about them. I am a fan of several Fallen Flags especially those whos tracks are long gone, leaving only traces for those observant enough to discern them along the roadsides. What I have in common with the O&W is that I am a native New Yorker and was 3 years old when the O&W was abandoned. Many years later, when dating my future wife in upstate New York, I came to discover traces of the O&W while travelling on Rt.17 every weekend. To make a long story short I have become obsessed with the 'Old & Weary' and its history ever since. Coincidentally, my wife's Grandparents had a farm in PA that abutted the former D&H ROW and was only a stone's throw from the O&W's Scranton Division. Her family still owns the land. (That explains the D&H date nails ) Nick
Shepaug RR Bridge Christmas Ornament Here is an interesting Holiday follow-up about the Shepaug RR Bridge... In 2001 my town, Bethel, CT chose to feature the bridge on its annual pewter Christmas ornament.
