Dublin Core
Title
Maynard Railroad Station Sign
Description
A blue "Maynard" sign that is from the Boston & Maine railroad station which stood on the corner of today's Main Street and Railroad Street: 151 Main Street. From photos of the station this was one of, perhaps 3, signs that were on the side of building and by the track.
The railroad which ran from South Acton to Marlboro was known as the Marlboro Branch and was built through Maynard in 1849. From 1876 through 1906 it was part of the Fitchburg Railroad Company. From 1906 to it's closure in 1958 it was part of the Boston & Maine Railroad.
As many as 12 passenger trains ran through Maynard at one time. Passenger service was discontinued on May 16, 1958 and the stationed abandoned.
When the Station was to be torn down in July/August 1952 Mr. William Duckworth obtained the sign. In November 1952 the building was replaced with a gas station (Gately's). As of (at least) the mid 1990's the gas station building is not in operation / vacant.
There is confusion about when the station was built. The source of this confusion is that the first station was located near Sudbury Street which was later converted into the freight station and that appears to have been built in 1850. This station appears to have been built in 1880 when the line became part of the Fitchburg Railroad Company.
** At the time Railroad Street was not a street but where the railroad tracks were located.
The railroad which ran from South Acton to Marlboro was known as the Marlboro Branch and was built through Maynard in 1849. From 1876 through 1906 it was part of the Fitchburg Railroad Company. From 1906 to it's closure in 1958 it was part of the Boston & Maine Railroad.
As many as 12 passenger trains ran through Maynard at one time. Passenger service was discontinued on May 16, 1958 and the stationed abandoned.
When the Station was to be torn down in July/August 1952 Mr. William Duckworth obtained the sign. In November 1952 the building was replaced with a gas station (Gately's). As of (at least) the mid 1990's the gas station building is not in operation / vacant.
There is confusion about when the station was built. The source of this confusion is that the first station was located near Sudbury Street which was later converted into the freight station and that appears to have been built in 1850. This station appears to have been built in 1880 when the line became part of the Fitchburg Railroad Company.
** At the time Railroad Street was not a street but where the railroad tracks were located.
Date
1958
Contributor
William Duckworth
Identifier
1999.204
Relation
Page 1 of Maynard Enterprise, published in Maynard, Massachusetts on Thursday, August 7th, 1952<br />
<br />
TOWN TALK<br />
By PARK F. STONE, Editor<br />
<br />
Maynard - The passing of the railroad depot brings to mind many "Old Time" stories that makes one wonder if we are in for progress or the reverse.<br />
<br />
There was a time when there were 12 trains daily between here and Boston, which in contrast with, "one in and one daily" and the mills nearly being closed down, certainly does not make one think that things are on the 'up and up' as there appeared to be in the years 1880 when the depot was completed on December 10th of that year. <br />
<br />
It was built by the old Fitchburg Railroad line and was one of two that was furnished with gas for lighting. The other being Fitchburg and the only reason that the local was so equipped was because the gas was furnished by the old Assabet Manufacturing Company.<br />
<br />
Those who have watched the demolition of the station were amazed at the construction of the building which contained 30 foot long 10 x 10 planks hand hued and pegged with 10-inch doles. <br />
<br />
The first train left daily for Boston at 6:40 a. m. and express left at 8:06 and arrived at Boston at 9 A. M.. others at 9:25; 11:42, which was a popular train: 1:42: 4:42: 6:25. The Sun- day schedules was 7:35 a.m. 2:23: P. M. 4:51 P. M. and 6:30 P.M. Herbert Salsbury who assumed his duties as agent in June 1899. followed his father George N. who with the exception of two years when the agency of the railroad was in the hands of a Мг. Keep who married a Maynard girl and took up residence at Northfield, Vt. after time which "Herb" took over and has seen the gradual closing down of railroad service which has been brought about more or less from the development of the "horseless carriage" which was forecast by many in the late 90's.<br />
<br />
When one thinks of popular trains, one is reminded of the train that was known as the "drunk train' that was very popular in the days when Marlboro was fortified with license and Maynard was in throes of non-license. The 'drunk train' left Maynard at 6:40 P.M. and left the wet area at 9:00 P. M. there are many who could tell many an interesting story relative to the going on and antics of this popular transportation between Marlborough and Maynard.. <br />
___________________________________________________
Page 1 of The Assabet Valley Beacon, published in Maynard, Massachusetts on Thursday, July 17th, 1952<br />
<br />
B. & M. Curtails Freight Service But Keeps Agent <br />
<br />
MAYNARD - As a result of a meeting with selectmen Tuesday night, it has been announced that the Boston and Maine Railroad will not close its freight house in Maynard. <br />
<br />
The present freight agent, Herbert Salisbury, will be retained by the railroad and will continue to have his office in the freight house. <br />
<br />
The meeting between the Maynard selectmen and George Clark, district agent of the Boston and Maine, was a result of letters of protest sent by the selectmen and by the Chamber of Commerce, when it was learned last week that freight activities would be curtailed in Maynard.<br />
<br />
Mr. Clark explained that because of the small amount of freight shipped into Maynard it will be necessary to limit shipments to 4,000 pounds or more. Anything under 4,000 pounds will have to be picked up at West Concord.<br />
<br />
The Boston and Maine Railroad feels that it will be able to provide quicker service because in the past cars were held up until enough weight was scheduled for shipment to Maynard. Mr. Clark said further, that the railroad has made a survey in town of freight needs and that the change met with the approval of local freight users. <br />
<br />
He said also that the Boston and Maine was trying its best to help find firms interested in leasing space in the mill buildings.<br />
<br />
There will be no change in passenger service. <br />
___________________________________________________
Page 6 of Maynard Enterprise, published in Maynard, Massachusetts on Thursday, November 13th, 1952<br />
<br />
Edw. Gately Opens New Gas Station; Prizes Awarded <br />
<br />
Maynard - Edward Gately, opened a new modern gasoline station, last Friday and Saturday on the location of the Railroad Depot. This new addition to the business section of Maynard is one of the most modern gas stations anywhere throughout the entire state and embraces every scientific method of servicing cars.<br />
<br />
During the opening days, several prizes were presented to those who attended the opening and they included the following: <br />
<br />
Bicycle was awarded to Peter Pronko, 50 Roosevelt street; <br />
<br />
Ladies Handbag, Adam Rakiey, 23 Sudbury street;<br />
<br />
Wallet, Virginia Vodoklys, 79 Boon road; Douglas Trefry, Boxboro road, Stow; G. W. Brooks, 42 Winthrop Ave.; <br />
<br />
Grease Jobs: Francis Sokolowski, 4 Sudbury street; James Tierney, 11 Espie Avenue, Fred Brooks, Railroad street; Marion Richardson, Dewey street; Regina Theeki, 185 Main street, John J. McGee, 8 McKinley street; Frank F. White, Summer street; Stanley Jakusik, Railroad street; Diane Annett, Sudbury street; Ray Catania, Roosevelt street; Matt Freeman, Prospect street; <br />
Also to Everett Chase, 231 Main street; John Kierns 39 Thompson street; Stanley Kulik, 38 Sudbury street; A. E. Rowse, 39 Summer street; Stanley Andrewskiewicz, 144 Great road; Edward Butler, Taylor road; John Veraka, 16 Boeske Ave.; Al Whitney, 21 Mariboro street; Charles Punty, Wheeler Rd., Stow; Donald Marchent, 58 Concord street; Mrs, C. F. Rainville, South Acton; Wilson Cuttle, 54 Summer street, Catherine Hastings, Hudson street, Stow; <br />
<br />
10 Wash Jobs: Robert O'Neil, 1 Church Court; Fr. Frank, Main street; Joann Kransecich, 6 Sudbury Court; Herbert Wheeler, Elaine avenue; Robert F. Geraway, 2 Hillside street; E. Carruth, 111 Concord street; Barbara Bowse, 21 Roosevelt street; Theresa Perrillo, 11 Fowler street, Bertha Kanhanpa, 14 Percival street; Charles Spurrell, 140 Great Road.
Artifact Item Type Metadata
Materials
Wood, lucite; 22"L x 18"W.
Condition
Fair.