NEWFANE — The Historical Society of Windham County recently acquired the historic Newfane Railroad Station, which sits on Depot Street behind the present-day Newfane Market.
In celebration of the Newfane Station purchase, Glenn Annis will present a special program, the History of the West River Railroad, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at NewBrook Fire Station on Route 30.
Light refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. with music by Jamaica resident and singer/songwriter Gene Morrison at 6:45 p.m. The evening is free and all are welcome.
Annis, from Dummerston, is considered the foremost authority on the West River Railroad (WRRR). A decade and a half have passed since his last presentation on the WRRR, and this program will include fascinating new photographs and research findings.
The WRRR ran along the West River from Brattleboro to Londonderry between 1880 and 1936. It was well-known as the “36 Miles of Trouble,” for its many wrecks, derailments, and delays.
Through grants and fund raising, the Historical Society of Windham County plans to restore the station as a museum of the West River Railroad and as an annex to its existing museum in Newfane. The station, located in historic Newfane Village, will also serve as a community gathering space.
More information on the Historical Society of Windham County and the West River Railroad can be found on the Society's website: www.historicalsocietyofwindhamcounty.org. Call 802-348-7891 with any questions on the Oct. 15 program.