Winchendon School students at the Troy Depot. Photo by Laura Susmann
Monadnock Region Rail Trail Collaborative
On September 2, 11 students and two advisors from The Winchendon School in Winchendon, Massachusetts assisted with rail trail cleanup with the Monadnock Region Rail Trail Collaborative. The group began at Rockwood Pond in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire working north toward the Troy Depot. There was actually very little trash collected. Many branches were cleared to facilitate mowing of the rail trail later in the season.
While at the depot, the Troy Historical Society’s docent, Kim Chaffee, gave the group a history lesson about the rail line in the area and how the people and products moved throughout the region. Kim also serve delicious refreshments as she spoke about the history of the actual depot building and its recent renovation.
The group was also treated to a tour of a partially renovated Budd railroad car on display at the depot. Kim showed the group pictures of the car being delivered to the site, placed onto tracks by a crane and the work being done to restore the car. The unique part of this car is, it can be driven from either end. When it arrives at a destination, there is no need to turn the car around. The driver moves to the opposite end of the car and head back to where the car came from.