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SAHS and town library bring local railroad history to life BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The Shopper February 27, 2018 Railway Railway history on display. Photo by Karen Engdahl. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – The Springfield Art and Historical Society and the Springfield Town Library are inaugurating a new display area in the library with a tribute to the Springfield Terminal Railway. The exhibit features historical photos and documents from the SAHS collection as well as railway artifacts from the private collections of local railroad enthusiasts Paul Petraska and Walter Wallace. “This exhibit is a small time capsule,” said Bunni Putnam, president of the SAHS. “We’re so excited to have these materials exhibited together – this is the only way you’ll see this historical moment.” Inside the large display cabinet are many elements of Springfield Terminal Railway history such as old photos, railroad schedules, lanterns, pieces of rail, and even lumps of coal from the original coal yards. A short written history of the railroad is also on display for those who want to understand more about the place of the little line in the industrial development of the area. Railway Amy Howlett and Bunni Putnam with STR display. Photo by Karen Engdahl. The Springfield Terminal Railway was only eight miles long between Springfield, Vt., and Charlestown, N.H., and was opened in 1897. It provided all rail service for Springfield from a connection with the B&M. Freight was always a major contributor to revenue, and when passenger service ended in 1947, electric locomotives continued until replaced by diesels in 1956. The line was subsequently absorbed by larger conglomerates and eventually deactivated. Amy Howlett, Springfield Town Library director, observed that since the opening of the exhibit earlier this month many local people have enjoyed the display. “It’s great for Springfield people to see their own history,” she said. “The SAHS are wonderful partners for providing in-depth knowledge of Springfield,” she continued. “We’re glad to work together with this organization to give people a taste of what SAHS has to offer. It’s good cross-pollination to have the library collaborate with a local historical society.” Nodding toward the railroad lanterns and other objects, she added, “Kids are fascinated with these objects! It’s a fun display to look at.” Putnam said the plan is to keep the exhibit together at the SAHS museum after it leaves the library early in March.
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