December 20, 2018 Freight House to Close for the Winter
The Freight House will be open on December 22 and 23 between 1:00 and 5:00, then close until April. Some items sold at the Freight House are available through our online store. The organization appreciates the help of volunteer shopkeepers John Cooper, Greg Carpenter, Henry Carpenter and Cynthia Mork for keeping the Freight House open on weekends this year!
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December 8, 2018 Freight House Newspaper Article
The Bedford Minuteman newspaper published a nice article about the Freight House welcome center in its December 6 issue. Read it online here. With the help of volunteer shopkeepers John Cooper, Greg Carpenter, Henry Carpente and Cynthia Mork, the Freight House will remain open on weekends, 11:00 to 5:00, through December 23 for holiday shoppers.
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November 17, 2018 Freight House Holiday Sales Event
Visit the Freight House on the weekend of December 1 and 2, 2018, for your holiday shopping before it is closed for the winter. The Freight House is stocked with unique history-related items from the Friends, Historical Society and Minuteman Company. Click here for more information.
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November 3, 2018 Freight House Fall Schedule
The Freight House is now on a fall schedule of 11:00 to 5:00 on weekends. We will endeavor to have the Freight House open on weekends as late into the season as the availability of volunteer shopkeepers allows. Please phone ahead (781-687-6180) to ensure a shopkeeper is on duty before traveling a significant distance to visit.
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November 3, 2018 Annual Meeting Recap
FBDP had a successful and informative Annual Meeting on October 27 in RDC 6211 at Depot Park. After reports from the officers, Doug Herrick and Bill Klauer gave an interesting talk about Acton's railroad history. A PDF of the organization's 2018 Annual Report is available online.
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October 20, 2018 Annual Meeting is on October 27
Please join us at FBDP's Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 27, at noon, inside the railroad car at Depot Park. The co-presidents of the Acton Historical Society will give an illustrated presentation about the interesting history of Acton's railroads. (At one time, the Reformatory Branch connected with the Nashua, Acton & Boston Railroad.) A complimentary lunch will be provided. Guests of members are welcome.
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August 10, 2018 Depot Park to Be Featured on Television Show
A crew from WBTS-TV, the NBC-owned station in Boston, was at Depot Park on August 10 to shoot video for an upcoming segment on The Hub Today about places to visit along the Minuteman Bikeway. The Freight House welcome center and Budd RDC museum were featured. The segment is to air sometime in September.
Click to expand the photo.
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July 2, 2018 Freight House Summer Hours
The Bedford Freight House welcome center is to have expanded weekend hours during July, August and September: 10:00 to 6:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. This is made possible with the cooperation of the organization’s volunteer shopkeepers who staff the premises. If you will be traveling a significant distance to visit, we recommend phoning ahead (781-687-6180) to ensure that a shopkeeper is on duty.
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July 2, 2018 Volume 24, Issue 1
The organization thanks Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter for helping prepare the newsletter bulk mailing during the vacation absence of vice president Bill Deen, who normally handles this task, and we appreciate treasurer Walter Weinfurt taking the mailing to the Burlington Post Office.
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July 1, 2018 John Filios, A Depot Park Founder
The organization pays tribute to John Filios, one of Bedford Depot Park’s founders, upon his passing at age 101.
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May 20, 2018 Our Volunteer Shopkeepers
The organization appreciates the dedication of its volunteer shopkeepers to keep the Freight House welcome center open on weekends this season.
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May 13, 2018 Bedford Depot Was Decommissioned 60 Years Ago
The Boston & Maine Railroad decommissioned and closed Bedford Depot 60 years ago this year. The building is today only one of two surviving passenger stations on the former Lexington and Reformatory Branches, the other being in Lexington Center. Upcoming newsletter issues are to delve into this topic by publishing rare B&M memos from 1958.
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April 22, 2018 Bedford Freight House Open for the Season
The Bedford Freight House welcome center has reopened for the 2018 bikeway season, weekends 11:00 to 5:00 (and 10:00 to 6:00 beginning in June). If you plan to travel a significant distance to visit, we suggest you phone ahead (781-687-6180) to verify that a volunteer shopkeeper is on duty.
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December 17, 2017 Minuteman Bikeway 25th Anniversary Documentary
Local producer Kim Downey did a terrific job creating this documenary about the genesis of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway on its 25th anniversary. FBDP president Jim Shea was among the people she interviewed for it.
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December 17, 2017 Holiday Open House a Success
We appreciate the many visitors who came to see the Freight House Welcome Center and Budd Car Museum on the weekend of December 2 and 3. View a time-lapse (20 times normal speed) video that was recorded by one of the building’s webcams.
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December 17, 2017 Freight House to Close for the Winter
The Freight House Welcome Center is to close for the winter after December 23. Please visit the online store if you are interested in any of our local history-related merchandise. The Freight House will likely reopen sometime in April, the date to be determined by the weather and bikeway activity.
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November 11, 2017 Freight House Holiday Sales Event, December 2 and 3
Please visit the Freight House on the weekend of December 2 and 3, 10:00 to 5:00, for a holiday open house. See the Budd Car museum and a model railroad of Bedford in the 1950s. Local history merchandise from the Friends, Historical Society and Minuteman Company will be featured.
Holiday sales event postcard
Click the above image to see a postcard that is being mailed to all Bedford households.
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October 29, 2017 2017 Annual Report
Please click here to view a PDF of the Annual Report that was presented at the 2017 Annual Meeting.
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October 29, 2017 Freight House Public Restrooms
An anonymous donor has provided the funds to have the Freight House public restrooms open on weekdays during November and April, months of the year when they are normally open only on weekends. The donation will pay for daily custodial labor to maintain the restrooms.
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October 29, 2017 Freight House Fall/Winter Schedule
Beginning on November 4 and depending on volunteer shopkeeper availability, the Freight House will be open on Saturdays between 11:00 and 5:00 and on Sundays between 2:00 and 5:00. If you plan to travel a significant distance to visit, we recommend that you phone (781-687-6180) ahead to ensure that the Freight House is open. The Freight House welcome center normally closes for the season by the last weekend in December.
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October 29, 2017 Officer Elections
Members who attended the Annual Meeting on October 21 reelected by a unanimous vote the current officers to new two-year terms: clerk Michele Herron, treasurer Walter Weinfurt, vice president William Deen, and president James Shea.
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October 29, 2017 Freight House Platform Project
A contractor for the Bedford Facilities Department has begun work to rebuild the dilapidated Freight House platform, ramp, steps and railings. Access to the Freight House front door might be curtailed at times. The work is expected to be finished by mid-November.
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September 16, 2017 Boston & Maine Potbelly Stove Is Donated
The organization is most grateful to Martin Merva for his donation of a vintage Boston & Maine Railroad #1 potbelly stove that he purchased, restored and donated to FBDP. This type of stove was used to heat the railroad's smaller buildings. It is on display inside the Budd Car's baggage room.
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September 10, 2017 New Freight House Schedule
The Freight House welcome center is currently scheduled to be open on Saturdays between 10:00 and 6:00 and on Sundays between 2:00 and 6:00. Sunday morning openings would be possible if someone (either on a volunteer or paid basis) is available to be a shopkeeper during that time. Please contact vice president Bill Deen for more information.
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August 13, 2017 Annual Meeting on October 21 at Noon
The organization's Annual Meeting and Officer Elections is scheduled to occur on Saturday, October 21, at noon, inside the railroad car at Depot Park. Entertainment will include presentations about the MBTA's mid-1970s study to extend the Red Line to Arlington Heights and beyond via the Lexington Branch right-of-way and early history about plans to use the corridor as a rail-trail. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Guests of members are welcome. Please mark your calendar!
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July 1, 2017 Freight House Now Open on Sundays
The Freight House welcome center and railroad car museum are scheduled to be open on Sundays this summer between 10:00 and 6:00. Saturday openings are dependent on the availabity of shopkeepers. If you are interested in helping the organization on Saturdays or any other time, please contact vice president Bill Deen.
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April 14, 2017 Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Update
Bedford's engineering consultant recently presented an update about a proposed project to pave the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail between Railroad Avenue and the Concord town line. Click here to view a PDF in a new browser window.
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April 10, 2017 Freight House Decking Project
The Town of Bedford has hired a contractor to install a new ramp, platform, steps and railings outside the Freight House. Work is to begin this week and be substantially concluded by early June. The Freight House welcome center and RDC 6211 are expected to reopen for the season after this construction is complete.
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April 10, 2017 Volume 23, Issue 1
The latest newsletter is headed to the printer. The closure of Arlington Heights Station in 1951 is covered in this issue.
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December 10, 2016 2016 Fundraising Drive
The directors much appreciate the continuing response from members to the organization's 2016 fundraising drive. These donations will help FBDP to hire part-time shopkeepers, usually high school students, to operate the Freight House welcome center on weekends during the 2017 bikeway season, April through October. If you care to contribute, you may do so conveniently and securely through the online store.
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November 26, 2016 Freight House Late Season Schedule
We endeavor to have the Freight House welcome center open for holiday shopping on weekends in December, 11:00 to 5:00, through Saturday, December 24. These openings depend on the avilability of volunteer shopkeepers -- so if you are traveling a significant distance to visit, we encourage you to phone ahead (781-687-6180) to ensure that someone is on duty.
The Freight House will be closed during the winter. Merchandise is available year round from FBDP's online store: www.BedfordDepot.org/store
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November 5, 2016 2016 Annual Report
Click here to read FBDP's 2016 Annual Report, which was presented at the Annual Meeting on October 15. (PDF file format)
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November 5, 2016 Holiday Sales Event
The Bedford Historical Society, Bedford Minuteman Company and FBDP are holding a holiday sales event at the Freight House, 120 South Road, on Saturday, December 3, between 10:00 and 4:00. A wide range of historical merchandise will be discounted then.
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November 5, 2016 New Director At-Large
FBDP is happy to announce that Joseph Impellizeri has joined the organization's Board of Directors as a director at-large. Joe has a professional financial background and is enthisiastic about FBDP's activities and accomplishments. More about Joe is planned for the next newsletter issue.
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November 5, 2016 New Treasurer
FBDP welcomes Walter Weinfurt as the organization's acting treasurer. The directors appointed Walter at their September 24 meeting to the post until officer elections are held at the 2017 Annual Meeting next October. More about Walter is planned for the next newsletter issue.
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July 4, 2016 Annual Meeting on October 15
Please save the date for FBDP's 2016 Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 15, at noon, inside the Budd Car at Depot Park. A lunch will be provided. The entertainment will be announced in an upcoming newsletter issue. Guests are welcome.
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May 15, 2016 Volume 22, Issue 1
The latest issue of Bedford Depot News was bulk-mailed to members on May 2.
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May 15, 2016 A New Clerk for FBDP!
The FBDP directors welcome Michele Herron as the organization's new clerk. She takes over from David Shamlian who resigned in January due to increased demands at home. Michele is available to answer your membership-related questions: e-mail Michele Herron
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February 28, 2016 Documentary Recorded Inside RDC 6211
Local historian Richard Symmes and Beverly videographer/editor Matthew Pujo produced a documentary that marks the 60th anniversary of the Swampscott Train Wreck. A portion of the program was recorded inside RDC 6211 at Bedford Depot Park and covers the history of RDCs on the Boston & Maine Railroad. View the program on YouTube by clicking on this link.
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February 21, 2016 An Important Message About FBDP's Continued Operation of the Freight House Welcome Center
The organization has been without a treasurer since mid-April. With David Shamlian stepping down last month due to family needs, it is now also without a clerk. It is improbable that FBDP can continue operating the Freight House welcome center with these two vacancies. The vice president and president cannot be expected to shoulder the workload that is normally accomplished by four officers.
If the two vacancies are not filled by the time of the next directors meeting on March 19, a decision is expected then whether to cease operating the welcome center and to scale back the organization's purpose to only local railroad history preservation and publication of the newsletter, which is how FBDP initially operated. Without a need to operate the Freight House, the organization might be able to adequately function with two officers: a combined clerk/treasurer post and a president.
Some members may view FBDP leaving the Freight House as an unfortunate outcome -- but the membership has been informed of this possibility multiple times through the newsletter, direct mail, web site and Annual Meeting. Ample opportunities to avert the current direction have been given and will remain a while longer. Please read the post below.
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January 18, 2016 Two Officers Are Needed
At their quarterly meeting in December, FBDP's directors discussed the organization's need of a clerk and treasurer. They hope these two posts can be filled over the winter. Continued operation of the Freight House welcome center otherwise falls into question. The directors are to meet again in March to make a decision whether to scale back the organization’s function to only publication of the newsletter and preservation of our local railroad history and to discontinue its involvement with the welcome center.
Please contact FBDP or any of the officers if you would consider serving as either clerk or treasurer. The clerk keeps the organization’s membership list current and reminds people when their membership is up for renewal. The treasurer maintains the organization’s financial records, pays its bills, and prepares occasional financial reports for the directors. It is possible to perform these duties at the Freight House or via remote access to the office computer.
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January 18, 2016 Volume 21, Issue 4
The next issue of Bedford Depot News is at the printer. This issue includes news about the train order signals and masts that were recently returned to Bedford Depot and information about a shortline railway that was surveyed for Billerica.
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November 22, 2015 Holiday Sale at the Freight House on November 28
Visit the Freight House on Saturday, November 28, between 10:00 and 5:00 for discounts on history-related merchandise from FBDP, the Minuteman Company and Historical Society: literature, DVDs, apparel, Bedford Flags, tree ornaments, ceramic mugs and much more. If you are unable to visit in person, you may order items through the online store on November 28 and enter the code "Holiday Sale 2015" at checkout to receive the savings.
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November 22, 2015 Replacement Depot Signal Masts
The Bedford DPW has purchased and prepared two replacement signal masts for Bedford Depot. The building's original train order signals, which date to about 1910, will be attached atop the new masts. The DPW plans to install them using a crane on December 7. One of the old masts was deemed structurally unsound. Town officials made a decision to replace both masts at the same time.
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November 8, 2015 "Boston's MTA: Through Riverside and Beyond"
New to the Freight House and our online store is this hefty hardcover book from the Boston Street Railway Association. Over 230 pages of sharp color photos, maps and narrative describe the years, 1950 to 1964, when the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) operated streetcar service in Boston and its suburban areas. Included is an interesting chapter about streetcar service to Arlington Heights. This is an excellent publication that you will refer to often.
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October 26, 2015 Election Results and Annual Report
Members at the Annual Meeting on October 24 reelected Jim Shea as president, Bill Deen as vice president, and Dave Shamlian as clerk for two-year terms.
Mr. Shamlian previously informed the directors that he would be unable to serve another term, but offered to continue as clerk for a few more months to allow time for the organization to find someone to be the clerk. He plans to resign before his two-year term is up.
A member who previously expressed interest in being elected treasurer changed their mind soon before the Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting did not elect a treasurer, so this position is currently vacant. The directors will be considering options for where we go from here.
Please click here to view a PDF of the 2015 Annual Report that was presented at the meeting.
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October 26, 2015 Freight House Hours in November
Barring inclement weather, Bedford Freight House is scheduled to be open on weekends in November between 11:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
FBDP will be joining with the Bedford Historical Society on a special holiday sale at the Freight House on Saturday, November 28, between 10:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Merchandise from both organizations will be available at significant discounts. This is a good opportunity to pick up some unique local history gifts at a discount.
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October 26, 2015 Volume 21, Issue 3
"Crime on the Local Railroad" is among the interesting articles in the current issue of Bedford Depot News that is in the mail.
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October 11, 2015 FBDP Needs a Clerk
Due to demands in his personal life, David Shamlian has decided to not seek reelection to the office of clerk at the upcoming Annual Meeting on October 24. Please consider being a candidate for this important and rewarding post! The clerk's primary duties are to remind members when to send in their annual dues and to keep the organization's membership list current. The clerk may use the Freight House office or work from home.
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October 11, 2015 A History of Lexington's Railroad Stations on October 24
Just a reminder to please join us at FBDP's Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on Saturday, October 24, at 2:00, at Lexington Depot. In additional to conducting the organization's business that includes elections of officers, Jeffrey Lucas will present an illustrated program about the history of Lexington's five railroad stations. Only the depot in Lexington Center, the location of our meeting, survives today. Guests are welcome!
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August 24, 2015 Depot Park Is Highlighted in Regional Magazine
AAA ("Triple A") published an article about Depot Park and its three nearby rail-trails in the August issue of Horizons magazine.
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July 12, 2015 Volume 21, Issue 2
The 60th birthday of ex-B&M RDC 6211, now displayed at Bedford Depot Park, is highlighted in the current newsletter issue that is in the mail. A special event is planned in the car for July 25.
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June 30, 2015 Depot Painting Project
Bedford Depot is receiving a bit of touchup painting, a final step in the comprehensive facade restoration project. The gutters, downspouts and vinyl HVAC shrouds have been painted in the classic B&M "cream and maroon" color scheme. Next, the Freight House exterior will receive a fresh coating of paint.
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June 14, 2015 20th Anniversary Event Planned for July 25
FBDP will hold a special event to mark this organization's 20th anniversary and the 60th birthday of RDC 6211. Please join us on Saturday, July 25, at 5:00 P.M. for a special evening that will include a BBQ dinner. Seating is limited and offered on a first come basis. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.
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May 3, 2015 Section House at Bedford Yard
This June 1971 photo shows a pair of Budd RDCs in Bedford Yard. It is interesting to see that the old B&M Section House (on the left side of the frame) was still standing in the early 1970s. The slide comes from a web page of transit photos, and it does not identify the photographer. Should you have any information about this photo, please e-mail us.
Click on the image to view a larger version.
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April 30, 2015 Index of Newsletter Back Issues
We are working to create a searchable database of newsletter back issues. A preliminary version may be viewed by following the link on the Newsletter web page. Back issues are available for purchase through our online store.
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April 24, 2015 Volume 21, Issue 1
The latest newsletter issue is back from the printer, and volunteers will be preparing it for mailing over the weekend. This issue includes a former B&M trainmaster's memories of the final years of the Lexington Branch, a comprehensive 1877 Massachusetts Railroad Commissioners report about the Billerica & Bedford Railroad, and a large centerspread photo of the BB Local freight train crossing Woburn Street in Lexington in 1949.
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April 12, 2015 Interim Treasurer Needed
FBDP has an immediate need for an interim treasurer until the next election in October. Duties include maintaining account balances in Quicken, making bank deposits, paying the organization's bills, and preparing occasional financial reports. These tasks may be done at the Freight House office or at a person's home. Please contact us if you or someone you know may help: e-mail us.
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April 5, 2015 A New Bikeway Season
After a very harsh winter that has not quite yet loosened its grip, plans are afoot to reopen the Freight House welcome center for a new season beginning on Patriot's Day weekend. Scheduled hours are 11:00 to 5:00 for the last two weekends of April, then 10:00 to 6:00 on weekends beginning in May. As always, we recommend that visitors phone the Freight House (781-687-6180) if they are traveling a significant distance to ensure that a shopkeeper is on duty.
The railroad car will be closed to the public on Sunday, April 19, due to a rental.
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February 11, 2015 Depot Park Is Covered by Snow
About six feet of snow have so far fallen on Depot Park this winter season. See photos in the slideshow below.
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January 31, 2015 Carl Silvestrone
We are saddened to learn of the death of Carl Silvestrone, a Bedford native and veteran DPW employee. Carl did a lot to benefit FBDP and Depot Park over 20+ years. He was a genius at making and repairing things. Long before Carl's most recent efforts to restore the old baggage cart that is now displayed in the Freight House plaza, he went on many volunteer "missions" to procure parts for RDC 6211's restoration. Carl also spent countless hours working on the Budd Car after it was brought to Bedford in 1998. He fabricated the replica "Bedford" signs that are attached to the Depot's facia, repaired the train order signals atop the station, and built the handsome structure that displays the Special Places sign that is adjacent to the building. These are only a few of Carl's many unselfish contributions that quickly come to mind.
Carl Silvestrone Carl built the "Special Places" sign display that is adjacent to Bedford Depot and the Minuteman Bikeway. Carl repaired the historic train order signals atop Bedford Depot. The four replica "Bedford" signs on the Depot were made and installed by Carl. Carl played a large role in the cosmetic restoration of ex-Boston & Maine RDC 6211 that is at Depot Park. Carl is seen attaching a restored pilot to one end of RDC 6211. Many features of Depot Park are part of Carl Silvestrone's lasting legacy.
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January 26, 2015 RDC 6211 in the Boston Sunday Globe
The cosmetically restored ex-Boston & Maine RDC 6211 at Bedford Depot Park was featured in a Boston Sunday Globe article on January 18. The article is about the MBTA's possible return to self-propelled Diesel cars in communter rail service.
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January 1, 2015 William L. Patton
William Patton was a longtime supporter of FBDP and a contributor to its newsletter. He died on December 25 at the age of 87 years. More about Bill and his memories of working as an agent at Arlington and Lexington Stations will appear in the next newsletter issue.
Boston & Maine Railroad historian William L. Patton
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December 27, 2014 Freight House to Reopen in the Spring
Although the Freight House is closed for the winter, you may obtain many of the items there through our online store.
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December 27, 2014 Robert M. Howe
Word reached us today that member and former Lexington Branch conductor Robert Howe died yesterday. Bob began his long Boston & Maine Railroad career in 1946. FBDP recorded his oral history in 2005, which you may view here.
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December 24, 2014 Online Store Improvement
We have connected FBDP's online store with the United States Postal Service so that the most accurate postage is applied to orders based on the recipient's mailing address. Shipping costs are dynamically updated based on the recipient's ZIP Code, the type of service selected (First Class Mail, Priority Mail, Priority Express or Media Mail), and the current USPS rates.
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December 22, 2014 Volume 20, Issue 4
The latest newsletter issue was dispatched in the mail today. Featured in this issue is a report about efforts in 1925 to save the late-night Theatre Train on the Lexington Branch.
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November 15, 2014 Depot Project Is Nearing Completion
The project to restore the facade of Bedford Depot and improve handicap accessibility to the first floor is in its final stages. New window units and doors were installed, a platform and ramp were built, and the exterior was painted. In addition, the Town installed new cooling and heating systems so that window air conditioners would not be necessary. A new handicap-accessible restroom is now under construction on the first floor. The Facilities Department will soon create "punch list" for the contractor to identify any remaining tasks and clean-up. The DPW will paint and install new train order signal masts to replace the original masts that were determined to be structurally unsound.
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