July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter.

Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weekend openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. Please e-mail the organization should you be able to assist by covering a few hours on a weekend. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House in advance at 781-687-6180 to verify that it is staffed.

Bedford Freight House

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears onthis web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail FBDPfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter. Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weeken openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House at 781-687-6180 to ensure it is staffed.

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears onthis web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter.

Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weekend openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. Please contact FBDP should be care to assist. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House at 781-687-6180 to ensure it is staffed.

Bedford Freight House

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears onthis web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter. Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weeken openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House at 781-687-6180 to ensure it is staffed.

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears onthis web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter.

Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weekend openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. Please contact FBDP should be care to assist. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House at 781-687-6180 to ensure it is staffed.

Bedford Freight House

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears onthis web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter. Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weeken openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House at 781-687-6180 to ensure it is staffed.

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears onthis web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter.

Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weekend openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. Please contact FBDP should be care to assist. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House at 781-687-6180 to ensure it is staffed.

Bedford Freight House

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears onthis web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile,here are a few excerptsthat are also postedon YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

July 14, 2022  Freight House Partial Reopening

We thank Cynthia Mork for her days of cleaning and organizaing the Freight House to prepare it for a partial reopening to the general public. The Facilities Department provided an air purifier, and a Plexiglass barrier was obtained for the front counter. Cynthia Mork and Henry Carpenter plan to open the Freight House for visitors on Saturday afternoons between 2:00 and 6:00. Any additional weeken openings will depend on the availability of other shopkeepers. As always, if traveling a significant distance to visit, it is advisable to phone the Freight House at 781-687-6180 to ensure it is staffed.

June 17, 2022  Volume 28, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. It includes articles about Lexington Branch crossing tenders and North Cambridge Station. An online supplement to this issue appears on this web page.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is making about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211, and Jim Shea. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

Dan O'Brien and Richard Luckin in RDC 6211

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile, here are a few excerpts that are also posted on YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthroughof the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are onthis web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online.Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975.Edward F. Schulerreflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer.Please e-mail usfor more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF fromthis link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information onthis web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please markSaturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M.on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer.The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of atreasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Pleasee-mail usfor more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read anarticle about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail(four miles, Bedford to Concord) in theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis.Please e-mail usfor more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrotea nice article about Depot Parkin theTewksbury Town Criernewspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of theRails-to-Trails magazineincludes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have postednice winter photosof RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image toFBDP’s web siteevery 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death ofWalter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through theonline store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contactvice president Bill Deenfor more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrotethis Annual Reportfor the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is postedat this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed byclicking onthis link.

June 8, 2022  RDC 6211 Smiles for the Camera

Producer Richard Luckin visited Depot Park on June 7 to conduct interviews and shoot video for a documentary he is producing about the history of the Budd Rail Diesel Car. He interviewed Dan O’Brien, who managed the project to cosmetically restore RDC 6211. The documentary is epxpected to be completed in September. More information will appear in the newsletter.

May 14, 2022  20th Anniversary of Depot Park Construction

Site work at Bedford Depot Park began in the fall of 2022 and continued into the next year. The Friends organization recorded several hours of this activity on videotape and is now working to edit highlights for a future online video. Meanwhile, here are a few excerpts that are also posted on YouTube.

March 30, 2022  Newsletter Volume 28, Issue 1

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer and is now being prepared for bulk mailing. This issue covers West Somerville Station on the Lexington Branch and more interesting information about section houses on the Branch.

March 30, 2022  Reformatory Branch Trail Update

Bedford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28 authorized a $1.5 million expenditure to acquire easements along the Reformatory Branch right-of-way for a proposed project to pave the trail, but the article to authorize taking of the properties failed.

March 30, 2022  Freight House Public Restrooms

An anonymous donor is making possible the opening of the Freight House public restrooms on weekdays in April, a time of the year when they ordinarilly would be open only on weekends.

January 28, 2022  Freight House Archives

This is a brief iPhone video walkthrough of the growing historical archives at the Freight House. This is where the histories of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad and the Boston and Maine’s Lexington and Reformatory Branches are preserved. Support from the organization’s membership and other donors make this achievement possible.

December 20, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer and ought to be mailed this month. This issue includes an article about section houses (maintenance-of-way buildings) on the Lexington and Reformatory Branches. Links to B&M track maps of these locations in Arlington, Lexington, Bedford, Concord and Billerica are on this web page. These maps are at a resolution of 300 dpi, so it it possible to zoom in on the images to view details.

November 2, 2021  New Oral History Videos

Audio recordings of two oral histories have been set to photos and may be viewed online. Alan E. MacMillan, Jr., recalled his days as a student engineer on the Lexington Branch in June 1975. Edward F. Schuler reflected on his years as a conductor on Lexington Branch passenger trains.

November 2, 2021  2021 Annual Meeting Election Results

The incumbant officers were re-elected to two-year terms by unanimous vote at the Annual Meeting that was held online via Zoom on October 30. A vacancy remains for the position of treasurer. Please e-mail us for more information.

October 29, 2021  2021 Annual Report

The organization's Annual Report that will be presented at the Annual Meeting on October 30 may be downloaded as a PDF from this link.

October 8, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please note that in addition to the option of remote participation (see below and the information on this web page), members may participate in person at the Annual Meeting by appearing at Bedford Freight House, 120 South Road, Bedford, Massachusetts, at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Masks must be worn indoors per a Town of Bedford regulation.

October 1, 2021  Annual Meeting and Officer Elections on October 30

Please mark Saturday, October 30, at 1:00 P.M. on your calendar for the organization’s Annual Meeting and Officer Elections. The meeting will again be held remotely via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. Anyone may tune in live using a smartphone, tablet or computer. The Zoom meeting I.D. and password are posted on this web page.

The organization is in particular need of a treasurer. This position must be filled before it becomes practical to reopen the Freight House welcome center. No special financial skills are necessary. Can you balance your home checkbook? Then you are likely able to handle FBDP’s finances. Please e-mail us for more information.

September 20, 2021  More Photo Albums Are Created

Hundreds more of FBDP’s photographs have been organized into three-ring binders for the Freight House archives. The latest albums contain photos taken of the exterior renovation of Bedford Passenger Station, the comprehensive Freight House renovation project, the Billerica & Bedford Railroad 125th anniversary event, and the restoration of Rail Diesel Car 6211. As time marches on, these images of our historic preservation efforts become historic themselves.

New photo albums in the Freight House archives

July 2, 2021  Newsletter Volume 27, Issue 2

The latest newsletter issue has been received from the printer, and vice president Bill Deen plans to have it ready for the mail on July 6. Included in this issue is an interesting B&M memo from 1957 about plans to lease land at Bedford to a major new freight customer.

June 29, 2021  Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Read an article about the Reformatory Branch Rail-Trail (four miles, Bedford to Concord) in the Tewksbury Town Crier newspaper.

June 5, 2021  Freight House Welcome Center

The Freight House welcome center, which includes the Budd Rail Diesel Car museum, remains closed due to the pandemic as of this date. The organization's directors periodically review current health protocols to assess and plan for a future reopening of the building and railroad car to the general public. Volunteer shopkeepers will be needed on weekends when that time comes. Also, the organization needs the help of someone to serve as treasurer on either a temporary or sustaining basis. Please e-mail us for more information.

March 30, 2021  Depot Park Featured in Tewksbury Newspaper

Reporter Heather Burns wrote a nice article about Depot Park in the Tewksbury Town Crier newspaper.

February 26, 2021  RDC 6211 Featured in National Magazine

The winter 2021 issue of the Rails-to-Trails magazine includes a mention of Depot Park and the restored Budd Rail Diesel Car that is displayed there.

February 4, 2021  Wintertime Photos of RDC 6211

Multiple Facebook groups have posted nice winter photos of RDC 6211 and the Freight House. The compliments from viewers are also nice to see.

February 4, 2021  RDC 6211 Web Camera

A web camera inside Rail Diesel Car 6211 has been upgraded to HD resolution. It uploads a new JPEG image to FBDP’s web site every 15 seconds. Continuous video is recorded on a Freight House computer.

January 11, 2021  Walter Weinfurt

The organization’s officers and directors are saddened by the recent and sudden death of Walter Weinfurt, the orgainzation’s treasurer. We extend condolences to Walter’s family, and we appreciate their suggestion that donations be made to the Friends of Bedford Depot Park in his memory. A few contributions have already been received through the online store.

FBDP shall appreciate hearing from anyone who could assist the organization as treasurer on either an interim or longer basis. Please contact vice president Bill Deen for more information.

December 29, 2020  DPAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020

Chairman Joseph Piantedosi wrote this Annual Report for the Depot Park Advisory Committee. It covers the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

December 18, 2020  Newsletter Volume 26, Issue 4

The latest newsletter issue is at the printer. This edition includes an interesting article about the 1927 rerouting of the Lexington Branch in West Cambridge and the removal of the second track that extsisted as far as Lexington Center.

October 21, 2020  Audio of the 2020 Annual Meeting

The organization’s Annual Meeting was held online via Zoom this year due to the pandemic. We thank director Joseph Impellizeri for hosting the session using his Zoom account. An audio recording of the meeting is posted at this link.

October 15, 2020  2020 Annual Report

A PDF of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 18, at 1:30 P.M. via Zoom, may be viewed by clicking on this link.