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Trains
Posted By: William Brainard <wbrainard@juno.com>
Date: Monday, 20 January 2003, at 9:09 p.m.
The last time I saw my dad alive was the night he returned to Delray Beach Fla. on the Montrealler which left Bridge St. at 3:am. Was anyone there the night in 1991 when they had the first train pick up passengers in Willimantic? That was the last public appearance, btw, of Robert "Skip" Walsh, former legislator and Big Bro. director. He was killed in December of that year turning in off Rt. 6 at Bunker Hill Road in Andover. Skip won the house seat from my dad in 1974 but they continued to be friendly rivals. My dad, Jess Brainard, served in the 53rd House District, 1973-75 and in his retirement was a noted lecturer on early Connecticut glass. Did anyone ever attend one of my father's glass lectures?
Posted By: rd <lancva@crosslink.net>
Date: Tuesday, 21 January 2003, at 11:22 a.m.
In Response To: Trains (William Brainard)
Regarding trains, I have two postcards of trains at the Willi RR depot. The RR terminal was quite a large building. I can remember one time being there when HUGE steam locomotive came barreling thru and stopped to pick up passengers. Those steam engines were great and massive structures of steel, huge wheels, etc.
Posted By: nhk
Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2003, at 10:20 a.m.
In Response To: Re: Trains (rd)
Visit the Train Museum off Bridge Street - The roundhouse is facinating.
Posted By: Lenny <harvey2000@cfl.rr.com>
Date: Saturday, 25 January 2003, at 7:37 p.m.
In Response To: Trains (William Brainard)
Actually I was there that night, wasn't planned that way. I have lived in florida since 1985, and I happened to be making a rare visit back to my family and my dad who is huge train buff wanted to see the train come in, so we did. Not sure why he never worked for the railroad. He spent 10 years as a willi cop, then the rest of his working life as a firemen in willi. retired a Captain from Willi FD. Trains were a huge part of willi for many years, its a shame that the Montrealler did not last. But it makes sense.
Posted By: Gregory Crane <mcraneg@earthlink.net>
Date: Sunday, 26 January 2003, at 11:19 a.m.
In Response To: Re: Trains (Lenny)
Willimantic was an early rail hub for the Northeast. Some of my family were engaged in the construction of those RR's back in the 1840's. My line of the family stayed in the RR locating and construction business until the 1920's, but I believe started in Willi. I look forward to a much delayed visit soon. Look forward to rail museum.