High Green Episode 13: The Suncook Valley Railroad with Skip Clark (March 17, 1974)
SV 1 at Suncook Station, Pembroke, NH - August 26, 1946 - SV 3 (Combine) is on the rear of the train. Albert G. Hale Photo - Walker Transportation Collection - Beverly Historical Society Collection
SV 3 (Combine) at Suncook Station, Pembroke, NH - June 26, 1947 - The Chichester Station Agent is standing in the doorway. Albert G. Hale Photo - Walker Transportation Collection - Beverly Historical Society Collection
The ever-popular Suncook Valley Railroad was perhaps New Hampshire’s quintessential steam-era shortline railroad. Constructed between 1869 and 1889 (and operated by the Boston & Maine from 1895 to 1924) the Suncook Valley Railroad again became an independent entity in 1924. From then until its abandonment in 1952, the route of the “Blueberry Express” became famous for bucolic scenery, mixed freight and passenger trains, and its dawdling trek into the deepest reaches of rural New Hampshire.
For a time the Suncook Valley Railroad had its own historical society, and in today’s episode, we listen to its March 17, 1974 meeting. Well-known railroad enthusiast Norton D. “Skip” Clark (Sept. 23, 1932 – Mar. 15, 1992) describes his memories of the charming yankee shortline.
We would like to dedicate this episode to the late Brent S. Michiels (April 26, 1948 – March 7, 2021) of Suncook who tape-recorded this 1974 meeting for us to enjoy forever.
