Celebrate Laconia
The Laconia, NH Historical Society along with “Celebrate Laconia”, held a 125th anniversary celebration of the historic Bradford Gilbert designed Railroad Station on August 19, 2017. Bradford Gilbert was a well-known New York Architect who designed the railroad station in 1892.
The Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society was asked to help with this celebration, which we were pleased to do. A day long celebration of the railroad station took place at the station in Laconia. Activities included train rides, food, music, model train layout, Operation Lifesaver, and several vendors. The society had some railroad artifacts on display inside the station along with society merchandise. Founding father Carl Byron spoke along with local dignitaries on the importance of the railroad to Laconia. We even demonstrated the lost art of “hooping” train orders at the end of the day. Member Mike Gooden was our conductor hooping orders to engineer George Kenson, also a member.
There was also a 3 month exhibit on the railroad and the Laconia Car Company in the Laconia Library. The Laconia Car Company manufactured trolleys and railroad cars. The B&MRRHS loaned railroad items for this exhibit. This was a successful event for our society. We were pleased to be a part of this celebration.
Submitted by: Jim Nigzus
