Steam Trains of Yesteryear: The Monadnock, Steamtown & Northern Story

Presented by Rick Kfoury

Amongst the many chapters of American railroad preservation during the whirlwind 1960s comes the wild story of a plucky operation and the legacies it created. It's the story of a man: F. Nelson Blount, whose wild dreams inspired and bewildered. It's a story of characters: railroad men, photographers, preachers, politicians, and enthusiasts. It's the story of places: small rural villages, tranquil lakes, and rugged mountains. It's a story of twists, dreams, tragedy, disappointment, and success. And it's a story of machines: the steam trains of yesteryear, a dying breed brought back to life.

From the author of Steam Trains of Yesteryear: The Monadnock, Steamtown & Northern Story comes a multimedia presentation bringing this amazing tale to life. This presentation will navigate F. Nelson Blount's exploits from 1960 to 1967, namely his Monadnock, Steamtown & Northern Railroad, and its early operations on the Claremont & Concord Railway, the Boston & Maine Railroad’s Cheshire Branch, and the former Rutland Railroad in Vermont. Also to be discussed are the subsequent political negotiations involving the search for a permanent home for Blount’s planned museum, “Steamtown USA”, and the start of his freight-hauling shortline, the Green Mountain Railroad. Tying it all together are the first steps down a long road leading to today's Steamtown National Historic Site. Illustrating the story will be rare photographs, 8mm film, primary documents, and testimony from those who made history.

The membership portion of the meeting begins on Zoom at 7:00 PM. Click here to register in advance for this webinar. Attendees will need to register in advance for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The presentation will continue on Zoom and be simulcast on our Facebook page after. All are welcome to attend!