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TO THE PEOPLE OF
IETTLLIEEIC_A_ _A_INTID TETEDIE'OTERID
ON BEHALE OF THE
BILLERICA AND BEDFORD RAILROAD.
The President and Directors of the Association formed for the
purpose of locating, constructing, and operating a two foot narrow
gauge railroad from the North Billerica station, on the Boston,
Lowell, and Nashua Railroad, to the Bedford station of the Middlesex
Central Railroad, in the town of Bedford, would present the follow-
ing report, with an appeal to the inhabitants of the two towns to aid
the enterprise by subscriptions to the capital stock of the proposed
narrow guage railroad, that the same may be completed with as little
delay as possible, in compliance with the provisions of the legislative
act. - - -
In the year 1875, several meetings were holden in the town of
Billerica for the purpose of securing action to obtain a charter for a
Two Foot NARRow gauge Railhoun.
and application was made to the legislature for a special act, which
was not obtained without considerable opposition from interested
parties. On the sixth of April, 1876, the Governor of the State
signed a bill, which had passed both houses, empowering the Associa-
tion to construct a two foot narrow gauge railroad, from North
Billerica to Bedford. - - -
A meeting of those interested was called, at the Town Hall,
Billerica, on Wednesday evening, May 10th, 1876, at which meeting
Captain Charles A. Ranlett, of South Billerica, was chosen President
and A. D. Stanton, of Billerica, Secretary, with twenty-five Associates.
- -
- _





2
in accordance with the legislative enactment. Three of the directors
selected belonging to Bedford.
At a subsequent meeting of the Association, holden at the same
place, Mr. George E. Mansfield, of Boston, was appointed General
Manager for the construction of the road, and at once entered upon
his duties. A corps of competent engineers, under the immediate
direction of Messrs. Wheeler, Blaisdell, and Bouvè were engaged,
and after a careful survey of the lines suggested, furnished
estimates of the cost of building and equiping the proposed road,
and on presentation of their report, the “EASTERN LINE” was
unanimously adopted by the Association.
On the sixth of September, the ceremony of
BREAKING GROUND
for the first two foot narrow gauge railway in this country, and in
the Centennial year, took place at South Billerica, some five hundred
people being present, and manifesting their enthusiasm in favor of
the enterprise. Addresses were made on the occasion by Governor
Thomas Talbot (who is the friend of every good work), W. W.
Warren, Esq., Hon. George P. Elliot, Captain Charles A. Ranlett,
of Billerica, Edward Crane, Esq., Otis Clapp, Esq., of Boston, Rev.
Mr. Porter, of Lexington, and other gentlemen, all of whom spoke
warmly in favor of the undertaking and advised its immediate
prosecution. Among the prominent men present, interested in
railway enterprises, were Henry L. Leach, Esq., General Manager of
the Hinkley Locomotive works, Wm. A. Hayes, Esq., late Treasurer
of the Atlantic and Pacific R. R., F. P. Moseley, Esq., Thomas
Kirwan, of the Boston Herald, G. A. Marden, of the Lowell Journal,
At a Meeting of the Directors, a committee was appointed, con-
sisting of Mr. F. E. Manley, George E. Mansfield, and W. R. Hayden,
M.D. to solicit subscriptions to the capital stock of the road. Owing
to the novelty of the gauge (two foot), and the want of correct
information on the subject, many persons were fearful that so narrow
a gauge might not be feasible and work successfully, hence they
were slow to give it their support and to subscribe to the stock. In
the mean time, the season was passing when a portion of the line
could be constructed, without considerable increased cost. In order





3
to secure the favorable advantages of the season, Captain Charles A.
Ranlett, and Mr. Charles Henry Hill, of South Billerica, with great
liberality, came forward, assuming the responsibility, furnishing
jointly the means, and constructed three-quarters of a mile of the
most difficult and costly part of the road, which work was done by
the day, and considerably under the engineers' estimates.
On the evening of October 25th, a mass meeting of the people of
Billerica was holden in the Town Hall, a large number of ladies being
present. Captain Charles A. Ranlett was chosen Chairman. Great
interest was manifested in the enterprise. Governor Talbot was
present and addressed the meeting, urging upon it the necessity of
immediate action, and cautioning those interested not to let the
present favorable moment pass for aiding and building the road.
He also stated that he had consulted the Honorable Onslow Stearns.
President of the Old Colony Railroad, in regard to the feasibility of
a two foot narrow gauge railroad, and that that gentleman had fully
endorsed the proposed two foot road, saying that it was perfectly
feasible, and competent to do all the business of the line, and that
where a departure was made from the standard four foot eight and a
half inches, the
TWO FOOT GAUGE
was the most desirable of any other gauge, as a feeder to the standard
gauge, and that such roads were very desirable. W. W. Warren,
Esq. was also present, and spoke very warmly and eloquently in
favor of the road, urging the people not to let the present oppor-
tunity pass of securing the construction of the road while they had
the ability. At the close of his remarks he set the commendable
example of subscribing liberally to the stock of the Road; and was
followed by L. W. Faulkner, Esq., several prominent and enterprising
men of Billerica promising to do likewise.
The length of the proposed road is eight and a half miles. The
Engineers' estimate for building and equiping the same, exclusive of
land damages, is FIFTY THous AND Six HUNDRED AND FIFTY-
THREE DOLLARs. -
Responsible contractors are ready to build the road, for a consider-
able sum below the Engineers' estimates, and have the road bed
- - - - -
4.
ready for the rolling stock, in sixty days from the signing of the
Contract.
The present time is most propitious for the construction of the
road, at a small cost, all the materials necessary for the same, being
unusually low in the market. The road is a
GREAT PUBLIC NECESSITY,
which can only be dispensed with at a serious cost to the convenience
and prosperity of the towns which it is proposed to connect, and
whose interests will be largely concerved by its construction. The
enhanced value of the real estate along the line, and in the two
towns through which it would pass, would amount to more than
the cost of two such roads, in a twelve month.
The town of Bedford in 1872, donated to the Middlesex Central
Rail Road, by an almost unanimous vote, TWENTY THOUSAND
DoDEARs and although but three years have passed, since the com-
pletion of the road, the town has been amply repaid, in the increase
of its real estate, to say nothing of its other advantages. A vote of
the people of Bedford could not be obtained, for the removal of the
rails, were a
Hundred thousand Dollars
offered, for the privilege of so doing.
In 1872 the average number of passengers daily conveyed between
Bedford and Lexington in the stage coach, was six. In 1873 the
cars carried between Bedford and Lexington an average of seventy-
four persons, conclusively showing that a railroad makes its own
business. -
Billerica is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in the
Commonwealth, numbering among its inhabitants some of the oldest
and wealthiest families in the State. It has an area of sixteen
thousand acres of superior land, finely located, through which flows
the historic waters of Concord River. Its last valuation was ONE
M.ILL.ION, EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, more than three
times that of Bedford. One per cent. On her valuation would be
Eighteen Thousand Dollars, a sum sufficient to ensure the immediate
construction of the Varrow Gauge Railroad, and the town would be


5
made richer, instead of poorer, by the appropriation; it would hold
the stock, and CONTROL THE ROAD.
The centre and southern part of Billerica is without railway
facilities, hence its industries languish, enterprise is checked and the
young men of the town, for the want of facilities and employment,
desert the hearthstone of their fathers and seek for more encouraging
fields of labor and action. In the track of the locomotive follows
intelligence, enterprise, and enlarged advantages of culture and inter-
course. In small towns isolated from the great intellectual centres
of the country, mind stagnates, dwarfs, and becomes narrow in its
conceptions, and illiberal in its action. With railway facilities we
can avail ourselves of the advantages presented by the institutions
of learning, science, and art. We can visit the metropolis of the
state, and listen to the great and brilliant orators of the pulpit and
the forum ; and have our minds enlarged and instructed, far beyond
the means usually afforded, in small towns. The railroad will bring
with its construction numerous blessings not now enjoyed. The
lecturer and the music master, will come with the train and it will
give our people the facilities of going and coming economically,
quickly and pleasantly, day and night, sheltered from the storms
which are encountered on the carriage roads. -
When the railroad is built, the children of North and South Bille-
rica will have the great advantage of attending the Howe school,
which privilege is no small consideration to both children and
parents. It will also enable the people to pass from one part of the
town to another quickly, and whatever promotes the welfare of one
section of a town, must, directly or indirectly, benefit the whole by
equalizing the burden of taxation. Persons at North Billerica de-
siring to visit the centre, to vote or for other business, can save both
time and money by employing the railroad. -
MAIL FAC |LITIES
will be increased and improved, The coal fields of Pennsylvania
will be brought nearer to our doors, and their products afforded at a
less cost. The opening of the narrow gauge railroad will give us
almost hourly trains to Lowell, and will also furnish the people of
Lexington, Concord, Lincoln, Bedford, and Burlington, a direct
route to Lowell, Lawrence, the upper and lower railroads, without



the expense and loss of time, of first going to Boston. With the
completion of the proposed railroad will come a thousand advantages,
too numerous to mention. -
The Billerica and Bedford Railroad will pass near the shores of
SYLVAN LAKE, -
(Nutting's Pond), one of the most romantic and beautiful sheets
of water in the state, affording the people of the town a delightful
resort in the summer season.
The probability that East Cambridge will be annexed, at an early º
day, to Boston, suggests the selection of a half shire town, for Mid-
dlesex county, and no place is so conveniently located as Bedford,
had she the required railway connections.
According to the provisions of the will of the late Dr. Howe, the
children of the adjoining towns, have the privilege of attending the
Howe school, so long as there are any seats not filled by Billerica.
FACTS IN REGARD TO NARROW GAUGE RAILROADS.
The little Festiniog Narrow Gauge Railroad (twenty-three and
a half inches) of North Wales, is the most successful railroad, finań-
cially, in the world, having transported over its fourteen miles of
road, in 1870, ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY THOUSAND PASSEN-
GERs, and five hundred thousand tons of heavy freight, without
accident. The cost of this road, per mile was forty-seven thousand
five hundred and sixty-six dollars, a sum nearly sufficient to build
and equip our whole line. A speed of forty-two miles an hour has
been attained on the Festiniog Railroad. Mr. A. A. Firth, the late
Superintendent of the Boston & Albany Railroad, states that he rode
at the rate of thirty-five miles an hour on the above road, and that
the oscillation of the train was less than on the standard gauge.
An important advantage of the Narrow Gauge Railroad is, that
the trains can be started and stopped much quicker, than on the
broad gauge, the weight being less. The following propositions will
be accepted by railroad men generally: -
The engines of the narrow gauge railroad will rapidly ascend
grades unattainable by standard gauge locomotives. They can be





7.
run for less than one-half the cost. They can make sharper curves
in safety.
They do not cost one-half as much to construct.
They are safer in every respect.
The cars are equally comfortable and more exclusive.
They afford the individual passenger more room.
They are equal to all the requirements of a short line.
The two foot narrow gauge railroad is endorsed by all railway
experts.
The Narrow Gauge Railroad on the Centennial Grounds, Phila-
delphia, is three miles long, and has four tracks, over which as many
trains are constantly running, with from four to five hundred passen-
gers each. During the past six months it has transported several
millions of people, with injury to but one person, and that one not
fatally. The curves are very sharp, and the grade
TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE FEET
to the mile, a grade which no engine, on a standard gauge can
overcome, as they are now constructed. The Boston, Revere Beach
and Lynn Railroad is one of the most successful in this country, and
during its short existence it has conveyed over its road a vast
number of people with great Safety. The cost of this road was -
heavy, owing to land damages, tunnels, bridges, and two steam
ferry-boats; yet it has paid some months as high as Five PER CENT.
on the cost of the road.
THE RIGHT OF WAY
for the Billerica and Bedford Railroad, eight and a half miles, has
been freely given by the owners, with the exception of about half
a mile, a fact probably without a precedent in the history of railroads.
The cost of the Middlesex Central Railroad, eight miles long
from Lexington to Concord, was three hundred and twenty thousand
dollars, of which forty thousand was for land damages.
The foregoing statements and facts have been given for the
information of those interested in the enterprise, and they are con-
sidered by the Directors conclusive evidence of the feasibility.
safety, economy, and desirability of Narrow Gauge Railroads; and
*






$ 16.
º
they would appeal to the inhabitants of Billerica and Bedford, to aid
the enterprise by subscriptions to the stock, while they have the
opportunity and before it is too late ; for unless the terms of the
legislative act are complied with before the first of January, 1877,
the right to construct the road will be annuled, and it is extremely
doubtful if a like act, so liberal in all its provisions, can be secured
from another legislature. Titº º Cºle ºf £4 c
– At the present time there are some º
TWENTY THOUSAND DULLARS SUBSCRIBED,
by parties in Billerica and Bedford, leaving a balance to raise of
thirty thousand dollars. Shall the want of such a small sum defeat
so important a work 2 -
The question has been asked, Are persons who subscribed for stock
liable to assessment beyond the amount subscribed for 7 Certainly
not. Assessments on the amount subscribed will be called for as the
work progresses, in installments of ten per cent. on the cost of each
share, until the whole amount is paid up. No money will be collected
or expended until the entire capital stock is subscribed for, the con-
struction of the road assured, and the Treasurer's sworn certificate
filed with the Secretary of State.
If the balance of the stock is subscribed for within the present
month, the road will be constructed and the regular trains running
on the same, on or before the first day of June, 1877. The Directors
desire to say, that while they would not overestimate the advantage
of the road, or hold out any false inducements to obtain subscrip-
tions, they believe the stock will be a good investment, a great public
convenience, and do more to advance the prosperity of Billerica and
Bedford, than any other act in their history.















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Cº. º.
FIRST IN AMERICA. -
In 1826 a Charter was granted to the Motºw, sº Hudson R. R. Co. for a Railroad
to run from Albany to Schenectady, N. Y., 16 miles. In 1830 work was commenced on
the Road, which went through the populous towns along the open streets, without restric-
tion or fear of the consequences, and travelled across fields, up hill and down. The land
was either given to the Railway Company, or sold for a trifling consideration, and it was
finished in 1831. Both Locomotive Engines and Horses were used on the road, and the
tickets were sold at stores or shops, or by the conductor, and the trains proceeded at a very
slow rate. Stationary Engines were at the top of the hills, and the train was hauled up
hill or let down hill by a strong rope. The brakemen used hand-levers to stop or check
the train. . -
The first Steam Passenger Excursion Train in America was run on this Road in 1831.
The Engine was named tº John Bull;” it was imported from England; its weight was four
tons. The Engineer was John Hampson, an Englishman. There were fifteen passengers
on the Train of two coaches, among whom were the following (commencing at the rear of
the train): –
-
1. UNKNOWN. - 9, UNKNowN.
2, LEWIS BENEDICT. 10. UNKNOWN.
3. JAMEs Aſſºxaspºr, Pres. Comº Bank, 11. THURLow WEED. - -
4. CHAs. E. Dupºx, Dudley Observatory. 12. Josiah SNow, Ed Southbridge Register.
5. Jacob HAxiºs, High Constable of W. York, 13. Ex-Gov. Jos. C. YATEs.
6. MAJoR MEggs, Sheriff. 14, UNKNowN. -
7, UNKNowN, Brakeman. - 15. BILLY MARSHALL, Jonductor.
8, BILLY WINNE, Penny Postmºn. 16. John HAMPSON, Jºgineer.






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- FIRST IN THE WORLD.
Tºms SMALLEst PICTURE represents the First successful Steam Locomotive in the
world, invented by George Stephenson, and now on exhibition in a public square at Dar-
lington, England. * * - - -
The First Railroad in the World was completed from Stockton to Darlington, in Eng-
land, on Sept. 27th, 1825, which is the birthday of Railroads. The road had been intended
only for horse draught, but Geo. Stephenson had for years been at work building a Steam
Locomotive, on account of which the people called him the craziest man in all England ; but
he persisted in trying his Locomotive on the new railroad, and finally the directors yielded
to his persistency. A great concourse of people assembled on the occasion of its trial, and
ridiculed the new-fangled enterprise, and were ready to make sport of his supposed failure.
A long procession of vehicles was formed of six wagons loaded with coal and flour, a cov-
ered coach containing the directors and their friends, twenty-one coal wagons filled with
passengers, and six more wagons loaded with coal. Many people were present on horseback
and on foot; then Locomotive Engine No. 1, driven by Geo. Stephenson, the inventor and
builder, headed the procession. The signal being given, the Engine started off with this
immense train of carriages. A man on horseback rode before the Locomotive, and heralded
the coming of the train; but before long he was compelled to clear the track, as he and all
those on horseback and on foot, who attempted a race with the train, were distanced by the
Locomotive, and the first steam train in the world finished its journey at the rate of about
fiftees miles an hour. The arrival at Stockton excited very deep interest and admiration,
and Mr. Stephenson was no longer the craziest, but one of the smartest men in all England
and all the world. - - -



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Rºº.
Ceremonies on Breaking Ground for
the Twenty-four-Inch Railway. 22222222*2.2%
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One of the events which will, perhaps,
mark an epoch in the history of railways, oc-
curred at South Billerica, yesterday, in the
presence of a large concourse of people, prin
cipally from Billerica and Bedford, but also
from Boston, Lowell and elsewhere. The oc-
casion was the ceremony of breaking ground
for the new 24-inch railway between Bedford
and North Billerica, projected by Mr. George
- E. Mansfield, and intended as the first of a sys
- tem of feeders for standard gauge roads
throughout the country, the uesign being that
these small railways, which can be built very
much cheaper than even the three-foot nar
row gauges, shall penetrate into towns near
to and remote from railways, and bring them
cheaply into communication with the mar-
kets of the World. -
The day was fine. The party from Bos-
ton were entertained by Dr. W. R.
Hayden, at his hotel at Bedford Springs.
The ceremonies of breaking ground took place
on the lands of Mr. Charles Henry Hill, whose
ancestor, Ralph Hill, was one of the first
settlers of Billerica, and built his house
and cleared the first land in the
section near the scene of the cere-
mony, yesterday, in 1656. The land has,
since that time, been in possession of his de-
scendants. The introductory ceremonies were
conducted by Captain Charles Ram ett, presi-
dent of the new railway company, who called
upon Rev. Mr. Hussey of Billerica to open -
with prayer. The following gentlemenºere
then called upon and made good speeches -
favoring the project: Ex-Governor Talbot,
W. W. Warren, Esq., F. E. Manley, Esq., and
Dr. George E. Monroe of Billerica; Drs. T. E.
Hosmer and W. R. Hayden of Bedford; Ed-
ward Crane and Otis Clapp, Esqs., of Boston;
Rev. E. S. Porter of Lexington and Hon.
George P. Elliot of Billerica. At the case of
the speaking the venerable Brewer Hill, a
direct descendant of Ralph and father of Mr.
C. H. Hill, aged 93 years, dressed in the eos-
tume of the past, with knee breeches, silk
stockings, &c., advanced, accompanied by his
grandchildren, Margaret, aged 9 years, and
Foster, aged 7 years, and, with a pick, broke
ground and loosened the first sod, so
that his granddaughter, with a little
spade, was enabled to raise it into a
little wheelbarrow handled by her brother
Foster. Two pºough teams then started from
the spot in opposite directions for the distance
of a few rods and returned, ploughing up the
sod and enabling those present, who wished,
to throw a spadeful of earth on to the road-
bed. This was availed of quite largely, es-
pecially by the ladies, who are generally very --
enthusiastic in favor of the new project.
When the teams were started the concourse
joined in singing “America.” Crowded col-
umns prevent even a comment on the speeches
made, save that they were all good and heart-
ly delivered. The ceremonies, as a whole,
were well and happily conducted, and made a
good impression on all who were present. A
good class of men are interesting themselves
in this new enterprise, which will, no doubt,
be a grand success. -





























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BILLERICA.
Breaking Ground for the Narrow-
Gauge Railroad-Wednesday afternºon
saw the first “overt aet” toward the building
of the narrow gauge railroad between Biller-
ea and Bedford. Our readers have been
kept well informed as to the inception and
progress of the enterprise, and its character:
We will not therefore repeat a description of
the proposed road or the route over which it
will ruń. The spot chosen for breaking the
sod was on the premises of Mr. C. H. Hill,
a short distance from the county road leading
from Billerica to Bedford. This spot was
the location of the earliest settlement, in the
town of Billerica, and the route of the road
here runs through what was probably the
first cornfield ever planted in the town over
two hundred years ago. The proposed route
was indicated by posts adorned with flags
and streamers, and on a knoll near by was
pitched a tent for headquarters. There was
also a stack of spades, and two pairs of
horses hitched to ploughs stood ready to
open the first ſurrow at the appointed signal.
A standard close by bore on one side the
legend, “Washington 1776, Concord, Lexing-
on, Bünker Liberty 1775.” and on the oth:
er, “Stephenson, 1829, Billerica and Bedford.
railroad 1876–Enterprise.” Between the
two were the names of Billerica’s first revo-
utionary martyrs–Pollard and Ditson.
The time assigned for the opening was 2.30
p. m. A hour earlier than this men and
women, boys, girls and babies, on foot and
in carriages began to assemble in the vicini-
ty, and by the time appointed nearly 500 peo-
pie had gathered to witness the ceremonies.
Capt. Charles A. Ramlet, president of the
company, called those present to order,
and prayer was offered by the Rev. C. C.
Hussey. Captain Ramlet then very briefly
reviewed the history of the enterprise-its-
conception by the Farmers's Club, the town
meeting held to consider it, and the steps
taken to push it forward. It was soon found.
he said, that a narrow-gauge road was all
that was wanted, and that it might be even
narrower than any before built. The gener-
a law provided for only the common narrow
auge. But an act was procured from the
egislature allowing the construction of
Foºds of 2-feet guage. The route was surº
veyed by Mr. Mansfield, a competent and en-
ergetic engineer, and one was selected which
seemed to please the people. The enterprise
had progressed, until now ground was about
to be broken, and the road was about to be
built. It would be a benefit to the town,
and he believed it would commend itself to
the public. The spot for the opening had
/
-
-
-
been selected for its historical associations
Here was the first settlement in the town,
and here was a position midway between the
two towns to be connected. Close by this
spot the first honse was ereeted by Rolph
Hill in 1656, and the farm had always been
kept in the same family.
After the remarks of the President letters
were read from the Rev. Elias Nason, the
Rev. H. A. Hazen and from Mr. Hill, the
last containing a very interesting historical
account of the settlement of the town. Gov-
ernor Talbot was then introduced. He said
circumstances had prevented his knowing
much of the details of the enterprise, but he
thought the gentlemen who had so energeti-
cally pushed it through deserved great credit.
At first he had doubted its possibility, but he
now confessed that there was more in it than
he thought. He proposed to take an early
opportunity to look carefully into its merits,
and promised it not only his countenance, but
material aid. Addresses were also made by
Messrs. W. Wilkins Warren, F. E. Manley,
Dr. G. A. Monroe, and Hon. Geo. P. Elliott
of Billerica, Dr. Hosmer and Dr. Hayden of
Bedford, Rev. Mr. Porter of Lexington, Ed-
ward Crane and Otis Clapp of Boston. All
the speakers were favorably disposed toward
the road, and predicted its success. Mr.
Crane, who is an expert on railroad ques-
tions, asserted that when the road reached
Billerica Centre it would at once be pushed
on to North Billerica, and then tracks would
be laid on the Lowell road-bed, and in a
short time the operatives of Lowell would
be domiciled on the salubrious heights of
Billerica with only five-cent fares to and
from Lowell.
The speech-making concluded, the cere-
mony of opening was performed by Mr.
Brewer Hill, a descendant of the original set-
tler Ralph Hill, a veteran of ninety-two
years, who appeared in continental costume
of the revolutionary period, with swallow-
tail coat, knee-breeches and shoe-buckles.
Mr. Hill is well preserved and active, and
threw the first sods with a vigor which
shamed some who were more than half a
century younger. America was then sung
by the whole company, and the crowd dis-
persed amid a salute from a small cannon.
About $10,000 has been subscribed toward
the stock, and nearly or quite all the land
needed has been given. It is expected to
begin werk very soon. The entire cost of
the road, with stations, sidings and equip-
ments, is put at $6000 a mile, and Billerica
expects soon to hear a narrow-gauge whistle
piercing the solitude of her green hills -











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