The Franklin, Somerset & Kennebec Railway (FS&K)

[Mike Fox]

All better now.

[John McNamara]

Wow! Very impressive!

-John

[Eric Larsen]

I’m surprised that John did not enviously mention the presence of the telegraph poles.

[Tom Casper]

Thanks Mike.  can you make it one size larger?

Tom C.

[John McNamara]

I’m surprised that John did not enviously mention the presence of the telegraph poles.

I don't think I'm too envious of that one on the far right!

[Eric Larsen]

I wunder how far the tellegraph line went along the ROW?  It is a bit funny that it was built but the RR was not.  (Although some say the rails were set down in some locations)  Perhaps some the lines on the poles were rented out or maybe they were all RR? 

[Mike Fox]

Here is another photo passed along by Glenn.

[Eric Larsen]

It will be interesting to see if anyone can find out how long this bridge survived.  Was it taken down as soon as the FS&K project died (whenever that was) or did it just become a local eyesore for years to come.

[Glenn Byron]

All such answers are to be found at UMF Library in The Farmington Chronicle microflms.  Thus far I am at the end of 1898 in my research. I have news articles copied from The Farmington Historical Society files that show activity still going on early fall 1900, though not much in a positive direction. We need more healthy, interested eyes scanning those hard to read pages. I'm betting Little Blue School owners were more than willing to help dismantle that "eyesore" in their front yard.  After working over the trestle photo above, I'm getting more convinced that this is Bridge Street as we see the two passageways described in the Maine Railroad Commissioners description previously shown in this Forum, one wide for regular traffic and the one to the right for foot travelers.  I am also pretty well convinced that the Butlers who said that is Little Blue in the background are mistaken.  I just found a picture of Little Blue that also shows the next house up Abbott Hill and that house is what is shown.  I'm thinking Little Blue is further to the right along the 1000 foot trestle and not shown.  Fewacres as used in The Farmington Chronicle is really two words, Few Acres, and is the home of Mr. Abbott, the headmaster of Little Blue.  It was located on the left side of Abbott Hill just past the intersection of Bridge  and Main Streets.  Few Acres roof is clearly shown above the trestle in the Allan Socea side view photo. I'm told there is a plaque in the MD Building yard located where this house stood.  Search "Few Acres Farmington Maine"  on Ebay for postcards showing this house, along with several views of Little Blue.

[Duncan Mackiewicz]

Glenn,
If one looks closely to the left of the larger passageway there does appear to be a smaller passageway like the one to the right side.  Perhaps there were two passageways for foot traffic? 
Duncan

[John McNamara]

Glenn,

Have you seen the "Images of America" series of small historical handbooks? They are published by Arcadia, an imprint of Tempus Publishing, Inc. They are 128 pages long and sell for $19.99.

The reason I mention them is that I would like to see one entitled "The Franklin, Somerset & Kennebec" by Glenn Byron at my local bookstore (or on the web).

John

[Mike Fox]

I'd like to find that building, if it still stands. I have done some before and after shots, and it is remarkable at what is still the same now, as it was then. Maybe I'll have to take a ride that way or pleasure. I usually pass through while working and don't have the time or proper vehicle for the small side trips I would like to take.

[Glenn Byron]

I mentioned this diary last Dec. in a post titled "FS&K Railbed 1897".  Now I've had a chance to see it and you can also.  The New Sharon Library has this 5 volume set available to view during open hours.  Thanks to Mrs. Jim Smith who typed all of a precious peek into daily life in New Sharon more than a century ago.  Most days ended for Mr. James W. Smith by recording in his journal the happenings, not only around the farm, but also within the community.  He was much more than just a farmer, juggling duties as assessor, treasurer, selectman, and prominent citizen. I talked with 80+ year old Jim Smith at the family farm on Smith Rd., a left turn off Cape Cod Hill Rd., probably about a mile out of New Sharon Village.  He never knew his grandfather, James W. Smith, but has this great family record to feel like he was there with him.  Jim's late wife carefully transcribed each page for us to also relive those times. Twenty years from 1870 to 1890 is covered in detail not found in any history book.  I devoured all I could absorb in a couple hour visit and will be back for more soon.  New Sharon Library is located on the now dead end Main St., just past the cemetary, a left turn on Library St. to an old farm house.  The open hours are Tues. 4-7, Thurs. 10-1, and Sat. 10-1.  Go in, sit down, and have a visit with the Smith's of New Sharon.

[Glenn Byron]

I have been asked by The Smithfield Maine Historical Society to make a presentation of my research to date regarding the FS&K Railway, especially focusing on Smithfield as we were one of the towns it was to pass through.  This presentation will take place after the regular SMHS meeting August 21,which starts at 9:30 Saturday morning at The Smithfield Grange Hall.  This is the first time I have presented what has essentially been here on the Discussion Forum for the last couple years.  As we have found out along the way, lots of information about this failed venture has never been out and about very well.  What sources there are, seem to be hit and miss, with each putting a little of the story forward, but no one source telling the whole tale.  Most people in the Northern Belgrade Lakes Region have no clue that a narrow gauge railroad "Almost, but not quited" their neighborhood.  In addition, many have not heard of our museum in Alna that is keeping the WW&F dream alive.  My main goal is to put some information out for discussion, make resources available, such as our museum, for further research, perhaps uncover some hidden tid bit in a family history, and maybe even find other individuals interested in digging into this 110+ year old piece of our history.  I would welcome anyone with an interest to attend.  Glenn  Byron,  Smithfield, Maine

[Pete "Cosmo" Barrington]

I honestly wish I could be there.
I would strongly recommenced video taping the presentation!
Perhaps CD/DVD copies could be sold at the museum?
I would DEFINITELY buy one!