W.W.&F. Discussion Forum

The Maine Narrow Gauges (Historic & Preserved) => Bridgton & Saco River Railway => Topic started by: Mike Fox on January 30, 2018, 12:39:57 PM

Title: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Mike Fox on January 30, 2018, 12:39:57 PM

Took a few minutes today and walked in to the trestle, or what is left of it. I have been concerned about this since the town allowed creation of a trail system through the area. These pictures show what is left. I will have to go through my older photos to see what is missing now, compared to a few (10?) Years ago when I was there last.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0130180912_zpsyu6jbqih.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0130180913_zpsus6yi66o.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0130180913a_zps0jlacibn.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0130180914_zpsjid0mufj.jpg)

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0130180914a_zpstdenbylq.jpg)

Looking toward where the old mill would have been, other side of the brook.

(http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m573/miketrainnut/0130180915_zpsrftlwrmr.jpg)

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Mike Fox on January 30, 2018, 12:49:02 PM

Some that Duncan took almost 15 years ago..

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200612311854271884.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=3&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2= (http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200612311854271884.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=3&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2=)

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200612312011035578.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=2&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2= (http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200612312011035578.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=2&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2=)

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200612312014438172.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=1&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2= (http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=200612312014438172.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=1&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2=)

http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006123118504731825.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=4&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2= (http://photos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2006123118504731825.jpg&order=byrail&page=22&key=89&photoindex=4&maxpage=31&maxphotoindex=0&key2=)

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Joe Fox on January 30, 2018, 04:54:57 PM

It is unfortunate that it wasn't preserved.

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Bob Holmes on January 30, 2018, 07:25:52 PM

Mike, please give us uninitiated some context.  What, where and when...

I'm guessing B&SR based on a photo label, but that's all i know.

Thanks.

Bob

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Mike Fox on January 30, 2018, 08:29:20 PM

This trestle was built to serve the Pondicherry Mill in Bridgton, Maine. This mill was one of several on Stevens Brook, and the only one with the coal trestle. With the arrival of the Railroad in the late 1800's, the mill switched from water power to coal. This trestle was built to unload the coal.

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on February 01, 2018, 03:29:50 PM

Mike, Thanks for digging up my old pictures. As I was reading the start of this article I was trying to recall where I put my copies of those pictures. You saved me a bit of searching. Unfortunately, I have not taken any other pictures beyond those that were already loaded.
Duncan

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Stephen Lennox on February 03, 2018, 03:28:16 PM

I favor the B&SR, have hiked the rail bed several times in the past. It's nice to see the trestle is still there (for better or worse).

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Mike Fox on February 03, 2018, 07:29:37 PM

Me too Steve. Of course growing up and living within 20 miles helps.

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on February 05, 2018, 03:02:24 PM

When you view that site now with the food store and parking lot, it's interesting trying to imagine the former mill on the same site.

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Bill Sample on February 07, 2018, 12:49:50 PM

Just went through Mike and Duncan's B&SR photos on Nerail - brought back fond memories of the times that we explored the area - now a number of years ago!  Sue & I went up another time and explored Bridgton Junction in the winter time, the best time to see it if the snow isn't too deep (bug population way down and no leaves to block views).  Found the turntable and engine house but not the coal bin site.  Next time....maybe!

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: Duncan Mackiewicz on February 08, 2018, 04:07:46 PM

Bill, that sounds like a lot of fun. Next time I'm thereabouts, I'll have to think about that as well. Unlike the folks who live relatively nearby, I have to plan ahead for a time to explore as you do as well. My wife and I spend a week in that general area each summer so my chances to explore are of the warm weather variety. Unfortunately that brings on the "little critters" and foliage.

Title: Re: Pondicherry Mill Trestle
Post by: John McNamara on February 08, 2018, 10:45:31 PM

Quote from: Duncan Mackiewicz on February 08, 2018, 04:07:46 PM

Unfortunately that brings on the "little critters" and foliage.

At Eastern Slopes Airport in nearby Fryeburg, a small plane hit a Bridgton mosquito and crashed....