Author Topic: Narrow gage depots with tower features  (Read 430 times)

Bruce Wilson

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Narrow gage depots with tower features
« on: October 29, 2024, 12:45:29 AM »
Three of the Maine two foot gage railroads had terminals or depots directly waterside. These buildings had towers with windows facing to the water. Marbles station on the Phillips & Rangeley had a two story tower with 3 windows per floor, as did the Randolph terminal on the Kennebec Central line.

Studying the Ed Bond photo of the Wiscasset Wharf depot, no windows are visible as the photographer was shooting the landward side of that building. I've not seen a drawing, but imagine a similar window arrangement might have  been incorporated into that structure as well.

So,  some questions for you. Were there windows in the tower of the Wiscasset Wharf depot and were the windows in the three buildings a Victorian design statement, or serving as an aid to navigation?

Also, my assumption is that the tower in Randolph may have been partially screened from view of a ship in the Kennebec, by the coal dock. Perhaps the tower was elevated slightly above the dock?

Did the towers in Wiscasset and Randolph ever display lights as a beacon for shipping?

Wanted: Copies of correspondence and photographs from "first generation narrow gage railfans" such as Linwood Moody, Dick Andrews, Lawrence Brown, Ellis Atwood, H.T. Crittenden and others. Interested in all two foot (U.S.) rail operations, common carrier, industrial/mill and park/museum.

Pete Leach

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Re: Narrow gage depots with tower features
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2024, 10:48:23 AM »
I have communicated with both the late Peter Barney and Wes Ewell over the years regarding this "Pier Station" in Wiscasset. Neither were aware of any windows on the water side of the structure. Also, I don't believe there were any windows up it the tower but only in the bay formed by the octagonal construction. Regarding navigation, I've been told approaching vessels to the wharf would observe the flag at the top of the tower to help judge wind speed and direction.
Wes Ewell published his set of drawing of the station on his website: https://twofootartist.com/
Pete Leach

Bruce Wilson

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Re: Narrow gage depots with tower features
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2024, 06:07:07 PM »
Thank you so much for your helpful information, Pete. Since posting my original questions, a friend informed me that the Wiscasset wharf depot did in fact have three windows facing the river. These were lower down at ground floor, likely due to the elevated position the structure enjoyed atop the wharf.

I recall that within the W.W. & F. Ry. Museum archives is a collection from the late Fourtin Powell. I remember him being a dedicated fan of the Kennebec Central Railroad and his correspondence collection  bears that out. He wrote back and forth with the late "Dick" Andrews of Waterford, Maine and there were letters well illustrated with both mens artistic talents. The two had a love of sailing in common as well.

Pete, I enjoyed your mention of observing the flag to gain information on the wind. Having done a little sailing myself, I know how critical that observation can be. One can picture a Schooner Captain coming up on the docks in Randolph or Wiscasset and how surely wind and weather could make a difference.

I remain curious about night time docking, docking in snow squalls or fog and if any type of lantern might have been used, hung up or hand held during such events.

That same curiosity remains in regards to the Lakes steamers operating into Rangeley (Marbles) and on the Long Lake steam boat destinations of North Bridgton and Harrison. I'm assuming most if not all trips were run in daylight, but do not know for certain.

Again, thank you for your help.
Wanted: Copies of correspondence and photographs from "first generation narrow gage railfans" such as Linwood Moody, Dick Andrews, Lawrence Brown, Ellis Atwood, H.T. Crittenden and others. Interested in all two foot (U.S.) rail operations, common carrier, industrial/mill and park/museum.