Archival updates

[Bruce Wilson]

There has been much development within the Archives Department of late. A museum member in Oregon has provided a photo of Linwood Moody's father. This will help in determining the subject of some of the individual photos that came to us recently from a donor in South Portland, Maine.

Also within that Moody collection are a number of notes, sketches and correspondence signed by a gentleman as "R.F. Dole". I'm always curious as to who these guys were (or are) and was rewarded in part yesterday by encountering Mr. Dole's work (in compiling data and roster information on S.R. & R.L. R.R. locomotives) within the Ed Bond collection.

I was also told recently that Mr. Moody once hiked the entire George's Valley Railroad and took photographs along the way. One roll of exposed film within the Moody collection, has since been professionally printed and bears out the evidence of the hike.

While working on inventorying the Bond Collection, I have encountered numerous I.C.C. valuation reports on Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes locomotives and rolling stock. These reports are a wealth of detail and represent long hours in the field by dedicated agents with pencil, ruler and note pad. There are many valuations of spurs and sidings on the railroad and in one case so far, records of rail removal and re-installation elsewhere on the system.
The detail of these records is in a word, exhaustive. The significance of these documents, well how can you measure it? A complete listing of all materials, labor and even the species of wood tie and grade of gravel ballast.
I've never seen anything quite like these and feel honored to be able to work with them. It is wonderful that Mr. Bond gathered these up and kept them all these years. The dates are in the 1916 - 1918 period.

The I.C.C. reports are in very good condition, though have been folded by others in the past. It would be possible to have these available for inspection at Sheepscot with prior notice. I can offer an e-mail or text "sample" copy of one report, which I have saved on my phone. My e-mail is wilsonwaterford57@gmail.com

When Mike Torreson was in town for the 2025 Annual Picnic, he stole away one day by himself and took photos in Wiscasset (looking north from the former diamond crossing) and at Albion Station. He had perfect weather and his camera reflects that. Other photos he took, include the Brooks Depot (inside and out) on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake and the Civil War Monument in Union, Maine. I can share these also with anyone interested.

Did you visit the yard sale and model railroad equipment sale at the Annual Picnic? There were some real bargains to be had. Did you find a model or a book to take home from the sale? I found a copy of Richard Neal's 1950's "High Green and the Bark Pealers" (a book about the Boston & Maine RR and the pulp paper industry).
Been looking for a copy for years, but unwilling to buy on-line for the expensive offerings therein. Found one with a damaged dust jacket for $5. I'm having a new dust jacket made, by copying the old one. I regret not picking up a few other books I saw for sale, but there's always next year!

[Philip Marshall]

Hi Bruce, I'm sure you already know this but I was recently reminded that the DeGolyer Library at Southern Methodist University in Texas holds a substantial collection of Linwood Moody images, both prints and negatives. The online finding aid is organized by railroad but also includes what appear to be Moody's own negative number for each image: https://txarchives.org/smu/finding_aids/00045.xml

Indeed, the George's Valley RR is on the list with negatives 3000, 3001, and 3012 showing engines 2, 3, and 1. However, it sounds like the roll of film you mention shows the ROW as opposed to locomotive roster shots offered for sale.

This raises the larger question of how much of the material we hold in the Moody Collection (among others) is unique and not duplicated elsewhere in other collections or institutions. I would imagine quite a lot.

The Archives sale at the Annual Picnic was a great success. I went home with several books I hadn't known I wanted, and saw a couple more that have been on my mind since that I should have gone back for.

[Bruce Wilson]

Hi Phillip,

Thanks for the tip about the Moody Collection within the DelGoyer University. I contacted them several years ago and was told that the negatives are not yet available. Another member more recently was told the same thing. I suppose there is an issue of manpower and demand. You can view them in person however.

Regarding the uniqueness of what we hold, I would expect we have some one of a kind shots. However, some look to be based on Linwood's family, friends and community. There are automobile, pet and photos of clocks as well.
It might be that Linwood's dad.
 will be visible in some of the people photos. That will help to identify what would otherwise be random groups of people, to the unknowing eye.

Great that you had shopping success at the Picnic. Having the Car Barn to set up in is sure a blessing! I was thinking of making a list of book titles I'm still looking for, so I don't forget.

[Bruce Wilson]

Philip,

In my response to your post, I missed your DelGoyer link. I found that very helpful and thank you for that. I cracked up reading Linwood's job title on the B & ML RR as "crossing tender". Although he performed those duties, he was in fact "Agent" or as he might've said "Ogre" of the Brooks Depot.

Maybe one of the archivists at SMU saw the Moody drawing (of himself) tending that crossing in a snow storm and probably struggling to keep his pipe from being extinguished.

[Bruce Wilson]

Zack will be bringing a set of prints from the Linwood Moody collection to the upcoming talk on the George's Valley. This talk is publicized elsewhere within the forum by Ed Lecuyer and is being held by the Warren Historical Society. The prints are from a roll of negatives taken by Linwood at the Warren Jct. and area. Zack will also have Linwood's Union Creamery photo on display.

[Bruce Wilson]

Several ephemeral items were readied for sale today. These pieces will be brought to the 2026 Amherst Railway Society show and other lots will be put on sale at the museums' 2026 Annual Picnic. Additionally a nice collection of East Broad Top and Huntington & Broad Top ephemera will be sent by our museum to the archivist at the East Broad Top RR in Orbisonia, PA. As it fits the mission of our museum to send items that will not be accessioned into our collection, to other museums and institutions, Linda (our archivist) approved this outreach to the E.B.T.

The last of the Ed Bond collection was brought into the archives today and Jason became interested in a couple of Baldwin Locomotive Works plans. Copies were made for him and his team involved with the Build 11 project.

Zack requested a copy of 1932 letter from the St. Croix Paper Co. (headquartered in Boston) but operating on the Knox Railroad, formerly the George's Valley RR. The letter was offering the sale of the railroad at scrap prices to Linwood W. Moody who lived nearby in Union, Maine. One wonders what such a youthful Linwood might have been able to parlay that poor, broken down streak of rust into?

A copy of another 1932 letter was mailed to one of our members in Oregon and this too involved Mr. Moody.
Apparently Linwood showed up in Bridgton one day with camera in hand, but the motive power must've been all tucked in within the engine house. (Maybe a railcar only day). Linwood found the manager in the depot, who likely sent for Everett Brown up to his shop. The locomotives hauled outside and Linwood happy, he was then presented with a bill for $2, a hefty sum in those Great Depression days.

On September 13th, we picked up a donation from the sons of Harry L. "Linc" Harrison of Worcester, MA. The collection has been transported to Maine and initial steps at organizing, conserving and inventorying each item is underway. "Linc" was an officer in the Railroad Enthusiasts as well as a licensed steam locomotive operator at Edaville Railroad. When Edaville began the annual Railfan's Day event in 1969, Mr. Harrison was the operator of the
Model T railcar. No doubt readers will recall the fun at having a ride around the then 5 1/2 mile mainline.Mr. Harrison's sons, Kenton and Rhoderick both ran steam at Pleasure Island in Wakefield, MA and at Edaville for many years.

[Bruce Wilson]

In addition to my earlier archival updates post, Linda received a donation of a copy of the Linwood Moody 1959 Maine Two Footers book earlier in the week. What made this (breaking news) was the name written inside the cover. Eda Charlene Heald.

If you've ever enjoyed a Linwood Moody photo, and turned it over, on the reverse was the Moody rubber stamped impression (usually in red ink) and with Eda Charlene Heald- Agent as part of the impression.

Linwood was very taken with Miss Heald, but his romantic interest rebuffed as she was just 18 and he a bit older. Miss Heald remained friends with Linwood but moved out west and married and had a son. The marriage didn't last, Miss Heald returned to Maine and renewed a friendship with Linwood. It seems she was at least involved with his photography business.

During Linwoods work at Edaville (1945 to 1947) he stayed in one of the cranberry company worker houses on Edaville Avenue. Some of his writing during the dark and cold winter months in South Carver hinted at his loneliness.

Linda is hoping to interview Eda Charlene Healds son in the future.

[Bruce Wilson]

Yesterday, Marcel led Linda, James and I on an inventory of Archives Department items remaining in the upstairs storage of the "Ramsdell Room". We were looking to see what was remaining of a large collection donated by the estate of Howard Gunnison.

Howard was a member of the W.W. & F. Ry. Museum and an Engineer at Edaville Railroad. When he passed, his collection of railroadiana, lanterns and switchstands was donated to the museum and designated to be sold to benefit development of the Archives.

We found a few items, including two station signs. There is also a headlight from a snowplow, but as we had neglected to bring a flashlight and the light is stored in and under the eaves, we were unable to locate it.

A question for those who might have been involved in driving down to Howard's house, loading everything and hauling it back. Were those two volunteers who went in 2001, Steve Z and Dana? Also, who made up the excellent inventory of Howard's collection back then, Allan?

I would like to know, in order to make those notes on that inventory record.

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

[Bruce Wilson]

Today, November 1st, Adam Cook of the Bridgton & Saco River RR Museum paid us a visit in the archives department. He was able to browse our collection of blue prints and plans and select four that his organization would like copies of. From the Moody/Baricelli and Ed Bond collections, he asked for copies of the Bridgton station floor plan, two interior arrangement drawings of the former Bridgton combination no. 25 and lastly a measured drawing by a Maine Central draftsman of a two foot gage no. 9 turnout.

Because of Linda's recent clean out of the basement of the Percival house and creation of a drawing/print area, we were able to comfortably display the various plans. Linda has also begun enclosing the drawings in archival protective covers.

I will have the copies made this week and deliver them (hopefully) to the future home of the B. & S.R. RR next Saturday. To the best of my knowledge, this marks the first time since the archives committee has been reactivated, that we have been able to assist another museum. Along with our recent donation of ephemera to the East Broad Top Railroad archives, we are following an important part of our mission.

Adam appeared quite happy with what he selected and went out with the track crew during the afternoon for work up at MP-7.

[Bruce Wilson]

Within the Moody/Baricelli collection that the Museum acquired earlier this year, was an assortment of metal artifacts. Some, such as two spikes, were tagged as being from certain locations on a Colorado three foot gage railroad. One item was not tagged, but recognizable as being a handwheel from a steam locomotive injector or one of the tri-cox valves. The handwheel was wrapped with wire, to allow a locomotive crew member to open or close the valve without wearing gloves. I made an assumption that the item was also from Colorado, pending any other information.

Well, now six months later, there may be a bit of information as to where that handwheel came from. Linwood Moody had taken photographs of one of the Knox Railroad locomotives, both inside the cab and on the ground. One of the photos shows a wire wrapped handwheel on a locomotive backhead. Still, I was.not moved by this to determine the origin of that component.

This psst Saturday, at Sheepscot, Zack loaned me his copy of the 1997 Warren, Maine Historical Society  hardcover book, "Old Warren, Maine". Earlier today, I read into the railroad history section and took note of a few things.

Engine no. 5 (Built by Rhode Island in 1885) was cut up for scrap in 1939. Engine no. 6 hauled the wrecking train and finished up in May of 1939. It was sold for scrap, but then resold to the U.S. Government.( Presumably at the end of World War Two) it was resold to the Smithfield Ham Company. It was finally cut up in 1960.

Based on information in the book, I'm now thinking that handwheel was liberated from engine no. 5. Maybe Linwood wanted a little souvenir of his hometown (Union, Maine) railroad.

If I see his photos to be of the Knox engine no. 5, I'm going to be about 99 percent certain that this is the case. I will mark the handwheel as such, but with "assumed to be from no. 5".

What do you think of this conclusion/assumption? If this item is ever to be displayed  publicly, do you think such documentation to be helpful?

[Carl G. Soderstrom]

ALL information is useful - if only to make someone say "Nope"