Hi Folks,

Wanted to make sure you knew about this event. Because of the excellent public turnout for the 2' steam operations conducted with assistance from the Maine Narrow Gauge Museum, during the B&B's 125th anniversary, all five Bedford TownSelectmen are going to be there. This is a VERY unusual occurrence except for town meetings. The Town owns 3 miles of ROW and the Town of Billerica is watching too. The more people who show up, the bigger the impression upon the Selectmen.

If your schedule permits, please try to be there.

Best Regards,
Glenn

"An Illustrated History of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad"

Presented by Arthur Ellis and Friends of Bedford Depot Park
Sunday, March 23, 2003, at 3:00 P.M.
Bedford Town Hall Auditorium -- Mudge Way, Bedford, Massachusetts

On August 31, 1877, the diminutive locomotives "Puck" and "Ariel" first led trains filled with merry passengers through the woods of Bedford and Billerica‹and the nation's first two-foot-gauge railway was born. On the 125th anniversary of this novel enterprise, Arthur Ellis will present an illustrated history of the Billerica & Bedford Railroad using vintage photos, maps, documents and a working diorama. Mr. Ellis has studied the B&B since the 1960s, and has amassed a wealth of fascinating information about the railway. Recent research findings will be part of his talk.

Prior to the lecture, officials from the Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts, Inc., will present Friends of Bedford Depot Park with the 2003 H. Albert Webb Memorial Railroad Preservation Award. This $10,000 grant is to be used to re establish a segment of two-foot-gauge track on the B&B's original roadbed. The track will be an interpretive display and possibly be used for special ³live steam² operations in the future.

Be part of this history-making event! It's free and all are welcome. You'll receive a complimentary copy of the 1878 publication "Places and Views of Attraction on the Line of the B&B."

For any additional information or directions, please phone secretary George Dalrymple at 781-275-8558, or visit FBDP's web site: www.BedfordDepot.org.



http://www.BedfordDepot.org
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