Laconia Historical & Museum Society to host a journey through rail service in the Lakes Region

GILFORD — A presentation on the evolution of rail service in the Lakes Region, including the Laconia stations, will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Gilford Public Library. 

The Laconia Passenger Station has played a significant role in the community, historically serving as a vital hub for transportation and the movement of goods. The completion of the Lake Shore Railroad in 1890 connected Alton to Laconia and linked with the Boston, Concord, and Montreal ines. This development opened up routes to the Seacoast, Boston, and Montreal, transforming Laconia into a railroad crossroads.

However, what was missing was a grandstructure to symbolize its importance. Plans were quickly set in motion to replace the original station with "the best structure of the kind," as noted in the Illustrated Laconian in 1899. 

The presentation will trace the historical timeline from the railroad's inception and the construction of the passenger station in the mid-to-late 1800s to present-day operations. 

Presenter Frank Judge purchased, restored, and operated a wooden 1914 Bangor & Aroostook Railroad caboose on the Wolfeboro Railroad until he relocated to Memphis in 1980 for his career. After returning to New Hampshire in 1986 and acquiring another caboose, his passion for railroading continued to grow.

For more information, visit laconiahistory.com.