Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club

The 2025 Spring track car season is right around the corner. We’ll kick off this year’s season at our annual business meeting held on March 15 at the Wolfeboro Public library located at 259 S Main St., Wolfeboro, NH. Doors open at nine meeting starts at 10, there will be light refreshments available. Please have your membership form in prior to the meeting. Public is welcome.

Jesse

(MJV)

A message from President Bruce Stuart:

It always troubles me to apprise the membership of the loss of those close to the club. This one in particular travels back in time to a much simpler moment in our lineage. The WRR. This past week, George "Grant" Haley flagged Fernald for the last time. Grant was a long-lived 94 at the time of his passing and spent his summers since childhood on the shores of Lake Wentworth at his Grandfather's camp. When the WRR was in its infancy, and, throughout its existence, you could find Grant, flag in hand, guarding the crossing for #250, #405 or number 10. I have known Grant since I turned 15 and began my summers on the Wolfeboro. Grant would always arrive with his signature bicycle and Churchill like cigar, ready to see that the crossing was guarded and whatever train was coming, safely made its way across. In later years, there was never a time where Grant would not ask how things were going for the club or inquire as to how "Ricky" Libby or Arthur Pinkham was doing. Grant was always genuine in his concerns for the clubs wellbeing. He was truly a Gentleman in every respect and a warm soul to be acquainted with. If you look closely at the 1985 photo, you can see that signature Churchill hanging from his mouth. I will truly miss seeing the Ol Boy each spring as my CVRTC season did not begin until I had my first conversation with Grant. Rest in peace my friend, your presence will truly be missed.

Bruce & Cathy

(MJV)

CVRTC hosted a joint meeting with the Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society. The weather was perfect on this Saturday. Both groups of motorcar enthusiasts and Boston and Maine Railroad aficionados gathered together for rides on the former Boston and Maine Wolfeboro branch. It was a positive meeting with a great turnout and a safe and fun day was had by all members. At the meeting was Boston & Maine Railroad #664 delivered to the B&M in March 1957 back on home rails.

(MJV)

A message from President Stuart:

Look for another fabulous Sept event with this weekend's B&M WRR Rambler. Members of the B&MHS will join CVRTC for a day visit and ride on the line & Cotton Valley Rail Trail for a trip down memory lane. This is always a pleasure for CVRTC to participate in. The line has been mowed and sickled and should provide riders an afternoon to enjoy some early color in the wetlands as well as a tour of the facility.

Also, our CVRTC Family Day is coming up on the 21st of Sept. This is always a fantastic event that affords good conversation amongst members and gives us a chance as a club to speak with individuals that we might not have seen for a spell. Burgers and dogs as well as tasty dishes and treats will be the call for the day. I hope to see members enjoying the food & conversation. There should be plenty of both. A ride to route 16 East will follow the day's festivities.

(B Stuart Photos)

(MJV)

A message from President Stuart:

Another great Open House event took place on Sat Aug 24th. We seem to be honing our skills as operators, as we moved a record 375 enthusiastic riders enjoyed a picture perfect day to enjoy the rails. Ron and Christen were kept busy on the grill as 300 dogs flew off the serving tray. Ten qualified NARCOA operators received a safety brief prior to a well choreographed display of Rail Car operations and railroad watch precision when keeping schedule and moving the public. This accomplishment within a 4 hour window. Gator and Debbie kept the consist safely moving while flagging the crossing at Tennis Court lane. Hats off to all involved and another very successful open house in the books. While there were too many photos to post individually, you can check out Ryan Cheney's wonderful set of open house photos here: Open House

(R Cheney, Photos)

(MJV)