File:Billerica. Breaking Ground for the Narrow-Gauge Railroad. In Lowell Weekly Journal. Newspaper clipping collected by George E. Mansfield.jpg

English: Billerica. Breaking Ground for the Narrow-Gauge Railroad. In: Lowell Weekly Journal. Newspaper clipping collected by George E. Mansfield.

BILLERICA

Breaking Ground for the Narrow Gauge Railroad.—Wednesday afteroon saw the first “overt act” toward the building of the narrow gauge railroad between Billerica and Bedford. Our readers have been kept well informed as to the inception and progress of the enterprise, and its character: We will not therefore repeat a description of the proposed road or the route over which it will run. The spot chosen for breaking the sod was on the premises of Mr. C. H. Hill, a short distance from the county road leading from Billerica to Bedford. This spot was the location of the earliest settlement, in the town of Billerica, and the route of the road here runs through what was probably the first cornfield ever planted in the town over two hundred years ago. The proposed route was indicated by posts adorned with flags and streamers, and on a knoll near by was pitched a tent for headquarters. There was also a stack of spades, and two pairs of horses hitched to ploughs stood ready to open the first furrow at the appointed signal. A standard close by bore on one side the legend, “Washington 1776, Concord, Lexington, Bunker Liberty 1775.” and on the other, “Stephenson, 1829, Billerica and Bedford. railroad 1876–Enterprise.” Between the two were the names of Billerica’s first revoutionary martyrs—Pollard and Ditson. The time assigned for the opening was 2.30 p. m. A hour earlier than this men and women, boys, girls and babies, on foot and in carriages began to assemble in the vicinity, and by the time appointed nearly 500 people had gathered to witness the ceremonies. Capt. Charles A. Ramlet, president of the company, called those present to order, and prayer was offered by the Rev. C. C. Hussey. Captain Ramlet then very briefly reviewed the history of the enterprise-its conception by the Farmers's Club, the town meeting held to consider it, and the steps taken to push it forward. It was soon found. he said, that a narrow-gauge road was all that was wanted, and that it might be even narrower than any before built. The general law provided for only the common narrow gauge. But an act was procured from the legislature allowing the construction of roads of 2-feet guage. The route was surveyed by Mr. Mansfield, a competent and energetic engineer, and one was selected which seemed to please the people. The enterprise had progressed, until now ground was about to be broken, and the road was about to be built. It would be a benefit to the town, and he believed it would commend itself to the public.

The spot for the opening had been selected for its historical associations Here was the first settlement in the town, and here was a position midway between the two towns to be connected. Close by this spot the first house was erected by Rolph Hill in 1656, and the farm had always been kept in the same family. After the remarks of the President letters were read from the Rev. Elias Nason, the Rev. H. A. Hazen and from Mr. Hill, the last containing a very interesting historical account of the settlement of the town. Governor Talbot was then introduced. He said circumstances had prevented his knowing much of the details of the enterprise, but he thought the gentlemen who had so energetically pushed it through deserved great credit. At first he had doubted its possibility, but he now confessed that there was more in it than he thought. He proposed to take an early opportunity to look carefully into its merits, and promised it not only his countenance, but material aid. Addresses were also made by Messrs. W. Wilkins Warren, F. E. Manley, Dr. G. A. Monroe, and Hon. Geo. P. Elliott of Billerica, Dr. Hosmer and Dr. Hayden of Bedford, Rev. Mr. Porter of Lexington, Edward Crane and Otis Clapp of Boston. All the speakers were favorably disposed toward the road, and predicted its success. Mr. Crane, who is an expert on railroad questions, asserted that when the road reached Billerica Centre it would at once be pushed on to North Billerica, and then tracks would be laid on the Lowell road-bed, and in a short time the operatives of Lowell would be domiciled on the salubrious heights of Billerica with only five-cent fares to and from Lowell. The speech-making concluded, the ceremony of opening was performed by Mr. Brewer Hill, a descendant of the original settler Ralph Hill, a veteran of ninety-two years, who appeared in continental costume of the revolutionary period, with swallow tail coat, knee-breeches and shoe-buckles. Mr. Hill is well preserved and active, and threw the first sods with a vigor which shamed some who were more than half a century younger. America was then sung by the whole company, and the crowd dispersed amid a salute from a small cannon. About $10,000 has been subscribed toward the stock, and nearly or quite all the land needed has been given. It is expected to begin werk very soon. The entire cost of the road, with stations, sidings and equipments, is put at $6000 a mile, and Billerica expects soon to hear a narrow-gauge whistle piercing the solitude of her green hills.