File:Billerica and Bedford Railroad. Boston Herald (1877). Newspaper clipping collected by George E. Mansfield.jpg

English: Billerica and Bedford Railroad. Boston Herald (1877). Newspaper clipping collected by George E. Mansfield

Billerica and Bedford Railroad

Ceremonies on Breaking Ground for the Twenty-four-Inch Railway.

One of the events which will, perhaps, mark an epoch in the history of railways, occurred at South Billerica, yesterday, in the presence of a large concourse of people, principally from Billerica and Bedford, but also from Boston, Lowell and elsewhere. The occasion was the ceremony of breaking ground for the new 24-inch railway between Bedford and North Billerica, projected by Mr. George E. Mansfield, and intended as the first of a system of feeders for standard gauge roads throughout the country, the uesign being that these small railways, which can be built very much cheaper than even the three-foot narrow gauges, shall penetrate into towns near to and remote from railways, and bring them cheaply into communication with the markets of the world.

The day was fine. The party from Boston were entertained by Dr. W. R. Hayden, at his hotel at Bedford Springs. The ceremonies of breaking ground took place on the lands of Mr. Charles Henry Hill, whose ancestor, Ralph Hill, was one of the first settlers of Billerica, and built his house and cleared the first land in the section near the scene of the cere mony, yesterday, in 1656. The land has, since that time, been in possession of his descendants. The introductory ceremonies were conducted by Captain Charles Ran ett, president of the new railway company, who called upon Rev. Mr. Hussey of Billerica to open with prayer. The following gentlemen were then called upon and made good speeches favoring the project: Ex-Governor Talbot, W. W. Warren, Esq., F. E. Manley, Esq., and Dr. George E. Monroe of Billerica; Drs. T. E. Hosmer and W. R. Hayden of Bedford; Ed ward Crane and Otis Clapp, Esqs., of Boston; Rev. E. S. Porter of Lexington and Hon. George P. Elliot of Billerica. At the case of the speaking the venerable Brewer Hill, a direct descendant of Ralph and father of Mr. C. H. Hill, aged 93 years, dressed in the costume of the past, with knee breeches, silk stockings, &c., advanced, accompanied by his grandchildren, Margaret, aged 9 years, and Foster, aged 7 years, and, with a pick, broke ground and loosened the first sod, so that his granddaughter, with a little spade, was enabled to raise it into a little wheelbarrow handled by her brother Foster. Two plough teams then started from the spot in opposite directions for the distance of a few rods and returned, ploughing up the sod and enabling those present, who wished, to throw a spadeful of earth on to the road bed. This was availed of quite largely, especially by the ladies, who are generally very enthusiastic in favor of the new project. When the teams were started the concourse joined in singing “America.” Crowded columns prevent even a comment on the speeches made, save that they were all good and heartly delivered. The ceremonies, as a whole, were well and happily conducted, and made a good impression on all who were present. A good class of men are interesting themselves in this new enterprise, which will, no doubt, be a grand success.