High Green

Jan 11 2024 25 ep. 62 mins 36

High Green Podcast artwork

The official podcast of the Boston & Maine Railroad, delving into the history, memory, and legacy of the Route of the Minuteman.

History Education Technology

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

High Green/B&MRRHS 2024 Update

Jan 11 2024 3 mins

Happy New Year! Online Committee member Andrew Riedl updates on upcoming Society events and meetings, and future episodes of High Green.

High Green Episode 24: The Lexington Branch with Bill Deen

Mar 25 2023 61 mins

The Boston & Maine Railroad's Lexington Branch, today the world famous Minuteman Bikeway, was once one of the busiest and best known branchlines in the region. Author and historian Bill Deen of the Friends of Bedford Depot Park discusses the history of this fascinating line, and his recent book on the subject, "Minuteman Railroad".

High Green Episode 23: The Rutland Railroad with Steve and George Mumley

Part of our mission statement here at the B&MRRHS is to preserve the history of the railroads in New England that did business with the Boston & Maine Railroad. One of the better known examples was the Rutland Railroad, operating primarily in Vermont and New York State until its closure in the early 1960s. The late Steve Mumley (November 8, 1946 — January 29, 2023) knew and loved

High Green Episode 22: B&M Employee Ladde Russell (Sept. 10, 2005)

Dec 22 2022 82 mins

In this episode of High Green, we continue with cassette tapes recorded and loaned by B&MRRHS member and modeler Jim Dufour. On September 10, 2005, Jim recorded Fitzwilliam, NH resident and former B&M employee Ladde Russell. Topics of conversation include the Cheshire Branch, milk trains, the last snowplow run on the Cheshire in 1971, local freights, and many colorful stories and m

High Green Episode 21: Walter Dunn at the B&MRRHS, 3/9/1985

Nov 05 2022 61 mins

In today’s episode of High Green, we continue our oral history series with a presentation given before the B&MRRHS on March 9, 1985 by former B&M employee Walter Dunn. Dunn recounts the hiring practices of the B&M, the difficulties of the steam to diesel transition of the 1950s, and many humorous stories from his 40-year career on the Fitchburg Division. This recording was captur

High Green Episode 20: The Memories of Loyd MacNair, Part 2

Apr 27 2022 72 mins

n today’s episode of High Green, we continue the oral history memories of longtime employee Loyd MacNair, recorded October 1987. Additional topics of conversation include various incidents and wrecks, memories of firing steam locomotives and working with early diesels, railroad operations on the Connecticut River Line, and much more.

High Green Episode 19: The Memories of Loyd MacNair, Part 1

Feb 04 2022 96 mins

In today’s episode of High Green, we hear the oral history memories of longtime employee Loyd MacNair, recorded October 1987. MacNair describes the start of his B&M career as a fireman on the Conn River Line in the 1940s. Additional topics of conversation include firing stoker and hand-fired steam locomotives, the steam-to diesel-transition, the floods of 1955, recollections of v

High Green Episode 18: "From Ashuelot to Ashes" with Scott Whitney

Jan 16 2022 91 mins

By 1982, the city of Keene, New Hampshire – once a rail major rail hub – had only one rail connection to the outside world left: the Boston & Maine's Ashuelot and Fort Hill Branches. Seeking to keep freight to the Elm City viable, the Boston & Maine leased these branches to the Green Mountain Railroad in 1982, who for just under two years provided the last gasp of revenue freig

High Green Episode 17: "Do You See What I See?" Milepost Archaeology w/ Ken Jackman

Jan 04 2022 75 mins

Have you ever noticed the granite and concrete mileposts lining rights of way on the Boston & Maine? As it turns out, these important artifacts have a fascinating story, as does their pursuit and documentation. Joining Andrew Riedl in this episode is teacher and Downeast Scenic Railroad volunteer Ken Jackman, who has made the documentation and research of railroad mileposts one of

High Green Episode 16: Janet Shea, B&M Freight Agent

Dec 19 2021 64 mins

In this gem of an interview recorded by Brian Dame on September 6, 2001, we hear the story of Janet Shea (1928–2002). Janet worked as a freight agent for the Boston & Maine from 1945 to 1987 and talks of her career working nearly every station on the B&M’s Conway Branch, from Dover to North Conway.