Program

This is a choice of narrated slide programs about the history of two different Mass. railroads The Mass Central RR (1869-83) was the predecessor of the more famous Central Mass Division of the Boston & Maine RR.

The speaker is the author of a 1996 book on the subject, and covers the misfortunes of this line, leading up to its bankruptcy in 1883. This line was projected from Boston to Northampton, MA, but was finished only as far west as Holden. Famous people involved in this included Emily Dickinson's father, a former Governor of MA, and a former MA Speaker of the House.

The Rabbit RR (1869-1935) was the nickname of the Athol Branch of the Boston & Albany RR. It was built through all four of the towns flooded to create the Quabbin Reservoir on its route between Athol and Springfield, MA.

The speaker is the author of the first volume (2002) of a projected two - volume history on this railroad. Both programs include scenes from communities along these railroads, and the personalities involved with them.