Riding a Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad

It is time to go to Franklin County in Western Maine! For this feature, we head to the town of Phillips and buy a ticket for a train ride on the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad.

Though taking a train isn’t the normal mode of transportation for most Mainers in the twenty-first century, there was a time in our state’s history when this was a common and vital option.

Late in the 1800s, there was a need to get things (like wood products) and people from one place to another in this region. There was a lot of ground to cover, and—if you’ve spent any time in Western Maine—you know the terrain isn’t flat. In those days, a train could get you as far as Farmington, but it was still a long way to Rangeley (which was already a favorite tourist destination).

A Massachusetts man named George Mansfield greatly influenced the type of railroad that became popular in Maine. He learned from the Welsh how a narrow gauge could be used to lay the railroad track — just two feet wide, in fact. If you’re not up on railroad measurements (I wasn’t), a standard gauge is 4 feet 8.5 inches. The locals decided this smaller size would serve their needs well and began the hard work required to bring it about.

The following article, taken from the Phillips Phonograph newspaper (February 08, 1879), demonstrates the widespread efforts and enthusiasm of the community:

Railroad Aid Society.

At a meeting, Monday night, last, at Lambert hall, many citizens were present— ladies and gentlemen—to organize for the purpose of raising funds in aid of the proposed railroad….

Much now depends on a good “ send off,” and the united good will and assistance of all our people to give this an ultimate success. This series of entertainments proposed to be given in aid of the railroad, gives one and all who wish a road built, an opportunity to do their mite towards its construction. Those who are not able to take shares in the stock of the road, have here a way presented whereby the many littles shall make a respectable whole, and aid materially in the work which just now needs so much more effort to complete the sum necessary for an organization.

Let us forget self; forget denominations; forget enemies; forget all but the Railroad and the benefits to our own interests to be derived therefrom, and work together with a will which means business, prosperity, brings us “out of the woods,” gives us “more days in the week,” lifts us from the muddy ruts to roll on iron wheels, propelled by steam down through our pretty valley and out into the world, prepared to compete with any and all for the good things of earth—but to talk “United States,” let us show by our actions if we want a Railroad, and just how much we want it, or if other interests are superior to the Railroad.

“Look out for the Engine when the Bell Rings!”

~Article from the Phillips Phonograph, February 08, 1879

After much work, the train became reality. For decades, it carried freight and passengers from Farmington to Rangeley and back again. Its headquarters was in Phillips.

Let’s get our train ticket and jump aboard…

Though the official railroad closed in the mid-1930s, a group of dedicated individuals came together during the 1970s to form a nonprofit with the following mission:

Our mission is to preserve for the present and future generations, the equipment and heritage of the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad.

Reliving History

Thanks to the sacrifice of these volunteers who run the train on the weekends during the summer and early autumn months, present-day Mainers and tourists can experience an iconic ride for themselves and get a taste of what it was like to travel on a narrow gauge train.

While aboard, you will hear the train whistle and the clickety-clack of the wheels and feel the sway of the car. It’s like going back in time. The actual route is only 6/10ths of a mile, but the round trip takes nearly an hour due to several stops along the way. One of these is at the eight stall roundhouse where you can operate a handcar.

My visit coincided with peak foliage season. The train stop at the Sandy River was gorgeous.

It was well worth the time and ticket price to experience the ride and meet the volunteers who work so hard to preserve this historic place in Phillips.

Community + History, take two

After the train ride, I stopped by another location in Phillips where community and history go hand-in-hand: the public library. If you’ve been here a while, you know libraries are a personal priority. Whenever possible, I pop into one during the research for each Maine town. Librarians just know things! That was the case in Phillips as I chatted with Hedy Stinchfield who is the town’s only librarian, but one with a team of faithful volunteers.

The library is in the Paul G Whittemore Building. The structure is the former high school; Mr Whittemore was the principal from 1921 until 1964. There are no typos in that number. This community leader held a state record for his years of service as the head of the school and its coach. That certainly seems deserving of having one’s name on public display. The library has just earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in the state of Maine.

How does a privately funded library in a small town support itself? In the case of Phillips, quite creatively! I’ve often seen libraries selling books, but this was my first time to find a clothing thrift store within a library. Grab a book, pick up a sweater. I like it.

Whether it be sorting clothes at the library or welcoming passengers onto the train, Phillips is a place where you can find a long track record of community and history.

Do yourself a favor next time you’re traveling in Franklin County: get off from Route 4 and explore Phillips for a bit.

I’m on a mission to visit every town in Maine. Looking for more than Phillips? Check to see the other completed features over on the INDEX page.