|
|
Joseph J. Green, the author of this diary, was born in Newfane, Vt on July 31, 1840. He was the director of the Windham County Savings Bank, as well as the Newfane stationmaster of the West River Railroad. J. J. Green’s diary for the year 1885 recounts the everyday life of an active man who was immersed in the affairs of his family and community. In 1886, a West River Railroad train fell 40 feet into the West River. J. J. Green was a passenger on the train and was one of two people killed in the accident. The original 1885 diary of J. J. Green is in the collection of the Historical Society of Windham County. This edition of the diary was prepared by the Historical Society and includes 30 photos of trains, railroad bridges and historical buildings. In preparing this volume, J. J. Green’s spelling, punctuation, and grammar were transcribed exactly as they were found. |
J. J. Green Diary |
J.J. Green at the Newfane station |
Engine No. 1, the J. L. Martin, sits atop the high trestle about one mile north of Newfane village. The section of track between Williamsville and the top of the hill in Newfane village was the "ruling grade", the steepest part of the line. The trestle carried the rails on into Townshend from the top of that grade. The photo is from 1882. |
The "Wreck at the three bridges" of August 18, 1886, looking south from the confluence of the West River and Connecticut Rivers in Brattleboro. J. J. Green died in this accident. |
This edition of The Diary of J.J. Green is offered for sale by the Historical Society for $15.00. To obtain a copy, please contact the museum. |