High Green Episode 11: Bruce Davison, Part 1

Bruce Davison, conductor, at West Claremont, NH, Oct. 3, 1977. William J. Madden photo, Michael C. Bump Collection.

As the Boston & Maine Railroad sought to shed its lesser profitable lines, several shortline railroad companies were formed to pick up the slack. One such famed shortline was the Claremont & Concord Railway, whose territory included both the former B&M Claremont Branch and the Claremont Electric Railway's industrial trackage weaving through the streets of Claremont. We are joined by well-known railroad historian, enthusiast, and former railroader Bruce Davison who got his first taste of railroading on the C&C in the 1970s.

Part 2 of this episode will air next week (8/27) and will include Bruce's recollections working for two other shortlines on former B&M trackage, the Wolfeboro Railroad Central Division, and the New England Southern Railroad.

West Claremont, NH, Bruce installs a “stiff shackle” between the locomotive and the freight car in order to negotiate the tight curve into Coy Paper.

Bruce’s early love for railroads led to a lifelong hobby and a memorable career.