The Waterbury, Vermont Train Station
Drawing by Stan Hamlet
The first Waterbury train station was constructed shortly after the arrival of trains in Vermont in 1849. Unfortunately a fire destroyed the first station. In 1875 it was replaced by the current brick building featuring arched windows, broad platform canopies, and a tower complete with a cupola.
In Waterbury, as with many rural communities, the train station served as the communication and transportation heart of the town. Everything from telegrams, packages, US mail, to daily newspapers came through the station! In the days before UPS and Fedex, there was The Railway Express Agency! The station also transported residents and brought visitors from far away places like Boston, New York, Montreal and beyond. Area dairy farms received feed and farm supplies and shipped carloads of milk.
In Waterbury, as with many rural communities, the train station served as the communication and transportation heart of the town. Everything from telegrams, packages, US mail, to daily newspapers came through the station! In the days before UPS and Fedex, there was The Railway Express Agency! The station also transported residents and brought visitors from far away places like Boston, New York, Montreal and beyond. Area dairy farms received feed and farm supplies and shipped carloads of milk.
The New England railroads were quick to capitalize on the increasingly popular ski business in Vermont in the 1940's, '50's and '60's! The station served as a destination for weekend skiers leaving the city on Friday evenings and returning on Sunday afternoons. Skiers were happy to avoid snow covered roads and enjoy the excitement of a party atmosphere aboard the train! Buses met the train to whisk them to their favorite chalet!
|
Sadly, in 1966, passenger service ended and the station had its canopies, tower, and cupola removed. Amtrak revived passenger service in 1972 but the years had taken their toll on the beloved station.
|
A decade of dedicated local efforts, spearheaded by Revitalizing Waterbury with support from the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Enhancement fund, culminated in the accurate restoration of the station bringing back it's Victorian charm. The restoration, completed in 2006, was done by the architectural firm of Arnold and Scangas of Colchester, Vermont, with Laz Scangas as lead architect. K.R. Adams of Milton, Vermont, worked as general contractor. This restoration breathed new life into the station, transforming it into an Amtrak station, a cafe, and The Waterbury Visitors’ Center. Revitalizing Waterbury maintains ownership of the station and leases space to Black Cap Coffee’s Cafe and Bakery.
Black Cap Coffee
This year, the station is celebrating its remarkable 150th birthday! The Visitors' Center is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. Amtrak is typically open around train times and see Black Cap Coffee for their hours.
First Class Trains at Waterbury over the years
The Ambassador (day train) - Began service 4/26/1926, Ended service 9/3/1966
From New York/Boston to Montreal
Operating railroads Boston & Maine, New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, Canadian National Railway, Central Vermont Railway
The Montrealer (overnight train) - Began service 6/15/1924, Ended service 9/3/1966
(note: this train was called the Washingtonian or New Englander southbound depending on destination. It split at White River Jct. continuing to Boston or Washington)
From Washington D.C./Boston to Montreal
Operating Railroads: First Boston & Maine, Canadian National, Central Vermont, New Haven Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad
The Montrealer (overnight train) - Began service 9/30/1972, Ended service 3/31/1995
From Washington D.C. to Montreal
Operating Railroad: Amtrak
The Vermonter (current day train) - Began service 4/1/1995 to the present
From Washington D.C. to St Albans
Operating Railroad: Amtrak
From New York/Boston to Montreal
Operating railroads Boston & Maine, New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, Canadian National Railway, Central Vermont Railway
The Montrealer (overnight train) - Began service 6/15/1924, Ended service 9/3/1966
(note: this train was called the Washingtonian or New Englander southbound depending on destination. It split at White River Jct. continuing to Boston or Washington)
From Washington D.C./Boston to Montreal
Operating Railroads: First Boston & Maine, Canadian National, Central Vermont, New Haven Railroad, Pennsylvania Railroad
The Montrealer (overnight train) - Began service 9/30/1972, Ended service 3/31/1995
From Washington D.C. to Montreal
Operating Railroad: Amtrak
The Vermonter (current day train) - Began service 4/1/1995 to the present
From Washington D.C. to St Albans
Operating Railroad: Amtrak
