Kennebuck Free Library, Kennebuck, Maine (History and Genealogy Section)

Kennebuck Free Library

Kennebuck, Maine

I have never been to this library and didn't even know where it was, but my husband knew exactly where, it wasn't too far from the Wedding Cake House, which he wanted to see for the 100th time (see photo below). The entrance (below) was in the new addition to the library, but the rest of my photos show the older section.

Pretty good selection of genealogy and history books. A librarian showed me around and gave me some history. The skylight had to be covered during World War II and now has a beautiful ceiling light providing a bit of sparkle and light. The library lights the fireplace twice a week...maybe a tradition of some kind.

The Wedding Cake House isn't open anymore, but at least you can see the outside.

There Is A Lot to Like About Lowell -- Trolleys, Trains and Tracks

"There is A Lot to Like About Lowell" is the city slogan.

(See tab on right side called "Lowell Series" for many more articles about Lowell.)

Trolleys, Trains and Tracks

1830          1930

STEAM RAILROADS IN NEW ENGLAND

HAD THEIR BEGINNINGS

IN THE CHARTER GRANTED THE

BOSTON AND LOWELL RAILROAD CORPORATION

JUNE 5, 1830

FIRST TRAIN OPERATED JUNE 24, 1835

THIS CENTENNIAL TABLET

PLACED OPPOSITE THE SITE OF

THE FIRST DEPOT BY THE

BOSTON AND MAINE RAILROAD

(Below shows where the site would have been.)

An old restored mill building houses the yellow trolleys. Underneath this rail is a canal, the renovated mills across the street are condos or apartments.

Locomotives in Lowell

Signs like this are all over the historical area.

Above trolley just left Boott Cotton Mills Museum and is going to the Lowell National Park Service Visitor's Center. The trolleys typically run from March through November, and the ride is free.  Planning has begun to expand trolley service into other parts of the downtown.

From the National Park Service's flyer on Lowell Trolleys, "By 1935 electric trolleys made their last run in Lowell--that is, until 1984. As part of the development of Lowell National Historical Park, trolley service was reestablished in Lowell's downtown to transport park visitors in the city."

Actual train tracks, on the sidewalk. I love this feature. This track went directly to where I used to work. There are others in the city.

National Streetcar Museum (below)

City Hall in the background.

Our train station doesn't look like this, but I love this photo. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to crop it for posting. Currently our station's multi-level parking lot is being renovated, and there is other construction as well. When it is completed next year, I will post a photo. The train leaves for North Station in Boston, and stops in towns* along the way.

*North Billerica, Wilmington, Woburn, Winchester, Wedgemere, West Medford

UPDATE: For October 11, 2014.

The above train, Desire #966, is an original 1924 New Orleans street car that ran on the St. Charles Streetcar Line. This car is housed in Lowell and is run by volunteers from the Seashore Trolley, on certain days. It takes visitors, free of charge, from the Visitor Center to the Boott Mill. I was finally able to see it and take a double ride. Below are photos, three through the window.

Above, part of the Lowell High School, and canal.

National Streetcar Museum.

Love the foliage, it helps make Lowell look extra special.