Bethel Railway Station - 1912
The above photo depicts Bethel’s second train station that was completed in 1899 and provided passenger service until 1996 when a new station was constructed further north along the line. Bethel’s original train station occupied this same spot from the time the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad began service in 1852 until the building was destroyed by fire in December of 1898. The station depicted above also once served the Shepaug Railroad that operated from 1872 until 1911. This line connected train service between Bethel and Hawleyville station in Newtown and then continued north as far as Litchfield.
Below is a brief article appearing in the “Danbury News” on May 24, 1899 as the station shown above was nearing completion.
“The interior of the new station is fitted up very comfortably. The waiting room is neatly finished off and furnished with all of the accommodations necessary. The ticket and telegraph office is in the center of the building, between the freight and passenger departments. Agent McMahon has a cozy little office, and just opposite is a small baggage room, which will be in charge of Baggagemaster Beaupin. The new station, although not a large one, will probably meet all requirements, and is certainly substantially built and nicely arranged.”
Marker is at the intersection of Depot Place and South Street, on the right when traveling south on Depot Place.
Courtesy hmdb.org
