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Cotton Valley Rail Trail ClubEstablished in 1992NARCOA Affiliate since 2014 |
LEGAL NOTICE: Operation of railway equipment, including motorcars, is governed by Federal, State and Railroad authorities. All rail property is owned by someone. Operation of any equipment on or around railroad property is only permitted with permission of the property owner or leasor. CVRTC will assist local, State, and Federal authorities in prosecuting illegal operators of railway equipment. |
The Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club is an association of railway motorcar enthusiasts dedicated to preserving motorcar history and right-of-way maintenance through active operation and stewardship. |
About CVRTC | Safety | Events Calendar | Trail News | Membership |
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(October 23, 2023)
The updated 2024 Membership Form has been uploaded to the Membership Page. (JWM) |
![]() Message from President Bruce Stuart: Good afternoon friends. There are moments in your life that time and understanding prepare you for, what news I bring does not lend itself to one of those moments. As I sit here at this keyboard, still trying to digest this loss, I struggle to come up with words that can truly express my sadness in saying goodbye to a very dear friend. On this 17th day of June. The brakes have been released, markers hung and the throttle cracked for one last departure from Fernald Station for Sean. More... (JWM) |
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Wow! What a great day at Fernald station this year! The Cotton Valley Rail Trail
Club would like to thank all those who took the time to discover what it is like
to ride the rails in antique railroad work vehicles. Many of you took the time
to see our historical displays in the old Fernald Depot too. Thank you for sharing
your stories of riding the Wolfeboro train as a youth and of course many thanks for all the
smiles. We truly appreciate your support. Watch a short vid on our YouTube channel.
(S McInerney photos) (SPM) |
Work Ride Recap from Jon Miner: "Long, but safe day on the rails. We patrolled from Silver Lake Road to the Lakeport drawbridge in preparation for next week's excursion train. Took care of brush cutting a few spots where the hy-rail cutter missed. Ben Clark says "Thanks very much!" (J Miner Photo) (SPM) |
The club rode to remember Art Hawkes by running his beloved Mountain Division. We enjoyed spectacular warm summer weather in October. It was so nice to have Brenda Hawkes join us on this somewhat "Adventure Excursion". Thanks to Brian and Sue for providing a seat for Brenda. Brenda remarked, "As I rode, I watched all the mile posts he had lovingly painted the whole length and laughed how well they were holding up and how precise they were painted. He was a perfectionist. Getting back just after dark was even perfect as he had no sense of time and almost always got back late and often after dark. Again our son Will and I thank you for this." It was our pleasure Brenda and Will. Thank you for joining us. We were happy to do the full trip to the New Hampshire border and back. (B Leo,S Fuller, S McInerney Photos) (SPM) |
Meeting Report from Vice President Jesse Mazzie: This morning seven more Cotton Valley members took part in mentoring day at Fernald Station. We started off with classroom teaching on safety/operating rules, mechanical and lots of other motorcar topics. After a morning of classroom learning we headed out on the Wolfeboro line and upon arrival back at Fernald 5 new NARCOA Mentored operators were signed off on and the other 2 will get checked off next insurance season. Everyone did great and it was safe day. Thank you to Gordon, Danny and Mark from NEREX for coming over and congratulations to Jon M, Paul R, Kathleen F, Chris R, James I, Glenn F and Ken B on your work getting "your wings". (J Mazzie Photo) (SPM) |
Message from CVRTC President Bruce Stuart: "The family day gathering photos are attached here showing the summer time staples such as burgers, dogs and unbelievably sweet corn on the cob. Long time member Don Wendel is seen holding down the station bench and quietly observing the going on's. The ever growing fan club of Scott, crowd toward Scott and Kathy's car full of questions and advice on the operation of their two strokes. Leisurely conversations sprinkled in throughout the yard enjoying a great afternoon lunch compliments of Sean and Rick, thank you both for manning the grill." (S Stuart Photos) (SPM) |
Vice President Jesse Mazzie brought the meeting to order at 10:0 AM. It looks like our calendar will have several options to ride over the next two months. The next meeting on 19 September will be Family Day. Bring your family for a BBQ and rides on the branch line. We will have the gang trailer out and organized rides both east and west. After the meeting several cars headed east on the Wolfeboro branch. Some cars also went over to the freshly mowed Ossipee line. At left is a group photo of member cars lined up at Cotton Valley. Second photo is cars pushing over the crossing near the Mountainview Station in Center Ossipee ready to head north. (J Mazzie, S McInerney Photos) (SPM) |
Jon Miner led a crew on a work ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic section of the Plymouth and Lincoln on Saturday. Ron M. brought his motorcar AND a trailer to help transport the debris that was collected along the ROW in the Laconia section. The work crew got a tour of the beautiful Laconia station after the work ride. Great to see renovation work is being done on the old Concord & Montreal RR station. (J Miner Photos) (SPM) |
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Bruce Stuart. After the treasurer and membership reports Jon M gave notice of several work ride opportunites with our host railroads (Plymouth & Lincoln, Seashore Trolley, Milford & Bennington). James C and crew was thanked as he led a work party at the seton location in Center Ossipee last month. Members were also reminded about helping to keep the area outside the railhead (10 feet) clear of debris for the success of our sicklebar cutting. We will probably mow Wolfeboro with the deck mower before the end of August. Photos at left show the sicklebar running from Rt 109 to Sand Box Rd after the meeting concluded. Members went out ahead of the tractor to clear obstacles. (J Miner Photos) (SPM) |
MOW Report from James Chadbourne: We had a very successful morning on the Ossipee line today. Toby Lowry, Rick OBrien, Jon Miner, Norm Yeaton, and Hayden joined me as we went to town on the overgrown siding at Center Ossipee behind the Mountain View diner at 9:00 AM. With a good set of tools and a willing crew we made short work of it. It will need mowing and the dirt in the gauge near Mountain View will have to be removed by the tractor. We were all set off and safely on our way before 13:00. After the main work was complete the five of us rode the line to Pollys Crossing. There were 3 or 4 trees (photo) we had to stop and remove. Video link below from the return trip crossing the swamp south of MP B113/I26. Jon was stopping at each MP to record an accurate GPS fix on them. B115 seems to be missing. (J Chadbourne Photos) (SPM) |
After many delays and postponements caused by the global pandemic, the club was able to finally hold it's annual business meeting. Usually held every year in March (stated in club by-laws), it was strange to sit down for the first time as a group in 2020 in June! Elections were held, updates from the Trail Master, Membership Secretary and many other agenda topics discussed. Some trackcars headed east to the Miss Wakefield after the meeting. Some maintenance was performed on the 60" deck mower. (C. Sullaway Photo) (SPM) |
Jessie Mazzie Trip Report: After a well organized set on we had a brief safety meeting and headed out on the line for a safe 36 mile round-trip excursion. We had a nice lunch stop at the Harvester Market in Greenfield. They seemed very happy to have our business and the food was great. Once in Bennington at the turnaround point, we took a walk down to the falls at the dam. On the way back we stopped at Elmwood Junction where Boston and Maine Historical Society historian, Rick Kfoury, gave an informative talk about it's importance and activity in the remote section of New Hampshire. The group headed back to Wilton and set-off expeditiously. A big thank you to Jon Miner and David Maher for doing the over-the-road flagging. A very big thank you to all the members who turned out for this event. Both our railroad pilot and the owner of the railroad were present and very impressed with our professionalism and safety oriented attitude. (J. Mazzie Photo) (SPM) |
Jon Miner Trip Report: Thanks to James, Jesse, Sean, and Norm for a fun and safe day of operations at the Seashore Trolley Museum. We didn't keep track but since we pretty much ran hourly, we racked up about 20 miles. As a bonus, we never had to turn the cars around! The weather was almost perfect... with the exception of a downpour that occurred as we finished our final run. The Seashore staff had fun taking some motorcar rides too. The staff also provided lunch for the operators. We all look forward to doing this event in the future. (S. McInerney Photos) (SPM) |
Jesse Mazzie Trip Report: Had a wonderful day on the rails of New Hampshire. Three cars headed east from Fernald to meet Scott and Kathleen who were already out on the line. The scenery was great and the mowing is perfect. We all had lunch at the Miss Wakefield Diner. They accomadated us with outside seating. On the way back we had a meet with Hank and gang at Cotton valley. After returning to Fernald, two cars headed out seton at Silver Lake. We had a great ride there too! A few small trees had to be cut and moved but it was short work for Hayden‘s chainsaw. We also cleared the remains of a flooded beaver dam off the track where at one point it was under water. (S Fuller & J Mazzie Photos) (SPM) |
On Sunday CVRTC in union with the Cotton Valley Trail Committee (CVTC) addressed the trail flooding east of Cotton Valley. PVC pipe was installed in a manner that will hopefully foil the efforts of the local beaver population. The objectives were to provide enough water to support the beavers and other wildlife it attracts but in a controlled manner to preserve the rail bed from flooding and erosion. Water was over the railhead during the past week until trail volunteers cleared the debris from the culvert areas. The fury civil engineers were busy with their nocturnal repairs after each cleaning. The groups will monitor the new installation to gauge effectiveness, water levels and consider modifications or improvements if needed. (SPM) |
A few club members gathered in an impromptu teleconference meeting today. The effort was to test if the club could use this method to conduct some business during the governors request to stay at home until 4 May during the virus outbreak. The Board of Directors will test this a bit more and decide if they might want to use it in place of our April meeting which has been cancelled. It seemed to be a great way for the BOD to get together and accomplish some tasks that do not require presence at Fernald. Jesse Mazzie photo. (SPM) |
The Board of Directors in cooperation with State of New Hampshire health authorities have cancelled the business meeting that was to be held at the Tilton Freight House. At this time, the BOD will schedule the annual business meeting on the club's regular April meeting at Fernald. If there are improvements in the health event and restrictions on gatherings are lifted to allow such an activity we will next meet on Saturday, 18 April. We hope all members stay healthy and safe. (SPM) |
Spring is coming! Don't forget to mark your calendar for the annual season opener CVRTC Business Meeting on 28 March. Check the Events page for details on the where and when! (Bruce Stuart photo from early February) (SPM) |
(February 29, 2020) A Leap Year BOD meeting was held at Vice President Jesse Mazzie's home this year. The four hour meeting covered a lot of ground. Decisions about family membership, operation and capital expenditures were covered. Some of these changes are reflected in a new version of the by-laws. The Directors are prepared to explain the results at the Annual Business Meeting on 28 March. Please see the Events page for details on the where and when of this important CVRTC meeting. (SPM) |
Left to right, Scott's Nathan, Bruce's A5,James' new truck, Pauls trip to NC, Toby's M19 hibernating! (February 4, 2020) As we wait for season opener CVRTC Business Meeting on 28 March, some of our members have tackled a few projects on their motorcars. Some have focused on trailers or their tow vehicles. Bruce and James have acquired new trucks to help get their motorcars to Fernald or our host railroads. Bruce has also acquired a Fairmont A5. Scott has set his sights on a Nathan air horn project for his MT-14. Tony found his brake parts. Paul R has traveled to North Carolina to ride in the warmer weather on the Red Springs and Northern RR. Sean has improved his Woodings seating height and angle and added some new lighting. Some members are still hibernating! (SPM) |
![]() ![]() To the left we see the usual ROW discussions taking place and to the right Toby wrestles with the Stihl. We have more cutting to do so please ask the Trail Master, Bruce Stuart, for the latest task list. (SPM) |
(12 September 2018) The regular monthly meeting is being held this Saturday at 10 AM at the Silver Lake Railroad which is in Madison New Hampshire, many of you probably are familiar with it. If you were not it is also on the Ossipee branch but further north. If you were new to the club with the area put this address in your GPS. 1381 Village Rd, Madison, New Hampshire 03875 (JWM) |
(11 March 2018)
Here are the results of the elections:
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(10 January 2018) The board has scheduled the annual annual business meeting for: Sunday, 11 March at 10:00am. The meeting will be held at the same location as last year: Lake Shore Park, 2600 Lake Shore Road, Gilford, NH. For the Boston & Maine Railroad fans, this property was once owned by the B&M and sold lakeside cottage lots to the employees. The original ROW and Lake Shore Park depot (heavily modified) can still be easily seen. The board will be offering coffee and juice along with donuts and pastries. Please feel free to bring a baked good to share. The doors will open at 9:00 AM and the meeting will start at 10:00. The board is putting together the agenda now so please send any items that you would like to see covered. (JWM) |
(17 December 2017) Bruce Stuart reports that long time member Bill Wheeler has passed this weekend. Bill has been a member of CVRTC since 1994. For many of our current members, they might not have had the opportunity to have met Bill or to have seen him around the engine house. But, there was a time before contending with some health issues, Bill was an absolute staple in the ranks of CVRTC. (JWM) |
He was an avid rail enthusiast and enjoyed spending time at the Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club in Wolfeboro, NH, the Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME and the Edaville Railway in Carver, MA. Many friendships were made and treasured. He will be remembered for being kindhearted, caring, thoughtful and always willing to help friends, neighbors and others. "It was a good life!". (JWM) |
![]() Sean recalls mentoring him on his first NARCOA excursion. Lenny had already operated his M9 plenty on the Wolfeboro, and "you knew in the first 100 yards that he was more than capable of operating a motorcar" Lenny enjoyed modeling the Boston & Maine railroad, and would show up at Dave's house during the Tour de Chooch, always bringing some new locomotives to run. He was a real likable guy, and we'll miss his easy smile and contributions to the Club. Rest in Peace! Services will be held at Peaslee and Son Funeral Home in Wakefield NH this coming Sat at 11am for those members who would like to attend. Cards can be addressed to 30 Clark Rd, Brookfield NH, 03872 (JWM) |
![]() We had a safe, accident-free trip with twelve cars and 25 riders. The day started off with a safety talk at eight. After our arrival at the North Conway depot, Paul Hallett thanked us for the help the CVRTC does during the Thomas weekends, finishing up with a short safety talk. Off to Fabyan with stops in Bartlett and Crawfords. On our return trip, we met the North Train at Crawfords, where we waited for it's departure before we followed it back down, meeting the Valley Train in Bartlett, and then following it to Mountain Junction, where we bent the iron, and contined to Redstone. But there's more... we continued east to the Saco River bridge, which is decked over for snowmobile use. Thanks to all of the participants who helped make this another safe and enjoyable trip! (JWM) |
![]() If you don't like the weather in New England... wait a couple of minutes. The weather Gods change their minds; we only had a very short light mist during seton and some rain through the Notch which was over by the time we arrived at Fayban. Other than that we had warm temperatures, sunny skies with a nice cool breeze the rest of the day. We had a safe, accident-free trip with nine cars and 18 riders. The day started off with a safety talk at eight. After our arrival at the North Conway depot, Paul Hallett thanked us for the help the CVRTC does during the Thomas weekends, finishing up with a short safety talk. Off to Fabyan with stops in Bartlett and Crawfords. On our return trip, we met the North Train at Crawfords, where we waited for it's departure before we followed it back down, meeting the Valley Train in Bartlett, and then following it to Mountain Junction, where we bent the iron, and contined to Redstone. Thanks to all of the participants who helped make this another safe and enjoyable trip and everybody was off the rails and headed home by 5:45. See you all on July 8th. Don't forget to check your brakes and bring release forms for each participant. (JWM) |
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(June 5, 2017)
Bruce reports that the bridge is finished. The recent weather has rained out
on starting the Memorial Garden. Bruce and Dave will try for later this week.
Bruce spoke with contractor regarding brush chipping; no problem with holding off
for a couple of weeks until the base of the trail is established. It will be a lot
easier to move the chipper and tractor up the line utilizing the trail opposed
to negotiating the ties. We've had a chance to take a look at what we're dealing
with regarding brush. Not as much, or big as first thought. Mike said that because
of the amount of fill they're digging out of the embankments, they are going to fill
the holes with as much brush as they can, and cover it. Will be a huge help for us.
See everyone this weekend for our Family Picnic Day. (JWM) |
(May 1, 2017) Don't forget that because of Mother's Day, our May meeting is held on the 3rd Sunday. This year, it will be May 21st. Looking forward to a nice spring day. Stay tuned for more information regarding the projects we'd like to get done. (JWM) |
(April 23, 2017) Norm Yeaton represented the Club at the annual Hooksett Lions Club show. (JWM) |
(April 22, 2017) We had our first track patrol of the year on the White Mountain Branch, running up to Tilton, and lunch at the Tilton House of Pizza. Along the way we inspected and marked ties for this summer's tie replacement project, as well inspecting the new crossing at Sewells Falls, and identify vegatation that needs to be trimmed. We also noticed that we should repaint mileposts this year. (JWM) |
(January 2, 2017)
Happy New year!
We hope you are doing well. The 2017 Cotton Valley Membership Application
has been put on the Membership page.
Please fill out, and mail the application, along with a check for $30 to: CVRTC Membership Secretary Dennis Heffernan PO Box 2220 York Beach, ME 03910 Send your application and dues as soon as possible but no later than February 18. Don't forget to indicate whether your application is for a single individual or for a family. Membership cards and rosters will be handed out at the annual meeting. Please make every effort to send your application/check BEFORE the annual meeting - by February 18 at the latest - in order to allow time to print membership cards, as well as print the roster. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting in March. (DH) |
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The trackcars were set on at Redstone and went as far as Fabyans this year. A total of ten cars with 23 people made the trip. After holding a Safety Briefing at 8:00am, the group proceeded west to Mountain Junction, then backing down the former Boston & Maine trackage to the North Conway depot. Of all of the trips Club members have made over the years up through the Notch, Dave K believe this was the best trip ever had. We had no safety issues due to the attentiveness of the whole group. We had no breakdowns (a first), and we had just gorgeous weather. While at Crawford's we were able to see climbers repelling off Elephants Head and when at the Hattie Evans homestead we saw two climbers climbing the cliffs along the tracks. Dave guesses the only negative thing about the trip was that we saw no wildlife along the tracks but they encountered many hikers hiking along the rails. Dave hopes that everyone enjoyed the ride as much as he did, and until Thomas arrives for another Day Out With Thomas, and we all get together again, have a safe summer and happy motor caring. (JWM) |
(May 24, 2016) Sean Hurley, a reporter from New Hampshire Public Radio, came up to our May meeting and put together a short segment on the history and present day activities of the Club. In case you missed it on the radio, or just want to hear it again, visit the NHPR website. (JWM) |
(February 24, 2016)
The annual Business Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, March 13th
at 10:00am, at Lake Shore Park (2600 Lake Shore Road, Gilford, NH)
This is the same location that we used last year. Originally a Boston & Maine Railroad property which contains the last standing water tower. The Lake Shore Park depot can be seen as well. Breakfast will be served at 9:00am. Looking forward to see you all there... (JWM) |
(January 14, 2016)
Happy New Year! We hope you are doing well. The 2016 Cotton Valley Membership Application as been put on the Membership Page.
Please fill out and mail the application, along with a check for $30 to:
CVRTC Membership Secretary Send your application and dues as soon as possible but no later than February 21. Don't forget to indicate whether your application is for a single individual or for a family. Membership cards and rosters will be handed out at the annual meeting. Please make every effort to send your application/check BEFORE the annual meeting - by February 21 at the latest - in order to allow time to print membership cards, as well as print the roster. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting in March. (JWM) |
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We've developed a very good relationship with the New England Southern Railroad; our work ethic and safety record makes us a valuable asset maintaining this State of NH owned corridor. (JWM) |
(March 8, 2015) The Club's Annual Meeting and Election of Officers will be held on Sunday March 8th at the Lake Shore Park Club House in Lake Shore Park, Gilford NH. (The address is 2600 Lake Shore Road Gilford NH 03249). Park in front of the club house or up behind the club house. Pancakes, coffee, juice, and donuts will be served, starting at 8:30 AM. (JWM) |
(September 2014) The NARCOA Board votes to accept the Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club as an NARCOA Affiliate. (JWM) |
(August 17, 2014)
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(August 14, 2014) This week's Thursday Gang included Clif, Don, Leroy, Russ, Sam and Harry (6 cars). Debris from Wednesday's storm was removed from Fernald to NH-16, including an 8 inch birch that had fallen on the walking path at Cotton Valley. Guests, one way to NH-16, included a State Legislator and his wife. Water extremely high and on return all four culverts were left flowing freely. Overhanging trees were also trimmed on the return trip. (JWM) |
(December 2, 2013)
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(November 24, 2013)
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(November 10, 2013)
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(October 26, 2013)
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(October 13, 2013)
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(September 8, 2013)
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(August 24, 2013)
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(August 11, 2013)
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(August 10, 2013)
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(July 28, 2013)
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(July 20, 2013)
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(July 14, 2013)
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Dave captured the colorful group just north of the Sewells Falls crossing, just as they started working on the sight-lines. (JWM) |
Nearly twenty members and guests were present for the meeting, with a similar sized group up at Conway Scenic. Roy's photo captures the group inside the enginehouse. (JWM) |
(May 26, 2013) Jessie reports that the recent rains have produced high water along the line, but not yet on the rail. He also found one tree down east of Bryant Road, and took care of several leaners. (JWM) |
![]() Twenty two members and guests were present for the meeting, including two new members. Bruce, our newly elected President, outlined his ideas for trailwork, especially thanking everyone for their efforts. After the meeting, members headed out both to mow the west end, and patrol east. Jon, David and Pete headed for lunch at the Miss Wakefield Diner, and proactively cleared several "leaners". Due to the lack of rainfall, the beaver ponds were quite low. (JWM) |
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(March 10, 2013)
Roy reports that the 2013 Renewal forms are in the mail.
Dues for this year is $30.
Roy is retiring as Membership Secretary after 10 years and so will not be on the Ballot for re-election. If you are interested in being the Membership Secretary please let him know and your name will be added to the Ballot. Presently, one member is interested in the position. As you will see in the Renewal letter Ron is retiring as President, and also there is an unfilled opening for a Director, and there could be a couple more openings depending on who we elect to fill these positions. In the past we have almost always re-elected the present management to continue on with their operation of the club. This time we will need some new candidates to step forward and serve. If you can be one of these individuals and would like your name on the Ballot, email me at rfrend@aol.com by Friday March 8. (JWM) |
(Feburary 24, 2013) New Membership and Roster forms are now available. See the Membership Page to download the forms. (JWM) |
(Feburary 19, 2013) Working on a new design for this year... same look on the front, but easier to manage behind the scenes! (JWM) |
(Feburary 14, 2013)
![]() ![]() Dave provides two pictures of the enginehouse roof, taken before the repairs were made. (JWM) |
(Feburary 7, 2013)
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(January 12, 2013)
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See the archives for postings from 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023
Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 417
Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896