Never underestimate the importance of a rail line to an area. Railroads were essential to the development of our area beginning in the mid-1800s. Before we had trains with engines, horses pulled the passenger and freight cars along cleared roadways that later became lined with rails.
The construction of the Danbury railroad was partially responsible for the expansion of the hatting industry, the growth of the Danbury Fair, the placement of Western Connecticut State University, the development of the local technology industry, and increased populations. When not everyone had a car, people relied heavily on trains.
Beginning in 1852, Danbury had a two-way train service to Norwalk once a day. By 1886, the Danbury line was absorbed into the Housatonic Line, and residents could go to New Milford and onto Pittsfield, Mass. From Danbury, people could now go by train to both Boston and New York City in a third of the time.
From 1870 to 1925, a four-mile railroad spur was constructed between Branchville Station and where Ridgefield Supply was located (a replica of the station is currently on site there). The line was mostly used for people traveling to elegant hotels and their summer estates. After a bad accident on this spur, the line was eliminated. Today, this spur is now a part of the Rails to
Trails System.
Early on, Wilton had four stations on the Norwalk line: Branchville/Gilbert and Bennett, Cannondale, Wilton Center, and South Wilton/Kent/Hopkins. The Branchville station is still in use, the others have either been demolished or have been renovated for different purposes.
To better understand the role of railroads, visit the Danbury Railway Museum, located in the New Haven Railroad’s former Danbury Union Station. In addition to several exhibit rooms, you can also ride the train and be trained as an engineer for a short ride in the railyard. No worries; a certified engineer is always by your side.
For families, there are special rides: The Pumpkin Patch Ride, Ride with the Easter Bunny, and the First Gift of Christmas ride in December. The station also offers birthday party specials and programs for various groups.
From April to October, people of all ages can take the forty-minute local train yard ride. Visitors can take a seat in a vintage car with a caboose, with a view of the cab, and have time to visit the turntable (the only one functioning in Connecticut). Viewing a vintage pumphouse; seeing over 80 pieces of rail equipment for steam, diesel, and electric engines; experiencing air brakes; coupling and uncoupling of cars; and learning about post office and observation cars are a part of the ride.
Danbury’s Railway Museum is always looking for volunteers to service the facility in numerous ways. John Barton, a historian, has been a volunteer for many decades. He talks with pride about the station that took ten years to restore and reopened in 1980 after receiving a $1.8 million grant. Barton stresses that the train station is unique in that it has a curved platform and follows the colonial revival type of architecture with elements of Richardsonian Romanesque.
“The Danbury Railway Museum is best known for three things. We are the largest train museum in New England. We also house the only prototype for the first electric engine and all its related instruments. Getting this engine from Albany on a flatbed truck is a part of Danbury’s history,” says Barton.
“Another fun fact about the museum,” continues Barton, “is that in 1950, Alfred Hitchcock came to town to direct Strangers on a Train. This psychological murder mystery included Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, and Robert Wagner. Hitchcock chose the location because of its unique architecture.”
The Danbury Railway Museum is located at 120 White Street, behind the 38-foot Uncle Sam Statue from the Danbury Fair. This amazing piece of memorabilia was returned to Danbury after 35 years in Lake George.
If you live in the area, you have probably passed the Danbury Railway Museum on many occasions but may not have stopped in. Put a visit on your to-do list for the future. The museum is open all year, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You will find the friendliest of volunteers, acquire new train knowledge, and gain respect for travel by rail. •
