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Many thanks to our sponsors, whose generous donations of land, grant funding, and volunteer time made this rail trail to bike path conversion project possible.

Background & History (see photo page 2)

The railroad has had a long history in Holliston. First built in the 1840's by The Boston and Worcester Railway with immigrant Irish laborers, and later owned by the Boston & Albany RR, the "Milford Line" served Holliston residents continuously for over 100 years. Here are some photos that show how the railroad appeared in the through the years.

The Holliston Depot was reached by the first train from Framingham on July 4th, 1847. The Depot remained a pivotal site of business, industry, and social life in Holliston until the last passenger train passed by in 1959.
A B&A Engine at Holliston Depot is pictured here just after 1900. The assemblage of characters include Charles Garvin, station agent.
Citizens could now for the first time commute to work and shop in such places as Milford, Framingham and Boston. Fare to Milford was 5¢.
Passenger service through Holliston ended in 1959. Here a B&A train led by a Baldwin 2-8-0 locomotive, exits the tunnel that passes through the Phipps Tunnel under Highland Street (circa 1930).
A view across Washington Street from what is today, the Creative Playthings parking lot. (circa 1930) The East Holliston Station building on the left is still there but it has been moved and modified.
Another view of the Phipps Tunnel, this time the photo shows a mudslide blocking the track with over a foot of mud and debris. (circa 1930)
The station on Woodland St. "The Depot" was the busiest location in town when the train stopped. The 1950's saw a steady decrease in train travel as the private ownership of cars and the improvement of roads increased. This station building is still in use as Casey's Crossing Tavern. (1958)
This Budd RDC is taking on passengers from what would today be considered an unlikely spot. The Highland street overpass offered a "drop-off" spot for commuters or day trippers heading into Framingham and beyond. (1958)
Passengers emerge from the train and walk through Phipps tunnel to their homes or to waiting cars on Highland Street.
As larger diesel engines replaced steam locomotives the Highland Street tunnel and the 8 arch bridge become outdated and were too narrow for the modern equipment. Here a crewman appears to be checking for overhead clearance. (1958)
A handcar team crosses the 8-arch bridge. Can anyone date this photo? Judging from the treeless meadow in the background, it must be the 1950's or 60's.
Conrail SW1500 #9528 crosses the 8-arch bridge on its way back from Axton Cross sometime in the 1970's.
	(see photo page 2)