MARSHFIELD STATION

1938-1998

    Built in 1938 by Colonel Henry Teague, Marshfield Station greeted visitors until the end of the 1993 season.  On the anniversary of the Railway's 125th. year of operation, a new station was dedicated and named Marshfield.  

    Named in honor of Sylvester Marsh, originator of the Cog Railway, and Darby Field, believed to be the first white man to ascend Mount Washington, old Marshfield was a rambling log structure that at one time boasted the largest stone fire place in New England.  It housed railway offices, employee sleeping quarters, restaurant, gift shop and kitchen.  Built entirely of hand peeled logs, the interior was highly varnished and had the patina that can only come from many decades of use.  

    Colonel Teague recognized the need for more comfortable accommodations and surroundings to entice the traveling public in the years following the Great Depression.  He built Marshfield Station with restaurant facilities and restrooms to make the travelers more comfortable.  Also in the Marshfield complex were a series of log cabins that could be rented for overnight stay.  It was possible to arrive at Marshfield in the early evening, get a meal and spend the night.  The following morning, breakfast was available and people would board the trains for the summit where they could spend the day exploring.  Following dinner at the Summit House, they could remain for a spectacular sunset and then spend the night in the Summit House.  Morning held the possibility of a sunrise view like no other.  Following breakfast, the travelers would board the train for the Base.  All in all it must have been quite an experience for those early motorists.

Summer, 1939 shortly after Marshfield was built

Late Fall in the forties

Summer in the mid-seventies

Picture of  Old Marshfield Station shortly after it caught fire on August 24, 1998.