We are happy to announce that John Mrazik has accepted our invitation to be our keynote speaker. John is a retired Teacher-Coach-Athletic Director.

He is a member of the Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts and the Railroad Museum of New England. He is also a former member of NHRHTA who has contributed a number of articles over the years to the Shoreliner magazine. he has lectured many times to various groups throughout MA and CT on the topic of railroads.

Much of his railroad knowledge stems from the wonderful contacts that he has managed to establish throughout his lifetime. Due to the positioning of the schools that he attended from 1951 until 1965, he had a perfect view of the New Haven’s busy Norwich & Worcester Branch main. A much younger JM also established a wonderful relationship with the rail crossing guard at Main Street, Webster where he spent countless hours manning the Main St. guard shack. This resulted in many trips up front in the Budds, for traversing the N&W main. He brags a young JM became very proficient in blowing the Hanncock at the many crossings located on the N&W main. His Dad owned a small grocery store in Webster and twice a week, he would drive into Worcester to purchase the meats and groceries, and a young JM would always tag along. He explains that all of their stops were rail served giving him the opportunity to see the NH, B&A, and B&M weekly, in the 50s and 60s and he loved it. Like many railroad enthusiasts, a mentor played a key role in developing his early interest in trains. In his case it was an uncle who operated trains for the City of NY.

His presentation will primarily cover a brief history and operations of the once busy New Haven’s Norwich & Worcester Branch and its connection with the Southbridge Branch.  The PowerPoint will also include a look at some interesting and unusual events that took place on the branch.  He is a local guy who managed to be trackside for much of the 50s & 60s and will share his observations and experiences during that time period.

Lastly, a brief look at the ill-fated Grand Trunk attempt to build a railroad from Palmer to Providence. Some of the remnants of the GT effort are still in place in Southbridge.