Name/Title
Rail Pass, 1897Entry/Object ID
2020.221.055Scope and Content
Providence and Stonington Steamship Company Pass, 1897
This pass was issued to George M. Houghton, the General Passenger Agent of the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Company of Maine. Mr. Houghton wrote a book on the railroad entitled Into the Maine Woods, copies of which can still be found on ebay or Amazon.
The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad Company was composed of over 800 miles of track at its largest, and moved passengers as well as agricultural or wooden goods. It was started relatively late for a railroad, incorporated in 1891 and still running today, although of course under a different name.
When Mr. Houghton was issued this pass, he was serving as the General Passenger and Ticket Agent, and living in a house at 255 Pine Street in Bangor, Maine. It appears his father and also his son were involved in the railroad business, both also named George.
Unfortunately, we do not know why this pass was issued. It was donated to us by Martin Earl Smith, who purchased the item at an online auction. As you can see, it has been authenticated by a company called Professional Sports Authenticator, although the company provides no further information on the railroad or the individuals mentioned.Collection
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