Railways
Everybody used to say "Here comes the " Peanut", but nobody seemed to know why ...
In 1870, the Missisquoi and Black Valley Railway Company constructed railway grade from Richmond to Bolton Mines (halfway between Eastman and Bolton Centre) mainly because of Huntingdon Mines, from which a big demand of copper was made on account of the United States Civil War.
ln 1877 ten more miles, reaching Patton Spring in South Bolton, were completed. ln 1888, South of Patton Springs, 4.6 miles were added by Orford Mountain Railway, the new proprietor Company.
And in 1906, another section was built, reaching Mansonville, opened in 1907, July 12, and giving occasion of banquet and speeches at Leo Larose's Hotel (Giroux Store.)
Now in 1910, Orford Mountain Railway sells to Canadian Pacific, and the C.P. Company builds an additional 4 1 /2 miles of track towards Troy Junction, to connect with the Midland Railway of Vermont.
These 23 miles of track between North Troy and Eastman were abandoned April 1 st. 1936.
But people would have enjoyed this "Peanut" carrying ore, wood cattle, oil, food and miscellaneous, and also people in his six wagons.
Alfred and Chester Johnson used to get oil from tankers at the station and deliver it in the surrounding villages. Elie Hamelin (grand'father of George etc) worked on the line.
After abandonment, the station house was first owned by Joseph Blanchette, then by lrenée Nolet and now Rupert Clark owns it. Highwater station was closed about 12 years ago.