Fourth Way Down
The fourth way down from the boardwalk will take you from the cruise boat ticket offices/train station down the long ramp to the cruise boats: the M/S Mount Washington, the Sophie C., and the Doris E. Before heading down the ramp, check out the information center. There are racks and racks of brochures, and local newspapers. You’ll also find a convenient Bank of New Hampshire (formerly Laconia Savings Bank) ATM machine if you need cash. There are also public restrooms in this building.
At this point the boardwalk will widen considerably as you reach the center of Weirs Beach. Here you’ll find the ticket booth to the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, below.
Here there are also many park benchs for lake-viewing or people-watching, depending on which direction one is facing. Many summertime activities, including square dancing, band concerts, etc., occur in this central Weirs Beach location.
HISTORY OF THE TRAIN STATION
Second, 1880-1892 train station, ramp, and Lady of the Lake cruise ship, 1880’s.
Note how the cupola on the current (1987-present) fifth station resembles the observation deck of the exquisitely detailed second 1880-1892 station.
Below, the first, original 1848-1879 Weirs Beach station. The station and attached wharf burned on March 11, 1871. (Source: Theo S. Jewett). Click on this link for an extensive look at the original station, with many additional images, including the very oldest that you will find on this website – an engraving from 1859!
Railroad men pose leaning against 4-4-0 steam engine “Coos” circa 1890; boardwalk on left, Veterans 9th &11th regiment building on right.Click here for a similar photo of men leaning against their steam train in Weirs Beach.
The train arrives at the Weirs Beach station in 1937. Click here for an additional photo.
There were two other train stations, besides the three shown here. There was the third 1893-1939 station, notable mainly for its 500′ long canopy over the boardwalk; and then there was the fourth 1940-1986 station. This photo is of B&M 4-6-2 train #3667 departing Weirs Beach on July 25, 1925.
