The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-07-11
What a New Railroad Would do.

While the boom seems to be on in
Western Vermont--Uide Wallingford''
manganese mine, noted in another col
umn, and prospecting for iron near Ben
nington, in our last issue, etc-our atten.
ton is called to movement in Renssel-
ael county, written up in the Times, by
William Orr of Troy, N. Y, as follows
AS some of our citizens may not fully
understand the territory and proposed
route of the railroad 10 Brainard's and
Chatham, l give some points, 30 the
matter can be fully understood.
Beginning at East Sandlake, near
Averill's summer hotel and park, there
are six good large mills. with good water
power supplied from three lakes-Sand
lake, Glasshouse lake, and Crooked lake.
All these lakes are east of Burdens pond,
which receives the water from the lakes
and mills. The mill dams are from six
teen to forty feet high. They are all
along the stream on the east end, and
discharge the water into Burdens pond,
which when filled is fifteen feet deep
and three miles long. This pond is used
to keep up supply Of water IN the sum-
mer. The dam was built mainly by the
elder Burden and Mr.. Ranken, who en-
gineered the job. The dam is one of the
safest and best in the states Smart's
paper mill is near Burdens pond. His
dam 10 thirty feet high. The power is
very good, and ten miles from Troy.
Below this about two miles are West
Sandlake, Atkins knitting mill and
Thompson's grist-mill. This makes
eight good water-powers and large mills
all over the village of Abba.
From this point to the Hudson river
there are eight more good mill.powers
and rnilIs-two in Abba village and be-
low Reilly's factory and grist-mill, and
Smart's two large papermills, and Bur
den's mills in South Troy. Among these
IS the high waterfall that drives Bur-
den's water wheel, the second largest in
the world. This makes in all sixteen
good mills and water-powers on the
Wynnantskill, which is one of the best
IN the state, and with the iron and steel
works has done more to build up Troy
than any other one thing, and should be
encouraged. The freight and travel from
all these mills, farms and villages would
support the road. A short branch road,
about two or three miles long, could be
made to PoestenkIll village. The grade
of the road to Sandlake and Brainard's
is very easy and along the margin of the
creek, which from Troy goes southeast
to East Sandlake. Burdens pond or ar
tificial lake is about four miles south of
the latitude of Albany, The railroad
from Sandlake could go east of Burden, g
lake to Brainard's postoffice- distance
about twelve miles. The road would
cut off the turnpike roads to Albany and |
would bring to Troy the most Of the |
trade of this section, and in time would |
pay well on stock and bonds, and by in |
creasing trade and improving the loca-
tion Of Troy by southeasterly belt road |
around Rensselaer, county to Bennington,
If the road should 20 to East Schodack |
postoffice it would enclose more terri |
tory, but would cost more, and think |
the route to Sandlake much the best.
This village is pleasantly situated near
beautiful lakes and mountains. The |
includes the surrounding |
country, is about $4,000. There are four
five hotels and fine dwellings. |
Mr.. Averill's summer hotel and large |
park are well tied ear the lake, He
is one of the wise, active men of the
country and much interested in the road.
the total length of which would be TO
Brainaro's about twenly-four miles, all
in Rensselaer, county. From Bralnard's
there is railroad to Chatham, and a
connection with the Boston and Albany,
Hudson, Lebanon Springs
road to Bennington. Troy by making
this short proposed road would Secure
many new connections with southeast
Chatham is pleasant village,
with population of about $4,000, and is
in Columbia county. Most of the trade
from there would come 10 Troy, know
this belt road would be great benefit
to the city and pay well.