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Date: 5/18/2022
CHESTER – Chester on Track will return live for its 31st year on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., marking the 181st anniversary of the Western Railroad, the world’s first mountain and wilderness railroad. After two years of virtual commemoration of the date, this year will be the first in-person celebration since the Chester Village Railroad Station and Keystone Arches were granted National Historic Landmark status in January 2021.
The parade starts at 10 a.m.
“We’ve had a lot of response for the parade. We’re probably going to have a big classic car display along Maple Street and Maple Avenue,” said Chester Foundation President David Pierce, adding that this year a lot of people called in advance to say that they would be there.
The Gateway Regional Marching Band will march in its first parade of the season, and the Westfield River Wild & Scenic Committee will have a little canoe debuting in the parade, which wasn’t quite done in time for the canoe races. Afterwards, the Wild & Scenic Committee will make fish prints with children.
The Sheriff’s Department will bring its new mounted police unit, along with Hampden County K-9 units who will march in the parade, and then will be stationed at the town ballfield after the parade.
Along the route, the Hamilton Library will host a book and bake sale on its lawn, and the Chester Historical Commission will be on hand at the Old Jail and Chester History Museum for tours from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Chester Foundation Crafts Fair and the Jacob’s Ladder Business Association Business Expo will be set up on the grounds of the historic Riverside Inn and on both sides of Main Street, and live music will be played on the porch of the Riverside Inn and on the Railway Station platform all day.
Inside the Chester Railway Station, the Mass. Bay Railroad enthusiasts will have a couple of train layouts running, including an American Flyer All Aboard set from the 1950s.
Outside will be the Continental Regiment Revolutionary War re-enactors in their first appearance, along with Civil War re-enactors, and Dennis Picard with the railroad workers and hobo encampment.
Pierce said ham radio operators are also going to be there with a base camp, calling around the world and demonstrating morse code, while grinders, soup and chili will be served in the vintage Blue Caboose Dining Car. There will also be a lemonade stand.
Food by Chef John Slattery will be featured at the Riverside Inn, and Carm’s and Classic Pizza will be open all day, as well as The Village Market, for take-out.
“It’s a good day for all the businesses in Chester,” Pierce said.
A number of 1920s-era freight cars, including a 103-year-old wooden caboose and “Children’s Boxcar,” will be open to the public, and the Chester Fire Department will host its annual Duck Race on the Westfield River beginning at 2 p.m.
Since the historic designation of the Chester Railway Village, Pierce said there has been an uptick in visitors who are aware of the Historic Landmark designation.
“It’s a pretty steady stream,” he said, helped by a blue tourism sign on Route 20.
He said the Chester Railway Station pays for itself, between events that are hosted there, and “glamping” rentals in the 1919 caboose.
“This is a constant stream of cars coming in – a lot of people,” he said.
Pierce was a leading force in seeking the historic designation. He spent more than 30 years studying the history of the Western Railroad and working to preserve the Keystone Arches and the 1862 station. He now serves as tour guide for the landmarks, a volunteer position that keeps him plenty busy.
“I’m thrilled to be able to hang out there,” said Pierce, who lives in a house built in 1871 across the street from the station, which he says is a great coincidence, because that’s the year “Whistler’s Mother” was painted. Artist James Whistler’s father, George Washington Whistler, built the railroad.
“People always tell me what is important in retirement is meaningful work and socialization. I just sit on my front porch and meet people from all around the world,” Pierce said.