Littleton Chevrolet’s Blog Post – Resurrecting the Rails: The New Life of Bethlehem’s Maplewood Train Station

For nearly a century, a silent sentinel stood in the woods of Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Shrouded by overgrowth and weathering decades of harsh White Mountain winters, the Maplewood Train Station was a ghost of a bygone era—a time when the “Gilded Age” brought thousands of elite travelers to the grand hotels of the North Country. Today, that ghost is gradually coming back to life. Thanks to a dedicated group of locals and a vision for historic preservation, this architectural gem is being saved from the brink of collapse with plans to stand tall once again in the heart of town.

A Portal to the Gilded Age

Built in 1881, the Maplewood Station was a vital artery for the legendary Maplewood Hotel, often called the “palace hotel of the White Mountains.” In its heyday, as many as ten trains a day would arrive at this station, carrying passengers from Boston and New York who were eager to escape the smog of the city for the “pollen-free” mountain air.

However, the rise of the automobile in the 1920s changed everything. Passenger service to Bethlehem ended in 1924, and the station was officially abandoned by 1925. While its sister station in Bethlehem Village was converted into a private residence, the Maplewood Station was left to the elements, slowly rotting away near the Maplewood Golf Course for nearly 100 years.

Bruce Caplain’s Vision for Preservation

The effort to save the station is led by Bruce Caplain, a Bethlehem resident, past selectboard member, volunteer and a passionate advocate for the town’s heritage. Caplain has a unique connection to this history: he actually lives in the other surviving Bethlehem depot, which he meticulously restored into his home. Recognizing that the Maplewood Station was on the verge of being lost forever, Caplain co-founded the non-profit Maplewood Station Restoration. The mission was bold:

1. Document and Dismantle: Carefully catalog every beam and board of the original structure.
2. Relocate: Move the station from its hidden location in the woods to a prominent spot where the public can enjoy it.
3. Rebuild: Reconstruct the station to its original 1881 splendor

In late 2021, the first major hurdle was cleared. An excavator and a team of specialists carefully razed the remains of the station—not to destroy it, but to save it. The usable historic materials were salvaged and stored, awaiting their second act.

The New Home: The Sinclair Hotel Property

The most exciting chapter of this story is the station’s possible and intended destination. Bruce Caplain and the restoration committee have set their sights on rebuilding the station on the Sinclair Hotel property in the center of Bethlehem. By placing the station on the site of another legendary (now lost) hotel, the project creates a “historic hub” in the village. The plan is for the reconstructed station to serve as a:

• Historical Museum: Showcasing Bethlehem’s rich rail and resort history along with some artifacts from the Bethlehem Historical Society.
• Community Space: Providing a venue for local programs, gatherings and a meeting room complete with all of it audio and visual equipment.
• Visitor Center: A physical reminder of the town’s identity as a premier destination.
• Vendor Space: A place for local vendors and artisans to display and sell their unique creations.

Funding the Future

Preserving history isn’t cheap. The project was divided into two phases. Phase I, which involved the stabilization and dismantling of the original structure, was a success. Now, the focus is on Phase II: the total reconstruction. To date, the project has raised over $750,000 for the full rebuild but there is still more to go. Through a combination of private donations, community fundraisers, and the pursuit of historic preservation grants, Caplain and his team are working to secure the remaining capital needed to break ground on the Sinclair property.
Are you looking to know more about the Maplewood Train Station project??  Click the link and get behind history…https://www.maplewoodtrainstation.org/

Maplewood Train Station – A 501c-3 Non-Profit in Bethlehem New Hampshirewww.maplewoodtrainstation.orgThe Maplewood Train Station, located in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, was built in the late 1800s and in use through the early 1920s.

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