Virtual Author Talk: Bill Kenny “A History of Maine Railroads”

Description

Join author Bill Kenny as he brings you on a tour of Maine’s railroad history from the first tracks made of wood to today’s high-speed Downeaster Amtrak train. Kenny will explore Maine’s rail history as he speaks about his book “A History of Maine Railroads” during this virtual author talk on Zoom with the Jesup Memorial Library on Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m.
 
Maine is populated with intriguing characters who set in motion a fascinating, compelling story of railroads and the unique communities they helped to build. Maine was one of the first states to build railroads and trolleys, and at one point had more than ninety communities with trolleys. Standard-gauge and “two-footers” crossed the state, including the St. Lawrence & Atlantic and the Bangor & Aroostook. Maine was also home to an international electric trolley and an attempted World War I dynamiting of a railroad bridge between the United States and Canada happened in Maine.
 
The history of Maine railroads is a prime example of how railroads affect economies, and Kenny, born in Maine and now living near Maine’s largest railroad yard, has experienced this firsthand. His realization that Maine’s history of railroads needs to be recorded, preserved and appreciated, prompted the writing of this book.
 
Kenny, a former career U.S. Air Force officer and Gulf War veteran, developed a lifelong interest in trains from a very young age when he took his very first train ride at age eleven. In the Air Force he was involved in the planning and coordination of the movements by rail and ship of military equipment from the United States and Europe for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, as well as the overseeing of railroad operations at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska and Loring Air Force Base in northern Maine. Kenny had a global logistics career where he planned and coordinated the movement of large equipment around the world by rail and shipping for major industrial companies. His many railroad experiences have provided a lifelong interest, education and love of railroads and their history.
 
Books will be on sale for this virtual event from co-sponsor Sherman’s Books. Attendees can purchase the book through their website shermans.com, or by calling 207-288-3161 as well as at their Bar Harbor location at 56 Main St., Bar Harbor. Registration for this event is required. To register fill out the form on the calendar listing of this event at https://jesuplibrary.org/event/kenny or email kchagnon@jesuplibrary.org.