O.G. Thomas Stove, Profile & Franconia Notch Railroad – Seen here in 2012 are remnants of an O.G. Thomas stove made in Taunton, Massachusetts, at an abandoned dwelling site along the Profile & Franconia Notch Railroad in the New Hampshire White Mountains.

In operation from 1879-1921, the Profile & Franconia Notch Railroad was a ten mile long, more or less, passenger line that serviced only the Profile House in Franconia Notch. Originally built as a narrow-gauge line, it began at Bethlehem Junction, at Pierce’s Bridge, on the Mount Washington Branch of the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad (the Boston & Maine Railroad would eventually take over the line in 1895) and ended at the Profile House train depot. The old Route 3 also traveled in the general area, so it’s possible this stove piece has ties to the old Route 3 and not the railroad. It also could be completely unrelated to both.

This O.G. Thomas stove piece is considered to be an artifact, and the removal of historical artifacts from federal lands without a permit is a violation of federal law. Artifacts should be left in the undisturbed manner that they are found. The destruction of artifacts and historical sites is also a crime, and digging at historical sites is not allowed. So metal detecting anywhere in the White Mountain National Forest where there may be artifacts could lead to potential problems.

Interesting links:
Preserve History, Don't Remove Artifacts
Photos of the Profile & Franconia Notch Railroad
Historical Artifacts, Stoves

Happy image making..

© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | White Mountains History
To license any of the photographs above for usage in print publications, click on the photograph.

Erin Paul Donovan

Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC

Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.