August 6, 2026 | Christian Donner Two original railroad artifacts remain along the Medfield section of the Bay Colony Rail Trail. Their restoration was an Eagle Scout project by Jordan Agnello of Medfield’s Troop 89, completed in the summer of 2026. The sections below explain what each marker was used for, with photographs of comparable examples from other rail lines. Whistle Stop Post This marker, known as a whistle post, was used by railroad engineers to indicate where they should begin sounding the locomotive whistle as they approached a road crossing. Typically placed about one-quarter mile before the crossing, the post gave engineers enough distance to sound the required warning signal and alert vehicles, pedestrians, and nearby residents of an approaching train. For much of railroad history in Massachusetts, engineers followed a standard whistle sequence—two long blasts, one short blast, and one long blast—beginning at the whistle post and continuing until the train reached the crossing. These simple “W” markers were once a common sight along railroad lines throughout New England and remain as reminders of the safety practices that helped protect communities during the era of rail travel. Examples of Whistle Stop Posts A whistle post beside a former rail line now used as a trail A weathered concrete whistle post beside an active track A concrete whistle post with freshly painted markings Battery Box A railroad battery box was a small enclosure placed along the tracks to house batteries and electrical equipment that powered the railroad’s signaling and communication systems. Before modern power networks, these boxes supplied electricity in remote locations for signals, track circuits, crossing warning devices, and communication equipment that helped control train movement and keep railroads safe. Battery boxes were built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and were often made of metal, concrete, or heavy wood. The structure at this location is a concrete battery well. Built as a cylindrical concrete chamber set partially below ground, it protected the batteries from harsh weather while the surrounding earth and concrete provided natural insulation, helping maintain more stable temperatures during cold winters and hot summers. A heavy metal lid allowed railroad workers to access the equipment for inspection and maintenance while helping keep it secure. Battery wells were valued for their durability and resistance to fire, rot, and vandalism. Railroad workers regularly inspected and maintained the equipment to ensure reliable operation. Though often overlooked, these structures played an important role in the safe operation of trains and remain reminders of the technology that helped keep railroads running safely. Examples of Battery Boxes A concrete battery box with a heavy steel lid — Mason City, Iowa, 2006 (photograph by Todd Sestero) Trackside equipment cases at a switch — enclosures of this kind housed the batteries that powered signals The Millis Branch Railroad: Medfield’s Historic Rail Line The trail you are walking today follows the historic Millis Branch Railroad, an east–west rail corridor that once connected Medfield with Boston and communities to the west. Before becoming the Bay Colony Rail Trail, this right-of-way carried passenger trains, freight trains, mail, and local goods through the region for more than a century. The railroad reached Medfield in 1861 when the Charles River Branch Railroad extended service west from Needham through Medfield toward Medway. The line was built to provide a direct commuter connection between Boston and growing suburban and rural towns. Early service was powered by steam locomotives pulling passenger coaches and freight cars. The New Haven Railroad Era By the late 1800s, the line became part of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, commonly known as the New Haven Railroad. The Millis Branch became part of a larger network serving communities west of Boston. Trains carried commuters, students, shoppers, mail, and freight between towns including Needham, Dover, Medfield, Millis, and beyond. Over time, railroad technology changed. The era of large steam locomotives gave way to diesel-powered trains. In the final decades of passenger service, smaller diesel rail cars replaced the older steam trains. Medfield Stops on the Millis Branch Two principal passenger stops served Medfield along the Millis Branch. Farm Street Station was a local passenger stop serving residents between Dover and central Medfield. Medfield Junction Station was the most important railroad location in town. It was located near West Mill Street and Adams Street, where the Millis Branch crossed another north-south railroad line. This made Medfield Junction both a passenger stop and an important point for railroad operations and freight movement. A train traveling west from Dover would have reached Farm Street first, then continued to Medfield Junction, before continuing towards Millis. Medfield Junction, 1906 postcard Medfield Junction, late 1950s Farm Street Station, 1909 Farm Street Station The End of Passenger Service After World War II, automobiles and highways became increasingly popular, and fewer people depended on trains for daily transportation. Passenger service on the Millis Branch declined over time. The last passenger trains ran on April 21, 1967. After that, the railroad corridor continued to serve freight customers. Freight and the Bay Colony Railroad In 1982, the Bay Colony Railroad began operating freight service on portions of former New Haven Railroad lines, including the Millis Branch. Instead of carrying commuters, trains primarily served freight customers. Eventually, rail use declined, and sections of the corridor became inactive. From Railroad to Rail Trail Today, the Bay Colony Rail Trail preserves this historic route. The Medfield section follows the former railroad right-of-way from the Dover town line to Ice House Road, allowing visitors to experience the same corridor where steam locomotives, passenger trains, and freight trains once traveled. As you walk the trail, you are following a route that helped connect Medfield to the wider region for generations. Victor at Millis Collision Center restored the metal lid for the battery box at no cost. We are forever grateful!