East Gardner Depot, Massachusetts, circa 1915 and the same spot in 2008.
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The bridge in the background of the vintage photo is gone today, although the ancient stone abutments from it remain. The road leading to the abutments on the right of the photo ends today in a cul-de-sac, a chain link fence, and the modern day Rte 140.
On the other side, (the left in the photos), is a long approach to the Gardner State Prison on the grounds of the former Gardner State Hospital. The large building on the left in the latter day photo is the power plant for the prison. The configuration today makes for an isolated, difficult to reach spot.
Nonetheless, this is the same exact spot as in the vintage photo. Alas, the station itself is gone. Of the four railroad depots to have ever existed in Gardner, this was the last hope that any vestige would be left.
Here I have superimposed the station and the now-missing bridge from the vintage photo onto the latter day view to show how the historic image lines up with what remains today.
And then, just for fun, here is my pal Shamus, (who was out exploring Gardner with me this day), added to the image. Time travel by Photoshop. Sorta.
