By Ryan O’Connor
Staff Writer

Robert Lewellen, left, receives recognition from Chip Chelsey for his vision and hard work with the Contoocook Riverway Association in restoring the Contoocook Train Depot and creating a riverside park. (The Bow Times/Ryan O’Connor)

One hundred and fifty-six years after the Contoocook Train Depot welcomed its first locomotive and one year after the depot reopened as a historical town park, the Contoocook Riverway Association showed off its work and appreciation to one of its founders.

Robert Lewellen helped create the Contoocook Riverway Association in 1987.

“A year ago, we dedicated the opening of the depot to the town, so this year we are celebrating the work of one individual ­ Robert Lewellen ­ because he was the man who had the original idea of creating a river front park and restoring the train station and the bridge next door,” said founding board member Cathy Chelsey. “Even though he’s now retired, we felt it was important to recognize the work that he did.”

Lewellen, in turn, never expected such fanfare in his honor when he arrived at the event on Saturday, Oct. 14.

“It was really quite a surprise,” said Lewellen. “I knew we were having the open house today, but had no idea this was coming. So I was very appreciative to receive the honor.”

Although the last train ran in 1963, the association was determined to bring the depot back to life, including refurbishing the train station and bridge and adding a bandstand.

The association’s mission is “to restore authentically and to maintain the Contoocook Depot and covered railroad bridge; to develop for public enjoyment the adjacent river front land; to foster economic improvement in Contoocook Village; and to instill an appreciation for the railroad history of the town of Hopkinton.”

The covered railroad bridge, which was built in 1889, is the oldest in the world.

After Hopkinton bought it, along with the rest of the depot for $1 in 1989, the bridge was donated to the state.

The state, said Lewellen, is using conservation and heritage money from its moose license plates to refurbish the bridge, including repainting it, placing new underpinnings, and adding a fire prevention system and electric lighting.

Lewellen said there are still some small odds and ends that can be fixed up around the depot such as adding a porch around the outside of the station, which was part of the original look.

He also said he is very proud to see his dreams and those of others come to fruition over the past year.