The Naugatuck train station’s original location on Maple Street, around 1908.

The buildings in the background are the Neary building (completed in 1909 ) and the Page building (built in 1890). The rail depot on Maple Street was moved, along with the tracks, during the years 1906 and 1909. Buildings on the east side of Water Street were purchased by the railroad and demolished. These buildings included the original post office, Odd Fellows building and several stores. The original firehouse was located on the east side of Water Street and was moved across the street.  The track was moved above grade where the buildings once stood and a new bridge crossed over Maple Street.  A 2 mile section of the Naugatuck River was shifted east for the new train station and tracks which allowed the various factories downtown access to the rail.

John Howard Whittemore, being one of the board members of the railroad, commissioned architect Henry Bacon to build the new train station on Water Street.  Mr. Bacon also designed Waterbury Hospital, the Perry Memorial arch at Seaside Park Bridgeport and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.  He also designed the John Howard Whittemore Memorial bridge on Maple St, a commission he received after Mr. Whittemore’s death in 1910.  A second train station was also built by the Naugatuck Railroad behind the Polish American Club on General Pulaski Way.  It was torn down in the late 1960s.