In the late 19th century, the arrival of every train at the depot on Station Place was widely anticipated.
There were freight trains, milk trains and passenger trains unloading throngs of summer visitors. The
attractive station pictured here was built in 1898, replacing an earlier modest structure. Constructed of
native granite, it was designed by Hill & Turner, a New York-based architectural firm, and was described
in the local press as artistic. The interior walls were decorated with framed photographs of scenes from
around the world: the Parthenon, the Grand Canal in Venice, the United States Capitol and Niagara Falls.
Noting the benefits of the cool mountain air and fresh spring water that drew summer visitors to
Norfolk, Carl Stoeckel placed a sign in brass letters at the station which read “Norfolk, the Highest
Railroad Station in Connecticut.” Passenger service to and from Norfolk ended in 1927. Still standing, the
building is now privately owned.
—Ann Havemeyer