In 1911, the Maine Central Railroad rerouted their tracks, which previously passed through Walnut Hill village. The steam engines used quite a lot of fuel going up a steep grade there, and MCRR found a new route, one that passed close to the Old Town House on Route 9 (Memorial Highway). Local men were hired to do the work of clearing and excavating. This photo was likely taken as the men set out for their work in the morning; Robert Hoey stands ready at the reins with his white horse.