Citizen's Committee (Portland, Me.)

The Citizen's Committee, also known as the Committee of Seven and the Committee of the Citizens of Portland, was founded in 1870 to protest the changes in the rail service that were being proposed by the Maine Central Railroad Company. Charied by John Mussey, lawyer and businessman in Portland, the committee was particularly concerned about attempts to change broad gauge lines into narrow gauge lines between Danville Junction and Bangor, a move they felt would negatively impact trade in Portland. The committee also fought the consolidation of the Maine Central Railroad Company and the Portland and Kennebec Railroad Company (a move they claimed would result in a monopoly), by mobilizing citizens and petitioning both railroad executives and state officials. John A. Poor appears to have been on the committee as he was responsible for linking Portland and Montreal by rail.

From the description of Citizen's Committee collection, 1846-1876 (bulk 1870-1871). (Maine Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 698738694