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["Save Our Station
Mission Statement:
This not-for-profit organization is dedicated and
determined to:
* preserve this truly historic and culturally
significant structure,
* estblish a toutist attraction to support economic
development, and
* to provide a facility that will meet the needs of the
community.
Join Today and be a part of this Historic Adventure
Save Our Station
an On Track initiative for community service
For membership information call: 637-0863
A Practical Approach
The On Track plan is to develop a community attraction with
part of the property leased to selected tenants to create
revenues to cover operating expenses. Re-established as an
activity centre other key uses for the building may
include: farmers market, bus station, tourist information
centre (and office), Railway Hall of Fame museum, community
meeting rooms, special event centre and a selected group of
tourist-related boutiques. The new facility would also
include restaurant, coffee shop and public washrooms. With
these facilities in place the station would be an event
centre for activities and special events like the Iron
Horse Festival.
The property will be owned and operated by On Track, a
registered "not-for-profit" organization, and managed by a
professional full time (paid) project manager under the
direction of a board of directors elected or appointed from
the membership or the community.
The On Track Board will supervise and support the project
management team, address problems as they arise and lobby
for the project where and when required.
The On Track Board will also work with the L.A.C.A.C. and
other organizations to ensure the best possible result for
the community within given budget restraints.
Once the project is complete any surplus operating revenue
will be reinvested in the project or used to support and
promote other heritage-related activities in the community.
We see this as an importnat part of the community not only
for its history but for our future.
We solicit your support for this community endeavout.
For SOS information call:
(519) 637-0863 Fax: 633-3308
email: rbroadbear@execulink.com
A Brief History
Although several railways were ultimately to be connected
with St. Thomas, the presence of Canada Southern shops and
yards and the magnitude of that company's investment in the
town made it clearly the most important.
The railway commenced its operation in the east and the
whole of the line was completed by December, 1872. Canada
Southern was destined to become the major employer in the
city. The building of the Canada Southern Railway created
the new village of Millersberg in the east and left a gap
in the centre of a city which required several years to
fill. Goods travelled in and new industries shipped their
produce to the world. In its prime, up to 18 passenger
trains stopped daily to service the locomotives and to
allow the passengers to enjoy the food of the depot
restaurants.
The Canada Southern Railway Station is one of the six
original stations designated under the Heritage Railway
Stations Protection Act in Canada. In its lifetime, this
station served as the headquarters for CSR, MCR, NYC,
Conrail, CSX, CN/CP and a number of American Railways. The
last passenger trains ran in the 1970's under the control
of Amtrak.
This building and its architecture truly remain an
important landmark in the urban landscape in the City of
St. Thomas and a project well worth restoring in a
community conscious of its heritage.
For more than half a century the St. Thomas Canada Southern
Station was the centre of activity for a healthy growing
community. Although sadly neglected this stately structure
still stands as an extraordinary example of architecture
and design. We at On Track have been monitoring its demise
since 1993. We supported its heritage designation and had
hoped that a commercial developer would restore the
structure preserving this important building as a monument
to our railway heritage and as an attraction for visitors
to our community. Although several devlopers have studied
the project the building continues to deteriorate. We
believe a more creative approach is required.
On Track has secured an option to purchase and is
developing a formal business plan for restoration and
operation of this Historic Landmark. Application for
grants and a community fundraising have been undertaken to
fund the project.
The success of the project will depend largely on the interest and commitment of the St. Thomas community."]
["The No. 9 Project"
Essex Terminal Railway locomotive No. 9 was selected for
restoration and operation as one of the few restorable
railway locomotives in North America. This 1400 h.p. 0-6-0
hand-fired, coal burning, steam-powered locomotive is
strong enough to pull tourist trains yet small enough to
operate over any standard track or bridge.
Built in 1923 by the Montreal Locomotive Works for the
Essex terminal Railway of Windsor, Ontario, No. 9 worked
the 23 mile shortline until its retirement in 1962. As one
of the last steam locomotives in regular service, ETR
management decided to save the unit for preservation so
future generations might experience and better understand
the history and beauty of live steam.
We invite you to take your place in history and join as we
Bring History to Life!
On October 2 1997 ETR No. 9 was steamed up and moved under its own power for the first time since 1962.
Registered Canadian Charity #0825976-56
What is the Locomotive Restoration Society?
The Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society is a
non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the
preservation, restoration and operation of vintage railway
equipment. The society was founded in 1986 and received
registered charitable status in 1988.
Our objectives are to:
=> reserve & operate vintage rail equipment
=> educate and entertain the public
=> support economic development
Our Motto:
Bringing History to Life!
Since 1986 the Society has been working on the restoration
of Essex terminal Railway locomotive No. 9 which the
society will operate as a live steam tourist attraction for
the education and entertainment of young and old alike.
Over 50,000 volunteer hours have been invested in No. 9's
restoration. The project is funded through membership dues
and donations. Contributions of raw materials and
professional machine work have been made by local industry,
educational institutions and individuals.
Do I have to work on steam engibes to become a member?
Less than 20% of our membership actually work on the
project. Most are individuals like yourself with an
interst in steam locomotives, history, cultural
preservation or community development. They join to
provide financial and moral support so they and their
grandchildren can once again experience the joy of live
steam locomotion and so that we might better understand our
rich railway heritage.
How can I help Bring History to Life?
=> get involved
=> make a financial contribution
=> get on the mailing list
=> become a member
Whatever your level of support be sure to keep in touch,
stop by and see No. 9 for yourself.
How can I get involved?
Restoration work takes place daily depending on the
availability of volunteers and materials. Stop by, pitch
in and see history in the making! Regular membership
meetings are held every second month to discuss our
progress and address related issues. An annual meeting is
held each September to review and approve financial
statements and elect a seven member board of directors for
the coming term.
Join today and take your place in history!
Cut here and mail with your contribution.
Help Bring History to Life!
[ ] I would like to support the restoration and operation
of ETR No. 9 with a charitable donation of:
[ ] $20. [ ] $50. [ ] $75. [ ] $100. [ ] $200. [ ] $_____
Send my tax receipt to:
Name: _____________________________
Address: __________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Home Phone: _______________________
Membership
Memberships fees
Full $50.
Family $99.
Associate $25.
Life $500.
Sponsor $1000.
[ ] Please apply my contribution to a membership in the
Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society. Send my
newsletters and event information to me at the above
address.
Information Request
[ ] Yes, put my name on your mailing list. Keep me
informed of your progress and special events.
Live Steam returns to St. Thomas Ontario
Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society
P.O.Box 20099, St. Thomas, Ontario, N5P 4H4
(519) 631-8999; fax (519) 631-5609
Printed in Canada"]
[I have this.]
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