Down At The Station

I decided to write about down at the station after Pauline stopped by. Visit Whistle Stop as Pauline has written a powerful story of the Railway where she grew up.

Dad - Antigonish, Nova Scotia - 1950's

In this picture Dad is sitting on one of the Baggage Carts that would be used to take packages and luggage to the Express and Baggage Cars on the trains. When I look at this picture, I think about my visits to the station to watch the trains.

The Young Fart - Antigonish, Nova Scotia - 1975

I though I'd include a picture of myself in the Blog. This was Dad and My first trip to take pictures and watch "Train 19" arrive from Sydney. Dad thought it'd be fun to get a picture of me on this freight car. He had to do a lot of convincing to get me on the car. I being a coward then, was worried the "Station Agent" would have the Police down in record time.

This visit started something in me that got me making a trip almost every Saturday to the station to watch "Train 19" for Truro and points West to arrive, then about 90 minutes later, "Train 18" for Sydney would show up. I'd show up weather permitting, even in the winter I'd be there.

Then one Friday I was at the Station and was invited to ride "Train 19" all the way to Truro in the Locomotive. I was in Heaven and had my camera along to record the event. When I didn't arrive home for Supper, Mum and Dad were a bit worried but after they called the Station and found out I was gone for the ride of my life, they were relieved.

Getting off the Rail Liner at 23:30 hrs I knew Dad would not be happy and have some things to say, but as soon as he seen the joy on my face and how much fun I had he didn't have the heart to scold me. All I remember Dad saying was the next time I did something like this just to let him know ahead of time.

During the summer when school was out for Summer Vacation, I'd be there through the middle of the week. Reading Pauline's story, I got to thinking about one hot summer day in July I made a visit down to the depot in my Home Town.

I was sitting on the Baggage Cart and the heat was so hot, even the flies were not about. The humidity must have been making the temperatures even hotter. It was probably 35 degrees celsius, or 95 degrees fahrenheit. Hot by any standard.

Train 19 - Truro Bound - Antigonish, Nova Scotia - August 1978.

The creosote smell from the ties was stroong, and only made worse from the heat off of the Steel Rails. The breeze was hot and the only cool place was in the shade. And to think I came down to the station on my bicycle. Why is it when we are younger, we don't mind the heat as much?

Friends came by and then left, and before I knew it, "Train 19" would be blowing it's air horn (though most folks still call it a whistle - for which it isn't at all) for the Crossing at "William's Point". Then way in the distance, around the curve would come the train and then even at this distance of over a mile, the Locomotive Headlight would be shining bright.

Train 19 - Truro Bound - Antigonish, Nova Scotia - August 1978.

"Train 19" would be stopped in Antigonish long enough to unload and board passengers and have baggage and express exchanged between the "Station Agent" and the "Baggageman" in the Baggage Car.

By this time "Train 19" was down to the "Steam Generator Car" directly behind the Locomotives. Then followed the Baggage Car, Coaches, Snack Car/Lounge and Dayniters. On this day "Train 19" had a second Dayniter in the consist.

Why "Train 19" was operating with a second Dayniter will remain a mystery. The only thing I can think is there must have been a special group who traveled on "Train 18" to Cape Breton the day before and this car was "Deadheading" back to Montreal, or maybe to Halifax.

Train 19 - Truro Bound - Antigonish, Nova Scotia - August 1978.

I am including this picture of the "Snack Car/Lounge" that traveled between Sydney and Montreal. If you were hungry you could have a sitdown meal in the forward end of the car or if thirsty you could have your favorite alcoholic beverage in the Lounge. In this picture, the lounge was at the "B End" which is closest to the camera.

The beverage room was partitioned off from the rest of the car so traffic moving through the car didn't bother the one lounging. It was also law that the lounge be partitioned off from the rest as Minors were not allowed in the lounge. The kitchen was on this side of the car and opposite the kitchen was a counter with stools similar to a roadside diner. If you so wished, you could sit at booths in the dining area.

This was the last time my Dad and went to watch trains together at the Station when Dad took these pictures on another hot day in August, which was almost as hot as my July visit which I was talking about.

Till the next time.

All Aboard

"The Old Fart"