Photos by Mark Girdauskas & Relish Elgin
The sights and sounds of passenger trains returned to St. Thomas on Friday September 20th with the Grand Opening of the replica L&PS Station and Railway Corridor.
The L&PS brought the first passenger train to Port Stanley in July 1856. Years later it was electrified. The L&PS opened a new station at the present location back in 1920. It was replicated by the St. Thomas Elgin Home Builder’s Association for the 2010 International Plowing Match. Many who took the Friday inaugural ride to Port Stanley celebrated the 20s heyday of the L&PS, dressed in costume of the era.
Photos above of the inaugural ride from St. Thomas to Port Stanley by Mark Girdauskas. See lots more of Mark's photos of the trip...
Rides were made possible by the participation of the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, a volunteer group of rail enthusiasts who have maintained rail and operated train rides out of Port Stanley for thirty years. On Friday & Saturday, crowds packed the train for free trips to Parkside. They also checked out the station, new headquarters for St. Thomas Tourism and enjoyed special music and events downtown and at the Elgin County Railway Museum.
Above, Donna Rankin and students Ryan Wong & Erich Otten from Algoma University. Algoma & Legends Tavern were sponsors of the free train rides.
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