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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Thresher Reunion, 2004-09-09, Page 46Thresher Specials 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA Fully loaded including power 2"t seat, deluxe interior, aluminum __- wheels, silver, bal. of fac. warranty, low kms.'19,450. 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU Fully loaded, aluminum wheels, spoiler, bal. of fac, warranty, teal, very low kms. '13,950. 2002 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE GL Sandstone, 3.8 V6, CD, cassette, leather, low kms. 616,950. Extended cab, 4.8 V8, auto, air conditioning, silver. '18,950. 1999 CHEVROLET SIL T DO LT Extended cab, 4x4, 5.3 V8, loaded, leather seats, running boards, pewter. '21,950. 1999 DODGE DURANGO SLT 4x4, V8, loaded, 4 door, blue, 4 new tires, third seat, deep blue metallic. '12,950. ..•••••• THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. PAGE A-13 Thresher Reunion 2004 Railroad tours Scenic Caves The old days Port Elgin North Shore Locomotive #1 photo) Continued from A-12 "The attitude of the town had changed from being tourist focused to a future of nuclear power." Schlenker's plan, according to Pearson, was to expand the Port Elgin and Northshore Railroad to include more engines, rolling stock and a round house. The town turned down the proposal. Frustrated, Schlenker sold the railroad at his first opportunity. The operator of the Scenic Caves in Collingwood purchased the entire operation in 1978. The disappearance of the little railroad created a type of legend for Pearson who at that time was about four years old and had developed quite a love for trains. "My interest in steam probably came from this legendary train in Port Elgin. It brought a lot of enjoyment to a lot of kids." By 1979, the entire system had been moved to Scenic Caves. The new rail bed was built on a very steep part of the property and from the start the system was plagued with problems, said Pearson. "The rail bed and maintenance that included a lack of technical expertise was the formula for unreliable service ." He visited Scenic Caves with his mom and dad in 1982, but the train was not operating due to technical problems. By 1984 the steam locomotive was replaced with a diesel engine built from the engine's tender. This also proved unreliable and the entire system was abandoned. In the summer of 1988 during a visit to Port Elgin with his grandmother, Pearson located Schlenker. "The intention was to learn as much about the man and locomotive as possible." The pair have been friends ever since. "A major part of the little locomotive's history would be my introduction to the gentleman who built it." H.E. Schlenker and Sons also built the railway system originally for "the Farm" park in Windsdr now the new Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad and the Detroit Zoo Trains. In 1993, Pearson wanted to locate the old railroad and ventured to Collingwood. "To my surprise the entire system was still at Scenic Caves. The locomotive had been stored in their shop but the rest of the system was outside." The locomotive was obviously abused before it was stored, said Pearson. Most ties had long decomposed and the station had become home to many animals. The coaches were stored on the ground at the back property. Trees had grown up around them. The water tower had been burned and the tender severely cut up to accommodate a diesel engine. The glory of the Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad was long gone. Pearson immediately made an offer to buy the system but due to in its heyday. (Courtesy legal issues, no chattels could be sold. They did however promise that once full ownership of the property was obtained, he would have first opportunity to purchase it. In 1994, the Caves' owners placed the locomotive outside on the tracks for a photo backdrop and something for children to play on. Pearson was allowed to take steps to preserve the engine for its temporary outside home. This included removing some expensive plumbing fixtures and sealing off the engine. Finally after almost six years, the little railroad could be sold. The owners kept their promise and in October 1999 the entire system was removed and relocated to Pearson's parents' home in Carlisle just north of Waterdown. The entire engine was disassembled, every part sandblasted and checked with the original blueprints. All parts that no longer met the specification for whatever reason were either purchased or machined new. The restoration of the locomotive alone cost around $12,000. It ran for the -first time under steam in almost 20 years on Sept. 9, 2001. "The Port Elgin and North Shore Railroad Locomotive Number 1 could not have been restored to original condition without the support and patience of my parents, Dave and Karen Pearson, technical/ machining guidance and personal friendship of Doug Schlenker, Bob Lowe for use of some original patterns, Ron Carr at Boiler Repair Company of Toronto, Patricia from Howell Pipe and Supply, Mr. H.I. Stark for rebuilding the injectors and Mr. and Mrs. Rob Thorburn for keeping their promise." Pearson is currently looking for a home for the entire system. His goal is to set the railroad up as a tourist attraction like Doug Schlenker did over 30 years ago. A little trim Kim Lennox of Ayton was busy at last year's Reunion demonstrating sheep shearing. This year's demonstrations are Saturday at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 :15 p.m. and 3 p.m. (File photo) 40 ).... A r, ,,,‘ Pa FIRESIDE CAFE , / I, ,1 , 0 r, FA r 0 ' '' 7.,... ..) 0P 011 -, A k k 'c• Minutes north of the Blyth Festival _rfr.' , Ai, $ T r , , ' PP, o Ar o p., 0 la 0 F., 0 I, 0 Closed Monday Fil Open for Lunch & Dinner Tues. - Fri. y Dinner - Sat.. Brunch & Dinner - Sun. A r Casual dining in an inviting atmosphere Cuisine and deliciously decadent desserts. Relax k patio deck overlooking the picturesque forest. I , 1 South of Wingham on Hwy. #4 lite. RDA , , ro,„./ • offering International in front of the fireplace, Licensed. Reservations 357-4484 fr I!, PA ,,I la 1 enjoy the 0 suggested. A 1,,, 0 I 101.1,..........,,..71,,,,II,...../,..71.1,,,,I,,,III....7.1,,,,I,C.I.,,,W....70.7.0111,„,•••,,,I.011r,,NIV,,,W,,,I,..1.,,,,,,.....I jr I Bring in this voucher and receive $500.00 off any certified used car, truck, van or SUV. One voucher per I vehicle. Offer expires September 30, 2004. L J 2000 Chevrolet Malibu -4 door, V6, loaded, sand drift '10,950. 2000 Oldsmobile Alero -4 door, V6, loaded, medium red '10,950. 2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE -2 door, loaded, blue, balance of factory warranty 2000 Chevrolet Silverado - Regular cab, V6, auto, A/C., pewter 2000 Buick Regal LS -4 door, V6, loaded, sunroof, blue 2000 Chevrolet Impala LS -4 door, loaded, white, very low kms. '10,950. '16,950. 9 3,950 9 4,950. r 2000 1999 loaded, 1999 loaded, Dodge Caravan - loaded, blue Chevrolet Astro Van - 8 passenger, dutch door, bronze mist Pontiac Transport -4 door, 7 passenger, sand 113,950. '10,950. '11,950. $500.00 Voucher J.L. 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