HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-07-06, Page 33PAGE A-4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2006
Glory days of CPR
date back to 1907
Back to nature
The Greenway Trail is a perfect place to commune with nature.
From 1907 to 1930 the CPR ran
four passenger trains a day, two in
each direction through Blyth.
But improving roads and the
increasing number of cars were
already starting to cut into passenger
service. In 1955 the system changed
to a "mixed" train which ran daily
leaving Guelph at 8:30 a.m. and
arriving at Goderich at 1:45 p.m. It
departed there at 10 a.m, returning to
Guelph at 4:30 p.m.
The train was principally for
freight. The depleted passenger
service continued until August 1961.
There was one last thrilling
moment for fans of steam-powered
passenger service the year of Blyth's
centennial in 1977. A special steam-
powered excursion train travelled
from Guelph to Goderich on the July
1 holiday weekend to mark
Goderich's 150th anniversary. The
train stopped in Blyth to take on
water and hundreds were at the
station to greet it.
The Arch, located east of Queen
Street (main street) ahfng the
Greenway Trail has never been
restored, but visitors can cross it
thanks to a bridge built by the local
Lions Club.
Welcome Campers!
FAMILY DINING, GREAT COFFEE,
HOMEMADE PIES AND DESSERTS,
DAILY SPECIALS
It is no small secret that where one can find truck
drivers, one can find good food. That bit of advice
certainly proves true at the Grand View Restaurant, at
the south end of the picturesque community
renowned for its summertime theatre productions,
presented during what is known as the Blyth Festival.
Not surprisingly, the freshly brewed coffee at the
Grand View carries a bit of a kick and will certainly
get the adrenaline flowing first thing in the morning.
The breakfast choices, ranging from pancakes and
sausage to peameal bacon and eggs, come with a
choice of coffee or tea, homefries, toast and jam. All
of the breakfasts, are reasonably priced. And not so
surprisingly, given the friendly, welcoming nature of
the staff, the plates are stacked to the edges with
piping hot food. Those who like a lighter start to the
day will not be disappointed either as side dishes, like
hot or cold cereal and French toast, are alsci available.
And, while breakfast is made all day, an extra $1
charge applies after 11:30 a.m. The Grand View
carries a full menu with a wide selection of
sandwiches for lunch, like corn beef on rye, grilled
cheese with ham or bacon and bagels, too. Lunch
goers can also purchase the daily special of a soup
and sandwich (or bagel) or sandwich and french fries.
The Grand View also serves up the traditional lunch
favourites - like hamburgers, including the house
special, Grand Burger Deluxe and chicken. At
dinnertime, the cooks at the Grand View are ready to
cook up a host of home-cooked meals in either small
or large sizes. Indeed, the dinner menu ranges from
fish and chips to chicken wings to chicken schnitzel
to Oktoberfest sausage. All the meals come with
potatoes, vegetables, coleslaw and a choice of tea or
coffee. Like any popular family-friendly place, the
Grand VieW has special meals for children too. The
Safari Buddies dinner features animal shapes of
breaded chicken, complemented with French fries,
ice cream and a small beverage. Or, the tykes can
enjoy a hot dog or grilled cheese sandwich with the
same side dishes. Also on the menu are a host of
appetizers, like poutine, battered mushrooms and
wedgies. In addition, the Grand View serves up daily
dinner specials, in small and large servings.
Meanwhile, customers with a sweet tooth have a
choice of desserts, including homemade pie, sundaes,
cheesecake and butter tarts. All of the dishes are
served up in the cosy Grand View by the friendly staff
and hosts Randy and Eleanor Babcock and family.
The Babcocks have operated the eatery since 1986.
Open Monday - Saturday, 5 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sundays 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Corner of Hwy. #4 (London Road) & County Road 25 (Blyth Road)
519-523-4471