Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1993-09-29, Page 26Page 26 rimes -Advocate, September 29,1993 Recalling the great age of aII The grandeur of Exeter's former rail station is returning, in Grand Bend By Adrian Harte T -A Editor GRAND BEND - A few months ago, it was just a decrepit old building on the outskirts of Exeter. There were those who saw it as a likely candi- date for demolition, but a vocal few insisted it should be preserved as a historical monument to the town's past. The old Exeter railway station saw its last passenger train go by decades ago; now it sits 20 kilometres away in Grand Bend. A village never in- cluded on any rail line. Nevertheless, the almost -crumbling building is beginning to show some of its former grandeur. Restorers from Dave Rader Construction spend a few days a week on it, finding its hidden beauty- behind rafters and jury- rigged walls, while transforming it into a commercial property. The building was bought by optometrist Dr. Anne Wilson in the spring and moved to Grand Bend where it would not only be saved from the wrecker, but also be made into new offices for her practice. Her next project is to bring out to the Highway 81 site where the station now stands the accompanying equipment shed, which will actually be- come a railway museum. Only 11 feet by 20, Wilson acknowledges it won't be vey'big, but she is still not sure what will go into it. "What we're doing is asking people to recall stories about the station," said Wilson, pointing out that with restoration still months away, the "mu- seum" won't be ready to accept historical artifacts or photographs for quite a while. The aim is to create a tribute to the great rail age, when those iron strips were the only sure transportation mute from Huron County to London and parts beyond. Old photographs of the station, its trains and passengers arc being sought to make copies for the museum. Wilson said since the Exeter sta- tion was the virtual hub of trav- elling activity for the community in its heyday, there must be many pic- tures of it in local family albums. "Interior shots are particularly welcome," said Wilson, who added that if space and funds allow, she would like to see videos made of people recol- lecting their travels on the trains, 'or tape recordings of their voices. There are many issues to be resolved in putting the museum together, in- cluding pinning down the exact chronology of rail service to Exeter. Sev- eral people claim to have ridden the last train to the station, but can't agree on the date. And were there two or three Exeter stations? "We're trying to determine which station was burned in 1910. Was it the original, or was it the second one?" wonders Wilson. Is there something incongruous in relocating a rail station, and making a museum in a village that never had rail service of its own? "It docs sound odd, but on the other hand, if we make our focus the Ex- eter station itself, I think it will be quite interesting," said Wilson, who also likes to point out that Exeter was -the last rail destination for those travelling to Grand Bend. They had to travel overland by buggy or coach to reach the lakeside from Exeter. As for the restoration of the old station itself, Wilson said challenges are presenting themselves. With ron-original walls and ceilings later re- moved, the full size of the station waiting mom is .revealed once more. Much of the plaster is intact, but patching up the gaps won't be easy. "You have to find an old-time plasterer. There aren't many left," said Wilson, adding that even the horse hair needed to replicate the old -type coarse plaster is hard to come by. The search is also on for period door knobs, wood trim, and the other bits and pieces needed to bring Edwardian Huron County alive again. Two large octagonal frames in the ceiling held patterned glass panels for lights. Were they gas lamps, or electric? Who knows. Wilson wants them restored, albeit with more practical modern bulbs. "We're trying to restore it to the way it was," she said of the old hall, pointing out the optometry offices will be hidden behind the scenes. Anyone who remembers the old station and can help with restoration in- formation, or would like to help with the museum project is being invited to either call Wilson at 238-6086, or write to Box 970, Grand Bend, NOM ITO. At top tart, a new roof has already given the old Exeter Rail Station a more proud appearance. At top left, the bay window that used to look out over the train tracks and fields of Stephen Township today looks toward the main intersection of Grand Bend. At loft, Dave Rader and Wayne Becker work on the completely gutted side rooms of the station. Below, Bob Ford works in the main waiting area of the station that has had non -original walls and ceilings removed to reveal a hall as large as most churches. ' »1 We are ready to meet 'THE FALL RUSH DELIVERIES ON • Soybeans - fast unloading - prompt payment - large storage and drying - up to date market facilities information - competitive prices FERTILIZER - 17 flotation custom fertilizer applicators - liquid or dry fertilizer Call for prices - custom spraying of Round -up and other fall chemicals SEED WHEAT - Hyland Brand, Karena, Rebecca, Delaware and Augusta - Harus The 'Blue Tag" assures you of Certified #1 seed. For Purity, quality and top yields sow Hyland brand certified seed. The staff at W.G. Thompson & Sons Ltd. are ready and looking forward to serving you this fall. "A family owned all Canadian business" Ails$ Craig Mitchell Port Albert Hensall Granton Seaforth • 293-3223 348-8433 529-7901 262-2527 225-2360 345-2545 ,4 •