Former Canadian Pacific Railway Station

Former Canadian Pacific Railway Station. . , This unique structure was built to service passenger and freight needs for the new Goderich-Guelph railway line, operated under lease to the CPR commencing in 1907. Its original location was at the base of the embankment behind, with the building facing the tracks along its north side. In 2013, the structure was moved to its present location and turned ninety degrees to face the lake., The round-front tower, with conical roof, permitted a view of all areas of the rail yard. The station was identified as having a 'B' class yard with a two-man ground crew in addition to station personnel. At the west end of the yard (where the building now sits) was a four-stall engine roundhouse and a turntable, used for turning the engines around, as this was the end of the line. Nearby was a wooden water tower to supply the engines, sporting a 'float' mechanism that could be seen from the ground to tell how much water remained., Passengers could wait in either the men's or ladies' waiting areas which displayed decorative plaster fixtures and trim and three large ornamental medallions in the ceiling (now restored). They could also wait outside under the shelter of a trackside canopy that encircled the entire building., Wagons and coaches arrived en masse for the first train's departure on August 26, 1907. The first automobile in town, owned by Reuben R. Sallows, was carefully positioned to appear in the famous portrait of the first departure., The last passengers departed the station in 1955. The last freight train left in the early morning hours of December 16, 1988. A 0-6-0 CPR steam engine, working in Goderich in 1958, is now housed in the Huron County Museum, North St., Goderich.