On Track / CASO Station
Canada Southern Station

History
“The former Canada Southern Railway station in St. Thomas, Ontario ... was built by American railway promoters between 1871 and 1873 to serve both as the local station and as the headquarters of the company. As such, this large and impressive Italianate-style structure served as the symbol of the railway. After 1878 this regional rail line was controlled by the New York Central Railroad and, from 1883 until 1930, under the aegis of one of its subsidiaries, the Michigan Central Railway. Subsequently, the lease was transferred back to the New York Central until 1968 at which time the line was amalgamated into the Penn Central, which went bankrupt in 1976. The company was reorganized as Conrail, which owned it until 1983 when it was purchased jointly by the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railways. The St. Thomas station functioned throughout most of this period as the company's administrative headquarters and the location of its main shops and yards..."

Restoration
The Canada Southern Railway Station is in dire need of help. This historic building needs immediate attention, or it may pass beyond repair and be lost to us forever.

The first priority is a “Raise the Roof” effort that will ultimately raise the funds necessary to install a new metal slate-like roof for the entire station.

Events and activities including Station Tours, the successful haunted “Mystery Station”, and the newest event being planned early in December “Windows of Christmas” are all part of the efforts towards raising the funds necessary to complete the vision.

If you are interested in donating time or money towards with the restoration of this magnificent structure, please contact the North America Railway Hall of Fame at (519) 633-2535 and visit www.railwaycapital.ca for more information.

Future
The vision for the Canada Southern Railway Station is of a dynamic, highly visited, beautifully restored Station, functioning as a catalyst to the City of St. Thomas’s overall downtown revitalization.

In five years, we see thousands of people coming to admire this unique historic structure restored to the majesty of this former corporate headquarters. Exterior features have been restored to its original, including the platform canopy surrounding the building.

The station is now the center of activity as residents and visitors take part in a range of activities. On selected days, they come to the new and improved Farmers Market moved from Horton Market where the new seniors’ apartments now stand. They come to catch a bus at the new public transit office formerly located on Talbot Street. As they wait in the restored waiting room, they view with interest displays and artefacts on the history and culture of the city. With their interest piqued, they take the time to enter and study local history at the Railway Hall of Fame or the Jumbo Museum display.

Tourists come to the station for tourist information from the Elgin Tourist Association, the Chamber of Commerce, the Iron Horse Festival or one of the other related organizations that have offices in the building.

*All information from www.railwaycapital.ca website.

For more information contact:
P.O. Box 20040
St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4
Tel: (519) 633-2535 Fax (519) 633-3087
Email: info@railwaycapital.ca
Website: www.railwaycapital.ca