Downtown MuralsDowntown St. Thomas is home to twelve beautifully painted murals that depict the rich History of the Railway Capital of Canada, St. Thomas, Ontario. Please note that we are currently looking for quotes on the cost to have our murals updated. Masonry work and restorative painting to the murals is needed. Please contact the DDB office for more information at 519-633-5248.
Progression of Town and Rail
Artist: Paul Mombourquette (London)
Date: 1994 (1st Mural)
Location: Hepburn Parkette, Talbot Street
Sponsored by: On Track Mural Committee
Inscription/Legend: none:
When I'm Big
(Largest Railway Mural in Canada)
Artist: Dan & Peter Sawatsky (Chemainus, B.C.) Date: 1995 (2nd Mural) Size: 30ft(h) x 50ft(w)
Location: Currah Parkette, Flora Street & Talbot Street
Sponsored by: On Track Mural Committee & Print Sales
Inscription/Legend: "The Railway has had a well documented effect on the economy of St. Thomas and in area in both times of boom and bust. But we can only imagine the effect the Railway has had on people's hopes, dreams and aspirations. We will never know how many 10 year olds have watched a passing steam locomotive and thought, "When I'm big, I want to be an engineer."
The Canada Southern
Artist: Dan & Peter Sawatsky (Chemainus, B.C.) Date: August 1995 (3rd Mural) Location: Talbot Street & New Street Sponsored by: On Track Mural Committee & Mural Print Sales Inscription/Legend: "The Canada Southern Railway operated in St. Thomas from 1872 until 1881 when it's operations were leased by the Michigan Central Railway. The Canada Southern Railway's legacy to the community is it's historic Talbot Street station, of 1872. A town within a town, the station's ground floor catered to a travelers' every need while the upper floor housed the Railway's operations. The Station is an architectural gem in the Italianate tradition and has Federal Heritage Designation."
Elgin's Finest
Artist: Richard Johnston
Date: 1996-1997 (4th Mural)
Location: 7 White Street & Talbot Street
Sponsored by: Elgin Regiment and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 41
Inscription/Legend: "On Sunday, June 25th, 1916, a crowd of 20,000 gathered at the Michigan Central Station to see off the 940 men of the Elgin Regiment's 91st Batallion. Travelling by rail from St. Thomas to Halifax, they crossed the Atlantic aboard the Olympic and landed at Liverpool on July 5th. The 91st saw action in some of the bloodiest battles of World War I, and one in six died fighting for freedom. Of the family pictured here a father, a son, and two step sons, only two came back home."
St. Thomas Street Railway 1906
Artist: Nicholas D. Wilkinson
Date: September 1996 - September 1997 (5th Mural)
Location: Mondamin Street & Talbot Street
Sponsored by: On Track Group, Youth On Track, Heritage Quality Painters, St. Thomas Rent-All, and many volunteers
Inscription/Legend: "The St. Thomas Street railway opened in 1879. Although it was originally a horse drawn troll line, the ten-mile line was modernized with electrical power in 1898. By 1908, St. Thomas was home to seven different railways. It was then that St. Thomas became "The Railway City." This mural captures a moment in time, when the clang of the bell rang by the conductor greeted the citizens of St. Thomas at every stop. This historical view of Talbot Street looks east from the corner of Hincks Street. The portion of the track that we see depicted was used by the South Western Traction Company, whose routes brought people from London and Port Stanley through the main streets of St. Thomas. This bustling intersection was the hub of the city. Fortunately, the majority of the buildings we see here are all still standing while others, although now mere memories, have become part of our heritage."
First Car
Artist: Rick Johnston Date: 1998 (6th Mural) Location: Talbot Street & First Avenue (Eastway Ford) Sponsored by: Eastway Ford, On Track and Elgin Community Development Corporation Inscription/Legend: "In March 1902 Calvin "Cal" W. Ellis purchased a Winton automobile for $1800, making him St. Thomas' first car owner. The car was made in Cleveland, purchased in Toronto and was shipped to our city in a railway boxcar. This horseless carriage was powered with a one-cylinder moter, attained speeds of 35-40 mph and got 20 miles per gallon of gasoline. As no service stations existed, all fuel had to be purchased by the barrel. Built as a one seat runabout, Mr. Ellis later customized the Winton, installing a bench seat and a third, dash-mounted headlamp. He is pictured here, with his wife, about 1903. In time, Cal sold this car to a man in London for $1200 and promptly purchased his second car... a 4-cylinder Ford."
Harvest Train
Artist: Denise Arsenault Date: November 2000 (7th Mural) Location: Talbot Street, Mortin & Locke Insurance Brokers Sponsored by: City of St. Thomas, 2000 Millennium Committee, Downtown Development Board and On Track. Inscription/Legend: Railcars were often placed on local railway sidings, where farmers loaded produce for distant cities... thus creating a national and international market.
Pere Marquette Railway Yards
Artist: Fred Harrison Date: November 2000 (8th Mural) Location: 18 Elgin Street Sponsored by: City of St. Thomas, 2000 Millennium Committee, Downtown Development Board and On Track. Inscription/Legend: "At the turn of the Century virtually every family in St. Thomas had at least one relative working in the railway industry. The Pere Marquette Railway had one of the largest workforces including these blacksmiths circa 1909. In 1903 the Pere Marquette Railway made direct connections to Detroit from Windsor through Leamington and Ridgetown to St. Thomas. A lease of the London & Port Stanley Railway connected Port Stanley and Cleveland. After 1904 running rights to Buffalo on the Michigan Central were obtained. In 1947 the Chesapeake & Ohio absorbed the Pere Marquette Railway."
Magic Carpet: A View From Above
Artist: Jennifer DeSorcy Date: November 2000 (9th Mural) Location: St. Catherine Street & Talbot Street Sponsored by: City Of St. Thomas, the 2000 Millenium Committee, the Downtown Development Board and On Track. Inscription/Legend: "St. Thomas as viewed from atop a magic carpet. Over hill and over dale; through town and country by rail."
Elephants on Parade
Artist: Paul Austin Date: November 2000 (10th Mural) Location: Manitoba Street & Talbot Street Sponsored by: City Of St. Thomas, the 2000 Millennium Committee, the Downtown Development Board, and On Track. Inscription/Legend: "Circuses traveled from town to town on brightly decorated trains. As a key railway center, St. Thomas hosted more than its share of circus pageantry. Elephants, acrobats, orchestras and clowns paraded down Talbot Street to spark the imagination, lighten the heart and loosen the purse strings."
"Talbot Street 1964"
by Clark McDongall Artist: Fred HarrisonDate: 2003 (11th Mural) Location: St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot Street Sponsored by: Downtown Development Board, St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre Inscription/Legend: "Clark McDougall was a lifelong resident of St. Thomas and began painting in water colours at the age 12. In 1963 he began painting with black enamel. The characteristic trait for which Clark is now famous. In an effort to collect and preserve our local heritage, the painting was bought in 1969 by the University Women's Club and donated to the Public Art Centre to begin its permanent collection. Come in and see this and other works by Clark McDougall that are part of the Timken Foundation Gallery in the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre."
Jenning's Mural
Artist: Rick Johnston
Date: August 2004 (12th Mural)
Location: 432 Talbot St. (back of building) Jennings Furniture
Sponsor: Jennings Furniture
Inscription/Legend: "Over 100 years ago cabinet and furniture maker W.B. Jennings opened this furniture business in Downtown St. Thomas. W.B.'s sons Albert and Wilfred joined their father in the business managing to survive WW1 and the Great Depression.
Following WWII, Wilfred's daughter, Mary married Squadron Leader S. Albert (Ab) Hammond who eventually joined his father-in-law in running the business. in 1953 Wilfred died and Ab continuted to operate the enterprise until the late 70's when his sons took over.
Today W.B.'s great great grandsons, Bruce and Scott operate the family owned business, surrounded by a staff of dedicated people who bring a commitment for customer satisfaction to their job. Since 1885 Jennings reputation for customer service, price and quality has taken the test of time and passed."
For more information contact:
Downtown Development Board 545 Talbot St. P.O. Box 520 St. Thomas, Ontario
N5P 3V7 Tel: 519.633.5248
Fax: 519.633.9019
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