We've discussed the history surrounding our beloved Horton Farmers' Market over the past 140 years, but what about the history of the downtown we call home? Since its settlement in 1810, St. Thomas has expanded into a modern city and home to 42,000, with remnants of its history scattered throughout. If you're a local history buff, you will surely enjoy this walkthrough of St. Thomas' best downtown historic spots, with a first stop at the market. Continuing south down Manitoba, you'll arrive at Talbot Street, the city's heart. You'll notice the large, lengthwise building across the road from there- it's hard to miss. This is the Canada Southern Station or CASO Station. (pronounced kay-so.) Constructed between 1871-73, it was the largest of 31 railway stations built in Ontario throughout the 1870s. This station helped St. Thomas grow into the city it is today, gaining fame and attention through railway transportation. It currently holds several local businesses, an open area available to rent for events, and the North America Railway Hall of Fame, a small self-guided museum on the second floor open Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Just across the field, south of the CASO Station, lies a sizable building often overlooked or dismissed. This is the Elgin County Railway Museum! In its heyday, this rail shop held and maintained the rolling stock of railway vehicles that needed repairs. Today, it is a museum perfect for any train enthusiast. It currently houses the Hudson Steam Locomotive 5700, one of only five owned by Canadian National to bear the 4-6-4 wheel pattern. The next stop is the Railway City Tourism office, located a few blocks west of Manitoba Street on Talbot. The building is a 3/4 replica of the original L&PS Station, which manned the tracks you see outside, which were once part of the London and Port Stanley Rail (L&PS Rail). It was reconstructed on location in 2013 by the St. Thomas Elgin Homebuilders Association. Here, you can see artifacts loaned from the Elgin County Railway Museum, find events and things to do in the area, and purchase souvenirs. As you walk down Talbot street, pay attention to the top floors of buildings and establishments- some carry a marker indicating the year of their construction. Many of these modern businesses hold so much hidden history in their architecture and walls. Our final stop takes us to St. Thomas City Hall. First constructed in 1899, the large victorian-style building and clock tower truly stands out. Whilst the original town hall had been built for the village of St. Thomas in 1851, it was ultimately replaced before the end of the decade. In 1909, the St. Thomas ‘free’ or public library was stationed in a building which remains connected to today’s city hall. The original entrance, bearing the year of its completion in stone, remains visible from the western side of City hall on Mondamin Street. In 1974, the building where the library currently resides on Curtis street was completed. This is a partial list of historical monuments within our city; the few pointed out act as starting points towards learning more about the past. As you go through St. Thomas and the Horton Farmers' Market, recollect the 200+ years of history surrounding you and those who lived, loved and lay in the city we call home.
Historic Photos courtesy of Elgin County Archives
1 Comment
Paul Baldwin
7/17/2023 10:51:05 am
Very nicely done. My thanks.
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