30-year restoration anniversary celebrates historic Essex Railway Station
Community members gathered at the historic Essex Railway Station on Sunday to celebrate its 30th restoration anniversary, while also recognizing the role this rail line played as an important piece of transportation infrastructure to a growing community that was not bordered by major waterways.
The historic Essex Railway Station is one of the major focuses of Essex Centre’s rich history.
The Canada Southern Railway began laying the tracks in 1872 – with the first train rolling through a year later. This track was integral to leading the village into Town status 18-years later.On May 7, 1873 – 151-years ago – the very first train pulled up to what was originally a small wooden station.
Bob Mitchell, a Director on Heritage Essex, has previously noted Essex’s fieldstone station was originally built in 1887 by the Canadian Division of the Michigan Central Railroad. The line stretched from Niagara Falls and crossed the Detroit River in Amherstburg.
In 1907, a boxcar full of dynamite ignited on a hot day in August, causing the explosion still talked about and recognized today. Two railway workers were killed and others were injured. The downtown suffered damage.
During the 20th restoration anniversary hosted a decade ago, local historian and re-enactor, Jim Yaworsky, said an average of 48 scheduled trails were passing through Essex along the railroad mainline in 1900.
The 20th anniversary event focused on recognizing the individuals who were a part of the Save our Station (SOS) Committee who ensured the station would be restored and preserved for generations to come.
Because of those efforts, the train station remains a landmark in Essex Centre today.In 2012, the tracks were uprooted, officially ending the railroad's history locally.
Three-years ago, an interpretive plaque was added at the municipal building as part of the Town’s ongoing Heritage Plaque Program. It detailed the early origins and history of Essex Centre, including how Alexander Cameron bought 100 acres of land in 1872, which is where the Canada Southern Railway would meet Talbot Road.
On Sunday, residents were able to tour the historic station, while enjoying a few treats and listening in on live music from local band, “Boys of Rhythm.”
“We are proud to have this place open,” Tony Malkowski said, who is President of Heritage Essex, which maintains the railway station, with support from the Town of Essex.
He remembered the building at one point being in a state he called derelict, before that restoration took place.
Interest in Essex Centre’s history and the train station has increased, which Malkowski is excited to notice.
For many years, local historian Bill Gay managed the station. He passed away a few years ago, but his wife, Marlene Markham-Gay, said her husband would have been happy to participate in the 30th restoration anniversary.
She believes she is the only member remaining who was on the original board for Heritage Essex. She continues to be involved as she loves history.
During the event, Essex resident Maria Chapo visited a painting she created many years ago of long-time, popular Essex Centre crossing guard, Phil Little. He passed away in 2012. She was proud to see her painting still hanging in the station.
Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
