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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,1977, PAGE 7 Brian-W.iter's Historical Whitby RAILWAY OPENING it is doubtful if many Whitby residents have ever been to the official opening of a railway, especially a 19th century railway. In the 1850s when the steel rails were just beginning to link the cities of this land, the opening of a railway was one of the biggest events that could ever take place in a com- munity . In the 1850s the present Canadian National Railway line was built from Toronto to Montreal along the shore of Lake Ontario, and became one 6f the vital communication links in this country. In 1856 the Grand Trunk Railway, as it was then known, had been completed from Toronto to Oshawa, and this was something to be celebrated. Although the line was completed to Oshawa, the biggest celebrations were held in Whitby because Whitby was the County Town of the new County of Ontario, and the centre of trade and commerce. The big day was Aug. 25, 1856, and at noon a crowd of 1,500 to 2,000 people gathered at the Don River Station, east of Toronto to take the first train to Oshawa. The train consisted of 10 carriages, and if you were lucky enough to get an invitation for the excursion, you were serenaded by the music of a brass band as the train made its way east. Palmerston -ome-and School "Meet-the-teacher" night, held at Palmerston Avenue Public School Oct. 12, provided parents with an opportunity to meet their children's teachers. The curriculum for each grade was explained, and teachers described their plans for the year, and displayed the work which has been done so far. The new principal, Mr. Blackmore, urged parents to keep in close touch with the school (phone 668-5622), particular- ly if they suspect their child may have a problem. Home and School elections were held. Unfortunatcly, none of the parents present were willing to take on the role of President. Until this position is filled, the vice-president will organize meetings. The new executivesare: Vice-Pres- ident, Eleanor Simpson 668-8982; Secretary, Liz Shepley 668-1703; Treasurer, Edwina Hourahine 668-0215. Severa additional people volunteered to serve as committee members. More parents are needed to act as "grade mothers",assist teachers on school trips, plan informative programs helpful to parents, raise funds for items needed by the school, and organize community events (such as the very popular kkat- ing party and parent-child sports night held last year.) Any. one interested in helping the Home and School in any way is invited to call one of the members of the executive. 1 The train arrived in Oshawa with great fanfare, and a luncheon was set out in a building adjoining the station T. N. Gibbs, the Reeve of Oshawa, read an address to the mayor of Toronto. The ceremonies were brief, for the main event was awaiting the excursionists five miles back along the line at Whitby. Flags and streamers decorated the Whitby station and ajoining buildings, and even the horses and carriages sported streamers and flags on this important day. The station in 1856 was located about a mile east of the site of the station in recent years, where the present spur line crosses the CNR tracks, east of Victoria Streets. The station, was on the north side of the tracks and on the south side was the Railroad Hotel. As the train steamed in to the station, the men of Whitby cheered and theladies waved their handkercheifs. The mayor of Toronto, the Directors of the railway and other dignitaries proceeded to a platform, where James Wallace, Mayor of Whitby, read an address to the railway directors. He was followed by John Ham Perry, President of the Mechanics' Institute, and organization of working men of the town. Both spoke of the prosperity which the new railway would bring, and of the importance of Whitby as a commercial centre. They reported also on plans to build a railway from Port Whitby to Lake Huron, which would link with the Grand Trunk. The railway directors expressed their thanks and pro- mised that the British investors who supported the railway would not be disappointed in the results of their support. A large dinner was provided in a building beside the station, which was decorated with evergreens and mottos such as "God Save The Queen," "Grand Trunk Railway-- Deeds Not Words," and "British Capital and Canadian Enterprise." Toasts were drunk to the Queen, Prince Albert and the CURLINGCLUB Whitby curling club has extended an invitation to all residents of the "Bradley" area subdivision to visit the club at 815 Brock St. North (phone 668-5021). Curling and social events are organi'ed for al age groups, and a baby- sitting service is available. Sales Office Lot n-.mni;-nn of the "Geniernlls Place" sales office has re- Corridor Capers Hi Folks! Did you ever wonder why people conpain about new development coming into their area? We have a classic example on Powell Road right now. For the past three months the bulldozers have been moving littoe piles of earth from one location to another, and then back to its original spot. During ail this playing around thcre has been a lot of windy weather. August was the worst month for area residents with pools, We managed to collect the top soil from thc new pr'posed development, at the bottom of our pools. This of course caused one or two pool filters t( completely bog down. Before they started playing with thc bulldozers, the road was torn up. With ail the rain we have had, it is still impossible to safely drive on Powell Ror(l. Ail this and still not a basement dug out. On top of that, the owner is one of the more competent developers. What would it be like if the property was owned by a dubîous developer? We shudder to think of the disruption. Progress may be necessary, but it is generally the established resident whon ust suffer. There must be some 7 /SOFFIT PANEL Continously vented. Fits any soffit width. Apply directly to framing or over old soffit. Soffit Facia and Evestroughs Royal Family, the Governor-General, the Army and Navy, the President and Directors of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and others. The contractors and the press were also toasted, and each one in turn responded. The toast to "Prosperity to Canadian agriculture, manufactures and commerce," was greeted with loud cheering. The party was really getting going now, and when the local member of Parliament rose to speak, nobody could hear him for the noise of clattering of plates and popping of champagne corks. To make matters worse for the speaker, a brass band was playing loudly outside the building. The press passed off this situation by stating that the buiitling was so large, he would not have been heard anyway. The member of Parliament and the railway directors gave short speeches on the hope for prosperity as a result of the new railway, and then the politicians and railway men began toasting each other. The mayor of Toronto toasted one of the railway men, the Member of Parliament toasted the Reeve of Whitby, and the president of the railway toasted his chief engineer and general manager. This went on for some time, until the banquet ended with three cheers for the Queen, the Mayor of Toronto, and the Mayor of Whitby. Such a large number of people wanted to take the trip back to Toronto that two engines were required to pull the train, and people crammed onto the'locomotives and tender as well as four passenger cars, five platform cars and a post office car. The brass band accompanied the excursionists back to Toronto and everyone arrived safely at the Don station at 7:30 p.m. where cabs and horse drawn buses were ready to take them home. (Next week: An excursion on the Grand Trunk.) newed specuilation about, the future of the piece of land. ilowever, the developer has not yet sought approval for a site plan. The land remains zoned for town houses (either rental or owner-occupied), though plans were çlrawn up for 32 apartments, and the developer also has suggested it could be rezoned for "link" houses with a small commercial out- let at the Brock-Manning corner. Bradley Community Assoc. Kathleen Chung 668-1680. way to build homes without completely disrupting the whole area. The progress so far, appears to be nothing more than little kids playing in the dirt with their toy equipment. No wonder homes are so costly. Speaking of development, Steve Agh has done a mag- nificent job on High Street. Steve has restored the beauty of the Old Mansion and returned to Whitby a little of its heritage. The 74-year-old building, that was once a land- mark in Whitby, is now 24 condominium apartmnuts. Most of the apartments have fireplaces and balconies, some with double balconies. Arched windows enhance the old fashioned rooms. Although it has the Georgian charm, it offers all the modern comforts. Good luck Steve, Whitby needs more like vou. Westminster United Church Annual Bazaar Its nearly that time again. November 12 will be the Westminster Bazaar. This year it is to be held on Saturday, and at noon a luncheon will be served. THere will be many tables of goodies such as Knitting, Sewing, Novelties, Used clothing, Green Thumb, White elephant and home baking to name a few. Donations to any of the booths would be appreciated. Remember Saturday, November 12. Anniversary Sunday Westminster will hold a special anniversary service on Sunday November 13. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Roger Maggs, Chaplain of the OShawa General Hospital. Have a good week. 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