​Remembering the sound of the train whistle near Kincardine

Among my growing-up memories, is the sound of the whistle as the train neared Kincardine. That whistle reminded us of where we were in our day’s activities. In fact, Grandpa Hollands didn’t carry a pocket watch since he and his team relied on the whistle to know when to leave the field at meal times.

Recently, someone posted a picture of a train stuck in high snowbanks on its way to Kincardine, perhaps. I immediately thought of Mum’s story of being stuck on the train.

An enjoyable event for agricultural society members was the annual convention in Toronto. It was held in February, so farmers could find someone to do chores without having to worry about the progress of their field work. Not only was it an enjoyable, social event where old friends met and new ones were made, but also many ideas for entertainment or competitions to assist in planning the next year’s fair, were exchanged.

In 1968, Lloyd and Beatrice Quinn, Vi Thompson and Mum and Daddy made up a carload which left Kincardine at 5:15 a.m. en route to the convention. After a busy day, Mum and Vi arranged to stay while the rest returned home. They enjoyed the next day’s sessions at the King Edward Hotel before joining Gladys Arnold on the subway. They planned to take the train from Union Station and looked forward to a restful ride home.

However, that was not to be. This is what Mum’s journal says:

“Vi and I were on the train from 6 p.m. till 4 a.m., in an intense storm with the oil running very low in the oil burner. The Kansas farmer entertained us with violin music while we played cards and sang. Cecil waited from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., at the station in Kincardine.”

It’s a good thing people always dressed warmly in those days. I can picture Daddy waiting in the shelter of the station where there would be some protection from the wind off the lake. I hope he didn’t have to worry about the amount of fuel in the car’s tank. Maybe he got out and stomped around to keep warm.

I’m sure this is just one story of winter travel on the train.

Historical note: The last train left Kincardine Station, Oct. 31, 1970.





This photograph, by John H. Scougall, features the Grand Trunk Railway snowplow in heavy drifts near Kincardine, c. 1900; courtesy of the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre