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Ontario Trillium Foundation grant helps Railway Hall of Fame continue restoration
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ST. THOMAS – The North American Railway Hall of Fame (NARHF) will be an even better place to visit soon with the help of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Steve Peters made the announcement today at the Talbot Street home of NARF which received a $150,000 grant over 12 months to renovate spaces at the train station to improve its allure as a tourist attraction, rental facility and historic landmark in the downtown area. OTF representative Janet Golding was also on hand to congratulate the organization.
NARF has previously received form OTF a $50,000 grant toward a $120,000 project to replace its roof and a $70,000 grant toward an executive director to oversee the restoration of the train station.
“This grant will help the North American Hall of Fame continue their important work,” Peters said. “The end result of that work will preserve an important part of our local heritage and provide a venue that will only enhance the downtown’s economic potential. I am happy that the provincial government can continue to play a role in this important evolution.”
“I am proud of the support we have received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” NARHF President Paul Corriveau said. “They have provided our organization with the support and financial resources that help make our project a reality. With this additional support, the organization will be able to restore the waiting room and open it up for the public and truly become a tourist destination.”
Expected results from the work this grant will assist with include enhanced capacity to capitalize on opportunities (additional events hosted on site, for example) and increased public awareness and support (more people exposed to the building and an increase in revenues from rentals, for example).
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For over 25 years, the Foundation has supported the growth and vitality of communities across the province. It continues to strengthen the capacity of the volunteer sector through investments in community-based initiatives. For more information, please visit the Trillium Foundation web site.
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Funding Provides Positive Economic Impact and Builds Strong Communities
London, December 3, 2008 – Today the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) announced that 30 not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Thames Valley will receive funding totalling $1,417,900. The Hon. Aileen Carroll, Ontario Minister of Culture, said that many of OTF grants will build on the existing strengths of communities to develop their local economy and provide a better quality of life for their residents. The latest funding will increase opportunities for success in school, skills training and employment as well as foster sustainable community partnerships and social enterprise.
"The Ontario Trillium Foundation helps build stronger, more resilient communities by supporting organizations that foster success for students and environmental responsibility," said Carroll. "This funding will help community groups improve the quality of life for people across Ontario."
“In times of need, community members turn to volunteers and community groups for support, training and social and economic networking opportunities,” said Paul Willoughby, Grant Review Team Chair. “Their contribution in providing local solutions is more important than ever.”
Childreach Centre will receive $63,000 over one year to renovate the space at this London child development centre. A new classroom, a safer housekeeping area and an enlarged toy-lending storage area will be created to increase professional development opportunities and workshops.
North America Railway Hall of Fame will be awarded $150,000 over one year to renovate spaces in the Canada Railway Station, an important heritage building now being restored in St. Thomas. When completed it will provide a tourist attraction, rental facility and landmark in the downtown area.
In addition to Community grants, Minister Carroll announced the OTF Board approved $6,682,900 in Province-Wide grants to 35 umbrella organizations in Ontario. COSTI Immigrant Services will receive $384,600 over two years to increase access to employment services for immigrants across Ontario by developing online services. Three areas of curriculum will be delivered, along with mentorships and support.
Community and Province-Wide grants were confirmed by the Ontario Trillium Foundation Board of Directors on October 30, 2008.
New grants under OTF’s Future Fund program will be announced shortly. This funding will support investments to grow the leadership and build the capacity of organizations working on environment issues.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. To learn more about OTF programs, click here to visit their site.
Book Launch and Recent Donations Exhibit Opening
On Thursday, November 13
Wayne Paddon’s new book, “St. Thomas: the Railway City”, was launched at the Canada Southern Station waiting room. The author was present to sign books. Hot mulled cider and cookies was served.
Also opening in the same space was an exhibit of recent donations to the growing collections of the North America Railway Hall of Fame. Among the objects to be viewed, one will find:
Portrait of George V, by London artist and designer Stephen Gaebel. George V came to the British throne in 1911. Since the target date of the station restoration is 1918-1925, it was thought appropriate to have a royal portrait from this time period.
Ball Watch Company Clock, once used in the Windsor Engine House of the New York Central. Accurate time was crucial to the smooth and efficient operation of railways, and following an accident, railroad officials commissioned Webb Ball as Chief Time Inspector to establish precision standards and an inspection system. His Ball Watch Company used movements from other companies such as Elgin and Seth Thomas, improving them and reselling under his own name.
Pot Belly Stove: Prior to the installation of steam heat around 1918, the station was heated with pot belly stoves connected to the eight chimneys that rose prominently from the roof line. They may have been used for 45 winters, warming passengers in the waiting rooms, diners in the dining room, the waitresses in the bedrooms on the second floor, and the office workers and managers in the corporate headquarters. The stove was made in Hamilton by Adam Laidlaw, is date cast 1876, and has the brand name of “Boss”.
Emergency Box: Repainted as a New York Central item, the box has “MCRR Canada Division Emergency Box” stamped on the lid, making it an object dating back to at least 1930. It was used as a first aid kit in relation to the Superintendent RR Hospital room. The donor of this box, who worked for 43 years on the New York Central and its successors, received this box from his father, who was a Michigan Central employee and in 1938, foreman in the track department. He would carry the box with him in case of need while his staff was doing track repairs.
Norsworthy Fire Hydrant: C. Norsworthy acquired the Red Foundry at the corner of Centre and Metcalfe Streets in 1871. The company made stoves, farm implements, steam engines and furnaces, amongst other items. In “Vignettes of Early St. Thomas by Warren Miller, it is noted that Norsworthy received the manufacturing rights to a U.S. fire hydrant and that most of the existing (1967) hydrants in St. Thomas were made by Norsworthy under the Ludlow Hydrant name. The hydrant donated to the Hall of Fame’s collection came from the area near the round house.
For further information please contact Laurence Grant at 519-633-2535 or laurencegrant@narhf.org
November 3, 2008
North America Railway Hall of Fame to Receive Peter Stokes Restoration Award From the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario
At its annual awards dinner to be held on November 21, 2008, the North America Railway Hall of Fame will be presented with the Peter Stokes Restoration Award for its architectural conservation of the Canada Southern Station in St. Thomas, Ontario. The award “recognizes those responsible for the exemplary restoration of significant heritage structures, undertaken in accordance with the accepted policies and practices of heritage conservation in Ontario”. The award will be accepted by Hall of Fame president Paul Corriveau.
Peter Stokes is renowned for many years of exemplary work in conserving heritage buildings, and for his numerous publications and volunteer contributions. He began his career as the restoration architect for Upper Canada Village and has continued his professional work throughout Ontario and eastern Canada as the province’s first full-time restoration architect. Other projects include the apothecary in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Victoria Hall, Cobourg, and the Grange in Toronto. He was a founding member of the Association for Preservation Technology and the author of four books on Ontario architecture.
The awards dinner will be held at the Arts and Letters Club on Elm Street in Toronto. In 1908 about 100 men, encouraged by Augustus Bridle, a journalist covering the arts beat, met above a downtown restaurant and made the decision to organize a club promoting their two great interests: conversation and the arts. Past club members include former Governor General Vincent Massey and all of those who came to be known as the Group of Seven. Of these, J.E.H. MacDonald contributed most to the Club. Not only did he provide his design skills, but also served on the executive for nine years, designing the Club crest.
“To receive an award of this distinction is proof that the people involved within the project are taking the right steps in preserving our heritage. Sometimes when you look back at where we started, it is difficult to comprehend the enormity of the project. It is an honour to receive such an award, one in which I will accept on behalf of our donors and volunteers that have made this project what it is today.”
Paul Corriveau – President, North America Railway Hall of Fame
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