HELP RESTORE A FAMOUS LOCOMOTIVE TO ITS FORMER GLORY

One of Westfield Heritage Village's most outstanding highlights, the 93-year-old steam locomotive located at the Jerseyville Station, is badly in need of repair. Its historic grandeur is beginning to wane following twenty years of exposure to the elements.

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) working together with volunteers from the community wants to get rid of the rust and decay, restore the locomotive to its former glory and develop an educational exhibit about the area's railway industry. Before that can happen, we need to assemble a wide range of expertise in this era of Canadian history, so they are looking for train enthusiasts who can help in all aspects of the restoration, from design details to hands-on labour.

The locomotive has a long history in this area. Residents of Hamilton may remember the engine which, for many years, watched over the entrance to Gage Park. It was moved to the safer confines of Westfield in January 1977 where it has been a popular attraction to visitors, as well as the backdrop of numerous television and movie productions, including Anne of Green Gables and Road to Avonlea.

Locomotive 103 was built in 1910 by Montreal Locomotive Works. It was owned by the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway and operated on the line that is now the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail. It was retired by the TH&B in 1956.

Anyone with knowledge of the locomotive, or trains in general, and is interested in helping restore it. For further information, please contact Charles Doubrough, at (905) 389-8902                                                              

Westfield Heritage Village  is located on Regional Road 552, off Highway 8, north of Rockton.

For more information, please contact; Westfield at (519) 621-8851

or visit TH&B 103 repairs website

also     Westfield Heritage Village

Page revised February 10 2003