WWI ERA SOLDIER RPPC GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY STATION CLINTON ONTARIO CANADA POSTCARD
"Boys of the 161st Batt. Leaving Clinton on Last Leave" is the text on the postcard by Ball Photo. Stamp block indicates it was printed between 1904-1918. The 161st was active from 1916-1918 so the card is from 1918 at the latest.
Please see photos for details. Note lighting variations may alter colors of item in photos.
From the Huron County Museum website:
The 161st (Huron) Battalion, CEF was a unit in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. Based in London, Ontario, the unit began recruiting in late 1915 in Huron County. After sailing to England in November 1916, the battalion was absorbed into the 4th Reserve Battalion on February 15, 1918.
From Ontario Railway Stations' website on Clinton:
- Original Railway: Buffalo, Brantford & Goderich Railway 1852 (Buffalo & Lake Huron Railway 1856, Grand Trunk Railway 1864, Canadian National Railway 1923) 1856 – Current
- Current/Final Railway: Goderich & Exeter Railway
- Location/Address: The station was located on the east side of King/Matilda Street, at Railway Street
- Railway Mileage: Goderich Subdivision 33.09
- Surrounding Building Context: Similar to other south Ontario communities, Clinton developed as an agricultural service centre that supported area farmers. Unlike other communities, the core of the community was not focused on a river, which limited the ability for early mill development. Any industrial activity was dependant on steam power. The station was located to the south of the commercial centre of the community. Over time, some industrial uses located in this area, specializing in piano manufacturing and food processing (see map for details). Railway facilities included a freight shed, water tower, and stock pens.
Station Origin: Original /replacement station
- Construction Date: The original station was constructed in 1856 with the opening of the line by the Buffalo & Lake Huron Railway. Any details on this structure are unknown. The building was replaced for unknown reasons in 1882 by the Grand Trunk Railway with a two storey structure. The second storey was later removed
- Architect/Builder: Unknown
- Station Style: To be determined, the station contained several similarities with the Seaforth station
- Exterior Architecture Details: The building was a two storey frame structure on a stone foundation, containing a gable roof and a rectangular operator window. As noted above, the second storey was later removed
- Interior Architectural Details: The station contained on the ground floor passenger waiting rooms, a ticket and operator office, and freight and express rooms. On the upper level were station agent residential quarters
- Landscaping & Ground Details: Cinder platform
- Building Costs: Unknown
- Destruction Date: The station was removed from the property, possibly in the early 1970’s. The property today is vacant, forming part of Railway St
- Current Use: Not applicable
- Designations: Not applicable
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