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Caption: It is amazing how one can look at the same building, taken in two very different eras and to see all the changes that has transpired in the surrounding landscape. None can be said truer than that of the current SOR 'station' (former Michigan Central / CASO) in Hagersville. Long gone is the line, with the last section having been torn out in 2012. The section through Hagersville came out I believe mid-late 90's, which made it very difficult to try and time machine this photo. But one thing has not changed in the plus 40 years since Arnold Mooney photographed this building. Although in Arnold's photo (click here) the station does look run down with it's paint peeling - it still maintained it's classic board and batten architecture. One has to wonder why the dreary yellow aluminum siding was put up, but I think we all know the answer to that one. Even now, with the SOR counting down it's last days you have to wonder what will become of the last remaining, true railway building in Hagersville. I no doubt believe CN will not repair it's aging roof, let alone occupy the building. Oddly enough, CN had it's own station that is today marked by a very run down shed and brush located in behind the station, to the left.
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Well done time machine shot.
What a difference a few days can make both as to observation and perspective. On May 9th, I captured this same scene and identical angle albeit a few meters westerly in order to include the foundation remnants of the former interlocking tower. On this day, two CN vehicles were on site along with a flat bed tractor-trailer. The back-hoe as pictured was busy trenching and burying heavy duty cable (remaining coils stacked behind station). On other days, personnel have been seen entering and exiting the for now idle station. I wouldn’t bet the house on it remaining idle for long.
What for Glenn?
Signals & Communication … planned communications upgrade so CN know where trains are all times per se, setting up shop again at the Hagersville Station, crossing under Concessions 8 & 6 with pipe/conduit and erection of a communications tower at south end of Garnet Yard. Real rail action on the home front!
Going full circle once the MOW shop for CN / CASO 21 years later back to CN MOW
Fantastic. I was worried this thing would be coming down. Great news!
Change of plans … CN crew advised earlier in the week that the old station / landmark is now considered unsafe and will in fact be coming down. In its stead, CN propose to bring in two trailers per se. Todd’s photo is truly a significant and timely capture.
Too bad. Get your shots !!
Not good! Even if someone would try to save this station it would still be doomed as Haldimand does not have an excellent preservation record..it’s good but not great. Yes, the Waterford, Jarvis, Port Dover and Caledonia stations all stand. But one would have to question what happened to the Old Mill in Caledonia. With rising population as once strong independent towns become bedroom communities to larger cities….business will be business as usual. Sadly…if one were to come forward to save this Hagersville station what would it be repurposed for?