CNR 6167

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     The Guelph Mercury reported that on September 26, 1967 (three years to the day of her second last run with 6218), 6167 was moved to her final resting place. The article also mentioned that CNR V.P. Douglas V. Gonder would be present for a dedication on October 12, 1967.

     The Guelph Mercury later recounted the October 12 ceremony and included portions of Douglas Gonder's speech. Also in attendance at the ceremony were Mayor Ralph Smith, A. E. Street, manager of CN's southwestern Ontario area, Alderman Russell Stephans, chairman of the Guelph Junction Railway and of course Douglas V. Gonder, Vice-President of CN's Great Lakes Region. The group of "local railway buffs" referred to in the article consisted of Russell McElroy, Lloyd Thackeray, Grant Love, Fred Hammond, A.J. "Bob Hatch, Clark Steele, and Robert Roy.

     "The Canadian National steam locomotive 6167 was put on its permanent bed east of the CNR station today after arriving in Guelph over the weekend. Donated to Guelph by the CNR, the train will provide an outstanding tourist attraction, and many visitors are expected to travel to Guelph to view this huge locomotive and take photographs. The engine is facing west, so it appears to be entering the city, and it can be easily seen from Wyndham St. and city hall. Steam locomotive 6167 was donated to Guelph through the efforts of Mayor Ralph smith and the Guelph Junction Railway, and with the co-operation of Douglas Gonder, CNR vice-president. Mr. Gonder is expected to officially dedicate the locomotive around Oct.12." (Guelph Mercury September 26, 1967)

CNR Steam Engine Officially Turned Over To City Of Guelph

     "The Final orders for steam locomotive 6167 were issued today, as the 27-year-old northern-type steamer was officially transferred from Canadian National Railways to the City of Guelph. About 60 people watched the brief ceremony this morning, when Douglas V. Gonder, vice president of CN's Great lakes region, turned the locomotive over to Guelph Mayor Ralph Smith. In handing over the engine, Mr. Gonder said it was fitting that the "Regal lady should adorn a site in the Royal City of Guelph, the only city in Canada, to my knowledge, that owns a standard gauge railway, the Guelph Junction Railway". Mr. Gonder called the locomotive a splendid monument to a form of motive power which contributed immeasurable to the greatness achieved by our young nation over the past century". "And I need hardly remind you that nation is made up of the communities within its boarders," he added."

Built In 1960
     "Built in 1940, in Montreal, the locomotive hauled CN prestige trains, "The Ocean Limited" and "The Scotian" and what the railways calls "name" trains between Toronto and Montreal [Operated in Eastern Canada most of its life, this is not accurate - JD]. Later, it was used for standby power to handle passenger and freight trains over various lines in southwestern Ontario, including Guelph. When CN changed to diesel trains in 1960, said Mr. Gonder, the locomotive was used for special charter trips. "Thus, it continued on occasion to roar across the country-side as 'the fun-scenic-photo steam special', 'the winter carnival special,' and the 'students' steam choo-choo special' until we reached a sad day in 1964, when she could no longer be operated without the installation of new fire tubes," said Mr. Gonder. The locomotive was retired after bringing a group of train buffs through guelph in 1964, he said, and "now she is here, a monument to marvel and admire." The 340-ton engine will remain at its permanent location east of the CNR station on Carden St. where workman have landscaped the surrounding area to provide a clean-looking site."

Example Of Friendship
     "Mayor Smith said that presentation of the locomotive to the city was an example of the friendship which the city has maintained with the CNR over the years, and noted that the gift will not cost taxpayers a cent. The locomotive's upkeep will be looked after by local railway buffs. Russell McElroy, speaking for the local group, said dim running lights will be placed on the locomotive in the near future, when finishing touches are put on the engine's permanent site. "Russell Stephens, chairman of the Guelph Junction Railway noted that the Carden St. site where the train rests is the former location of the old CNR station." (Guelph Mercury October 12, 1967)

The Ceremonial Trainorders presented to Mayor Ralph Smith by CNR V.P. Douglas V. Gonder on October 12, 1967.
Courtesy of the Guelph Civic Museum

     Anonymous. (1967a). "Old Steam Locomotive In Last Resting Place". Guelph Mercury, September 26, 1967.

     Anonymous. (1967b). "CNR Steam Engine Officially Turned Over To City Of Guelph". Guelph Mercury, October 10, 1967

     Clegg, Anthony, and Ray Corley. (1969). "Canadian National Steam Power". Trains & Trolleys. Montreal, Canada.