Locust Hill

All photographs from the collection of Ed Zammit unless otherwise credited.

Early scene of original O&Q Locust Hill station. Note wooden water tank with stone foundation.

Later view with no evidence of water tower which could be hidden by large tree. Box car is CP 200256
a 36 foot, 40 ton capacity wooden box car built in 1913-14. This station burned down in 1935.

New station built 1936. Summer 1956 still looking good. Gord Billinghurst Collection

Replacement station near the end of its active days in the 1970's; passenger service
still remained as evidenced by the schedule board. Al Paterson

Looking kind of sad. 1982 Gord Billinghurst Collection

VIA Rail did not staff the stations, therefore passengers paid a cash fare to the conductor.

Being moved March 1983, (by none other than Chas. Matthews Ltd.) to the
Markham & District Historical Museum in Markham.

Serious wreck August 29th. 1904 involving a small 4-4-0 and a bigger 2-8-0 at Freeman's Bridge
(now Little's farm). This was just west of Locust Hill in the 14th. and Steeles Avenues area.
Judging by the flat car on the nose of the 4-4-0, this may have been a work train which was hit by the much heavier 2-8-0.

 

These two April 1906 views from an old photo album show (top) telephone pole line going in and
(bottom) workmen with what may be a work train. Robert Reesor farm on 10th Concession.

Locust Hill church in an early 20th century winter scene. It's hard to miss the lineman!