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POSTCARD MEMORIES: 'Mudhen's' final trip a sad day for local train aficionados

In 1960, the final steam train left Midland station after 80 years of serving the town

The year was 1960. The event was the end of 80 years of steam on railroads serving the town.

In the second photo above, conductor George Nicklee signs register at the freight office prior to the departure of last steam train on that line.

Watching are Midland agent Harvey White, left, and Cy Ney, chief clerk, on this particular Friday.

According to an article in the Free Press Herald, the engine was one of the old "mudhen" types and "will go the Angus Shops in Montreal where it will be cut up by welders and tossed in the scrap-metal heap."

The following Monday, diesel locomotives started to pull all trains into Midland; on both CNR and CPR lines.


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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