These photos come from long time reader, and local film maker & railfan Tim Swaddling, who sent along these photos shot by his father Bob in 1984.
Photo © Bob Swaddling
The first couple of shots show a view east along the waterfront rail yards. Note the four story red brick warehouse at McDougall & Riverside. That was the Ferry Seed Warehouse, it was demolished for the Casino project. More on that building at a later date…
Photo © Bob Swaddling
Goyeau & Riverside.
Photo © Bob Swaddling
A nice view showing a ferry in the old slip. The Spirit of Windsor is kind of hidden in the shadows to the right of the end of the parking lot along the river.
Photo © Bob Swaddling
The note Tim sent along date these photos to June 4, 1984, as part of a special excursion that started at the old Michigan Central Station at Tecumseh & Crawford and ran through to St. Thomas. As Tim points out, especially following this post, this might have been the last time passengers were picked up at that station.
Photo © Bob Swaddling
Bob Swaddling started the trip in the C & O Oak Yard in Michigan, and rode through the rail tunnel to the Windsor starting point. Here’s a view of the Detroit Michigan Central Station when it was still in operation. All of these platforms are no longer in existence.
Photo © Bob Swaddling
The tour passed the old Kingsville Station, which was then in its unrestored state.
Photo © Bob Swaddling
Our tour ends in Leamington, where our photographer had to disembark due to prior commitments, a glimpse of the former Leamington station can be seen on the left. Tim points out this is the site of the new Town Hall, which sits on top of the old rail Right of Way.
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