From the collection of John Morand
The picture above is dated 1910 and shows a side view of the Canada Salt comapny on the property today occupied by CBC at Riverside and Crawford.
From the collection of John Morand
This photo is dated 1915 and is taken probably from today’s University Avenue overpass, looking north towards the river. Note the conical tower of the old CP train station visible in the distance.
Have a great weekend everyone. See you back here Monday.
So this is pretty much the same location as the pictures I sent you back in the winter? 🙂
it looks like they had quite a climb to get to the salt plant to spot cars(shades of Le Magantic)Aaron it’s either the University or Wyandotte over passes there is a very long siding from the CP yard that goes almost to the river I wonder if this track is one of the tracks in the 2nd photo today it doesn’t curve to the west it has been dead ended with railroad ties
Gary: Yes, they are the same tracks. They lead to CP Rail’s barge loading facility on the river. I believe the facility closed some time in the early to mid 90s, but the tracks remained in place until at least 1998-1999.
Got me on your mind there, Gary? lol
Here is the very sad view, today: http://goo.gl/maps/m9zbf
I once read a story about a single Canadian Pacific switcher back in the late 70’s, I believe, that was spotting cars near the ferry at the river. They recieved a call from CP Windsor Yard along Crawford that a cut of cars had gotten loose, and were headed down hill towards them, and the ferry. The crew cut loose from the cars they were spotting and headed uphill, towards the run away cars, cab first. Just before the collision, the crew jumped clear. The impact stopped the run away cut of cars, but completely destroyed the cab of the engine they were sitting in moments before.
Talk about balls. Heros of the industry, to be sure.
I’ve always wanted to see if that cut for that steep grade could still be found in the embankment.
Great post, Andrew!
Aaron I just assumed you made the posting LOL!
I know CONRAIL had one that went to the Windsor Stars newsprint plant but I don’t think it was that severe
Some guys and I did a yard clean up in the empty lot at the end of Salter street a few years back. I always wondered why there were buried tracks and huge slabs of cement under the thin layer of soil. This is awesome. Thanks for the research.
When did these buildings come down and when were the current mine sites opened? What was there after the teardown and before CKLW?
I did work at the CBC a few years ago and i believe the hole facility was closed around 1954 due to a giant sink hole in the property.