Freeman Station group acquires a rail car - a rare find and a coup for some very innovative people who are saving a large part of our history.

News 100 blueBy Pepper Parr

May 30th, 2016

BURLINGTON, ON

When the history of Burlington and its relationship with the Freeman station is written one hopes it tells of the indefatigable efforts made by a group of about 10 – maybe twelve men.

They fought the council of the city they live in to preserve the Freeman Station. They struggle with the bureaucracy to overcome some of the hurdles they have to get over – and yet – week by week one can see the Freeman station coming together – at some point it will be completed and officially opened and this group will take great pleasure in knowing that they made it happen.

Freeman - scaffold outside platform windows

A friend of the Freeman station lowers himself from the scaffolding at the front of the building.

There is never enough money. “We need about $200,000 to complete the work – some of that can be in kind – but cash is the biggest need” said Brian Aasgaard who can be found on the site whenever the doors are open.

Brian and John Mellow are two very very resourceful people; they come across artifacts and items that are part of the rail history and put it into storage.

Freeman Chry full

A major coup for the Friends of Freeman station was the acquisition of this 1959 Chrysler that serves as both a rail car and a car that can drive along streets.

A recent coup was the receipt of a rail car – a vehicle that has two sets of wheels: one put on the car when it is driving along the rail line and the other when it is driving along a road.

Painted a yellow that you won’t miss with some orange trim and the letters TH&B painted on the side with the number 1 below on the door of the

1951 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe four door sedan with a set of specially-constructed steel wheels for rail travel, a six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine and an automatic transmission.   It was in service from June 24, 1957 to June 24, 1977, after which it was sold to the Ontario Rail Foundation.  Then eventually passed into the hands of Rod Wilson, who donated it to FOFS.

The vehicle will eventually sit on a length of railway track that will run the length of the platform of the station.

The car is said to have been used to drive the president of the railway to company meetings in Buffalo.

The FoF hope to put the car on display at the Car Free street festival on Appleby Line in June – they need a flat bed to get it to that event.

Freeman Aasgaard with Canad 150

Brian Aasgaard displays the very first Canada 150 recognition banner given to anyone in Burlington

Each week the Friends of Freeman Station advance their cause. They are the very first organization in Burlington to be recognized as part of the Canada 150 event – a federal government program that is getting the country ready for its sesquicentennial – the celebration of our 150th year as a country.

The station now has gas coming into the building. Water and sewage are in the planning stage – working out where the water hook up is going to take place is still being worked out.

A pressing need right now is an experienced stone mason. There is some concrete block that has to be put in place and then some xxx stones place atop the concrete blocks.

These are part of the station platform that will run the 60 foot plus length of the platform that will reach out close to 12 feet from the station.

Freeman - cutting platic safety cover

How many hands – eight of them – to cut special sheets o protective plastic.

A length or rail line will stretch out in front of the building. There are dreamers at the FoF who hope someday they might manage to find, restore and install a steam locomotive in front of the station. Dreams are part of the Friends of Freeman DNA – don’t sell these guys short.

If you’re as retired stone mason, an active stone mason or know someone who is a stone mason – get in touch with Brian – he will drive over and pick you up.

Aasgaard mentioned that the floor will have original maple wood put in place. They are still looking for a sponsor for the Station waiting room – $15,000 will get a corporate name on the space, which when completed is going to be something to look at. The ceiling is all wood which when painted is going to be one of those things everyone will ooh and awe about.

Freeman - tool rack

The station Waiting Room is going to be quite stunning when it is complete. The oval window on the west side has been dedicated to the late Jane Irwin; one of the dozen or so people who fought against their city council to save the structure. Time for the city to provide some serious funding.

The FoF see a significant part of the revenue stream coming from rental of the space. Few appreciate just how impressive this space is going to be. For those who once travelled by rail regularly you will immediately recognize the bench that is to sit directly beneath the oval window that has been dedicated to the late Jane Irwin – one of the handful of people who would not let city council abandon the Freeman station.

The Mayor is said to be a solid champion of the place – perhaps he can rent it as his 2018 re-election campaign headquarters?

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2 comments to Freeman Station group acquires a rail car – a rare find and a coup for some very innovative people who are saving a large part of our history.

  • Thanks for the positive article, but there are some key people who should be mention. The two skilled carpenters Ken Brooks and Joe Wylie both in there 80’s whose craftsmanship has brought the station back to life. The Freeman and Smith families and the many other sponsors who have come forward with financial support. The volunteers that have put in over 3500 hours of labour. Our board of directors who work tirelessly behind the scenes to source materials, money, talent and support.
    This is a successful project because of a great team of dedicated people and I want to thank them all. Brian Aasgaard
    Please visit our web site http://www.freemanstation.ca

  • Phantom Editor

    For the car enthusiasts – the TH&B#1 is a 1951 Chrysler Windsor Deluxe four door sedan with a set of specially-constructed steel wheels for rail travel, a six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine and an automatic transmission. It was in service from June 24, 1957 to June 24, 1977.

    More here :
    https://www.freemanstation.ca/friends-freeman-station-thb-car-history/