Listen Live
HomeNewsThe Railway Station in Barry’s Bay is now 128 year old

The Railway Station in Barry’s Bay is now 128 year old

- Advertisement -

The Railway Station in Barry’s Bay is now 128 years old – and it got quite a birthday party.

Dozens of supporters of the historic building attended a celebration under the water tower in the nearby park on Saturday, Oct. 1.  

It had to be outside, because the building itself is still a construction zone. The Township of Madawaska Valley is still working on renovations, which include adding new bright, red siding and a new door that will make the building more accessible. The work is expected to be complete within about two weeks. 

A volunteer group called The Station Keepers advocates for the building. Its President, Joanne Olsen, says the group is pleased with the township’s work to renovate the building, which is also a museum and visitors’ centre. 

- Advertisement -

The Station Keepers were also behind Saturday’s celebration. They sold swag and memberships to help raise funds for a new train-themed play structure in the park.

“Our plan is to build a wooden structure, we want to do it with local lumber,” Olsen said.  It will be a play structure for (kids) to climb on. We hope to build it with local volunteers.”

To get the play structure in the ground, the Station Keepers will need to raise about $20,000. They hope to start building in the spring. 

The Station Keepers also plan to keep raising awareness of the building’s historical significance. One way they do that is through a podcast series, called The Opeongo Line. Archived versions of the broadcasts can be found through a quick Google search. 

“We’ve had several topics covered,” Olsen said.  We hired a student, who went around and interviewed elderly residents of the township and got their stories. There are several interviews that were done inside the railway station, called The Local. There’s some great stories. They’re done by volunteers. There are many, many posted.”

- Advertisement -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisment -
- Advertisement -

Continue Reading