Greetings from St. Thomas by Steve Peters Celebrating 150 Years of the CASO Station
The Canada Southern Railway ran 370 km (229 miles) from Fort Erie to Windsor. When the railway was constructed, St. Thomas was designated as Canada’s Divisional Headquarters. The CASO Station, originally known as the Depot, was unveiled in April 1873. This architectural marvel, constructed of 400,000 buff bricks that were later stained red, spans an impressive 354 feet in length and 36 feet in width. A once- encircling steel canopy, along with a platform below, added to its grandeur. The station was designed by Edgar Berryman and is a stunning example of the Italianate Style. The second floor was devoted to offices and a small area for sleeping quarters; 94 windows circled the floor. The main floor housed the Ticket Office, Ladies’ and Men’s Waiting Rooms, Dining Hall, and Kitchen.
St. Thomas was the divisional point for trains travelling to Detroit/ Chicago and Buffalo/New York City. At one time, as many as 30 Express and Local Passenger trains arrived and departed daily. Passenger service was also available with the London and Port Stanley Railway and the Canadian Pacific Railway. Postcards depicting the Station come in a wide number of variations and can be found having been sent all over North America
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Hometown St. Thomas • June 2024 • Page 41
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