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This building was originally the Southwestern Traction Company train station. The traction line was the second rail line to run from Port Stanley to London, starting in 1902. It was the first electric train in Port Stanley, predating the London & Port Stanley Railway's shift to electric by ten years. The traction line ran along existing street trolley routes in London and St. Thomas, and along public roads for most of the rest of the route. In Port Stanley, it ran right down main street. Because of its proximity to fishery buildings, the traction line often transported fish. The traction line was also had passenger service. It was originally created to fill the gap in passenger transportation with the London and Port Stanley Rail focusing on freight service. Today, the building is split into three different commercial businesses.

Traction car stopped outside of the Southwestern Company Traction station ca. 1908.

Vehicle, Tree, Motor vehicle, Sky

The Southwestern Company Traction station, 1916.

Photograph, Building, Plant, Black

Loading fish onto a traction freight car, outside of the old Port Stanley Town Hall, ca. 1908.

Sky, Building, Cloud, Art

Port Stanley Memories and Musings by Frank and Nancy Prothero

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Elgin County Archives

Elgin County Archives