CN 100: A Moving Celebration
A number of Canadian railways went broke during the Great War (1914 - 1918). Canadian National Railways was born in 1919 when the federal government nationalized these failed ventures, including Canadian Northern Railway whose 1915 station in Fort Langley is managed by the Langley Heritage Society. "CN 100: A Moving Celebration" is currently at the PNE until Sunday and worth a look. More HERE. An historical timeline located inside one the shipping containers used to house displays. Another includes a fly-over of CN's Canadian & U.S. routes -- from Prince Rupert to Halifax and south to the Gulf of Mexico. CN Radio in 1923. This was the forerunner of the CBC -- well dressed listeners listening to music as they rolled down the tracks.
Treading the Boards
Wheels of Time. Creative Compass Society is busy rehearsing a short drama to be presented at the Fort Langley Heritage CNR Station beginning Labour Day weekend and continuing through Thanksgiving weekend. (Saturdays, starting at noon.) Wheels of Time tells the CNR Station's story through the decades. It's a fun way for us to share more of Langley's history -- we hope to see you there beginning August 31st!
Pepin Picnic 2019
The annual Pepin Picnic drew more than 65 members of the Langley Heritage Society. Thanks to Fred and Maureen Pepin for once again sharing their beautiful farm. This September marks the 40th anniversary of Langley Heritage Society. If you'd like to join us, more info HERE. Mike, Rosemary & Donna -- all longtime volunteers. Maureen gives a tour of her bountiful vegetable garden. Toots Tucker & Bob Puls share a laugh, and a sip. CN Station manager Helen Williams and long time volunteer Sharon Johnson Former LHS president Michael Kluckner & Christine Allen. Two Johns man the grill.
Blast From The Past
Elizabeth Hunter asked us: "Just wondering if anyone recognizes the buildings, I think it's Langley. The Brackman- Ker milling company is in foreground -- found a drawing in BC Archives of it I think, it says it's Langley Prairie. Thanks so much." It didn't take long to confirm this is Langley Prairie (today's Langley City). From Dean Irving: "Yes it is. That's Shores Jewelry the 7up sign is the Texas Hotel." From Kate Salary: "Looking west down Fraser Hwy at about Park Lane to 204/205 (now McBurney Lane.) You can see the green and white sign pointing towards the 401 which was the Port Mann Freeway, just to the left of the Brackman-Ker sign. Behind the photographer to the left of the photo would have been Duckworth's." From Russel Hodgkin: "The colour and clarity makes me think these were slides and not film. I love the convenience of digital but [...]
Valley Voices Highlights LHS Volunteers
Valley Voices for August: Architect Tom Annandale tours us through one of his favourite projects, the historic Stave Falls Powerhouse. And Gerry Landsman is a model railroader extraordinaire, who has been at the heritage CN Station in Fort Langley for 25 years. He also knows about Bob Swanson, the man who invented the train horns that we hear every day. Tune in Valley Voices Wednesdays at 11 am on CIVL Radio 101.7 FM (University of the Fraser Valley) with Mark Forsythe. Listen via the link anytime HERE.