The train 33

seldom accomplished, although on Tuesdays and Saturdays which were “express days”, the timing was surprisingly close. Around the early 50s the train was no longer allowed to cross the bridge due to the latter’s deteriorating condition. From the Southport approach taxis brought passengers to and from the city. It was convenient, but a large part of the train’s character seemed missing.

In addition to the regular passenger train, there were quite frequent freight trains that ran our line during the day. These carried dozens of mixed cars which were at times pulled by two engines or a “double header”. On these freight specials a small white flag was attached to the front of the engine and always a caboose at the rear of the train. On a raw April afternoon in 1950 our house roof caught fire from a chimney spark. Luckily, just as the wooden shingles were beginning to be overcome by flames, the city-bound freight happened along. Spotting trouble, the driver halted the train at a point nearest the house. The crew, with extra water from the engine, rapidly descended on the beginning inferno and along with family members and near neighbors succeeded in dousing the flames and saving the house. This unique gesture of stopping a train to assist a troubled neighbor was but one of the advantages of life on P.E.I. then as now.

Once a year it was habitual to have several “living cars” parked at our siding for a week or more to accommodate the crews repairing the tracks, fences or painting. These were always friendly and welcome guests in our community. As youngsters, we always managed to visit these workers in their cars and to be excited by the strange appearance of these houses on wheels. Among the crew each year there seemed to be always an accordion player who generously shared his talent which enlivened the evening air.

' The siding so near our house was always a place of special interest with the constant shunting and storage of cars. It was Of particular interest to observe the brakeman standing on the back car signalling the driver to'a slow and gentle connection. At times, however, the hook up was rough and loud, jolting the Parked cars without mercy. The arrangement of the tracks in that area seemed intricate, yet it was an uncomplicated proce- dure that inched the rails sideways by a simple hand-lever switching apparatus. Cars parked on the siding were quite an attraction for young lads who lived nearby. Climbing the iron ladder to the top and walking the narrow foot path there was a

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