Caption: If one was to drive up 35th Line north off of old Hwy 2, just west of the Lafarge plant; cross the tracks and pull into the short drive on the left, remnants of an old station can be seen. Not much, just some rusted scrap, a pole, and the row of bushes. This rather important structure stood where the CP line came down from St. Mary's, joined the Galt sub running eastward for a 100 feet or so and then branching off in front of the Zorra Station and continued down into Ingersoll and onward to Port Burwell. The Zorra to Ingersoll track has been gone for many years; until 15 years or so ago just the spur into what was St. Mary's Cement remained. As well, all but a half mile off the Galt toward St. Mary's has been removed. The last train over the St. Marys length ran in 1995. I am not sure what year the Zorra station was removed, perhaps around 1981, but it was leveled suddenly and without fanfare. Rumour has it that a hole was dug and the station was demolished and buried on the site. A real shame. I found it a very attractive building, despite most of the time being shrouded in dust from the nearby cement industries.
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the “Ingersoll North” line only ran to Ingersoll during my career. It ended at Ingersoll Cheese west of Thames Street. There was no direct connection to the Port Burwell Sub which was on the south side of CN’s main line, as far back as any of the oldtimers I asked, could recall. There were 3 reasons to go to Ingersoll North, Ingersoll Cheese, Morrow Nut & Screw (made fasteners) or the ramp at the team track. Occasionally a mainline train would stop at Zorra and the hapless brakeman would cut off a car for the team track & then ride on it the 4 miles to the ramp. No problem on a nice day in summer..but in rain or winter..
I appreciate the time you took to explain this to us, Ron. Thanks.