Caption: A warm summer evening's passenger stop circa 1959 provides this evening's entertainment for several gentlemen on the platform. Canadian National Railways U-1-f, 4-8-2, 6071 pauses at Guelph station on the point of train 11 (Toronto - London). In a short time, the engineer, peering out of the cab, will ease the throttle open and begin the westward journey into the setting sun. Built by Montreal Locomotive Works in November 1944, 6071 will meet the scrapper's torch in June 1961.

Not seen as often as in years past, the human element of railroading and it's community relationships is prominent here. The engineer in the window, fireman walking the platform, likely headed back to his seat across the cab. On the platform, a number of locals take in the scene that in a year or so shall be history. Look close, 2 pairs of father and son make up part of the audience.

Departing the station, train 11 will crawl along at the posted 10mph speed limit (note the wooden sign) through the crossover onto the westbound main track. This northernmost station track would be removed in the 1960s and the platform extended out from the building. Just beyond the Wyndham Street bridge is Guelph's original police station, built in 1856, along with the original City Hall (1857) which looms in the background.

Basil Headford Photo, Jacob Patterson Collection Print.