Early retirement is not a universal goal. Some things increase their value and purpose with age. The Fraser Mills Train Station is a good example of this.
Built in 1909/1910, the Fraser Mills Station, formerly located at the grade crossing at King Edward Street near Highway 1, greeted many travellers who came to work for the Canadian Lumber Company (the largest mill in the British Empire at that time). It was one of five depots on what is now the New Westminster Subdivision of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Stops along the 8.4-mile route for a southbound train were at Westminster Junction (later Coquitlam), Essondale, Fraser Mills, Sapperton and New Westminster.
The Fraser Mills Station was likely a simple platform in 1909 when the first wave of French Canadians millworkers arrived from Montreal on a special 13-car train. When others followed in 1910, the platform had been enhanced to create the station we see today.
It was moved from its original site to Blue Mountain Park in the 1970s and, in April 1999, it was placed in Heritage Square in the 1100-block of Brunette Avenue right next store to historic Mackin House Museum and Ryan House (now Place des Arts).
The Fraser Mills Railroad Station stands as both a reminder of Coquitlam's beginnings and as a testament to the importance of the transcontinental railway in the development of British Columbia.
It is, however, more than this. Its function is more than symbolic as the station houses an impressive collection of railway memorabilia and provides a wonderful opportunity to take a trip back in time.
If this weren't enough, it also has one other significant purpose. For the summer of 2011, it is serving our visitors and residents as a tourist information centre. Inside the 101-year old building is a wealth of information on what is currently happening in Coquitlam and beyond, with maps and details to get you there. Staffed by two enthusiastic summer students, the service is offered in a range of languages in addition to English, including Cantonese and Mandarin.
We are proud of our history. We are ever prouder when a tangible piece of our past adapts itself to our current world. Another good example of renewed use is the railway station at the New Westminster stop. It is the ornate brick building that houses The Keg restaurant and sits on its original site.
We invite you to discover the past and enjoy the present. Take a small journey and visit the Fraser Mills Station.
Your History is a column in which, once a month, representatives of the Tri-Cities' three heritage groups writes about local history. Jill Cook is executive director of the Coquitlam Heritage Society.
