Written by Toni Lavigne-Conway | Special to the Valley Gazette
On August 31st, the StationKeepers MV will proudly host The Train’s a Comin’ featuring the unveiling of a new handcrafted train at Water Tower Park to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the arrival of the first train in Barry’s Bay and the official opening Train Station.
In anticipation of this event, this fictional story tells the tale of four young boys who loved trains and how a child’s imagination can make dreams come true.
In the quaint little town of Barry’s Bay that sits just outside the majestic expanse of Algonquin Park, four young boys found themselves bound together by a shared dream – the dream of seeing a train in their hometown once again.
There was Tucker, the eldest of the group with his tousled hair and mischievous grin, always brimming with ideas. Then there was his brother Brody, the quiet observer, whose thoughtful gaze hid his curiosity for everything. Next was Sullivan, the dreamer, who saw magic in the ordinary and adventure everywhere he looked. And finally, there was Talon, the youngest and most spirited, whose infectious smile could brighten even the gloomiest of days.
The boys got together every Saturday morning and it was no surprise to anyone that they chose to meet up at the historic Railroad Station that was once a bustling hub of activity; a place that now stood as a beautifully preserved museum and visitors’ centre, echoing the charm of a bygone era.
They loved being around the vintage artifacts; the signs, benches, and exhibits that transported them back in time and told stories of the railroad’s impact on the town and its people. The building was full of old photographs, conductor uniforms, and pieces of rail equipment displayed with care, each item narrating a unique part of the town’s history.
Living in a close knit town where everyone knows everybody’s name, they also liked when old Mr. Smith dropped by the Station sometimes when they were there and their eyes lit up as he shared stories about riding the train from Barry’s Bay to Killaloe with his dad when he was just a boy of ten to see his grandparents. His words painted a picture in their minds of how the train arrived bright and early in the morning. He told them how excited he was when he heard the whistle blow, how the steam from the engine would hiss and puff as he and his father stood on the platform and how he felt the ground vibrate beneath his feet while they stood waiting. Once on board, he recalled how he would press his face to the window to see the people whiz by as they waved when the train went rolling by their homes that stood along the train tracks.
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