CASO Station

12/12/2024

Railway Circus Trains - Inducted in 2018

The first circus train left New Jersey in 1872. It was organized by showman William Cameron Coup, who had partnered with the Barnum circus and the Dan Castello circus for a show that would prove revolutionary.

Travelling by train dramatically changed the circus, which had before then traveled overland, with hundreds of horses pulling wagons. Now, circuses could travel the continent, with animals, sideshow entertainers, curiosities, and performers, all in significantly less time.

The circus trains consisted of many specialized cars. The core of the circus was the flatcar, which facilitated the movement of circus wagons. Instead of having to jam animals and supplies into a conventional boxcar, the flatcars allowed wagons to load the train from the front to the end. Horses, camels, and the star-attraction, elephants, travelled in stockcars, while the performers travelled in coaches.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey were the major users of circus trains, owning their own trains. The first circus owned train was made up of 60 cars and was over 1.6 km. in length.

Circus trains also ran ‘advance cars’ that arrived weeks ahead of the circus, and plastered available surfaces with posters. These were simple cars – Pullman berths for people to sleep in, tables for preparing the posters, cabinets for storing the posters, and an upright boiler used to make flour paste for gluing on the posters. The paste-maker usually doubled as the cook.

11/14/2024

Take a look at these awesome creations!! We have another Paint Nite coming up on December 5th! Email [email protected] or call 519.633.2535 to book your spot!

11/10/2024

Only 5 days until the holiday magic begins! 🎄🌟 Join us at ECRM’s Community Christmas Tree Spectacular, kicking off Friday, November 15th! Don’t miss out on the twinkling trees, festive fun, and holiday cheer! ✨

11/04/2024

Join us this week to help fluff our beautiful Christmas trees at the Elgin County Railway Museum!🎄✨

11/01/2024

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer! 🎄✨

Calling all holiday helpers! We need volunteers to help fluff our community Christmas trees for the spectacular event happening later this month!

Join us weekdays from November 4th to 13th, 9AM to 4PM! 🎄✨

If you're ready to spread some holiday cheer, please call CASO Station at 519-633-2535 or email [email protected] to sign up!

Let's make this season bright together! 🎅🎉

10/31/2024

A sincere thank you to the wonderful community of St. Thomas for selecting us as your "Favorite Event Venue" in the 2024 Spirit Awards! We truly appreciate your support, as we couldn't have achieved this without you! 🤩✨

10/30/2024

We recently lost a long time member and volunteer Bob Weare. He was incredibly devoted to our organization. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

https://sifton.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/510/Robert-J-R-Rob-Weare/obituary.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawGPRvFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSfrdTADwTeicGZt-ilDQY8hOzrkA0zmHl61R6DX0-To_UcJNOLO_PIHvA_aem_zL0K0VwoPoUKcrQ9BLzBEQ -start

Of St. Thomas, ON, formerly of Port Stanley, age 80, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Beloved husband of Kathy (née Vanderheide) Weare. Loving father of Richard Weare, and the late Cheri Weare (2022). Dear father by marriage of Trish Chinnery (Mark...

10/29/2024

Last Call for Brushes & Bubbly on November 7th!! Call, email, or slide into our DMs to book your spot!!

10/25/2024

🌟🔑 Get ready to unlock an unforgettable night at our New Year’s Eve Speakeasy! 🎶🥂

Step back into the Roaring '20s, where jazz fills the air and secrets are waiting to be discovered. Join us for a night of live music, dancing, cocktails, and surprises that will keep you guessing!

Dress in your best vintage attire and prepare for an enchanting evening as we toast to new beginnings. Dust off your flapper dresses and fedoras, because this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Want in on the secret? Stay Tuned...

🎉✨

10/24/2024

Ronald Lawless served a number of roles with the Canadian National Railway, beginning as a clerk of CN Express in 1941. He rose through the ranks, becoming vice-president of sales in 1972 and vice-president of marketing in 1974. He became president of the rail division in 1979 and chief operating officer three years later. Eventually he was appointed president and chief executive officer of Canadian National in 1985. He also assumed a similar role with Via Rail as of 1989, retiring in 1992.

He introduced domestic and international containerization to Canadian National, and was also instrumental in preparing the Crown Corporation for privatization. His career with CN covered a remarkable 52 years. He had an interest in Concordia University, serving as the founding director of Concordia Foundation and was also on the board of the Old Brewery Mission in Montreal. He became a member of the Order of Canada in 2007. He died in 2017 at the age of 93.

[Inducted in 2018]

10/17/2024

Take look at our to the amazing 8th Annual Dancing with the Stars for the Station, held right here at our beloved CASO Station!!

Sending a huge shoutout to images by JAC for these amazing captures!

10/17/2024

This stunning westward view captures the historic Canada Southern Railway station on the left, with the Michigan Central Railroad park and bustling Talbot Street just north of it. Can you guess what year this photo was taken? 🤔

10/15/2024

Congratulations J & A! This DIY couple did an amazing job in transforming Anderson Hall into their dream wedding. It was a pleasure working with you both and we wish you all the best in your future together

10/14/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! 🦃🧡 We hope your day is filled with gratitude, delicious food, and special moments with those you hold dear!