Western Development Museum launches Locomotive 1158 fundraiser

The goal is to have all the funds raised by March 31, 2018, in time for the museum’s fiscal year-end.

At the launch, Dick Scotton, president of the WDM volunteers’ association, presented a cheque of $60,000 to Smith for the project on behalf of the volunteers’ association.

“It’s money the volunteers’ association raised through bingos and other ventures,” he said. “Why it’s so important is that it’s our heritage, Saskatchewan’s history – the rail line opened up the West, and provided the only kind of long distance transportation for our farmers.”

The museum also received another $60,000 from the WDM’s Conservation and Collections department to match the volunteers’ association’s donation, bringing the total funds raised so far up to $120,000.

That leaves only $80,000 left to raise.

Smith said it “feels wonderful” to already raised a good portion the goal, adding “it’s a great way to kick-start our campaign.”

The 1158 steam-powered locomotive is currently located under a protective tent at the WDM N.B. Heritage Farm and Village.

The train was first built in 1913 for the Canadian Northern Railway and plays an important role in North Battleford’s history.

Tim Pomeroy, WDM conservation manager and chief steam engineer, hopes to see the Locomotive 1158 preserved and restored.

“The 1158 is an important piece of Canadian history,” he said. “It’s one of the few remaining Canadian Northern Railway locomotives in existence. It is very typical of what opened up the Canadian West for immigration. It’s in very good condition.”

The train has about 60 years of weather-wear since it was retired by Canadian National in 1959. It requires a complete cosmetic overhaul. “We’re half-way through that right now,” said Pomeroy.

He added the aim isn’t to return the train to working order, which would be an exorbitant sum, but rather to improve its condition as a museum artifact.

The work will involve painting and restoring the lettering on the machine and repairing it to return it to its former glory.

Smith said this project is the largest artifact restoration the WDM N.B. has undertaken in many years.

North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater, who participated in the launch, said he is proud to see the preservation project get underway.

“There would be no city of North Battleford if it wasn’t for the Canadian Northern Railway,” he said. “This particular locomotive was made in 1913 which is the year North Battleford became a city. It’s a big part of our history, and it’s something that ought to be preserved and restored. I commend the WDM on this initiative, and getting the word out to the public of its importance. I urge the public to come down, see the museum in its entirety, and see where the locomotive is placed. For anyone who visits here, you recognize it because it’s one of the first things you see when you come from the east. It’s definitely something of great importance to our community.”

The project organizers encourage the public to make a donation to help in the restoration project. A website has been created for people to donate at: save 1158.wdm.ca. People can also donate directly at the museum. Information is also available on the museum’s website.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Western Development Museum launches Locomotive 1158 fundraiser

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