Submitted by StationKeepers MV
The last standing OA & PS Railway Station, built in 1894 in Barry’s Bay, has survived not only one pandemic in 1918 but also COVID-19 and is getting a facelift with new siding!
As with most other volunteer organizations, events planned for the Railway Station were put on hold due to COVID restrictions. This has not derailed the StationKeepers MV, the volunteer organization dedicated to cultural activities that reflect the heritage of the Upper Madawaska Valley and its inhabitants. On Saturday, October 1, 2022, the StationKeepers MV invite the public to join them in celebrating the 128th birthday of the Station. Events include a return of the popular spike driving contest, a preview of “The Way We Were” audio-visual historical presentations, children’s games, cupcakes, a raffle, live entertainment with local singer, songwriter Percy Bresnahan, and an eat-in or take-out whistle dog lunch provided by the Opeongo Seniors’ Centre. Memberships and StationKeepers hoodies and T-shirts will be available for sale.
Events kick off at 11:00 a.m. at the Railway Station in Barry’s Bay Opeongo Square / Water Tower Park, rain or shine. Museum tours will be included depending on the status of current renovations. Get on board for the party!
Over the past two years, StationKeepers MV engaged with members through regular “Spareboard” email newsletters and “Opeongo Line” podcasts. Thanks to efforts of dedicated volunteers, a new “Community” exhibit in the Station museum has been installed and donated museum artifacts have been catalogued and displayed.
Only in Barrys Bay would someone hold a party to celebrate a tax-payer-funded act of vandalism on a 128 year old heritage building. The iconic structure has been stripped of its architectural detailing, the very things that made the station so special and unique. Off to the dump, it went, replaced by 4×8′ sheets of cement board. To hell with history, the valleys mills, and timber legacy! “what does wood have to do with this place anyways….?” said a councillor not long ago. Not much it seems.