The new manager at the CN Station in Fort 91原创 is sending out a signal for volunteers.
Helen Williams is recruiting volunteers to help interpret the station鈥檚 unique story, and the railroad鈥檚 impact on the Fraser Valley.
鈥淭he best part of volunteering at the CN Station is the feeling that volunteers get from sharing what they know and learned about the railroad in their community with others,鈥� Williams said.
The 1915 station is operated by the 91原创 Heritage Society, which restored the building 35 years ago.
Volunteers saved the station from demolition in the early 1980s, and they continue to be integral to its operation, Williams said.
Bays Blackhall was in charge of recruiting and training the volunteers at the station.
鈥淪adly, she passed away almost a year ago and left some big shoes to fill 鈥楧own By The Station,鈥欌�� Williams said.
Originally located 300 metres to the west, the station was moved by society volunteers after the building was declared a Municipal Heritage Site in 1983.
鈥淎 few people stood up and fought and got it (the station) moved鈥�, then spent a couple years restoring it, and they added the caboose and the railcar.鈥�
The volunteers who restored the site called themselves 鈥榯he railroaders,鈥� Williams noted. 鈥淭here are some incredible people in the community who spent two years in the railcar, getting it ready. We wouldn鈥檛 be around without volunteers, for what the people put in, the hours (and) the commitment.鈥�
The station draws visitors from around the world. Step inside an original waiting room and ticket office with telegraph station. A 1920s caboose features a spectacular model railway and the E & E Taylor passenger car is loaded with Canadian National Railways memorabilia. Local artists also host a summer art gallery in the station鈥檚 baggage area.
鈥淚 am thrilled to play a small part in helping visitors learn the importance of the railroad, and about the individuals who operated stations like this one, before the age of the automobile,鈥� said Williams, who lives in Surrey.
All volunteers will be trained by the society.
Volunteers keep the station chugging along, stressed Williams, who notes she needs a 鈥渕inimum amount鈥� of helpers to keep all aspects of the site open to the public.
鈥淚 need three volunteers: one for the station, one for the caboose, and one for the railcar, and I am floating around,鈥� she added. 鈥淭hey help us to interpret.鈥�
Volunteers are needed to help with the model train in the caboose, but some special skills will be needed to work in this area.
鈥淚f I don鈥檛 have someone for the caboose, because we have a very intricate railway model there鈥� if I can鈥檛 have someone there, I can鈥檛 have the caboose open,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淚 have to make a call as to what stays open.鈥�
For more information and to see a Fort 91原创 CN Station video, visit . Follow the link at the bottom of the website to download a and send it to volunteer@langleyheritage.ca
The CN Station will launch its new season on the Victoria Day weekend.
