Viewing Object

Object Description

Object ID

2019.002.018

Title

Railroad construction in Fort Langley.

Date

[between 1900 and 1915].

Description

Black and white photograph of railroad construction cars digging through material to clear space for the railroad in Fort Langley. A note attached to the photograph explains that the first CN station was built in Fort Langley in 1915, and that its first agent, Richard Simpson, wanted to create a garden beside the station. While this construction was going on, Simpson asked the work crew to dump some soil beside the new station for his garden.

People/Subject

Fort Langley CN Station

The Fort Langley CNoR Station (originally called "Langley") was built in 1915 using one of the Canadian Northern Railway's "third class" designs used until 1924. It was originally built approximately two blocks farther west, almost on the back of Charles Hope's property. In 1918 Canadian Northern became part of Canadian National, and the CN station was enlarged to accommodate larger living quarters for the Station Agent. The station was used full time until 1972 when it was reduced to a flag stop with passenger service being completely terminated in 1980. In 1983 the station was moved to its present location and restored by the Langley Heritage Society in cooperation with the Township of Langley. It was designated a heritage site on Feb. 27, 1984. The site now occupied by the station and Mrs. Simpson's garden was originally the home of Fort Langley's first firehall.

Argus v4.3.6.40 - Langley Centennial Museum