Item
St. Andrews and Quebec Railway—Freight and Tourist Traffic
Standard
July 23/1862
Excursion Week. St. Andrews to Woodstock and Woodstock to St. Andrews, united by the iron bands of the New Brunswick and Canada Railway. The celebration of this union was kept up with great spirit during the past week. Our respected friends of Carleton County, who have patiently waited for many years for a breath of pure sea air—and a bath in its strengthening waters enjoyed the benefit of both last week. On Thursday evening the streets were filled with visitors from the upper St. John, and from their frequent expressions of gratification we feel satisfied they were pleased with their visit. They admired our streets, drives and beautiful scenery, and spoke in the highest terms of the Railway, the Management, the rapid travelling, the courtesy and attention of the employees, and above all the feeling of perfect safety while on the cars—not a single accident occurred from the opening, up to the present time, just one fortnight. It affords us pleasure also the learn that new business arrangements have been entered into A fair share of the up river trade will now flow into SA; and the Aroostook people will have all their supplies brought over the Railway. Good may now be shipped on Monday morning at Boston and arrive at Woodstock and Houlton on Tuesday evening, at les coast than by any other route. Our harbour will also present a more lively appearance than it has done for man years, as several vessels are being loaded with supplies at the westward for the upper country. We are informed that the Woodstock Iron Company, will, during he present season, get out several thousand tons of iron and send it by the railway to this port for shipment to great Britain, we have heard of other new trades springing up which will give employment to our Railway.
Upwards of three hundred persons from this County and adjoining districts visited Woodstock on Wednesday last, the St. Andrews Volunteers, Capt. Whitlock with several others having taken the train the day previous. In consequence of the rain at Woodstock on Wednesday morning the parade of the St. Andrews and Woodstock Volunteers did not take place until the afternoon, when they were inspected by Lieut. Col. Boyd. The excursionists speak in the highest terms of the hospitalities and attention of the Woodstock people. Our Volunteers were much admired-and they deserve to be, for a better drilled and nobler set of fellows, we are not enrolled in the Province. The Western Companies as he Charlotte Volunteers are called, are soldiers in the technical sense of the term.
Standard
July 30/1862
The Railway--several tourist and pleasure seekers, are availing themselves of the safe and rapid mode of travel by the Railway from Woodstock to St. Andrews. As a change and for diversity of scenery, rapid conveyance and cheap travelling, they select this route. (Great fishing route.)
Standard
April 15/1863
Large Train--one of largest trains ever to arrive in town: 31 cars loaded with tamarack ship-frames, knees, futtocks, shingles and sleepers, cattle. Passenger car well-filled "and in this respect we take great pleasure in recording the great increase of passenger travel."
Standard
June 22/1864
Railway traffic continues to increase. Low freight rates by H. Osburn.
Standard
July 6/1864
H. Osburn has arranged to run trains in connection with Saint John steamer. "We are happy to notice so many of our Carleton friends have taken advantage of the cheap excursion trips in visit our town, and enjoy ones of the finest sea views in NB." Excursion trips at artificially low rates.
Standard
Aug 17/1864
Railway Excursion and Picnic.
One of the most pleasant of those social gatherings termed “Picnics” took place on Thursday last. Mr. Osburn, Manager of the Railway, with considerations and good feelings, having under his direction a large number of men, who toil from early morn till old Sol departs behind his curtain, the horizon—offered the men on the railway a holiday and excursion up the Line to Dumbarton, with a limited number of tickets for their families and friends. The generous offer was gratefully accepted; and on Thursday morning at 9:15 an engine with three passenger cars attached, left the Station with their men, their families, and friends—together with several invited guests, numbering in all upwards of two hundred
The day was pleasant and warm. At various points along the line, men were at work ballasting; the trestle bridge at “Fry Meadow” which was burnt a few weeks ago, has been rebuilt in a thorough manner, indeed, it is not a bridge, but a solid embankment. the scenery and views at many points were charming, carrying in hill and dale, and alternating in rich foliage of the forest with fields of waving grain—placid lakes and purling streams.
At each Station accessions were made to number of excursionists, until the arrival of the train at 11:30 At Dumbarton Station, which was tastefully festooned with flower and evergreens, and from the flagstaff on the building, the glorious old flag of England floated in the breeze.
The large party having debarked from the cars, rested for a short time at the station. Many strolled to the woods in search of quiet little arbors where they could enjoy a luncheon, from their well stored basket. Several remained a the station, and in the long room enjoyed themselves “tripping the light fantastic toe,” until the dinner bell summoned them to a bountiful repast generously provided by order of the Manager, and the selection of which did credit to Mr. J. Trenholm (station master) and his wife, who spared no efforts to please and satisfy the visitors. Some disciples of Izaac Walton, betook themselves to the river and stream with rods and lines, the day was too bright however, for fishing, and most of them returned without any fish. “Mine host” of Bradford’s Hotel, in true sportsman style, forded the river, in many places and as a reward of expert angling, brought with him a basket of excellent trout. Mr. Bradford however is an expert hand with fly and bait, and knows where to fish.
Dinner being over, the excursionists engaged in a variety of amusement—picking blueberries, swinging, etc. Some of the ladies who had their bows with them (aye and beaux too) shot at a target for the Archery prizes, but owing to a strong wind blowing at the time, the shooting was not remarkable for accuracy—it is probable however that Cupid’s arrows hit the mark, and that the “silken knot which binds two willing hearts” will be the “prize.”
A few choice spirits assembled in the baggage car and partook a dejeune, after which several loyal and patriotic toast were drunk, and neat little speeches made, of which of course we took no notes,--but we may state that the toast “the Manager, Officers and Success of the Railway” was drank with all the honors, and a happy and apposite reply was made, concluding with “Prosperity to the shipping, commercial and manufacturing interests of Charlotte.”
At 3 pm the train from Woodstock Station arrived, with a number of cars loaded with boards, ship timber, sleepers, etc., and started again in a few minutes with its heavy freight. As the hour of departure drew night, the excursionists assembled at the Station, and several partook of tea and coffee, after which dancing was again resumed.
At 7 o’clock, all were comfortably seated in the cars, after a few sounds of the whistle, and the conductor’s cal of “all aboard” the train started for St. Andrews. During the trip homewards, an extempore choir sang several songs with good effect; and after a pleasant ride of an hour and a half, the train brought up at the Railway Station, the choir singing “God Save the queen.”
Before closing our brief sketch of the trip we heartily join the excursionists in tendering their acknowledgements to the Manager for his kindness in giving he excursion—to Mr. Greathead, and other officials, for their courtesy, attention, and efforts to render the excursion what it really was—both pleasant and agreeable.
It is to be hoped that the excursion to Woodstock by the Railway, which is talked of, will take place soon, and that the cars will be well filled.
NB and C Railway
3 trains per day in summer
M/W/F 9:00 am for Woodstock
T/R/Sat from Woodstock for St. Andrews 3:00 am
Express train for St. Andrews every Monday at 3:00 am for boat for Boston; and leave St. Andrews every
Friday after Boat from Boston
European and NA Schedule Saint John -Shediac-Sussex
Standard
Aug 24/1864
“One of the many benefits arising from the Railway is the opening up and settlement of the tract of country through which it passes. Along the line from Chamcook to
Woodstock Station, new buildings are springing up, in addition to those previously noticed.”
Standard
Aug 24/1864
Traffic and travel on the railway steadily increasing. Express train to connect with
Boston and Saint John steamers “a great accommodation.”
Standard
Aug 31/1864
“A large number of Excursionists came down from Richmond and its vicinity on Saturday last by the Railway. The weather was not so favourable as could be desired, in consequence of a light fog which had set in during the previous night; the atmosphere was warm. The visitors perambulated the streets, and several who had never seen salt water went to the beach and enjoyed the sea air. At 5 o’clock they assembled at the Station, and shortly after the train started on its return. No accident occurred and we understand the visitors were delighted with their trip to St. Andrews.”
Standard
Sept 21/1864
“During the present season, it is satisfactory to notice, that many tourists have passed over the Line to Richmond, and that the passenger and freight traffic have increased. The punctuality of the trains, the facilities afforded for transportation, the moderate tariff and the accommodations for those doing business on the Railway have no doubt contributed to the increase in business. . . . We trust that the time is approaching, when the pleasing intelligence of work being commenced on the Section towards the Canadian boundary will be announced; that it will be, there is no question. Notwithstanding the frequent backflaws, and opposition which the work has had to contend against, the design of its originators has never been abandoned.’
Standard
Aug 19/1868
Excursion to Woodstock--From published bills we notice that there is to be an Excursion to Woodstock by rail over the new branch to that town on Tuesday next 25th inst. The train will leave St. Andrews 6 o’clock a.m., and return at 5 o’clock p.m. As the people of Woodstock have paid us more than one visit by railway, in common courtesy the compliment should be returned, and keeping this in view, it is to be hoped that the inhabitants of the Frontier Town will turn out in round numbers, and visit the pleasant town of Woodstock, view the splendid farms and crops in its vicinity, and return in the evening refreshed and invigorated by the change of air.”
Standard
Aug 26/1868
600 excursionists from Woodstock by train; Belle Brown with more, to see Bazaar and Regatta.