I Hear the Train a Comin'

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE RAILROAD IN PORT PERRY

Railroads  have long been celebrated for their ability to bring people, products,  and opportunities together. The idea of connecting Port Perry to the  wider region through a railway was met with great enthusiasm, as it  promised to open doors for trade, travel, and development.

In 1831, Peter Perry, founder of  our town and a member of the legislature, purchased land in Whitby. He  lobbied for the creation of a harbour and a wharf on his property, with  the vision of establishing a railway to carry lumber and other goods  from the Scugog and Lindsay areas. This dream, however, faced numerous  challenges over the years.

By 1854, the railway debate had  gained momentum. At a meeting that January, Peter Perry's youngest son,  John Ham Perry, proposed a motion to approve funding for the railway.  The decision sparked a heated discussion, ultimately ending in a tie.  Progress stalled, and Port Perry's hopes for a railway remained in  limbo.

Amid these setbacks, the editor of the Ontario Observer newspaper, proposed an unconventional solution. He suggested  constructing the tracks and using horse-drawn carriages instead of steam  locomotives. While inventive, this idea proved impractical, as the  horses struggled with the steep ridges along the route. The plan was  abandoned, and the community's aspirations for a railway persisted.

It was not until November 15,  1871, that the first train finally arrived at the Port Perry station.  This marked the beginning of a new era for the town. However, the Port  Whitby and Port Perry Railway Company faced challenges from the start.  Construction was plagued by scandal, and the railway itself was poorly  built. The ground had not been adequately prepared, leading to frequent  issues where the locomotive would sink into the mud. The line’s steep  inclines earned it the nickname "Nip ‘n Tuck," a reference to the effort  required for trains to navigate the ridges.

The railway’s operation lasted  68 years, marked by financial struggles and ongoing repairs. Its final  run occurred in 1939 when a train carried local schoolchildren from Port  Perry to Whitby. These students were on their way to the Canadian  National Exhibition grounds to see King George VI and Queen Elizabeth,  during their visit to Canada.

Although the railway ultimately  ceased operations, its story remains a significant chapter in Port  Perry’s history. It is a testament to the perseverance and ambition of  those who sought to connect this community to the broader world.