Train Station... Traditional Cache
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Size: 
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This cache hunt will bring you to a CPR Train station built in 1911. It was used full time then, now it is restored and still used but not full time.
Cache container is NOT on the building, but close.
Hope you have a writing stick of some sort.
In 1911 the community of Port Alberni completed the CPR Train station and welcomed the first passenger train December 20 1911. Passengers and frieght could now be delivered safely and in comfort all the way to and from Victoria at the south end of the Island.
The building soon became a little social center as community folks gathered to collect visitors, family, mail and packages arriving on the trains. However, that being a more 'gentle age' the Ladies and Gentlemen had separate waiting areas inside the station. The station master and the telegrapher appreciated the bay window, a typical design for train stations at the time, as it allowed them to see both up and down the track from within the building.
The last passenger train departed the Port Alberni train station to Victoria in 1957, giving way to the now more affordable personal automobile. The station had added the freight truck bays and continued to receive freight by rail until 1988. (In 1958 / 1959 Ma Grand worked in the CP Telegraph that was by now moved to larger quarters near Argyle and 2nd Ave. Part of my job was walking down to the station to pick up our paychecks that came in on the train). The CPR closed the station in 1988.
In 1990 the building was acquired by the City of Port Alberni. Vlunteers restored it to its original 1911 appearance. It is now maintained by the Alberni Valley Industrial Heritage Society.
Yes - the station is still used regularly. During the summer months it once again sees passengers boarding the steam trains for a 35 minute ride to the McLean Mill National Historic Site. Here they can see Canada's only operating steam powered sawmill. Special days like Easter, Mothers' Day. Fathers' Day and several days before Christmas have trains running. There was even a 'Harry Potter Special' and one for the Teddy Bear's Picnic.
Even if the station is closed when you come cache seeking, take a moment to step back in time. Peek in the windows and see how things looked more than 100 years ago.
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Thanks to Team Bushmaster for letting us adopt this cache placement. We have taken the liberty to provide some information for you about the site on this cache page. I hope you have enjoyed the history and now - go find the cache. We do apprecaite you watching out for muggles as there are many around here at times.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Vg jvyy svg va lbhe unaq, vs lbh ernpu oruvaq.