Put on your conductor hat and sound the whistle because the Halton County Radial Railway Museum is getting ready to celebrate its platinum jubilee.
The rural Milton destination for train and history lovers turns 70 this year, with the milestone being officially being celebrated on Sept. 21.
The museum – located at 13629 Guelph Line – features many classic vehicles from the golden age of trains and streetcars. Rides from the early days of Toronto’s public transit system accompany ones from Hamilton, Oshawa, London, Montreal, Chicago and many more are some of the showpieces at the site.
The museum came together in 1954, when a group of friends decided they wanted to save the Toronto streetcar 1326. The official opening to the public did not happen until 1972, however, as major construction had to be implemented in the intervening time. On June 25 of that year, the official opening ceremonies were held. Dignitaries stood atop a crane car to welcome visitors to the new museum.
For the regular price of admission at the 70th anniversary celebration, visitors can see a parade of cars, meet one of the original founders of the museum (Robert Sandusky) and get free cookies marking the occasion. Montreal streetcar 107 will be brought out for all to see as a featured car.
There will be activities for kids like face painting and a clown with balloons.
Hungry visitors will be able to purchase food from the various food trucks that will be there.
More details about this event and others – like December’s Christmas on the Rails – are on the museum’s website.