Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2019.014.003 |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Description |
Colourized photograph of a 1-Vulcan steam locomotive, 18 tons, 4 wheel, saddle tank (No. 25). Also known as Samson. 1964.001.477 in the objects catalog. Engineer: Cliff Blackstaff Photo taken on Wellburn's property in Deerholme. |
Image File Name |
1955 - Locomotive Samson - Deerholme - 2019014003 - jpg72 - 001 |
Date (y/m/d) |
1955/ / |
Place |
Deerholme |
Provenance |
Samson was built in 1910 with a construction number of 1549. The locomotive was first purchased by the Grant Smith & Company, a construction contractor based in Leavenworth and Spokane WA. In 1920, Samson was then purchased by the S.S. Magoffin Construction from the Vancouver Machinery Depot and used it to construct the Great Northern Railway (now CNR) grade through the Fraser Canyon, and later on to transport fill for the construction of North Vancouver’s harbour facilities. It was overhauled by Vancouver Machinery Depot in 1926. Saw very little service afterwards. In 1955, Gerry Wellburn purchased it and saved it from being scrapped. He used it on his property in Deerholme. In 1964, Samson was donated to the Cowichan Valley Forest Museum (BC Forest Discovery Centre), and eventually converted to an oil burner. Born in Yorkshire, England in 1900, Gerry Wellburn moved to Victoria and later to Duncan in the 30s. Since a kid, Wellburn had been an avid collector first finding interest in stamps. In 1963, the Cowichan Valley Forest Museum Society (CVFM) was formed, and Wellburn, with the help of friends like Hector Stone, moved his collection of forestry artifacts (and more) from his home in Deerholme to a 15-acre site in Duncan overlooking Somenos Lake. It took several years of organizing and planning before the first visitors were welcomed in 1965. The museum was officially opened the following year. The name was changed to the BC Forest Museum (BCFM) in 1973. Gerry visited the BCFM for the last time in 1991 stating that, "I think you're finally getting it right." In 1999, the name was changed again to the current BC Forest Discovery Centre. |
Photographer |
Alton, Don (?) |
Search Terms |
saddletank locomotive samson no. 25 railroad tracks Vulcan Iron Works 0-4-0 Cowichan Valley Railway Deerholme BCFDC Collection Glenora & Western Railway |
Collection |
BC Forest Museum Collection |
People |
Blackstaff, Cliff Wellburn |
Subjects |
Locomotives Documentary, Cowihan Valley |