Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2022.077.009 |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Description |
Cowichan Valley Railway Locomotive No. 25 (Samson) carrying passengers over trestle. Also visible on the left is a waterwheel (1964.001.012). |
Image File Name |
unk - Samson Over Trestle - Duncan - 2022077009 - jpg72 - 001 |
Date (y/m/d) |
/ / |
Place |
Duncan |
Provenance |
Samson was built in 1910 and purchased by Grant Small & Company, a construction contractor based in Washington. In 1920, S.S. Magoffin Construction purchased the locomotive from the Vancouver Machinery Depot for use in the construct of the Great Northern Railway (now CNR) grade through the Fraser Canyon. It was purchased by Gerry Wellburn in 1955 and later restored. 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. |
Search Terms |
Duncan Cowichan Valley Railway No. 25 Samson railroad tracks saddletank 0-4-0 Vulcan Iron Works Water Wheel trestle |
Collection |
BCFDC Institutional Memory |
Subjects |
Locomotives Bridges & Trestles Buildings & Structures Documentary, Cowichan Valley |