Silver and Gold Magazine Winter 2018/19 | Page 16

RESTORING FREEMAN - By Ron Danielsen Photo: Tammy Frakking Friends of Freeman Station volunteers are working very hard to have the waiting room completed so that it can be used by late spring 2019 for meetings and events by the public for groups of up to forty people. Thanks to the generosity of PGM Rail, Freeman Station now has the look and feel of a real railway station by the addition of a track and platform. Tracks were laid by a skilled PGM crew using tools and track from the early 1900’s. Almost all of the cost of restoration has been provided by donors and sponsors, some by direct funding and some by providing materials and labour. Over 8,000 hours of work have been provided by a dedicated team of volunteers. Countless more hours have been spent on all the other activities needed to bring this project to fruition. 16 Click for our website! www.silvergoldmagazine.ca All funds donated to Freeman Station go directly to restoration or direct operating costs such as heat and electricity. There are no paid employees, and no administrative overheads. As a registered charity, Friends of freeman Station can provide receipts for all donations. In order to be able to open the station by next spring funds are needed now to complete the work. Donations can be made on the website at www.freemanstation.ca, or information can be provided by contacting the station at [email protected] F rom the salvation of Freeman Station in 2011 until now, the building has been moved to its location next to the Fairview Street Firehall, and restored to about 85% of its completed state. The waiting room is almost complete. Kitchenette facilities, display cabinets, and painting are now underway. Thanks to a Trillium Grant, an accessibility ramp has been installed. Donate to create a lasting family remembrance! For $100 donation, you will receive a permanent place on the Whinstone Honour Wall at Freeman Station, with a personalized plaque. You may donate in your name, in your family name, or in memory of a loved one. Donations are tax deductible. CLICK HERE for details.