Locomotive 3651 Arriving in Galt Gardens

Scope and Content: Former Canadian Pacific Railway locomotive 3651 is hauled into Galt Gardens.

History Biographical: The idea to purchase an old Canadian Pacific Railway steam locomotive originated with the Lethbridge branch of the CPR Pensioners Association. The idea was adopted by Lethbridge Mayor Frank Sherring and retired CPR employee Andrew Joseph Staysko, and it was they who led the effort to secure locomotive 3651 for the city. The cost of purchasing the locomotive and moving it to Galt Gardens was $10,000. The money was raised by donations from the public, a campaign in which The Lethbridge Herald was very active. In June 1964 the engine arrived at Lethbridge from Winnipeg, and was moved along a temporary spur track from the rail yards to Galt Gardens. Speedy Storage and Cartage Limited hauled the train along the spur line to the park. The engine was the periodic target of vandalism during its years in Galt Gardens. A fence was built around the locomotive, and the entry doors to the cab of the locomotive were welded shut. There was agitation to have a shelter built for the engine because of its deterioration due to the weather over the years, but this was never done. In 1987 the engine was moved from Galt Gardens to the north side of the former Canadian Pacific Railway station at 1 Avenue and 8 Street South. The building had been renovated for use by the Lethbridge Health Unit, and the engine was restored as well. The building is for sale in 2006, and the future of locomotive 3651 is uncertain.

Scope and Content: Former Canadian Pacific Railway locomotive 3651 is hauled into Galt Gardens.