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Powell River's First Amusement Ride

Object ID: 1986.95.2737        

Ambrose McKinnon worked at the Powell River Mill and was a skilled machinist. He built the miniature steam engine and car in the late 1930s in his own workshop. It made its first debut at the Riverside Oval in Townsite on Labor Day 1939. McKinnon named the train No. 76 of the Union International railway, '76' for the Pulp-Sulphite Union who provided money for the track, and 'Union International' as a tribute to the Local, which helped finance it. McKinnon later went on to become president of the local union.

After its initial debut in 1939 McKinnon 
kept it in storage during the war years, but it emerged once again in 1947 at the C-Side Shindig at Willingdon Beach on August 9th. With several improvements and additions including a new type of rail called duraluminum, imported from California, No. 76 and its 100 feet of track were the main attraction for the children at the beach-side event. The ride became so popular that it was run every weekend until Labor Day.

At an average speed of 8 m.p.h., with the engine boasting a capacity of 100 pounds of pressure, and smoke shooting 40 feet in the air, the locomotive and passenger car could take up to six small children at a time. The first load of passengers pulled out of the station at 2 p.m. and followed 100 feet of track, through a woodland route, before returning to the station for the next load. 

Today this narrow gauge tradition continues up at the Farmer’s Market grounds thanks to the Powell River Forest Heritage Society and their Paradise Valley Railroad.
​ 
Picture
Picture
Kids prepare for a ride at Willingdon Beach on No. 76 of the Union International Railway. Ambrose McKinnon and assistant get the engine ready, 1948. (ID 1967.1.3533)
Picture
Ambrose McKinnon in his home workshop working on No. 76 of the Union International Railway, 1948. (ID 1967.1.3533-4)
Picture
Ambrose McKinnon inspecting No. 76 of the Union International Railway. (ID 1967.1.3534)
Picture
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604-485-2222
info@qathetmuseum.ca
​4790 Marine Avenue, Powell River BC

© 2023 qathet Museum & Archives
​Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of material on this website. Dates and times are subject to change. 
Territorial Acknowledgement 
The qathet Museum & Archives is located on the traditional territories of the Tla’amin Nation. The Museum is committed to collaborating with all Indigenous peoples of this province including the Tla'amin Nation. We acknowledge the harms of the past, are committed to improving relationships in the spirit of reconciliation, and we extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory. ​Emote!
  • Exhibits
    • Current Exhibits
    • Forestry Building
    • Virtual Exhibits >
      • Riveting Women
      • Symphonies of the Sunshine Coast
      • Capturing Mountains
      • Story of Cedar
      • Powell River Firsts
      • Rod LeMay Collection
  • Collections
    • Objects
    • Archives >
      • Research Requests
      • Indexes & Finding Aids
      • Archival Descriptions
      • Powell River Digester
      • Phone Books & Directories
      • Good Citizen
      • Record of Military Service
    • Local History Books
  • Programs
    • Public Programs Calendar >
      • Little Wonders
      • Spring Speaker Series
      • Fall Speaker Series
      • Mini-Curators
      • Papermaking
      • Summer Camps
      • Museum In the Park
      • Archaeology Day
    • School Programs >
      • Exhibit Visits
      • Outreach Kits
      • Portal to the Past
      • Educator's Survey
    • Virtual Programs >
      • Virtual Portal To the Past
      • A Taste of qathet's History
      • The Crafty Corner
      • Dive Into the Archives
    • Tours
    • Memoirs
  • Learn
    • Indigenous History
    • Place Names
    • Forestry History
    • Memories of the Mill
    • Community History
    • Blast from the Past
    • The Coast Memoirs
    • Heritage Stops
    • Blog
  • Support
    • Gift Shop
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Careers
  • About
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Name Change
    • Our Mandate
    • News & Reports
    • Staff & Board
    • Contact Us