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From the very beginnings of construction, the railway gave rise to heated debates and the people in town took opposing stands on the issue. Everything that could be in the slightest way affected by the railway was discussed. Not a week went by without there being something in the paper about this means of transportation that would "revolutionize" the way people lived. Over the course of the train's 100 year history, however, some events had a greater impact than anyone could have imagined.2
LaGrange Mill13 August 1874
Sutton, Québec, Canada
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During the night of August 13, 1874, a terrible storm hits the Sutton region. Water torrents tear down the mountain taking with them everything in their path. Barns and mills are destroyed, and all the bridges and telegraphic lines between Sutton Junction and Abercorn are washed out. This photograph taken that night shows the swelling of the river that ran through the LaGrange Mill in Sutton.4
Train derailment13 August 1874
Sutton, Québec, Canada
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The maintenance crew for the railway is unable to warn the train's conductor who has just left Abercorn headed for Sutton. Only a few minutes after its departure the locomotive falls into a river. The conductor and mechanic are killed instantly. The train car designated for smokers is smashed up by the following train car. Five more people are killed and 15 more are injured. Despite a coroner's report stating that the South Eastern Railway had not been negligent, the public continues to blame the company for being unable to prevent the accident. The population's confidence is shaken.6
Fire of April 14, 189814 April 1898
Sutton, Québec, Canada
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On April 15th, 1898, during an uncharacteristically dry spring, a fire destroys the centre of town leaving nothing but despair behind. The flames started in the middle of the night in the Sutton Lumber Company warehouses. After being alerted, Sutton residents rush to help and manage to control the fire…or so they thought. In the early morning hours, however, a second alert is sounded: this time there is a fire in Dr. MacDonald's barn. Unfortunately, at this time, Sutton had neither a fire station nor an aqueduct network. A human chain is formed and buckets of water are taken from the river. As soon as town leaders realize they won't be able to control the fire alone, they call on the Saint-Jean, Knowlton and Richford firefighters. According to the "Waterloo Advertiser", a special train is chartered and less than 40 minutes after the initial call, help arrived from Richford.8
Fire of April 14, 189814 April 1898
Sutton, Québec, Canada
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Legend has it that the train rolling into town with the Richford firefighters and their equipment traveled the 11 km that separated the towns in less than 11 minutes! The Saint-Jean firefighters also arrived onboard a special train, bringing with them a fire engine as well as equipment required to fight the flames.10
Fire of April 14, 189814 April 1898
Sutton, Québec, Canada
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Despite the citizens' efforts and those of teams of firefighters from neighbouring towns, over 30 buildings were destroyed by the fire, including the train station and water tower. It should be said, however, that the quick response by firefighters reduced the losses by insuring that fire was contained. This photograph taken the day after the event shows the debris remaining where the station and platforms had once stood.12
Sutton station29 August 1902
Sutton, Québec, Canada
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This photograph taken by J.W. Heckman on August 29th, 1902, shows that the station and other buildings destroyed by the fire in 1898 were quickly rebuilt.14
Canadian Pacific engine shed1950
Sutton, Québec, Canada
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