Canada Celebrates Historic Return of Engine 374 to Vancouver

On August 22, 1945, the iconic Canadian Pacific Railway Engine 374 made its final journey into Vancouver, marking a significant moment in the city’s history. This event not only celebrated the locomotive’s legacy but also the remarkable role it played in connecting Canada from coast to coast.

Engine 374 first entered the annals of Canadian history on May 23, 1887, when it brought the inaugural transcontinental passenger train from Montreal to Vancouver. As it returned to its home city, the atmosphere was filled with nostalgia. The Vancouver Sun reported, “As she puffed proudly into the C.P.R. depot, the old funnel-stacked locomotive brought a flutter of nostalgic joy to the hearts of the few score Vancouver pioneers who remain of those who greeted her arrival 58 years ago.”

Historical Significance and Ceremonial Return

The return of Engine 374 was marked by a ceremonial event that echoed its initial arrival. The locomotive was adorned to reflect its original 1887 appearance, complete with decorations such as “Victoria Jubilee” and a portrait of Queen Victoria displayed prominently. The body of the engine featured the phrase “Ocean to Ocean,” symbolizing its role in uniting the country.

During the ceremony, Vancouver’s mayor in 1945, J.W. Cornett, delivered a speech akin to that of the city’s first mayor, Malcolm McLean, who welcomed the arrival of the first through train. Cornett emphasized the significance of the railway in fostering the city’s prosperity, stating, “To the Canadian Pacific Railway is due the prosperity of our country.”

Representing First Nations at the event, Squamish chief August Jack Khahtsalhano attended in traditional regalia. He had notably made the journey by canoe with his father to witness Engine 374’s arrival in 1887. The re-enactment attracted many pioneer women, dressed in elaborate outfits reminiscent of the late 19th century.

The Journey of Engine 374 Through Time

After its retirement, the Canadian Pacific Railway donated Engine 374 to the City of Vancouver. Initially, it was installed at Kitsilano Beach, where it drew crowds for decades. Unfortunately, exposure to the elements led to its deterioration. In a poignant reflection, journalist Denny Boyd wrote in 1972, “By day the curious, the playful and the history-minded come to stare at the engine that was as vital a part in creating Canadian Confederation as was the signature of Sir John A. Macdonald.”

Despite efforts to maintain the locomotive, including a visit from a C.P.R. crew to conduct repairs, the engine suffered from neglect. Boyd noted that the Park Board designated Engine 374 for children to climb on, leading to further degradation. This prompted Evelyn Atkison to advocate for its preservation, leading to the formation of a volunteer group aimed at restoring the historic engine.

In 1983, the West Coast Railway Association and the Canadian Railroad Historical Association undertook a cosmetic restoration of Engine 374. A more comprehensive restoration followed in 1985, coinciding with the preparations for Expo 86, where the locomotive was displayed prominently at the Esso Roundhouse Pavilion, a former C.P.R. roundhouse.

After Expo, Engine 374 found a permanent home inside the Roundhouse Community Centre in Vancouver, where it continues to be cared for by dedicated volunteers from the West Coast Railway Association. The engine remains a significant artifact, embodying the spirit of Canada’s railway history and its impact on the nation’s development.

While Engine 374 has endured challenges over the years, its legacy as a vital piece of Canadian history remains intact, symbolizing the unity and progress that the Canadian Pacific Railway facilitated.