Cape Breton's Magazine

The S&L; Train Wreck at Mira, 1903 In celebration of the 100th Anniver? sary of the establishment of the Sydney & Louisburg Railway, Uni? versity College of Cape Breton Press has published a commemo? rative history called Tracks Across the Landscape. Written by Brian Campbell and A.J.B. Johnston, the book includes many photographs and a listing of the trains that ran on the S & L line. Here's a small se- |i lection from this new book. Train Wreck at Mira Can a shipwreck cause a trainwreck? It would seem so. The S&L; Railway found out how in 1903. On Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 1903, Lou Petrie was pre? paring the steamer Alameda of the Mira River service for a short sail to Scatarie Is? land, not far from Louis? bourg. The Amnity, a sailing barque, had gone ashore on the island and Petrie was taking her master, a Captain Olsen, to in spect the wrecked vessel. Captain Neilson ??.4. i i ''' '*We're people you can talk to* Dealers for: / Electronic Keyboards Guitars • Church Organs' Quality Brand Name Pianos' • PA Rentals • > Piano & Guitar Instruction Boutiliers' Music Shops OPEN MONDAY through SATURDAY ents and accessories.' nd try the products for Music Keyboards Guitars Reeds Strings Horns Violins Engine 62, nose down in the Mira River. Photo by H. O. Dodge. of the steamer Britannic and Captain Cann of the E.M. Cates were going along to as? sist. All was in readiness and Mira River bridge attendant James McDonald opened the draw about three quarters of the way to allow the Alameda to exit into Mira Bay. Captain Petrie, about to cast off the lines, had been doing some last minute ne? gotiations with a local man by the name of Phillips, a certified engineer. He was hoping Phillips would join the salvage team as a crew member. Chanters Amplifiers PA Systems All Supplies Cape Breton Shopping Centre While the above discussions were going on, S&L; Engine No. 62 was travelling west Dagmar's Health & Specialty Foods • Spices • Herbs • Baking Supplies • Seeds, Flours & Grains • A Complete Line of Food Supplements • All Natural Cosmetics Located in The Walk'ray 539-2213 ' Cape Breton Shopping Plaza • Sydney River 39 Keltic Drive Sydney River, N. S. 'rt B1S1P4 iU "562-0018 TiniiTiiniiii ~ Cape Breton's Finest Locally-Owned Musical Outlet - • All breeds of Dog & Cat Grooming • Certified Professional Groomer • Member of PDGA,NDGAA, CKC, ROC • Flexible Hours to Suit Your Needs 567-1615 Cape Breton Shopping Plaza Sydney River 'ffl Joan Gardiner Owner & Operator j - Friendly Service at the Cape Breton Shopping Piaza