by Brent Eades
The Millstone recently ran a fascinating story about Ed Muldoon, one of the last known survivors of the horrific crash of two war-time trains in 1942 just after Christmas, at the current site of the Almonte Library. Thirty-nine people died and over 100 were injured.
According to a story in the Ottawa Sun, the 85 year-old Muldoon proposes that one steam locomotive and one wooden passenger coach of the era be positioned on the CPR right-of-way close to where the disaster happened.
The Sun story continues, “Muldoon would like plaques provided — possibly with financial help from the railway — recalling the catastrophe, with parking at the memorial allowing easy access.”
Muldoon was a teenager aboard one of the trains in 1942, and is still haunted by the devastation he saw that night.
Mr. Muldoon’s proposed memorial sounds dramatic and appropriate. Can anyone affiliated with railway history groups tell us if it’s feasible to install a locomotive and car from that period?
