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DRIVING THE FIRST SPIKE
DRIVING THE FIRST SPIKE
IN THE WELLAND ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY
[Welland Tribune, 5 October 1911]
The picture shows Mayor Sutherland in the act of driving the spike. The second figure from the left is Alderman Wm. Jackson, and the third is Industrial Commissioner B.J. McCormick. The figure in the silk hat on the right is Bobby Leach, who went over the Falls in a barrel. C.J. Laughlin, president of the company, is behind Bobby Leach, and Contractor Leach, who is building the line, is in front of him.
Mayor Sutherland drove the first spike into place in the construction of the Welland street railway at ten o’clock on Tuesday morning.
Several of the most prominent men of the town were present to see this historical event. Among them were C.J. Laughlin, jr., president of the company; Judge Laughlin, secretary of the company; Industrial Commissioner McCormick, Mr. Fred Sager, Mr. Bobbie Leach, who dared death by going over Niagara Falls in a barrel; Engineer Black and Aldermen, Reilly and Jackson; Magistrate Burgar and Chief Jones.
When the rail was placed in position and everything was made ready, Mayor Sutherland was handed a spike hammer which he wielded with ease.
The photographers prepared their machines, and when ready the crowd posed for a photograph just before the nail was driven.
With steady strokes the point of the pin was buried deep in the wood and the rail laying was begun.
While the mayor was striking, the camera men bared their lenses again, catching him in the important act.
Cheers broke out as the steel rider was fastened to the tie. Mr. C.J. Laughlin was also given three hearty lung stretchers.
Rails had been placed on the ties for about two hundred feet and work was begun on them immediately.
About fifteen more men have been secured, the force at work numbering now about thirty-five. As many more men will be hired as can be obtained.
It was learned that the Ontario Power Co. will very probably supply the power for the road.
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