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The London & Lake Erie Railway
Location: The line is located in Southern Ontario, having once operated between the city of London and the Lake Erie port and vacation community of Port Stanley.
History: The incorporation of the interurban London & Lake Erie Railway (L&LER) dates back to 1902 when a group of London citizens, funded by English backers, formed the South Western Traction Company to build a line from London south to Port Stanley. Construction began immediately on the line with tracks laid between a point just outside of London to Lambeth. The company by this time had exhausted its resources and further construction ceased. In 1906, a direct connection into downtown London (Horton Street) was finally obtained from the city and construction resumed with additional funds being acquired. By the end of the year, the line was open south to St. Thomas. The remainder of the railway into Port Stanley was finally open for revenue traffic in November 1907. Powered by electricity, the railway maintained a private right-of-way adjacent to a highway except within urban centres where operations took place along streets.
Known to many riders as "The Traction Line", the railway suffered a severe blow when a fire in mid 1908 destroyed the car barn and shops, taking with it all mechanical equipment and the majority of vehicles owned by the line. As a result of not being in a favourable insurance situation, the company was forced into receivership and was subsequently sold to a Toronto firm. Through this new group, the line was reincorporated as the London & Lake Erie Railway & Transportation Company who purchased new cars and equipment. Traffic on the L&LER was principally passenger with some small freight. The peak season was during the summer when residents of both London and St. Thomas would pack the trains down to Port Stanley to take advantage of the beach and other entertainment opportunities. Things began to change, however, with the opening of the London & Port Stanley Railway in 1916. The L&LER struggled to compete with the faster modern fleet of vehicles and more direct route provided by the upstart rival electrical line. By 1917, it was clear the L&LER would not survive when the bondholders were forced to take control. The end finally came with the cancelation of service in October 1918. The line was dismantled immediately after.
Approximate Milage: 28 miles.
Current Status: The line was abandoned after the cancelation of service in October 1918 and promptly dismantled. Few traces of the railway remain today.
Principle Stations: London, St. Thomas and Port Stanley.
Remaining Stations: The only remaining station along the L&LER is that at Port Stanley. Located on Main Street, it is currently being used for commercial purposes.
Last Updated: January 3, 1998
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