Local history event will span railways from past to present

CAMBRIDGE — Before it became the Grand River Railway, the Galt and Preston Street Railway was one of the earliest interurban railways in the country.

Learn about its history and what interurban railways mean for the city now at a free local history event next Saturday.

Hosted by the Cambridge Archives and Records Centre and its archives advisory committee, the event will feature guest speakers, refreshments and a light lunch.

Hear local historian rych mills speak about electric lines, while Matthew O’Neil, an engineer from the Region of Waterloo, will talk about rapid transit. Roger Chrysler will share thoughts on Canadian Pacific electric lines in the Cambridge area.

Self-guided tours created by Gerald Bloomfield will be available so people can wander the city and check out railway relics after the event.

The event runs from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, in the Bowman Room at Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St.

Admission is free but spaces are limited so registration is required. To register, contact the Cambridge Archives at archives@cambridge.ca or by phone at 519-740-4680, ext. 4621. Registration is open until Friday, Oct. 21.