“The Junction Town” “Killer Junction” –Names of the Past

Photo- Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

William Willoughby built the railroad bridge that spans the Mississippi. In August of 1964, three young girls were caught on the Mississippi River narrow railway bridge. Watching in horror, a CPR Ottawa-bound Canadian passenger train was coming towards them quickly. Two sisters were forced to jump from the 25 foot high train-only bridge and they landed in the shallow waters of the rock-bottomed Mississippi River. Read the rest here.

‘Carleton Junction’ is the proposed name of the Carleton Place section of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, which will serve both motorized and non-motorized users.‘ Carleton Junction’ will function as space for rest and play

I so appreciate this name as I cannot tell you how many times Carleton Place was called “The Junction Town” in all the newspaper archives I read. I am absolutely thrilled!

Ted Hurdis I like it and could not be happier that we are being proactive in developing this land.

Norma Ford I remember it being called the “Hub of the Ottawa Valley” when I went to school (long time ago). I do like the name “Carleton Junction” though. What other names do you recall?

Linda Gallipeau-Johnston I remember “the junction town” – we always called it the “junction” at the intersection for Ottawa Smith Falls Perth and CP.

Reputation of the Town

Those Editors and Professional men that persist in going to the Junction twice daily should get a good fitting suit at Sumner’s Old Stand and keep up the reputation of the town, in the tailoring line at least, especially as Bob will sell them a suit so cheap. Also dress shirts at a great bargain. Come in, gentlemen, and try ‘em on.

Robert McDiarmid & Co., April 28, 1880.

Photo-Jaan Kolk, my favourite historian commented “Seems appropriate. The 1879 Bleden Atlas had the railway station marked “Juction Stn.” CLICK here to enlarge

Railway Shops

1882- A new railway station was built at the junction of the two lines here. Exemption from municipal taxation was granted for the C.P.R. workshops being moved to Carleton Place from Brockville and Prescott. Major James C. Poole (1826-1882), Herald editor, predicted the town was “about to enter upon an era of advancement and unparalleled prosperity.”

Junction Town

1886 – The railway junction and divisional town of Carleton Place was a stopping point for the first through train of the C.P.R. to reach the west coast from Montreal.

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 05 Jul 1940, Fri, Page 17

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 01 Oct 1904, Sat, Page 15

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 01 Nov 1898, Tue, Page 2

Ted Hurdis Yes ” there is an accident at the junction ” This was all too common until we got lights at the junction.

Doug B. McCarten My Mom always called it “Killer Junction” because of all the fatalities from vehicle collisions!

She wasn’t the only one Doug– Found many many references to that name in the archives.

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 15 Dec 1961, Fri, Page 3

Clipped from The Ottawa Journal, 14 Dec 1961, Thu, Page 51

Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.

Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun andScreamin’ Mamas (USA)