History defines where we come from & the many influences that have affected us.  Our past links us to the places and people that have molded us into the present.  So it was appropriate that the 1903 TH&B (Toronto, Hamilton, & Buffalo) train station (the picture above) was acquired in 1993 and restored by the West Lincoln Historical Society and volunteers.  Using the profits from their book publication, generous donations from local organizations, businesses and individuals, and work of skilled and dedicated volunteers, the Society has restored the station to its original beauty.  It is now used as their headquarters and local archives.

West Lincoln is also going through major changes right now as the new plaza is redefining the core of Smithville, shifting it east; causing a refocus on the downtown core where many changes are occurring & will occur into 2005.  Therefore, we now have history taking place before our eyes.  The sad part is that we are loosing our history as owners do not care of our historic buildings so the Smithville has lost the Feed store with unique siding & store front & the Murgatroyd building recently.  This building was unique in that it housed one of the first general stores in town, as well was a tie manufacturing facility which was innovative for this area as it was not an textile area.  What part of our history will be next to disappear or as some would say; "evolve."

We are also looking for new members to continue on with not only the work that has begun, but now help to move into the future.  Numbers help us get funding & a little bit of assistance goes a long way.  One of the possible future plans is to develop the area around us into a historical village.  We're starting to look into grants to see if we can begin developing  this plan as there needs to be a place to keep our heritage in place.

Our general meetings are held in the train station from September to May on the first Thursday of each month.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  June is the big PoultryFest Celebration in Smithville on the fourth Saturday of June.  So come on out & visit us & see the many exhibits here at the Nostalgic Corner centered around the Train Station.

"The West Lincoln Historical  Society Archives Team have three Secondary Students, Carolyn, Anjene and Jordan, working towards their 40 Volunteer hours as required.  These Grade 9, 11, 12 students are entering information on land documents, family histories into our data base and taking photos of the Griffin family gravestones in the West Lincoln Cemeteries.  We value their help and hope this experience with our organization will create a sense of volunteerism as they mature and make their way into the working world."  Seven adult volunteers also work various hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays , accessioning and inputting information into our Collections."