Outer Station, 1958

There are a multitude of examples of the harbingers of Spring in Kingston. Lawns of bluebells and flower beds full of crocuses, daffodils, and tulips. Longer days, and hopefully, warmer weather, which turns our thoughts to yard work, golf courses, sailboats, cycling, and strolls along the waterfront and through the conservation area. It is also the time when students are wrapping up course work, and studying hard for exams, preparatory to returning home, where ever that might be, for the summer. Several modes of public transport are available to assist them in reaching their destination; plane, bus, or train. Whichever be their choice, it is bound to be crowded at the airport, bus terminal, or train station at this time of year. This was certainly the case in the Spring of 1958, when George Lilly took this photo of students, including those from both Queen’s and the Royal Military College, waiting to board the train at the Outer Station, on Montreal Street; once a grand edifice on the Canadian National Railway line, full of memories of farewells until next year, now reduced, unfortunately, to a derelict devoid of life and purpose.