16 December 2010

McAdam Railway Station Opens its Doors for Christmas Tours

McAdam New Brunswick - For more than a century, the McAdam Railway Station has seen its share of Christmas joy.
 
Passengers over the years have passed through McAdam on their way home at Christmas or disembarked in McAdam to be greeted by waiting loved ones.
 
Now there's no passenger service through McAdam and visitors to the community arrive by other modes of transportation but the Christmas spirit lives on.
 
This year, the station had eight spaces that welcomed visitors on their recent tour.
 
Volunteers were gracious about stepping forward to decorate the spaces at the station, said Elsie Carroll, a member of the Christmas tour committee.
 
"They also brought in the small cakes and cookies that were used for the reception at the end of the tour," said Carroll.
 
"I don't know what we would do without the many people who volunteer at the station," said Carroll, who's also a member of the McAdam historical restoration committee.
 
"You see many of the same faces throughout the year but they take on an extra glow around the Christmas season."
 
Carroll said the station tour is an introduction to Christmas early in December and with the overwhelming response to the event, the committee is already planning for the third annual tour next year.
 
"We already have some offers to decorate the spaces," she said.
 
Penny Messer of Harvey incorporated tubs of greenery, park benches, old luggage and trunks, lots of candles, and mini-lights to relay a warm Christmas greeting.
 
Kings Landing Historical Settlement representatives were the guest decorators.
 
Alain Boisvert, executive director of Kings Landing, and Susan Fowler, co-ordinator of the school visitation, visiting cousins and family kin programs, greeted guests with a cup of warm apple cider.
 
The fir tree was decorated with garlands of popcorn and cranberries, mini-handmade paper lanterns, and cornucopias.
 
Handknit mittens and socks, dolls, and antique toys from yesteryear adorned trunks from another era.
 
Nicola Lindsay of ReDesign and Staging of St. Stephen decorated the agent's office.
 
Using lots of silver, red, black, and white, she transformed the space into one of elegance using the agent's desk, safe, and windows to relay the spirit of the season.
 
The tall, white tree on the table gave a whimsical glow to the space. The windows, decorated with a cascade of mini-lights, gave a warm glow to the room.
 
The ladies waiting room was adorned with a variety of different feels from elegant, with the beautifully decorated tree belonging to the late Tabitha Kitchen, to country with large wall hangings, snowmen, angels, and another tree with gingham ribbons.
 
The nativity scene under a large star gave the ladies waiting room a seasonal look. The room was decorated by Debbie Little, Talitha Lewis, and Amber Young.
 
The English Butler of Fredericton decorated the Maxwell Room, which was just opened in time for last year's tour.
 
Three pillared candles stood outside the door to welcome visitors to the room.
 
Brenda MacMinn.