'A Winnipeg icon': New book tells the history of the Prairie Dog Central
A new book is sharing the story behind a piece of Manitoba’s history – the Prairie Dog Central.
“The Prairie Dog Central has been a Winnipeg icon for 52 years now,” said Paul Newsome, the author of the book ‘Prairie Dog Central: The Story,’ in an interview on Monday.
Newsome is the general manager of the Vintage Locomotive Society, which is the organization that owns and operates the vintage steam locomotive and train – one of the oldest regularly operated locomotives in North America.
Newsome said he started to think about writing the book about 10 years ago, but actually sat down to put it together last year.
“I knew the story had to be told. It’s a very interesting story. Everybody’s going to get something out of it they’ll enjoy,” Newsome said.
He noted the locomotive’s story began in 1882 in Scotland, where it was built. It was then sold to Winnipeg Hydro in 1918, remaining with the corporation until 1961.
The Vintage Locomotive Society took over the train’s operations in 1970.
The Prairie Dog Central is still operating today, providing rides between Rosser and Grosse Isle.
Newsome noted the train is just as popular as ever.
“We offer three things in general: history, education and entertainment. There’s something for moms and dads and kids,” he said.
Newsome added that even though the train is 140 years old, it is still authentic.
“All the coaches are between 1901 and 1912. The engine is 1882. It adds to the story of how the Prairie provinces were developed,” he said.
- With files from CTV’s Nicole Dube.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.