Pictured here in the fall of 2004, is the historic Stirling railway station building, sitting atop huge steel beams, suspended over the newly poured concrete foundation, at the new site, just steps from Hwy 14, in the heart of the village. Two days later, the building was lowered onto the foundation – and its new home.
Terry Vollum
For PostMedia
Stirling – The Rotary Club of Stirling has earned well-deserved recognition and widespread commendation for its service to the communities of Stirling-Rawdon, since its inception, seventy-seven years ago. The very first Stirling Rotary Club was established in April of 1949 and served the community until it ceased operations in 1983. Along with the creation of Henry Street Park and the adjacent baseball diamond in the 1960s, the original Stirling Rotary Club also constructed the beautiful Covered Bridge in the late 1970s. Just two of many such worthwhile projects that serve to validate the local service club’s steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life in the village.
Rotary would resurface in 1996 when a New Charter was granted and Stirling Rotary was officially reincorporated, with local businessman, Larry Groves, serving as its first president. Larry remains a dedicated Stirling Rotarian to this day.
In 2002, Stirling Rotarians were unanimous in their decision to save and restore the historic railway station building, which had stood, abandoned, for decades and had become a target for vandals. Once Stirling-Rawdon Council had granted permission to move the century-old wooden structure (at no expense to the Municipality) Rotarians set about raising funds (final costs exceeded $250,000) to relocate the building onto its new foundation. And there it sits today; refreshed and beautifully restored. A most impressive, local landmark, sitting proudly in the heart of the village.
Service clubs exist to fill a void and extend a helping hand whenever necessary. And so it is that every year, for the past dozen years, Stirling Rotary has organized and run a popular, online auction, just before Christmas, with all proceeds donated to the Stirling & District Food Bank. To date, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised in support of the Food Bank and the online auction is just one of many local fundraisers organized by this committed workforce.
“Ours is a hardworking, dedicated group of selfless volunteers,” noted original Stirling Rotarian, Larry Groves, “and the list of accomplishments is far too long to list in a brief newspaper article. But the next time you’re in the Community Hall at the railway station, have a look at the comprehensive photo display, highlighting the many Stirling Rotary projects over the years. It’s a most impressive visual history and runs the entire length of the wall.”
And with that in mind, Stirling Rotarians are inviting all friends and neighbours to a very special 30th Anniversary Party, to be held in and around the historic railway station on Saturday June 6, from 12 noon until 4:00 PM. There’ll be ‘live’ music, lots of delicious food and drink, plus fun-filled games, balloon animals and face-painting for the kids – and a whole lot more. “I think it’s safe to say that there’ll be something for all ages,” noted Groves, “and it might be a good idea to bring along a folding chair so that you can relax and enjoy your preferred location.”
For more information you are invited to visit the Stirling Rotary Facebook page.