Dominion Atlantic Railway Digital Preservation Initiative - Wiki
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Barron, Leon
Leon Barron (1932-2006)
A trainman with the D.A.R. Leon also served as a volunteer in the Kings County Museum and Fieldwood Heritage Society in Canning, NS. Leon knew and loved local history of Nova Scotia especially as it applied to the Minas Basin area. His collection of memorabilia was featured at the Kings County Museum:
Remembering Kentville Railyards October, 2006 - April, 2007. The exhibit featured the historic railway research of the late Leon Barron, on loan to the museum courtesy of his widow, Mary, together with artifacts from the Museum collection and items excavated from the former railyard.
The April 2007 Fieldwood Heritage Society newsletter had this to say about Leon: "Leon never did have to be introduced as a historian to know of his interest in local history. Even as a young man, Leon had the sense to pursue and record local history and events. Even though for a vocation he chose a different route, he left an important legacy for all of us. I came to know Leon when he accepted a directorship in our local society. He wouldn't take a position such as vice president or president, however, when something had to be done he was there to make sure it was finished. He was always an important part of the Wilf Carter project and the rebuilding/restoring of the lighthouse. Many positive things come to mind when I think of Leon. Fieldwood Heritage Society is better and more successful because of his many efforts. Thank you Leon for a job well done. Submitted by John Newcombe."
Leon Barron was also reported in an on-line newspaper that ran an article on the Kentville roundhouse demolition as having various memorabilia from the Kentville headquarters and train station before it's demolition. We hope one day that historical artifacts that he and many others may have collected will come to light for all to enjoy.
"There were past opportunities lost - the Warden railway collection, the caboose and snowplow artifacts, and the DAR station. The last, however, from what I saw, would have fallen down if it hadn't been taken down. The loss was the material inside, some of which was rescued by the late railway historian Leon Barron."
"Many of those artifacts were not "lost." Indeed, the caboose and snowplow were saved and exist in the collection of the Musquodoboit Harbour railway museum. A great deal of the material from the former Kentville station was preserved by members of the Nova Scotia Railway Heritage Society, myself included."
Leon was keenly interested in D.A.R. preservation and fought for the restoration of the Kentville roundhouse too. As well, Ed Coleman in the July 10, 2007 Kentville Advertiser reports "One of the compilations attempted by railway historian Leon Barron was the listing of the names and locations of the numerous railway stations".
We welcome any further stories and history about Leon that illuminates his life with the Railway and his community.
See also: Leon Barron collection
