The Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum has a new library thanks to the contribution of a Minto family.
The Drs. Carol and Viola Homuth Library was officially dedicated during a volunteer open house at the museum on June 10.
A contribution of roughly 900 books on railway history from local rail enthusiast Carol Homuth and his late wife, Viola, led to the creation of the library at the recently renovated museum.
“We’re just so pleased we’re able to take your books Carol … and so many people are going to enjoy those,” said Minto Mayor George Bridge.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater lauded the Homuths’ “great contribution to this museum.”
Nater added the timing of the donation is ideal.
“We are celebrating 150 years of Confederation as well, so I think it’s a perfect time to celebrate your contribution to this museum … I like to say that the history of Canada is reflected in the history of our communities.”
Museum volunteer Robert McEachern said, “Obviously the history of Canada is tied in with the railways.
“Palmerston is really unique in how it was developed … it stands alone in becoming an important centre in the middle basically of nowhere,” due to its role as a railway hub, he explained.
McEachern said the museum plans to put the books online utilizing student workers beginning this summer.
“The whole idea is this becomes sort of a centre of excellence … It’s not just looking at pictures it’s looking at how it influences the history of the country. This centre is going to be able to give people the opportunity to do this … It’s a wonderful donation, we appreciate it very much,” he added.
Homuth said, “I’d like to thank the Town of Minto for accepting my donation.
“I think there’s hardly a railway in North America that’s not represented in my library.”
