Elephants, Thomas the Tank Engine and Green Dragons – See it all in St Thomas

Almost everyone in the region that Habitat Heartland serves has heard of Jumbo the elephant who died in the rail yards in St Thomas in 1885.  Did you know that Jumbo had quite a life though before that awful day? He was born in East Africa and then was sold to various buyers throughout Europe.  He lived in Italy, Germany and France and then resided in the London Zoo for 16 years before being purchased by Barnum for the circus, three years prior to his death.  In 2006 the statue of Jumbo was inducted into the North America Railway Hall of Fame in St Thomas.

Speaking of the railway, in July Thomas the Tank Engine will be receiving passengers for a 25 minute ride.  Wilbert Awdry created Thomas the Tank Engine in his many books in the Railway Series, and that was just the beginning for Thomas who then became famous for television, movies and toys. If you would like to take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine look for more information here: http://ecrm5700.org/

The Elgin Military Museum recognizes “ordinary citizens who were…called upon to meet the extra ordinary circumstances of war.” Along with many badges and models on permanent display within the museum, outside are two armoured vehicles called M113s. These were nicknamed Green Dragons by soldiers.   Used in Vietnam by the US Army, the M113 is also 6000 strong within Israel’s Defense Forces. The Germans called the M113 the Elephant Shoe which is ironic if nowhere else but St Thomas.

The Habitat Heartland ReStore at 5-280 Edward Street in St Thomas is proud to share in the rich history of this community.  After you have been to check out these wonderful attractions and historic sites, please stop in and see us.  We’re building to end poverty in Oxford, Middlesex, Elgin and Perth counties.

For more information go to: www.habitat4home.ca