It's sure nice to see that the "Countess" is now housed inside and protected from the harsh winters. I last saw her in the summer of 1962 when our High School Band was the invited to be the U.S. Honor Band, for the Red River Festival. Our band was from Paris High School in Paris, Kentucky. We were quartered in an Old Hotel that was owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway. I remember being told that "The Countess of Dufferin" was a Contractor's engine that was used to build the very first tracks of the Canadian Pacific and was later bought by the railway. At the time of our visit to Winnipeg, this locomotive was displayed outside, beside the hotel and was subjected to the harsh elements of winter weather. The parade our band marched in was over five miles long, quite a hike. Our group enjoyed our visit to Winnipeg with only two exceptions, both of which involved food at the hotel, powdered milk and powdered eggs. Otherwise, The People of Winnipeg were wonderful hosts !
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