Murrayville British Columbia - Residents new to Langley may not realize that the Fraser Valley once had a rail transit system which connected communities from Chilliwack to New Westminster, with connections on to downtown Vancouver.
 
In 1910, the interurban operated by B.C. Electric Railway Company began service on the Fraser Valley line. The electric train carried not only passengers but also mail, fruit, vegetables, fish, milk, and other products.
 
It played a key role in Langley transportation, and had a great deal to do with Langley Prairie (now Langley City) becoming the dominant commercial area for the Langley region.
 
The service lasted for 40 years, ending in September, 1950.
 
At that time, trucks, buses, and cars had become the primary mode for the transport of people and goods up and down the valley.
 
Author Henry Ewert will be at the Murrayville Library to speak about this chapter of B.C. history. Ewert is the author of The Story of the B.C. Electric Railway Company.
 
His talk and slide show "By B.C. Electric Interurban through the Valley" will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 8 Feb 2007.
 
Since seating for this free program is limited, those interested in attending need to contact the Murrayville Library at 604-533-0339 to reserve a seat.
 
Author unknown.