This chisel was donated by Ken Grace, who was one of the more than 500 men who worked in the Stratford Steam Shops in the 50s -- on the eve of the transition from steam to diesel locomotives. Ken and his co-workers used this chisel to remove rust, scale, soot, grease, oil and asbestors from inside and outside locomotive boilers.
Back then, the city of Stratford was best known as a major railway junction. 40% of the city's workers were employed by Grand Trunk and later the Canadian National Railway. For a long time, the majority of Stratford YMCA members were also railway employees. The YMCA's second facility was built on company land. The building, including the pool, was heated with steam piped in from the Shops. When the steam was on, the YMCA was hot. When it was off, it was said that the play on the basketball court was just a little faster.
This tool helps us remember that the YMCA is shaped by the same forces that shape the city. The engines of economic growth and social innovation are fueled by hard work -- on and off the courts!
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