Opinion
Fans of Jumbo come together to remember the iconic elephant on the 140th anniversary of his passing
:
Eric Bunnell • Special to Postmedia Network
Sep 18, 2025 • 8 minute read
With a timely train in the background, self-proclaimed ‘Jumbomaniac’ Steve Peters recounts how Jumbo met his end on Sept. 15, 1885, in St. Thomas when an unexpected freight train struck him. (Dariusz Korbiel photo)
Though he’s gone, he was certainly not forgotten Monday evening by the two dozen people who gathered on Woodworth Avenue near the CN railway tracks to pay tribute to Jumbo.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
This past Monday marked the 140th anniversary of the majestic elephant’s tragic death on September 15, 1885, in St. Thomas. The renowned pachyderm was hit by an unanticipated freight train a little east of Woodworth as he was heading back to his circus train after a performance.
Dressed in an “I (heart) Jumbo” T-shirt, local historian Steve Peters shared the tale of Jumbo’s demise and noted how a passing Formet truck-frame train released its brakes with a loud crash: “That must have been what it sounded like when Jumbo got hit.”
Dariusz Korbiel joined Steve; he’s the guest curator for Jumbomania, currently showcased at the Elgin County Museum at the Elgin County Heritage Centre.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
The exhibition is an “amazing” display about Jumbo’s life and impact that Steve encouraged everyone to see.
“If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, you’ve got to make it out there.”
This was advice that attendees John Heidt and Chris Smith intended to follow.
Chris mentioned they attended Monday’s memorial because Jumbo “is part of my city heritage.”
At the end of their tribute in front of the historical marker for Jumbo along the roadside, Steve and Dariusz popped open two cans of ales brewed locally by Railway City Brewing and poured them onto the ground.
“So if the premier can dump a bottle of Crown Royal in front of all those reporters without facing consequences, I think Dariusz and I can raise a toast to Jumbo with some Dead Elephant and Double Dead Elephant,” said Steve.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
“To Jumbo,” he declared.
“To memory of Jumbo and what he left behind,” added Dariusz.
“We’re focused heavily upon places which encountered downturns finding ways through them,” Adrian notes adding their aim also involves profiling communities like trees weathering storms bending instead breaking under pressure.” St. Thomas stands among eight Canadian towns featured throughout Season eleven finale airing early winter months ahead! An essential component includes live audience comedy segment performed next Wednesday too taking place Joe Thornton Community Centre getting filmed featuring impressions made during Harris’ excursion – tickets available first come first serve basis so plan accordingly arrive early before doors open seven o’clock sharp!
In seasonal sight south side nearing St. Thomas Kevin Ralf represents third generation family selling glads roadside en route Port Stanley! (Eric Bunnell/Special To Postmedia Network) jpg , ST , apsmc I really couldn’t express how “glad” I felt chatting Kevin Ralf Saturday while standing beside Sunset Drive south away town! This hasn’t finished loading however we’ll keep going continuing onwards!I just couldn’t do so – probably tired joke worn thin ages ago especially considering Kevin now age thirty-nine carries legacy forth engaging folks bringing gorgeous gladiolus every weekend offering delightful blooms! His grandfather Fred began selling roughly forty-five years earlier according Kevin back then before passing away back nineteen eighty-six grandma Mae took over business keeping tradition alive subsequently when she departed us two thousand-one son Stan became proprietor next following suit later someday possibly meaning inherit responsibilities himself soon thereafter.. “Typically he shows Sundays rather works Saturdays,” adds Kevin whose weekday role involves sandblasting duties trucking firms Courtland vicinity nearby settling down switching shifts being present weekends based request customers visiting regularly despite threatening rain clouds looming overhead nearby today.. This still hasn’t finished downloading nevertheless we move ahead! “When rains begin drops tend bring sudden bursts customer interest always curious phenomena seeing happen consistently during each visit!” He admits unsure why such occurs though clearly nostalgic habits persist through generations learning cherished ideals passed forward eternally infused love beauty flourishing varieties amongst flowers blooming daily cherished deeply.. Curious regarding connection between glads says simply put “They’re pretty”! “They look fantastic don’t require much upkeep either provided proper cutting methods employed ensuring cool storage prolonging freshness times delivering variety hues shades often unique dual-color styles.” Interestingly enough initial Fred grew stems himself whereas Mae quickly ceased practice realizing extensive labor involved families opted purchasing flowers cooperating local farmer Norwich area instead maintaining operations beginning mid-July running until potentially end October depending demand received year after yielding satisfactory sales.. “If patrons keep showing enthusiasm towards purchase sustaining growth ultimately guarantees continued presence moving forward.” And just glancing today observing several dozen colorful stems brought home makes me genuinely glad indeed!
A musical tribute
The sounds will be much happier than that train Saturday at the Elgin Heritage Centre.
An afternoon filled with activities tied to Jumbomania coinciding with this week’s anniversary includes music written specifically for celebrating Jumbo.
Dariusz explored libraries including Library of Congress along with other archives across America and England where he found scores for twelve songs dedicated to this circus elephant. (A thirteenth song is known but its music is missing.)
Dariusz points out that these tunes reflect how significant an impact Jumbo had on popular culture during his time.
“Having twelve songs written about you within just a couple years is phenomenal.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
The introduction will be given by Dariusz at noon while musician Andrew Petrasiunas along with vocalist Kate Milner will perform around eight pieces from 1 p. m. until 3 p. m. The museum also plans to set up green screens for visitors wanting souvenir photos alongside images representing jumbo. Admission is free. Next Wednesday at 7 p. m., Steve will discuss jumbo’s life during an event held by Elgin Historical Society; all are welcome.
Still Standing
It’s lights camera action St. T! The director from CBC TV’s Still Standing along with crew members arrived Thursday setting up for Jonny Harris’ visit here. While Railway City may be bigger than many communities highlighted before within this show producer Adrian Callender emphasizes it’s still very relevant since this town has rebounded following challenges faced due loss auto industry too recently, This hasn’t loaded yet however rest assured article goes onward.“We’re focused heavily upon places which encountered downturns finding ways through them,” Adrian notes adding their aim also involves profiling communities like trees weathering storms bending instead breaking under pressure.” St. Thomas stands among eight Canadian towns featured throughout Season eleven finale airing early winter months ahead! An essential component includes live audience comedy segment performed next Wednesday too taking place Joe Thornton Community Centre getting filmed featuring impressions made during Harris’ excursion – tickets available first come first serve basis so plan accordingly arrive early before doors open seven o’clock sharp!
Pleased For The Glads!
In seasonal sight south side nearing St. Thomas Kevin Ralf represents third generation family selling glads roadside en route Port Stanley! (Eric Bunnell/Special To Postmedia Network) jpg , ST , apsmc I really couldn’t express how “glad” I felt chatting Kevin Ralf Saturday while standing beside Sunset Drive south away town! This hasn’t finished loading however we’ll keep going continuing onwards!
