C&NW and CNS&M Commuter Service - 1940 - 1958

[baumgrenze]

 

I was born in Highland Park, IL, in 1940 and until the fall of 1958 I lived at 1938 (now 3328) Western Avenue. My dad bought the house in 1939 because it was ~300 ft from the CNS&M (Chicago, North Shore and Milwauke or North Shore Line) Ft. Sheridan station and about 1,950 ft from the C&NW (Chicago and North Western) Ft. Sheridan station at Old Elm Road. Dad anticipated war and predicted that cars, gasoline, and tires would become expensive. His bakery was on Central Avenue, ~ 3 miles to the south. He wanted secure transportation between home and work for both himself and Mom, who sold his handiwork to the community. The tracks, parallel to each other, were at their closest 200' from our front door. I grew up with the sound of steam engines and their steam whistles from infancy onward. The overall imprint is strong.

 

I will offer one story and ask simultaneously ask if there is a better place to post.

 

In between 1954 and 1958 (my high school years) I boarded a north-bound steam drawn commuter train. The seats were dusted, the windows clean, the lighting was gas-mantle fixtures, the conductor and his crew were all white haired and in clean, uncreased uniforms, and there was an open vestibule rear platform to top it all off. As I recall it was late morning. On the ride I asked one of the staff what the occasion was and he told me I was on the last steam drawn train from Chicago to Milwaukee.

 

Is there a record of the date of that run to confirm my recollection? We realize we were part of history too late to recall it with precision.

 

thanks

 

baumgrenze

 

 

 

[Dragoman]

Welcome back! No idea as to your question, but a GREAT story! Thanks for sharing it.

[RME]

Last Milwaukee steam run was 1955.  I feel certain there was special coverage in some of the local papers, and Mike can find it there.