Retreat House Mundeline Railroad

[classicalman114]

 I've heard from my grandmother, who used to work at the Catholic Retreat House in Mundeline, IL, that a branch of some line used to serve it for the cardinal of the Chicago Archdiocese to move to and from Chicago. Is that true?

[desertdog]

In one of several good books on the Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee, there are pictures of a special movement to Mundelein for a large Archdiocese event.  As I recall, special tracks and platforms were built for the occasion.  When I get home tonight I will see what I can find.

John Timm

[classicalman114]

 Thanks. Much obliged.

[desertdog]

Central Electric Railfans Association Bulletin #107 ROUTE OF THE ELECTROLINERS devotes five pages to the 28th International Eucharistic Congress held in 1926 at St. Mary's Seminary near Mundelein. Six tracks and several platforms were specially installed near the seminary, complete with third rail power. 445 special trains operated to the event. The only other possibility I can think of would be a siding to reach the seminary power plant off the North Shore, but as I recall, there was a spur off the Soo Line at one time for that purpose. Hope that helps. John Timm

[classicalman114]

 Cool, so it was a one time use only?

[desertdog]

classicalman114

 Cool, so it was a one time use only?

That's correct.  It cost $150,000--lots of money in that era.

 John Timm