Don’t be thrown by the name of the publisher: A Celebration of Chicagoland Railroads goes way beyond interurbans. Anchored by the work of Soo Line veteran Bill Raia, this softcover encompasses steam, diesel, and electric and includes virtually every railroad, every station, and seemingly every train. It’s all here: Burlington Zephyrs, Milwaukee Road Hiawathas, Santa Fe streamliners, Soo Line and Rock Island freights, all three Insull electric lines. In addition to Raia’s images, you’ll see the work of other notables such as Paul Stringham, Joe Collias, Jim Scribbins, and Paul Slager. Excellent maps, crisp layout, and generous captions help make this an ultimate guide to Chicagoland in the classic era.
A Celebration of Chicagoland Railroads, 1935-1971. Shore Line Interurban Historical Society, Lake Forest, Ill. 132 pages, $40.
