The poster features several iconic Chicago railroad scenes, including the city’s lakefront skyline with Illinois Central and South Shore electric trains, the Chicago Rapid Transit’s “L”, images of now-demolished downtown terminals, a steam freight, Burlington’s “Pioneer Zephyr,” the Chicago & Alton’s “Alton Limited,” and the city’s first locomotive, the Galena & Chicago Union’s “Pioneer.”
The poster, created by artist, illustrator, and former railroader Mitch Markovitz, was recently unveiled at an event in Chicago Union Station.
“I was trying to convey this rich heritage of transportation and architecture that’s part of Chicago’s history but that nobody ever talks about,” Markovitz told Trains News Wire.
“I can confidently say that his poster goes a long way in demonstrating our commitment to the ongoing effort to honor Chicago’s railroad history. I would like to express my gratitude to Mitch for creating such a memorable and enduring image,” says David Daruszka, organizer of the effort to commemorate Chicago Railroad History Month.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a proclamation declaring October Chicago Railroad History Month. The proclamation was the result of the advocacy work of the Blackhawk Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Daruszka said.
The effort is intended to celebrate the city of Chicago’s history of railroading and highlight the continued importance railroads play in the city’s economic life. The group hopes to bring the story of railroads to as wide an audience as possible, Daruszka said.
The eventual goal is to make a sustained effort to to mark the 175th anniversary of railroading in Chicago with exhibits and programs in 2023, Daruszka said. More information on Chicago Railroad History Month is available here.
The posters cost $35 and are available at the Blackhawk Society’s website.
Signed limited editions of the posters are also available.
Great idea, John, but, of course, the shareholders and their puppet CEO’s will be crying about the cost. Can you see Ol’ Slash and Burn Anderson sending some Amtrak equipment to it even though it’s only a few blocks away from the Amtrak yard? Or CSX and NS sending some road units to it from a few miles away at 75th Street? LOL.
beautiful poster and lots of RR history in Chicago At one time, St. Louis was a rival for a busy station with passenger trains, but no longer.
John, are any tracks still there? I thought that there was only one track leading to the site of the station. Beyond that, the bridge is permanently raised. Not that I wouldn’t like to see some tracks built there (maybe off the St. Charles Air Line, which has a bit of history of its own!).
@Dave Markvart: Last I looked there is a sales hut in the middle of the parcel with the “78” logo on the top. I don’t know if they have broken ground yet.
I was trying to think of an open space in Chicago, with easy transit and parking, highly visible and accessible, that can still display walkthroughs of new train technology.
The only space I could find was the old B&O yard (which is actually where the South Branch of the Chicago River used to flow pre-depression.
The B&O bridge is locked and no longer usable, at least for this type of activity. With the UP, CN, Metra, BNSF all within a horns call and NS not much farther, and the Amtrak shop just across the river, it might make for a good locale to bring in and remove equipment.
A temporary yard can be set up, just like they do for the european rail fairs with crushed limestone between the tracks for easy pedestrian passthrough.
The rail product vendors can set up their tents and do their PR activities.
The only other place would be the McCormick Convention Center and the logistics would get a little more complicated. A special shoofly off the StCAL would have to be built and be able to elevate the equipment up to the show floor. Very expensive for a single use event.
Awesome idea and not a bad location John, but development has started in this area, called “The 78” project so this location is probably out. I’d post the link from Curbed Chicago, but not sure if I can. Google is your friend also.
Awesome idea John! I hope somebody from a certain organization is skimming through and reads your comment.
Wonderful idea !
A Chicago Railroad Historical Festival would a great thing.
I know exactly where to host it. South of Roosevelt, east of the Chicago River and north of 18th Street. Essentially the vacant lot that was the former B&O yard for Grand Central.
Accessible to all lines.
Bring in the Acelas, the Talgo, the Brightlines, Wabtec’s EV & T4, Progressive’s T4’s. Show off the CRRC CTA 7000 series.
The Illinois Railway Museum is nearby in Union, plenty of access to historical equipment. Get UP’s BigBoy (if it can negotiate the turns) to blow its horn.
Plenty of nearby parking, local & regional transit available.