CERA presents programs for the benefit of its members and the general public, generally 10 times a year (all months except July and August). These programs usually consist of a slide and/or electronic newscast that highlights recent developments in the field of light rail and electric railways, following the main program, which is a narrated slide, video, or movie program dealing with a specific electric railway system or several systems. A program might feature recently photographed electric railway/urban transit systems, or it might be an historical reflection on an operation long since abandoned. Attendance runs between 80 to 160.
When: The 4th Friday of the month except for July and August when no meetings are generally held. Doors open at 6:00 pm. and the program starts at 7:00 pm. The program usually ends between 9:30 and 10:00 pm.
Where: University Center, The Lake Room
525 S. State Street, 2nd floor (State and Congress) Map of 525 S State St
Cost: Attendance is free for our standard monthly programs.
All programs are subject to change. Call CERA at 312-346-3723 to confirm if you are not an active member.
A Special August Program
Thursday 14 August 2008 6:30 p.m.
Stony Island Avenue at 63rd Street in 1893
Photo courtesy of The Wisconsin Historical Society
A History of the South Side “L”
Englewood • Jackson Park • Kenwood • Normal Park
Stockyards • Dan Ryan
by Tony Coppoletta and Graham Garfield
Woodson Regional Public Library
9525 S. Halsted St.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Central Electric Railfans’ Association
Our September Program
CERA's 70th Anniversary Celebration
As part of our celebration, we have 3 days of events planned. The a brief event listing is below. For times and pricing of the various events, Please download the Anniversary brochure. The brochure also has a mail back form for making reservations.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Illinois Railway Museum
CERA Inspection Trip #203
Tour the Illinois Railway Museum, car barns, and enjoy trips on three rare cars never used in museum service (with specially arranged photo opportunities)!
70th Anniversary Program
(and September Membership Meeting)
Banquet and program at University Center, 525 S State, Chicago, IL. Click here for a map of 525 S. State St.
70th Anniversary Banquet. Join other electric rail enthusiasts and CERA members for a banquet to commemorate 70 years of railfan history, events, preservation, publications, and fun. Casual attire is welcome. The buffet-style banquet menu will be a selection of Southern Italian-style dishes.
1730-1900: Food, beverage, and dessert service
1930-2200: Program by Myles Jarrow
“A Remembrance of Early Years of the
Central Electric Railfans’ Association”
presented by Myles Jarrow,
Founding Member #0023
Saturday, September 27, 2008
South Shore Line Inspection Tour
CERA Inspection Trip #204
Explore the historic South Shore Line and NICTD yard facility at Carroll Avenue.
You’ll be whisked as far east as Hudson Lake, in style, by way of our very own car. A discussion about the future of NICTD will take place at the yard facility.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Chicago “L” Tour: Old Meets New
CERA Inspection Trip #205
Get up close and personal with the latest developments on Chicago’s famed rapid transit system via a private, chartered train. This tour will focus on exploring both historic elements and modern facilities and passenger amenities on one of the world’s oldest electric railroads.
For a complete calendar of events of other railroad enthusiast organizations in the extended Chicago metropolitan area, please go to http://www.railcc.org/Events.html.
Upcoming programs
| Date | Presenter | Topic |
| August 14, 2008 | Tony Coppoletta and Graham Garfield | History of the South Side "L" |
| September | CERA's 70th Anniversary Weekend |
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