Our Next Program:
Illinois Terminal Railroad by Robert Heinlein

For our January program, longtime CERA Member Robert Heinlein will showcase the Illinois Terminal Railroad. According to the Wikipedia, the IT, “known as the Illinois Traction System until 1937, was a heavy duty interurban electric railroad with extensive passenger and freight business in central and southern Illinois.” Passenger service ended in 1958. At its peak, Illinois Terminal had one of the largest and most extensive interurban systems in the entire US.

Mr. Heinlein fondly recalls seeing an earlier IT program given in 1992 by the late John Humiston, which covered IT operations along the main line from Peoria to Springfield and St. Louis. Mr. Humiston had planned a second such program, covering the line from Peoria to Bloomington and Decatur, and the east end from Danville to Springfield, but did not live to present it. Now, using Mr. Humiston’s notes and images, with the cooperation of John Humiston’s son Richard, Bob Heinlein has completed this program and offers it for your enjoyment. Come join us for what promises to be a fun evening.

Illinois Terminal car 451 is shown in service in Cleveland in the late 1970s. It was pressed into service due to a car shortage. (Photographer unknown, CERA Archives)

Admission is free for current CERA members. There will be a $5.00 Admission charge for non-members. CERA’s Annual Meeting will take place at the same meeting. Read more about it here.

Friday, January 24, 2014
1900 hrs / 7:00pm
University Center
525 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60605