Traction Along the Fox River

 June at CERA

Traction Along the Fox River

Elgin, Aurora, and in Between

Presented by William Shapotkin

Friday, June 23, 2017, at 7 p.m. CDT

University Center

Loop River Room

525 S. State Street, Chicago, IL

(Located between Congress Parkway and Harrison Street)

The Loop River Room is located on the second floor. After entering the lobby, go through the glass doors on your left for stair and elevator access to the area. Doors open at 6 p.m.

To anyone living along the Fox River outside of Chicago early in the twentieth century, the air was alive with the sound of traction motors. Aurora and Elgin boasted respectable streetcar systems which were connected by an interurban. Traction service along the river went as far as Carpentersville in the north and Yorkville in the south. The Chicago Aurora and Elgin connected with the Fox River communities of Elgin, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, and Aurora.

Noted lecturer and MCERA Bill Shapotkin will take us for a trip along the Fox River to show us what ran, where it ran, and what remains. The program will be profusely illustrated with photos from Bill’s extensive collection. Make a note to be there for what will be an entertaining evening.

Programs to Come

September: Red Arrow Lines by John Nicholson