Mike’s Upstairs Railroad: The Story of the Lake Street "L"

CERA member and author Bruce Moffat will recount the story of Chicago’s Lake Street “L.” Originally promoted by

legendary Chicago “boss” Michael Cassius McDonald as a steam-powered monorail line, it quickly earned the moniker

“Mike’s Upstairs Railroad.” Eventually built as a conventional elevated railroad powered by steam, the line was

soon electrified and was operated with a variety of equipment. Bruce will recount the many facets of the Lake Street

“L” history—its early development, operations, relocation of the line west of Laramie to the C&NW embankment

in 1962, and the line as it operates today as part of CTA’s Green Line. Join us for an entertaining and informative program.

Notice to CERA Members: Anyone attending CERA monthly programs must be a paid member of CERA for 2019. Members will show their cards at the door or their names can be checked in the membership data base. Paid CERA members may bring a guest. Memberships will be sold at the door by credit card or check, no cash, but admission will be restricted to CERA members only.