130 YEARS OF SERVICE ON CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE 'L'

Live and in-person!

Friday, December 30, 2022 at 7:00pm Central Time
899 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago

130 YEARS OF SERVICE ON CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE 'L'

by William Shapotkin

On June 6, 1892, the first revenue run on South Side Rapid Transit operated between Congress St. Terminal and 39th St. Service was eventually extended south to both Jackson Park (originally to serve the Columbian Expansion) and Englewood (63rd/Loomis -- later to 63rd/Ashland) and north onto the Loop Elevated.

Over the years, several branches were added and, sadly, subsequently eliminated.

We will look at the South Side 'L' (as well as see where the one-letter abbreviation for the word "elevated" originated) over the first 130 years of its existence. We will travel around the Stock Yards Loop and visit Kenwood and Normal Park. Our travels will take us to 63rd and Stony Island as well as the short-lived terminal at 63rd/University (and get a view of one train that ATTEMPTED to get to Stony Island) and the present end-of line 63rd/Cottage. We will visit some long-gone stations and a few that have returned.

We will even visit some of the more interesting attractions along the line!

Most of our trip will feature multiple-unit rapid transit cars, but vintage images behind steam will also be included.

Our in-person meetings are currently held at the Club Room of the 899 S. Plymouth Court condominium building. We begin promptly at 7 p.m. and meetings are open to CERA members. Bringing guests, however, is encouraged and membership forms will be available on site.