Report to the membership 1997

In 1997 the Association sponsored ten membership meetings and participated in various rail enthusiast shows designed to showcase CERA to prospective members. Unlike past years, there was no out-of-town event. Problems with securing a commitment from the planned “host” carrier in sufficient time to make another related arrangements forced the Board to reluctantly cancel plans to go “on location." We did however operate an inspection trip to the East Troy Electric Railroad. The new year will see CERA celebrate its 60th year of service to the hobby by hosting a special convention in downtown Chicago. More on this later in this letter.

The ten membership meetings held during the year just concluded covered a wide range of topics related to the construction and operation of electric railways both past and present. These programs were prepared and presented by CERA members who gave freely of their time and talents to share their interest in the fascinating and varied field of election traction with their fellow members. The wide range of topics covered makes it possible to provide something of interest to all members, be it historical or contemporary, domestic or foreign. As you will note from the following listing, 1997's offerings included three motion picture presentations covering largely historical topics of midwest interest. You will also note that slide presentations covering current happenings in the electric railway industry were featured at several meetings. 1997 presentations were as follows:

Month	Title of Program	Presenter
Jan.	"Movies from the Walter Keevil Collection"	Walter R. Keevil
Feb.	"Movies from the David Stanley Collection"	David S. Stanley
Mar.	"Learn your C-B-A's: Chile, Brazil, Argentina"	Raymond DeGroote
April	"The Toledo and Chicago Interurban Railway and its Successors"	Charles & Paul F. Willer
May	"Twenty-five Years of Transit Photography"	Eric Bronsky
June	"Boston's MBTA - In Search of Charlie"	George Chaisson, Jr.
Sept.	"Philadelphia City and Suburban Electric Transportation in Transition"	John Sacher
Oct	"New Jersey Transit and the Northeast Corridor Across the Garden State."	James Arvites
Nov.	"California Traction"	Richard Aaron
Dec.	"South Shore Movies"	Don Idarius

We hope that many of you were able to take in at least one or more of these interesting and varied programs. 1998's program offerings promise to be every bit as interesting and informative.

Do you photograph (or have you photographed) electric traction subjects? If so, now is the time to consider presenting a CERA program. What could be a better way to get involved in your organization and show-off the fruits of your photographic skills than to give a program? Whether its material from a recent trip or scenes of traction lines long gone, CERA is interested in hearing from you. Feel free to write Membership Activities Manager William Shapotkin in care of CERA or speak to any Director at one of our upcoming meetings.

Brief “Newscasts” covering current events in the electric railway field were also presented at the meetings. These are truly “audience participation” events because they rely solely on members bringing material to share. We encourage you to bring something for the newscast whether or not you have illustrative material. A brief report on a visit to a transit property or museum is always appreciated. Since not all members read the magazines, news from both the trade press and popular press is valid material. If you have newscast material, see the Membership Activities Manager or the projectionist prior to the start of the meeting.

The closing months of 1997 found CERA conducting the last of a series of mail auctions to disperse transportation materials collected by the late Thomas Desnoyer. By the end of the year more than 300 members had submitted bids. During December, notifications were sent to the successful bidders. Auction proceeds well be divided between CERA and the Desnoyer estate. We encourage members and friends to remember CERA when making estate plans. Monetary bequests are encouraged. In 1997, CERA received a generous bequest from the estate of the late John R. Williams. As member for many years, John had an avid interest in all forms of transportation. He traveled extensively and shared his travel experiences by giving programs at CERA meetings.

From its inception, CERA has prided itself in the publication of high-quality “Bulletins” covering one aspect or another in our chosen field. Since 1938 we have published a remarkable 131 Bulletins. Since the most recent installment in this series was released in 1995, our volunteer staff of contributors have been working on three new subjects. Two of these are already in layout stage. Houston North Shore chronicles the life and times of the famous Texas line controlled by the Missouri Pacific. The Houston North Shore Railroad had the distinction of being the last new U.S. interurban railway company to begin operations. Much of that line is still in operation by the successor Union Pacific using modern diesel power. Written by Charles R. Robinson and Paul L. DeVerter II, this book thoroughly examines one the more unusual and fascinating electric railways of the Lone Star state. Also well along is a book on the Northern Indiana Railway written by veteran CERA contributor George K. Bradley. This book covers only the interurban lines linking various cities in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, but also takes a look at the street railway operations in South Bend and other on-line points. Lastly, editorial work is nearly completed on Faster than the Limiteds, Dr. Thomas R. Bullard's recounting the life and times of the infamous Chicago-New York Electric Air Line and its subsidiaries. This book will enter the layout stage in 1998.

Sales of previously published books have continued at a somewhat slower pace than last year. This is mainly due to the suspension of our advertising program pending release of our next Bulletin. Nevertheless, another title entered the “out of print” category, namely B-121 Texas Electric by Johnnie J. Meyers.

The future of CERA is directly tried to attracting and retaining members. Total membership for 1997 was 1,554. This is 98 fewer than the year previous. Reasons for this are many, ranging from the lack of a new Bulletin to the passing-on of some of our long-time members. Although detailed data is lacking, the average age of our membership is steadily increasing at the same time that many younger fans are opting not to get involved in organized activities. To maintain CERA's position as a leader in the rail enthusiast movement it is important that all of us do what we can do to encourage anyone interested in electric railways to visit one of our meetings and consider becoming a member. In today's economy, a CERA membership is a tremendous bargain which brings with it the opportunity to meet interesting people who share a common interest. Your assistance in this effort will help ensure that we can continue to offer interesting programs, inspection trips and bulletins. CERA will be happy to send you extra book catalogs and membership information for you to pass along to others.

As mentioned earlier, CERA will be holding its 60th Anniversary convention in Chicago during Memorial Day weekend, 1998. We will be headquartered at Chicago's famous Palmer House Hilton Hotel. A full schedule of events has been planned including a banquet with presentations by founding member George Krambles and long-time member Raymond DeGroote, Jr.as well as inspection trips on Metra Electric and the Chicago Transit Authority “L” lines. Bus trips to visit the Illinois Railway Museum and the Fox River Trolley Museum have also been planned. A brochure containing detailed information will be sent to you. Non-members are also welcome, so tell a friend!

January, 1998

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