2^nd Friday, October 9, 2026 7:00 pm CT Zoom Presentation

Newer shorter Zoom Link  https://tinyurl.com/2ndFridayCERA

JOHN NICHOLSON

“THE INSULL LINES”

They were the “super interurbans,” the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee, the Chicago Aurora and Elgin, and the Chicago South Shore & South Bend, radiating north, west, and south out of Chicago. Built to exceptionally high standards these interurbans each had its own distinct personality and culture. Because of their location and downtown access free of street running, all three lines handled large volumes of both passenger and freight traffic. The CA&E and the North Shore Line succumbed to highway competition in 1957 and 1963 respectively, but the South Shore Line survived and lives on today, transformed into a modern electric railroad with a bright future ahead of it.

For those not familiar with the Insull Lines, join us for a familiarization trip over each interurban as we explore their histories and operations. For those who know about these three lines, there’s plenty to see as well in the form of new photos and information. Join us via Zoom for a trip back into Chicago’s traction past when Chicago boasted three of the best interurban lines in the nation.

The program running time will be 1 hour and 50 minutes.

4^th Friday, October  23, 2026 In Person and Zoom Presentation

400 E. Randolph St., 7th Floor Hospitality Room, Chicago, IL  In Person and

Easy Link to ZOOM Here     https://tinyurl.com/4thFridayCERA

WILLIAM SHAPOTKIN

"South Shore Line -- America's MODERN Interurban"

"South Shore Line -- America's Modern Interurban," by William Shapotkin. It has been 100 years since the re-electrification of the South Shore Line from an AC-powered operation to 1,500 Volt DC operation and extension of thru trains into Chicago. In the intervening years, street operations thru East Chicago, Michigan City and South have been eliminated. The railroad has been double-tracked as far east as Michigan Blvd in Michigan City and the east end-of-line has been changed to serve South Bend Airport. Additionally, we will look at the short-lived streetcar operations to Indiana Harbor and Tolleston -- as well as thru train-bus service to Benton Harbor and Detroit, MI.

Join us as we take a look at the changes have happened along "The Little Orange Railroad," as it transformed itself from a country interurban into a modern suburban operation -- including bi-level equipment and the creation of the "Monon Corridor" to serve Dyer, IN.

  

This program will also be presented on Zoom (CERA members only) for those members unable to attend the meeting in person.