The Cafe Renee' Restaurant on West 63rd Street in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

The Cafe Renee' Restaurant on West 63rd Street in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. Early November 2011.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. Early November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during an early November 2011 visit, to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

It is nearing the end of the Autum season in Chicago, and the zoo's Theodore Roosevelt Fountain has now officially been drained in preparation for the upcoming winter season.

I never realized that this fountain was actually this shallow in depth. It looks much deeper during the regular operating season.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December 2011.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Happy memories from My youth growing up in Chicago, frequently operate at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club, located in west suburban Oak Park Illinois.

I felt like it was 1973 all over again on the southwest side of Chicago, as I imagined this early post 1972 merger era Illinois Central Gulf caboose hop, approaching Brighton Junction at South Archer and Western Avenues in Chicago Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. Riverside IL. Nov 2011.

Wintertime preparations. Des Plaines Illinois USA. Wednsday, November30th, 2011.

Wintertime preparations. Des Plaines Illinois USA. Wednsday, November 30th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The snowplows were in the ready since at least November of 2011 in the greater Chicagoland area, but so far...it has been a very rainy, mild and occasionally muddy Christmas Holiday Season for 2011 in Chicago.

After the huge 20.9 inch record snowfall from the Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 bliizard, I guess that it is obviously better to be safe than sorry.

You never know...Chicago's big snow could be on back order at this time. Better to be ready.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A happy memory for many local Chicagoans who had grown up on the north side of the windy city, were many fun outings at the Riverview Roller Rink.

Loacted along North Western Avenue near the intersection of West Belmont Avenue, this roller rink opened in 1904 with the Riverview Park amusement park, and lasted until 1971 when it was unfortunately destroyed by an extra alarm fire.

The Riverview Roller Rink was operated year round, and outlived Riverview Park itself by a few years more.

I have always enjoyed roller skating since I was 7 years old, and I only wish that I had the opportunity to actually skate at the Riverview Roller Rink Myself.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Saint Clair of Montifalco annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois. June 1988.

Saint Clair of Montifalco annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois. June 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

People who discover Eddie's Railfan Page sometimes wonder just what makes this whole thing "Tick" the way it does.

The answer is very simple.

True, Eddie's Railfan Page is indeed a transportation blogsite aimed at train and bus enthusiasts...but a big part of My inspiration, are the many happy memories of growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois.

One of My happy summertime memories way back in the 1980's, was the opportunity to attend many local neighborhood summer church carnivals and festivals on the southwest side of Chicago. Saint Clair of Montifalco Catholic Parish located on West 54th Street and South Washtenaw Avenue in Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood, was one of My favorite places to visit in June of any year, to have some local night time fun at their annual summer carnival event.

Just remember folks...
"Eddie's Railfan Page, is fueled by happy memories". It's not just railroad stuff here.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A special end of the year message from Eddie K.

Eddie K hosting "Kiddieland Memories" at the Melrose Park Public Library. Melrose Park Illinois USA. Saturday, August 6th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello once again everyone!

This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

First and most important of all...I want to thank each and everyone of the many viewers at My blogsite Eddie's Railfan Page, for a really wonderful 2011. Thanks for all the helpful comments, personal accounts, memories that You shared with Me, and all of the wonderful and very valuable support. You are always an inspiration behind My posting stories and photos at this local Chicago area transportation blogsite.

A very inspiring thing that happened for Myself in 2011, were all of the many opportunities that opened up for Me on sometimes short notice, to host public speaking /photo and video presentations at many local Chicago area suburban libraries. 2011 has been a very active year for this activity, with a record "Six" bookings through the course of the year. Wow!

My Saturday February 5th 2011 show at the Jefferson Park Public Library in Chicago was nothing less than a miracle, as I was booked just 4 days after the entire Chicago area was buried under a record 20.9 inches of heavy snow, in the wake of the Tuesday, February 1st Chicago Blizzard of 2011. Believe it ir not...12 people actually showed up with nowhere to walk outside, let alone park a car.

The August 6th show at the Melrose Park Public Library, was an excelent experience. I met several members of the Melrose Park Historical Society here, and enjoyed sharing photos, videos and stories about Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park that closed after 81 years in 2009.

The many postings, facts that were shared and learned, the fun research projects, and the many nice people I have met through Eddie's Railfan Page in 2011, made this a very happy year for Myself, My Wife, Family and Friends, all contributed to a great year here in 2011.

Thank You for everything!
You are a great on line audience.

Happy New Year from Eddie's Railfan Page!
See You again soon in 2012 with more great subject matter and slideshow appearances to come.

Thanks everyone!
Eddie K.

The Sabre Room banquette hall sign on West 95th Street. Hickory Hills Illinois. December 1982.

The Sabre Room banquette hall sign on West 95th Street. Hickory Hills Illinois. December 1982., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Helo everyone!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page, from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

Well folks, it's the end of the year time once again, and memories of the annual Live Holiday Dinner Shows at the Sabre Room in southwest suburban Hickory Hills come to mind for Myself.

During the early to mid 1980's, My family and I would enjoy a pleasant December afternoon live dinner variety stage show here over a good meal.

This photo of the landmark Sabre Room neon sign, was taken way back in December of 1982. We are facing west on West 95th Street, just east of Kean Avenue.

Todays "Glut" of strip malls and luxury condominiums along West 95th Street through here, were still a few years away yet as seen in this early 1980's photo.

One of My happiest memories of the seasonal holiday shows here at the Sabre Room, was that one year...they had a young man playing an upright piano, and performing several songs by the 1950's rock and roll music star Jerry Lee Lewis. Aside from the Jerry Lee Lewis tunes, He also performed songs from The Big Bopper and other music stars from the early rock and roll era.

He was actually very good too.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Hesston Steam Museum Narrow Gauge railroad

I spotted this video on You Tube this morning.

One of My all time favorite railroad museums that I enjoy visiting here in the midwest, is The Hesston Steam Museum. This operating steam powered narow guage railroad museum is located in the town of Hesston Indiana, just east of Michigan City, and just a few miles south of the state line border at New Buffalo Michigan.

This little 2 foot narrow guage 2-4-2 coal burning steam locomotive based on late 1800's era design, originally pulled steam trains around the perimeter of Chicago's Brookfield Zoo during the 1970's until the end of all zoo railroad operations in 1985. After 17 years in storage, this locomotive and two others along with several open bench coaches from the former rookfield, Salt Creek & Western Railroad, (Brookfield Zoo's railroad.) were officially donated to The Hesston Steam Museum in 2002.

For more information about The Hesston Steam Museum, log on to www.hesston.org

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this photo at My Link page for The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Ilinois USA. wwww.irm.org

Many photos that were taken over the years of electric city streetcars in citties like Chicago and many other places, most often are exterior photos of the cars either at terminals, carbarns, or traveling down city streets. Interior views are sometimes hard to come by.

Seen here on the IRM webpage in a section entitled "Members Photo Albums", is a nice reference interior photo taken inside restored Chicago Surface Lines car # 1374, iwch was built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1906.

This car operated in daily Chicago transit service until 1945, when it was demoted to a maintenance work service car and wintertime salt spreader.

After many years of hard work and restoration, this car now travels operates along the museum's circular trolley loop. This car demonstrates how it looked and felt like riding aboard Chicago's electric powered city streetcars many years ago.

In the years before grafitti and vandalism began to plaque many transit agencies equipment, varnished interior wood work was a definate symbol of civic pride.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I spotted this historic black and white late 1960's era Chicago railroad photograph at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

With a close relationship to the Missouri Pacific Railroad as indicated by the MP "Buzz Saw" style circular logo on the side of the cab, photographer Owen Leander photographed this Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroady EMD model GP 7 roadswitcher passing through far southeast suburban Dolton Illinois on December 8th, 1968.

The Chicago & Eastern Illinois, was a favorite amongst Chicago area railfans in the far south and southeast suburbs many years ago.

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page with a community news bulletin reminder.

Please mark Your calendar!

On Saturday, February 25th, 2012, I will be hosting a photo slideshow and lecture presentation at the Hillside Public Library from 1:00 until 3:00 PM entitled
"When Chicago Rode The Streetcars And Other Rail Subjects"!
The Hillside Public Library, is located at 405 Hillside Avenue in west suburban Hillside Illinois. Admission is free.

If You or someone You know, grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in June of 1958. Then You won't want to miss this historic photo presentation of Chicago during the electric streetcar era, wich is set to authentic historic period music ranging from Ragtime Piano, Dixieland Jazz, and 1940's era Big Band Standards.

See the city of Chicago as it once was prior to 1958.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Fire truck. Elmwood Park IL. March 2009.

This video is going out today, for all of the readers here at Eddie's Railfan Page who enjoy police, fire or other public service vehicles.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in March of 2009.

An ariel ladder truck from the Elmwood Park Illinois Fire Department, is viewed heading northbound on North 74th Court in Elmwood Park, responding to a local emergency call.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad switching local. December 2011.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad switching local. December 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

My train shown here, is reanacting a scene from My youth when I was growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1970's.
My train, is representing one of the many switching locals that I used to see, on the former Illinois Central Iowa Division Mainline one mile south f where I used to live in Chicago.

This is how the early 1972 merger era Illinois Central Gulf switching locals used to look like sometimes. Occasionally, former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio motive power or cabooses were assigned to these as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Metra local commuter train at twilight. Northbrook Illinois USA. October 2011.

Northbound Metra local commuter train at twilight. Northbrook Illinois USA. October 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently at twilight.

Seen here at nightfall, is a northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train, arriving at the Northbrook Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page!

Chicago Transit Authority Canadian Flyer transit bus. July 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!
Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page, from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

This will be the last bus day posting for 2011.

I took this photo, way back in July of 1986.

Seen here at the CTA Chicago city limits bus terminal loop on West 115th Street and South Springfield Avenue in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood adjacent to south suburban Alsip Illinois, is a 1983 CTA Flyer of Canada transit bus.

During the mid 1980's, the Chicago Transit Authority had assigned these buses to the CTA Route # 52A South Kedzie bus line.

Prior to the opening of the CTA orange line rapid transit and bus terminal at South Kedzie Avenue and West 49th Street in the fall of 1993, the Route # 52A South Kedzie line terminated at West 63rd Place and South Kedzie Avenue to the north, and West 115th Street and South Springfield Avenue to the south shown here.

In the background, was the "Last" farm inside the Chicago city limits. Today, this is now part of the Chicago School For Agricultural Sciences.

Happy memories!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Trolleybuses in an ice storm

I spotted this unique electric trolleybus video from the city of Dayton Ohio this morning on You Tube.

Chicago and many other citties in North America, once operated a network of electric powered trolleybus routes. While electric powered trolleybuses did not last in citties like Chicago Illinois, Milwaukee Wisconsin, New Orleans Louisiana, Denver Colorado, or Los Angeles California...Citties like Dayton Ohio, Philadelphia Pennsylvania and Seatle Washington, had good luck with them and decided to continue operating them today.

This video, shows a very unique side to electric trolleybus operations.

Wintertime, is a very unkind season when it comes to operating public transit equipment utilizing overhead wires. Sleet and ice have to be frequently scraped off of the wires.
This video shows two Miami Valley Transit Authority (Dayton Ohio) electric trolleybuses, operating during a brutal December 1999 winter ice storm one night.

Sparks flying off of the overhead trolley wires and spring loaded roof top trolley poles, are a part of electric trolleybus operation that many people do not get to experience.

I did growing up in Chicago during the 1960's and early 1970's era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

BTW, those overhead trolley wires are energized at 600 volts DC.

The CTA turn around loop at North Halsted Street and west Belmont Avenue. Chicago Illinois. september 2006.

The CTA turn around loop at North Halsted Street and west Belmont Avenue. Chicago Illinois. september 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in September of 2006.

Seen here is the east terminal bus loop facility, for the Chicago Transit Authority's Rt # 77 Belmont Avenue bus line, located just east of the intersection of West Belmont Avenue and North Halsted Street in Chicago Illinois USA.

CHBM Moving Day, Part 1

I spotted this video, of this vintage collection of transit buses owned by the Chicago Historic Bus Museum on You Tube this morning.

This privately owned collection of vintage transit buses, are viewed being moved to their then new home in Aurora Illinois, after having to vacate their former storage location in Chicago Ridge Illinois a few years ago.

I spotted this photo on the internet this morning.

A famous and very colorful bus, is this 1957 Chevrolet school bus that was used
for the 1970's era Television Sitcom "The Partridge Family. The Partridge Family
television show, aired from 1970 until 1974.

Although I was not a big fan of this particular TV show, I actually did enjoy seeing this classic 1950's era former school bus, wearing a bright, artistic if not "Tacky" color scheme.

I spotted this really unique bus photo at My Link page Northern California Bus Fans.Com, located to the right of Your computer screen at www,norcalbusfans.com

Flxible, is a United States bus manufacturer from Loudenville Ohio USA. For many
years, Chicago and many other citties in North America, employed their 1960's and 70's era "New Look" fishbowl windshield buses on their respective transit fleets.

Flxible's new look fishbowl windshield transit buses, competed side by side with the rival General Motors TDH new look fishbowl windshield buses, wich were introduced in 1959. Flxible's new look buses came in a variety of sizes, as exemplified by the example shown here.

Wearing a very colorful and uniqque livery, is this Flxible mini transit bus for a company known as Sun Tran in the city of Tuscon Arizona USA.

This photo was taken way back in 1981.

21 years of Chicago Surface Lines equipment and technology at the Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. June 2001.

21 years of Chicago Surface Lines equipment and technology at the Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. June 2001., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Before there was the Chicago Transit Authority, there was a streetcar and motor bus operating transit company in Chicago, that was known as the Chicago Surface Lines Company.

The CSL began operations in the city of Chicago Illinois in the year of 1914, and was in business until being purchased by the "New" Chicago Transit Authority agency in 1947.

Seen here at the Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois, is a unique side by side comparison of CSL equipment .

To the right is a 1944 White gasoline powered transit bus, while to the left is a restored 1923 Brill electric streetcar.

These wonderful CSL examples, are operated for visiting patrons at The Illinois Railway Museum.

First Transit Ford paratransit bus # 5390. Glenview Illinois USA. October 2011.

First Transit Ford paratransit bus # 5390. Glenview Illinois USA. October 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo at work one morning recently, back in October of 2011.

Seen here is My assigned Ford paratransit mini bus # 5390. This bus was photographed at 6:45 AM around sunrise, during My mandatory pre trip inspection prior to the day's run.

I am currently pursuing a career as a Paratransit Driver, and I enjoy it very much.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Coming soon to the Brookfield Public Library! "Remembering Chicago'sHistoric Amusement Parks Of The Past!" Saturday, January 28th, 2012from 1:00 until 3:00 PM!

Adventureland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Addison Illinois USA. 1961 - 1977., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Brookfield Public Library located at 3609 Grand Boulevard in west suburban Brookfield Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian Edward Kwiatkowski to the
library on Saturday, January 28th, 2012.

Edward Kwiatkowski, who is also known as Eddie K, the host and photographer of
the internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com,
will be hosting a photo slideshow about Chicago's historic amusement parks of
the past in the library's downstairs meeting room from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

If You could remember places like the historic and long gone Riverview Park
in Chicago, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Playland Park in unincorporated
Justice Illinois, or Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois...then
You most certainly would not want to miss this historic and nostalgic presentation
about Chicago's long gone amusement parks of the past.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.
Admission is free.

Illinois Terminal # 415 departing Barn # 8 Stop.

I photographed this digital live sound video, during My Friday, July 3rd, 2009 visit to
The Illinois Railway Museum located in the town of Union Illinois USA.

Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight interurban streetcar #415, is viewed departing the Barn #8 stop on the museum's shuttle trolley loop, that circles the grounds.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December2011.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's, 70's and 80's era.

A railroad I fondly remember from the southwest side of Chicago, was the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. I lived approximately one mile north of the ICG's former Illinois Central RR Iowa Division Mainline, and the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio RR line south of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

The Illinois Central Gulf, was created from the August 10th 1972 merger of the Illinois Central, and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroads.

Seen here on the club layout in west suburban Oak Park Illinois, is My Life Like Proto 2000 EMD SW 9 yard switcher wearing pre 1967 Illinois Central colors and markings, and My recently purchased Centrailia Car Shops model of a former Illinois Central RR side door caboose, wearing the post 1972 Illinois Central Gulf colors and markings.

I used to see these unique and colorful ICG locomotive and caboose combinations when I was growing up on the southwest side of Chicago during the early 1970's.

My two models, represent how a typical ICG switching local operating as a caboose hop,as it would have looked like way back in 1973 or so.

Thanks.
Eddie K

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this historic old 1950's era photo from Chicago's Riverview Park on the internet recently.

The greater Chicagoland area, once had many seasonal amusement parks to visit.
Riverview Park, located on the northside of Chicago, was one of those places, and the rides apparently were not that expensive to enjoy.

Seen here, are Riverview Park employees, operating what apears to be the Silver Flash roller coaster at the boarding station.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Metra early morning local arriving in Glenview Illinois. December 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Metra early morning local arriving in Glenview Illinois. December 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning on My way to work, back in December of 2010.

The southbound Metra / milwaukee District north line 5:40 AM local, is viewed arriving at the north suburban Glenview Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

Eastbound Canadian National transfer train. North Riverside Illinois. December 2007.

Eastbound Canadian National transfer train. North Riverside Illinois. December 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Merry Christmas everyone from Eddie's Railfan Page!

Bringing You seasonal holiday cheer to all, from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The West 71 Street / Indiana Harbor Belt railroad crossing. Bridgeview Illinois. August 2007.

The West 71 Street / Indiana Harbor Belt railroad crossing. Bridgeview Illinois. August 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

An era of long train delays is coming to an end on West 71st Street in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

Yes, the sun is finally setting on many years of backed up traffic conjestion due to many long and slow moving transfer trains traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt rail line, at the West 71st Street railroad crossing, as a new underpass viaduct is now under construction at this location just west of South Harlem Avenue.

Pere Marquette 1225 leaving Owosso in snow

I found this video of preserved former Pere Marquette Railroad 2-8-4 Lima Locomotive Works built 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam locomotive # 1225 on You Tube.

This 1940's era heavy freight service steam locomotive, is viewed pulling a winter snow train excursion out of Owosso Michigan.

I found this historic 1960's era black and white photo from the Belt Railway of Chicago at My Link Page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

Photographer J.R Quin, snapped this photo of Belt Railway of Chicago Alco (American Locomotive Company) model S 6 yard switcher # 420, at the west end of the BRC Clearing Yard locomotive shops, in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois during
the year of 1964.

Although the American Locomotive Company had went out of business in 1969, locomotive # 420 shown here, actually stayed on the BRC roster until 1999, when
this locomotive and the remaining mid 1960's era BRC Alco Century Series heavy
roadswitcher locomotives were finally retired.

CTA arrival at South Boulevard. Evanston Illinois. Feb 3rd, 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in early February of 2011.

The date is Thursday, February 3rd 2011.
It is a couple of days now after the infamous Chicago blizzard of February 1st, 2011, dumped a record 20.9 inches of heavy lake effect snow on the entire Chicago area.

A northbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line rapid transit train enroute to nearby Wilmette Illinois, is viewed making a morning sttion stop at South Boulevard station alongside Chicago Avenue, in north suburban Evanston Illinois.

Westbound Auto Rack train. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

Westbound Auto Rack train. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, in early November of 2011.

A slow moving westbound Auto Rack train, is viewed passing the Scott Street railroad crossing in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, and entering the nearby Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road Bensenville Yard.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this photo on the internet recently.

This night time photo was taken during the 1950's and 60's era, inside Chicago's long gone Riverview Park amusement park.

Many older relatives often told Me of what a nice place Riverview Park was to visit during the summertime, and judging by this photo...I can see just why. Apparently, the midway at Riverview Park, was a magical place to be.

I was only 5 years old when Riverview Park had closed for good at the end of Labor Day weekend in early September of 1967...but the many stories and first hand accounts that many people have told Me,plus the photos on the internet, give Me an idea of what a special place Riverview Park really was here in Chicago.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

1986 new car billboard. (long gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. December 1985.

1986 new car billboard. (long gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. December 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this vintage billboard promoting a typical end of the year new car sales pitch, way back in December of 1985.

This local billboard, was located along the east side of South Kedzie Avenue near West 60th Street, in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago.

Ah yes, a precious advertising momento from the mid 1980's on the southwest side of Chicago back in the day.

Former Milwaukee Road EMD MP-15AC working at the CP Rail Bensenville Yard. Bensenville Illinois. January 2007.

Former Milwaukee Road EMD MP-15AC working at the CP Rail Bensenville Yard. Bensenville Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in January of 2007.

Seen here from alongside adjacent Green Street in northwest suburban Bensenville Illinois, is a former Milwaukee Road EMD MP 15 diesel yard switcher locomotive, spotting cars at the car repair shop.

This photo was taken at the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road Bensenville Yard, near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Canadian Pacific and CSX motive power. Bensenville Yard. Bensenville / Franklin Park Illinois. Early February 2008.

Canadian Pacific and CSX motive power. Bensenville Yard. Bensenville / Franklin Park Illinois. Early February 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page, from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

I took this photo back in February of 2008.

The greater Chicagoland area, was in the process of digging out from a recent heavy lake effect snowstorm. Still...it's just railroad business as usual at the Canadian Pacific Bensenville Yard near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

This photo was taken from alongside adjacent Green Street, in near northwest suburban Bensenville Illinois.

Seasons Greetings to all from Eddie's Railfan Page.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

One of My favorite railroads that I had grown up with in Chicago during the 1970's and 80's, was the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

This railroad, was created from the August 10th, 1972 merger of the Illinois Central, and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad. For many years after the merger,
locomotives and color schemes from the previous railroad companies would roll
through town on any given ICG freight train.

This photo is from My Link Page Fallen Flags.Org, and the location is listed as
being East St. louis Illinois. This photo was taken in May of 1975.

H.O steam freight train run by.

I photographed this digital live sound video recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Seen here, is My used Athearn U.S.R.A light 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive, pulling a string of modern box cars and cabooses, operating as an imaginary steam freight extra on the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. I had just recently equipped this locomotive with an inexpensive MRC sound decoder.

Now while the real ICG would proboubly have never done a thing like this back in the 1970's and 80's, It is fun to imagine that this old Baldwin circa 1918 steam locomotive was recently restored, and was making a break in run.

Imagination plays an important role in model railroading.
It just wouldn't be fun without it.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Hobby City. 6910 West Cermak Road. Berwyn Illinois USA. In business at this location from 1982 - 2011. Goodbye.

Hobby City. 6910 West Cermak Road. Berwyn Illinois USA. In business at this location from 1982 - 2011. Goodbye., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

2011 unfortunately saw the closing of a popular local hobby shop in west suburban Berwyn Illinois known as Hobby City.

The store's owners Bill and Carol, operated this charming little hobby store at 6910 West Cermak Road in Berwyn, from 1982 until 2011. Although I miss shopping here, Bill and Carol are enjoying a much deserved retirement, and are now taking the time to travel, see and enjoy America.

Thank You for many happy memories.

Eddie K.

WW&F Southbound Train

I spotted this video on You Tube.

A popular and quaint narrow guage tourist railroad in the east coast region of North America, is the recreated Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington 2 foot guage railroad operating out of Sheepscot Maine USA.

This little purpose built Forney 0-4-4T steam locomotive, originally worked on a
sugar cane plantation in the state of Louisiana during the early 1900's era.
Today it pulls little micro passenger trains in the state of Maine, wich once
had a large network of 2 foot track guage railroads prior to "The Great Depression" during the 1930's.

Coming soon to the Lyons Public Library! "Kiddieland Memories"! Saturday, March 24th 2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. Hosted by Eddie K from the internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Kiddieland Amusement Park. ( Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!
This is Eddioe K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Please mark Your calendars!

On Saturday, March 24th,2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, I will be hosting a musical photo slideshow presentation at the Lyons Public Library. The Library is located at 4209 Joliet Avenue, in west suburban Lyons Illinois.

The theme of My presentation, is "Remembering Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks Of The Past"!

Aside from a new photo slideshow video I am currently putting together, due to many requests...I will also be showing My homemade musical photo slideshow entitled "Kiddieland Memories", wich features photos and videos taken at Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois from 2006, until the park had closed in September of 2009.

This will be a fun event and We hope to see You there!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

An ariel view of the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard looking west from West 69th Street and South Central Avenue. Bedford Park llinois USA. Circa 1920's.

An ariel view of the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard looking west from West 69th Street and South Central Avenue. Bedford Park llinois USA. Circa 1920's., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This rare historic 1920's era ariel photo, was E Mailed to Me recently by Mr Robert Pitunjac, of the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago.

This photo was proboubly taken from an airplane that had just either departed from , or was on arrival to the Chicago Municipal Airport.

Seen here just below, is the huge Belt Railway Of Chicago Clearing Yard facility, wich occupies land in both Chicago, and adjacent southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois.

Today Clearing Yard, is one of Chicago's largest freight railroad terminals. Freight trains from several railroads originate, terminate or pass through here daily.

Thank You
Robert.

Eddie K.

Northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train blocking Shermer Road. Northbrook Illinois USA. October 2011.

Northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train blocking Shermer Road. Northbrook Illinois USA. October 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2011, in north suburban Northbrook Illinois USA.

A northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, is viewed making the station stop along Shermer Road in downtown Northbrook around twilight.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. August 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

There is nothing quiete as happy, as seeing a favorite memory of Yours when You were growing up, rolling around on a model train club layout.

These old orange side door cabooses from the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, were indeed a favorite of mine when I was growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago Illinois, during the 1970's and 80's.

I just recently purchased one of these in H.O Scale, from a company known as Centrailia Car Shops.

The Thunderer by John Philip Sousa

I found this rather Patriotic video on You Tube recently.

During the course of My researching Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past
for My upcoming public speaking engagements....I discovered that many of the
songs one would hear playing on the mechanical band organ music machines
found on the merry go round rides, were actually compositions from the famous
American music composrer John Phillip Sousa. ( 1854 - 1932)

John Phillip Sousa wrote many styles of music including ballads and operettas,
but discovered that spirited marches were His true calling. During the late
1800's and early 1900's Patriotic marches and Ragtime music were the big musical
craze of the era. Needless to say, the branches of the United States Military
absolutely loved Him and His works.

John Phillip Sousa toured Europe and North America, and could have proboubly
been considered the 1800's equivalent of a big rock and roll / pop star due
to His phenominal fame and contributions to music at the time.

In this video, The United States Marine Cor Band, is viewed performing John
Phillip Sousa's famous march known as "The Thunderer", at His gravesite in
the Congressional Cemetery in Washington D.C USA, during His Birthday one year.

The stone monument shaped like a rounded bench at the edge of the road, is John
Phillip Sousa's grave site.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Current BNSF and past A,T & S,F covered hoppers. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Current BNSF and past A,T & S,F covered hoppers. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I was definately in the right place at the right time, when I took this photo of an eastbound BNSF Railway transfer train, entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard from the West 68th Street wye junction connection.

Short covered hopper cars from the current BNSF Railway and the pre 1995 predescessor
railroad Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe...are viewed coupled together on this freight train.

What are the chances of that ever happening?

Big things are happening already for 2012 here at Eddie's Railfan Page!

On Saturday, February 25th 2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, I will be hosting
a public speaking / photo slideshow event at the Hillside Public Library.

I will be hosting an event entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars, and
other rail subjects", in the downstairs meeting room. Admission is free.

If You were one of the many people who grew up in Chicago prior to the end
of CTA electric streetcar operations in June of 1958, or know someone who did...
then You won't want to miss this fun and nostalgic presentation about the history
of public transportation in the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

The Hillside Public Library is located at 405 Hillside Avenue, in west suburban
Hillside Illinois. This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

P.S....Please bring Your memories!

E B Metra local departs Park Ridge IL. Feb 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one evening after work, back in February of 2009.

With bitterly cold falling outdoor temperatures, an eastbound Metra commuter local, departs from the Park Ridge Metra commuter rail station enroute to the Richard B. Ogilvie Transporation Center in downtown Chicago Illinois.

Nothbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. February 2007.

Nothbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. February 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on location at Hawthorne Junction one evening, during that notorious Chicago deep freeze back in February of 2007.

With a sharp wind blowing out of the west , and an outside temperature reading of eight degrees above zero Farenheight...I braved the extreme cold and falling temperatures to capture this image of Chicago winter railroading.

A northbound BNSF Railway 2 locomotive light engine movement, is viewed traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, returning light to the nearby BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in west suburban Cicero Illinois at sunset.

I headed back to My car after this photo, as it was getting dangerously cold outside.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Metra commuter local preparing to depart Brookfield Illinois. December 2006.

Westbound Metra commuter local preparing to depart Brookfield Illinois. December 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one morning back in December of 2006.

A westbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Aurora Illinois, prepares to depart from the Brookfield Illinois Metra commuter rail station at Prairie Avenue.

under the double eagle

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Big things are happening in the near future here at My blogsite, as I
have recieved numerous offers to host more musical photo slideshows at
several local Chicago area public libraries.

I am so excited about the recent offers to host programs about Chicago's
Historic Amusement Parks of the Past, as well as My own "Kiddieland Memories"
musical photo slideshow...Man! I can just hear the music on the midway now!

I spotted this video on You Tube a few days ago.

Seen here is a preserved and loveingly restored mechanical music machine found
on the carousel rides in amusement parks and traveling carnivals many years ago.
This particular example, was manufactured by a company known as Wurlitzer. This
company is famous for it's fine line of elaborate Pipe Organs and later Juke Boxes.
The music machine shown here, was known as a Band Organ.

The song, is a patriotic marching band song from the turn of the century entitled
"Under the double eagle".

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Coming soon to the Brookfield Public Library! Remembering Chicago's Amusement Parks Of The Past! Saturday, January 28th 2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM!

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Brookfield Public Library located at 3609 Grand Boulevard in west suburban Brookfield Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian Edward Kwiatkowski on Saturday, January 28th, 2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM in the downstairs meeting room.

Mr Kwiatkowski who also is known on the internet as Eddie K, is the host and photographer of the internet site Eddie's Railfan Page http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Eddie will be presenting an historical musical photo slidesow presentation entitled
"Remembering Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks of the past"!

If You could remember the once many Chicago area amusement parks like Riverview Park in Chicago, Playland Park in unincorporated Justice Illinois, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, or the recently closed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois...then You won't wamt to miss this nostalgic presentation.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Admission is free.

Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha. Glenview IL. Feb 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in February of 2009.

The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, passes through The Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station on a dry, cold and windy morning, in early February of 2009.

The corner of West 95th Street and South kedzie Avenue during the Christmas Holiday Season. Evergreen Park Illinois. December 1988.

The corner of West 95th Street and South kedzie Avenue during the Christmas Holiday Season. Evergreen Park Illinois. December 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in December of 1988.

During the 1980's before I eventually bought My first car, I used to enjoy traveling to the southwest suburban town of Evergreen Park Illinois, via the Chicago Transit Authority's Route # 52A / South Kedzie Avenue bus line.

During the 1980's, they used to rig up this lighted overhead Christmas tree decoration over the intersection, of South Kedzie Avenue and West 95th Street.

The Christmas holiday season was always pleasant in the village of Evergreen Park Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Indiana Harbor Belt RR transfer train. Argo Junction. Summit Illinois USA. December 1990.

Northbound Indiana Harbor Belt RR transfer train. Argo Junction. Summit Illinois USA. December 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in December of 1990.

A northbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train, is seen passing through the crosstracks at Argo Junction, located in southwest suburban Summit Illinois USA.

In a few moments, the slow moving train wil soon be crossing the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, on it's way north to Schiller Park Illinois.

Kiddieland Amusement Park in December of 2007.

Kiddieland Amusement Park in December of 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

Happy Holidays from Eddie's Railfan Page.

I took this photo a few years ago, back in December of 2007.

A much talked about subject here in the greater Chicagoland area, was the former Kiddieland Amusement Park in northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois.

Kiddieland was located at the northwest corner of First and North Avenues, and provided seasonal amusement park fun from 1928 until the park closed in September of 2009.

Some people weren't aware of it, but every year...Kiddieland would rent out space in the east parking lot alongside First Avenue to a traveling live Christmas tree salesman from late November until Christmas.

The park was closed for the Winter season in December, but You could still go to Kiddieland to purchase a live Christmas tree sold in the east parking lot.

Today, the old Kiddieland site, is now a large Costco wholesale warehouse club store.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Union Pacific extra. Mount Prospect Illinois.

I photographed this digital live sound video this past January, on location at the Mount Prospect Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

Freight trains are sometimes a rare sight on the normally commuter train only Metra / Union Pacific Railroad northwest line to Harvard Illinois, but sometimes when You least expect them to...they sometimes actually do show up.

This short eastbound Union Pacific local freight with two EMD GP 15 light roadswitchers, a single box car, and a former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad bay window caboose, is viewed passing through the station on a cold and overcast Winter morning in January of 2011.

Northbound Chicago, South Shore And South Bend train passing through. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Northbound Chicago, South Shore And South Bend train passing through. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past October.

Seen here on the railroad embankment at East 99th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue, is a northbound Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad electric interururban commuter train, enroute to Chicago's Milenium Park station in downtown Chicago Illinois USA.

This historic black and white photo from the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad , was taken at the C,B & Q's own Clyde Yard locomotive teminal near the intersection of West 31st Street and South Ogden Avenue, in the west suburban village of Cicero Illinois.

When the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, the Spokane Portland & Seatle, The Great Northern, and the Northern Pacific all merged on March 2nd 1970 to officially become the Burlington Northern Railroad, there were still many former C,B & Q locomotives rolling around in the 1950's era black and gray C,B & Q "Blackbird" color scheme.

This photo from the Dennis Schmidt collection at My Link Page Fallen Flags.Org, is listed as being photographed on March 23rd, 1970 sometime after the merger.

During the early 1970's while many people were watching "The Brady Bunch" on television, I was watching the former C,B & Q locomotives in the 1950's black and gray, and the 1960'sred and gray color scheme whenever I would pass Clyde Yard in My family's 1971 Plymouth Scamp 2 door car. I recall that some of these would be seen here until at least 1974 in their original C,B & Q color schemes.

Yes,the BN Clyde Yard in west suburban Cicero Illinois, was a colorful place during the late 1960's and early 1970's era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Snowplowing with steam engine at Kroderbanen April 2009 Norway

I spotted this unique Wintertime steam train video of snowplowing in Norway, on the You Tube Channel this morning.

A rather petite 2-6-0 Mogul type steam locomotive, is viewed performing railroad M.O.W or "Maintenance Of Way" operations, by clearing the railroad right of way from a recent heavy snowstorm.

This video was photographed in the European country of Norway.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this historic photo of Chicago's long gone Riverview Park on the internet recently.

A popular ride on the amusement park's midway that incorporated speed, style and a touch of class, was Riverview's famous roller coaster ride known as "The Bob's".

The Bob's was rumored to be one of the world's fastest roller coasters back in the day. Those Roman or Greek Revival style architectural collums near the ride entrance, definately gave The Bob's a touch of class.

Union Pacific Railroad local freight. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011.

Union Pacific Railroad local freight. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last month, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois USA.

A Union Pacific Railroad local way freight, is viewed idling just west of the Wolf Road railroad crossing, on a sunny morning in November of 2011.

An orange International sewer maintenance truck. Morton Grove Illinois USA. Early August 2011.

An orange International sewer maintenance truck. Morton Grove Illinois USA. Early August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in early August of 2011.

An orange International sewer maintenance truck from the Morton Grove Department of Public Works, is viewed heading northbound on Illinois U.S Rt # 43 / Waukegan Road, innorth suburban Morton Grove Illinois USA.

Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page!

Catching the southbound CTA Route # 90 Harlem Avenue bus at the Harlem Irving Plaza. Norridge Illinois USA. Monday, July 11th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.