The South Shore Line plans to celebrate the centennial of the electrification of the Illinois Central Railroad this month.
There will be old South Shore Line cars on display July 25 and 26 at Pullman National Historical Park to celebrate the milestone.
Before the Illinois Central, now Metra Electric District, was electrified in 1926, South Shore Line passengers had to transfer to Illinois Central trains at 111th Street to get to downtown Chicago.
The South Shore Line ordered new cars from the Pullman Company to be able to offer direct service to downtown, a major milestone in the railroad’s history. The South Shore Line switched from 6,600 AC to 1,500 DC to be compatible with the Illinois Central system.
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, which operates the South Shore Line, has partnered with Metra, Hesston Steam Museum and Cedar Lake Historical Association to display a newly refurbished passenger car fitted with interactive historical exhibits for the event.
“We are thrilled to partner with these organizations to celebrate a century of electrification,” said Nicole Barker, NICTD’s chief experience and engagement officer at the South Shore Line, in a news release. “This event is a fantastic opportunity for families, rail enthusiasts, and history buffs to step inside a piece of living history and see firsthand how our rail system shaped the communities we serve today.”
The Pullman Railroad Days event is open to the public. Visitors can tour the South Shore Line passenger car for free. Attendees are encouraged to explore the full array of activities offered throughout the historic Pullman neighborhood.
Information regarding the Pullman Railroad Days event, including scheduling and ticketing for other festival activities, is at friendsofpullman.com/special-events/.
NICTD created a YouTube video at https://tinyurl.com/3awc3ebe to show South Shore Line passengers how to get to Pullman National Historical Park by rail. Ride the South Shore Line to the 57th Street Station, then catch a southbound Metra train to the 111th Street/Pullman Station.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
