HOME | DD

Description
The Chicago Aurora & Elgin was one of the first high-speed interurbans (1902), and one of the last to go (passenger operations abandoned 1957, freight abandoned 1959, rails taken up 1962). It is also the first example of what later became known as a "Rails-to-Trails" project, in which an abandoned railway right-of-way is converted into a hiking/cycling trail, which is also useful as a linear nature preserve and utility corridor. Most of the old CA&E is still paralleled by power lines, indicating the interurbans' secondary function (after fast, frequent, convenient transportation), that of bringing electricity to rural areas.

The steel tower visible here is part of the CA&E's former power-transmission system, since converted to commercial use. It is near the site of the railroad's former power station in Batavia, along the Fox River. While the transmission line is interesting in itself, the real reason for this photograph is the wooden pole. Although primarily using a third rail for the 600VDC traction power, there were some places the CA&E used overhead trolley wire. This is the only remaining example (that I have found, anyway) of the support poles for that wire. Note that the diagonal support wire, the spacer arm, and the suspender bracket are all intact, even after 40 years of disuse.

Camera: Minolta Freedom EX (35mm automatic)
Film: Fujicolor Superia (ASA 800)
Date: Summer 2003

Description
The Chicago Aurora & Elgin was one of the first high-speed interurbans (1902), and one of the last to go (passenger operations abandoned 1957, freight abandoned 1959, rails taken up 1962). It is also the first example of what later became known as a "Rails-to-Trails" project, in which an abandoned railway right-of-way is converted into a hiking/cycling trail, which is also useful as a linear nature preserve and utility corridor. Most of the old CA&E is still paralleled by power lines, indicating the interurbans' secondary function (after fast, frequent, convenient transportation), that of bringing electricity to rural areas.

The steel tower visible here is part of the CA&E's former power-transmission system, since converted to commercial use. It is near the site of the railroad's former power station in Batavia, along the Fox River. While the transmission line is interesting in itself, the real reason for this photograph is the wooden pole. Although primarily using a third rail for the 600VDC traction power, there were some places the CA&E used overhead trolley wire. This is the only remaining example (that I have found, anyway) of the support poles for that wire. Note that the diagonal support wire, the spacer arm, and the suspender bracket are all intact, even after 40 years of disuse.

Camera: Minolta Freedom EX (35mm automatic)
Film: Fujicolor Superia (ASA 800)
Date: Summer 2003