(erielack) Railroad Museum Marks Anniversary

[Todd Hollritt <thollritt_@_yahoo.com>]

NORTH JUDSON - Twenty-five years ago, on Father's Day weekend, the Chesapeake & Ohio 2789 steam locomotive was on display for Mint Festival patrons. It had recently arrived in North Judson from Peru, Ind.

The Miami County Steam Locomotive Association decided to relocate at the end of the former Erie-Lackawanna railroad tracks near the location of three other former railroads, the New York Central, Pennsylvania, and Chesapeake & Ohio.

With no buildings, little track and a phone sitting on a cinderblock next to the telephone pole, volunteers decided to reorganize under the name Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.

Today, with nearly 300 members from around the world, the museum has many buildings including a replica of a C&O railroad depot and Grasselli Tower from the East Chicago area alongside miles of rail which were laid by volunteers. There is no charge to explore the museum.

Round-trip train rides aboard a vintage caboose, commuter coach or open-air car are available. Ten- and 20-mile excursions cross the Kankakee River at English Lake.

Fares begin at $5, and buying tickets in advance at www.hoosiervalley.org is recommended. The depot can be reached from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST Saturdays at 574-896-3950. 


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