1912 Chicago Aurora & Elgin Station

1912 Chicago Aurora and Elgin Station. . , Wheaton used to have two railroad lines. Riders on the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin electric interurban railroad used this station from 1912 until 1957. Designed by architect Horatio R. Wilson, the massive brick structure was between Liberty Drive and today's Prairie Path and replaced an outgrown 1902 wooden station immediately west of here. Wheaton commuters could reach downtown Chicago in 40 minutes on electric-powered trains that were faster, quieter, cleaner, and cheaper to ride than the steam railroads of the time., When built, the Wheaton station was called "one of the best provided by any interurban line in the U.S." The Wheaton newspaper wrote "It is a building of which the citizens of Wheaton may be justly proud, and the local traveling public is now provided with (a depot) of modern construction and conveniences.", The main entrance was from the south, along Liberty Drive where a wide set of concrete stairs led up to a terrace and three arched doorways. A decorative concrete balustrade ran around the elevated sides of the station. Inside were a ticket office, waiting room, men's and women's restrooms, a baggage room, offices, and a square open shelter area in the center. The steam-heated interior had oak woodwork and Morris tile flooring., After CA&E passenger service ended in 1957 the Wheaton station was rented for a time and then demolished in March 1966 and replaced with a parking lot. The Illinois Prairie Path now follows the track right-of-way of this once busy electric rail line., Site Marker Erected by the City of Wheaton Historic Commission, 2021. Mounted on a baluster from the original CA&E station located on this spot. The baluster was preserved and generously donated by Michael Bowen. Photo courtesy of Illinois Railroad Museum.