Itasca in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Milwaukee Road Locomotive Bell
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 16, 2025
1. Milwaukee Road Locomotive Bell Marker
The locomotive was built in March of 1910 by the American Locomotive Company (Alco) at their Brooks Locomotive Works in Dunkirk, New York. It was one of the F3 Class of 4-6-2 (Pacific-type) passenger locomotives, of which the Milwaukee Road owned 168.
When new, they were the premier passenger locomotives on the Road; many of them served as suburban commuter train engines right up to the end of steam locomotives in 1954.
In 1938, locomotive number 6168 was renumbered 197 and carried this number until her retirement in November 1954. The bell was discarded by the railroad at the Bensenville roundhouse, a common point of departure for locomotives bound for the scrappers.
The bell was donated to the Itasca Historical Society by Dr. John Fridlund in 2002.
Erected 2013.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad
this page online
Location. 41° 58.26′ N, 88° 1.165′ W. Marker is in Itasca, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is on Catalpa Avenue south of Irving Park Road (Illinois Route 19), on the right when traveling north. The bell and marker are on the campus of the Itasca Historical Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 North Catalpa Avenue, Itasca IL 60143, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Itasca Historical Depot (a few steps from this marker); The Itasca Depot (a few steps from this marker); 01839 Milwaukee Road (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Wood Dale Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Old Mill (approx. 2 miles away); Outbuildings (approx. 2.2 miles away); Four Square Garden (approx. 2.2 miles away); E.H. Dieke Barn (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Itasca.
Also see . . .
1. American Locomotive Company (Alco): History, Logo, Location.
Excerpt: "The American Locomotive Company, also known as Alco, at one time was one of the two preeminent locomotive builders in the country behind only Baldwin Locomotive Works. Of course, this was the days of steam(Submitted on October 17, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)locomotives and while Alco would eventually build more than 75,000 locomotives (most of which were steamers) its success in the diesel era was not quite as impressive."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 16, 20252. Milwaukee Road Locomotive Bell Marker
2. Milwaukee Road Archives. From the Milwaukee Public Library.
Excerpt: "Despite its financial difficulties, the Milwaukee was innovative. It pioneered long-distance electrification (656 route miles), construction of all-welded freight and passenger cars, and operation of high-speed intercity passenger trains. (The steam powered Hiawatha commonly ran over 100 mph.) The road employed thousands and touched millions during its operation its legacy continues today through the interests of hobbyists and historians alike."(Submitted on October 17, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 16, 2025
3. Locomotive 6168
A close-up of the photo included on the historical marker.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 16, 2025
4. Milwaukee Road Locomotive Bell Marker
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, October 16, 2025
5. Itasca Depot campus
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 16, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 17, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
