Memories of Life in Downers Grove

Train Memories

Next Stop Downers Grove

History relates that prairie towns west of Chicago to Aurora, Illinois became the flourishing suburbs of today due to the services of the CB&O Railroad, now known as the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe. So trains are dear to Downers Grove and to me.

I remember my first trip into the "city" to go shopping with my aunt and uncle. Seated on highly varnished wooden benches in the red and white Downers Grove depot we waited for my uncle to purchase tickets. Soon after this important transaction (to an eight-year-old) the big steam locomotive arrived from the nearby roundhouse. It chugged and chugged noisily, ejecting lots of steam, activating a whistle-like clamor with bells ringing. Everyone was hurrying. The steady arm of the conductor guided me up the train steps and I was frightened by the steam hissing from somewhere under the wheels. Soon the conductor shouted "All Aboard," waved to the engineer and we were on our way to Fairview Avenue and points beyond. The big iron horse was in complete command as it chugged along building up steam to arrive at each scheduled destination. Finally we arrived at Union Station where there was a warehouse of trains. Many were seemingly ready for a rest and others were having their coaches tidied for another trip.

The "city" was awesome. People everywhere. Cars, street cars, and policemen on horses on most every street. Elevators in big department stores were fascinating and such a lot of food in the cafeteria, a place I didn't know existed. I was overwhelmed and began to anxiously anticipate the ride home.

My tired Aunt Em lamented that this afternoon train would probably make every stop. Uncle Henry, with his droll humor, cajoled, "It will stop at every fence post and if there's a hen's nest in between it will stop there, too." I thought he was funny. Aunt Em said, "Oh, Pa," and she resigned herself to a long ride home.

Watching the sights and the many activities of the busy conductor entertained me and time soon passed. We all welcomed the call of the conductor, "Next stop, Downers Grove!"

While going to school and over the years, we stood at the crossing gate under the watchful eyes of the watchmen. Grandpa Erickson was our favorite. As we stood there we saw through trains (cross-country), circus trains (exciting), troop trains (somber days), freight trains (long and slow) and the Zephyr, (the start of a new era!) The pioneer Zephyr trip, Denver to Chicago, 1,015 miles, was made in 785 minutes on May 26, 1934.

Now I reminisce to making the 6:56 a.m. every morning, Monday through Saturday, for eight years and three months while working in the general office of the Burlington and Quincy Railroad in "the city." It wasn't easy but at the time one was grateful for good employment and a free pass to ride the Burlington. It was a great experience and a lesson in work ethic. A lot of fun, too. Chicago is a great city, and vacations and the U.S. on those free passes were wonderful.

Wherever I went to work or on a fun trip, I welcomed that call of the conductor, "Next stop, Downers Grove!"

Agatha Pfaff Thiesse