BLACKHAWK RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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ELGIN, JOLIET & EASTERN ARCHIVED DOCUMENTS

As a historical society, Blackhawk maintains an extensive and somewhat eclectic archive or documents and photos related to railroading and the railroad industry.  As this collection has amassed itself from numerous donations, it is always in a constant state of growth and reorganization.  However, if you are looking for something in particular, ask us...we just might have it and be able to find it.

We've scanned and shared these for those who are fans of the EJ&E, have an interest in past operations, or lived in that part of Joliet were the EJ&E was an integral part of the community.  In addition to the scans, we've assembled downloadable PDF files.  Simply click on the links to download.

1958 General Operating Procedures for East Joliet Yard

This recently discovered brochure on "General Operating Procedures for East Joliet Yard" was created by the Elgin, Joliet & Easter in 1958, and after a brief forward by railroad President T.D. Beven on the state of the railroad and the yard's importance, provides a brief overview of operations at this key point on the "J" and gives some insight on the train handling and the interchange practices of that time. 

When CN took over the EJ&E in 2009, they rapidly made substantial changes to the infrastructure and operations of East Joliet Yard, so many of the landmarks referenced in the brochure, are now gone
general_operating_procedures_for_east_joliet_yard.pdf
File Size: 22009 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Served by the "J"

Not only are operational documents important in telling the history of the railroad, but advertising materials are as well.  Here is a brochure produced for the EJ&E to encourage industrial development along their line. 
served_by_the_j.pdf
File Size: 2561 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


EJ&E Company Picnic Programs

The EJ&E would host an annual picnic near their East Joliet headquarters (in former interurban parks like Electric Park in Plainfield or Dellwood Park in Lockport) "in the interest of the Safety and Welfare of Employees and their families for the purpose of again calling attention to the intimate relation between SAFETY and HAPPINESS."  (From the 1929 souvenir program.)

The "J" would run special passenger trains and buses to transport employees from the eastern and northern ends of the railroad to bring employees and their families to the picnic.   

1917

ej_e_1917_picnic.pdf
File Size: 935 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

1926

ej_e_1926_picnic.pdf
File Size: 1070 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

ej_e_1926_picnic_safety_bulletin.pdf
File Size: 13765 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

1927

ej_e_1927_picnic.pdf
File Size: 909 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

1928

ej_e_1928_picnic.pdf
File Size: 4754 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

1929

ej_e_1929_picnic.pdf
File Size: 9981 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Time Tables

The time table is one of the most important documents used by all operating employees and is not only a list of scheduled trains, but also general and special rules that guide the movements of those trains and procedures to engage in case of specific emergencies.  

1965

1965_time_table.pdf
File Size: 8074 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

1978

1978_time_table.pdf
File Size: 17069 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


A History of the Early Development of a Regional Railroad

For the EJ&E's 100th anniversary in 1988, the railroad printed a book researched and authored by Al Auffart (1948-2019) who worked for the "J" in the Finance department, retiring in 2005 from Great Lakes Transportation as Assistant Vice President of Finance and Treasurer. 
e_j___e_history_of_early_development.pdf
File Size: 15527 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Contents © 2022 Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. - an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.  
The Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. is a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society  and  is not affiliated with the former Blackhawk Films or the ​Chicago franchise of the National Hockey League.  

Contact Us

  • Home
  • Schedule
  • About Us
    • Join Us
    • Newsletter
    • Meetings
    • Chicago Railroad History Month
    • Indiana Swap Meet and Program
    • 50th Anniversary Gallery
    • The Railroads of Will County >
      • Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
      • Chicago & Alton
      • Chicago & Eastern Illinois
      • Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
      • Elgin, Joliet & Eastern
      • Illinois Central
      • Michigan Central
      • The Milwaukee Road (CM&G/CTH&SE)
      • Wabash
      • Shortlines and Industrials
      • Proposed Railroads
      • Interurban Railroads
  • Projects
    • Chicago Railroad History Month
    • Depots >
      • Joliet >
        • History
        • Passenger
        • Railfan
        • UD Tower
      • Symerton
      • Lockport
    • Museums
    • Publications and Documents >
      • EJ&E Documents
    • Community
    • Equipment
  • Connections
    • Railroad History Partners
    • Local Railroad Attractions
    • Regional Museums & Heritage Railroads
    • Model and Garden Railroading
    • Operating Steam Locomotives
    • Today's Railroads >
      • Regional, Short Line and Industrial Railroads
    • Santa Trains
  • Store