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.
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
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 |
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 |
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.
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
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1926
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1927
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1928
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1929
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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.
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1978 |
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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 |