PUBLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS
Blackhawk has published books and digital media, documenting local and historic railroads, although currently all of these are sold out. When available, these can be purchased through our Blackhawk Store.
In addition to our own publications, Blackhawk works with authors, publishers and the local press, providing historic documents and photo from our archives.
As an example of the type of documents we have in our archives, check out these scans of documents from the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern.
In addition to our own publications, Blackhawk works with authors, publishers and the local press, providing historic documents and photo from our archives.
As an example of the type of documents we have in our archives, check out these scans of documents from the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern.
Craig Burroughs Files
The Blackhawk Railway Historical Society has taken possession of the business-related files of pioneering shortline entrepreneur Craig Burroughs (b. 1942 - d. 2011) who developed several shortline railroads in the '70s and '80s as deregulation started to change the railroad environment. The railroads that Burroughs was associated with included: the Louisiana Midland, Erie Western, Columbus & Greenville, Prairie Trunk, and others.
As an example, Blackhawk received this letter and a donation from Brian Allison, Historian of Louisiana Midland Railway:
"Thank you (Bill Molony) and John Eagan for the Louisiana Midland Railroad (LOAM) files from the estate of Craig Burroughs. Just these files alone answered so many questions that I have had for many years. These files and many more will eventually be donated to the Louisiana State University of Shreveport, LA (Noel Library Archives) and to the LaSalle Parrish Historical & Genealogical Museum in Jena, LA."
As an example, Blackhawk received this letter and a donation from Brian Allison, Historian of Louisiana Midland Railway:
"Thank you (Bill Molony) and John Eagan for the Louisiana Midland Railroad (LOAM) files from the estate of Craig Burroughs. Just these files alone answered so many questions that I have had for many years. These files and many more will eventually be donated to the Louisiana State University of Shreveport, LA (Noel Library Archives) and to the LaSalle Parrish Historical & Genealogical Museum in Jena, LA."
Films
Remembering the EJ&E: The Blackhawk preserved a set of 16mm films of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern's complete right-of-way filmed in the early 1970s and had them transferred to DVD format. (View the sample clip above.)
Although at one time we offered these for sale, WE ARE CURRENTLY SOLD OUT and have no further plans to reissue these. Some copies are available through TrainVideoDepot.com
Although at one time we offered these for sale, WE ARE CURRENTLY SOLD OUT and have no further plans to reissue these. Some copies are available through TrainVideoDepot.com
|
BooksWorking with Arcadia Publishing, Society President Bill Molony and Cynthia Ogorek have authored the history of the Chicago & Western Indiana, with over 200 photographs of the railroad and the eight major railroads that used Dearborn Station from 1885 till Amtrak took over passenger service in 1971. Order your copy here.
Other original books Blackhawk has published include:
|
CD-ROMs
Blackhawk published a series of CD-ROMs with digital images of documents and photographs from our archives covering the following railroads:
- Chicago & Western Indiana
- Rock Island
- Elgin, Joliet & Eastern
Maps
Blackhawk reproduced a foldout copy of a 1948 map of the Chicago Terminal District.
Other Publication Projects
- Blackhawk provided archival photographs and historical information to author Gene Glendinning for his complete history of The Chicago & Alton Railroad
- Blackhawk has also provided material to recent books on Chicago's suburban railroad history and the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern
- Blackhawk members have written articles on local railroad subjects for a variety of national publications, including Trains Magazine, the NRHS Bulletin, and magazines for various railroad technical and historical societies
- Blackhawk officers and members have been quoted in articles about historic and contemporary railroad events in local area newspapers and radio stations