Welcome to the Chicago & North Western Historical Society!
In the First 2010 Issue of North Western Lines...
Editor's Notes:
Features
4 The Chicago & North Western in Kenosha, Wisconsin by Bob Baker
18 The Kenosha Depot by Bob Baker
36 Kenosha and the Auto Industry by Chris Keating
40 Subscription Cars on the C&NW by Joe Piersen
Seeing a new name in the masthead and a new photo here, you might be wondering, "Just who is this person in the C&NW world?"
"Well, uh ." Then I'm dashing off to hide behind the nearest SD40-2.
As most of you know, White River Productions is the leader in railway historical society periodicals. In the last two years, the three editors here have had a production hand in all the magazines generated from this office, and there are some advantages to this approach. But there are also challenges and disadvantages that have become magnified with our growth. In an effort to improve the overall effectiveness of what we do at WRP, a few minor adjustments seemed necessary.
To improve communications and to better handle submissions (electronically or otherwise), the time has come to assign each magazine a permanent production editor. As it pertains to North Western Lines, your editor, Kevin EuDaly, has appointed me to this production seat. And by the way, Kevin is still right here - about five steps from my desk - giving his approval and lending any assistance while finding the best ways to manage WRP's success.
For the past two years, I've been behind the scenes putting North Western Lines and the Newsliner insert together. Our goal is to continue to produce a high-quality magazine for the benefit of C&NWHS members and fans, and I'm honored to be a part of that process. From my perspective, reaching and exceeding that goal requires teamwork and mutual respect. I am confident in your ideas and suggestions, your research and resources, and your abilities and timeliness. (And to all of you, a sincere "thank you" for your time, effort, and assistance on both past and future editions.) Likewise, I'm confident in our editorial judgment to present not only well-written, edited text, but also the images that will complement and "best sell" the stories.
In bringing me to the forefront of the process, it usually means a few people are curious as to whether "the kid" knows the difference between a 4-8-4 and a Dash 9. So I guess along with the "handshakes" comes some sort of introduction (minus all the fluff).
I've always been fascinated by railroading. I'm a West Coaster (no apologies) with an interest in past and present Class Is and a few regional railroads. For 27 years I've contributed a fair amount of material to such magazines as Railroads Illustrated, the old Rail Classics, Railfan & Railroad and Trains. I've also contributed a few images to books and calendars. I was honored to be a part of a six-author team to work on The Complete Book of North American Railroading (released by Voyageur Press this past July).
My editorial background is in sports. I spent 14 years as a sports writer and editor working with a Seattle-based newspaper as well as with the Pro Athletes Outreach organization. Before moving to Kansas City to join the WRP team in December 2007, I worked 10 years in the retail world of model railroading. (I've dabbled in N scale for about 25 years.)
While I didn't grow up alongside Chicago & North Western rails, its diesel units wandered into the Pacific Northwest on many occasions. Needless to say, I tried to photograph as many as I could and thoroughly enjoyed shooting them in action when allowed to lead a power consist.
Beyond that, my family is my highest priority, and I'm grateful that they have an appreciation for railroading as well.
Turning our attention to this issue of North Western Lines, you'll see that we have a big splash on Kenosha, Wisconsin, which will be home to the 2010 Annual Meet.
Bob Baker has done a terrific job in putting together the main feature, and I know that hours were spent on writing the article and finding the best images after sorting through many. We were able to squeeze in a few extra shots with a six-page section dedicated to "Kenosha Snapshots."
Kenosha has a history in the auto industry, and Chris Keating has sent along a nice feature as well.
Finally we have Joe Piersen's piece on the Subscription Cars which were seen on the Chicago-Kenosha line. You'll see some of the names of those who regularly took the "million-dollar ride."
It is very likely we will have an additional feature or two on Kenosha in the next edition of North Western Lines. Also, be on the lookout for part 3 of Joe Piersen's Highland Park series. It has been bumped here to accommodate our Kenosha features. Blodgett will be the focus.
For now, enjoy this issue!
-Steve Jessup
NWL Production Editor
