Steven Holding hardcover
The Illini Trail, explores the history and
operations of this long-abandoned, but fascinating line. Operating under
various corporate names—Illinois Valley Traction, Illinois Valley
Railway, Chicago Ottawa & Peoria, Illinois Valley Division of the
Illinois Traction System, Chicago & Illinois Valley—the line was
built in increments along the Valley. It eventually stretched from
Joliet to Princeton, making it one of the longest interurban routes in
the state.
Operating under the aegis of William McKinley and his
Illinois Traction System, the line was never able to build a substantial
freight traffic base and never achieved the level of prosperity of the
parent company. Over the years the line saw traditional heavyweight
arch-window interurban cars playing the route, later supplanted by more
economical lightweight equipment.
The Illini Trail chronicles the passenger and freight
operations and recounts the interurban’s struggle for survival from the
competition of the automobile, bus, and truck transport that ultimately
won out.
