"All Aboard" at the West Chicago City Museum Offers Train Enthusiasts Opportunity to Explore the Role of Train Stations

West Chicago, Illinois: January 24, 2011 – While suburban Chicagoland train enthusiasts suffered a disappointing loss in bringing a magnificent steam engine train through West Chicago, Glen Ellyn, and several other communities in the You Route the Steam Contest sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad last week, there is still an opportunity to enjoy railroad history and artifacts at the West Chicago City Museum.

"All Aboard", a new exhibit at the Museum explores the history of West Chicago train stations and the important role they played as a communication center for the community. Historic photos, artifacts and a kid's play area are all part of this exhibit which runs through November 2011. The exhibit has a video component, a map for locating West Chicago depots, and some wonderful railroad artifacts.

Included in the exhibit is a great Lego model which measures about four feet long and depicts West Chicago's Chicago & North Western depot, now the Fox Community Center. Joe Ellenbecker spent three months putting approximately 3,500 pieces together! It will be on exhibit until May, with some occasional breaks in the schedule when Ellenbecker takes the model to hobby shows in the area.

The Museum, located at 132 Main Street in downtown West Chicago, is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. It has limited Saturday openings during winter months, but is open on February 12, 2011 and March 12, 2011 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact staff at (630) 231-3376.



photos courtesy West Chicago City Museum

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West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. It is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the City's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org