Grayslake's Railroad History to be Presented at New Heritage Center Exhibit

All Aboard: A History of Railroads in Grayslake, will be presented from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum at 164 Hawley St.

The new exhibit explores the role of the iron horse in the creation of Grayslake and its importance to local businesses and residents.

The railroads provided an economical and efficient means to transport agricultural, commercial and industrial products to and from the community as well as providing convenient transportation to passengers to and from Grayslake to jobs and recreation.

Two railway systems were prominent players in the development of Grayslake in the late 1800s and early 1900s: The Wisconsin Central Railway, later to become the Soo Line; and the Milwaukee Road, originally named the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway.

The exhibit includes rare images and artifacts from the collection of the Grayslake Historical Society, as well as items loaned by generous local collectors. A working model train, with a Soo Line engine and cars, will also be on display.

A time line will relate railroad history to Grayslake history.

Hands-on learning opportunities related to the history of the railroad will appeal to younger visitors. The exhibit will run through Feb. 23, 2013.

Information provided by the Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum and the Grayslake Historial Society.

From the Grayslake Historical Society Archives: Railroads in Grayslake