Nostalgia & History > Late 60's derailment at Stillman Valley, Illinois

My first exposure to railroading was as a child, when my father took my brother and me to see a train derailment in Stillman Valley, Illinois. Unfortunately I don't know the date or even year or even which railroad it was. I am estimating it was probably late 1960's because I have pretty clear memories of torn up track and freight cars laying all over. The two railroads that ran through Stillman Valley were the Chicago Great Western and The Milwaukee Road. If I had to guess, I would say this occurred within a year or two of 1969 and was probably on the Milwaukee Road. I was wondering if any of you Chicago area guys have any info or pictures that would fit this description?


Thanks, Dave

Mark Llanuza photographed a MILW derailment in Stillman Valley in 1974, could this be it?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/7547061@N02/4747934816/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/7547061@N02/449505213/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/7547061@N02/447584655/

Erik



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/23/14 05:13 by trainboy03.

Thanks Erik. No, this would have been in the late 60's. I was born in 1963 so I'm thinking 1968/1969

Do you remember seeing wrecked autoracks w/ brand new Cadillacs strewn everywhere in the derailment site?
I've seen slides of that, from Mike Schafer, I believe, but can't remember the location for sure. I know that it was near Davis Jct so I'm thinking that might be the same derailment.