Nostalgia & History > Brighton Park in Chicago

 When I took this photo my goal was to capture the operator's shack rather than the train. Here we have Soo Line 775 eastbound on the B&OCT with a train for Barr Yard. Today, 37 years later this area has changed dramatically-----gone are the semaphores, the shanty, Campbell's Soup factory, the locomotives and much more. In fact where I'm standing there's the CTA Orange Line overhead. Indeed, it was a cool place to visit way back when......

Photo taken on 5-9-82 Chicago, IL

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That is such a great photo on so many levels; the train, background, semaphores, etc. I wish I had known those semaphores were there that late. We not only preserve the train history with these photos; but the towns and cities as well. Thanks for posting.

Brian N.

briancdn Wrote:
. I wish I had
> known those semaphores were there that late.

The semaphores lasted until July 2 or 3, 2007. During the holiday weekend the entire crossing became a true interlocking!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/20/19 10:14 by ghemr.

What a great memory you are sharing!
Bob

I loved coming through here back in my CSX days.  We would sit for HOURS.  Always took a trip to the Burger king down the hill.

ghemr Wrote:
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>  When I took this photo my goal was to capture
> the operator's shack rather than the train. Here
> we have Soo Line 775 eastbound on the B&OCT with a
> train for Barr Yard.

Something else changed dramatically. Ten years before, that trains could only be going the the CJ. B&O interchange was delivered at Robey Street by the house job that then went to the freight house on 12th/Canal.

TAW

That's a wonderful picture. Love the Campbell's water (soup?) tower...

Lackawanna484 Wrote:
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> That's a wonderful picture. Love the Campbell's
> water (soup?) tower...

Used to be able to tell what soup was in production by the aroma in the neighborhood.

TAW

There is so much history of the area to see in that photo.  You really got a winner with that shot.

My first job out of college was as a sales rep. for an Illinois trucking company. The first big account that I was able to get for the company was that Campbell's Soup company plant in the picture. It turned into a great account. Thanks for bringing back some memories.