America in the 1950s comes to life in this portrait of a well-loved interurban line which linked the bustle of Chicago with the quiet of the Illinois prairie towns. Two major lines are covered almost in their entirety, from trackside and from the cab. Trains dating back to the early 1900s burn up the Illinois countryside at speeds which rival those of modern day rapid transit. This feature is an important historic record, but also an ode to a time when life in America was a little slower and a little sweeter. Film by Frank Pfuhler.
TVD NOTE: A customer has contacted us to tell us that in Chapter 4, it is mentioned that the Chicago Northwestern paralled in the section from the Loop out of Garfield Park Line. It was actually the Chicago Great Western.
Customer Reviews
👍 5 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
I thought the production Company did a great job of using available film to make this DVD. I think the narrator could have 'filled' in the blank areas with a bit of history about the towns the train passed through.
Additional comments:
Narration: Could have used more.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Fair.
Recommend? Definitely.
Was this review helpful?
👍 4 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
I love this video the way it was done is classy i wish more was done like this it is very interesting i learned a lot from it and got a lot of model train ideas from it this is a must have have i recommend the video Electric Railways Of Chicago by Neff Video Productions to go with it for more of the Chicago Aura and Elgin story
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? Definitely.
Was this review helpful?
👍 4 found this helpful
- 4 of 5
Excellent footage, although it is probably just a rail fan's home movie that was transferred to DVD. Because I live in the area and bike on the path that was the Aurora & Elgin rail line, I was very interested in obtaining this DVD
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Overpriced.
Recommend? Only if really interested.
Was this review helpful?
👍 3 found this helpful
- 5 of 5
From 1947 to 1951, I road the CA&E from Wayne to Wheaton to attend high school. The DVD is a wonderful time capsule.
Additional comments:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
Value: Excellent value!
Recommend? Yes.
Was this review helpful?