The poster features several iconic Chicago railroad scenes, including the city’s lakefront skyline with Illinois Central and South Shore electric trains, the Chicago Rapid Transit’s “L”, images of now-demolished downtown terminals, a steam freight, Burlington’s “Pioneer Zephyr,” the Chicago & Alton’s “Alton Limited,” and the city’s first locomotive, the Galena & Chicago Union’s “Pioneer.”
The poster, created by artist, illustrator, and former railroader Mitch Markovitz, was recently unveiled at an event in Chicago Union Station.
“I was trying to convey this rich heritage of transportation and architecture that’s part of Chicago’s history but that nobody ever talks about,” Markovitz told Trains News Wire.
“I can confidently say that his poster goes a long way in demonstrating our commitment to the ongoing effort to honor Chicago’s railroad history. I would like to express my gratitude to Mitch for creating such a memorable and enduring image,” says David Daruszka, organizer of the effort to commemorate Chicago Railroad History Month.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a proclamation declaring October Chicago Railroad History Month. The proclamation was the result of the advocacy work of the Blackhawk Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Daruszka said.
The effort is intended to celebrate the city of Chicago’s history of railroading and highlight the continued importance railroads play in the city’s economic life. The group hopes to bring the story of railroads to as wide an audience as possible, Daruszka said.
The eventual goal is to make a sustained effort to to mark the 175th anniversary of railroading in Chicago with exhibits and programs in 2023, Daruszka said. More information on Chicago Railroad History Month is available here.
The posters cost $35 and are available at the Blackhawk Society’s website.
Signed limited editions of the posters are also available.
