Brilliance: A New Exhibit Honoring the Lives of Women on the North Shore Line will open at the Illinois Railway Museum on May 11, 2013.
When Illinois Railway Museum President Joe Stupar scanned over three-thousand photos from the collection of Harold G. Mason, President of the Chicago, North Shore, and Milwaukee Railway, he discovered a testament to women at work in traditional and non-traditional roles during the life of the North Shore Line. His wife Gwyneth, herself a ten year volunteer at the museum, selected and restored the best of these photos stating, “To say women were essential is an understatement. Everyone thinks women in the railroad industry during that era were primarily office workers. Women worked as ticket collectors, streetcar operators, and more. Clearly, these images speak volumes about the brilliant history of transportation not only between Chicago and Milwaukee, but the United States at large."
This exhibit would not be possible without the generosity of Walter R. Keevil, an Evanston resident and retiree from the CTA, whose uncle, the late Charles E. Keevil, worked as a photographer for the company in the 1940s. Charles E. Keevil kept scrupulous records, and Walter R. Keevil was able to identify all but one of the women. "It's a pleasure to see this unique exhibit and I am happy to have been able to add a few pictures and provide names and dates for some of the photos," Keevil said.
In addition to his uncle's documentation, Walter R. Keevil generously scanned 15 images from his private collection that the museum did not own.
Currently, Gwyneth Stupar is in the process of interviewing those female employees who are still available in the area. Previously, the women gathered in Waukegan, Illinois for a reunion organized by a committee of former NSL employees.
Museum Librarian Barbara Lanphier, who grew up riding the North Shore Line on an almost daily basis, even remembers several of the ticket collectors.
The new exhibit will be featured through August 31st, including the museum’s North Shore Day on July 7th. This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the demise of the North Shore Line. To commemorate the abandonment, the Electroliner will be on display.
Comments
Sun, 02-21-2021 21:12
Hi Ethan The 428 has been worked on recently but the focus now is on the maintenance and repair on the 1630 and the Shay. This Spring we will [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 15:10
How is the UP 428 Steam locomotive engine is most done being fixed. OK Roger.
Sun, 02-21-2021 13:18
Hello Max The answer is Yes, the Dover will be used along with our other Pullman cars only in special event operations. When not in use [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 12:30
Hello Jim We will be operating the Dover this year depending upon its mechanical condition. I hope to use the car in display venue as well as in [...]
Sun, 02-21-2021 12:24
Hello Kirk Hello, Yes the Dover is now in great shape. There are a couple of little projects to accomplish when the weather changes. I am [...]
Sat, 02-20-2021 18:55
Will the DOVER STRAIT be operational for Museum trips
Sat, 02-20-2021 17:06
I’m really impressed with the wonderful job your volunteers are doing to restore this historic passenger car. Once the restoration is complete, does [...]
Sat, 02-20-2021 14:02
It is great to see the work that Bob Hunter and Gene Macowiak started in the 1990’s. Great work done in finishing the two bedrooms and the buffet [...]
Fri, 02-19-2021 18:41
Very good article. I definitely love this website. Continue the good work!
Tue, 02-02-2021 10:15
I know it is wintertime, and the Virus is making getting people in to do work is difficult, so in a few months, when it's warmer, would someone please [...]
Sun, 01-31-2021 14:37
Hello Jack Thank you very much We in the coach dept are working very hard to have these trains restored Thanks Roger
Sat, 01-30-2021 18:45
pre oiler is a great idea saves lots of wear and tear on engines. a pat on the back for the diesel crew