Entries by Nick Kallas

DONE

Those were the words that were telegraphed across the country when the golden spike was hammered in at Promontory Point signaling the completion of the transcontinental railroad and that would be an appropriate word to use today Friday November 20th at 3:50 p.m. Why? Because that's the time that the closing was completed on IRM's latest land acquisition, the 89 acre Siegel farm located directly east and adjacent to Museum owned land.

Siegel Farm Purchase

The Museum has been trying to purchase this acreage for over two years now and thanks to your donations to the LAND ACQUISITION FUND we were in a strong position to take advantage of the recession in land prices and purchase this parcel at a VERY favorable price. Mortgage rates are down now and as a result of being able to put more than 40% of the purchase price down we were able to secure favorable terms from our local bank.

Our plans are to continue to rent this out for farming and hold on to it as a buffer against future development encroaching on the Museum. The full story with pictures will be in the next Rail and Wire, but in the meantime if you are considering your end of year donation PLEASE consider the LAND ACQUISITION FUND so that we may replenish that fund and be ready for the next opportunity that may arise.

Thank You.
Nick Kallas
Executive Director

There has been much speculation about the Trolleyville collection and our interest in any of the cars in the collection. At the August 8th meeting, the Board of Directors authorized the acquisition of up to eight pieces of equipment, subject to successful fundraising. The primary emphasis for acquisitions will be Chicago Aurora & Elgin equipment, including both steel and wood cars and comprising six of the eight pieces of equipment approved for acquisition by the Board.

Fundraising efforts have begun at the Museum and are now being extended to anyone interested in the preservation of this equipment at IRM.  Repatriation is a buzzword in the museum community and we are hopeful that we can repatriate (bring home) this equipment to the Chicago area to operate it once again in the manner in which it used to run.  Most of the equipment is operational and had been operated at Trolleyville prior to its move to downtown Cleveland. Acquisition of this equipment by IRM would be unique because of the "ready to run" condition and historic nature of the equipment and its relationship to the Chicago area.

While we realize these are tough economic times, donations have started to come in and commitments of cash are being made by individuals for certain pieces of equipment.  As October 1st is the deadline for submitting bids, any donation, large or small, is greatly appreciated.  If you would like to donate or pledge (please remember pledging is a contract) to this effort, send all contributions to IRM noting "Trolleyville cars" on the check memo line, or you can donate online using the following link:

http://www3.irm.org/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_5&products_id=6

If you have any questions, please contact Nick Kallas, Executive Director, at nkallas@irm.org or call me at the museum at 815-923-4391 ext 402.

Signed,

Nick Kallas
Executive Director
Illinois Railway Museum
P.O. Box 427
Union, IL 60180