Streator, IL depot

A conductor on Amtrak's Southwest Chief east of Kansas City used to announce station arrivals over the train PA system with interesting factoids about each town. Upon arrival at Streator, IL, he would remark, "Folks, if you'd like to know something interesting about Streator, you'll have to ask somebody else, 'cause I sure as heck don't know." This is no longer a concern, as the "Chief" was rerouted off the Santa Fe between Chicago and Galesburg, IL in 1996, leaving Streator and its handsome brick station without passenger service (one wonders if the conductor has since managed to find something interesting to say about Naperville...)

So far as the Santa Fe was concerned, Streator provided a connection with Conrail that allowed trains to bypass Chicago. Additionally, the branch line to Pekin, IL left the main line six miles west of Streator at Ancona. The depot is reportedly still used by BNSF maintenance crews.

"Town" side view June 28, 2003 courtesy Maurice Wright. Interior photo April 4, 1994 courtesy Gary R. Clark.