![]() Some of the exposed railroad ties showing a former right-of-way, right off Lake Renwick's main trail. Image: Don Crimmin 3-8-79.Īccording to Crimmin, "The scale house with scale and pad (at Lake Renwick) have been retained as a historical artifact." While I don't have any photos of these operations, Don Crimmin sent some photos of the locomotive power used by Chicago Gravel Company.Ĭhicago Gravel Whitcomb Cab at Plainfield, just north of Renwick Rd. Ice harvesting operations ended in 1924, but gravel mining operations would continue at least until the 1970's. It was a rainy, 45 degree day, yet the lake was still frozen solid from the recent sub-zero temps. The lake would be a summer destination and a winter harvesting ground for ice. The Chicago Gravel Company began excavating the site for a gravel pit early in the 20th century, when they struck an underground spring, creating the artificial Lake Renwick of today. The railroad history of Lake Renwick is a little more complicated. Just like Lake Plainfield, strips of land are still evident on each side of Lake Renwick. However, there remains much evidence of railroad operations at Lake Renwick, where the Chicago Gravel Company had extensive operations. Thus, I have no good pictures from the right of way today. The one exception is immediately south of Lewis, where the curving right of way is now a short trail, only accessible via the university. Photo: Don Crimmin 8-11-73.īeyond that, retail and housing developments make tracing nearly impossible, as does Lewis University Airport. MSRR Whitcomb 153 at the Wilco Blvd crossing. ![]() East of I-55, the former right-of-way is now a utility easement, but no trace of the railroad exists anymore. North of 135th St, where the line ended operations is luxury homes, built on the side of the newly-created lake from the pits. ![]() West of I-55 is a private sportsman's club. Photo: Don Crimmin 8-11-73.īetween the pits at Plainfield and the EJ&E junction just west of Lockport, almost none of the right-of-way is still accessible. Today, this is all retail development, with a Wal-Mart on the opposite side of Weber. MSRR Whitcomb 154 heading west toward Plainfield at Weber Rd in Romeoville. Once farmland, these pits would be mined, depleted of gravel, and filled with water, becoming areas for fishing swimming, and a gun club. ![]()
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