ILLINOIS CENTRAL ELECTRIC RAILWAY
Interurban line:
Lewiston-Canton-Farmington/Fairview (completed 1913)
Abandoned 1928

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Illinois History
A Magazine for Young People

Dec 1994

 
 
 
 
The scene shows the American Car Company builders photograph of Illinois Central Electric Railway interurban #17 taken in 1912. This interurban along with seven other interurbans (and ten other cars) would operate out of Canton, Illinois on a 33-mile long electric interurban system that operated between Farmington through Norris and Canton to Lewiston, with a branch from Norris to Fairview, between 1912 and 1928 (the original equipment was gasoline motor cars.)
  In 1912, the Illinois Central Electric Railroad Company, which was more generally known as the "interurban," began their operation.  There were terminals at Farmington, Norris, Fairview, Canton, and Lewistown.  They made several trips a day and the fare from Farmington to Canton was two thin dimes.  The school children living in the mining settlements south of Farmington could flag the train down and ride to and from school.  Miners who worked in the mines south of town were permitted to sit in the seats in the morning, but after their day's work, were requested to stand up.  Need one ask why?
   Many people will remember the depot for the Interurban which was located on the west side of South Main Street after crossing the railroad tracks.  There were benches all around it and a little pot-bellied stove for warmth in winter months.  There was also a stove with a large pot of coffee on it, and sandwiches could be purchased.  Pop from the Farmington Pop Factory was delivered by Elmer Holmes and came in many delicious flavors.  The floor of this depot can be seen today if anyone so desires.
  Men working in the mines west of town rode the old "Crummy," a railroad car which had 3 benches running lengthwise and a stove in one corner.  It started out with one car for the miners, but gradually there were five. (Note:Not sure where we found this -- my apology for not properly citing this quote.)