World's Shortest Railroad, farm country tours on tap at Oswego's Little White School Museum

Did you know northern Illinois was once home to "The World's Shortest Railroad"?

Find out all about this bit of rail transportation trivia when the Oswegoland Heritage Association hosts author Jeff Kehoe and a presentation on his latest book for Arcadia Publishing's "Images of Rail" series, Illinois Midland Railway on Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at 1 p.m. at the Little White School Museum, 72 Polk Street (Jackson at Polk), Oswego.

Built in 1914, the Illinois Midland Railway connected two small towns, Newark and Millington, in southern Kendall County barely two miles apart. Originally planned to have been a 120-mile railroad stretching across northern Illinois, financial issues resulted in just 1.962 miles of rickety track being built. That didn't stop the local townspeople from using the railroad, though, as it hauled grain produced by Newark farmers to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy's Fox River Branch Line at Millington on the Fox River. Then cargoes of lumber, fencing, and other were hauled back along the line to Newark.

Those attending will learn about the line's construction, its colorful promoter, and its eventual demise. Copies of Kehoe's book will be available for sale the day of the program.

Admission for this program, which is suitable for rail fans of all ages, is $5. Pre-registration by calling 630-554-1010 or visiting the Oswegoland Park District's web site at http://www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org is recommended, but walk-ins the day of the program are welcome.