Many people were looking forward to the new century.  Chicago's Columbian Exposition in 1893 had given then a glimpse as to what was to come.  In transportation, a contraption called an automobile was predicted to replace the horse.   Locomotives were now capable of almost traveling 100 miles an hour.  Now, one could go from Chicago to LA

in a little over 40 hours.  Amazing!

 

However, in Geneva, steam railroads, with their soot and foul air, were the only way to reach Chicago.  Butt, that was about to change.   In 1902, the electric train (think commuter train) made its first appearance. 

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The Chicago, Aurora and Elgin was known as the "Roaring Elgin" and as the "Great Third Rail".

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You and your friends have planned a big day in Chicago.  Your friends, one living in Elgin and one living in Aurora, would take the trolley (think streetcar) from their respective cities and meet you on State Street and 3rd St. in downtown Geneva.  The electric trolley ran between Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, St Charles and Elgin from 1896 to 1937. 

 

Shortly, you all board the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin electric commuter train.  It  heads east traveling over Geneva's Fox River bridge, then immediately turns north on Bennett St, and in three blocks turns east and proceeds uphill past Good Templar Park.  

 

In about 10 minutes, it is in West Chicago and in 15 minutes your commuter train is being attached to the Chicago bound electric train in Wheaton.  This train leaves Wheaton every 20 minutes.  In less than 1 hour, you and your friends are in downtown Chicago ready for a full day of fun.

 

Importantly, you know that there will be trains returning to Wheaton every 20 minutes.  From Wheaton, your friends can board the commuter train to Aurora and Elgin while you board the commuter train to Geneva.

 

This electric interurban ran between Geneva and Wheaton from 1902 to 1937.  The Elgin, Batavia, and Aurora branches ran from 1902 to 1957.

 

Commuters and day trippers really loved this train.  It was fast, clean, and dependable.

 

It was powered by an electric plant located in Batavia on the present day Fun Way property.