1969 Visit to the South Shore in Michigan City

Heavy CSS&SB electric freight motors such as 707 shared the yard with C&O 5063 (a rare cow-calf-calf set).

A bridge by the shop gave an elevated view of their interurban cars including CSS&SB 8.

As for street running, CSS&SB 102 awaits departure at the Michigan City passenger station.

After beginning teaching in September 1968, short railfan trips became affordable. My first one was to London, Ontario, by way of Toledo.My second one was to the Western Maryland in Hagerstown, Md.

My third one was to the Chicago area in March 1969. Michigan City on the Chicago, South Shore & South Bend was a railfan’s dream on March 30, 1969.

Yes, there was street running, but permission to be in the shop area was also easily obtained. Thankfully these photos outlasted the CSS&SB’s interurban years.

As beautiful as Craig’s recent images are, I still have a soft spot in my heart for the “old” South Shore.

Article and photographs by Robert Farkas

Tags: Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad, interurban railways, Michigan City Indiana, South Shore, South Shore freight service, South Shore Line, Street running in Michigan City