Lincoln Logs-- Rochelle, Il Landmark razed--Lincoln Highway News

Some bits of Lincoln Highway information.

1. The historic 1921 Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad depot in Rochelle, Illinois, was unceremoniously destroyed this last Monday. I first became aware of it on the Illinois Lincoln Highway Google e-mail group on Monday.

It had replaced an earlier 1890 station. The local tourism board was able to get some signs and a scale, but that was about it. There are no plans for the property, but the e-mail group thought they might be planning to build a fake station somewhere. The BNSF Railroad said the building contained asbestos, kind of a sad reason to tear it down if you ask me. However, the last passenger service to Rochelle was in 1971.

The depot has long been recognized as a Hub City landmark. I am very surprised that a community like Rochelle, which is obviously proud of its railroad connections, what with the Railroad Park, would allow this to happen. Most towns which have allowed their old depots to be torn down have regretted it.

There was a very short article and photo of the destruction in the Dec. 19th Rochelle News Leader.

I'm also concerned about the beautiful old depot in nearby Dekalb, that has been sitting vacant for years. Can this be far behind? Surely it has asbestos in it.

2. If you haven't been reading Brian Butko's Lincoln Highway News, you're not keeping up with what is going on along the old road.

Recent postings:

The continuing mystery of the LH western terminus marker and cemetery desecration.

The mission style Sunset Motel units in Evanston, Wyoming and what to do with them now that they have been preserved. Personally, I thing boutiques, small stores, or businesses.

The death of Robert I. Russin at age 93, the artist who created the bust of Abraham Lincoln atop the Sherman Summit in eastern Wyoming.

Vintage postcards from Idlewood Park in Ligonier, Pa.

Check it out at www.lincolnhighwaynews.com

Keep on Down that Old Lincoln. --RoadDog