Selections From The Splinters - Volume 12

This is not a history. | The Splinters - Volume 12 | The Splinters - Volume 14 The Splinters - Volume 23

Reports on line via Ottawa, Plainfield, Oak Park to Chicago.

Oak Park, Aug. 11, 1886

B. F. Booker, Esq.,
Keokuk, Iowa.

Dear Sir:

I today have sent you profile of line from Ottawa to Lisbon and now forward short report on same.

I ought to have mentioned in the report that it was my intention if I ever was required to re-run the line, to run this line through Ottawa, crossing the Illinois River near the mouth of Covel Creek as indicated on small map by dotted line. I understand that the citizens of Ottawa would readily grant right of way through some unoccupied street to any strong corporation.

I have been busy with my maps, profiles and reports. Have looked up the line of the Wisconsin Central and believe there are but two points that are favorable for a junction. The best perhaps is a point a little south of the center of Section 17, Cicero Twp. or 2^nd just west of where the Wisconsin Central crosses the "Belt Line".

The Wisconsin Central people favor the first point because we are not likely to encroach on their yards.

From the first point of connection we would run over 8.4 (approximate) miles of their track to the Harrison Street Depot.

The second connection would give us but 7 miles of their track to run over. To get nearer city limits than this on an independent line, right of way would cost 5 to $8000 per A. and a grade crossing of the "Belt Line" would be necessary.

In the absence of further orders I shall start from track of Wisconsin Central near the middle of Section 17, Cicero Twp. cross the CB&Q at Stough and the run an almost unbroken tangent to Plainfield.

I would however, call your attention to the fact that a bee line from Stough to Ottawa strikes considerable north of Plainfield and the present route. Also I know of nothing to prevent running through on a more direct line except at the forks of the DuPage River where there are bluffs of considerable height (60 to 80 ft.).

I suppose you have received my profiles, etc. from Plainfield by this time also pay roll mailed two days since.

Yours respectfully
(Signed) Horace Ropes

Shall be at Plainfield on 18^th or 19^th inst.

Volume 12 Splinters transcribed in altered form for the web by Matt Lee.

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