Have you ever seen a vintage train up close and personal? You can in Cresco. Admired and photographed by visitors, this uniquely restored 101A/Model FP7 diesel electric locomotive serves as a reminder of our community’s founding based on local rail service. Built in LaGrange, Illinois, in 1951, it was the first model ever sold to the Milwaukee Road railroad line. It was purchased in non-operating condition in 1984 by community-minded citizens. It was restored to operating condition and donated to the Cresco Park Board in 1985. Stop in at Beadle Park, Hwy 9, in Cresco to see this magnificent display.

A side note to Cresco’s connections to trains: The Milwaukee Road held a contest for elementary classes located along its railroad to name their new passenger streamline (The old passenger name was the Olympian). In 1934, the 8th grade class from St. Joseph Catholic School in Cresco entered the name Hiawatha. Cresco won the contest and the new passenger streamline was named the Olympian Hiawatha. The railroad brought the new streamline to Cresco for 45 minutes in the spring of 1936. All the classes went to the station to be photographed with the new passenger streamliner; the Olympian Hiawatha. Mary Ann Billmyer, Cresco resident, was in that 8th grade class in 1934 and helped come up with the winning name.

Take this opportunity to learn more about trains and their connection to rural America - up close and personal!

Local

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