50th Anniversary, 2013

This series consists entirely of histories related to the Illinois Prairie Path specifically. The histories differ in scope and purpose, therefore, some are short and concise and others are longer and more in-depth. These histories usually relate the story of the construction of the Path and the creation of the motivated volunteer base that made it happen. In addition to histories written by May Watts, Sam and Liz Holmes, or Jean Mooring, these files also contain histories published in newsletters, newspapers, and brochures and histories shared within correspondence. There is also a graduate-level disseration on Watts and the Prairie Path. The second box includes files which are related specifically to the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad. The files include histories, newsclippings, and photographs. Located in these files is a comprehensive history of the railroad titled, “The Great Third Rail,” Bulletin 105 of the Central Electric Railfans' Association. This particular written history is referenced in the May Watt's filmstrip and several other times throughout the collection when referencing maps of portions of the railroad. Also in this set of files is a book that was going to be published about the history of the CA&E Railroad, and the correspondence from one of the authors to the Prairie Path.