ICE Fulton County, Illinois Interurban

 At one time Fulton County in West Central Illinois was a lively place with multiple railroad mainlines as well as many spurs to area coal mines. Most would last far longer than the Railway I am about to cover even the narrow gaugue squeaked out a longer life span.

I am speaking of course about the Illinois Central Electric Railway ( ICE). It did manage to last about 25 years which is about the same as the Fulton County Narrow Gauge else where in the county. The narrow gauge however beats this because it was taken over by the CB&Q and under this lasted another 25 years converted to standard gauge. The ICE was incorporated in 1903 though the idea was talked about as early as 1892. The first track were laid in Canton in spring of 1906. The first cars were gasoline powered but the line was converted to electric in May of 1908.

Over the years between 1908-1912 expansions were made to Brereton, Norris, Farmington, Fairview, St.David, Bryant and finally Lewistown in 1912.  At one point discussion was had expanding to Liverpool but nothing became of it. The first cars arrived in July 1906. During layouts of the first track the T.P&W Railroad refused to let the ICE cross their rails but later gave in.

The line owned six cars. They were #9, #10, #12, #14, #17, & #18. Each car held from 30 to 35 people. This line had a heavier car which was # 12 added to serve coal miners living in several communities including Ghilchrist & Dunfermline. The railway also helped farmers in Fairview get fresh merchandise to their stores. In its history winter weather was a burden at times on the line and a few incidents occurred including an accident.

The year 1928 would be the ICE's final due to competition with other railroads and greatly done in by the automobile. It ran it's last train on September 28, 1928 then was abandoned. At one time there were depots in Farmington, Canton, Bryant and Lewistown and possibly Norris and St. David. Today an old beat up depot remains standing in Bryant with hopes and attempts of restoring.

Canton: 

Fairview 1911:

Bryant depot pictures I have taken myself in 2017 & 2018:

Some source of information came from an old newsletter my Dad had.  There was an article by Janet Sutton in the January 1984 issue of the Fulton County Historical and Genealogical Society newsletter.

Abandonment:

Canton post card and Fairview picture found on Google images. The maps are 1912 also of both towns showing the line.