The Blair Railroad Bridge: A Historic Crossing Over the Missouri River

 

The Blair Railroad Bridge, located near Blair, Nebraska, is a significant structure that has long served as a vital rail connection across the Missouri River. Originally constructed in 1883, this bridge was part of a larger effort by the Chicago & North Western Railway to improve transportation and commerce between the Midwest and the western United States.

The bridge was notable for its early use of steel and for being among the first large-scale railroad bridges in the region. Its original design featured a series of truss spans—a common engineering solution for the era that provided both strength and flexibility. Over the decades, the structure has undergone numerous renovations to support heavier modern rail traffic and to ensure safety standards are met.

Today, the Blair Railroad Bridge continues to play a key role in the region's rail network. It is primarily used for freight transportation, helping to move goods such as grain, coal, and manufactured products. The bridge is also a local landmark, admired for its enduring architecture and historical significance.

While not as widely known as some of the larger crossings of the Missouri, the Blair Railroad Bridge remains a symbol of 19th-century engineering ingenuity and the expansion of American railroads into the western frontier.

BNSF Railway Logistics Park Chicago (LPC)

 TheBNSF Railway Logistics Park Chicago (LPC) is a major intermodal hub located in Elwood, Illinois, about 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. This state-of-the-art facility plays a critical role in the movement of goods across the United States, serving as a key gateway for both domestic and international freight. Situated strategically near major highways and rail lines, LPC facilitates efficient transportation by integrating rail, truck, and warehouse operations in one centralized location. Its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area, one of the country’s largest freight markets, enhances its value as a logistics and distribution center.

The facility spans thousands of acres and includes extensive rail infrastructure, including multiple tracks for loading and unloading, as well as advanced systems for managing intermodal containers. It was designed to streamline freight handling, reduce congestion at urban terminals, and support sustainable transport by shifting more freight from trucks to trains. LPC is a vital component of BNSF’s nationwide network, helping reduce transit times and increase supply chain efficiency for a wide range of industries. Its operations contribute significantly to the regional economy, while also posing complex challenges related to infrastructure demands, environmental impact, and community relations.

The Atlanta Public Library, located in Atlanta, Illinois

 The Atlanta Public Library, located in Atlanta, Illinois, is a notable example of small-town architectural charm and civic pride. Established in the early 1900s, the building is a cornerstone of the community and reflects the town’s historical roots and dedication to public service.

Designed in a distinctive octagonal shape, the library stands out both structurally and culturally. Its unique design is one of the few remaining examples of octagon-style architecture used in public buildings. This layout not only provides a sense of symmetry and openness but also showcases the innovative thinking of the era in which it was built.

Over the years, the library has evolved beyond its traditional role of lending books. It serves as a hub for local events, educational programs, and community gatherings. The interior, while updated to accommodate modern needs, still retains much of its original character, preserving the historical essence that makes the building special.

Adjacent to the library is a restored octagonal-shaped telephone booth, adding another layer of historical interest and charm to the site. Together, they highlight the community’s ongoing efforts to honor and maintain its heritage.

The Atlanta Public Library continues to be a place where history, learning, and community intersect. It remains a treasured landmark in the heart of Illinois, bridging the past with the present in both form and function.

The historic Cook County Hospital Administration Building

 

The building at 1835 W Harrison Street in Chicago, Illinois, is the historic Cook County Hospital Administration Building. Completed in 1914, this eight-story Beaux-Arts structure was designed by architect Paul Gerhardt. It played a significant role in providing medical care to early immigrants and low-income residents, becoming renowned as a teaching hospital and the site of several medical breakthroughs, including the development of the first blood bank in the United States and the discovery of the cause of sickle-cell anemia. After its closure in 2002, the building underwent a $133 million rehabilitation and reopened in 2020 as a mixed-use development, featuring a 210-room hotel, retail spaces, and a museum.

A look back - September 19, 2012 - Evergreen Lake’s Vanishing Waters Reveal Hidden Paths

 

Evergreen Lake’s Vanishing Waters Reveal Hidden Paths

HUDSON, IL. (SEPT 19, 2012) — The south end of Evergreen Lake looks vastly different this September. Where Barred Owl Trail would normally meet the water’s edge, hikers now step onto a cracked and barren lake bed, a stark reminder of the relentless 2012 drought.

For months, the lack of rain has drained the once-thriving reservoir, exposing long-submerged land. What was once unreachable by foot—small, tree-covered islands—are now accessible, their roots gripping dry earth instead of rippling currents.

Local hikers take advantage of the eerie transformation, tracing paths normally lost beneath the lake’s surface. But for longtime residents, the sight is unsettling. "I’ve never seen it this low," said one visitor, kicking at the dust where water once stood.

Forecasters predict continued dry conditions, leaving the future of Evergreen Lake uncertain. For now, it remains a place of both opportunity and concern—where nature’s extremes carve new trails in the absence of water.

Elkhart Illinois - Route 66, the Mother road

 

On a warm April afternoon in Elkhart, Illinois, along the weathered stretch of Historic Route 66, a bench crafted from the rusted tailgate of a 1957 Chevrolet pickup truck sat outside a model raceway establishment. The tailgate’s faded paint gleamed faintly in the sunlight, a relic of a bygone era repurposed into a quirky seat. On to it sat Ronald McDonald, or rather, a weathered statue of the fast-food icon, his red shoes dulled to a soft pink, his chipped grin fixed in perpetual cheer.

The odd pairing of the tailgate bench and Ronald marked the edge of the raceway lot, a haven for hobbyists and nostalgia buffs. Inside, the hum of tiny engines filled the air as enthusiasts raced miniature cars around intricate tracks, their shouts and laughter drifting out into the quiet afternoon. The bench, otherwise unoccupied, seemed to wait patiently, as if it held stories of its own—perhaps of the truck it once belonged to, rumbling down the Mother Road decades ago.

As the sun climbed higher, heating up Route 66, Ronald sat as a sentinel on the tailgate, his painted eyes gazing out over the bright concrete of the street. The scene remained still, a snapshot of small-town charm and faded glory, tethered to the enduring legacy of the historic highway.

Big Things, Small Town - Casey IL

 Casey, Illinois, a small town with a population of approximately 2,700, has garnered international recognition for its collection of oversized attractions. Embracing the motto "Big Things in a Small Town," Casey boasts several Guinness World Record-certified structures that have revitalized its community and drawn tourists from around the globe.

The initiative began in 2012 with the unveiling of the World's Largest Wind Chime, a 54-foot-tall structure that quickly became a focal point for visitors. Encouraged by the positive response, the town expanded its collection to include other record-breaking items such as:

• World's Largest Rocking Chair: Standing at 56 feet tall, this massive chair is situated in front of City Hall.​ (Pictured)

• World's Largest Golf Tee: Located at the Casey Country Club, this tee reaches a height of 30 feet and weighs over 6,000 pounds.​

• World's Largest Mailbox: A functional mailbox towering at 32 feet, allowing visitors to send postcards from within.​

• World's Largest Pitchfork: Measuring 60 feet in length, this pitchfork is displayed outside a local restaurant.​

In addition to these record-holding structures, Casey features numerous other oversized items, including a giant birdcage, pencil, and yardstick, all contributing to the town's unique charm. These attractions have significantly boosted local tourism, leading to increased foot traffic and the opening of new businesses in the downtown area.​

Visitors to Casey can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town, interacting with these massive installations, many of which are designed to be touched, climbed on, or even used. This interactive experience, combined with the town's welcoming atmosphere, makes Casey a noteworthy destination for those seeking both novelty and a sense of community spirit.