DeKalb depot

To further contribute to the eclectic nature of my recent photography efforts, I submit this shot of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad depot in DeKalb, Illinois.

The stone and brickwork, overhanging roof and the half-round window encasing the main entrance are marvelous architectural details, although the two panel aluminum storm door does nothing for the ambience of the place.

The railroad itself dates to 1853 when it was built by the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad, the first to be constructed in DeKalb County. This particular building replaced an earlier depot and was constructed in 1891 when a second track was added to the line. The railroad brought growth to the towns situated along its tracks.

The east end of the station served as a passenger station, while the west end was used for freight.

The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad later bought the road and developed it into a lucrative enterprise. Running from Dixon to St. Charles, the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was the only double-track road to span the entire width of the county.

Today the building is used by a track maintenance unit for the Union Pacific railroad. There are hopes that the station may once again see use as a passenger station should a commuter rail line ever be established from Chicago, but that possibility extends far into the future, perhaps as far as this building and the tracks along which it stands extends into the past.

Worm's Eye shot taken from two inches above the cobblestone entryway. Single image HDR.

Photograph © 2009 James Jordan.