South Shore: The Last Interurban

by William D. Middleton

Here is the new, expanded edition of William D. Middleton's much-admired book on the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad. In more than 250 photographs, maps, and schematic drawings, the rising and sinking fortunes of this technological triumph are chronicled from the first decade of the 20th century to the present day. Using the same technology that produced the electric street railway, the interurbans helped bridge the gap between the horse-and-buggy era in rural America to the modern age of paved highways and family automobiles. The Chicago South Shore Line is unique among the nearly 10,000 lines operating at the end of World War I, not because it didn't suffer the same triumphs and tragedies, but because it is the only one to have survived. It still provides electric transportation over precisely the same route it has served since the first decade of the 20th century. South Shore: The Last Interurban is essential reading for all those interested in rapid transit, railroads, railroad history, and the impact of America's last interurban.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. Easily one of the best things in Indiana

[Christopher Hachet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was originally published in 1970 and I read an earlier version in the 1970's.

This is another book both my grandfather and I enjoyed. I plan to pull this off the shelf and re read it.

One of my favorite reads as a middle school student.

Strongly recommended if you are a fan of railroad history like I am.

[Rex Libris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history on the south shore line from its inception to the late 1960's. Lots of great photographs, though not in color. The one fault is it does not discuss the advertising posters that the south shore is known for. To supplement this book, therefore, you need to red "Moonlight in Duneland."