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South Shore: The Last Interurban Railroad

Presented by Lubeznik Center for the Arts at Lubeznik Center for the Arts

June 18, 2009

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How did the development and presence of the South Shore in Northwest Indiana transcend Daniel Burnham’s vision and more importantly, how does its presence allow for continued bold and ambitious plans in the future? Loeb will the cover the past, present and future of the South Shore supported by dozens of rare and historical photographs from the Shore Line Interurban Historical Society’s South Shore collection. The South Shore is a true rarity and its very existence should be celebrated and examined carefully - it remains as the last of the Interurban Railroads. It exists today, against all odds, as a true embodiment of a successful public/private partnership. By efficiently moving Northern Indiana’s people and freight, South Shore provides an irreplaceable service to the region. Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District’s passenger service provides safe, affordable, and reliable transportation for its patrons allowing the communities served to grow and prosper in ways road-only communities cannot. On the freight side, South Shore Freight’s slogan of “Connecting Industry – Delivering Value” resonates with important industrial customers through its high level of service and entrepreneurial approach that helps Northwest Indiana remain a leading industrial region in North America. These essential services position Northwest Indiana ideally for future economic as well as residential growth and prosperity while providing an environmentally friendly solution to move people and freight while reducing road congestion and stress on local road infrastructure. While other North American cities spend billions of dollars rebuilding or constructing new rail corridors, Northern Indiana benefits from having one of the best high capacity rail systems already in service. The South Shore was built on audacious plans in conjunction with Mr. Burnham’s. Its survival, revival, and bright future display all the traits of Burnham’s brilliant and sustainable vision. Stefan Loeb is a lifelong rail enthusiast and historian. He focused much of his recent research on the South Shore, co-authoring a publication on the railroad in 2007 entitled “One Hundred Years of Enduring Tradition – South Shore Line” in conjunction with the railroad’s 100th Anniversary celebration in South Bend, IN. The event was sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society. In addition, Stefan serves as a Board Member of the Shore Line Interurban Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to covering urban, suburban and interurban passenger rail service in the Upper Midwest. In addition to board activities, he contributes articles and photographs for the society’s quarterly magazine “First & Fastest.” Stefan is also a published author in numerous rail publications including TRAINS Magazine. Stefan serves as Vice President and Client Manager for a large financial institution covering clients nationwide in the shortline and regional railroad space. He received his B.S. – Business (Finance) from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University – Bloomington in 2001.