Overview

This section is dedicated to the employees who made the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad (C&EI) a significant part of the region’s history. From the bustling yards of Chicago to the home shops of Danville, C&EI employees were the backbone of the railroad’s operations.

Major Employment Areas

• Danville and Chicago, Illinois: These were the primary hubs for C&EI employees, with Danville housing over 1,000 employees at its peak between 1900 and 1945. Chicago, along with Dolton Yard, served as the railroad’s headquarters, managing a major yard that catered to the vast Chicago area.
• Villa Grove, Terre Haute, and Evansville: These cities also had significant employment, with major yards and hundreds of employees working in yard and train services.

Retiree Groups

As C&EI employees retired, they continued to gather, cherishing their memories and celebrating their shared love for railroading. These groups are still active and welcome all former employees, as well as railfans and enthusiasts, to join their meetings.

• Chicago Area Retirees
  • Meetings: Last Thursday of the month.
  • Location: Tiebels Restaurant, junction of U.S. 41 and U.S. 30, Schererville, Indiana.
• Danville Area Retirees
  • Meetings: First Tuesday of the month.
  • Location: Days Inn, Main and Gilbert Streets, Danville, Illinois.
  • Contact: Charles Capps at (217) 446-9209.