Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
In remembrance of the devastating fire to the Illinois Central Passenger House/Eating house , we gathered on the anniversary to talk about it on the grounds where it happened in Mendota Il on Feb 20, 1885.
Doing this video in the caboose with temps hovering around 12 degrees was quite a challenge but not a much as braving -16 degrees when the fire happened and probably -2 degrees in the morning of while spectator gathered around to observe the ruins of such an important building in the nurturing of the town. It was like a mother would was always there to help and guide the citizens of the town and traveling public. It was a safe haven for all .
In remembrance of the devastating fire to the Illinois Central Passenger House/Eating house , we gathered on the anniversary to talk about it on the grounds where it happened in Mendota Il on Feb 20, 1885.
Doing this video in the caboose with temps hovering around 12 degrees was quite a challenge but not a much as braving -16 degrees when the fire happened and probably -2 degrees in the morning of while spectator gathered around to observe the ruins of such an important building in the nurturing of the town. It was like a mother would was always there to help and guide the citizens of the town and traveling public. It was a safe haven for all .
