Chicago and North Western Historical Society

Founded in 1973, The Chicago and North Western Historical Society was organized by a number of Midwestern railfans led by Joseph Follmar. The not-for-profit group has swelled to over 3,000 members since its inception, and many additional non-members read the society's magazine, North Western Lines.

The Society's purpose is to preserve the history and memory of the Chicago and North Western Railway and its predecessors, through the publication of a quarterly magazine, the preservation of several thousand pieces of railroad paraphenelia, and an Annual Meet, usually held in mid-May.

Although the CNW was purchased by Union Pacific in 1995, many of the operations on the ex-CNW lines are still very similar, and there are still a number of CNW engines that have not yet been repainted into Union Pacific colors. For that reason, the Society also covers current happenings on the UP involving former CNW equipment, trackage, operating plans, and employees.

Annual Meets

As previously mentioned, the CNWHS sponsors a gathering every year at a former CNW location. Modeling clinics, slide shows, open forums in which CNWHS officers and members can interact and share ideas, tour of the surrounding area, and a Saturday banquet are usually a part of each meet.

There are also three smaller regional meets per year, inviting CNWHS members in the respective membership districts of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. While only members in or near these states are invited, all members are able to attend if they so wish.

Annual Meet Locations:

• 2012 Norfolk, NE
• 2011 Peoria, IL
• 2010 Kenosha, WI
• 2009 Des Moines, IA
• 2008 Eau Claire, WI
• 2007 Huron, SD
• 2006 Rochelle, IL
• 2005 Mason City, IA
• 2004 St. Paul, MN
• 2003 Green Bay, WI
• 2002 St. Louis, MO
• 2001 Duluth-Superior
• 2000 Ames, IA
• 1999 Manitowoc, WI
• 1998 West Chicago, IL
• 1997 Rapid City, SD
• 1996 Rochester, MN
• 1995 Baraboo, WI
• 1994 Marshalltown, IA
• 1993 Collinsville, IL
• 1992 DeKalb, IL
• 1991 Douglas, WY
• 1990 Cedar Rapids, IA
• 1989 Hillside IL
• 1988 Milwaukee, WI
• 1987 Council Bluffs, IA
• 1986 Twin Cities, MN
• 1985 Marshalltown, IA
• 1984 Escanaba, MI
• 1983 West Chicago, IL
• 1982 Green Bay, WI
• 1981 Cedar Rapids, IA
• 1980 Evanston, IL
• 1979 St. Paul, MN
• 1978 Milwaukee, WI
• 1977 Clinton, IA
• 1976 North Freedom, WI
• 1975 Rockford, IL

North Western Lines

The Society's publication, North Western Lines, is published four times a year. The 64-page, full-color magazine features articles covering the CNW and its predecessors from their inception until the present.

A team of nine editors works on the magazine from material submitted by members, with an additional eight volunteers serving as chief advisors on certain subjects.

Editorial Staff

• Kevin EuDaly (Editor)
• Dana Grefe (Associate Editor)
• Raymond Jorgenson (Associate Editor)
• Keith Kohlmann (Associate Editor)
• Dick Wilson (Associate Editor)
• Michael Blaszak (News Editor)
• Richard Hanke (Question Man)
• Chris Keating (Photo Section Editor)
• Dave Kroeger (Advertising Manager)

Advisory Staff

• Modeling: Dennis Norris (Chairman)

Lloyd Keyser, Keith Kohlmann, Ron Christensen, Norm Cattell (Contributory)

• Chicago and Illinois: Robert Janz (Chairman)

David Fiori, Joe Piersen (Contributory)

• Passenger Trains: Philip Borleske (Chairman)

A. Joseph Follmar, Wally Feret (Contributory)

• Car Equipment: Charles Wickman (Chairman)

Joe Piersen, Ray Jorgensen (Contributory)

• Motive Power: Raymond M. Jorgenson (Chairman)

R. A. Janz, J. Piersen, George Whalen, Jerry Drager (Contributory)

• Chicago Great Western: Rex Beach (Chairman)

Dave Fiore, Dick Wilson, Jerry Huddleston (Contributory)

• Minneapolis & St. Louis: Nick Pitsch (Chairman)

Dennis Holmes, Gene Green (Contributory)

• CStPM&O: A. Joseph Follmar (Chairman)

Lou Schmitz (Contributory)

Home Page

• The CNWHS official website