By SCOTT THOMPSON
Special to Farm World

MACKINAW, Ill. — From a modest beginning in 1899, the Illinois Traction System was a dream of William McKinley’s, who was later a U.S. representative and senator from Illinois.

The Traction started in Danville, Ill., and headed west toward Peoria. A separate track started in East St. Louis and headed north to Peoria. Progress was slow because grading was done by horses and mules.

By April 1907, the Traction reached Peoria. With more than 500 miles of track, it was the largest in mileage to operate under one management in Illinois. The electric Interurban rumbled past many villages and cities for more than 46 years.

Ten to 12 trains passed each way through Mackinaw daily. Many times there was standing room only. In 1945 the system handled 336,296 cars of revenue freight and nearly 10.4 million revenue passengers, or approximately 1,000 freight cars and 30,000 passengers per day.

The train made easy travel possible from north to south as well as east to west and provided short distance intercity travel. One advantage for those living near the Traction was that they could simply stand along the track and hail the passing train. Many used it daily to get to their jobs.

The Traction developed and encouraged industry along the line to build freight business (sand, gravel, coal and grain). Several grain elevators were built along the Traction’s route, allowing it to haul grain and farm produce.

The Illinois Traction’s Mackinaw Depot is the only Spanish-style depot that has been restored and is in use today. In 1977 the Mackinaw Historic Society recognized the importance of the Traction and Depot and wanted to preserve it for future generations.
They persevered to have it entered on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1978.

Hence, the Depot became significant as a remarkable example of the interurban period of our local communities, state and nation. The Historic Society and volunteers of the community started the progress of cleanup and restoration of the depot.

The tile roof had deteriorated, and a search for a matching roof began. Local truckers and volunteers drove to Iowa. After repairing the roof, the Historic Society was unable to come up with the funds and manpower to finish the restoration.

In 1998 Beth Wiegand was looking for a bigger building to house her business. Wiegand, who had always loved old buildings, became interested in the depot. After persuading her dad and family to help restore it, she purchased the depot and began restoration.

Being abandoned for 45 years, the windows and doors were deteriorated and had been boarded up, and the rest of the building was also in disrepair. She had a challenge ahead.

After many long days and nights, with help from family, friends, contractors and volunteers on restoration of the main building and construction of a work building (with kitchen, restrooms, work and storage areas), the depot was ready for a ribbon-cutting on Oct. 23, 1998.

The depot now houses Garden Gate Floral and The Tea Room. Stories and history of the Traction and depot can be seen by visitors wishing to “remember when.” Garden Gate Floral has a large and unique selection of flowers and gifts, The Tea Room has an elegant lunch and is a popular destination for people all over the Midwest. You will be in awe when you step inside the door.
The Tea Room’s phone number is 309-359-4TEA (4832), while Garden Gate Floral may be reached at 309-359-8734.

Visit www.mackinawdepot.com online for additional details.