Historical Images of Porter County

Valparaiso & Northern Railway, Woodville Bus Connection
Liberty Township, Porter County, Indiana

Date: 1911
Source Type: Photograph
Publisher, Printer, Photographer: Air Line News
Postmark: Not applicable
Collection: Steven R. Shook
Remark:  By March 1911, the Valparaiso & Northern Railway was operating between Valparaiso and Sheridan Beach on Flint Lake, as well as from Chesterton to Goodrum Junction. Since no track had yet been completed between Sheridan Beach and Goodrum Junction, the connection between these two points was made by a horse-drawn bus, seen here looking north toward Chesterton from Goodrum Junction. By October 7, 1911, track was completed from Sheridan Beach to Woodville, thereby allowing passengers to make a short walk between Goodrum Junction and Woodville to make connections. A new bridge over the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Woodville allowed for the connection between Woodville and Goodrum Junction beginning February 12, 1912. Incorporated in August 1908, the Valparaiso & Northern Railway construction was financed by citizens of Valparaiso and outside investors; the railway was to become one of the feeder lines the the Chicago-New York Electric Air Line Railroad. A section between Chesterton and Goodrum, located just north of Woodville, was completed and put into service on February 18, 1911. The section between Flint Lake and Woodville was completed on October 7, 1911. Interurban service to Valparaiso ceased on October 23, 1938, largely due to the increasing use of automobiles, an improved highway system, and the financial depression.

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