| This massive brick interlocking tower once served the four railroads that passed through Pana, IL. This is the south side of the tower. Excerpts from the book Pana, Illinois, City of Roses, Centennial 1856-1956 - "Serving the city are 4 lines, the Illinois Central, New York Central, Baltimore & Ohio, and the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroads. In bygone days when transportation for long-distances by auto and bus was unheard of, the railroads of Pana accounted for a tremendous passenger service. At the height of this passenger trade in 1913, a total of 38 passenger trains a day served the citizens of Pana. Since that time passenger service in the city has dwindled to 4 trains a day, 2 eastbound and 2 westbound, all of the New York Central system. The remaining 3 roads plus the New York Central handle freight." |