While travelling on Amtrak to/from Arizona recently, I noticed what appeared to be an old depot buried in the weeds/woods at a place called Nitoa, Illinois (possibly at one time East Ft. Madison, Illinois) just east of the Mississippi River crossing. Only the south end of the building showed. It IS possible that this was a former AT&SF depot, but it was perpendicular to the Santa Fe's main line, rather than parallel to it. Anyone out there know if this is indeed an old depot and if it served another railroad there on the east bank of the Mississippi River? Or what railroad once owned it?

I know this is a long shot, but any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Les

Rail atlases show Niota only being served by BNSF, and previously as ATSF. No other abandoned lines in the area, although TP&W does have trackage rights for the crossing of the Mississippi, presumably to interchange at Fort Madison. The maps show East Fort Madison to be a location on the Iowa side.

There was CB&Q activity in the vicinity on both sides of the river, but not close enough to Niota to raise a question. Perhaps the building passed to private hands and was relocated (somewhat).

Bob Kutella

Bob:

Thanks for the insight. Relocation is a possibility. Also, perhaps I was wrong and it WASN'T a railroad depot. Guess I will never find out for sure.

BTW, how did IRM end up with the DOWT weekends this year?

Les

Attendance was up over last year, which is remarkable since we operated at 100% sold out in 2005. (AND four of the five days had marginal weather, cloudy, cool, some rain one afternoon) This year we actually added seven extra trips late afternoon - over the event - to handle demand. No final accounting yet, but costs to service the event rise every year.

Bob Kutella

It's funny how things sometimes come together. Usually when you least expect it. I put the above request for info up on RyPN back in early September. It WAS a long shot as I said, and not surprisingly, I didn't really get any info. Well, today I was surfing the web and came across a site run by a gentleman named Evan Werkema which listed still existing AT&SF depots. And lo and behold, this depot was listed! It was shown as being in East Ft. Madison, Illinois (but also mentioned Niota) and the described location was exactly correct. The building was described as being 1 story, frame, with asbestos shingles. Also right on the money. So, one little mystery solved! Thank you Mr. Werkema!

Les