Trolley Times for 2021

Trolley Times

EAST TROY

The Official 2021 Visitors Guide of the East Troy Railroad Museum 2002 Church Street, P.O. Box 943, East Troy, WI 53120 • 262-642-3263 • www.easttroyrr.org

MAKE MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME Climb on board the East Troy Electric Railroad to visit a time when life was a little simpler. Our historic interurban railroad cars and trolleys take a scenic 14-mile round trip through beautiful Southeastern Wisconsin.

Meander through the museum in our depot, where kids can be trolley motormen, discover the joy of model railroads, and learn about electricity. The gift shop features a unique selection of railroad souvenirs for all ages.

Delight your taste buds at Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor across the tracks from the depot, enjoy coffee and a sandwich at 2894 on Main, or partake of a delicious meal at East Troy House or the East Troy Brewery in East Troy.

Because of the pandemic, please purchase your tickets in advance at our website and board all trains at the East Troy Depot. By Federal Regulation, masks are required to board and ride our trains.

The East Troy Railroad Museum is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization run by volunteers dedicated to engaging visitors in the heritage of electric interurban railways and trolley systems. All proceeds and sales benefit the education and preservation work of the museum. Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

The amenities • Parking is free at the museum.

• Smoke-free trains run rain or shine.

• Discover, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

• Public washrooms are available.

Train schedule, ticket prices and equipment subject to change without notice.

All aboard!

Above: Chicago Elevated Car 4420 departs the Elegant Farmer station on a beautiful summer day.

Left: Happy children await the arrival of a train at the Elegant Farmer station, led

by Chicago Elevated Car 4420.

EAST TROY RAILROAD MUSEUM 2021 SCHEDULE FRIDAYS • MAY 28 TO SEPT. 3 Eastbound, departs East Troy Depot 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m.

Westbound, departs Indianhead Park, Mukwonago 10:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 2:40 p.m. (not a round-trip)

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Westbound, departs Elegant Farmer Depot 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. (not a round-trip) SATURDAYS • APRIL 24 TO SEPT. 4 Eastbound, departs East Troy Depot 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.

Westbound, departs Indianhead Park, Mukwonago 10:40 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 2:40 p.m. and 3:40 p.m.

(2:40 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. are not round-trips) Westbound, departs Elegant Farmer Depot 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

(3 p.m. and 4 p.m. are not round-trips) SUNDAYS • APRIL 25 TO SEPT. 5 Eastbound, departs East Troy Depot 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m.

Westbound, departs Indianhead Park, Mukwonago 10:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m., 2:40 p.m. (not a round-trip) Westbound, departs Elegant Farmer Depot 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. (not a round-trip) FARES Adults $15.00 • Seniors (65+) $12.50 Children (3-14) $9.50 (all fares are plus tax) Children 2 and under ride for free.

All tickets should be purchased online in advance for specific departures.

All train schedules can be found online at easttroyrr.org/schedule.html.

Visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/EastTroyRR PUBLISHED BY

East Troy Times & Southern Lakes Newspapers, LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 in conjunction with The East Troy Railroad Museum 2002 Church St.-P.O. Box 943, East Troy, WI 53120 (262) 642-3263 • www.easttroyrr.org

EAST TROY RAILROAD

Welcomes you to its 114th season Welcome to the East Troy Electric Railroad! We hope that you enjoy your time here. Sit back and relax as we take you on a journey back in time.

As we roll into another year, we are thankful to be entering the railroad’s 114th year of continuous operation!

As everyone knows, 2020 was not what anyone expected. We operated at reduced capacity last year, with many safety protocols in place, and those safety measures will remain in place to start 2021. We hope you will help us celebrate a return to normal operations as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, plan to enjoy one of our popular Dinner Trains, offering you a choice of first class dining experiences with fantastic three- or four-course meals, a family-oriented Picnic Train, or you might enjoy our new Sunday Brunch Trains! Our popular Burger Train will depart May 15. Or check out our new “Local Motive” Train featuring locally sourced food and drink on Sept. 11. The

Beer Tasting Train returns on Sept. 4.

Remember, you can charter your own train too – with or without food.

This year, our regular season ends on Sept. 5 and we are again offering reserved seating on our “Harvest Fest” Trains on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the end of October. Please see our website for details and schedules – and purchase your tickets in advance.

Harvest Fest and Christmas Train tickets will be posted for sale by late summer.

Then, join Santa and his friends for a magical journey filled with carols and hot chocolate on our Christmas Trains! Our heated trolleys will take you on a journey to the Elegant Farmer where guests can visit Santa’s Workshop! (Nov. 26, 27 and 28, and Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19).

Remember that this museum would not function without its wonderful team of volunteers. Our group of dedicated volunteers will do their best to give you a memorable experience. Interested in

joining the group? Please ask a volunteer about opportunities. No matter what talent you might be able to bring to the table, we welcome your help!

Because we are an electric railroad, we ask that you do not touch anything under our cars. Safety is the most important thing, so please inform any of our volunteers if you see an unsafe situation.

Finally, if you are thinking about visiting us more than once, you might consider becoming a member. The benefits include unlimited free rides for a year, a 10% discount in the gift shop, a quarterly member newsletter and access to memberonly events! Stop by the depot counter for more information!

On behalf of all the members of the museum, I would like to thank you for helping us preserve this wonderful piece of history! Please tell 50 of your closest friends about us and see you again soon!

~ Ryan Jonas

East Troy Railroad President

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TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

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TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

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Restoration of historic North Shore Car 761 is nearly done As this newspaper goes to print, volunteers at the East Troy Railroad are nearly finished with restoration work on Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Car 761.

Thanks to several generous donors and a grant from the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, work continued throughout 2020 in spite of the pandemic and reduced income at the railroad. The car should take its first trip down the line soon, though the team discovered a broken leaf spring that will have to be repaired before the car can become a regular on the line.

The Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad ran between the Loop in downtown Chicago and 6th Street in downtown Milwaukee from 1916 through January of 1963.

Railroad historian and photographer William Middleton described the North Shore Line as a “super interurban.” There are still many people today who remember the North Shore Line fondly and remember riding on the line.

North Shore Car 761 was one of 25 new interurban coaches ordered from the Standard Steel Car Company in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 1930. In 1949 the car was modernized and in 1957 it was repainted in the “Silverliner” paint scheme.

The car is 55 feet long, weighs 103,800 pounds and rides on two Baldwin 84-30AA trucks. The car was in service on the North Shore Line through 1963, when the North Shore Line ceased operation.

“We want Car 761 back in service so we can showcase another interurban car with Wisconsin history,” East Troy Railroad Museum,

Eric Zabelny (left) and Paul Averdung are happy with their Silverliner paint job on September 28, 2020.

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President Ryan Jonas said.

“Our historic railroad runs on the only remaining electric interurban track in the state.”

In addition to the structural work needed on both ends, Car 761 needed body work, needed to be repainted inside and out, needed new flooring, needed the seats reupholstered, needed the

electrical system cleaned, repaired and tested, needed the brake lines and control stands reinstalled, needed new doors and new glass installed, and needed the stairways reinstalled on both ends.

All this work, and much more, is nearly finished and we look forward to a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony sometime this summer.

Museum acquires new Chicago elevated car Chicago Elevated Car 4439 is the most recent addition to the East Troy Railroad Museum’s rolling stock collection. Over The Top Construction moved the car from The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum in Grand Rapids, OH, with delivery to the East Troy Railroad’s Maintenance Facility on Oct. 26, 2020.

The car was built by the Cincinnati Car Company in 1924 for the Chicago Rapid Transit, which was renamed the Chicago Transit Authority in 1947. Its initial retirement date was listed as 1973, but it was not listed as “totally out of service” until 1975. The car is 48 feet long, weighs 46,000 pounds, has seating for 52, and runs on Baldwin trucks.

The maintenance team knew the traction motors in the east end of the car were shot, so they worked to refurbish a spare truck so it was ready for the car upon its arrival in East Troy.

The wheels on the west-end truck will need to be turned to return them to a correct profile and some electrical work on the lighting needs to be done, but this car looks like it can be added to the operating roster relatively soon.

We depend largely upon The interior of the car has been stripped and repainted, new flooring donations to fund restorations is in place, new lighting fixtures installed, the luggage racks re-plated of our historic equipment. and reinstalled, and the window shades repaired and replaced.

We are thrilled with the many SUBMITTED PHOTO Trolley Times donors who stepped up in

Car 4439 in the Maintenance Facility in late October 2020.

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2020 to make contributions that allowed our work to move forward – and even provided enough to acquire a new car!

If you would like to contribute toward future restorations, or would like to provide general support for our operating expenses, please visit the donation page on our website at www. easttroyrr.org/donate.html.

You may also send a check payable to the East Troy Railroad Museum to: East Troy Railroad Museum P.O. Box 943, East Troy, WI 53120 We can also receive gifts of common stock, which allows a donor to take a deduction of the value of the stock, while avoiding the capital gains associated with selling the stock themselves. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

The east end of Car 761 in full Silverliner paint.

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TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

2021 Lineup of Events

Railfan Day/Railfest

Harvest Fest Trains

On Railfan Day we take all of our equipment out of the barn and put it on display. You can ride a different rail car on each trip of the day. Once again this year, we are also offering fun family activities like model railroad car building, miniature train rides, and operating model railroads.

Our regular season ends on Sept. 4 this year and we will offer special reserved seating on all our Friday, Saturday and Sunday trains starting Sept. 10 and going through Oct. 24.

Visit our website to see the schedule and purchase your tickets online in advance. Trains may not travel to Indianhead Park in Mukwonago during this time.

You will be able to pick your seats on specific trains ahead of time – so you always know you will be able to board the train for which you have tickets.

You may still buy tickets on a walk-up basis, subject to availability. If you plan to do apple picking or extended shopping, we suggest that you drive back to the Elegant Farmer after your train ride to assure that you have enough time.

Saturday, June 19

Sept. 10 through Oct. 24

Chicago and Military Day Saturday, Aug. 14

Celebrate Chicago’s railway history with a revival of the Chicago, South Shore & South Bend Railroad of 90 years ago. We have six operating South Shore cars, originally built in the 1920s, plus 1924 Chicago Elevated Cars. Several National Park Rangers from Indiana Dunes National Park may be on hand to explain the history of the South Shore Line.

This year we are offering free tickets to active duty military members and to veterans in uniform. Join us for a fun-filled day reliving Chicago rail history while honoring those who serve in our military.

Beer Tasting Train Saturday, Sept. 4

Join us for a fun and educational beer tasting train!

Enjoy five different beers while traveling the route of the East Troy Electric Railroad. The train runs as a joint event with Black Point Estate on Geneva Lake.

A historian and beer aficionado from Black Point serves as our host, and Toothpicks, our wonderful caterer, provides the hors d’oeuvres. This 2-1/2-hour event starts and finishes at the East Troy Depot. Book your seats online under our Dinner Train heading at easttroyrr.org.

Full Moon Ride

Christmas Parade Train Saturday, Dec. 4

Special heated passenger cars will pick up riders from the Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago and transport them behind the East Troy Railroad’s Santa Train to the Division Street crossing in East Troy. Riders will be able to walk to the East Troy Village Square for the community Christmas tree lighting. The trolley will leave from the East Troy Depot after the event to take riders back to the Elegant Farmer.

This event is co-sponsored by the East Troy and Mukwonago Chambers of Commerce. Tickets can be purchased online at easttroyrr.org.

Christmas Trains

Nov. 26, 27 and 28 Dec. 3, 4, 5; 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19

Monday night, Sept. 20 Depart from the East Troy Depot on an historic 1908 Sheboygan Interurban Car and arrive at Indianhead Park in Mukwonago in time for sunset. Then watch as a full moon begins to rise, providing possible photo opportunities at Byrnes Park and Army Lake before returning to East Troy. Advance reservations are required for this unique Full Moon Ride.

Our magical ride will take you a half hour from our East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St., East Troy, to Santa’s workshop located at the Elegant Farmer. Here children can visit Santa and get a photo taken with the jolly elf himself!

Santa’s workshop wouldn’t be complete without some hot chocolate and cookies! Children receive a special gift on the return to East Troy.

Passengers enjoy a ride on Car 846, the East Troy Railroad’s historic Milwaukee Streetcar.

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Sunday Brunch Trains Debut in 2021

New for 2021, Sunday Brunch Trains feature tasty breakfast casseroles, pastries and a fruit cup, plus juice or coffee. The Brunch Trains cost $45 per person, plus tax, and they will run on June 20, July 18, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10.

The dress code is casual and the atmosphere will be fun. Restrooms are available on board.

Please visit the East Troy Railroad Museum website for more information and to book your reservations.

Reservations are required for all dining events.

Volunteers at the East Troy Railroad Museum spent many hours restoring Car 33, which was put back into service in 2016.

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Charter your own train!

The East Troy Railroad Museum offers private charters designed to meet your specific needs, from business lunches to anniversary parties.

Chartered trips may make stopovers with advanced planning. There are two parks along our route, plus the Elegant Farmer. You can customize your event by providing live entertainment, bringing your own special food, adding displays, giving business presentations,

or just riding the rails. You can also choose from several luncheon or dinner menus developed specifically for our Charter Services.

For special occasions, table arrangements may be reconfigured to accommodate musicians, wedding cakes, displays, or anything else you want. Just give us a call to work out the details.

The railroad operates charters from

mid-May through October and they may be arranged for any day of the week.

Charters can be from 30 minutes to two hours in length and can be extended for an additional charge. Docents aboard each train will also share the history of the railroad.

For more information or to make reservations, email info@easttroyrr.org or call 262-684-9148.

The Picnic Train is still available A kid friendly Picnic Train will also run in 2021 on Aug. 21. Check-in/boarding will be at 4:30 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. departure, returning at 6:30 p.m.

The Picnic Train trip includes a stop at Byrnes Park, so kids can enjoy the playground equipment while the train crew is preparing for the return trip and dessert!

The cost for the Picnic Trains is $29 per person, including a rainbow colored popcorn appetizer, allbeef hot dogs with assorted toppings, served with kettle crunch potato chips, pickles and grape bunches.

Dessert is chocolate brownies. The cost includes bottomless soda and gratuity. Sales tax is not included.

Restrooms are available on board.

You may also wish to consider our other family friendly dining events, including the Burger Train and the “That’s Amore” pasta train.

Try one of our Sunday Brunch Trains in 2021!

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TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

Why not join our volunteer family?

For people who volunteer at the East Troy Railroad Museum, it feels like you become part of a second family – only this family runs a railroad. And we need every member of the family to do his or her part to make it a smooth-running operation. It is challenging, it is fun, it is educational and you know your work is appreciated.

Some volunteers can only give a couple of days a month and others may put in 150 days a year. Some want to work in areas where they bring experience and are comfortable with the tasks. Others want to be challenged by learning new skills and look forward to doing something completely different than what they do in their “day jobs.”

The variety of tasks needed to operate a railroad and museum give people plenty of options. So let us know what interests you.

From selling merchandise in the gift shop to being a motorman (or woman) on our trains, there are many different kinds of people using

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many different kinds of skills here.

What we all have in common, though, is a desire to see things happen. This is the motivation that brings us out to the line and keeps us coming back regularly. We all know that whatever our contributions, they are needed to keep this historic line alive and growing.

Some of us will be singled out for recognition in the volunteer events throughout the year, but any of us would quickly tell you that we don’t do it for the cheers of our peers.

We get all the gratification we need by simply accomplishing something we believe to be important and worthwhile.

We invite you to stop on out and visit the museum to talk with one or more of the volunteers about what it’s like to work here.

Some interesting, involving, and rewarding tasks await you. Or, call us at 262-642-3263 and ask about getting involved.

See you out there!

Volunteers Eric O’Malley, Andy Breaker and Chris Schmidt with Sheboygan Car 26.

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Volunteers Haylee Wilcox, Dustin Robinson, Alex Hummel and Alex Wilcox are ready to work.

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MEMBERSHIPS

Volunteer Kurt Smith mows the lawn on a regular basis, among his many contributions.

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More than 300 people support the East Troy Electric Railroad through membership each year. Would you consider joining them?

You would be supporting the museum, helping to assure that it can continue to show future generations what rail travel was like in the early 20th century. You would be providing funds to help us maintain our existing fleet of cars and pursue new acquisitions in the future.

You would help to assure that this last remaining portion of Wisconsin’s once vast interurban system continues to showcase historic electric railroad cars that ran on interurban systems in Wisconsin, Illinois or Minnesota.

NEW BENEFIT THIS YEAR

The Family Membership now includes membership in the National Association of Reciprocal Museums (NARM). This means you can go to more than 1,100 museums, zoos and botanical gardens for free or at a significantly reduced rate. You just need to show your East Troy Railroad Museum membership card when you visit a NARM location.

The Family Membership card will come with a sticker identifying you as a NARM member.

Visit narmassociation.org to see all the member museums and attractions.

One-Year Individual Membership – $50 One-Year Family of Four Membership – $120 (Each additional child is $20) All memberships include free rides for the member or member family for one year, plus reduced fares for special events (dinner trains, beer tasting and picnic trains not included). You also receive 10% off your gift shop purchases.

If you would like to join, please ask for a membership form in the East Troy Depot.

New Corporate Membership program announced The East Troy Railroad Museum has encouraged businesses to become sponsors for the museum. It’s a great way to promote your business among the 25,000 visitors we see each year. New in 2021 we are offering Business and Corporate Memberships.

At the $1,500 Bronze Spike Membership Level a business will receive 10 regular ride passes to use with employees or customers, your company name will be listed on our new “Wall of Support,” and you will receive two free tickets to our Donor Dinner Train.

At the $5,000 Silver Spike Membership Level, your business will receive all the Bronze Spike level benefits plus four free tickets to the Donor Dinner Train and your company name will be displayed on our newsletters and website.

At the $10,000 Golden Spike Membership Level you will receive all of the above benefits plus eight free tickets to the Donor Dinner Train, your company logo shown on our newsletters and website,

Wisconsin Public Radio Station WHAD was the railroad’s first corporate sponsor.

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ten special event train passes and a Private Charter for up to 50 people.

“We value the relationships we have in the area and hope we bring value to area businesses by bringing people into East Troy and Mukwonago to ride our trains,” said East Troy Railroad President Ryan Jonas. “This is a way for businesses and corporations to show support for the railroad while also promoting their business.”

For more information – or to sign up as a sponsor – please contact Jim Feyerherm at jimf@easttroyrr.org or call him at 262-6849148.

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TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

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East Troy Railroad 2021 Dinner Trains

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KENTUCKY DERBY TRAIN May 1 Southern Spinach Salad, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, Shrimp and Smoked Grits

BURGER TRAIN May 15 1/2-Pound Angus Burger with Trimmings

HAVANA NIGHTS TRAIN May 22 Bacon Wrapped Plantains, Cuban Avocado and Pineapple Salad, Grilled Mojo Marinated Pork

GOURMET MAC-N-CHEESE June 5 Cavatappi Noodles with Three-Cheese Blend with Pulled Pork, Bacon, Broccoli, and Mushroom Toppings

FATHER’S DAY June 19 Wisconsin Cheese and Sausage Board, Wedge Salad, Black Tie Stuffed Pork Chop, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables

STARS AND STRIPES July 17 Artisan Salad, Bacon Wrapped Filet or Blackened Salmon, accompanied by Twice Baked Potatoes and Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables

THAT’S AMORE July 24 Italian Garden Salad, Italian Meatballs in House made Marinara Sauce, Pasta Bundles, Sautéed Farm Fresh Vegetables

SURF-N-TURF Aug. 14 Artisan Salad, 6-oz Filet topped with Jumbo Shrimp, Truffle Oil Potatoes, Sautéed Farm Fresh Vegetables

FAMILY PICNIC TRAIN Aug. 21 Fresh-Popped Rainbow Popcorn, Hot Diggity All-Beef Dogs with Assorted Toppings, with Kettle Crunch Potato Chips, Pickles and Grape bunches

SOUTHERN DELIGHT Aug. 28 Slaw Salad, Southern Sticky Chicken or Baby Back Pork Ribs, Roasted Poblano and Onion Smasher, Sautéed Summer Kernelled Corn

LOCAL MOTIVE Sept. 11 Wisconsin Cheese and Sausage Board, Skordalia, Smoked Ham on a Pretzel Bun, Bratwurst Bite

FALL HARVEST Sept. 18 Chopped Salad, Beef Bourguignon or Orange Rustic Roughy, Roasted Garlic Smashed Potatoes, Roasted Farm Fresh Vegetables

OKTOBERFEST Oct. 2 Cucumber and Radicchio Salad, Sauerbraten, German Dill Mashed Potatoes, Soft Pretzel Roll

AUTUMN GLOW Oct. 9 Wisconsin Cheeseboard, Mixed Green Salad, Tuscan Chicken or Whisky Glazed Brisket, Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

SWEETEST DAY Oct. 16 Raspberry Walnut Salad, Beef Tenderloin or Blackened Salmon, Red Skin Mashers, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

ADULT HALLOWEEN Oct. 23 Spooky Salad, Cider Marinated Short Ribs or Bourbon Brown Sugar Chicken Quarter, Smoked Gouda Scalloped Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables

Fine dining on the East Troy Railroad Since 1992, the East Troy Railroad Museum has been proud to offer elegant Dinner Train experiences to our guests from around the world.

Our Dinner Train takes passengers on a two-hour journey over our picturesque line. Salads and appetizers are preset on tables as our guests board the train. Soon a delicious entrée is delivered to the tables, to be enjoyed while beautiful scenery passes by the picture windows.

The Dinner Train travels past the Elegant Farmer stop and pauses along the shore of Lower Phantom Lake. Here, passengers hear a brief talk about the history of the line, the cars they are riding in and of course, the famous legend of Lower Phantom Lake! Sunsets across the lake are beautiful when viewed from this spot.

When you come, we hope you’ll share your experience on social media. There should be a number of what we used to call “Kodak Moments,” both inside and outside the cars.

It is not uncommon to see swans on the lake along with other birds.

After visiting the lake, our train pulls across Highway ES and into Indianhead Park in Mukwonago.

Here, guests are offered the chance to get off the train to stretch their legs, get some pictures and enjoy the park. After about 15 minutes, we re-board the train and head back to East Troy while enjoying dessert and coffee – or after dinner drinks.

After all, we are in Wisconsin, so bar service is available!

A common question we have received in the past is; “Can we bring our young child on the Dinner Train?”

Our Dinner Train is really designed for adults, but we have designed our Picnic Train to be

perfect for families with young children. See Page 4 to find out more about the Picnic Train.

About our dining cars Starting with two retired South Shore cars built in 1927, our volunteers completely remodeled them, stripping out the old seats and installing new carpeting, tables, bars and custom mahogany woodwork. Both cars are decorated in the “art deco” style with Car 24 displaying more greens and car 25 displaying more pinks.

When it came time to name our two dining cars, the volunteers chose “Ravenswood” and “Beverly Shores,” representing two stations along the South Shore Line where

the cars stopped for 60 years.

These cars were recently outfitted with new picture windows, plus the updated air conditioning systems feature pinpoint ionization systems that purify the air and help kill viruses of all kinds.

Early in the 2021 season you will note that seating will be limited so that parties can be separated to provide for additional safety. Masks must be worn to board the train, but may be removed for eating and drinking.

Please note that the entire train is a no-smoking environment.

at least one day prior to event.

Tickets can be purchased at the railroad’s website or by calling 262-642-3263.

Options for special dietary needs can be found on the main “Dinner Trains” page of our website.

Dinner Train tickets include the meal and gratuity. Bar service is also available. Onboard restrooms are provided.

The dress code is business casual and high heels are not recommended. Seating is limited and reservations are nonrefundable. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.

For more information, please visit the Dinner Train page of our website at easttroyrr.org/dinner Prepaid reservations are required trains.html.

Reserve a spot

Above: In addition to fantastic food, beautiful scenery and sunsets are part of the trip. Top: Guests enjoy an elegant meal in the East Troy Railroad Museum’s Dining Cars. Special dining trains are scheduled throughout the season and are also available on a charter basis. For more information, visit easttroyrr.org.

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TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

How Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor came to East Troy John Lauber grew up in Milwaukee in the 1950s and 1960s, at a time when there were still many 1930s vintage drugstore soda fountains in operation, especially in the older parts of the city where his grandparents lived. He enjoyed stepping into these drugstores for an ice cream soda, hot fudge sundae or Green River.

In 1969 his great-uncle, Alfred Meyer died, and John received a number of soda fountain items from Meyer’s Pharmacy – his great-uncle’s store.

In addition to enjoying old-time soda fountains, John liked electric trolleys and had been a founding member of The Wisconsin Electric Railway Historical Society, which moved its collection of old trolleys to East Troy in 1972. The society had begun operating a museum and offering trolley rides on the weekends.

In 1973, John was driving down Burleigh Street and saw people carrying boxes out of Rilling’s Drug Store, throwing them into a dumpster. When he stopped to find out what was going on, he found that Mr. Rilling had suffered a stroke and his family was closing – and emptying – the store. John made an offer on the store fixtures and found himself the owner of an original 1930’s drugstore, without a home.

Meanwhile, back in East Troy, John had noticed a vacant building right across the tracks from the East Troy Depot. He arranged to rent the building from Equity Co-op, re-assembled the drug store fixtures in the new location, and opened Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor in 1974.

Since then, for 47 years, Lauber’s has been providing visitors with a truly authentic 1930s soda fountain experience.

It has always been John’s goal to make entering Lauber’s just like going into the corner drug store 90 years ago.

The worn hardwood floor, tongue and groove ceiling and vintage light fixtures hanging from chains carry you back to the 1930s. Original equipment, including malt mixers, dispensers, scoops, and other items from the 1930s and 1940s were acquired and continue to be used in making ice cream

Visitors to the East Troy Railroad Museum and Depot often enjoy a treat from Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor.

The old-fashioned, drugstore/soda fountain-like atmosphere charms many.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Trolley Times

treats today.

Vintage style sundae dishes and glassware are used to serve treats to your table.

The old cabinets around the store, which once contained pharmaceuticals, now hold an array of ice cream collectables: mixers, scoops, dispensers, and vintage advertising.

Others still hold vintage drug store items and packaging. The grocery section, from a store at 16th and Mitchell, has a display of grocery items and hosts a large candy counter using vintage containers to display the candy. A 1950 Seeburg jukebox plays hits from the 1920s to the 1950s.

John wants everyone to know that

Lauber’s is not self-service and it is not fast food. He asks you to allow enough time to sit back and enjoy the experience, not just the ice cream.

Lauber’s is open May through October.

Summer hours are Monday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pre-arrangement and cremation services also available

642-5057

2974 Main Street, East Troy WI legacyfuneralservices@gmail.com www.legacyfuneralservices.com

391048

KosKinen EyE CliniC, llC A MEMBER OF

We Believe life is all aBout your vision Jerry KosKinen, optometrist sandra hueninK, optometrist 3278 W Main StREEt, PO BOx 165 EaSt tROy, Wi 53120 t: 262-642-9719 F: 262-642-2228 www.visionsource-koskineneye.com 391046

391038

TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

2021 CAR ROSTER No.

Railway Company/City

Type

Built (rebuilt)

Builder

Seats

Received

Restored

6

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Steel Interurban

1926

Pullman Car Co.

54

2010

9

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Steel Interurban

1926

Pullman Car Co.

54

1990

1993, 2015

13

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Steel Interurban

1926 (1940s)

Pullman Car Co.

80

1998

2015

17

Milwaukee Street Railway

Horse Car

1880s

Unknown

2003

21

East Troy Electric Railroad

Single-truck Open Car

1975

ETER

45

1975

1985

23

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Steel Interurban

1927

Pullman Car Co.

80

2010

24

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad * Restored as Diner No. 24 – The Beverly Shores

Steel Interurban Interurban Diner

1927 (1940s)

Pullman Car Co. ETER

80 50

1992 1992

1995* 1995

25

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad * Restored as Diner No. 25 - The Ravenswood

Steel Interurban Interurban Diner

1927 (1940s)

Pullman Car Co. ETER

80 50

1983 1983

1991* 1991

26

Sheboygan Light Power & Railway

Wooden Interurban

1908

Cincinnati Car Co.

44

1988

2005

30

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Steel Interurban

1929

Standard Steel Car Co.

48

1983

1986

33

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Steel Interurban

1929

Pullman Car Co.

48

2010

2016

107

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Combine

1927

Pullman Car Co.

2010

203

Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad

Trailer

1927

Pullman Car Co.

2010

228

Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad

Merchandise Car

1922

Cincinnati Car Co.

N/A

1988

Est. 2022

761

Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad

Steel Interurban

1930

Standard Steel Car Co.

52

2001

Est. 2021

846

Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Co. Streetcar

Double-truck Streetcar

1920

St. Louis Car Co.

48

2002

1986

978

Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Co. Streetcar

Double-truck Streetcar

1929

St. Louis Car Co.

48

2002

1583

Twin City Rapid Transit Company

1913 (1921)(1948)

TCRT

48

1981

1985

1738

Former Milwaukee Road now ETER

1956

1985

1985

4420

Chicago Elevated (CTA)

Rapid Transit Car 1924

Cincinnati Car Co.

52

1982

1985

4439

Chicago Elevated (CTA)

Rapid Transit Car

1924

Cincinnati Car Co.

52

2020

2021

4453

Chicago Elevated (CTA)

Rapid Transit Car

1924

Cincinnati Car Co.

52

1995

1999

D23

The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Co.

Line Car

1907 (1929)

TMER&L

N/A

1989

1989, 2018

L6

The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Co.

Utility Crane Car

1911 (1929)

St. Louis Car Co.

N/A

1988

1989

L8

The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Co.

50-ton Steeplecab Loco.

1935

TMER&L

N/A

1989

1990

L9

The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Transport Co. Converted to East Troy Railroad Locomotive L9

50-ton Steeplecab Loco.

1944

TMER&T ETER

N/A

1988 1988

1990

13332

Soo Line (former Duluth South Shore & Atlantic)

Flat Car (Hobo Car)

1924

Pullman

N/A

1985

2002

Double-truck Streetcar Terminal Caboose

9

10

TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

Save the Dates East Troy Community-wide Rummage and Corn & Brat Roast May 28 to 31 easttroy.org Pizza on the Farm May through September Grasswayorganics.com East Troy Cycling Classic Friday, June 18 easttroy.org Lions Fourth of July Celebration July 1 to 3 easttroylions.org.

DITHER STUDIO Trolley Times

Welcome to

By Vanessa Lenz EAST TROY CHAMBER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to East Troy.

We’ve missed you and are so glad that we’re able to be together in person.

We know you’ll enjoy your visit to the East Troy Electric Railroad, Wisconsin’s last original electric railroad line.

After your ride, we hope you’ll get out and about to discover all of the great places to go and things to do in the area.

There’s a lot to see and do in our town. If you’re wondering where to start, I’d suggest taking a cue from John McGivern.

When he visited East Troy a few years ago to film his popular PBS show “Around the Corner with John McGivern,” our

East Troy Bluegrass Festival Sept. 11 and 12 easttroybluegrass.com

East Troy! town topped his list of places to go that are chock-full of experiences to check off your bucket list. The Emmy Award-winning actor explored what it’s like to live, work and play like a local and narrowed down the absolute must-do East Troy places & activities.

This includes catching an outdoor show while surrounded by the signature hills of the famous Alpine Valley Music Theatre.

When the temperatures are cooler, grab your skis and snowboards and zip down the hill at Alpine Valley Resort.

A top bucket list item for adventure enthusiasts is a visit to East Troy Municipal Airport, home to more than 100 aircraft and the adjacent Sky Dive Milwaukee, which has

been training jump students for more than 50 years. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the proverbial heartbeat of East Troy, check out our most notable landmark, East Troy Village Square Park, which has a long history as the backdrop for community events like the 27th annual East Troy Bluegrass Festival, Brewfest, Memorial Day Weekend Corn and Brat Roast and East Troy Lights.

If you journey to surrounding businesses, you’ll also find historic sights, high quality dining, shops, including East Troy’s first bookstore, a beautiful café, our newest addition, East Troy Brewery, and everything you need for a perfect day or night away.

If you’re more of a nature lover, East Troy will capture your heart with its striking waterfronts and flourishing green space. Ten local lakes and three state natural areas are all located within two miles of downtown.

This list features tips on how to make the most of your trip: what to see, what to do and insider secrets.

For to-the-minute updates and information on COVID-19 safety measures and hours, check out easttroy.org and individual business websites.

Feel free to email any questions to: vanessa@easttroy.org.

HOW TO LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Raise your glass at East Troy Brewery

A must-stop for foodies and beer lovers alike, East Troy’s first brewery touts housemade beers, along with a locally sourced menu with tasty options for the whole family.

From its small batch, locally made cheese curds to its Friday Fish Fry to its 13-hour slow-smoked prime brisket sandwich, East Troy Brewery uses fresh ingredients to make everything from scratch, each day.

The locally-owned brewery, which opened in a remodeled historic bank building dating back to 1892, features exclusive taps, an outdoor patio, fireplace lounge, open kitchen, indoor seating and Taproom on the southwest corner of the East Troy Village Square, 2905 Main St. For more information, visit etbrew.com.

Connect with local history

SARAH MANKE Trolley Times

above: Family owned and operated, Home on the Square aims to deliver a unique blend of high quality domestic and international products specifically geared towards a Midwestern client. top: The East Troy Area Chamber of Commerce is working with village officials and health authorities on plans for the return of physical events in 2021. Get details at easttroy.org.

The East Troy Area Historical Society’s Kubicki Museum and Heritage Center on the village square provides a showcase of local history including changing exhibits, artifacts, books, maps, documents, photographs and other materials.

To make an appointment, call (262) 6422642 or visit easttroyhistory.org.

Fill up on award-winning BBQ

Take your pick of pulled pork, sliced brisket, pulled chicken, ribs or smoked sausages at LD’s BBQ, located in a

East Troy Lights Dec. 4 to 31 easttroylights.com

2,900-square-foot East Troy restaurant, 2511 Main St. The award-winning eatery is inspired by roadside stands and mobile trailers popular in states like South Carolina and New Mexico.

For more information, visit ldsbbq. com.

Grab the perfect cup

East Troy’s café 2894 On Main, located on the northwest corner of the East Troy Village Square, was designed to be an easily accessible community hub, featuring Tesla charging stations, community chalk message boards and outdoor patio.

The beautifully renovated historic site from 1856, features a farm-to-fork menu and uses locally roasted beans with local, organic milk.

For more information, visit 2894onMain. com.

Get Sauced on the Square

With locally sourced, seasonally inspired pizzas, Sauced is a definite must-try when visiting the East Troy Village Square.

At the 100 percent wood-fired Neapolitan style pizzeria, you’ll find favorites like a Margherita with fresh mozzarella, the crowdpleasing Proscuitto Verde and Carne, as well as a variety of house-made, organic gelato.

The brand new restaurant is located at 2886 Main St. and features outdoor seating.

Visit getsauced.pizza for more information.

Step back in time

Step back in time with a summertime trip to J. Lauber’s Ice Cream Parlor, 2010 Church St., East Troy, for a malt, sundae or split.

Visitors can choose from a four-page menu of traditional treats, ranging from fountain soda to 20 flavors of malts or selections from an old-fashioned candy counter.

For more information, call (262) 642-3679.

Visit Wisconsin’s oldest operating inn and tavern

Refresh at East Troy House Historic Inn and Tavern, 2093 Division St. The oldest running inn and tavern in Wisconsin has been operating on the East Troy Village Square since 1842.

Its menu features its famous Friday Fish Fry, soups, specialty salads, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, steaks and more.

For more information, call (262) 6427100.

Drink mead, save bees

The Hive Taproom, W2463 County Road ES, is one of Wisconsin’s only craft brew taprooms specializing in cold, dry and carbonated honey wine.

See WELCOME, Page 11

• Welcome

WHERE TO SHOP

FOOD

2874 Main St., East Troy (262) 215-3736 Locally owned and operated consignment boutique specializing in women and children’s fashion.

Square Roots/ 2894 on Main

ESSENTIALS & SPECIALTY

2894onmain.com 2894 Main St., East Troy (262) 642-9600 Located inside the café, 2894 on Main, Square Roots has created a local hub for community-produced goods, featuring a unique selection of groceries and gifts.

The Elegant Farmer

elegantfarmer.com 1545 Main St. Mukwonago (262) 363-6770 The Elegant Farmer, 1545 Main St. Mukwonago, serves up homemade, fresh-picked and delicious offerings in its Farm Kitchen Bakery, Deli & Market. The business is noted by “Gourmet Magazine,” “The Wall Street Journal,” “Food Network” and “Milwaukee Magazine” as having “the best pie in America.”

The award-winning Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag has been the Elegant Farmer’s signature item for decades, baking over a quarter of a

Grassway Organics

grasswayorgaincs.com W2716 Friemoth Road, East Troy (920) 894-4201

Kwik Trip

www.facebook.com/ KwikTrip 1180 County Road ES, East Troy (262) 642-1409

Hometown Sausage Kitchen

Hometownsausage kitchen.com W1184 County Road L, East Troy (262) 642-3264

Independent Senior living at its best... with a personal touch.

Where an active lifestyle is affordable.

For an appointment, call Sarah Halbesma at (262) 642-4800 SMALL PETS WELCOME!

3223 North Street • East Troy, WI 53120 heritageeasttroy@oakbrookcorp.com heritageeasttroy.com

391047

If you need eyewear right & fast, we are Wisconsin’s LARGEST independent eyeglass store

• The largest selection of higher fashion & higher quality frames • We make all lenses here as quickly as you need them Most insurance plans accepted

“A little out of the way quite a bit out of the ordinary” HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00-6:00, Saturday 9:00-1:00

Corner of Hwy. 36 & Main St., Waterford, WI

534-6090 • • • •

391045

(Continued from page 10) The Hive Taproom has reimagined its space to keep guests spread out while finding the perfect midpoint between a wine bar, microbrewery and European pub.

The Hive features 16 session meads on tap with select meads available in cans to go. The Hive’s beverages are made on site with locally sourced raw honey, hops and produce with a range including dry hopped, fruit-forward, coffee and barrel-aged beverages.

Stop in or visit the Hive’s website for a calendar of weekly trivia, live music, yoga events plus other special With locally sourced, seasonally inspired, 100% wood fired pizzas, events throughout the year.

Sauced is a definite must-try when visiting the East Troy Village For more information Square. Order online at getsauced.pizza. on food, drinks and SARAH MANKE Trolley Times entertainment, call (262) 684-5400 or visit the million pies each year.

The Global Glass hivetaproom.com.

For more information, theglobalglass.com visit elegantfarmer.com.

2884 Main St., East Troy (262) 684-5420 A full-service shop Home on the Square featuring beer, wine, spirits homeonthesquare.shop 2888 and expert picks on a great Main St., East Troy, WI bottle of wine, the latest craft 53120 | (262) 642-5400 beer or something new for MAC Games Family owned and your bar.

Macgameset.com operated, Home on the 3066 Main St., Suite 110, Square aims to deliver a East Troy Goods Antiques unique blend of high quality facebook.com/goodsantiques (enter at back of building) domestic and international (262) 505-5565 3066 Main St., Suite 102, products specifically geared East Troy towards a Midwestern client.

(262) 385-5518 Martin’s Hardware This family owned shop, Rental & Pet InkLink Books features antiques, reclaimed www.facebook.com/ Inklinkbooks.com 2890 Main pieces and custom orders. martinshardwarerentalpet.et St., East Troy, WI 53120 3288 Main St., East Troy (262) 642-9607 Zinn’s Mercantile

InkLink Books, known for 2087 Division St., East Troy West 20 Ranch hosting bestselling authors at Zinn’s offers an eclectic its Read & Feed book dinners & Saddle Co. mix of unique items for the and virtual events, captures home, featuring artisan goods shop.west20.com the nostalgia of the best W4812 Highway 20, East and antiques. independent bookstores by Troy filling its shelves with books (262) 642-4272 East Troy Pharmacy from hyper-curated lists.

3284 Main St., East Troy The building, which (262) 642-3510 dates back to 1862 has been East Troy Pharmacy completely transformed into offers friendly, quick and Frank’s Piggly Wiggly a chic yet comfortable space competitive pricing and a www.facebook.com/franksET filled with beloved titles of large selection of gifts and 3238 W. Main St., East Troy | every genre. puzzles.

(262) 642-5524

Square Side Resale & Consignment Boutique

11

TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

Residential Commercial Fully Insured Free Estimates

Most Referred, Most Preferred Driveways • Patios • Sidewalks Basements • Garages Poured Walls • Color Concrete Brick & Stone Design Pole Barns • Snow Plowing mcphersonconcreteinc.com

262-363-9200

391044

LOCAL HOMEGROWN ANNUALS • Hanging Baskets • Containers • Perennials

SHRUBS AND TREES AVAILABLE

Garden Gifts and Decor • Fountains • Statuary • Birdbaths WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Garden Club Membership OPEN YEAR ‘ROUND

RESLER & ASSOCIATES, LLC Proud Supporter of East Troy!

3238 Main Street East Troy 53120 (Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center)

(262) 642-3483 www.reslerandassociates.com

Insure carefully, dream fearlessly.

390989

420 Maple Ave., Mukwonago, WI 53149 262-363-3807 390883

12

TROLLEY TIMES • 2021

Award Winning APPLE PIE BAKED IN A PAPER BAG®

FARM KITCHEN BAKERY, DELI & MARKET THE ELEGANT FARMER

armer Elegant F ime!

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HARVEST FEST,

2021 sept 11-oct 24, & sun only 10 am-5 pm, sat

• CORN MAZE

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Open Year Round • 9am-6pm 1545 Main St., Mukwonago • 262.363.6771 Order Online @ elegantfarmer.com

W App le Pie Baked in a Bag W Deli Meat Sandwiches W BBQ Pork Sand W Popping corn wiches W CiderBaked Ham Salad W Brats and Hot Dogs W Ice cream W Jumbo cookies W Muffins and breads W Popcorn W Turkey Wrap W Muffins and breads Much, much more!

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