Founded in 1973, The Chicago and North Western Historical Society was organized by a number of Midwestern railfans led by Joseph Follmar. The not-for-profit group has swelled to over 3,000 members since its inception, and many additional non-members read the society's magazine, North Western Lines.
The Society's purpose is to preserve the history and memory of the Chicago and North Western Railway and its predecessors, through the publication of a quarterly magazine, the preservation of several thousand pieces of railroad paraphenelia, and an Annual Meet, usually held in mid-May.
Although the CNW was purchased by Union Pacific in 1995, many of the operations on the ex-CNW lines are still very similar, and there are still a number of CNW engines that have not yet been repainted into Union Pacific colors. For that reason, the Society also covers current happenings on the UP involving former CNW equipment, trackage, operating plans, and employees.
As previously mentioned, the CNWHS sponsors a gathering every year at a former CNW location. Modeling clinics, slide shows, open forums in which CNWHS officers and members can interact and share ideas, tour of the surrounding area, and a Saturday banquet are usually a part of each meet.
There are also three smaller regional meets per year, inviting CNWHS members in the respective membership districts of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. While only members in or near these states are invited, all members are able to attend if they so wish.
Annual Meet Locations:
The Society's publication, North Western Lines, is published four times a year. The 64-page, full-color magazine features articles covering the CNW and its predecessors from their inception until the present.
A team of nine editors works on the magazine from material submitted by members, with an additional eight volunteers serving as chief advisors on certain subjects.
Editorial Staff
Advisory Staff
Lloyd Keyser, Keith Kohlmann, Ron Christensen, Norm Cattell (Contributory)
David Fiori, Joe Piersen (Contributory)
A. Joseph Follmar, Wally Feret (Contributory)
Joe Piersen, Ray Jorgensen (Contributory)
R. A. Janz, J. Piersen, George Whalen, Jerry Drager (Contributory)
Dave Fiore, Dick Wilson, Jerry Huddleston (Contributory)
Dennis Holmes, Gene Green (Contributory)
Lou Schmitz (Contributory)