Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 6, 1971.
To Pass Into History
A bit of Valparaiso railroading tradition will pass into history May 1 when the Grand Trunk Western discontinues passenger service to the city.
According to an official notice, released last week by the Grand Trunk in Detroit, the International Daily, the Mohawk Daily and the Maple Leaf Daily will no longer make their six daily stops in Valparaiso.
According to the National Railroad Passenger Act (Railpax), of which the Grand Trunk is now a member, a participating Railroad may discontinue any inter-city service not included in the Railpax master plan so long as it gives a 30-day discontinuance notice.
The act prohibits the Interstate Commerce Commission from protesting the discontinuance.
The Grand Trunk has been a part of the Valparaiso railroading scene since 1880 when the old Chicago and Grand Trunk began operations from a terminus east of South Bend and ran westward through Valparaiso and into Chicago via Griffith.
It was reorganized as the Grand Trunk Western in 1900. Railroad buffs will recall that the line became famous for establishing milk stations along its route.
Grand Trunk officials report that no decision has been made concerning the local station.
Rail Service Ending Here
Four score and 11 years ago, Grand Trunk Western began its operation in Valparaiso. But after May 1, local residents will no longer stand here to catch trains to Chicago or Detroit. Grand Trunk is discontinuing passenger service here. W.E. Frame, station manager, reports no decision has been made on future of depot.
