Mokena owes its existence not only to agriculture but also to the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. Overlooked in the collective memory is a humble wooden shack at the Mokena Street crossing, where a generation of flagmen worked tirelessly to ensure safety before the advent of electric gates.
These flagmen, employees of the Rock Island, would wave green flags and later stop signs to herald the arrival of trains. The shanty, known as the "mansion by the tracks," became a gathering spot for train passengers seeking warmth and companionship.
However, with technological advancements, the flagmen's roles became obsolete, and the shanty eventually faded into history, leaving behind the stories of these unique men who contributed to Mokena's railway heritage.
Matt's article that this episode is based on can be found HERE!
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Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
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