Letter: Piece of local history could be lost

The former Prince Crossing Station in West Chicago may soon be demolished if its current owner, the Wheaton Academy, has its way.

This facility, located at 2N.166 Prince Crossing Rd., was built by the Aurora Elgin and Chicago Railroad (later to become the Chicago Aurora and Elgin) in 1902 and opened for passengers on May 29, 1903. The station's primary purpose was to act as one of 19 electrical substations strategically located along the railroad.

Today, only two of the original six passenger substations survive. They are: Substation No.5, Prince Crossing (DuPage County) and substation No.6 Clintonville (located in South Elgin-Kane County).

From 1945 to 1957, students from nearby Wheaton Academy High School used this station to attend school. In the early years, the railroad purchased a nearby triangular piece of land for future use. These plans never came to being but over the years, the Wheaton Academy did have its eye on some of this property. After abandonment, the station had a variety of interesting tenants, and today after 120 years, it has become a testament to its longevity.

Several years ago, the Wheaton Academy purchased the station along with a short part of the adjacent Illinois Prairie Path. This purchase of Illinois Prairie Path land has been scrutinized by some and should be further investigated. The Wheaton Academy has indicated its desire to tear down this historic building in the near future.

Local residents and preservationists have offered their time and treasure to help restore the station. One idea was even to move it a short distance off the property in order to save it. A piece of local history may soon be lost if the Wheaton Academy has its way.

Jerry Hund

West Chicago