Get aboard the Monon project

The Monon Railroad has a rich history in Putnam County, serving as the main north-south freight and passenger service lines for many decades starting in the 1800s.

During that time, the Monon -- originally named the Chicago, Indianapolis and Louisville Railroad (CI&L) -- served Putnam County industries and employed Putnam County residents. Much of the growth of the county can be attributed to the existence of “The Hoosier Line.”

To help preserve some of that history, the Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society has requested the help of the Putnam County Museum in seeking Monon photos and memorabilia. The society is planning to construct an exhibit, with accompanying presentations, depicting the history of the Monon Railroad in Putnam County.

Although many Monon photos are available on the Internet, additional Monon Railroad-related photos are being sought for addition to the current collection.

Of particular interest are photos of the Monon depots that existed in Putnam County. The Monon had depots at Roachdale, Bainbridge, Greencastle, Limedale, Putnamville and Cloverdale. It was not uncommon for most of these towns to have had two or three different Monon depots, some for freight and others for passengers.

Interestingly, the Monon had structures, but not depots, at Carpentersville, Cement (Lone Star), and Oakland, located south of Cloverdale on the Putnam County line. Photos of these structures and old depots are especially being sought.

The museum is interested in Monon memorabilia persons would be willing to loan or donate. Examples would be hardware, uniforms, dinnerware and paper items such as documents, tickets, yard books, timetables advertisements, etc.

Persons who can assist with this project are asked to contact the museum at 653-8419.