08-2006

Along The Right Of Way

August 2007

M.P. C 40.5 (B&B 40.5) - B&B - HM

The incorporated town was founded about 1869 and was named for a local landowner, John Switz. Switz, A native of Germany, emigrated to the United States about 1850 and came directly to this locality where he acquired more than 200 acres. Switz City dates from the establishment of the railroad (now the Indianapolis and Vincennes branch of the Pennsylvania*) through town. Later came the old Indianapolis Southern which subsequently was acquired by the Illinois Central (now Indiana Railroad) and is now part of its Indianapolis-Effingham, Illinois line.

For many years the B&B, known facetiously and affectionately as Old Nellie, had its western terminus at Switz City. The line was abandoned many years ago. Its tracks were removed. Only an occasional trace can be seen of the old grade.

During the early part of last century, Switz City was a thriving community. There were three general stores, three hotels, two restaurants, several boarding houses, a large sawmill, a grain elevator, a livery stable, and last but not least, two taverns. In its heyday one of Switz City’s thriving and popular spots was the old 22-room Hunt Hotel, that sat in a maple grove opposite the railroad station. It was built in the 1890’s by Horatio Hunt and run by him and his family for many years. A never-to-be-forgotten feature of that hostelry was that instead of being numbered, the guest rooms bore the name of states. A white archway at the entrance to the grounds bore the inscription, “Gates Ajar”. In 1869 the first Post Office was established. The Southern Indiana Railroad provided all the station facilities in this town.

Today, Switz City is a residential community. There is very little evidence of what once was a bustling center of commerce, served by three railroads. -Local History Courtesy Of Joe Land-

Looking along the old B&B right of way in the vicinity of Switz City. Tom Rakin believes this picture was taken close to Switz City.

Switz City Depot. Two images. Left: The terminus of the B&B Branch. This union depot was shared by the Illinois Central's Indianapolis Branch and the Pennsylvania's Vincennes Branch, but not the Monon. Date unknown. Right: Switz City Monon depot, The year is 1902. The depot was shared by Indianapolis & Southern RR and Monon RR and staffed by both railroads and Adams American Express, and was located on Pennsylvania RR property. The men pictured, from left: Gerhardt B. Daubenspeck-clerk, W. Culmer-agent, Henry Daubenspeck-day operator and clerk and a Mr.Geyer-night operator & clerk. This information, is courtesy of Joseph Land, from an article printed in The Linton Daily Citizen, and provided by Reid Miller. This picture courtesy of Ron Marquardt.

Switz City turntable, 1902. This was the absolute end of the line for the I&L Branch, and the B&B Branch. Pictured is the manually operated turntable at Switz City. Yep, you had to get out and push.

The manual turntable at Switz City. If you look close, the handle used to operate the turntable can be seen. Date of this picture is unknown. Courtesy of Joe Land and the Land Family. Joe's father and grandfather both worked on the railroad.

The last of the three hotels that once stood in Switz City. The front of the building faced west toward the PRR tracks, a few feet behind where the photographer was standing when this picture was taken. The Monon tracks were to the north (left side of the photo) just out of camera range. The hotel was built in the early 1900's, and was torn down in 2002. For many years it was a family residence. Plans to preserve and restore it as a Historic Building fell through when matching funds could not be obtained. -Courtesy Dale Davis-

Switz City Today

Town scenes Switz City 2007. Left: Downtown Switz City. Fire Department, Town Hall and the Switz City Post Office. The tracks pictured are those of the Indiana Southern Railroad. Right: Holtsclaw Sales and Service. Farm machinery dealer one block south of downtown. -Photos courtesy of Joe Land.-

Switz City 2005. While I struck out finding remains of the old B&B in Switz City, due to lack of a decent map, railroad activity is alive and well. Left and Right: Indiana Railroad facillity at Switz City.

The former B&B right of way. Left: Photographer is standing on the right of way looking west. The line ran between the two houses. Right. Looking east along the main right of way towards the the former junction with the PRR.

Looking along the old right of way. This location is about 100 yards east of the former turntable location. The cut on the right was the main heading west to Switz City, and turntable. The cut to the left was the line connecting to the Illinois Central. Much of this area has been filled in over the years by the homeowners. The area in the photo is due to be filled this year.

The former location of the turntable at Switz City. According to Switz City resident Joseph Land there is not much to see of the old location. It is interesting that the trees pictured are growing in a circle, that the locals point out as the former turntable site.

Looking southwest along the connecting track to the Illinois Central (Indiana Southern).

Left: Looking east along the connecting right of way. Right. Looking west, standing on the connecting right of way. Photographs courtesy Joseph Land.

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