September Location

Along The Right Of Way

September 2004

M.P. IL42.0 - 6th Subdivision - NA

The town of Midland, Indiana, was an outside point on the Monon Railroad. It was never a major facility, but it was the terminus of Monon's coal mine spurs in Green and Sullivan County, and the focus of the many varied activities associated with making up coal trains for shipment to other points along the Monon Route. At one time, there were as many as twelve train crews stationed at Midland. In 1918, when the Midland yard was just six years old, it had to be expanded to accomodate the increases in freight traffic. At one point in time there were as many as thirty-four coal mines feeding into the Midland yards.

The round house had four stalls, but lacked a turntable or wye. They had to do all their turning either at Vicksburg, or by using several switches. South of the depot was what they used to call the 'beanery'. (Officially, the YMCA dormitory, according to Monon records.) The beanery was a big long building near the throat of the the south yards. Adjacent to the dormitory were separate buildings housing the restaurant, complete with a sixteen foot-long sign on top of the roof, and a small residence for its operator.

Left: One of the Monon's Company houses. Based on its size, it appears to be the one designated for the restaurant operator. Right: Midland depot, date unknown.

Action on the I&L Branch, circa 1971. Left: Monon local freight passing the depot at Midland. Right: Local working the yard in Midland.

November 1979. Old Monon depot at Midland Junction.

Two views of the former junction at Midland. Left: March 1966. Monon Junction with the CMstP&P. You are looking toward the south. The yard office is to the left. Right: Almost the same view, ten years later, October 1976.

The tower at Midland Junction. Looking towards the south.

November 1979. The former Monon crossing. CMStP&P GP 20 #977 working the line.

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