Peoria Station

The Keokuk Junction Railway Co., owned by Peoria-based Pioneer Railcorp, operated its first Santa Special on Saturday, December 13. The train made stops at Mapleton, Glasford, Breeds, Canton (East Walnut St. and downtown) and Cuba. Large crowds at Glasford caused the train to arrive late at each of the next stops, finally reaching its last stop at some 1.5 hours past the posted scheduled arrival of 2:20pm. It didn’t seem to matter to the kids or their parents, however, as the crowds were large at each stop. The weather failed to keep the kids from telling Santa their wishes for Christmas. Below are images from yesterday’s trip.

First stop – Mapleton. The crowds formed as soon as the train arrived

Classic FP-9A’s 1750 and 1752 lead caboose PREX 3 up Glasford Hill.

Santa and his train attracted large crowds at Glasford, where an estimated 220 people of all ages came out to see Santa. Numerous railfans swelled the population.

Breeds probably hasn’t had so much excitement in years. Santa’s guests numbered 185.

The first stop at Canton, East Walnut and N. County Hwy 6, brought 220 visitors for Santa. Railfans stuck with the train here too…guess they can’t enough of those classic F-units! Canton had another stop, next to the KJRY office downtown at S. 1st Avenue.

At Cuba, crowds gathered despite Santa’s tardiness. They didn’t care as all were glad to see him. By this time, rain showers increased and sleet could be felt. This was the train’s last stop. When the crowds disappeared, the train returned to Mapleton.