| The door to the station master's office at the Fairfax depot museum sports this nifty summary of the history of the Minneapolis & St. Louis. Of the Chicago and North Western's purchase of the Louie, the history says: "November 1, 1960 - sold entire system to Chicago North Western R R (a hostile takeover!)" Hostile or not in business terms, the North Western's purchase ultimately proved hostile to miles of the Louie that would up torn up and left to be either plowed under, return to nature, or become rail trails. The fact the Louie remains not only intact but operated through Fairfax is nothing short of a miracle if you ask me. |