Hi there,
This bulletin proved very helpful to a team member of mine a few years ago as we did research for the Middle Avenue/Alley Job Historic District in Aurora, IL. Please excuse my
ignorance on this topic, as I am still learning more each time I do research on buildings on the important role of rail – however, I am no rail expert. I have another building I am working on getting listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the
original International Harvester building at 6-12 N River St. in Aurora.
Now, I am seeking information about the role of the rail in the agricultural implements business. Does anyone have a resource, or can provide anecdotal insight into how it was
that these large implements were sold; i.e. a farmer walks into a farm implement showroom (ala International Harvester) and decides to purchase a tractor. How was it that that tractor got to their farm? Or how was it that that farmer might have gotten that
machinery repaired? The rail is obviously critical to their business model as almost all IH stores are located along a rail line. In Aurora, that’s the CB&Q. But I need to get more details on the purchasing/marketing/logistics of the purchase, sale, and delivery
of equipment.
Thank you in advance!
Ashley
Ashley Sarver
Senior Urban Planner
O: 815-963-1900 | C: 815-315-3452 |
www.studiogwa.com