December 3, 1853 Illinois Central and Michigan Central railroads begin using a temporary station built on fill on the lakefront of Chicago between Randolph and Water Streets. The track has been extended north from 12th Street.
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December 3, 1919 The Quebec Bridge opens to pedestrian, rail and automobile traffic. Planning for the bridge began in 1899, and it has collapsed twice during construction, killing 89 workers. It is currently owned by Canadian National.
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December 3, 1979 The ICC grants permission to Grand Trunk Western to buy the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton, confirming a court order handed down in July. The ICC gives GTW six months to compete the sale.
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December 3, 1980 The last continuous, daily, non-fireless steam operation in the United States comes to a close as Chicago's Northwestern Steel & Wire drops the fires of its ex-Grand Trunk Western 0-8-0 switchers for the last time.
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Mark Tomlonson
