"Picture Decatur" (Decatur IL)

Some photos - past and present - of locomotives, trains, and railroads in and around Decatur Illinois........ Gallery 2: for more on Decatur Railyard Explosion of 1974, link to: http://picturedecatur.blogspot.com/2013/10/n-explosion-1974.html

On July 19, 1974, a massive explosion leveled the N&W (Norfolk & Western) railyard in the heart of Decatur.  Neighborhoods around the explosion site were heavily damaged, including Lakeview High School. The blast was reportedly heard as far away as 30 miles. (photos from Herald and Review archives) Lakeview High School To read more about the explosion: " Death Before Dawn ", a research project by Millikin student Laura Voyles Text of Associated Press article detailing the incident National Transportation Safety Board's " Railroad Accident Report " for the event

In 1950, Lakeview High School was opened at 1001 North Brush College Road. damage to Lakeview High School from the Norfolk & Western explosion;  July 19, 1974 Lakeview High was closed in 1982. Lakeview today;  now a research facility for Archer Daniels Midland Company, who moved into the building in 1986: