25. Louden Depot Community Credit Union,
        rebuilt 1940's.    611 W. Broadway Avenue

This former train station served the Rock Island Railroad.  See Fairfield railroad history here.

In 1870 the Fairfield city fathers lobbied the Chicago & Southwestern Railroad (which became the Rock Island) to come through Fairfield instead of Ottumwa to provide competition for the C. B & Q.

The Louden Company became one of the largest shippers in the Mid-west.

The Rock Island carried freight and passengers until its demise in 1980.  Other parts of the abandoned railroad roadbed are now used for a bike/hiking trail.

The deluxe passenger rail cars and cabooses you may see belong to Rail Merchants International.

Now walk back on Broadway Ave (eastward). Walk into the Post Office lobby at the corner of 2nd Street
to see two restored WPA murals.  Continue east on Broadway to return to Central Square.

West Broadway Avenue, Nov 9, 2010.

West Broadway Ave, about 1910

U.S. Post Office, West Broadway at 2nd Ave.     Scroll down to view the murals.

WPA mural in the post office lobby.

The 2nd mural.

Looking east from the Post Office toward the Square.

Halloween 2010 at the Chamber office, next to the post office.