Did you know that the Brookfield Metra Station wasn’t always called Brookfield? Once upon a time, this very spot was known as Grossdale. Let’s dive into the story of this station.
The Brookfield Metra Station, originally Grossdale station, first opened on June 15, 1889. Samuel Eberly Gross, a Chicago lawyer and real estate investor, built it. He was developing the area. Gross had acquired farmland along the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad line. He named the area Grossdale after himself. In return, he gave land to the railroad. The station became the first building Gross erected in his new subdivision.
Imagine the excitement as the first trains pulled into Grossdale. People flocked here from Chicago. Gross even offered free train rides with picnics. These picnics included a sales pitch. He wanted to sell land and houses.
Originally, the Grossdale Pavilion stood across the tracks from the station. It housed the post office and a general store. Meeting rooms were also there plus a dance hall. Sadly, the pavilion burned down in 1897.
In 1905, Grossdale changed its name to Brookfield. However, the station’s story continued. For many years, the original station served the community. But, by 1981, it had fallen into disrepair. There was a plan to tear it down and replace it.
Residents rallied to save the historic station. They formed the Brookfield Historical Society. The railroad gave them a choice: move it or lose it. So, in 1981, the old Grossdale station was moved. It was relocated across the tracks to the corner of Brookfield and Forest Avenues. The current Brookfield Metra Station was built to serve commuters.
The old Grossdale station now houses the Brookfield Historical Society. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982. So, while you wait for your train, remember the history beneath your feet. Consider the vision of Samuel Eberly Gross. Think about the determined residents who saved a piece of their past.
Today, the Brookfield Metra Station is a busy hub. As of 2018, it was the 93rd busiest of Metra’s stations outside of downtown. On an average weekday, 546 people boarded here. As of April 29, 2024, 52 trains serve Brookfield on weekdays. 33 trains stop here on weekends and holidays. The station is in Metra’s Zone 2.
The Brookfield Metra Station stands as a testament to community pride. It shows how a town’s history can be preserved. Next time you pass through, take a moment. Think about the journey of this station from Grossdale to Brookfield.