Three Trains Each Way Daily!

This poster from ca. 1886, advertises the Wisconsin Central railroad that ran through Neenah-Menasha.  As described in this blog previously, the Wisconsin Central was organized at the National Hotel in 1871, the site of the present day Hotel Menasha. 

The Wisconsin Central, or WC, was quite active in the late 19th century.  But after 1909, the Wisconsin Central became primarily a holding company, as the Soo Line operated the WC's property, bearing the Soo Line colors. 

In 1987, the Wisconsin Central came out from under the shadow of the Soo Line after their parent company acquired the bankrupt Milwaukee Road.  Since then, the familiar burgundy and yellow painted engines are a common sight in the area.