| A CN local approaches W. Forest St. as it pulls 2 cars north via former SOO rails at Black Creek, WI (originally Middleburg, WI) on 10 Nov. '18. Train departed Appleton, WI with 20 cars, but dropped off 18 covered hoppers at Center Valley, WI. The building partially visible at right is the historic Frank Pure Food Co. sauerkraut factory, 304 W. Forest St. It was built by C. C. Lang & Son (a.k.a. C. C. Lang & Co.) in 1946 and purchased by Frank’s in ‘56. It was purchased by the Fremont Co. between ‘82 and ‘85. Sauerkraut production ceased ca. ‘93, when they closed the facility. It received rail service for much, if not all, of its use as canning plant for those 47 years. It was most recently occupied by Black Creek Auto Parts, LLC. That auto parts and recycling business failed after several years and the owners abandoned the site in 2011. Several references suggest that they still, somehow, retain ownership, even though the delinquent, irresponsible failures owe over $70,000 in back taxes (at least as of 2014). |