A CN local parallels the Fox River and approaches the S. Memorial Dr. bridge as it descends the grade from the former C&NW yard at Appleton Junction, WI, down into 'The Flats' at Appleton, WI on 18 Jun. '19. Train was headed for Kimberly and Combined Locks. The Appleton Yacht Club and Lutz Park can be seen in the background. The former MILW right-of-way, granting it access to 'The Flats' from Menasha, runs along the opposite bank of the river. The line was abandoned in 1981 and the land has been reclaimed by nature, and the rich snobs who own the homes overlooking the river. About all that remains of this portion of that branch is one of the abutments for the MILW swing bridge that used to cross the river under the S. Memorial Dr. bridge. Over the past several years, I have notice that some misinformed individuals erroneously refer to ‘The Flats’ as ‘Oneida Flats,’ or some other variation. However, the historic, industrial heart of Appleton is simply ‘The Flats.’ |