1894 Stock Certificate - Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit in Chicago, Illinois For Sale

xxxx serial-numbered authentic stock certificate for the Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit Railroad Company, which was the first elevated rapid transit line in Chicago. The graphic at top-center of the certificate depicts a side profile of a young woman with braided hair wearing a nightgown and seated in a chair awhile cradling a book in her lap. A blanket covers her legs. Two more books sit on an end table next to her on her far side. A newspaper covers those two books, and a magic genie lamp sits atop the newspaper. Just beneath the middle of the certificate, a large brown underprint states "Shares $100 Each". Brown border. Hand-signed by company executives in lower left and lower right corners, including the company president. Printed by American Bank Note Company of New York. Measures 7 X 11 inches.
In xxxx, the line initially ran from downtown Chicago to 39th Street, a run that took 14 minutes to travel and cost five cents. The line was gradually extended over the coming months, with the route reaching Jackson Park on May 12, xxxx to provide service to near the site of the World's Columbian Exposition, which was held in the general area of Midway Plaisance. When the World's Columbian Exposition closed, lack of development along the southern portion of the route led to plummeting passenger numbers. The Chicago and South Side Rapid Transit Railroad Company went into receivership in xxxx and was sold under foreclosure on September 16, xxxx. The South Side Elevated Railroad Company took over the route in xxxx. In xxxx four different rail companies serving Chicago commuters formally merged to form the Chicago Rapid Transit Company, which later evolved into the Chicago Transit Authority in xxxx.
Document is in Excellent condition with no flaws or imperfections except for two fold creases. Suitable for framing.