| A FV&LS (or FOXY) local crosses the last remaining scrap of what was once the South Channel of the Fox River via former CN, historically C&NW, rails in 'The Flats' at Appleton, WI, on 5 Feb. '22. Old maps reveal that the west end of the South Channel was filled in at some point between 1916 and 1957. Most of the remainder of the South Channel was filled in the following years. This remaining portion forms the confluence with a mill race which connects West’s Power Canal (a.k.a. West’s Canal, a.k.a. Grand Chute Island Canal) to the Fox River. Edward West bought Grand Chute Island and excavated the canal in 1870 to provide water power for the industries which were built soon after. The facility beyond the train is currently home to JWM Coenen Mechanical (historically Allis-Chalmers, originally Valley Iron Works), 401 E. South Island St. The now idled Neenah Paper (formerly Fox River Paper Co.), 600 S. Vulcan St., is partially visible in the background to the right. Neenah Paper closed this facility last year, even though they recently completed a multi-million-dollar addition to the facility. It was the last active rail customer in 'The Flats' and had been for a number of years. Hopefully a new industrial concern will purchase the facility, instead of it being torn down or converted into trendy, over-rated, over-priced apartments. 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.’ Many years ago it was referred to 'The Water Power.' |