Lisle Depot second floor

Many Burlington Railroad train depots contained a one-floor apartment for the station master’s family or others to rent. When the Lisle Depot was rebuilt in 1874, it was outfitted with a two-story apartment, which was relatively luxurious and uncommon. The Burlington offered the apartment living quarters to the station masters and their families for a reduced rent. There were times, however, when Lisle Station Agents chose not to live in the Depot so another family could apply to rent the Depot apartment. The Burlington typically offered a reduced or discounted monthly lease rate and asked the tenant family to maintain the Depot apartment as well as the public station spaces and outdoor grounds. These “Custodians” were responsible for sweeping the floors, lighting the coal stove in the Waiting Room each morning, mowing the grass, and other related tasks. Some even had to buy their own coal from the Burlington to heat the apartment. A few Custodians worked other jobs for the Burlington while others were local Lisle residents.