The True Story of Ken's Railroad Chili
Ken’s Railroad Chili was developed by a railroader, who worked as a tower operator (1973-1979, 1985-1988) in the Milwaukee Road’s famous Rondout Tower, on the outskirts of Chicago (Milepost 33 - 33 miles north of downtown Chicago). The old tower, which still stands, is near the site of the largest train robbery in U.S. history (1924), endured many bitterly cold Midwest winters. Those winters also tested the mettle of the railroaders, who sometimes worked in near-Arctic conditions to keep the tracks open and the trains running. In a scene that has been repeated for over a hundred years at railroad outposts everywhere, half-frozen “rails” staggered in from the cold to warm up with a cup of hot coffee and a bite to eat before venturing back outside to perform their duties.
Ken had a culinary passion, and loved to cook. One cold winter, he began mixing various seasonings and spices, resulting in a chili recipe which would soon prove remarkably popular. After perfecting his recipe, Ken often prepared it at home, and brought it to work in a crockpot to share with his co-workers. When he wasn’t controlling train traffic at the busy junction or sending messages via the ancient telegraph key on his desk, Ken was ladling out the chili, keeping his co-workers bowls full of the steaming concoction.
