StoryCorps Chicago: How A Man Saved The Day When The Chicago River Flooded The Loop

John Wahlfeldt came to StoryCorps with his granddaughter Sarah and daughter Laura.
John Wahlfeldt came to StoryCorps with his granddaughter Sarah and daughter Laura. Photo courtesy of StoryCorps
John Wahlfeldt came to StoryCorps with his granddaughter Sarah and daughter Laura.
John Wahlfeldt came to StoryCorps with his granddaughter Sarah and daughter Laura. Photo courtesy of StoryCorps

StoryCorps Chicago: How A Man Saved The Day When The Chicago River Flooded The Loop

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John Wahlfedt has always been passionate about trains. 

Many years ago, his wife bought him a book about a mostly forgotten train tunnel system beneath downtown Chicago. Last week, Wahlfedt came to the StoryCorps booth in the Chicago Cultural Center with two copies of the book, Forty Feet Below. He had his original, and another, spiral-bound photocopy. His daughter Laura, and granddaughter Sarah asked him to explain his connection with the book.

StoryCorps’ mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to share, record and preserve their stories. These excerpts, edited by WBEZ, present some of our favorites from the current visit, as well as from previous trips.