At just 15 years old, Anderson Pries of Homewood already has become a local expert on all things railroad, dedicating an impressive amount of time and energy to learning about, promoting, and sharing his knowledge. While he says he’s “doing it for fun,” the passion he brings to his pursuits would place him in the realm of seasoned professionals in any other field.
Anderson said his love for trains began at the age of four, during a visit to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI).
“I went to MSI with my family and saw the Pioneer Zephyr,” he recalled. “That big Silver Streak train is what ignited my love of trains.”
Now, as a standout Homewood-Flossmoor High School student, avid historian, talented musician, and frequent volunteer, Anderson’s latest project is a testament to his deep commitment to railroading history and his passion for giving back to his community. He is re-imagining and curating the Homewood Historical Society’s (HHS) collection of Illinois Central Railroad artifacts dating back to the mid-19th century when the Illinois Central first laid tracks through Homewood’s original downtown district. His work is part of an exciting collaboration with HHS Director Megan Tipton.
“We’re creating a more comprehensive exhibit that traces the history of the Illinois Central in a chronological display,” Anderson said. “The railroad was absolutely pivotal to Homewood’s growth and development, so this project is an exciting way to showcase its impact.”
The Illinois Central Railroad is not just a historical subject for him: It represents the heart of Homewood itself, and his passion for preserving that history is evident in his approach to the project. He said he is considering using a large map showing the evolution of the railroad’s influence on the local community as a backdrop to anchor the exhibit.
Though it was the sight of the gleaming Silver Streak Zephyr that initially sparked his fascination with railroading, Anderson credits his parents for fostering an environment that allowed his curiosity to flourish. For the past decade, he has visited rail museums across the region — and even in other cities during family vacations.
His parents, Adam and Hilary Juretic Pries, both educators, homeschooled Anderson before he entered high school.
“What we really worked on was just building curiosity and having a lot of learning,” his father said. “We all learned together, and I think that really rubbed off on him.”
Last year, Anderson’s dedication to railroading reached a new level when he began volunteering at the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Illinois. There, he immersed himself in all things related to the restoration and maintenance of historical trolley cars, and he dived deeper into the mechanics and history of railroading.
Anderson’s role at the museum has expanded to writing for the trolley museum’s newsletter, “The Electric Times,” where his encyclopedic knowledge of rail history is put to good use. His passion for sharing his expertise with others shines through in his writing and during museum events.
One such event involved Anderson bringing his Boy Scout troop to the museum’s annual Fox River Reenactment which also honored two WWII veterans, one aged 100 and the other 101.
“We had a flag ceremony with representatives from the Marines, a 21-gun salute, and a WWII reenactment,” Anderson said. “A representative from U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s office even attended the ceremony. It was an incredible experience for everyone involved.”
Anderson said he is grateful his parents helped him make these opportunities possible.
“Every time I go out to the trolley museum in Elgin, I have to be driven, and it’s a long trip,” he acknowledges. “But my parents are always so supportive, helping me get involved with these amazing organizations.”
For Anderson, railroading is also an avenue for personal growth and a way to give back to the community that has shaped his love for history and trains. He currently is evaluating future project ideas that will incorporate his love of volunteering, railroads, and community to earn his Eagle Scout credential.
“When I have an idea, I try to think of ways I can make things better, or make a place run more smoothly and then see what it would take to make it happen—and that’s how I approach everything I do,” Anderson said
Whether curating an exhibit, writing about railroading, or participating in educational events, Anderson Pries’s contributions are helping to keep the rich history of Homewood and railroading alive for future generations.
Besides being a scholar, Anderson also is an accomplished musician who plays the trombone for the H-F Marching Band and who has studied piano since he was five years old. He has played in concerts with many professional musicians. He is the pianist for the HF High School Jazz Band and says he is especially drawn to Ragtime.
