MSTS Milwaukee Electric Flag Stop
  By Paul DeVerter. 

Copyright (C) 2003 Paul DeVerter

A flag stop shelter used to protect patrons of The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company, later East Troy Electric Railroad, from the elements, circa 1907-1948. This one is located at  Winema, Wisconsin

BACKGROUND
The Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light Company constructed over 200 miles of city and interurban railways in and around Milwaukee, WI. A branch line to East Troy was completed in 1907, and this branch still exists and operates today. It is the only remaining portion of the electric lines, and is known as the East Troy Electric Railroad. 

TMER&LCo had a contest to name various stations and stops along the line. Rolland L. Porter, who lived near the line, entered the contest, and won with his original story of a beautiful Indian Princess, named WINEMA. The Company constructed the Flag Stop or structure, which was located about half way along the remaining line, near Lake Beulah. Electric passenger service by TMER&LCo ceased in 1939, but the Winema Flag Stop structure existed at least until 1948.

The concrete foundation probably still exists. The concept for this Flag Stop was hatched while riding a Private Car from Milwaukee to Chicago earlier this year. The Grand-daughter of Mr. Porter was on board, and advised that her mother, Ruth Porter, had painted the Flag Stop. This painting (Winema1.jpg) became the basis for this model, along with a single photograph (winema1.bmp) which was found on the East Troy Electric Railroad site. The colors are taken from the painting, which are probably accurate, since Ruth Porter used to ride the interurban to Winema, to visit her relatives at Lake Beulah (descendants of Rolland still own property there). The four sides of the Flag Stop were open, but there was an "X" shaped windbreak in the center.

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