Bound and unbound copies of the annual report issued to the stockholders by the directors of the Illinois Central RR. Mostly used as a yearly recap of the financial health of the company, in later years it also included publicity material such as human interest stories and photographs (from 1946 on; also, in 1953, they started publishing photographs in color).

Report years vary: 1852 dated Nov. 20, 1853, Mar., Nov.10; 1854, Dec. 9; 1856, Mar. 19, Sept. 3; 1857, Mar.; 1858, Mar. 17; 1859, Mar.16; 1860, May 16; year ending Dec. 31, 1860-88; year ending June 30,1888-1916; year ending Dec.31, 1916-1969. Also included in the bound volumes: Communication to the shareholders by W.K. Ackerman concerning reports on the CStL&NO, Jan.18,1883, with reports by James Fentress and J.C. Clarke with 1883 report; Report of Committee on Rates, Revenues and Expenditures with 1890 report; Report of the delegates selected by the joint committee of British shareholders with 1877 report.