Photo Header: GR&I Summer Suburban Depot (in the winter) ~ Submitted by Geoff Guillaume
from the collection of Geoff's grandfather Harold Guillaume
from the collection of Geoff's grandfather Harold Guillaume
Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ RAILROADS ~
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Please do not copy the photos on this site, many of which have been submitted by private individuals...
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
MAP of Existing Michigan Railroads... Click HERE
Additional local Railroad information may be accessed on this same webmaster's
web page "Railroad Era for Walloon Lake (and its Many Railroad Connections)."
web page "Railroad Era for Walloon Lake (and its Many Railroad Connections)."
~ 1874 ~
On page 93 J.G. Inglis wrote in his Northern Michigan Handbook for Travelers's 1898 book: "At midnight December 31st, 1874, the FIRST train entered Petoskey, then a mere hamlet, and for several years this place was the terminus of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad."
A different source stated the first train came into Petoksey at 5PM on 12 November 1873, and remained one hour. Riding on the train were the officials and directors of the railroad.
A 1973 publication titled "This Midwest Resort" indicated the FIRST train officially reached Petoskey at 5PM on 25 November 1873, when "an inspection train carrying operating personnel of the company puffed into the little settlement, consisting of a few wooden shacks, one of which was the St. Francis Solanus Mission Church and a Presbyterian Indian Mission." The guests included "Governor Bagley of Michigan and George Gage, a reporter for the Grand Rapids Times, who wrote up a glowing account for his newspaper of the great occasion, with a description of the natural beauty of Little Traverse Bay and the surrounding country."
A different source stated the first train came into Petoksey at 5PM on 12 November 1873, and remained one hour. Riding on the train were the officials and directors of the railroad.
A 1973 publication titled "This Midwest Resort" indicated the FIRST train officially reached Petoskey at 5PM on 25 November 1873, when "an inspection train carrying operating personnel of the company puffed into the little settlement, consisting of a few wooden shacks, one of which was the St. Francis Solanus Mission Church and a Presbyterian Indian Mission." The guests included "Governor Bagley of Michigan and George Gage, a reporter for the Grand Rapids Times, who wrote up a glowing account for his newspaper of the great occasion, with a description of the natural beauty of Little Traverse Bay and the surrounding country."
~ September 1874 ~
Mr. J.R. Butler, porter on FIRST sleeping car that came over the GR&I railroad into Petoskey...
revisits Petoskey in July 1910.
~ 1875 ~
The Railroad Company made improvements in grading and leveling up
the right of way through the village...
the right of way through the village...
~ 1876 ~
GR&I Station and Grounds
GR&I Station and Grounds
The G.R. & I. opened for regular passenger business to Petoskey early in 1874. The railway company lost no time in advertising the locality for summer resort purposes. The Bay View Camp Ground Association of the M.E. Church, in looking about for a site, were taken to Petoksey and shown the ground, now widely known as Bay View. The ground was offered to the Association by the railway company, IF they would locate there. The offer was accepted early 1876, and Bay View's FIRST camp meeting was held during that year. By 1900 the railway company put in service from large cities as far away as St. Louis with a sleeping and dining car which became popularly known as "The Northland Express" [Photo Below]. ~ Souvenir, 25th anniversary, Bay View summer resort, 1900
Click HERE to access additional information about the connection between the railroad and Bay View.
Click HERE to access additional information about the connection between the railroad and Bay View.
~ 1876 ~
Bay View "Dummy" Train
Bay View "Dummy" Train
~ 1890 ~
The Bay View Dummy and Freight Train Number Ten COLLIDE
The Bay View Dummy and Freight Train Number Ten COLLIDE
~ 1893 ~
Old-Time Resort Coaches Squeezed Out by Autos reported in 1924
Old-Time Resort Coaches Squeezed Out by Autos reported in 1924
~ Bay View Depot ~
The FIRST railroad tracks from Petoskey to Bay View were wood. Those tracks could not support a big engine and coach car. Petoskey, thus, was the stopping point with the pullmans left there. One night the brakeman forgot to set the brakes on the three pullmans so they coasted to lower level Bay View. It took a team of mules to haul the pullmans, one by one, back to Petoskey.
Two Articles Below: The old depot in Bay View was torn down and the new depot to be completed by 1 July 1898.
1927 and 1930 Articles Below: Pere Marquette (different train than the G.R.&I RR) Plans New Rosedale/Bay View Depot
Below Photo Labeled: "Grand Rapids and Indiana Bay View Depot"
Photo Below labeled: "Bay View Pennsylvania Railroad Depot, built in 1898, torn down in 1950"
Article Below: By 1948 The G.R.&I. RR had been renamed as the Pennsylvania Railroad.
So, this article is reporting the selling of the previously named G.R.&I. RR depot in Bay View (shown in above photo).
So, this article is reporting the selling of the previously named G.R.&I. RR depot in Bay View (shown in above photo).
~ 1949 ~
Bay View Depot
(Compare to Photo Above)
At one point in time "7,500 passengers went through the Bay View depot of the Pennsylvania railroad in one day."
Bay View Depot
(Compare to Photo Above)
At one point in time "7,500 passengers went through the Bay View depot of the Pennsylvania railroad in one day."
(Below)
~ 1952 ~
Sold by bids, a few years previous, to the American Legion...
~ 1952 ~
Sold by bids, a few years previous, to the American Legion...
~ 1879 ~
By 1879 the railroad had continued
from Bay View to Conway, Michigan.
from Bay View to Conway, Michigan.
Photo Below Labeled:
"People debarking a train at the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Second Station in Petoskey"
but compared to above photo, obviously is the same depot as labeled in Conway.
"People debarking a train at the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Second Station in Petoskey"
but compared to above photo, obviously is the same depot as labeled in Conway.
~ 1879 ~
150 to 200 men and boys are meeting every train...
so it is almost impossible for passengers to make their way through the "loafers".
150 to 200 men and boys are meeting every train...
so it is almost impossible for passengers to make their way through the "loafers".
Photo Postcard Below: "Just Arrived Tired & Thirsty ~ Ely, Mich."
Ely, Michigan, was north of Petoskey so the track would have been an extension of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.
Ely, Michigan, was north of Petoskey so the track would have been an extension of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad.
~ 1881 > 1882 ~
Railroad through wilderness from Petoskey to Mackinaw City...
Railroad through wilderness from Petoskey to Mackinaw City...
Clipping Above: H.O. Rose was the first President of Petoskey. He was instrumental in entrepreneurship, so it is not surprising he would secure "the contract of getting out ties to extend the G.R. & I. to Mackinaw."
"Putting the railroad through the 35 miles of nearly virgin wilderness from Petoskey to Mackinaw City was a major undertaking. And it was accomplished in a mere two years with most of the work confined to the warm months when the ground was not frozen. Even if an airplane or helicopter had been used to determine the most practical route the selection could not have been better. Construction began in Petoskey in 1880, under the direction of civil engineer Warren B. Stimson. A news item mentions a survey crew living in a tent near Pellston, and that upon their return to Petoksey their faces were so mosquito bitten as to be scarcely recognizable.
Construction progress depended on the team-work of various managers. Right-of-way land had to be purchased from individual owners. In one instance, Mr. Fletcher sold the company sufficient land for the railway extending from Levering to Mackinaw City for the sum of one dollar. Woodsmen were hired to clear the right-of-way; then the stumps had to be removed. Then came the preparation of the road-bed and the bridging of rivers. Putting a good solid road-bed through the water-filled swamps was particularly troublesome. All the muck had to be removed and replaced with solid material in order to support the weight of heavy trains. Along the route, laborers, farmers, and homesteaders found gainful employment. A man with a team of horses could expect to earn between two and three dollars per day. Teams with scoops, dump-wagons, and graders were all required for the work to progress. And the first GR&I train entered Mackinaw City in 1882. Some time later the main line extending 460 miles from Richmond, Indiana, to Mackinaw City, was given the nickname 'The Fishing Line' because of the thousands of vacationers it carried to the wood, lakes, and streams each summer. In 1920 the GR&I railroad was sold and became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system." ~ Raymond Kalbfleisch in the August 31-September 6, 1988, Harbor Light.
Construction progress depended on the team-work of various managers. Right-of-way land had to be purchased from individual owners. In one instance, Mr. Fletcher sold the company sufficient land for the railway extending from Levering to Mackinaw City for the sum of one dollar. Woodsmen were hired to clear the right-of-way; then the stumps had to be removed. Then came the preparation of the road-bed and the bridging of rivers. Putting a good solid road-bed through the water-filled swamps was particularly troublesome. All the muck had to be removed and replaced with solid material in order to support the weight of heavy trains. Along the route, laborers, farmers, and homesteaders found gainful employment. A man with a team of horses could expect to earn between two and three dollars per day. Teams with scoops, dump-wagons, and graders were all required for the work to progress. And the first GR&I train entered Mackinaw City in 1882. Some time later the main line extending 460 miles from Richmond, Indiana, to Mackinaw City, was given the nickname 'The Fishing Line' because of the thousands of vacationers it carried to the wood, lakes, and streams each summer. In 1920 the GR&I railroad was sold and became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system." ~ Raymond Kalbfleisch in the August 31-September 6, 1988, Harbor Light.
Photo Below Labeled: "Laying Rail in the woods." The photo is not necessarily of what Raymond Kalbfleisch was writing above, but the photo below certainly is illustrative of extending the railway in early times.
~ Mackinaw City Union Depot ~
Article Below: The GR&I RR was to be completed to Mackinaw City by 15 July 1882, ready to take the car ferry across the straits to continue on in the UP on the Detroit, Mackinac & Marquette Rail Road.
Article Below: By 1886 three Midwestern railroads that served northern Michigan, including the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, joined together to buiid the ultimate resort hotel on Mackinac Island; the Grand Hotel. Information about Charles Caskey who owned the Imperial Hotel in Petoskey, Michigan, and was the builder of the Grand Hotel may be accessed on this same web site by clicking HERE.
Articles Below: 1882 was a busy year for the GR&I RR linking to Mackinaw City
as well as to Harbor Springs.
as well as to Harbor Springs.
Two Articles Below: The Bay View & Little Traverse Railroad needed more funding to complete its road.
Two Photos Below:
The GR&I Railroad linked to Harbor Springs in 1882.
The depot was built in 1889, and survives in 2018 as The Depot Club and Restaurant.
The GR&I Railroad linked to Harbor Springs in 1882.
The depot was built in 1889, and survives in 2018 as The Depot Club and Restaurant.
Photo Below:
The train is traveling near Mud Lake, so the train would have been traveling between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
The train is traveling near Mud Lake, so the train would have been traveling between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Photo Below: 1960 ~ Harbor Springs Depot
Below: Drawing of Harbor Springs Depot
~ Petoskey's G.R.&I. Railroad ~
Map and Article Below:
1882 ~ Million Acres of Land For Sale by GR&I Railroad
1882 ~ Million Acres of Land For Sale by GR&I Railroad
~ 1882 ~
Train Wreck South of Petoskey
Train Wreck South of Petoskey
Postcard Below: Vista From GR&I Park
Overlooking Little Traverse Bay and Docks
Petoskey, Mich.
~ 1881 ~
Joseph Lomax, FIRST President of the GR&I,
is Very Ill
Joseph Lomax, FIRST President of the GR&I,
is Very Ill
~ 1890 ~
Photo and Two Clippings Below:
G.R.&I. RR tracks across the corner of Mitchell and Howard streets in 1890...
Photo Labeled: "These old pictures were made from glass plates by Fred Lovelace and donated to the Little Traverse Regional Historical Society. This picture is looking north down Howard Street from the Railroad tracks. 1890"
Photo and Two Clippings Below:
G.R.&I. RR tracks across the corner of Mitchell and Howard streets in 1890...
Photo Labeled: "These old pictures were made from glass plates by Fred Lovelace and donated to the Little Traverse Regional Historical Society. This picture is looking north down Howard Street from the Railroad tracks. 1890"
GR&I Station and Grounds
Petoskey's FIRST Depot
~ 1876 ~
~ 1876 ~
~ 1882 ~
Train STOP Location
Train STOP Location
Photo Below: A train at the OLD Arlington Hotel in Petoskey in 1882...
~ 1884 ~
G.R. & I. Train Station in Petoskey
(Petoskey's FIRST Depot; located on Lake Street)
G.R. & I. Train Station in Petoskey
(Petoskey's FIRST Depot; located on Lake Street)
Photo Below: FIRST G.R.&I. railroad depot with the Occidental Hotel, located on Lake Street.
(Location can be viewed in the 1885 Sanborn Map section below.)
(Location can be viewed in the 1885 Sanborn Map section below.)
1885 Map Below: The FIRST railroad passenger & freight depot in Petoskey was located near Lake Street. In 1886 it was announced that plans had been completed for a $4,000.00 depot to be built by the G.R.&I. at Petoskey. The depot would be built upon the opposite side of the track, thus built on the west side of the track, from the location of the present building and a little nearer (a bit farther north) toward the Arlington Hotel; to be built by Summer of 1887. The present depot was adjacent to Lake Street, thus the new depot would be built nearer to Bay Street. The Dummy Suburban Station was then built in the location of the original depot that had been on Lake Street. The old depot building was moved farther south on the track, to be used for freight purposes.
~ New GR&I Depot to be Built ~
1886
1886
Petoskey's SECOND Depot
(located on Bay Street by 1887)
(located on Bay Street by 1887)
Three Photos Below: Petoskey's SECOND GR&I Depot
Photo Below:
The Occidental Hotel on Lake Street, and Summer Train
at the SECOND Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad depot on Bay Street (looking north).
The Occidental Hotel on Lake Street, and Summer Train
at the SECOND Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad depot on Bay Street (looking north).
~ GR&I Station and Grounds ~
1894
1894
Pre-1900 Photo Above: The overhead bridge/walkway did not yet exist. Whether to build a subway or an overhead bridge/walkway was being discussed by Petoskey's City Council. The council decided on the overhead walkway as will be noted in the photos farther below.
The SECOND G.R.&I. depot shown above was burned in 1899 as noted farther below on this same web page.
1891
In 1891 the GR&I was building a branch of their railroad from
Clarion to Bear Lake (Later renamed Walloon Lake).
The Walloon Lake Wanderings website has a webpage of extensive information about the railroad related to Walloon Lake.
In 1891 the GR&I was building a branch of their railroad from
Clarion to Bear Lake (Later renamed Walloon Lake).
The Walloon Lake Wanderings website has a webpage of extensive information about the railroad related to Walloon Lake.
~ Lewis Seeley worked for Railroads in 1892 ~
(One of oldest Pennsylvania Railroad pensioners in the country celebrated 93rd birthday in 1915)
(One of oldest Pennsylvania Railroad pensioners in the country celebrated 93rd birthday in 1915)
~ Train Accidents ~
~ 1886 ~
~ 1887 ~
Scary Bay View Railroad Curve
Scary Bay View Railroad Curve
Photo Below: Harbor Springs train wrecked 16 July 1896 (read above right article)
Articles Below: William A. Reed, well known in railroad circles. Reed, 46 years old, was killed as the train which leaves Petoskey at one o'clock was nearing Roaring Brook the engine suddenly left the track and engineer Reed was instantly killed; crushed by the overturning of his engine, with the tender literally reduced to kindling wood. Miraculously, no one else was injured, although fireman McClure was thrown a distance of about twenty feet when the roof was torn off the cab. The wreck was probably caused by the swaying of the water tank and tender, which lifted the small wheels from the track. William Reed was one of the best known engineers on the road, having been on this road for twenty-five years, or ever since this road was built. He was a careful and and so well known and liked that he will be universally mourned by the people of this section. (25 April 1906 ~ Harbor Springs Graphic)
The articles about William Reed tell about his years with the railroad. When only 17 years old, he commenced in Cadillac, Michigan, his employment with G.R.&I. wiping engines in the round house there. He was promoted to fireman and in 1881 came to Petoskey, Michigan, with his Cadillac bride Miss Ida A. Clapp. There he was promoted to engineer and put in charge of the "dummy train" that ran between Petoskey and Conway, or Crooked Lake, as it was called in the pioneer days, on what was known as a "strap rail" track consisting of hardwood planks with a strap of iron on top. When the G.R.&I. was put through to Harbor Springs, Reed had helped lay and distribute iron with a little "Riverelde" engine. Reed was given that run and held that position until he died.
While the headquarters of the railroad was at Harbor Springs Mr. Reed and his family resided there, so that during the twenty-five years of service there, residence had been almost equally divided between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Like most other engineers, had several narrow escapes in wrecks, two or three of which have been under similar conditions as Reed's final accident, and one accident very close to that place, but he always had escaped unharmed. Reed was known as one of the most careful and consistent engineers on the road and was entitled to a main line run, but, as he was greatly devoted to his home and family, he preferred to remain on the branch.
The articles about William Reed tell about his years with the railroad. When only 17 years old, he commenced in Cadillac, Michigan, his employment with G.R.&I. wiping engines in the round house there. He was promoted to fireman and in 1881 came to Petoskey, Michigan, with his Cadillac bride Miss Ida A. Clapp. There he was promoted to engineer and put in charge of the "dummy train" that ran between Petoskey and Conway, or Crooked Lake, as it was called in the pioneer days, on what was known as a "strap rail" track consisting of hardwood planks with a strap of iron on top. When the G.R.&I. was put through to Harbor Springs, Reed had helped lay and distribute iron with a little "Riverelde" engine. Reed was given that run and held that position until he died.
While the headquarters of the railroad was at Harbor Springs Mr. Reed and his family resided there, so that during the twenty-five years of service there, residence had been almost equally divided between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Like most other engineers, had several narrow escapes in wrecks, two or three of which have been under similar conditions as Reed's final accident, and one accident very close to that place, but he always had escaped unharmed. Reed was known as one of the most careful and consistent engineers on the road and was entitled to a main line run, but, as he was greatly devoted to his home and family, he preferred to remain on the branch.
~ Rustic Chalet Summer House, a respite for train passengers ~
The Newspaper picture label below of "Hughart Park" is known as Pennsylvania Park in 2018. The Summer House built by Ralph Connable, Sr., then, was located in front of the Cushman Hotel, in Hughart Park. Mr. W.O. Hughart (William Oden Hughart) was the president of the G.R.&I. Railroad which ran right through the park, and the chalet was used as a place of respite for the train passengers. It is also believed that Oden, Michigan, was named after Mr. Hughart (being his middle name). Mr. Hughart was a contemporary and friend of Petoskey resident Mr. C.W. Caskey who built the Imperial Hotel in Petoskey, and also built the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
Compare photo below with the photo/text clipping below.
This photo labeled: "Railroad Park in Petoskey, featuring the Summer House"
This photo labeled: "Railroad Park in Petoskey, featuring the Summer House"
By 1913 the Summer House in Pennsylvania Park was surrounded by birch trees.
~ GR&I Railway Trestle Across Bear River ~
1896
1896
ROUND HOUSES
~ Railroad Rumors of Changes ~
(Build a New Round House?)
~ 23 March 1889 ~ AND ~ 2 February 1898 ~
~ Railroad Rumors of Changes ~
(Build a New Round House?)
~ 23 March 1889 ~ AND ~ 2 February 1898 ~
Photo Below: The SECOND depot BEFORE the Perry Hotel, built in 1899,
to the west of the G.R.&I. Railroad depot (compare to the next photo below).
to the west of the G.R.&I. Railroad depot (compare to the next photo below).
Photo Below: The SECOND depot with the Perry Hotel, built in 1899,
to the west of the first G.R.&I. Railroad depot.
to the west of the first G.R.&I. Railroad depot.
Article Below: A new stand pipe to take the place of the old water tank east of the Arlington Hotel.
Article Below: Mrs. Suggett made property agreements with the G.R.&I. regarding Lewis Street.
~ The GR&I Depot Burned ~
~ 12 May 1899 ~
~ 12 May 1899 ~
Photo Below: G.R.&I. Depot ~ PRE Fire
Two Photos Below: G.R.&I. Depot ~ POST Fire
The Summer Suburban Station
was built for Dummy Train Passengers in 1900, on the location of the FIRST G.R.&I. Railroad depot.
was built for Dummy Train Passengers in 1900, on the location of the FIRST G.R.&I. Railroad depot.
Photo Below: The Suburban Station, located on Lake Street was built in 1900 on the same site as Petoskey's FIRST depot. It was used only during the summer and closed in the winter. People boarded the "dummy" or special resort train at this Suburban Station. The rides to local resorts cost 5¢. A picture of a boat on the inland waterway hung from the WELCOME sign. Mr. Hamill owned/ran Hamill's Route Line. Could the archway mentioned in the above article be the same arch as in the photo below?
The Imperial Hotel sign stood high in the air in the background, located on Bay Street.
The Imperial Hotel sign stood high in the air in the background, located on Bay Street.
1927 Article Below: The city rest rooms at the Suburban station were being updated. The ladies' rest room was being made over into a men's room; with an entirely new rest room constructed for the use of women. The women's room was to be in the southeast corner of the station building and equipped with chairs, table, rug, etc., and kept spotlessly clean, neat, and attractive at all times. The open part of the station would have many seats for waiting. A.C. Campbell was in charge, with the building locked in the late evening and opened again in the mornng by members of the Petoskey police department. In addition to the bus ticket office, Mr. Campbell would have a popcorn and candy business at the station, open to the public.
~ Policy Dividing the Suburban Train and the Through Train Business ~
~ 1900 ~
~ 1900 ~
~ The Suburban Station was boarded up for a seasonal 8 months ~
1909
1909
TOP
~ Building of the GR&I Depot ~
(Rebuilt of brick after the 1899 fire)
~ 1901 ~
(Rebuilt of brick after the 1899 fire)
~ 1901 ~
Postcard Photo Below:
The railroad overpass was very close to the Summer Suburban Station... labeled as "The Heart of Petoskey"
The railroad overpass was very close to the Summer Suburban Station... labeled as "The Heart of Petoskey"
1901 Three Articles Below: GR&I Bay Street, Petoskey, Michigan Passenger Overpass to be built... Description and dimensions of depot given... |
1901 Article Below: Access to the "Soo" via a railway ferry at Mackinaw City... |
Photos/Text Below: The station work force for the G.R.&I. stdio are pictures and named.
In 1906 over 13,000 trains between June 25 and September 30 passed through the depot. In the summer of 1909 the local (suburban) train between Walloon (Bear) Lake and Mackinaw City carried about 6,000 passengers daily. The GR&I Railroad became the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1920. Then, when the depot was renovated in the 1960s, it took on the name Penn Plaza as still known in 2021.
In 2018, the OLD Pennsylvania Railroad Depot seen in both photos above... STILL STANDS.
In 1958 the OLD Pennsylvania Railroad Depot was re-purposed as the
Petoskey Chamber of Commerce as seen the two photos below.
In 1958 the OLD Pennsylvania Railroad Depot was re-purposed as the
Petoskey Chamber of Commerce as seen the two photos below.
Photo Below: Sadly, after the horrific wind/rain storms in a 24 hour timeframe on 18-19 July 2020 traveling through Petoskey the roof of the previous GR&I Railroad depot experienced partial lifting of its roof and a loss of some siding.
Photo Below: Still in disarray three months after the storm...
~ FIRST Trip North for Engine "67"~
~ 22 May 1899 ~
~ 22 May 1899 ~
~ Building of the GR&I Round-House ~
~ 1901 ~
~ 1901 ~
~ Depot Slot Machine to Engrave Name on Aluminum Plate ~
~ 1903 ~
~ 1903 ~
~ To Lay Double Track ~
~ 1905 ~
~ 1905 ~
~ Railroad Improving Petoskey ~
~ 1905 ~
~ 1905 ~
~ 1907 ~
~ ~ GR&I Baggageman Aldrich ~
~ 1910 ~
~ 1910 ~
~ GR&I Station Roof ~
~ 1910 ~
~ 1910 ~
~ Fine GR&I Improvements Made at Walloon Lake ~
~ 1910 ~
~ 1910 ~
Additional information about local railroads, Walloon Lake's railroad in particular, may be accessed
on the web page Railroad Era for Walloon Lake and its Many Railroad Connections.
on the Walloon Lake Wanderings web site.
on the web page Railroad Era for Walloon Lake and its Many Railroad Connections.
on the Walloon Lake Wanderings web site.
Photo Above Right: "This train observation tower at Mitchell and Howard streets was for the purpose of determining when gates should be lowered. The corner is now the home of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce."
~ "11 August 2005, Reflections" supplement to the Petoskey News Review
~ "11 August 2005, Reflections" supplement to the Petoskey News Review
~ Oden Depot ~
~ Abolish the Public Drinking Cup ~
~ 1911 ~
~ 1911 ~
(Trolly)
~ Open Railroad Car with Sunday School Picnic Passengers ~
Undated with Central House, J.D. Davis Meat Market, and Tom Quinlan Groceries in background on Mitchell Street...
"Independence Day train ride to Bay View. Mitchell Street businesses"
~ "11 August 2005, Reflections" supplement to the Petoskey News Review
~ Open Railroad Car with Sunday School Picnic Passengers ~
Undated with Central House, J.D. Davis Meat Market, and Tom Quinlan Groceries in background on Mitchell Street...
"Independence Day train ride to Bay View. Mitchell Street businesses"
~ "11 August 2005, Reflections" supplement to the Petoskey News Review
~ Interior of the Petoskey G.R. & I. Railroad Depot ~
~ 1914 ~
~ 1914 ~
~ Circus Train Arrives in Petoskey ~
~ 1916 ~
For additional information about the Petoskey arrival in 1897 of five long trains of double cars transporting Ringling Brothers' Circus, click HERE. This will access the "Flora and Fauna" web page on this same Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site.
Photo of Poster Below: The Circus Shop (children's clothing store) in Downtown Petoskey,
has had this poster, along with several other circus/railroad related posters,
displayed in the store for many, many years.
has had this poster, along with several other circus/railroad related posters,
displayed in the store for many, many years.
~ Railroads Promoting Petoskey Motion Picture ~
~ 1916 ~
~ GR&I Engineer Died ~
~ 1917 ~
~ 1917 ~
The location of Michigan Maple Block right beside the Bear River, and beside the railroad tracks, was not accidental. The company has been manufacturing butcher block products since 1881, one of the oldest industries in Petoskey. The location of the railroad round house (mentioned in the news clipping above) located "out Standish-ave. between Michigan Maple Block Co. and Sheridan-st." is the location in the photo below toward the blue buildings at the right along the still existing tracks.
Undated Photo Below Labeled:
"The Chicago and Ohio Freight House and the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad in Petoskey"
"The Chicago and Ohio Freight House and the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad in Petoskey"
Photo Below: Posted on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site only by permission from
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
In 1945 Michigan Maple Block Co. was presented awards by the government for its war time production.
Michigan Maple Block Co., however, announced April 2020
the company had been operating on a thin margin,
and thus would be closing FOREVER due to the additional effects of COVID-19.
Michigan Maple Block Co., however, announced April 2020
the company had been operating on a thin margin,
and thus would be closing FOREVER due to the additional effects of COVID-19.
~ Dairy Train Helps Farmers ~
~ 1929 ~
~ 1929 ~
1946
Three special Pullmans attached to the Northern Arrow of the Pennsylvania Railroad
carried movie stars Esther Williams, Jimmy Durante, and Lauritz Melchoir
through Petoskey, toward Mackinac Island, to film "This Time for Keeps."
Three special Pullmans attached to the Northern Arrow of the Pennsylvania Railroad
carried movie stars Esther Williams, Jimmy Durante, and Lauritz Melchoir
through Petoskey, toward Mackinac Island, to film "This Time for Keeps."
1946
Boarding the Pennsylvania Snow Train in Petoskey
Photo Below: GR&I Railroad Snow Plow
1947
~ 26 March 1947 Snow Drift Almost Box-Car High ~
~ Old Brewery Tracks ~
1949
Photo Below: Tracks heading toward the Old Brewery (Undated) near Harbor-Petoskey Road
Still Working on the Old Brewery Corner with Railroad Tracks
~ 1990 ~
~ 1990 ~
~ Pennsylvania Freight Car and 9 Cars Derailed ~
1951
1951
~ Pennsylvania Railroad Veterans ~
1952 > AND 1961
1952 > AND 1961
By 1961 Marv & Eloise Nickey owned The Silver Birch Inn of Walloon Lake. They had had the train bell shipped from Pennsylvania to The Silver Birch Inn. The Nickey's had been coming to Walloon since 1912 when at that time seven trains a day traveled between Petoskey and Walloon, coming right into the Village of Walloon. Before retiring, Marv Nickey had been the district sales manager of the Pennsylvania railroad, having been located in Chicago and Alabama for 31 years. He hired into the Chicago freight traffic department when 19 years old. In 1961 Marv felt, "Railroads are here to stay.... Even though the railroads are making necessary mergers to survive, they will never be replaced, escpecially in a national emergency because other means of transportation could not handle the capacity of goods that need to be moved."
~ Old Railroad Water Tower Has Been Torn Down ~
1953
The only label on the photo below was "Petoskey Winter Scenes"... no date. With the water tower showing at the far right, could this location be the same description of the tower being torn down in the article above? Contact this web master by clicking HERE with any information about the location in this photo below.
~ Auto–Train Crash at Mitchell Street Crossing ~
1955
1955
Two Photos Below: Hearing for Pennsylvania Railroad crossing lights in June 1956...
Photo Below Right: Danser Building with Zip Building in background...
Photo Below Right: Danser Building with Zip Building in background...
Pennsylvania Railroad Removing Concrete Signal Abutments
On Emmet Street
1957
1957
~ Northern Arrow ~
1960
~ Live Steamer Amusement Railroad to Run in Petoskey ~
1969
~ Tracks to be Pulled Howard–Mitchell ~
1969
~ Tracks Through Pennsylvania Park ~
1972
~ Penn-Central Rolled in only as far as Petoskey ~
6 December 1974
~ Railroad Poor Service is Discouraging ~
18 December 1974
TOP
~ 1908 Steam Locomotive to be put on Permanent Display at Harbour Inn ~
1962
1962
~ Vandals Take Toll on Rail Showpiece at Harbor Inn ~
(Previously Ramona Park Hotel)
1974
~ Railroad CUTS ~
1982
~ Railway Ferry Docks, Mackinaw, Mich. ~
~ Last Train out of Petoskey via the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad ~
(Pulled out by the Baltimore and Ohio Locomotive)
1982
(Pulled out by the Baltimore and Ohio Locomotive)
1982
Four Photos... Below and at Right: Penn Central Dismantling of Tracks |
~ Bay Rail Express Between Petoskey and Charlevoix ~
1982
~ Petoskey Will Ask State to Pull Tracks ~
1988
~ Bay View Railroad Tracks Will Be Pulled ~
1994
~ Side Spurs Pulled Out... Main Line to Remain ~
1995
1995
~ Trial Train Run ~
1999
|
~ Tracks Reinstalled near Pennsylvania Park Area ~
2008
2008
Photo/Article Below: Train Rides were offered on the "Petoskey Special." Passengers would ride in a variety of restored, bi-level double-decker cars, while enjoying unique views of the countryside. Five classes of tickets were offered.The train proceeded as far as Elmira from a Petoskey beginning.
~ Tracks Being Removed Between Mitchell and Michigan Streets ~
NOT removed across Howard Street
(Creating a concrete rails-to-trail path through the city along the old railroad route...)
2018
Click Play in Upper Left Corner to View Slideshow Below...
NOT removed across Howard Street
(Creating a concrete rails-to-trail path through the city along the old railroad route...)
2018
Click Play in Upper Left Corner to View Slideshow Below...
Four Photos Below: 30 June 2018 ~ Tracks still being removed between Mitchell and Michigan streets, and on toward State Street... Click on the photos to enlarge for better viewing.
Photo Below: 30 June 2018 ~ THIRTEEN men (count them)... only one had a moving shovel...
A Video "The SRI Color Train Arriving Downtown Petoskey"
shows the train going over the very tracks which have been removed in 2018 as in photos above...
shows the train going over the very tracks which have been removed in 2018 as in photos above...
The path will be 10 feet wide, with
pedestrian lighting, way-finding and distance signs, benches, trash receptacles, and places for bike parking.
The project is projected to cost $700,000.00,
with the first phase of removing tracks from MacDonald Drive to Bay Street already having been completed in 2014.
pedestrian lighting, way-finding and distance signs, benches, trash receptacles, and places for bike parking.
The project is projected to cost $700,000.00,
with the first phase of removing tracks from MacDonald Drive to Bay Street already having been completed in 2014.
21 June 2018 ~ People still enjoy "Walking the Tracks" in Pennsylvania Park,
originally called Hughart or Railroad Park.
7 December 2018~ Petoskey Downtown Open House opens the streets
so people can walk right over railroad history with the tracks still remaining on Howard Street.
The lit firetruck extension ladders, high in the air, were reminiscent of the old railroad gates.
so people can walk right over railroad history with the tracks still remaining on Howard Street.
The lit firetruck extension ladders, high in the air, were reminiscent of the old railroad gates.
~ Replica of Historic 'Dummy' Train Made for Petoskey Museum ~
(Made by Ted Boese and Son Eric)
~ 1977 ~
(Made by Ted Boese and Son Eric)
~ 1977 ~
Photo Below: Display at Little Traverse Historical Museum shows a model of a GR&I RR wood burning engine with two Pullman cars. It appeared to be made of plastic, upon closer inspection with one of the museum co-directors.
~ 1979 ~
~ 1979 ~
~ 1987 ~
~ 1993 ~
~ 1994 ~
~ Shay Railroad OR Hemlock Central ~
Photo Below:
A working model of the Shay Geared Locomotive
exhibited at the Wexford County Fair in Cadillac, Michigan in 1883.
The model was built by Lima Machine Works.
Cadillac has a Shay Engine displayed in their downtown city park in 2021.
A working model of the Shay Geared Locomotive
exhibited at the Wexford County Fair in Cadillac, Michigan in 1883.
The model was built by Lima Machine Works.
Cadillac has a Shay Engine displayed in their downtown city park in 2021.
Photo Below: Interior of Ephraim Shay's Harbor Spring, Michigan Workshop
Ephraim Shay was born 17 July 1839 in Huron County, Ohio.
He died 19 April 1916 in Harbor Springs, Michigan,
and is buried in Lake View Cemetery in Harbor Springs.
~ 1900 ~
~ 1906 ~
The Hemlock Limited (Shay Excursion Train)...
bound for the woods, Harbor Springs, Michigan
The Shay Excursion Train Parked in Front of the Shay Hexagon House...
~ Between 1900 and 1910 ~
Harbor Springs, Michigan, Shay Logging Train
Harbor Springs, Michigan, Shay Logging Train
~ 1910 ~
~ Ephraim Shay House EST. 1890... A Private Residence THEN ~
(Described on the Michigan Historical Sign in a Photo Farther Below)
(Described on the Michigan Historical Sign in a Photo Farther Below)
Actually, in 2017 Shay's "The Hexagon House" was gifted to the Harbor Springs area Historical Society.
(396 East Main Street, Harbor Springs, Michigan)
View the Slideshow Below of the Ephraim Shay House by clicking on "Play" on upper left corner.
As noted on the historical marker above, Ephraim Shay "experimented with boats and automobiles..." The photo/article below shows and tells about his boat named "Aha" and what eventually happened to it.
Photos Above and Below: "The Aha was being towed to storage sometime in the 1930s when it began to take on water and had to be beached at Sucker Creek, in within the Wilderness State Park. It lay abandoned there for decades." ~ 4 March 2021 Petoskey News Review
Slideshow Below: Click on "Play" (upper left corner) to view 18 August 2018 photos
of Inventor Ephraim Shay's steam powered "Aha" stored in Harbor Springs...
full of bullet holes, resting on boards, awaiting restoration.
of Inventor Ephraim Shay's steam powered "Aha" stored in Harbor Springs...
full of bullet holes, resting on boards, awaiting restoration.
Article Below from the 12 October 2010 Petoskey News Review written by Brandon Hubbard: Photos and text tell the story of Ephraim Shay's inventive spirit and the plight of the "Aha" in its present state of "rusty mass".
The 4 March 2021 Petoskey News Review reported "Historic 'Aha' ship to find new home in Shay Park"
The 20 May 2021 Petoskey News Review reported " Harbor Springs Area Historical Society bringing the 'Aha' home." In late December 2019 the 1894 all-steel vessel was moved to the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway, for restoration. Ephraim Shay had built the ship in his machine shop on the corner of Bay and Judd streets, Harbor Springs, Michigan. The Harbor Springs Historical Society plans a display with a christening on 4 June 2021 in Shay Park at 2PM.
The "Aha" has been restored as of the summer of 2021,
and place in the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society's property near the Shay House.
Click HERE to access additional information and photos of the restored "Aha."
and place in the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society's property near the Shay House.
Click HERE to access additional information and photos of the restored "Aha."
Two Items Below: Lette Shay... Only Son of Ephraim and Jane (Henderson) Shay
1914 ~ Ran for State Representative
1934 ~ Passed Away
1914 ~ Ran for State Representative
1934 ~ Passed Away
Additional information may be found on this website about Ephraim Shay on the People webpage.
~ Pere Marquette ~
(Chicago and West Michigan/Pere Marquette Became the C&O - Chesapeake & Ohio)
100 Depot Street, Petoskey, Michigan
The Chicago and West Michigan Railway
built the Petoskey, Michigan, Waterfront Depot.
(Chicago and West Michigan Railroad)
~ 1892 ~
built the Petoskey, Michigan, Waterfront Depot.
(Chicago and West Michigan Railroad)
~ 1892 ~
Both articles below were from the same newspaper issue... bit different reports included.
Three Photos Below: Chicago and West Michigan Raliroad Depot and Freight House
Two Photos Below: Beside, and on, the Lake Street sidewalk was the Pere Marquette Summer House
as shown also in the postcard in the third photo/postcard below.
The rounded dome of the Imperial Hotel on the distant corner of Division and Bay Street also is visible.
The water tower is visable in the next three photos below.
as shown also in the postcard in the third photo/postcard below.
The rounded dome of the Imperial Hotel on the distant corner of Division and Bay Street also is visible.
The water tower is visable in the next three photos below.
Chicago and West Michigan Railroad Station in Petoskey, Michigan
Article Below: "Old 115" ran between Petoskey and Charlevoix and was in service about 1905 to 1914.
The 2014 "Third Five-Year Review Report for PMC (Petoskey Manufacturing Company) Groundwater Superfund Site Emmet County Michigan" stated:
"The land between the former PMC facility and Little Traverse Bay was once occupied by a large industrial rail yard, with associated oil, coal and propane storage facilities, and a rail turntable. A manufactured gas plant was also located to the northeast of PMC, and is currently known as the Petrolane site in the MDEQ cleanup program."
PMC was located at 200 West Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan.
"The land between the former PMC facility and Little Traverse Bay was once occupied by a large industrial rail yard, with associated oil, coal and propane storage facilities, and a rail turntable. A manufactured gas plant was also located to the northeast of PMC, and is currently known as the Petrolane site in the MDEQ cleanup program."
PMC was located at 200 West Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan.
The Chicago and West Michigan Railway ran from this waterfront depot location until 1899 when it was absorbed into the Pere Marquette Railway. In 1947 the Pere Marquette was merged into the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway with this depot harboring passengers into the 1950s. The Little Traverse Regional Historical Society obtained a lease on the building and land in 1970. The building became a museum in 1971... the Little Traverse Historical Museum.
Postcard Below: Pere Marquette depot on beach...
~ Agent Martin Celebrated 20 Years with Pere Marquette RR ~
(Checked the FIRST weigh bill issued in Petoskey by the previous Chicago & West Mitchell Road)
~ 1911 ~
1200 Bay View Road, Bay View ~ Rosedale Passenger Station for the Pere Marquette Railroad
~ 1913 ~
WASHOUT
of the Railroad Tracks by Fairgrounds
WASHOUT
of the Railroad Tracks by Fairgrounds
Photo Below: "The cut is fully a thousand feet long, and about the width of a city street.... seventy feet deep."
as reported in the 24 March 1913 Petoskey Evening News.
Read on this same web site, how this same washout area is affecting the Rails to Trails wheelway by clicking HERE.
as reported in the 24 March 1913 Petoskey Evening News.
Read on this same web site, how this same washout area is affecting the Rails to Trails wheelway by clicking HERE.
Resort Township Remembers on page 156 stated about "The Washout": "For many years the road was known as Washout Road. In the 1930's when large trucks from southern states came to transport potatoes from the Ray Eppler farm, drivers were hesitant to drive their trucks on a road named Washout Road. Upon learning of the problem Mrs. (Louise) Eppler hurriedly called on all the residents of the road seeking their approval to change the name to Eppler Road. This ended the truckers' uneasy fears and the name Eppler Road has remained."
The 1913 Sanborn map below shows the Pere-Marquette Railroad Roundhouse and Turntable located close to the water front on Little Traverse Bay. Orientation for its location can be determined in relation to Wachtel Street which still in 2024 extends down to the waterfront. This map shows Liberty Street had at one time extended all the way to the waterfront which no longer is true. Also, the map makes it evident that Water Street existed in a fairly straight manner, whereas it now is all twisty. Lake Street now extends a bit more straight now than in 1913.
This same Pere-Marquette turntable has been preserved for posterity and is on a workable display in Greenfield Village.
This same Pere-Marquette turntable has been preserved for posterity and is on a workable display in Greenfield Village.
~ 1956 ~
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Advertisements Had Petoskey on the Map
Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Advertisements Had Petoskey on the Map
~ 1957 ~
WASHOUT AT WASHOUT BLUFF
WASHOUT AT WASHOUT BLUFF
TOP
~ William Jennings Bryan ~
(Lecture Tour at the Pere Marquette Depot)
(Lecture Tour at the Pere Marquette Depot)
The 3 August 1911 Tacoma Times WA News with a Petoskey by-line explained that
William J. Bryan was in Petoskey, Michigan for a "lecture tour,"
but quickly departed from Bay View, Michigan.
William J. Bryan was in Petoskey, Michigan for a "lecture tour,"
but quickly departed from Bay View, Michigan.
Photo Below: 3 April 2017 Petoskey News Review Article's Headline Stated:
"Petoskey Blast to the past for former railroad station
Little Traverse Historical Museum building marks 125 years"
The article above explains a possible reason for
William Jennings Bryan's October 1916 visit to Petoskey...
"Petoskey Blast to the past for former railroad station
Little Traverse Historical Museum building marks 125 years"
The article above explains a possible reason for
William Jennings Bryan's October 1916 visit to Petoskey...
1916 Pere Marquette Railroad Station with William Jennings Bryan Speaking ~ Little Traverse Historical Museum Photo Archive (SAME photo labeled by the LTHS as William Jennings Bryan speaking at the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad Depot in Petoskey, October 18Th , 1896 as a Presidential Candidate. Bryan did run for president three different times.
~ Pere Marquette Railroad in 1916 ~
~ Near Accident at "Dead Man's Crossing" on Bay View Road ~
~ 1916 ~
~ 1916 ~
~ Coal Shortage Affects Railroad and Portland Cement Company ~
~ 1917 ~
~ 1917 ~
~ Motor Auto Car Travels Rails ~
~ 1919 ~
~ Iron Horse Demise Revives Memories of Old P.M. Wreck in Petoskey ~
~ 1929 ~
A 26 March 1960 Petoskey News Review article (with a Detroit byline) announced:
"Bells tolled the requiem of the era of steam locomotive passenger trains
but burial for the giant engines may never occur."...
"Bells tolled the requiem of the era of steam locomotive passenger trains
but burial for the giant engines may never occur."...
~ Worst Pere Marquette Railroad Accident in Many Years ~
~ 1929 ~
~ 1929 ~
~ Large Stone on Tracks Causes Accident Site of 1913 Washout ~
~ 1929 ~
~ 1929 ~
~ Balladeer Southwood Captured Petoskey Train Wreck in Song ~
1990
1990
~ Railroads are Still Vibrant and Bringing Hundreds of Resorters ~
~ 1934 ~
~ 1934 ~
Below: The 1950 List of Industries Alphabetically by Towns (Petoskey Here) for the C&O Entire System
may be accessed by clicking HERE.
may be accessed by clicking HERE.
John Bellamy
~ Riding the Cab on the C&O from Petoskey to Traverse City ~
~ 2 February 1953 ~
~ Riding the Cab on the C&O from Petoskey to Traverse City ~
~ 2 February 1953 ~
~ (Chesapeake and Ohio) C&O Train in Petoskey ~
~ March 1953 ~
~ March 1953 ~
~ Close Brush With Death ~
~ 1959 ~
~ 1959 ~
~ C&O Rail-Van on Test Run Here ~
~ 1959 ~
~ 1959 ~
~ LAST Railroad Mail into Petoskey ~
~ 1960 ~
~ 1960 ~
~ Petoskey's Mayor Johnson Hoping to Buy RR Depot ~
1961
1961
~ About 1964 or after? ~
~ 1965 ~
FIRST Passenger Train to Leave Petoskey on C&O Railroad since Labor Day 1962
FIRST Passenger Train to Leave Petoskey on C&O Railroad since Labor Day 1962
~ 1967 ~
~ 1969 ~
Two Photos Above: Pere Marquette Depot in Petoskey BEFORE renovation as the Little Traverse Historical Museum
1970s Photo Above:
Pere Marquette Depot in Petoskey under renovation as the Little Traverse Historical Society History Museum...
Pere Marquette Depot in Petoskey under renovation as the Little Traverse Historical Society History Museum...
~ 1979 ~
Boyne Valley Railroad
Boyne Valley Railroad
~ 1989 ~
The City of Petoskey made an interpretive restoration of an authentic 1892 exterior on the
Pere Marquette depot building for housing the Little Traverse Historical Museum
Rails to Trails Considered (Below Article)
The City of Petoskey made an interpretive restoration of an authentic 1892 exterior on the
Pere Marquette depot building for housing the Little Traverse Historical Museum
Rails to Trails Considered (Below Article)
The total long article is shown below.
~ 1990 ~
500 Feet of Backyard Track
500 Feet of Backyard Track
~ 1990 ~
Charlevoix to Petoskey Rail Walk PRE Wheelway (Rails to Trails)
Charlevoix to Petoskey Rail Walk PRE Wheelway (Rails to Trails)
~ Railcars ~
(Speeder Cars)
~ 2011 ~
(Speeder Cars)
~ 2011 ~
Photo Below: Members of the North American Railcar Operators Association ride the rails to downtown Petoskey... parked behind the OLD G.R.&I. Railroad Depot on Lewis Street, Petoskey, Michigan. The cars were used by railroad companies from about 1910 to the late 1980s to inspect rails and do light maintenance; pickup trucks with special wheels perform those tasks today. Now the speeder cars are used purely by the little cars enthusiasts.
A video of the Little Railcars in Pennsylvania Park was made in 2014
showing the Railcars moving on the tracks...
showing the Railcars moving on the tracks...
6 June 2019 Petoskey News Review reported:
"Railcars making tracks to Northern Michigan for weekend"
"Railcars making tracks to Northern Michigan for weekend"
The railcars group's trip, with a 35 car limit, will begin in Cadillac, Michigan, stop in Boyne Falls for fuel, and arrive in Petoskey about 5PM on 7 June 2019. The railcars can no longer go as far into the Cityh of Petoskey as the 2011 photo above shows cars on the tracks near the GR&I's old depot, because Petoskey's tracks have been removed reaching that point. This 2019 group will park on the tracks behind Curtis Field, along Clarion Avenue, Petoskey. The group will leave Petoskey on 8 June 2019, then traveling to Kalkaska, and on to Traverse City, only to return to Cadillac on 9 June 2019... at usual speeds of 25–30 mph.
~2010 and 2017~
~ Great Lakes Central Railroad ~
On the tracks of former G.R.&I and Pennsylvania RR...
(Formerly called Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway; TSBY)
GLCR is owned by the state, but operated by GLCR company
which runs a freight train for Petoskey Plastics (Industry) in Petoskey, Michigan.
~ Great Lakes Central Railroad ~
On the tracks of former G.R.&I and Pennsylvania RR...
(Formerly called Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway; TSBY)
GLCR is owned by the state, but operated by GLCR company
which runs a freight train for Petoskey Plastics (Industry) in Petoskey, Michigan.
In 1986 Petoskey Plastics located on US 31 highway, just west of Petoskey toward Charevoix, had a railroad track, plus a spur, that ran truly right past, and beside, their facility. That year the track washed out and the State of Michigan refused to repair the track because the state felt it was likely that the washout would happen again in that unstable ground area. That was why Petoskey Plastics immediately made arrangements to purchase a truck to transport their product (plastic pellets) when delivered on the present useable track that runs behind the old Petoskey High School Stadium. Click HERE to access additional information on this same web site about the "washouts" in the PREVIOUS area of railroad tracks which had run beside Petoskey Plastics.
~ 2017 ~
Petoskey Plastics is a RECYCLER within its plastic production industry.
Petoskey Plastics is a RECYCLER within its plastic production industry.
~ 2022 ~
Several GLCR freight cars filled with plastic pellets for Petoskey Plastics
sit on the tracks along Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan
Several GLCR freight cars filled with plastic pellets for Petoskey Plastics
sit on the tracks along Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan
~ East Jordan & Southern Railroad ~
~ 2017 ~
~ 2017 ~
~ MODEL RAILROADS ~
Miniature Train in Pennsylvania Park
1948
1948
Andrew Hoffman's "Live Steamer" Behind the Dairy Queen
1965
1965
Miniature Model Railroads in Petoskey's Store Windows
1949 and 2012
1949 and 2012
1949 Photos Right and Above Right, and Article Below:
Stan Kellogg, Petoskey's renown sculptor, created the setting for the train set-up.
Stan Kellogg, Petoskey's renown sculptor, created the setting for the train set-up.
When Stan Kellogg's daughter Veroneze was asked in 2017 if she knew where the precious train setup of her father's creation existed then, she replied, "After Christmas the display was stored in the basement of the store and some time later it was stolen. Nothing else is known about it." If anyone knows the present day (2024>) location of this model train display, please contact this web master by clicking HERE.
|
~ West Side Fire/Railroad (Model) Station ~
621 Ingalls Avenue (at the Bear River Heritage Center), Petoskey, Michigan
621 Ingalls Avenue (at the Bear River Heritage Center), Petoskey, Michigan
Ernie Mainland is creating a historical railroad model at Petoskey's Bear River Heritage Center (Previously the "West Side Fire Company." Mainland and fellow model builder Larry Gerould are key participants in Historical Railroads of Northern Michigan, a nonprofit venture. The model railroad features the G.R.&I. R.R. (Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad) with nearby buildings as they may have appeared in 1913 in Petoskey and Bay View; even including the 1905 cannon in Railroad Park/Pennsylvania Park. Bay View cottages are a predominant feature near the tracks. The model scene includes a logging operation, similar to Boyne Falls, with a Shay Locomotive and a small village nearby. The public is welcome whenever anyone is working at the project or special visiting times may be arranged to view the progress of the project.
|
Below: 14 December 2015 Advertisement in the Petoskey News Review |
Photo Below Labeled: "Railroad Park cannon in Petoskey."
This is the 1905 cannon mentioned above as being included in the historical railroad model at the Heritage Center.
This is the 1905 cannon mentioned above as being included in the historical railroad model at the Heritage Center.
~ 2012 ~
~ Enjoy the slideshow below...
of the very beginning of the 1913 depicted G.R.&I. Railroad in Petoskey ~
Housed in the Bear River Heritage Center...
(Photos taken starting 1 February 2012 through 24 April 2014)
of the very beginning of the 1913 depicted G.R.&I. Railroad in Petoskey ~
Housed in the Bear River Heritage Center...
(Photos taken starting 1 February 2012 through 24 April 2014)
Below: 1980 Interview of Ray Lewis who owned a Sign Painting business
across the street from the Bear River Heritage Center of 2012
as shown as the main photo of the slideshow below told the history of the building.
Ingalls' Store, the Jail and Hose House
across the street from the Bear River Heritage Center of 2012
as shown as the main photo of the slideshow below told the history of the building.
Ingalls' Store, the Jail and Hose House
"The corner of Ingalls and Charlevoix avenues was the main corner in the early days. The frame store building with a high false front was built by Jackson Ingalls. James Hitchings, father of Charles, at one time had a meat market there and lived over the store. He was also the sheriff.
Mr. Matteson, father of shoe repairman Matteson, lived over the store at one time.
The land, and perhaps the building at 621 Ingalls was gotten from William Birkett, with a reverter clause that at such time the property was not used by the city. it was to go to the Birkett heirs. The building was placed against the bluff with one side of the basement exposed to the sun. The place became a little city hall.
On the ground level was the fire hall–called "the hose house." The fire wagon could roll out the east door. The team of horses was also stabled there, with hay kept in the loft.
Lou Gregory's dad, Frank, built the tower on the hose house that shows in old paper mill pictures (see Industries no. 1, See 4 page 2 with arrow pointing to tower). The canvas water hose from the fire wagon was hung up on rods in the tower to drain and dry after use. There the air could get to it.
A jail cell was in the basement (maybe east end). Now in 1980 it is 3rd ward voting place and city storage space.
The land back of Ingalls' store was planted to an apple orchard. In it, back of now 414 Charlevoix Ave. was a shed to store Burnett Brother's farm machine equipment.
Mr. William J. Henry later owned 'the house that Jack built.' - 410 Jackson Street. He paid $2000.- for the house and land along (over)"
Mr. Matteson, father of shoe repairman Matteson, lived over the store at one time.
The land, and perhaps the building at 621 Ingalls was gotten from William Birkett, with a reverter clause that at such time the property was not used by the city. it was to go to the Birkett heirs. The building was placed against the bluff with one side of the basement exposed to the sun. The place became a little city hall.
On the ground level was the fire hall–called "the hose house." The fire wagon could roll out the east door. The team of horses was also stabled there, with hay kept in the loft.
Lou Gregory's dad, Frank, built the tower on the hose house that shows in old paper mill pictures (see Industries no. 1, See 4 page 2 with arrow pointing to tower). The canvas water hose from the fire wagon was hung up on rods in the tower to drain and dry after use. There the air could get to it.
A jail cell was in the basement (maybe east end). Now in 1980 it is 3rd ward voting place and city storage space.
The land back of Ingalls' store was planted to an apple orchard. In it, back of now 414 Charlevoix Ave. was a shed to store Burnett Brother's farm machine equipment.
Mr. William J. Henry later owned 'the house that Jack built.' - 410 Jackson Street. He paid $2000.- for the house and land along (over)"
Referencing Three Photos Above: The home of the model railroad is a one-story frame building of Italianate design, which is listed on the federal historical registry, overlooking the rushing waters of the Bear River. Back in the 1890s, the hosehouse was a meat market. It sits on Charlevoix Avenue near the old entrance to the city, overlooking a place where dams once provided power to city residents. The "hose-house" designation comes from the period of time in Petoskey's history when firefighters stored hoses in the building. At one point in more recent history, the building was used as a city voting precinct. The city leases rent-free the museum and the hose house building to the Little Traverse Historical Society. The city maintains the grounds around both buildings. No tax dollars, however, go directly into the society's coffers for either building. Funds come from fund-raisers, contributions, admission fees, members' donations, and from items sold in the gift store at the museum. ~ Petoskey News Review (28 April 2000)
~ Enjoy the 2012 slideshow below...
of beginning progress of the 1913 depicted G.R.&I. Railroad in Petoskey ~
Housed in the Bear River Heritage Center...
(Photos taken 3 May 2012)
~ 2014 ~
~ Enjoy the 2014 slideshow below...
of an update of the 1913 depicted G.R.&I. Railroad in Petoskey ~
(Photos taken 19 August 2014)
~ 2018 ~
Model Railroad -Two New Sidings...
Model Railroad -Two New Sidings...
In 2018, it is being contemplated to add two sidings to the present 1913 railroad model as shown above. The two sidings would be up-to-date railroad in the Petoskey area... the Petoskey Plastics siding, and the propane gas siding. The plan is for visiting younger children to be able to engineer the trains on the sidings.
~ 22 December 2018 ~
Open House to View The Railroad Model ~
~ Enjoy the 2018 slideshow below...
of an update of the 1913 depicted G.R.&I. Railroad in Petoskey ~
(Photos taken 22 December 2018
of an update of the 1913 depicted G.R.&I. Railroad in Petoskey ~
(Photos taken 22 December 2018
Other displays (shown below) are arranged around the room in the Bear River Heritage Center.
Photos and Slideshow Below: Ernie Mainland was the creator and promoter of the railroad model of the 1913 Petoskey G.R.&I. After Ernie Mainland passed away in January 2021, Dave Comer has been helping to keep the train on the track. On 14 August 2021 Dave Comer facilitated an Open House for a visitation to the Bear River Heritage Center where the model G.R.&I. railroad can be viewed and enjoyed. The slideshow below may be viewed by clicking on PLAY in the upper left corner. The photos follow the track beginning in Bay View, all the way through downtown Petoskey, and on out to the round house which was located on Clarion Avenue near where Michigan Maple Block existed for years, only recently closing in 2020.
~ Conway Cars ~
Photo Below: This photo is from the Greenwood Photo Archive Collection and labeled:
"coach train car in Conway, Michigan".
"coach train car in Conway, Michigan".
~ New Train Owner After Auction ~
1992
1992
~ 2018 ~
Crooked Lake Express
Crooked Lake Express
Photos Below: In 1988 the green car was black/gray colors and located in Traverse City, Michigan. From Traverse City, the car was sold to a private owner and painted as Crooked Lake Express. It has been stated that one car is a 1910 Grand Trunk Railroad Passenger car. The red car has the number 2579 painted on it... the address for the cars is 2579 Oden Road, Oden, Michigan.
By the Summer of 2019, the train property appears to have been sold.
A deck has been built off the south end of the one car.
A deck has been built off the south end of the one car.
~ 2018 ~
Wolverine Train Car
Wolverine Train Car
Oden Fish Hatchery
3377 US31
Oden, Michigan
3377 US31
Oden, Michigan
Photo Above: This recreated Wolverine Train Car sits near the Visitor Center of the Oden Fish Hatchery. This "Fish Car" holds displays portraying the history of the happenings of the Michigan Department of Conservation... and how from the 1880s to 1931 train cars serviced the department by transporting fish which workers placed in 10 gallon milk cans from ponds, then to the special "Fish Cars."
1931 Article Below: Michigan fish car "Wolverine" and the federal car No. 7 at Petoskey were loaded with whitefish fry from the Charlevoix hatchery.
1931 Article Below: Michigan fish car "Wolverine" and the federal car No. 7 at Petoskey were loaded with whitefish fry from the Charlevoix hatchery.
Please notify this webmaster
with ANY information about the Bull Moose Steam Log Hauler of Harbor Springs, Michigan.
with ANY information about the Bull Moose Steam Log Hauler of Harbor Springs, Michigan.
View additional information about the Pere Marquette tracks as they pertain
to the local Emmet County "rails to trails" wheelway by clicking HERE.
to the local Emmet County "rails to trails" wheelway by clicking HERE.
Model of 1913 Petoskey shows connection between city, railroad
Video: Local train model of 1913 Petoskey preview
Video: Local train model of 1913 Petoskey preview
View Emmet County Railroads with associated photos by clicking HERE.
Maurice Eby has created a website book titled The Great Lumbering Era of Emmet County, Michigan which includes a great deal of information about
the various railroads associated with local area lumbering.
the various railroads associated with local area lumbering.
Group is hoping to reestablish passenger rail service in Michigan...
Click HERE to access additional information about this movement.
Click HERE to access additional information about this movement.
The following information was posted February 2024 on Facebook: "Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities announced this week it’s putting out a request for proposals for a consultant to lead a crucial Phase II study for the project to reestablish passenger rail service between Traverse City and the rest of the state. Phase II will establish an actionable roadmap for how Groundwork, the Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority, and other partners can go about fixing up railways, establishing passenger rail stations, and ultimately getting rail service up and running. It is, representatives say, the most significant step yet for the project."