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The Owosso Times Jan. 22, 1897

Through Forty Miles of Ice.

Menominee, Mich., Jan. 15.-- Ann Arbor ferry No. 1. 1 entered this port Wednesday, having cut her way through forty miles of ice, having an average thickness of from eight to ten inches. Sever heavy windrows of ice were encountered between Chambers island and Whaleback reef. The trip through the ice was made in five hours. Considerable delay was occasioned in entering Deaths Door from Lake Michigan as the Pilot island light had been extinguished for the winter and it was necessary to lay outside and await day-break.

The Ludington Record Jan. 14, 1897

While we are perfectly delighted with the sunny and mild climate of Ludington, yet it must be quite severe not far away. Ann Arbor carferry No. 1, arrived at Menominee yesterday after plonghing through forty miles of field ice from 8 to 10 inches thick.

Benzie Banner Jan. 14, 1897

(HOMESTEAD) - Elder Crandall is still holding revival meetings at the depot. Quite a number of converts.

Benzie Banner Jan. 14, 1897

(Thompsonville) - The telegraph line connecting the depot with the agent's residence has just been completed and we expect the wire will be red hot for some time to come.

Benzie Banner Jan. 21, 1897

Notice is given that on or about Jan. 22nd a fixed red lens lantern light will be established on the south pier at the harbor of Frankfort to form a range with the present pier head light for entering t h e harbor. The light will be shown from a post at the height of 50 feet above mean lake level and will illuminate 270 degrees of the horizon. The post is painted white and is located about 600 feet east, south in the rear of the present pier head light.

Benzie Banner Jan. 28, 1897

There was a log car off the track near the water tank Tuesday evening, which delayed the train for a few hours.

Benzie Banner Jan. 28, 1897

(Thompsonville) Monday night express 37 held the road crossing fifty minutes. The conductor was soon introduced to Justice Jones and fined $5 and costs. Who next?

Benzie Banner Jan. 28, 1897

Car ferry No. 2 is laid up for lack of business.

The Owosso Times Jan. 29, 1897

Engine No. 31, drawing a freight train, north bound, ran through an open switch near the Ann Arbor depot Tuesday morning. Damage was slight.

Benzie Banner Feb. 4, 1897

The Ann Arbor No. 1 is disabled in Manitowoc and No. 2, that had laid up last Saturday was called in to take her place.

Owosso Times Feb. 5, 1897

(West Haven) The coal mines at this place are now running full blast and a good quality of coal is being mined which sells readily at two dollars a ton.

Owosso Times Feb. 5, 1897

The evening train south on the Ann Arbor road now leaves Owosso at 5:48 instead of 5:55 as formerly.

Owosso Times Feb. 19, 1897

Warren Stuart, who has been a faithful and efficient clerk in the office of the master mechanic of the Ann Arbor R'y in this city for several years past, left on Monday for Toledo to accept a better position in the joint terminal accounting department of the Ann Arbor, the F. & P. M. and the C., S. & M. Rys.. The promotion was certainly deserved.

Owosso Times Feb. 19, 1897

Roy Cheal has been given the position of telegraph operator for the Ann Arbor R'y at Alexis.

The Evening Argus Feb 22, 1897

The Ann Arbor railroad is putting up new crossing signs, which read; “Railroad, Stop, Look, Listen.” This good advice.

The Evening Argus March 6, 1897

The wrecking derrick of the Ann Arbor road is being rebuilt in the shops. It will be made stronger and more complete.

The Evening Argus April 5, 1897

It is rumored that since the Ann Arbor road has taken up its track from Ithaca to St. Louis that the next step will be to remove the division from Durand to Alma. This would be pretty hard on Durand as it would cause about seventy-five families to leave the village.

The Evening Argus April 5, 1897

TORE UP THE TRACKS

ANN ARBOR LEAVES ST. LOUIS IN THE COLD

Force of 700 Section Men Work Saturday Night and Sunday and Today St. Louis is off the Ann Arbor Line.

St. Louis, April 5 – The Ann Arbor railroad company Saturday night culminated it attempts at leaving this city off the line, by beginning ar 12 o'clock to tear up its tracks in this city. At first the citizens were determined to go with an armed posse to stop the work, but wiser councils prevailed and serious trouble was prevented.

The people here feel very bitter and will ignore the road entirely. It is thought, though, that the Ann Arbor people have made arrangements with the Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western railroad to take its passengers to Alma where they can take the trains. When the road was built the citizens of St. Louis gave as a bonus between $30,000 and $440,000, and now they think that they have not been fairly treated.

Alma, the favored town, gave nothing, saying it did not the road yet. The attempt to take the road from this city was made first about one year ago, but an injunction was served, which is still in force, the city being beaten in the circuit court, but appealing ti the state supreme court. This is the injunction the railroad company pays no attention to.

General Manager Ashley had 700 section men along the line of the road ready for a special train, which landed them in Ithaca, and at 6 o'clock they began tearing up the old track to this city. Great indignation prevails among the people.

Owosso Times April 9, 1897

O. D. Richards succeeds Joseph Cushman as chief engineer of the Ann Arbor Railway.

The Evening Argus April 14, 1897

This morning the “Yard Limit” signs for Ithaca were shipped from the Ann Arbor car shops; also handsome new chairs to Frankfort for the cabins of the car ferries.

The Evening Argus April 16, 1897

Six new box cars are being built in the erecting shop of the Ann Arbor car shops under supervision of Foreman Darling.

The Evening Argus April 16, 1897

Ann Arbor steam shovel No. 2 is being put in condition at the shops. It will probably be put in commission next Tuesday.

The Evening Argus April 19, 1897

Marshal Barrisford and Night watch Cady found five tramps in a box car on the Ann Arbor road near the Robbins table factory last evening and lodged them over night in the city hotel, The were let go this morning.

The Evening Argus April 23, 1897

We are glad to learn that the injury received by Harry Mackey, at the Ann Arbor shops yesterday, is not serious as was at first reported. Instead of breaking his arm, he bruised it badly in the lathe.

The Evening Argus May 5, 1897

Ann Arbor passenger train No. 3 north last evening was delayed nearly two hours at he Owosso station by the breaking of a link pin. Engine No. 24 that came in on a freight took the train north. It was very fortunate that the accident happen at the station and not in an off the way place on the line.

The Evening Argus May 5, 1897

General Foreman Matthews, of the Ann Arbor machine shops, is reported to be working on a new style of bushing, that he proposes getting patented. He is trying to utilized bone instead of metal.

Benzie Banner May 6, 1897

Friday evening the westward bound passenger train was delayed several hours by a landslide at the clay cut about a half mile beyond the outlet. Workmen were sent for from both Frankfort and Benzonia to remove the obstruction. The train arrived at Frankfort about 11 o'clock.

The Owosso Times May 7, 1897

One hundred flat cars are to be made into box cars at the Ann Arbor shops at once.

The Evening Argus May 11, 1897

The prospects now seem to indicate a liberal patronage of the Ann Arbor excursion to Toledo Sunday. The train will stop at the new depot, the finest in Toledo.

The Evening Argus May 12, 1897

The new passenger equipment of the Ann Arbor road is showing up finely. The extension steps are proving a great convenience.

The Evening Argus May 14, 1897

The Ann Arbor road will put into effect a new time table a week from Sunday, May. It will shorten the time between Toledo and Frankfort and hour and fifteen minutes. The train will leave Toledo an Hour later, which will be a great advantage to all who have business in that city.

The Evening Argus May 24, 1897

Today was monthly supply day on the Ann Arbor road and a large shipment of brooms, etc., was made.

The Evening Argus May 24, 1897

Large chains were shipped from shops on Saturday evening to Ithaca to be used on the steam shovel at work at that place.

The Owosso Times May 28, 1897

Notice the change in the time card of the Ann Arbor road. The train north in the morning now leaves at 10:59, and the the evening train at 7:24.

Benzie Banner June 17, 1897

Saturday the freight train struck a calf belonging to L. P. Judson, near Crystal City crossing, and threw it about 4 rods into the brush and strange to say it escaped with only a sprained foot and a few scratches.

Benzie Banner June 17, 1897

[South Frankfort] The passenger train has been running to Frankfort the last few days on account of the ferry being laid up for repairs.

The Owosso Times June 25, 1897

Menominee, Mich., June 23.--From Manistique to within six miles of the town of Munising on Lake Superior, a distance of thirty-five miles , extends a railroad which was built by the Chicago Lumber company. This road has been purchased by the Ann Arbor Railroad company, which will put in a car ferry slip at Manistique. The same company will complete the line to Munising and also build an air line to Negaunee on Duluth, South, South Shore and Atlantic and the Chicago and Northwestern road, from a point ten miles south of Munising, the whole line to be sixty-three miles long. Work on the lines will begin at once.

Boats will be run to Manistique during the instead of Gladstone, and a special boat will built for navigating Green Bay in the winter time, which will be run here continuously. The object of the extension is to secure the flour trade of the west by way of the South Shore and the North Pacific, and also to open up a rich timber country, between Manistique and the Marquette iron range. The new road may also touch the city of Marquette. This is the most important railroad deal consummated in many years and means much for the advancement of the upper peninsula's industrial interests.

The Owosso Times June 25, 1897

Cadillac News and Express: Cadillac and the section of the state traversed by the Ann Arbor railroad will be interested in a report which comes from Marinette, Wis., that a project which has more than a little promise of success is being being worked up by the Ann Arbor to secure a western outlet outlet to Duluth and then west and southwest into the wheat producing sections of the Dakotas. A representative of the was lately at Marinette and Menominee and is said to have procured an option on the Holmes logging railroad, the eastern terminus of which is about 20 miles from Marinette, and extends from that point about 40 miles in a northwesterly direction. By securing this road, with a connection put in to the mouth of Menominee river, the Ann Arbor line, by means of its car ferry, across Lake Michigan, could, could tap an extensive lumber, pulp and cedar country, as well as get a reach toward the northwestern grain and coal trade, which could eventually be secured by a connection with one of the Soo roads, or by an extension of its own line westward as an independent competitor. If the report from Marinette has any basis in truth it is probable that that the Ann Arbor is nursing an ambition to reach out for northwestern traffic, and thus make its car ferry a link in a great trunk line.

The Evening Argus June 29, 1897

EVERYBODY HAPPY

Weather Fine at Whitmore Lake Boats and Dinner.

Whitmore Lake, June 29, '97 – Special to the Evening Argus – A light shower here early this morning put the grounds in fine condition for the Sunday School excursion from Owosso, which reached here at 10:20 o'clock, by special train of thirteen coaches carrying 800 people. The excursion was accompanied by assistant passenger agent Kirby, superintendent Bradley and train master Fohey. In a very short time after the arrival of the train the lake was alive with boats. Some on fishing bent, others simply enjoying the pleasure offered by the soft sparking water, the smoothly gliding boats and the refreshing breezes. Every where the careful, painstaking forethought of agent B. S. Stratton and the Ann Arbor railroad company is seen, as no little details have been overlooked that will add to the pleasure and comfort of the day.

At an early hour baskets, boxes and parcels were opened and dinner partaken of by the happy, hungry crowd. The grove affording a delightful shade in which to rest and refresh the inner man. At four o'clock the Owosso City Band, which accompanied the excursion, will give one of their choice concerts in the grove. The return train leaving here at 5:15 o'clock.

The heavy rain at 5 o'clock a. m. and the rain drops that followed might have discouraged ordinary mortals, but had no effect whatever on the children of Owosso. Nearly 800 of these happy little ones with their parents and friends filled thirteen coaches on the Ann Arbor road, bound for the Sunday school excursion to Whitmore Lake. The clouds broke before the time of leaving and the faces of the older people brightened. The younger on were bright all the time. The Owosso City Band, which accompanied the excursion, discoursed sweet music before leaving. Many of the well known fishermen of the city were equipped with the finest fishing poles and reels, determined to catch the renowned mammoth pickerel supposed to be haunting the waters of Whitmore Lake. Among these fisherman were Senator Hadsall, Charles Gage, Charles Hopkins, Dr. Hume and others.

The train pulled out at 8:15 a. m. for the south. Assistant General Passenger Agent J. J. Kirby and Agent Stratton of the Ann Arbor road left no care undone to make the trip as safe and pleasant as it was possible to be. The direct charge of the train was in the hands of Conductor William Conroy, Engineer Andy McKurren, and Freman Tom Veit. Engine No. 24, one of the beat, if not the best, on the road, pulled the train.

The Evening Argus July 7, 1897

Ann Arbor Shop Notes

Engine 32 was turned out of the shops Friday. It will be in charge of engineer James W. Martin and fireman Niethhelmmer.

Engine Swineford has presented master mechanic Robert Tawse with a handsome specimen of gold quartz from the Floaaww mine in Colorado, in which Mr. Swineford is interested.

Machinist Jack Tawsw has invented a new clutch for boring machines. It is very simple and effective, doing away with set screws. Mr. Tawsw friends hope it may prove very remunerative to him.

Four flat cars are in the erecting building of the Ann Arbor shops. Work has been commenced to rebuild them into box cars. They are part of the hundred flat cars that are to be remodeled into box cars.

Master mechanic Robert Tawse and his assistants have devised a very convenient car record. It is a large wooden blackboard full of holes. It is ruled off so that number of the passenger cars is given, and the two divisions of the month. This enables Mr. Trawse to keep a complete record of the time when every car has been repacked and oiled. It is much more convenient than a sheet of paper. A peg indicates that the work is done. This will reduce the record of hot boxes to a minimum.

The Owosso Times July 9, 1897

Car Shop Notes.

Master Mechanic Robert Tawse went went to Frankfort Wednesday on business.

Three stalls in the machine shop are filled by engines Nos. 22, 33 and 201, which are receiving a general overhauling. No. 36 is being repainted in the round house.

The Ann Arbor Ry. is fitting up a room in the machine shop at Owosso to be used as a school of brake instruction. The room is being fitted up in what has been used for the tin shop between the engine engine room and the forge room. A set of ten freight car brakes will be fitted up so that they can be attached together exactly as a train of ten cars. Beside these, one brake will be shown in section. This will will be connected with the rest in such a way as to move when they they do, thus enabling the operator to see just how the the valves and pistons on the inside of the brakes work. Mr. W. Barnes who has had charge of the air brake repairing in the shops for several years past, will have charge of this new room. The interception is to have the the men sent here as fast as convenient and have them instructed as to the whys and the wherefores of the brakes actions. As the passenger brakes are somewhat different from the other, a separate set of passenger brakes will be be set up.

Things are humming in the boiler shop this week. In spite of the heat and short hours the men are hustling as for dear life. The reason for the excitement seems to be that in the absence of Foreman Benoy, who with his family is visiting in Ohio, Charles Duffy is acting foreman. It is stated on good authority that some records are likely to be be smashed.

The Owosso Times July30, 1897

The tin shop at the Ann Arbor car shops is being moved into the north part of the round house this week.

The Evening Argus Aug. 2, 1897

Arrangements were completed yesterday by the Owosso Arbeiter Verein with the Ann Arbor road to give and excursion to Crystal lake August 22. The time guaranteed at the lake will be seven hours.

The Evening Argus Aug. 2, 1897

The last shipment of 200 pieces of 36 inch boiler iron flume pipe, 30 feet long passed through Owosso this morning on the Ann Arbor road, shipped from Cleveland for Minneapolis. Six pieces were loaded on a car.

The Evening Argus Aug. 2, 1897

The three large circus trains of Ringling Bros. Will pass through Owosso on the Ann Arbor early tomorrow morning on their from Mt. Pleasant to Howell. They are to be drawn by engines Nos. 34, 37 and 40.

The Evening Argus Aug. 2, 1897

The Crain Lumber Co., of South Frankfort, has announced it intentions to rebuild it saw mill recently destroyed by fire. The company has sufficient timber to keep the mill running for the next 12 years.

The Owosso Times Aug. 6, 1897

At the Car Shops.

Harry Mackey is back again at the shops. He had all he wanted of Durand in a very short time and is glad to be back here again.

Engine No. 201 was sent out of the shops yesterday to make a trail trip, after a complete overhauling. No. 33 has taken its place in the shop.

Charles Duffy, George Walton, Samuel French, George Palmer and William Pease were called to Frankfort Saturday morning to repair the boilers of one of the big ferry boats. They returned Tuesday evening.

Perhaps it is the last plat place in the world that any one would look for luxury in the matter of dress, but a person can go into the wood working mill at almost any time and see men at work with their clothing protected by plush aprons, held up with plush straps. This may seem a trifle “tony,” but then old cushion covers may as be put to some good use.

There is an unusually small number of cars in the yards undergoing repairs at present. In the setting up shop there are four flat cat cars which ar being built over into box cars, while in the yard outside there are about ten box cars in various stages of repair. These with one caboose and a snow plow constitute nearly the whole list of “cripples” in this department. The yard do not look much as they did during the spring and summer months of 1893, after the the long series of accidents and wrecks. In fact the road is apparently having too smooth sailing for this department to do a very large business.

A break in the power cable between the mill and the machine shop, occasioned some delay in the shop the first of the week. No one was hurt by the break, though men had been passing under it but a short time before.

Ludington Daily News Aug. 19, 1897

The Ann Arbor railroad has in contemplation the erection of a $25,000 hotel at Frankfort for the use of summer boarders.

Benzie Banner Aug. 19, 1897

(Homestead) There were three car loads of cattle shipped from the station last Tuesday.

The Owosso Times Aug. 20, 1897

Owning to the scarcity of coal the Ann Arbor Ry. has taken off eight crews which have been working night and with four work trains near Clare, two of the trains being brought in Saturday evening and two more Wednesday evening evening. The steam shovels are now in the yards at Owosso.

The Evening Argus Aug. 28, 1897

The L. B. Quackenbush Post No. 205 G. A. R., of Owosso, had three Lake Shore cars at their disposal which were handsomely trimmed with banners, flags and bunting on both sides, and left this morning at 9 o'clock on the Ann Arbor road for Toledo. At 2:30 this afternoon they will leave for Cleveland where after a stay of four hours, they depart for Buffalo arriving there tomorrow morning at 4:45 o'clock. Their three cars were decorated with red, white and blue streamers, and the name of the post. They filled with a crowd of happy people.

The Evening Argus Aug. 28, 1897

A number of other old soldiers and their families preferred the Milwaukee division of the Grand Trunk road and took the tunnel route. The regular train consisted of seven cars, two coming from the T. S. & M. road, the other from the west.

The Evening Argus Aug. 28, 1897

Ann Arbor R. R. Co.

Manhattan Life Building, 66 Broadway, New York City.

The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Ann Arbor R. R. Co. will be held at the office of the company at Durand, Michigan, on September 18, 1897, at 10 o'clock a. m., for the election of five directors and the transaction of any and all business which may properly come before said meeting.

Transfer books will be closed on August 18th, 1897, and reopened on September 30th, 1897, at 10 o'clock a. m.

D. C. Tate, Secretary

Benzie Banner Sept. 2, 1897

The dock from the ferry to the ice house is to be filled up and a railroad track to be laid on it.

The Owosso Times Sept. 3, 1897

At the Ann Arbor Railway Shops.

A second boiler has been set up at the car shops. It will be used chiefly for heating, but will will be connected up so that it can be used also for power.

The work of putting in steam pipes for heating has begun, and the coming winter will see stoves dispensed with in the machine shop and in the wood working mill, and the more comfortable and convenient steam pipes in uses in use. The other building will probably not be piped until another year.

The brake instruction room is now nearly ready. In fact it is ready for the brakes themselves, which are furnished free of charge by the Westinghouse company. This company sends thirteen brakes—one engine brake, one tender, one passenger and ten freight car brakes, over five hundred dollars worth in all. W. Barnes, who has charge of all brake work is expecting

the arrival of this machinery daily.

A large new sky light light is to be placed in the roof over the engine room and brake room.

The usual number of locomotives are overhauled in the machine shop and the work of building box is being continued in the carpenter shop, though a few bumpers to guard the ends of switches, and some baggage trucks have also been turned out.

The Evening Argus Sept. 15, 1897

The Ann Arbor road train left yesterday for Frankfort, the crew to work on the new flour warehouse being built.

Benzie Banner Sept.16, 1897

The T. & A. have commenced building their new dock. They are to have an elevator in connection with the dock.

Benzie Banner Sept.16, 1897

Two car-loads of cattle were shipped from Homestead Tuesday.

The Owosso Times Sept. 17, 1897

At the Ann Arbor Railway Shops.

The material for the school of brake instruction at the car shops has arrived, and W. Barnes, who is in charge of this part of the work, is busy setting up the various parts of the machinery. Benches are being made for holding the brakes and the equipment will be identical with that of a complete train. It was expected that the material which is furnished free of charge by the Westinghouse Brake Co. would comprise about $500 worth of machinery, but when it was unpacked there were at least $400 worth more of machinery and models showing sectional views that had been expected.

A new pump is being put in at the engine room to pump the drip from the steam heating pipes back into the boilers.

The new boiler has been connected up and used for running the shops this week while the old one is receiving some receiving some repairs.

The work of putting in the steam heating pipes is progressing rapidly and will be ready before cold weather strikes the shops.

The of building box cars is being pushed as rapidly as possible, since at present box cars are at a premium on nearly every road. Those put up at the shops here are good ones.

Saturday seem to stat am epidemic of accidents at the shops, though fortunately none of them were of such a serious character as was that of Thursday when Ed. Broeffle was so seriously hurt. From Saturday until Tuesday night five men accidentally struck their finger or some part of their left hands with hammers. In nearly every case the wound was serious enough to call in the services of the company's surgeon, Dr. Hume. The men who who were hurt were James Stewart, David Fillmore, Thos. Watson, David Duff, and Harry Thompson.

The Owosso Times Sept. 24, 1897

Dundee, Mich., Sept. 22.--The work of construction on the Detroit and Lima Northern road extension to Detroit was begun here yesterday. The contract has bee let to the Ferguson Construction company, of New York, the Russell-Lynch Construction company, of Pittsburg, being given some of the work by the New York company.

The Evening Argus Sept. 25, 1897

In addition to the large increase of through freight going north and south on the Ann Arbor road, shipments of Ohio coal have commenced going north.

The Evening Argus Sept 29, 1897

Tom McGrall, the Ann Arbor electrician, was in Owosso yesterday putting up wires in the Ann Arbor shops.

The Sunday Democrat Oct. 2, 1897

The Ann Arbor railway has commenced the erection of a reading room at Durand for free use of its employes this winter. The building will be completed the latter part of October.

The Evening Argus Oct. 8, 1897

Durand, Oct. 8 – Special – The Ann Arbor company is having its road bed put in first-class condition for the winter. There are four work trains ballasting with gravel the between Homestead and Copemish. It is rumored that with the opening of spring the north and south night trains will be restored to service. They certainly will be a great convenience to summer travel. A new feature of attraction will be the day trip across Lake Michigan on the car ferries for passengers for the northwest. This will be a growing feature when it becomes known to the traveling public.

The Owosso Times Oct. 8, 1897

The Ann Arbor car shops are again rushed with work. Engine No. 25, which has been under going a thorough renovating has been turned out and engine engine nine No. 14 is in its place. The company's track are filled will cars cars which are being repaired. The arrangements for the steam heating of the Ann Arbor car shops are practically completed.

The Sunday Democrat Oct. 9, 1897

Plans for a union depot at Duran, to cost $26,000, have been prepared by Chicago & Grand Trunk railway, and submitted by them to the Ann Arbor railway, and if accepted by latter, construction will be commenced at once. The plans call for a two story structure 42x124 feet, with all modern conveniences. The headquarters of the Grand Trunk and Ann Arbor railways will be located in the building.

The Owosso Times Oct. 15, 1897

Ann Arbor engine No. 19 is having the old driving axle replaced by a new one.

The Owosso Times Oct. 15, 1897

The Ann Arbor freight depot has been re-shingled.

The Owosso Times Oct. 29, 1897

More freight cars are being built by the Ann Arbor railroad in order to properly take care of increasing business.

The Evening Argus Nov. 4, 1897

Morris L. Jackson, the roofer, returned last evening from Frankfort where he completed his contract of covering the new Ann Arbor flour warehouse with a gravel roof. He said he had fine weather and good success. He speaks in the highest terms of Agent Voiree at Frankfort, and of all the Ann Arbor officials. He secured another contract for 57 squares on a building of Glarein & Classen, of South Frankfort, which he will put on next month.

Benzie Banner Nov. 4, 1897

The Ann Arbor railroad has spend over $100,000 at South Frankfort this fall by building a freight house 80x400 feet and adding several thousand feet of track to their yard, making it one of the finest railroad yards in northern Michigan.

The Evening Argus Nov. 8, 1897

The Ann Arbor side track at Dudley's cold storage plant on south Washington street, will be raised 18 inches. The work was commenced this morning.

The Evening Argus Nov. 8, 1897

New style combination shaker grates are being made in the Ann Arbor machine shops to be used on the car ferries. They are 6 by 8 feet and are connected in groups of six and are worked by a level that projects outside of the boiler head.

Ann Arbor Courier Nov. 10, 1897

The Ann Arbor Railroad and Car Ferry Lines

The history of the Car Ferry Service Across Lake Michigan --- What the

Route has Done for lumber Shipper---The Growth and Popularity--

The Vast County for which it Furnishes an Outlet[image7]

The Ann Arbor railroad bisects the lower peninsula of the state of Michigan from southeast to northwest- a stretch of main line some 300 miles in length. lts southern terminus is it Toledo, O., where it connects with the dozen or more main trunk lines reaching all parts of the country. The northern terminus is at Frankfort, Mich., on Lake Michigan, where it possesses an excellent harbor, open all the year round. From this point diverges the Ann Arbor railroad car ferry system to Manitowoc and Kewaunee, Wis., and to Menominee, Gladstone and Manistique, Mich. For a trade-mark the Ann Arbor railroad has always used the "key," and in railroad circles it is known as the "Key of Michigan." lts several car ferry routes, making up a digital number, may be likened unto a giant's right hand and strong arm that is reaching out for business all through the great northwest.

Of special interest to lumber shippers is this great ferry and rail system. The Ann Arbor railroad was the first to undertake the operation of car ferry boats across Lake Michigan. Ferry No. 1 made its first trip early in November, 1892, and ferry No. 2 was placed in commission in January, 1893. The two months of 1892, which was the inception of the business, showed a hauling of only 323 cars of freight eastbound, out of Wisconsin and upper Michigan. 1 pie generally, both shippers and other railroad men, were afraid of the system, and the general opinion was that it would be a failure. This feeling was wide-spread and long-felt, and not until 1895 did shippers become less suspicious of the innovation.

In that year general public sentiment began to turn, and 1895 proved a prosperous year for the Ann Arbor ferry service. In 189ü the two ferries of the Ann Arbor company hauled, eastbound, over 6,000 carloads of the product of Wisconsin, Minnesota and upper Michigan, to say nothing of the immense quantities of soft coal handled from the Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia mines westbound." The coal thus supplied almost entirely furnished the fuel for the vast paper mills along the Fox and Wisconsin rivers in Wisconsin during the past three years. During the present year the volume of business via the Ann Arbor ferry route has been still further augmented. During all this time not one pound of freight has been lost to shippers. The Ann Arbor Railroad Company insures freight while on its boats just as it does while in transit on its railroad, and if any is lost from any cause it is promptly paid for. Shippers have finally become convinced that the car ferry service is just as safe as though handled "all-rail."

Of the boats themselves, of which The Timberman takes pleasure in presenting several illustrations: The large picture shows the two transfers plowing their way out of Frankfort harbor through the ice in midwinter, and is inscribed "The Ann Arbor's Grand March Across Lake Michigan." [image6] Another illustration is a second winter scene at the entrance of the Frankfort harbor;[image4] the third shows one of the transfers in the slip at Frankfort[image5] with the beautiful little city of Frankfort in the background. Then there are several smaller detail pictures, showing the loading of one of the ferries with carloads of cedar poles[image3] at Menominee, Mich.; unloading one of the boats at Kewaunee, Wis.;[image2] and the third small picture, photographed at Gladstone, Mich.,[image1] shows how the cars are substantially fastened to the deck of the vessel. All the pictures are practically self-explanatory. Each of the Ann Arbor ferries carries twenty-four cars, and is enclosed, as the pictures will show, except sufficient space at the stern for the handling of large furniture cars. This makes it possible for this company to handle cars of any size offered. The boats make daily calls at Kewaunee, Wis., where they connect with the Kewaunee, Green Bay & Western railroad, and at Manitowoc, Wis., where connection is made with the great Wisconsin Central and Chicago & Northwestern systems. Also, four times weekly, boats call at Menominee, Mich., where connection is made with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, and with the Chicago & Northwestern systems. Calls are also made four times weekly at Gladstone, Mich, where connection is made with the "Soo" system. The Gladstone harbor, at the head of Little. Bay De Noquet, not having proved an available harbor, the Ann Arbor Railroad Company is now putting in a slip and apron transfer at Manistique, Mich., which is an open harbor all winter, and gives the company a thorough surety of being able to handle business to and from the "Soo" line the year round. This new harbor opens a new outlet for the vast lumber interests on both the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic and the "Soo" lines, and avoids the necessity of sending cars through the more northerly channel, via Sault Ste. Marie, where there is vastly more Snow and ice to delay traffic. This route also makes a new outlet from Duluth and the Superiors to all eastern and southern points.

Note: The photographs may be found in the Web Page for Photographs in Folder marker “Ann Arbor Courier Nov. 10, 1897

This link across upper Lake Michigan, and the one from Menominee to Frankfort, places the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan in close touch with each other, and makes travel and shipping as easy and prompt as though they were joined solidly together by rails of steel, and not separated by the waters of Lake Michigan.

Prior to the advent of the Ann Arbor ferry line people at the upper end of the state having business at the capitol, Lansing. or in the great metropolis, Detroit, were obliged to travel vía Chicago, just about double the present direct distance via the Ann Arbor line. The opening of this through water and rail line has done more for the development of upper Michigan than anything else in its history. It has been the means of placing this territory on a lower basis of freight and passenger rates than ever before enjoyed, and has made it possible for people of the upper peninsula to import goods direct and land them at their doors as cheaply as can be done by Chicago dealers. This has had the effect of giving Michigan merchants the trade of their own state instead of having it all go to Chicago.

Menominee, the metropolis of the upper peninsula of Michigan, is now beginning to feel the importance of this, and has commenced the erection of a mammoth wholesale grocery establishment, and articles of incorporation have just been filed for a large boot and shoe manufacturing plant, which will be ready for operation next spring. Other similar enterprises are sure to follow, and the future of Menominee is assured, oven after the innuendo timber interests are exhausted.

Marinette, Wis., is also feeling the benefit of the Ann Arbor' route by the establishment of large wholesale interests. A big wholesale grocery house has recently moved there from Milwaukee. These are not the only places directly benefited by the Ann Arbor route. Oconto has been able to find a market via the lake and rail route for its immense lumber production. Kewaunee and Manitowoc have also been benefited, as through these cities have been opened up direct lines through southern and central Wisconsin, shortening the route very materially from these points to the east. Chicago has long been over crowded with traffic, which has meant delay and serious loss of time on through shipments. The natural outlet for business from the northwest is bound to be via the ferries across Lake Michigan.

Being first in the field of car shippers across Lake Michigan, the Ann Arbor company naturally claim the credit for everything which has followed that has j been beneficial to the shippers in the northern cities and towns. This company is surely entitled to this credit, and shippers should bear in mind that to the enterprise of the Ann Arbor Railroad Company alone is due the fact that the y are to-day enjoying the favorable freight rates and prompt services that they are, in both shipping and receiving bulk commodities in unbroken car lots. While the car ferries of the Ann Arbor company are not as beautiful and sumptuous as some, they are substantial and first-class crafts tor the purpose for which they were built, and the passenger accommodations thereon are entirely satisfactory to the traveling public.

Mr. W. H. Bennett, of Toledo, Ohio, is the general freight and passenger agent of the Ann Arbor railroad and steamship lines, and gives personal attention to all matters connected therewith. He is one of the best known freight men in the country, and shippers of lumber or other commodities can rest assured of having the most considerate and intelligent treatment at his hands. His chief aid, the man who actually comes in contact with shippers in the northwest, is Mr. C. W. Peake, commercial agent of the company at Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Peak was the first herald of the ferry enterprise in that country, and has worked faithfully and gently ever since for its success. Previous to his occupancy of the position he now holds he had a thorough knowledge of railroad work, in which he has spent his life, and for nine years previous was associated and ultimately connected with the freight department of the Ann Arbor railroad. Since he has located in the northwest he has become acquainted with almost every lumber shipper in Michigan and Wisconsin, and universally has gained their confidence and respect.

To the lumber manufacturing and attributing fraternity generally, The Timberman desires to commend the facilities and inducements offered by the Arm Arbor railroad and steamship lines for the transportation o their freight; and it trusts that they will give due weight and consideration to the fact that to this company they owe no inconsiderable debt of gratitude for both the services and rates now enjoyed.

Ludington Daily News Nov. 11, 1897

Frankfort is looking forward to good times this winter on account of the large number of men who will be employed by the Ann Arbor railroad in its immense freight business at that port. The new warehouse has been completed and will be put into commission about December 1. Four boats have been charted by the company to assist its own two car ferries in transporting the freight from the Wisconsin side of the lake.

Owosso Times Nov. 12, 1897

Jack Tawse is in Cadillac this week, repairing engine No. 29, on the Ann Arbor road at that place.

Owosso Times Nov. 12, 1897

Tuesday afternoon the Ann Arbor yard engine was derailed at the Michigan avenue crossing. Nominal damage.

Owosso Times Nov. 19, 1897

Car Shops

Wm. Roblin, formerly of Detroit, H. J. Williams, of this city, and Wm. Myers. Of Else, have accepted positions in the blacksmith shops. Mr. Myers will move his family to this city in the near future.

A. C. Veit, of Mt. Pleasant, was in town Wednesday calling upon friends.

Chas. Carpenter, former fireman on the Ann Arbor has entered the machine shop, having resigned his position as fireman.

The new snow shove built to take the place of the old shovel No. 3, was sent to Frankfort yesterday.

James Thompson was in Marion, Wednesday, drawing plans for the water tank to be built there.

A club known as “The Disagreeable Club” has been organized, with J. J. Mackey, president; John Pulsworth, vice president; Fred mensbart, secretary; and Jacob Dangler, conductor. The meetings are to be held Wednesday evenings, and the object of the club is to discuss points which have long been under discussion by scientific men. Next Wednesday evening the secretary will read a paper on “Steam Pipes.”

Classes of instruction have been organized with Engineer Barnes instructor. The class are held twice a week. The subject now under study is the working of the compressed air chambers which have been set up for the purpose. Next week a class consisting of all the car inspectors along the road will be organized.

Wm. Matthews left for Durand this morning to repair the steam heating plant in the Ann Arbor depot at that place.

Wednesday evening as Chas. Bradley went to turn on an electric light in the machine room he received a very severe shock from the electric wire, which knock him to the floor, where he remained for several minutes. Electrician Stodard was summoned and found the transformer burnt out. The cause of its burning is unknown.

John Downtoon is laid up this week with a large carbuncle on his left knee.

Benzie Banner Nov. 25, 1897

The new warehouse is complete.[South Frankfort?]

Owosso Times Nov. 26, 1897

Car Shops

The shops were closed yesterday for Thanksgiving.

The car repairers school of instruction was held Wednesday under Master Mechanic Tawse and assistant Barnes.

James Morgan, of Frankfort, visited his friends in this city Wednesday.

Frank Connor, so of J. B. Connor, of Denver, Col. Has been greeting his friends in the shops this week. Frank will make an extended visit in Owosso.

J. B. Martin is Cadillac this week repairing cars.

Wm. Elliot and Wm. Moore, Durand, formerly residents of this city, were looking about the yards Tuesday and Wednesday.

Assistant Thompson, of the Auditor's office at Toledo, was looking up record in this city Tuesday..

Last Monday was pay-day, and the boys are now happy.

Snow shovel No. is receiving a general over-hauling.

Benzie Banner Dec. 2, 1897

There will be six boats for the Ann Arbor Ry. This winter, four besides the two cat ferries.

Capt. Ed Williams will have command of the Str. Lawrence which will be one of the boats commissioned in the A. A. Ry. Service.

Owosso Times Dec. 3, 1897

About 100,000 ties are expected to be bought by the Ann Arbor railroad company between Owosso and Toledo this winter.

Owosso Times Dec. 3, 1897

The Ann Arbor Shops and Road.

David Prendergast, of Durand, visited the shops Tuesday.

Wm. Pease has been removed from the Owosso shops to the Frankfort boiler shop to fill a vacancy at that place.

Three large bulk boats, the Fairwell and ford, which will carry fifty cars each, and the Nebraska, with one hundred car capacity, have been added to the Ann Arbor line at Frankfort. These boats, with car ferries number 1 and 2, will begin operations next week. The Houghton has been rigged for breaking the ice so that the boats will make regular trips, regardless of the weather.

The new warehouse at Frankfort has been completed. Three hundred and thirteen cars can be stored in this building. One hundred men are employed in and about the building.

Walter Cowin, fireman, was called to Frankfort Wednesday to take a regular run on engine No. 35.

Every north bound freight is full of empties, drawing them to the ware house at Frankfort, preparatory for the trail trip of the boats the first of the week.

E. E. Levett, engineer on the Toledo yard engine, spent Tuesday looking about the shops in this city.

T. Velt, of Durand, was in town Tuesday.

Chas. Coleman is visiting his parents at Frankfort this week.

Engine No. 11 was turned out Tuesday for a passenger run on the south end. Engine No. 26 made a trail trip Wednesday, after a general over-hauling. Toledo switch engine No. 30 is receiving a complete remodeling this week.

Fireman John Becker, of Clare, while on his run Tuesday was taken sick and had to be removed from his engine when he reached this city. He was cared for by some employees and medical assistance called. He was enabled to return home.

J. A. Millen, the company's purchasing agent at Frankfort, stopped over at the mechanic's office in this city on his way home from Toledo, Tuesday.

R. Tawsa and J. Thompson were in Frankfort three days of this week in the interest of the Ann Arbor Ry.

David McWhinney, a painter, is dangerously ill.

J. Haupt returned to work Wednesday, after a week's sickness.

Four hundred new box cars are being built for this road at Pullman. J. Walton is there this week inspecting the work.

Officers of the Standard Tire Co. were called here Monday to inspect the tires containing soft spots. A number of defects were found and the tires will be returned to the foundry.

The wrecking crew were called to Howell Sunday, to pick up the cars, smashed in the wreck at that place.

Benzie Banner Dec. 23, 1897

[Thompsonville] An extra train has been put on since November. The business here is double that of a year ago.

Benzie Banner Dec. 30, 1897

[South Frankfort] Three of the flour boats were in port Monday.

Owosso Times Dec. 31, 1897

Car Shops.

Warren Stewart who left the Owosso offices and accepted a job as joint accountant in the Toledo yards has been promoted to the position of assistant superintendent of terminals. He has charge of the entire yard at that place. Mr. Stewart spent Christmas with his parents in this city.

Master Mechanic Tawse and a crew of men left on a special train Sunday night for Manitowac to do some general repairing on car ferry No, 2. It will take them about two weeks to complete the work.

John Fleming ang family spent Saturday and Sunday in Sarnia.

Thos. Velt, of Durand, is visiting Thos. Kerwis.

R. J. Tick, assistant traveling agent on thee Ann Arbor, visited his parents on Corunna Avenue the first of the week.

J. F. Cardwell, formerly of this city, greeted friends, Monday and Tuesday. Mr. Cardwell is assistant in the superintendent's office at Durand.

Frank Roth and John Turner, clerks in Supt. Bradley's office at Duran, spend Christmas with friends in this city.

Elmer Rainey has accepted a position in the Ann Arbor yards at Durand.

Wm. McKenzie, foreman of the car ferry at Frankfort, spent Wednesday looking about the shops in this city.

Engine No. 16 was turned from the shops Wednesday after undergoing extensive repairs.

Thos. Kerwin made a business trip to Durand Wednesday.

Miles Crawford, Mechanic, is constructing a slip crane for the docks at Frankfort.

The boiler makers are again working over time in order to get engine No. 24 out before New Years.

The regular class of instruction in the air brake system was held Tuesday in the engine room.

A foot ball team is about to be organized in the shops with Chas. Bradley as manager.

A. Ackley, of Elizabeth street, who is doing the brick work on the Ann Arbor ice house at Whitmore Lake, spent Sunday with his family in this city.