Grant Depot and Water Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grant Depot and Water Tower |
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| Location | Grant, Newaygo County, Michigan |
| Built | 1891 |
| Governing body | Depot: Private Tower: Municipal Govt |
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The Grant Depot and Water Tower is a special historical site in Grant, Michigan. A "depot" is another name for a train station. This train station and its water tower were built in 1891. They were first part of the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad. Later, they joined the Pere Marquette System.
The water tower is thought to be the very last original wooden water tower in Michigan. Because of its history, the site was added to the Michigan State Historical Registry on June 10, 1980.
Contents
A Busy Hub: The Depot's Past
After it was built in 1891, the Grant train station quickly became very important. It helped the local economy grow.
Farming and Produce
Grant shipped a lot of farm products by train. In 1915, about 10 to 12 train cars of peaches were sent out every day! Later, in the 1930s, many carloads of onions left from this station. This earned Grant the nickname "Onion Capital of the World."
Lumbering Industry
The station was also key for the lumbering industry. Between 1872 and 1873, about 9 million board feet of logs came from Newaygo County. Most of these logs were shipped from the Grant Station. This was one of Michigan's first log trains. By 1885, Andrew T. Squire, who owned the local sawmill and founded Grant, was making 1 million board feet of lumber each year.
Passenger Trains
Until the late 1940s, two passenger trains ran daily. They traveled between Grand Rapids and Traverse City. These trains always stopped at the Grant Depot. The very last passenger train left the station in 1963.
A New Life for the Depot
In 1979, the depot was rebuilt. It was turned into a restaurant! The old agents' office and waiting room became a dining area. The freight room became the kitchen. An addition on the east side made even more dining space. This restaurant is still open today.
Moving the Water Tower
Until June 26, 2008, the city-owned water tower sat on land owned by CSX railroad. The City of Grant had been paying to lease this small piece of land for many years. CSX railroad did not want a state historical marker placed there.
Why the Tower Moved
So, the city decided to move the water tower. It was moved about 128 feet to the east. This new spot was in front of the city-owned caboose. Moving it meant the city would no longer pay the lease. It also allowed a historical marker to be placed. A small park could also be created at the site.
The Cost and Support
The move cost the city $60,000. The Fremont Area Community Foundation helped a lot. They gave $50,000 in grants for the project. Many people came to watch the move, including local TV and newspaper reporters. The State Historical Commission approved and supported the project before it happened.
A Recognized Landmark
The Grant Depot and Water Tower site was officially added to the Michigan State Historical Registry on June 10, 1980. Its special ID number is P24311.
