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Ann Arbor Courier Jan. 21, 1881

A New Railroad Project

The following from the Dansville Farmer, sets forth a project in which Ann Arbor is interested. A project of this kind has been broached heretofore, but apathy along the line killed it. Now that those who will be most benefited by such a route have woken up, something may possibly be done. If those along the line, will as stated, give the right of way and $1,000 per mile, it is not altogether improbable that they can secure sufficient capital to complete it. The section of country through which the proposed line passes is certainly a rich one, and would furnish much local traffic:

“The country through which it has been suggested that a railroad should be built between Ann Arbor and Lansing is level and free from rivers and hills. A grade could be easily made. Very few bridge,culverts or trestle would be required. The proposed route via Dover Mills, Hamburg, Pinckney, Plainfield, Millville, Dansville, Wheatfield and thence to Lansing, would pass through the finest localities and best farming districts, undeveloped by railroads in Michigan. It will be found by observing a map the M. C. R. R. and D. L. & N. R. R. is the largest area in this state outside of the timber regions, to be found without a railroad. Good local markets would be developed along the line. The villages and towns through which it would pass are now extremely enterprising and thrifty of localities without railroad facilities. If a railroad should be added to the numerous advantages now possessed there would be made, not only in the towns through which the proposed road would pass, but also in adjacent localities.

“The connection which would be made Ann Arbor and Lansing would give farmers of central and southern Michigan all the facilities desirable, as they would have the competitive markets of Toledo, Detroit and Cincinnati, joined to them by competing freight lines.

“If we consider whether there are disadvantages connected with the construction of such a road, we think of none except the apathy which pervades Ann Arbor and Lansing regarding this railroad. These cities would receive untold benefits from it. These Citizens of the towns inform us that they will grant the right of way and besides contribute $1,000 for each mile the road traverses in their respective townships. Of course there are no agreements signed, sealed and delivered to this effect but it is beause there is no one authorized to receive them. A company might easily be formed and these suggestions and propositions advantageously employed.”

Ann Arbor Courier Jan. 28, 1881

Rochester Spectator: “It is reported on good authority, that the Grand Trunk railway has swallowed up the Michigan Air Line, also the Toledo & Ann Arbor road, and that the consolidated road will hereafter be called the “Southwestern Grand Trunk railway.”

The New York Times Feb 2, 1881

The New-York, New-England and Western Investment Company has begun a suit, in the Supreme Court in this City, against the Toledo and Ann Arbor Railroad Company and James M. Ashley to recover $236,750. The plaintiff corporation alleges that the defendants employed it to float the bonds and stock of the Toledo and Ann Arbor Railroad Company, and then broke the contract, thus preventing the plaintiff from obtaining, as commissions, the amount mentioned in the complaint. Judge Barrett yesterday granted an attachment against the property of the defendants in this city.

Ann Arbor Courier June 17, 1881

The laying of the track on the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Grand Trunk railroad extension, between this city and south Lyon, is being pushed with all possible dispatch. Several miles of track has been completed, and it is expected that the cars will be running to that place by next Monday.


About eight miles north of this city there is a sink hole which has bothered the T. & A. A. railroad very much. It is about 300 feet across, and the amount of earth, timber, etc., which has been “chucked” into it is hardly believable, and yet the filling in keep sinking out of sight.

The Ann Arbor Courier July 22, 1881

The iron for the remaining mile of track between this city and South Lyon arrived last Monday, and we soon expect to ride over to that thriving burg. “All aboard.”

The Owosso American Aug. 10, 1881

The Toledo, Ann Arbor and Grand Trunk road has been completed to South Lyon, and trains are running

Thee Ann Arbor Courier Aug. 19, 1881

Monday the first regular train from South Lyon brought fifteen passengers.

 

The Ann Arbor Courier Sept. 30, 1881

That the extension of the railroad north of South Lyons is at a stand still.

That the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Grand Trunk R. R. Depot was located for the accommodation of the residents of Pittsfield.