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The Evening Argus Jan. 5, 1901

A number of box cars are built at the Ann Arbor railroad shops, not entirely because the company needs the cars just now but because the company wishes to keep its men at work. A large amount of repair work in the machine shop necessitated the hiring of a number of extra machinists the last few days.

The Benzie Banner Jan 17, 1901
Wednesday morning the news came over the telephone wire that the big new 500 foot hotel at Frankfort had been demolished by the wind. The big structure was sheeted up and the roof boards on and is its party finished condition, offered a fine target for the wind to destroy. Reports are that the contractor had a similar misfortune at Charlevoix, while building the large hotel at that place. The building was blown flat and much of the lighter lumber was destroyed, entailing a loss of over ten thousand dollars. The Ann Arbor officials went down on the Wednesday night train to look over the wreck and decide on what course to parane in regard to rebuilding.

Ludington Daily News Jan. 31, 1901

The Menominee Herald claims to have it from good authority that the Ann Arbor Railroad company will build an ice crusher of 3500 horsepower and have the craft ready for business at the close of navigation the coming season. By the time the Sturgeon Bay canal will have been deepened to at least 18 feet, and possibly 20, which would float the company's big car ferries with full cargoes via the canal to and from that city. The company, says the Herald, could not afford to run its car ferries the present winter via the Sturgeon Bay canal with half loads, for with full loads they touched bottom in many places and in one instance a grounding occasioned several hours delay. Besides it is too great and expensive a task to maintain an open channel through the ice for a distance of forty five miles with the facilities now at hand. This conclusion forced itself upon the company officials after they had spent thousands of dollars in futile attempts to get the better of the Green Bay ice fields.

Benzie Banner April 4, 1901
Beulah - Frank Stiles has resumed his old position of the section crew of the railroad. Ryan Defy and Chas. Douglas are his assistants Steve Draged, Harry Reysodde and Mr. Mare resigned from the road.

Escanaba Iron Port April 20, 1901

GREEN BAY IS NOW OPEN

No Longer Any Hindrance to Navigation at This Port

ICE GOES GOES OUT WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Ann Arbor Car Ferry No. Passes Escanaba on its First Trip Thursday-- Season Opens Five Days Later Than Last Year.

Although, as yet, no boats have made this pot, navigation is now open and in all probability the movement or iron ore from the docks of the Northwestern and St. Paul companies in this city, by water, will be commenced early next week. The ice in Green Bay, as far as visible from the south shore, broke up last Tuesday and after drifting about listlessly during the following day passed out of sight Wednesday night, leaving a clear expense of open water as far as the eye can see.

Early Thursday morning the Ann Arbor car ferry No. 1 was sighted off the south shore as it entered Green Bay on its first trip from Frankfort to Gladstone via Death's Door. The big boat passed Sand Point about 9 o'clock and was soon plowing through the ice in Little Bay de Noc. After loading at Gladstone it made the return trip, passing out of sight just after 6 o'clock. The trip of the car ferry broke up the ice in the little little bay and and much of it has since drifted away so that there is no longer any hindrance to navigation.

Last spring the ice in Green Bay up to San Point went out April 12 just five days earlier than this year, and the first boat boat to make this port was the tug Messenger, which arr on the 18th. Both the Northwestern and St. Paul companies are now filling their dock with ore, and in view of the practical of the lake engineers difficulty it is likely that the ore ore boats will begin to arrive within a few days at most.

The Owosso Times May 10, 1901
The oil House at the Ann Arbor shops burned Tuesday morning about four o'clock. The fire department responded to the call and prevented the spread of the to any of the other buildings. The loss was comparatively small being probably considerably under five hundred dollars.

The Owosso Times May 10, 1901
The Ann Arbor Railway Company's grounds at the Owosso station are now the prettiest in the city. A pretty stretch of green lawn is fenced in and kept closely trimmed while a modest but but pleasing fountain plays in the center of the place.

Ann Arbor R. R. Change of Time. Benzie Banner June 3, 1901
Commencing Monday June 3rd, the Ann Arbor will resume sleeping car service between Toledo and Frankfort on trains leaving Frankfort at 8:00 p. m. And Toledo at 3:30 p. m. North bound bound train will will leave Cadillac at 5:00 a. m., Sherman 5:58 a. m., Copemish 6:30 a. m. , Thompsonville 6:45 a. m., Crystal Lake 7:10 a. m. Southbound leaving Frankfort 8:00 P. m., Crystal Lake 8:20 p. m., Thompsonville 8:46 p. m., Copemish 8:56 p. m., Sherman 9:25 p. m., arriving Cadillac 10:30 p. m. On same date the Company will include free chair on its day train leaving Frankfort at 11:10 a. m. and leaving Cadillac southbound at 3:32.

The Owosso Times June 14, 1901
Agent Stratton Promoted.
Station Agent B. S. Stratton, of the Ann Arbor Railway, has been promoted from the position of station agent at Owosso to the position of traveling passenger agent for the road. He has accepted the position and and will take up the duties of his new position in a few days. He will be succeeded in the Owosso office by Oscar Carrier, of Durand, who filled the place a few months ago to the satisfaction of the officials of the road and of Owosso patrons as well, during the temporary absence on leave of Mr. Stratton. Mr. Carrier will move his family to this city from Durand. He formerly resided here.

The Evening Argus June 19, 1901

A wreck on the Ann Arbor road at Farwell yesterday afternoon delayed four hours the train south which usually arrives here at 5:48. A special train was made up here and left the regular time going south.

Benzie Banner June 20, 1901
Beulah -The railroad company has had a fine baggage house built just west of the depot to accommodate the rush during the resort season.

The Owosso Times July 5, 1901
The Ann Arbor Company offer a prize of fifty dollars for a name for the company's new summer resort hotel at Frankfort. Suggest should be be made to T. F. Mc Manus, care of advertising department, Ann Arbor RR, Toledo, Ohio.

The Owosso Times July 12, 1901

THE ANN ARBOR'S PROJECT
Vast Improvements to be Made at Frankfort On the Lake
SUPERB HOTEL TO COST OVER $100,000.
All the Available Forest Lands Along the Lake Acquired for a Colony of Summer Cottages. Big Improvements at Crystal Lake.

The Ann Arbor Railroad made public today the details of a gigantic project, which will make Toledo the gathering-ground of thousands of tourists, from all parts of America, and advance the city of Frankfort, Michigan, to a position of national prominence as a health and pleasure resort.

Mention has been made made in the press, from time to time, of some of the features of the enterprise, but its magnitude and importance have never been appreciated for the very good reason that the Railroad Company has not, up to this time, been in a position to divulge all of its plans.

The Ann Arbor Railroad made public today the details of a gigantic project, which will make Toledo the gathering-grounds of thousands of tourists, from all parts of America, and advance the city of Frankfort, Michigan, to a position of national prominence as a health and pleasure resort.

Mention has been made in the press, from time to time, of some of the features of the enterprise, but its magnitude and importance have never been appreciated for the very good reason that the Railroad Company has not, up to this time, been in a position to divulge all of its plans.

Summarized, the undertaking includes the erection of a super hotel representing an investment of over $100,000; the establishment of immense baths, and the exploitation of the wonder waters at Frankfort, on a scale that will rival Mt. Clemens; a colony of summer cottages for which the Company has purchased all the desirable forest lands running east from Frankfort along the shores of the for several miles; a second colony of at Crystal Lake where the Company has likewise acquired all the most desirable property; perfect bathing equipment at Crystal Lake, with fine bath houses and the modern addenda; splendid golf links at Frankfort, which expects say will surpass any in America; and a host of minor improvements which will constitute in the total, an expenditure of nearly half a million dollars.

The hotel, so far as the outward construction is concerned, is practically complete, and when it is open next year, will unquestionably be the handsomest structure of the sort in Northern Michigan. Those who have visited Frankfort, and have seen the plans, are all making comparisons with the finest hotels in the state, greatly to the disadvantage of the latter. The building occupies an ideal location. It is situated on what has long been known as the “Island,” only a few hundred feet away from the sandy shores of old Lake Michigan, commanding a superb view, and swept by cooling breezes on every side.

The hotel will contain two hundred and twenty-five guest rooms, and the architect has done his work so well that it is no exaggeration to say that there will not be a poor room in the building. The interior furnishings will be of a most generous and elaborate character, an no improvement or comfort that could possibly or comfort that could possibly be suggested, will be omitted. Broad verandas and balconies will practically circle the house, and fine billiard rooms and bowling alleys will be provided for the amusement of the guests.

The property acquired by the Railroad Company, for the erection of summer cottages, consists of a magnificent stretch of rugged cliffs mounting straight up from the sandy shores of the lake to a height varies from 150 to 300 feet. The summit of these cliffs is a forest of primeval wildness and beauty; and the view looking over the lake, a spectacle that strikes the beholder into silence and awesome admiration.

Nature's handiwork will benefit undisturbed as far as possible, but to the exquisite beauty of the place, will be added all the substantial accommodations which are absolutely essential to the complete enjoyment of a summer outing. The property will be inter at certain intervals by community streets, and perfect sanitary provisions made for the health, convenience, and comfort of the cottagers. It will be an ideal community, modeled somewhat after the plan of Middle Bass. No land will be sold but every member will have a common interest and a voice in the conduct conduct of community affairs. It is not sought to attract wealth or large expenditure, but to provide for home people, a summer's rest and recreation at a modest and reasonable outlay.

A pleasant feature connected with this summer city on the cliffs, will be a beautiful lyceum building or auditorium to be erected among the trees on the side of a beautiful hill, close to the first community street.

Solely on the strength of personal testimony offered by people who have taken the waters, Frankfort has enjoyed a limited framed fame for years through the efficacy of its mineral springs, and the Ann Arbor Co. proposes to take full advantage of their opportunity. There is no doubt whatever that the springs possess powers equally as potent as those at Mt. Clemens, and that fact will be heralded to all corners of the country. On this one proposition alone – publicity – the the Ann Arbor Co. will spend thousands of dollars in the next three tears. The big baths will be erected and in operation by the time of the opening next year.

With its wonderful natural advantages and all the added attractions it is only a question of a short time before Frankfort will will become an important stopping point in the itinerary of the lake passenger lines. The hotel occupies such a bold and prominent position that it will practically advertise the place to every boat that passes.

It is hoped and excepted that the cottages along Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake will monopolized by Toledo, Northwestern Ohio and Michigan people. Both places have long been favorite out-grounds for local tourists who will be loth to see their cherished haunts turned over to travelers from other states.

At Crystal Lake the bathing equipment will be arranged with special provision for the comfort and safety of the children. Those who who wish to take a dip in Lake Michigan will have every opportunity to do so, but as the water is generally a trifle too cold for comfort, the majority will unquestionably prefer to go to Crystal Lake.

The Evening Argus July 15, 1901

The Ann Arbor freight office in this city has been enlarged and otherwise improved.

Ludington Daily News July 31, 1901

Frankfort May Become a Rival of Ludington – Open Next Season

The Ann Arbor railroad people are the principal promoters of a project to boom the summer resort business at Frankfort. If the plans so far made are carried out, Frankfort may in time become in a small way arrival of Ludington.

The new Resort will be patterned after the original Chantauqua in New York. George C. Squire, founder of the Orion resort, Judge Grant of Flint and about twenty other men, mostly from Owosso and Detroit are interested in the movement.

A tract consisting of about 400 acres lying between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, north of Frankfort, has been selected as a site for the assembly. It is proposed to construct an immense theater, seating 10,000 persons, in the center of this tract, lay out walks and driveways, and build 500 summer cottages surrounding the theater on all sides. The railway now owns a large part of the land in question, the remainder being held by the Crane Lumber company of Frankfort. The sum of $1,000 has been deposited with the State bank of Frankfort to bind the bargain for the land, and it is expected the details will arranged within the coming week.

The scope of the assembly will be extensive and speakers of note will be furnished from every denomination and scientific school in America. The projectors expect to have everything in readiness for the opening next season.

Benzie Banner Aug. 15, 1901
Ann Arbor's New Project
Railway to connect Crystal Lake and Frankfort, to cost $150,000
Will run part of distance along Lake Shores.

Another important project which will call for an additional expenditure of $150,000 is announced by the Ann Arbor railroad Co. in connection with the vast improvements being worked on Frankfort on the Lake.

For some time the Company has been securing the right of way, and and is finally in a position to announce the construction of a railroad connecting Frankfort and Crystal Lake, running for a great part of the distance along the shores of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake.

The primary purpose of this improvement is to enable the guests at the new hotel and the occupants of the summer cottages at Frankfort to enjoy the splendid bathing facilities which will be provided at Crystal Lake. In the summer open cars will leave Frankfort every 45 minutes. The entire trip will require only 45 minutes, and the passengers will be enabled to stop at the grounds and at the colonies at Frankfort and Crystal Lake.

From a railroad standpoint it is also quite important, having a decided bearing on the success of the vast scheme of improvement which the Ann Arbor has under way.

People who have visited Frankfort and Crystal Lake will recall that the two resorts are already connected by rail, but this new circle railroad will be a vast improvement for summer traffic, following, as it does, a picturesque and beautiful route close to the shores of the two Lakes. It will also provide, of course, more frequent and more rapid service, and the ride in itself will be so pleasant, and beautiful that it will prove one of the attractions of the resort.

Benzie Banner Sept. 26, 1901
STURGEON BAY, WIS. Ann Arbor Railroad makes a Regular Station for its Car Ferries. The Ann Arbor railroad carferries are now making regular stops at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Steamer leaves Frankfort Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9.30 a. m.. Sturgeon Bay 3.30 p. m. and arrive Menominee 5:30 p. m. Going east steamer leaves Menominee at 11.30 p. m., Sturgeon Bay 1.30 a. m., and arrives at Frankfort following a. m. 7.30.

The Evening Argus Sept. 23, 1901

Two large new steam boilers arrived at the Ann Arbor shops and will be installed in the boiler room as soon as possible. For several months engine No. 9 has been used to furnish power to run the shops.

Ludington Daily News Oct. 2, 1901

SCRANTON INSTRUCTION CAR

One of the cars of the International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pa., was in this city Wednesday for the purpose of giving some of the students in the railway course practical demonstrations in the use of air brakes, pumps, injectors and the diff parts of a railroad locomotive. Three instructors travel with the car and live there while on the road. They carry their own cook and have as cozy a home as one could wish for. For purposes of instruction the car is equipped with a Westinghouse upright steam boiler, two dynamos, models of injectors and different parts of a locomotive, a full set of air brakes with all the piping and connections, for a train of thirty cars. They also have a model of a locomotive that is operated by compressed air. The instruction room of the car has seating capacity for fifty students and instruction is given by means of lectures illustrated by a steropticon and working models of the intricate parts of railroad machinery. The instructors are all men who have had practical experience in railroad work.

The International schools now have six of these instruction cars and a seventh is being built. By next year it is excepted that six more cars will be put out. So through and practical is the instruction given by the Scranton school that many railroads have turned over their instruction cars to the school. The Ann Arbor railroad will not employ a man unless he agrees to take a course of instruction in the Scranton railroad department and the same is practically true of the Pere Marquette.

Benzie Banner Oct. 31, 1901
Next Sunday the passenger trains on the Ann Arbor will change their schedule. It is expected that that the morning train which arrives here at 7 o'clock, going will pass the south-bound train here at 10:20; and the the evening train train going south at 8:20 will will pass here at 4:00 p. m. The exact time has not been made known at this point yet.

Benzie Banner Oct. 31, 1901
The Ann Arbor R. R. company has ordered the construction of a new steel carferry, to cost $300,000 and contain 4 tracks. The boat will be larger and better than any of the others and will have 5,000 horse power which will enable her to make the trip acrross the lake and back in much less time than is made by the other boats.

The Owosso Times Dec. 20, 1901
H. W. Ashley, for the past twelve years, general manager of the Ann Arbor Ry., has resigned to take effect Jan. 1st. It is said he will accept a good position with the B. & O. road.