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Benzie Banner Jan. 2, 1902

Ann Arbor freight train extra No. 34 , southbound, ran into a broken switch at Homestead Monday afternoon, and got badly demoralized. Twelve cars, out Twenty-four were reduced to kindling wood, a whole side of the depot smashed in and the track torn up in great shape, The afternoon and evening passenger trains were delayed about two hours. A ' brakeman by the name of Smith had a foot injured

The Owosso Times Jan. 3, 1902

SUED FOR $5,000,000

Wellington R. Burt is the Defendant in Such a Case.

A Toledo dispatch say: suit has been filed filed by Austin B. Fietcher, of New York, on behalf of the creditors and stockholders of the Ann Arbor railroad, against Wellington R. Burt, president of the road, asking judgment for $5,000,000.

The petition avers that Burt, as receiver of the road, mismanaged the property, concealing the amounts of money that he paid for improvements with the intention of depreciating the price of the property in the market in order that and his associates might buy in the same at a low price. In consequence of his representations, it is claimed, Burt and and his associates bought it in for $2,027,000. They immediately issued $7,000,00 of bonds against it and $7,230,000 of stock.

It is claimed that this $14,250,000 is fast something like the true value of the property, which was well known to Burt and his associates.

Mr. Burt make the following statement on Monday:

As to the state in the Free Press of Saturday last that I have been sued for $5,000,000, it is correct, but it is nothing new. It is in the same line of Ashley suits that have been in the courts since 1895. The parties never have gotten anything and do not expect anything. It is simply an attempt at blackmail to get me to pay them something rather than be annoyed. They have not succeeded so far and I hardly think they will now. This suit was simply commenced to get it into the papers. The parties commencing the suit have no responsibility whatever. We pay very little attention to their suits and if they get any amusement out of it they are welcome to it.

W. R. BURT.

The Owosso Times Jan. 3, 1902

Stopped Runaway Train.

Durand, Mich., Dec. 31.-- A freight on the Ann Arbor railroad crashed through the side of of a Grand Trunk freight at the diamond here yesterday morning. Engineer John Leo and Fireman James Smith were on Ann Arbor engine 16 and both jumped as the engine struck. It went through two cabooses, throwing the rear one off to one side side. The train went through for for 12 car lengths and was plowing along in front of of the Ann Arbor Depot when Chief Electrician Thomas McGraw saw it, ran out, jumped on and stopped it. One man received an injured hand.

The Toledo Bee Jan. 10, 1902

ATTEMPT TO WRECK ANN ARBOR PASSENGER TRAIN

Tie Fastened Across Track Is Struck by Engine, Which Rears But Luckily Comes Down on The Track – Thirteen-Year Old Boy, Arrested on Suspicion, Denies That He Made the Attempt

The fast Ann Arbor passenger train leaving the Cherry street station at 7:30 this morning came so close to being wrecked that the engineer in all likelihood is still trembling, and a small boy named Bennie Bender, aged 13 years, is alleged to be the cause of the scare.

From what Detective Nichter and Nasenzahahl can learn from the reticent boy the detectives claim the attempt to wreck the passenger train was premeditated and carried out without a slip.

Some one attached a heavy tie to the rails at a point shortly distant from where the Ann Arbor crosses Buckeye street.

The tie was fastened at both sides of the rails, and when the 7:30 o'clock passenger swept down along the incline, the engineer was unconscious of the danger until the train was withing a few feet of the obstacle.

There was no time to reverse or slacken the speed of the train, and in an instant the pilot had stuck the tie. The Ann Arbor engines on this train are not of the mogul type and the engine reared as the tie ploughed into the ground ahead of it.

For a moment it was a question of whether the train would leave the rails or not and a fortunate movement of the tie put the train out of danger.

When Detectives Nichtel and Hassenzahl examined the ground at noon today, great holes were found beside the tracks where the tie had been driven into the earth.

The boy was arrested shortly after. He is the son of William Bender, a glass cutter living at 1704 Buckeye street. He was brought in and a charge of suspicion placed opposite his name.

When the detectives questioned the boy, they could obtain but little information. The lad insisted that he had been gathering coal in the yards of the Ann Arbor but that he had not fixed the tie to the track, and that the first he knew of it was when the detectives told him of it.

It was claimed this afternoon at the police station that the boy has confessed to having made the attempt to wreck the train.

The Owosso Times Jan. 10, 1902

The Cadillac News and Express says: Through a Toledo paper comes the statement that H. W. Ashley was led to resign the position of general manage of the Ann Arbor railroad though some estrangement between Mr. Ashley and Wellington R. Burt, who is president of the road and is also Ashley's father-in-law. The paper referred to says there is a disposition to believe that Mr. Ashley was influenced to take the step by some developments in the condemnation proceedings against the Ann Arbor. President Burt and Manager Ashley have both refused to discuss the latter's prospective retirement.

The Toledo Bee Jan. 11, 1902

WOULD-BE TRAIN WRECKER HELD

Investigation of Bender's Action Will Occupy Attention for Several Days

Chief Raitz announced this morning that the Bender boy, who was arrested yesterday afternoon by Detectives Nichter and Hassenzahl, will be held in custody until a through investigation van be made.

Bender, it is claimed, attempted to wreck the out-bound passenger train on the Ann Arbor railroad, and nearly succeeded. It is thought that several other boys may be impheated.

The young chap appeared in police court this morning in what was regarded as a pemtent frame of mind. He is a stupid looking little fellow who appears as though he might not realize the enormity of trying to wreck a passenger train.

The case against Bender will be heard next Tuesday.

The Owosso Times Jan. 17, 1902

John B. Turner, Chief clerk to Superintendent W. F. Bradley, of the Ann Arbor railroad at Durand has resigned his position. He will be succeeded by Frank J. Roth, now the superintendent's stenographer. Mr. Turner has bee with the Ann Arbor as operator, dispatcher and in his present capacity for ten years. He will go to New York city. Both Mr. Turner and Mr, Roth were formerly residents of this city.

The Owosso Times Jan. 24, 1902

Resignation Withdrawn

In an interview at Saginaw on Tuesday President W. R. Burt, of the Ann Arbor railroad stated that General Manager H. W. Ashley has withdrawn his resignation and will continue in his present position.

Benzie Banner Jan. 30, 1902.

The "Royal Frontenac”

Name Decided on for The Ann Arbor Railroad Co's Magnificent New Hotel a t Frankfort, Michigan. The Ann Arbor Railroad Company by af an iutttre .ling public competition as i k i t obtained an acceptable for the magnificent summer hotel which it has erected at the terminal of the road at Frankfort, Mich. The hotel will be known as the "Royal Frontenac". The person who submitted suggestion which were considered in the elections will receive a money prize. They are: Effle M. Bennett, Saginaw,$25 MI PS Laura Sehui, and Miss Ida Jarnac «' Cadillac, will receive together $25.; T. W. McCreary of Toledo, $25. When the competition was started the company announced that the person BucgeBtinf; a name that seemed to the company 11 best correspond with the historical connections, the prestige and the dignity of the new hotel, was to receive prize of $25. As it is the amount has been increased to $75. Several thousand responses were received and the management has decided tho important matter by accepting the pjirisoftwo suggestions. On July 5 LAIIT Miss Laura Sohm and Miss Ida Jarnao of Cadillac proposed what they evidently intended to be the name Fronte line, but they misspelled it, writing it down Fronteuas. One week later Miss Ellic Bennett of Saginaw, proposed the name De Frontenac. Within the last month T. W. McCreary, manager of the Hotel Victory at Put in Bay, proposed several names, all of which were prefixed with Royal. When the company decided upon the name Royal Frontenac it was .decided to divide the $50 among the Hire.: ladies and 825. additional was given Mr. McCreary. The significance of the name selected will be understood when it is known that Frontenac, who was governor of Quebec for a number of years, provided Pere Marquette with the means to explore and to preach the gospel in northern Michigan. The "Royal Frontenac" is to be opened to the public on June 15th ( A section of this article was non readable)

The Owosso Times Jan. 31, 1902

To Enlarge Shops

A plan is on foot to enlarge the capacity to a considerable extent of the Ann Arbor shops in this city. The machine shop will be made larger by about two-thirds, an addition of 50x140 feet being planned.

Work is to be begun as soon as possible. John McBride, of Owosso, will have the contract for the construction. The addition will make room for several more machinists, and is of as great importance to the city, because of the increased pay roll, as to the company.

The Owosso Times Jan. 31, 1902

Floyd Bailey, Ann Arbor operator, has been transferred from Owosso to the Dispatcher's office at Durand, where he may be permanently located. Edward Biggell, of Shepherd, takes his place here.

The Owosso Times Feb. 7, 1902

Ann Arbor engine 41 with a new tank and otherwise repaired, left the shops Mondays under the charge of C. E. Lovett.

Engineer Daniel Pendegast and Fireman Arthur Ganzhorn brought Ann Arbor engine 40 to the shops Wednesday for general repairs.

The Owosso Times Feb. 14, 1902

Ground was broken Tuesday for the new addition to the car-shops. A brick chimney will be put up to take the place of the sheet-iron smoke-stack.

Engineer Daniel Prendergast, of Durand, was in the city Monday for a short time after having brought engine 26 to the Owosso shops for repairs.

The Owosso Times Feb. 21, 1902

The Ann Arbor and Michigan Central joint switching arrangement has been dissolved because of rush work. The Ann Arbor Company has sent Engine 27, Engineer John Scott, Fireman William Cardwell, and Yard Master E. T. Millis to do it work. The central switching is being done under the the direction of Engineer P. J. O'Conner, and Yard Master Henry McGlone.

The Owosso Times Feb. 21, 1902

Ann Arbor engine 19 has been sent out of the shops after receiving repairs.

The Owosso Times March 7, 1902

Some Big Improvements

Durand, March 3.--The Ann Arbor railroad has plans on foot for extensive improvements to be made this summer. These improvements will be in line with those that been in progress for the last seven years, in which forty-five miles of track have been built. Near Lake George three miles of new track will be built. This will do away with the curves there. There was a wreck on this hill about three weeks ago.

At least from sixty to seventy miles will be ballasted, and large work crews will be put in the gravel pits near Chilson. All of train crew be worked hard. At this point of the road, the division headquarters, the will unite with the Grand Trunk and erect a $45,000 union depot. Improvements are being made in the shops at Owosso.

A new summer station is to be erected at Frankfort to Accommodate the heavy travel which is expected by the company at that point. The large hotel there that has just been completed by the company is one of the finest resort hotels in the country, Already wealthy people have engaged accommodations for the season.

The Owosso Times March 7, 1902

Two large new Baldwin compound engines, Nos. 46 and 47, have been received and put into commission by the Ann Arbor. They will be used on through freight.

The crews of the new Ann Arbor engines are Engineer William Farrell and Fireman Thomas Maroney for 46, and Engineer J. C. Martin and Fireman F. A. Jackson, of No. 47.

Benzie Banner March 13, 1902

Car ferry No. 1. Frankfort is pretty well manned by Honorites. Ed Quinby, Tone Monroe and Rich Clark are head crew so far. Jacob Weaver is billed for captain but will not leave till after census and town meeting

The Toledo Bee March 15, 1902

Staney Wensel has brought suit in the common pleas court for $10,000 damages from the Ann Arbor Railway company. Last November, he claims, he was engaged in shoveling dirt in the Ann Arbor yards, when the cable attached to a locomotive and used to propel a shovel over cars loaded with earth, struck him on the left leg, breaking it and crippling him for life. He claims that an apparatus to keep the cable in place had not been put on the car.

The Owosso Times March 14, 1902

The Ann Arbor has ordered two large new engines, Nos. 49 an 50, for delivery in November.

The Ann Arbor Railway's two chair cars, to run on the summer schedule, are being remodeled at the shops here into buffet-cars, to allow of the serving of light refreshments.

Benzie Banner April 10, 1902

Station Agent Thaddeus Bristle has been out of town visiting at his home in Shepard the past few days and Ray Hickock h a s been holding down the office chair and doing other hard stints

The Owosso Times April 11, 1902

Ann Arbor engines 40 and 46 were bough to the shops here last week for repairs.

The bridge gang of the Ann Arbor has blocked up the water-tank of the Owosso depot for several inches. The new type of high engines which the road has purchased found it almost impossible to get water from the tank.

The Owosso Times April 18, 1902

The Ann Arbor Ry. is building an observation car at the shops here. It will cost about $10,000. The car will run between Beulah and Frankfort.

The addition to the car shops is approaching completion. The brick work is finished and the roof if party on.

The Owosso Times April 25, 1902

The Wolverine, Manager Ashley's private car, is at the Ann Arbor shops for repairs.

Benzie Banner May 1, 1902

SLEEPING CAR SERVICE AND CHANGE Of TIME

On t h e A n n Arbor Railroad. Sleeping car service between Toledo and Frankfort, Mich., via the Ann Arbor R R, will be resumed Monday, May 5tb. Train s going north will leave Beulah at 7:18 a. m. and 6 p. m., and going south at 10:30 a. m. and 9:22 p. m

The Owosso Times May 2, 1902

Activity at Car Shops.

This is a time of great activity at the Ann Arbor car shops. The brick addition, 50x140 feet, to the machine shop, is about completed. Sixty men will be employed in the enlarged building, and five engines will be given repairs within its walls at one time. A new steel smoke stack, 112 ½ feet high, 42 inches in diameter and weighing seven tons, will soon be erected. In the carpenter shop, two chair cars are being converted into buffet-cars which will allow the serving of refreshments.

The two sleeper have just been turned out of of the paint shop after a thorough overhauling, and a new car is being put in shape there. It is and observation car, fitted with 24 large plate-glass windows, and other fittings to match. The car was built at the shops here, and cost $10,000.

Several new and improved machines have been received at the shops. They are labor savers, and tun out work more thoroughly finished than any machine heretobefore in the establishment. With the new large addition and the machinery, more and better work will be done at the shops than ever before.

The Owosso Times May 2, 1902

A large force of Ann Arbor shop men are at Frankfort, painting boat No. 3.

The Owosso Times May 9, 1902

Ann Arbor engines 19 and 20 are in the shop for repairs. No. 43 has gone out on the road, after general repairs.

The Ann Arbor car ferries at Frankfort were given a thorough overhauling last week by workmen from the Owosso shops, and are again in commission.

The Ann Arbor Railroad has raised the wages of unskilled laborers about the shops and yards here from $1.25 and $1.40 to $1.50 per day.

The Toledo Bee May 11, 1902

SHORE LINE'S NEW PURCHASER

This Time It Is the Ann Arbor That Intents to Get the Property

The Shore line has another buyer in the form of the Ann Arbor railroad. All of the railroads entering the city have at some time claimed to have bought it, but this time there is more than rumor to the statements.

Harry Ashley, representing the Ann Arbor, has inspected the line from Detroit to this city, and is entirely satisfied that the acquisition of this property would be a good thing financially.

The Ann Arbor has at present no entrance to Detroit, and that is something it has long sought for. The Pere Marquette has a branch line entering Detroit, and the amount of business done is enormous. The Ann Arbor people figure that they will capture a share of this, and are willing to pay the price.

Ann Arbor is the nearest the road goes to Detroit, and it would cost more to get to Detroit than it will to buy the Shore line.

The road has not been sold to the Ann Arbor yet, but everything points to the fact that such will be the case in a few days. It has not been stated whether the Ann Arbor people will complete the line from Summit street to the river, but it goes almost without saying that they will, as they will then have a frontage on the river.

Benzie Banner May 15, 1902

During the coming summer the Ann Arbor Railway company will build a branch from Mt. Pleasant to Barryton, Mecosta county, a distance of about 25 miles.

Benzie Banner May 22, 1902

Is the Ann Arbor Sold? President Burt of the Ann Arbor absolutely refuses to discuss or deny the rumored sale of the Ann Arbor to the Goulds, further than to say that such a deal has been talked of for five years. New York advices are to the effect that a deal has be made, and railroad and finical circles incline to the belief that the deal has been closed General Manager Harry W. now on his way to Europe.

Benzie Banner May 22, 1902

ANN ARBOR R. R. STEAMERS. The Ann Arbor R. R. Co's Car Ferries are now sailing on regular schedule between Frankfort and points on the west shore of Lake Michigan. One ateamer leaves Frankfort at 9 p. m. daily except Sunday for Kewaunee and Manitowoc, Wis. Another leaves Frank fort 9:30 a m Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for Sturgeon Bay, Wis, and Me nominee, Mich., and 9:30 a m Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for Manistique, Mich. Tbe public will find this route a desirable one between lower Michigan points and points in Wisconsin and the upper peninsula and the fares lower than any via other line.

The Toledo Bee June 5, 1902

DID NOT DECIDE THE CASE AT ALL

Judge Meek of the city court is displeased that an impression should have been formed that he was reversed in the case of Smith, Jones & Worts company against the Ann Arbor. Judgment was rendered by default in the case by him, and he did not pass upon its merits at all. The reversal he says must have been upon some technicality in regard to the service, but no points in the case were raised before him.

Benzie Banner May 22, 1902

Thaddeus Bissell, the genial Ann Arbor agent who has been at the depot the past three months, left for Durand this morning . A Mr. Houghton is the new occupant at the depot

The Owosso Times June 13, 1902

The Ann Arbor day yard engine has been pulled off at Durand. The local yard engine will do all the switching here and at the Hub.

The Owosso Times June 13, 1902

The Ann Arbor Company had its fine new all home-built car, “Crystal Lake 400” on exhibition near the depot, Wednesday afternoon, and many people inspected it. The car is well-nigh perfect in design, workmanship and finish. It will run between Beulah and Frankfort, this summer, through one of of the most picturesque bits of scenery in Michigan.

The Owosso Times June 20, 1920

The Ann Arbor yard engine here has been taken off and the joint switching arrangement between the Ann Arbor and the Michigan Central has again gone into effect.

The Owosso Times June 20, 1920

The Ann Arbor Buffet car, Owosso, has gone on the road for the year.

The Owosso Times June 20, 1920

Edward J. Doran is home from Menominee, where he has been fireman on the Ann Arbor switcher engine.

The Toledo Sunday Bee June 27, 1902

TWO ANN ARBOR TRAINS COLLIDE

EIGHT FREIGHT CARS AND TWO ENGINES WERE BADLY DAMAGED

NO LIVES WERE LOST

Collision Occurred Belt Line Near the Summit Avenue Crossing Last Night

A head-on collision between two Ann Arbor engines both pulling heavily loaded trains, occurred last night about 11:30 o'clock on the Belt line at a point about four or five hundred feet from Summit avenue, in Lower Town, damaging eight freight cars so badly that they are practically of no further use to the company, while both engines will be in the repair shop for some weeks.

Engineer John Meyers, of No. 1, had orders to proceed south, it is said, while Engineer Klokow, of 44, had orders to proceed north. The trains came together when rounding a curve. At the point where the accident took place there is a rather steep incline. The accident occurred as No. 1 was coming down the incline at a fair rate of speed, while 44 was climbing the hill, also at a fair rate of speed.

Always before mounting the incline north bound trains take a good start and both engines were going at a fair rate of speed when they came together. Not until the curve was struck did the engineers of either train see the other.

As soon as their danger was apparent, both engineers blew for down brakes and everything possible was done to avert the accident. The engines came together head-on. No. 44 crash into No. 1, tearing away her pilot and ripping a big gap in her boiler, through which the steam poured forth in a cloud.

Both engineers stuck to their posts and by so doing it said their lives were saved. No. 44, while not as badly damaged as No. 1 received some severe bumps, however/ Parts of both engines were strewn about the ground this morning near the scene of the accident and the freight cars damaged in the collision are a sight.

The iron bars, axles and other iron parts of the freight cars are twisted and bent. A flat car is piled on top of a box car, and other damaged cars rest in various positions near the track. The pilot of No. 1 is almost in the river and pieces of the machinery of both engines can be seen here and there.

No one was injured in the accident but the damage will amount to considerable.

Traffic over this part of the line was delayed. As soon as the officials of the road learned of the accident they ordered the wreckers to the scene. The men worked hard all night clearing away the wreckage and this morning it looked as though traffic could be resumed by this afternoon.

Benzie Banner July 3, 1902

Opening of the Royal Frontenac Hotel, Frankfort , Mich . The "Royal Frontenac" Hotel, the handsomest summer hotel in the north. Will open its first season July 1st under the management of J: R. Hayes; the man who make Mackinaw Island famous, and C. A. Drent, formerly Supt. Union League Club; Chicago.

Music, dancing, boating, bathing, fishing, horse back riding, golf, tennis, and many other forms of entertainment will provided. You will find Frankfort and the Hotel a most delightful stop to spent your vacation.

Benzie Banner July 3, 1902

The Ann Arbor railroad's new "suburban " train service between Beulah and Frankfort went into effect Monday. A round trip is made between these two points every 40 minutes. Fare 25 cents.

The Owosso Times July 4, 1902

Heaviest Rain of the Year

The Heaviest rain storm of the year took place Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The rain came down in torrents, and the following damage was done by the flood which followed:

A washout took place near Corunna on both the Ann Arbor and Grand Trunk tracks. The Ann Arbor roadbed was washed away for more than 100 yards, but the the track had been straightened and temporary repairs allowed the passage of trains by Thursday noon. Grand Trunk Engine No. 1025, with a heavy train, east-bound, blocked the track until late Thursday afternoon. The grade had been washed away by the rain.

South Owosso was flooded, because of Comstock creek's limited capacity. Culverts were washed out across Corunna avenue near the church across West Main street near the Ann Arbor, and across North Chipman street. The latter was a new a new culvert, just put in.

Besides the washout near Corunna, the Ann Arbor also had to Contend with others north of Owosso Junction and south of Durand. The Michigan Central passenger trains were delayed by a washout south of Owosso.

The Owosso Times July 4, 1902

The Wabash has put Pullman sleepers on the Ann Arbor, removing the home made sleepers from regular service.

The Owosso Times July 11, 1902

The Ann Arbor's northbound trains were quite generally delayed this week, a cloud burst at Ann Arbor washing away the tracks for for some distance.

Benzie Banner July 17, 1902

Pullman Buffet Sleeping Car between Toledo and Frankfort. Commencing July lst the Ann Arbor Railroad will discontinue its own sleeping cars and substitute Pullman Buffet sleeping cars between Toledo and Frankfort. J. J. Kirby, Gen'l Pass. Ag

The Owosso Times July 18, 1902

The Ann Arbor Ry. is putting in two large culverts just west of Corunna, to prevent future washouts like those which have wrecked their roadbed for two successive summers.

The Owosso Times July 18, 1902

William Barnes, of the Ann Arbor shops, installed a twenty horse-power gasoline engine at Chilson, the fist of the week, for the Toledo Sand, Stone, and Gravel Co.

The Toledo Sunday Bee July 25, 1902

THOMAS REILLY FREIGHT AGENT

Former Chief Clerk of Ann Arbor railroad Is Promoted

Thomas B. Reilly has been appointed traveling freight agent of the Ann Arbor road, the appointment to take effect on August 1. This will come as a surprise to his many friends in this city and elsewhere.

Mr. Reilly has been associated with the Ann Arbor railroad for the past five years. He has been employed in the general freight office and two years ago was made chief clerk, which position he has filled to the satisfaction of the officials of the road.

W. H. Bennett, general freight agent of the road, has announced the appointment.

The Owosso Times July 25, 1902

Ann Arbor Engine 11 has gone out after receiving repairs in the shop here. No. 9 is in for general repairs. Buffet car Cadillac and coach 14 are being repainted.

The Owosso Times July 25, 1902

Owing to traveling men's dissatisfaction with the high priced Pullmans and unaccommodating porters, the Pullmans have been taken off the Ann Arbor, and the home built sleepers are again making daily trips.

The Toledo Sunday Bee July 26, 1902


The plans for the large passenger passenger and freight station to be erected by the Toledo Railway and Terminal company on Cherry street, between Seneca and Oneida and extending back to Walnut street, covering the entire square, have been completed and next week bids will be received. It is expected the construction work will commenced within 30 days. The estimated cost is $200,000.

The building will be three stories high on Cherry street and will have a frontage of 200 feet. It will be constructed of pressed brick, with stone trimmings and will embody the latest ideas in depot architecture. The building will consist of two departments, each occupying one-half of the structure with a dividing fire wall. The entire structure will be strictly fireproof.

The Seneca street side of the building will be devoted to passenger purposes and the Oneida street side to freight. There will be seven passenger tracks running in and five freight tracks. The Oneida street side of the building

will consist of eighteen 20 foot upward sliding doors, making it possible during heavy traffic to open the entire side of the freight house and load eighteen trucks simultaneously.

The passenger portion of the station will be handsomely finished in marble and mosaic work, and will be complete in every detail. On the right of the entrance will be a woman's retiring room and on the left will be a smoking room. The waiting room proper will be 78x42, corresponding in size with the main waiting room at the Union depot.

In the rear, on the left looking over the tracks will be a large lunch room and cafe and on the right hand side will be the ticket offices. The ceiling of the waiting room will extend to the third floor of the building and will consist of glass.

Making the room light and airy. A very handsome clock wil be suspended over the entrance leading out to the yards.

At the rear of the waiting room will be a midway 25x100 in which passengers may stand before passing out through the gates. On the right hand side extending will further will be the baggage and express rooms, also 25 feet wide and 100 feet long. At the rear of the express room will be the terminal of the tracks, but the other five will run up to the midway. The tracks will be covered by an enormous roof, protecting the passengers from inclement weather.

On the second floor on Seneca street will be reading and lounging rooms for the railroad employes and offices for all the roads, making the station their terminal. Offices will also occupy the third.

He main entrance to the passenger station will be at the corner of Seneca and Cherry and an enormous glass canopy will extend from the building to the curb. As one enters the freight department he reaches the various offices of the company and beyond them is the mammoth freight shed with five tracks running in. The rooms above on the second and third floors will be used for offices similar to the other half of the building.

The company intends to run six passenger trains daily, three each way around the entire terminal belt, and it is generally understood the Grand Trunk will make the station its Toledo terminal. The other roads which will run into the depot have not announced and the officials are very reticent. It is believed by many, however, that the Wheeling and Lake Erie, the Ann Arbor and the Pere Marquette will eventually abolish their present stations and use the terminal depot.

The general plans of the building are such that the structure may be extended, making an enormous union depot should conditions require a union depot in that portion of the city.

The New York Times July 23, 1902

BIF RAILROAD WAR POSSIBLE

The Wabash Threatens to Tap the Chicago and Northwestern's Michigan Ore Business

Special to The New York Times

Menominee, Mich., July 22 – Beginning in a war over switching charges between this city and Marinette, Wis., just across the Menominee River, a contest has developed between the Chicago and Northwestern and the Ann Arbor, a part of the Wabash system, which threatens to involve the two big railroads in a war for the entire ore business of the upper peninsula of Michigan. The conflict may also involve the St. Paul system.

The Ann Arbor refused to keep up the high charges made by the other roads, and was then forced to pay commissions to the belt lines to get ore from its own connections to its docks in this city. As a result a corps of surveyors is here to-night, and in the morning will begin to lay a line across the river, to connect with the Wisconsin and Michigan Road. It is stated authoritatively that the surveyors are the scouts who will prepare the way for the buying up and connection of small railroads in the iron ore district, resulting in the expenditure of millions in the iron mine region by the Wabash.

What has hitherto been the Northwestern's exclusive territory will be tapped. A cross-lake car ferry service is part of the plan.

Benzie Banner Aug 8, 1902

The north bound excursion train from Durand to Crystal Lake and Frankfort consisting of combination baggage car and ten coaches, and carrying about 800 passengers. left the track about 6 miles south of Cadillac, last Sunday, while running at the rate of about 35 miles an hour, the engine, one of the heaviest on tho line, was completely wrecked and the coaches considerably damaged. The spreading of the rails is supposed to be the cause of tho accident. Th e wonderful part of it was that so few were hurt, the seriously injured numbering only 11. J. O. Packard , who came up on the train from McBain, said it Wt-s the most orderly accident be ever witnessed, the passengers, for the moat part, acting as cool and collected as if they used to such things. This wreck delayed the excursionists about 6 hours.

The Owosso Times Aug. 8, 1902

Ann Arbor engine No. 44 has been brought to the shops here with a broken frame, No. 43 is also in for light repairs.

Benzie Banner Aug. 14, 1902

Eleven Were Injured

A flange on a wheel of the smoking car on an Ann Arbor line excursion train broke six miles north of Cadillac Sunday morning while the train was running 35 miles an hour, and in the wreck that followed 11 people were hurt.

The train was bound from Durand to Crystal lake and Frankfort. There were 11 coaches in the train and five left the track.

The engine slanted across the track and two coaches went over on their sides, three other coaches remaining standing and off the track. There is a swamp on both sides of the track.

A relief train was sent with doctors. The excursionists spent the day in Cadillac with exception of a few. A train was sent out from Frankfort to meet the other at the wreck. A track has been built around and the trains are running.

Ludington Daily News Aug. 14, 1902

A SHORT CREW

COMPLAINT OF INSUFFICIENT HELP BY AN ANN ARBOR ENGINEER

The experience of W. H. Brown, a well known Ludington marine engineer goes to show that there are worse carferry lines than the Pere Marquette to work for. Until recently Mr. Brown has been engaged with the Ann Arbor line, being chief engineer of carferry No. 3, a steel ferry which comes under the same classification as the Pere Marquette ferries.

It appears that the Ann Arbor company is unwilling to furnish the engineer's department with the necessary help to property carry on the work, the result being that not only is a short crew overworked, but many things are left undone which should be done. Engineers on the Ann Arbor ferries have one assistant and two oilers, while Pere Marquette engineers have two assistants and two oilers. After repeated requests Mr. Brown finally secured additional help on No. 3 in the shape of a “handy” man, and then the work went on smoothly. When Mr. Brown was recently called to Ludington by sickness , his “handy” man was removed, a circumstance which caused him to refuse to return to work unless the extra man was reinstated.

Knowing that Mr. Brown was an exceptionally competent and trustworthy engineer, Trainmaster J. B. Hurst exerted every influence to induce him to return. The regulations of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial association call for the service of the extra man in the engineer's department, and knowing this, Mr. Brown remained firm, choosing rather to tender his resignation of a $1500 job than submit to an imposition.

Mr. Brown is undoubtedly right in his contention that inasmuch as the “handy” man was on the boat at the time he (Brown) signed a contract for a year's service, the company was in duty bound to retain the same help.Iss

The Owosso Times Aug. 29, 1902

Ann Arbor engine 10 is in the shop for repairs. No. 38 recently went out after extensive repairs.

The Owosso Times Sept. 5, 1902

One of the results of the purchase of the Ann Arbor road by the Wabash will be the division of freight for the northwest which will be largely sent over this route, and the car ferries instead of through Chicago. The Wisconsin Central will receive the western business at the car ferry at Manitowoc, Wis.

Benzie Banner Sept. 11, 1902

Durand Greatest Fire

The worst fire that ever occurred , in Durand destroyed the freight sheds; of the Grand Trunk and Ann Arbor, railroads on Saturday. A conservative estimate of the total loss to the two companies is placed at $100,000. of this amount about two-thirds falls upon the Grand Trunk company. The fire was caused by a porter looking for something In a freight car. and It being dark in the car a nd he struck a match. It dropped to the floor and a big blaze ensued. Being unable to cope with It. Smith gave a general alarm. Besides the sheds, thirty cars loaded with merchandise burned completely. The docks, too, were loaded with freight. Among the cars burned was one of pianos, several cars of dry goods, chinaware and carpets, a n d some filled with grain. The Durand Fruit Co. lost a carload of bananas and Spanish onions. The estimated loss on merchandise and freight is placed at $60,000. This is an entire loss to the companies. The sheds and cars are insured.

The Owosso Times Sept. 12, 1902

A $100,000 Fire

Charles Smith, an employe of the Ann Arbor Ry. at Durand, lighted a match in a car of general merchandise on Saturday morning, and two hours later the joint freight dock 900 feet in length, owned by Ann Arbor and Grand Trunk, and twenty-three cars of goods were in ashes. The car an and docks were dry and impregnated with oil. They burned like tinder, and the railroads are out $100,000.

The Owosso Fire department was telegraphed for and made the the twelve mile run in fourteen minutes. The local fire fighters assisted in saving one of the offices at the extreme east end of the dock, but everything else went up in smoke.

The Grand Trunk put a large force of men at work Sunday and the docks were in shape to allow the transfer of freight by Tuesday. Telegraphic communication with Durand was cut off for several hours after the fire, the wires having been burned off.

Isabella County Enterprise Sept. 19, 1902

Ann Arbor Improvements.

The Wabash since it now controls the Ann Arbor seems bent on making improvements. Twenty men have been sent to this city to construct a larger round house and put in machine and repair shops. This is a forerunner to other needed and contemplated improvements.

The Owosso Times Sept. 26, 1902

An extra express man and an extra car have been put on the south bound Ann Arbor morning passenger. The big volume of peaches and immense quantities of chickens for the Owosso Poultry Co., caused the change.

Ann Arbor Engine 45 is in the shops for a general over hauling.

The Owosso Times Oct. 1, 1902

The arrangements for the steam heating of the Ann Arbor car shops are practically completed.

The Ann Arbor car shops are again rushed with work. Engine No. 25, which has been undergoing a thorough renovating has been turned out and engine No. 14 is in its place. The company's tracks are filled with cars which are being repaired.

Benzie Banner Oct. 2, 1902

The Ann Arbor RR changes its time card Monday . Th e 7:00 a. m. passenger, northbound , now arrive station at 10:30, and the 9.20 p. m. train , southbound, leaves this station at 4:50 p. m.

Benzie Banner Nov. 13, 1902

Stated Saw mill at Homestead was closed

The Owosso Times Oct. 15, 1902

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

The Owosso Times Oct. 17, 1902

Ann Arbor engine 28 and 45 are in for repairs and 48 and 4 are out of the local shops, after being overhauled.

The Owosso Times Oct. 22, 1902

The Ann Arbor freight depot has been re-shingled.

The Owosso Times Oct. 24, 1902

Lack of sufficient freight business has caused the Ann Arbor to decide that it will not operate the car ferries on Green Bay this this winter.

Ann Arbor Engine No. 47 is out of the , newly repaired.

Ann Arbor Engine No. 20 broke a main pin recently, and is in the shops. No. 39 is also in an No. 48 goes out today or tomorrow, fully repaired.

The Owosso Times Oct. 29, 1902

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

The Owosso Times Oct. 31, 1902

Ann Arbor Engine Engine 40 was brought into the the shops Saturday evening with a broken guide yoke.

The Owosso Times Nov 14, 1902

An annealing plant was recently established at the Owosso shops, and the brass trimmings on Ann Arbor passenger cars are now remarkable for their brilliancy. The brasses, after being baked in a mixture of chemicals, retain their luster luster for one year.

The Owosso Times Nov. 14, 1902

The Pacific Express Company, which operates on the lines on the Wabash, will put an office in Owosso after Jan. 1, cutting loose from the American express Co., and handling all express which comes in on the Ann Arbor. An agent, a driver, and a horse and wagon will be required to do the Pacific's business.

The Owosso Times Nov. 21, 1902

The standard Rodgers engines used on the Ann Arbor are being given increased hauling power by making the cylinders seventeen inches instead of sixteen.

The Owosso Times Nov. 21, 1902

H. W. Ashley, general manager, and Supt. W. F. Bradley, of the Ann Arbor, were in the city yesterday, arranging to begin work on the sidetracks to be run to the plant of the Owosso Sugar Co. Work is to be commenced Monday on the grading.

Benzie Banner Nov. 27, 1902

Homestead has secured a new industry of great value to holders of wood timber lands in that vicinity . With the Secretary of state at Lansing , last week, was filed articles of incorporation of the Homestead Charcoal and Chemical Co., capital stock $25,000. The incorporators are J. L . Ford , of Fruitport ; M. Crane , of Frankfort ; Nels Bye, of Wallin . All ready three of the thirty odd kilns contemplated of construction , are completed, and ten more will be ready for use before winter sets in. It is the purpose of the promoters of this enterprise to begin operations within ten days, and a large crew of workmen are employed up on the premises.- Frankfort Patriot .

The Owosso Timex Dec. 5, 1902

The Ann Arbor Railroad has a large force of men at work on the sugar factory sit, grading for for the side tracks.

Employes of the car motive power and transportation departments of the Ann Arbor are to receive a raise in salary soon, amounting to from ten to twenty per cent of their present wage. Each class has been been urged to give its reasons why its salary salary should be increased.

International Correspondence School's Car No. 105 will spend the week at the Ann Arbor yards. The Ann Arbor officials my make it obligatory to have a certificate from the schools before promotion will be granted.

The Ann Arbor Ry has completed its sidetrack into the grounds of the Owosso Sugar Co. and the contractors for the plant have been notified that they can begin to ship in material for the plant.

The Ann Arbor railroad will, it is reported, run a suburban train after Jan 1st, making for trips daily between Owosso and Durand. It is also rumored that the first of the year will see the removal of Supt. W. F. Bradley's office in Durand to Toledo.

Spokane Daily Chronicle Dec. 13, 1902

FERRIES TIED UP

Frankfort, Mich., Dec. 13 – Two of the big car ferries of the Ann Arbor railway are tied up at their docks here, unable to proceed from this port because of the insufficient coal supply.