In 1885, the Toledo, Ann Arbor and Cadillac Railroad Company was organized to build a road from Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac; the project was completed and the Corporation consolidated with the parent company in 1886. The rail systems in the earlier years were referred to as the Ann Arbor and Wabash.

Logging Railroad-Lake George to Muskegon River 1877

Image and narrative Courtesy of R Schaetzl, of MSU.

Winfield Scott Gerrish’s logging railroad first began operating in 1877 and connected Clare County’s Lake George with the Muskegon River.  Often this operation has been claimed to be Michigan’s first logging railroad. However, more than fifteen logging railroads were built and operated in Michigan prior to1877.

You can begin to enjoy and share your experiences with this rail system just EMAIL US  your story, pictures, etc. at Shinglelake@gmail.com 

Yes sir, a pretty tall structure wouldn't you say?  The Coal Dock in Lake George.  It was located east of the main railroad crossing and just before where the road begins to follow Lake George, the lake. It was on the south side of the tracks.

A train schedule. You might note, beginning at Farwell, the Summit, Lake George, and Marion.  Some of you have heard of Summit?

TRAIN WRECK OF July 29, 1925.  A partial copy of the record of the Interstate Commerce Commision that investigated this wreck. Copy provided by P. Gietzen.