By LuAnn Zettle
OGEMAW COUNTY- In 1872, Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad (JL&S) constructed the railroad line that runs through the city of West Branch, yet the company never ran a train on this line.
On September 01, 1871, JL&S leased all northern railroad lines, for their corporate life, to Michigan Central Railroad (MC) for 999 years of operation.
The line south of Bay City would be known as the “Michigan Central-Saginaw Division” and all points north of Bay City would be known as the “Michigan Central – Mackinaw Division.”
The Depot in West Branch was built from a common set of plans that the MC would replicate 18 times along their lines. Although few have survived as elegantly as the West Branch depot.
Originally the Depot had a baggage room, a ticket office with room enough for a telegrapher, and a waiting area. It was a fine, sturdy building, featuring board and batten siding. Just a bit of bric-a-brac on gable peaks for cosmetic purposes and colorful squares of stained glass surrounding the otherwise plain glass double-hung windows. All the fine touches give it a decorative hint of Victorian beauty.
The 152-year-old depot has been a welcoming beacon to the West Branch area and its’ occupants, the West Branch Chamber of Commerce, decided the old gal needed some restoration, preservation, and special renovation. Shortly after, a multifaceted “All Aboard Project” was begun.
The five Phase project began with a Play Train out front of the depot. One just knows a group that creates kid fun first is an awesome group. phase II was an LED sign board; phase III was a fence signage and landscaping; phase IV was the building.
The project garnered a few awards along the way, most notably; Award of Distinction by the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals and the State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan.
Along with all the Restoration and Renovations the West Branch Area Chamber celebrated 100 years old this year.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at the West Branch Depot on Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. with an open house until 5 p.m. Come view the old, renewed depot at any time during business hours.
