| Tracks through Grant were built by the Grand Rapids,
Newaygo & Lake Shore Railroad in 1872. The Grant depot, and its water
tower, were built in 1891 by the Chicago and West Michigan Railway Co. Within
a few years, this railroad became part of the Pere Marquette System. In the
early part of this century, Grant shipped a lot of produce by rail. In 1915,
10 to 12 cars of peaches a day were shipped. In the 1930's carloads of onions
were shipped out. As late as 1940, there were still 2 passenger trains each
way, every day running between Grand Rapids and Traverse City. The last passenger
train ran in 1963.
In 1979 the depot was leased and rebuilt to serve as a
resturant. The agents office and waiting room became a dining room. The kitchen
is in the freight section. An addition to the east side serves as an additional
dining room.
An old wooden water tower stands just south of the depot.
It is said to be the last wooden railroad water tower in the state. For years
it was used to fill fire department tank trucks. In the summer of 1999 it
was out of service, probably due to leaks. The city has a $20,000 grant to
restore the water tower. It will still be used by the fire department. There
is also has a freshly painted but unlettered
caboose on the property. |
