2008

GETTING AROUND IN GRAND LEDGE

Welcome to the 2008 exhibit, “Getting Around in Grand Ledge.”  Transportation from foot power to gasoline power has seen great changes in modes of transport since the mid-1800’s in our town.

As you enter the Museum, to your right, you will see a train depot station.  The railroad through Grand Ledge was completed and regular service began in 1869.  The Detroit, Lansing, & Northern Railroad (later the Pere Marquette) sponsored excursion trains to Grand Ledge in the 1880’s during the height of the resort era here.  Only two towns in Michigan had excursion trains in the 1880’s:  Petoskey and Grand Ledge.  As many as 12 trains could be parked in our train yard on a given weekend day, bringing hundreds of passengers.  Our train trestle over the Grand River was operational in 1887.  It is still in use today.  The trestle is anchored to one of the seven islands in the Grand Ledge section of the river. We showcase the original pot-bellied stove from the depot, RR lantern, train schedules and a Pullman step.

At one point in our history, there was planned an interurban system from Lansing to Grand Ledge.  With the advent of automobiles this plan was aborted.  Notice the photo of the laid track before the project was abandoned.  Behind the garage outside is a piece of the actual track for viewing.

On the left side of the front room is a display of horse drawn vehicles.  See an original 1900 cutter and wagon seat and models of a covered wagon and hearse. Cutters, delivery wagons, hearses, buses, fire wagons, and personal rigs are all pictured. 

As you enter the middle room, you will see directly in front of you a model section of the gazebo on second island and a photo of the resort in it’s hey day.  This room focuses on river and air travel, with a special display of the aviation wing of the National Guard.  This wing of the Guard started up in Grand Ledge in 1949.  Abrams Airport was dedicated in May 1946, and became a city airport in 1960.

The many steamboats on the river during the resort era are seen in photos in this room.  J & K Steamboats, who currently run the ships in the Grand Ledge area, have a special display area in this room, also.  The Princess Laura began operation in 1986.

As you enter the back room, travel switches to gasoline power vehicles:  cars and trucks and tractors.  Over the years there have been many car dealerships, mechanic garages, gasoline stations, tractor supply places in Grand Ledge.  One of our earliest car showrooms started in 1908.  With the advent of the gas/diesel engine, dairy and fire companies switched to trucks for their services.  Notice the lady dressed in the protective clothing for her trip in the automobile.  There is a wonderful display of car models in the case.

As you go onto the back porch, you will see bicycles and child-related foot powered cars and trucks.  There are so many ways to get around!

Tours for school groups and bus tours can be arranged by calling (517) 627-5170 or (517) 627-2452.