Real Train News from Michigan
PORT HURON TOWNSHIP, Michigan.— Railroad operator CSX has halted plans to demolish a nearly century-old Michigan roundhouse and is taking steps to preserve as much as possible that might be of historical interest from the site.
David Cofield, CSX project monitor-inspector for asbestos abatement removal projects, says crews started working in Port Huron Township this month. The Times Herald reports they soon heard from concerned railroad history buffs worried about losing the historic structure.
Sandy Duffy, a past member of historical society board, said the property should have been given to the nonprofit long ago to be restored and preserved. "Before they removed me from the board, we had a working agreement with a large funder to start a preliminary study on what it would take to restore it," he said. "My goal and the board's goal was at the time to restore the entire building and use it as exhibit space and teaching opportunities."
Duffy said the roundhouse was built in 1920 by the Handy Brothers of Bay City. He said a massive fire damaged the structure in April 1926. The roundhouse was rebuilt, growing it from a four stall to six stall structure. It was used to service steam engines. Duffy said there are maybe eight such roundhouses left in the state.
"Railroading has always been a part of Port Huron and to lose such a significant artifact is devastating," Duffy said prior to CSX changing its plan.
OGR Forum: Discussion questions.
Has the CSX Railroad been involved in these kind of projects in the past. What, when & where.
Will the Perf Marquette 1225, Owosso, Michigan. Run the 1225 to Port Huron?
Do you have anything to ad about round-houses and their history?
Any information you would like to share?
Source: Port Huron Times Herald by: Liz Shepard & Photos by: Brian Wells • December 18, 2018
Gary: Rail-fan on the Port Huron & Detroit Railroad
