Railroad: Rapid Railway Company, The

Built → Rapid Railway → Abandoned

Built: 1895 - opened line Detroit city limits to Mt. Clemens

Operated for 6 years.

Control: 1900 - by Detroit & Port Huron Shore Line

Control: 1901 - Detroit United Railway (DUR)

Abandoned: 1930 by DUR

Reference: [MRRC]

Notes

Time Line

1902. SNAPSHOT: The interurban line crosses the MCRR on an overhead bridge, which is in good condition. The interurban crosses the river at Marine City on a drawbridge and the bridge is protected with derails that work in connection with the bridge. Double track being constructed between Port Huron and four miles south. Reservoirs for storage of air are located at Detroit, Mt. Clemens, Marine City and Port Huron. Power house is located at New Baltimore with five sub-stations at different points along the line. Car barn at Port Huron accommodates 40 cars. [MCR-1903]

1902. SNAPSHOT. Equipment used in passenger and express business comprises fourteen passenger cars and two express cars. The cars weigh about 30 tons and are equipped with four 75-horse-power motors; heated with the Smith hot water heater; electric headlight; Westinghouse equipment, with straight air brakes. Cars are supplied with tanks or reservoirs for storage of air for the supply for the air brake. Tanks or reservoirs are charged at Detroit, Mt. Clemens, Marine City and Port Huron. They are inspected at different points along the line and they lay over one our at Port Huron for a thorough inspection and cleaning. Markers and signal lights are supplied for all cars. No fire protection or tools to use in cases of emergency. Cars are provided with smoking room, closet and water tank and a gong to warn the public. No signal whistle.

The power house is located at New Baltimore with five sub-stations at different points along the line. The wire construction is in good condition; it is a single pole carrying a bracket for the trolley, also cross arm for feed wire and telephone wire. There is a car barn at Port Huron that will accommodate about 40 cars. Waiting rooms are provided t different points along the line, which seem to meet the requirements of the public. The train service is first-class. [MCR-1903]