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Interlocking: Oxford, MI - XN Tower
XN interlocking tower was located in Oxford, Michigan and was the crossing of the Michigan Central Bay City branch (Detroit to Bay City) and the Grand Trunk Western PO&N Branch (Pontiac to Caseville).
Photo Info: Top and 2nd photos, the XN Interlocking Tower at Oxford. [Ernie Novack photo, Robert Michalka collection]. 3rd photo, Oxford depot and tower in 1956 with a passing GTW locomotive. [Ed Nowak photo, Charles Geletzke Jr. Collection]. 4th photo, a Sanborn insurance map of the crossing from 1937. In addition to the depot and tower, note the "Union Hotel" on the northeast corner of the crossing. [SBM]
Notes
Location: 42o49.684'N / 83o15.816'W.
Time Line
1883. The crossing was originally protected by a gate and target signal until 1893.
1893. An interlocking tower and plant was built, consisting of 12 working levers on a 20 lever Saxby & Farmer style machine. The tower was staffed by the MC. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]
1928. Semaphores on the crossing are replaced by target signals. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]
1939. Derails protecting the crossing are removed. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]
1961. The Oxford interlocked crossing of the NYC Bay City Branch and the GTW's PO&N Branch is automated and the tower is closed. [CW]
1976. Conrail ceases operation on this portion of the Bay City branch.
1986. The GTW removes its track. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]
Bibliography
The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:
- [AAB| = All Aboard!, by Willis Dunbar, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids ©1969.
- [AAN] = Alpena Argus newspaper.
- [AARQJ] = American Association of Railroads Quiz Jr. pamphlet. © 1956
- [AATHA] = Ann Arbor Railroad Technical and Historical Association newsletter "The Double A"
- [AB] = Information provided at Michigan History Conference from Andrew Bailey, Port Huron, MI