Station: Chelsea, MI

Chelsea was settled about 1820 and became a station stop on the state's "central" line in 1848. The town became a village in 1889 and a city in 2012. [MPN]

Chelsea was also served by the Detroit, Jackson & Chicago interurban railroad. [CERA-103]

Photo info: Top, the Michigan Central depot in Chelsea. This depot was built in 1880 and used by a station agent until the late 1960's. This photo is from 1975. [Charlie Whipp]. 2nd photo, another postcard view of the depot and park. 3rd photo, an early shot of the DJ&C interurban station i Chelsea. 4th photo, a sign of the times to come. An experimental bi-plane purported to fly over the Chelsea depot. This was likely a creation in the photographer's darkroom, rather than an actual photo. [Both, Alan Loftis collection].

Notes

The DJ&C had a loop track here allowing westbound interurban cars to turn around here and head back east. The line also had spur tracks here in 1922. [CERA-103]

Time Line

1875. The MC railroad depot at Chelsea was partially torn down by some ruffians. It was immediately repaired, but Friday night it was set on fire and completely destroyed. [NDEM-1875-0911]

1880. The MC builds a "passenger house" at Chelsea. [MCAR-1880]

1917, The MC had a operator-clerk here around-the-clock. They also had a dedicated freight agent. [TRT]

1918. July 20. A Detroit, Jackson & Chicago railway interurban passenger and freight train collide head on near here, killing 15 and injuring 80. The accident was caused by one train occupying the main line on the time of the other train.  ICC Report [PDF]

1920 - On the Michigan Central, this is a passenger, freight and express agency joint with the American Railway Express Company. Interline tickets are issued. E. D. Brown is the agent. The telegraph call sign is "CS". [MCOAS]

Industry

• Chelsea Steel Ball Co. - Hayes Street - served byi MCRR - 1918
• J. L. Gilbert - apple evaporating works - south side of MCRR - 1884
• L. E. Sparks Flour Mill - near current Jiffy mill - 1884
• Lewis Spring & Axlre Co. - plant NE of Main and MCRR. - 1918
• Star Wind Mill Co. - near curfrent Jiffy mill - 1884
• William Bacon Holmes Co. - elevator - 1918