Station: Lake Ann, MI

Lake Ann, in Benzie County, was founded around 1862. It was located along the M&NE's main line about 10 miles northwest of Interlochen. The village was incorporated in 1892 but was nearly burned out in 1897 but rebuilt. It was nearly burned out again in 1914 and rebuilt.

Photo Info: The M&NE depot at Lake Ann.

Notes

Jones & Kennedy of Chicago have in this vicinity a tract of several million feet of pine which will be hauled to Nesson City and sawed. [DFP-1890-1231] Seymour Brothers of Lake Ann put into Lake Ann and floated to the railroad some 3,000,000 feet of choice white pine, which they sold, delivered in Manistee Lake, to the Reltz Salt & Lumber Co. for $12 per 1,000 feet. Part of this lumber was brought down last fall and the balance will be in the spring. [DFP-1890-1231]

Time Line

1897. Lake Ann, a village of 800 inhabitants on the M&NE railroad was almost wiped out of existence this afternoon by fire. Seventy five families are homeless and as every store in town was destroyed, there is not enough food for even one meal for half of them. The fire originated in the mill of William Habbler, presumably from the engine room. High winds spread the flames through the main portion of the town very swiftly. The saw mill, stave factory, cooperage sheds, warehouses and the large stock of lumber of William Habbler were a total loss. A steam fire engine and firemen from Traverse City were sent by train and arrived in an hour. Only a small number of dwellings on the outskirts of town were saved. A relief train was also sent out from Traverse City with bedding and supplies of food contributed from there. [DFP-1897-0704]

Industry

• Jones & Kennedy of Chicago logging opration
• Seymour Brothers logging operation