Station: Lake, MI

Lake was a station founded in 1877 in Clare County on the Pere Marquette line from Saginaw to Ludington. It was originally called Lake Station and was shortened to Lake at some time. It was located at MP 62.5. It had a depot, 95 car passing track and was the location of a large concrete coaling tower for refueling of steam locomotives. In 1892 the depot was destroyed by fire but rebuilt. The coaling tower still exists, but is abandoned.

Photo info: Top, a nice view of the PM depot at lake, in the 1940's. [CMUL]. 2nd photo, the PM Lake Depot in the early 20th century. 3rd, the former coaling station at Lake. Lake was about mid-way for filling steam locomotive tenders between Saginaw and Ludington on the Pere Marquette. With the availability of water nearby, there was no doubt a water tower and standpipes at this location for filling tenders with the other main ingredient they required. The coaling tower still stands in 2005, one of about 15 which still exists in Michigan. [Alan Loftis]. 4th and 5th photos, the former PM depot at Lake. The top photo is a trackside view, bottom street side. Taken in 2005. [Alan Loftis]. 6th drawing, a view of the Lake Station coaling dock [Robert Warrick collection].

Notes

Time Line

1892. September 23. The Flint & Pere Marquette depot at Lake Station was struck by lightning and, with its contents, totally destroyed. The storm was very severe and has done a great deal of damage in the vicinity. [DFP-1892-0924]