Timetable: Detroit & Mackinac Ry. - Prescott Branch - Emery Junction to Alger

Open stations as of 1922.  Single track branch line. This was the original main line from the Michigan Central railroad in Alger, until the railroad built a cut-off from Emery Junction to Bay City. After the cut-off was opened this line was pulled up from Alger back to Prescott.

Key:  C=Coal | D=Open during the day | DN=Day and night | DT=Double Track | EH=Enginehouse | J=Junction | N=Open at night | P=Passing Track w/40' car capacity | RH=Roundhouse #stalls | S=Scales | T=Turntable | TC=Telegraph call | W=Water | X=Crossing | Y=Wye | Yard=Yard

Source: [ETT] 1922 D&M employee timetable, plus additions.

Notes

The Prescott Branch was the original main line for the predecessor of the D&M. The original section was built from Emery Junction (near National City) west to Alger and a connection with the Michigan Central. This line was truncated to Prescott after the Emery Junction to Bay City main line was built and placed into operation.

In 1907, inspectors from the Michigan Railroad Commission noted that this line was in much better condition than the Rose City branch (perhaps due to its original main line status). Train orders on this branch were transmitted by telegraph. [MRC-1907]

Time Line

1883. Early this week, A.M. Henry, attorney for the new railroad planned from Au Sable to the Michigan Central connection at Alger, was making a journey over the road at night. The train on which he rode consisted of a locomotive which was going tender first, with a lot of flat cars attached to and following the cow catcher. The night was bitter cold and very windy. The rapid movement of the locomotive against the wind made the cab a very uncomfortable lodging place and so Mr. Henry went to the cowcatcher where he rode until his hands and feet were nearly frozen. Next, he was given a blanket by the engineer and with that in which to wrap his feet, the attorney clambered to a place on the boiler next to the whistle, where he remained until his journey was ended. While his feet and legs were kept very warm as he rode on the throbbing boiler, Mr. Henry found his ears badly shattered by the whistle, and his nose badly shattered by a severe cold in his head. [DFP-1883-1201]

1927. The railroad had one round trip, 2nd class train in each direction (#33 and #30) Daily except Sunday. This was likely a mixed passenger/freight train. The train has scheduled stops in National City (Emery Jct.), Whittemore and Prescott, returning from there. The only open station was during the day t National City. [ETT-1927]

1943. March. The D&M has applied to the ICC for authority to abandon 12 miles of line between National City and Prescott. [LSJ-1943-0303]