Station: North Branch, MI

North Branch was founded about 1856 as Beechville. It was renamed in 1857 and became a village in 1881. [MPN]

North Branch was on the Pontiac, Oxford & Northern railroad line to Caseville (later GTW) about fifteen miles north of Imlay City.

The GTW depot here was built in 1883 and was a "combination" style depot for both passengers and freight. It was razed in the early 1980's. [Charlie Whipp]

Photo Info: Top, the GTW depot at North Branch with a train in front. 2nd photo, the depot taken in the early 1970's with a caboose holding up the rear of the freight local. [Ron Hagelmister photo, Jim Slater collection]. 3rd and 4th photos, the GTW depot in 1975. [Charlie Whipp]

Notes

Time Line

1902. The PO&N builds a new station in North Branch. [MCR-1903]

1917. The GTW had an agent here during the day shift. [TRT]

1960's. GTW operates an annual train from Caseville to Brush Street Station in Detroit as part of a Boblo excursion. The train typically was pulled by two diesel locomotives (brought up from Pontiac Yard) and nine passenger cars. Ticket holders were picked up along the way at Pigeon, Owendale, Cass City, North Branch and Imlay City. The train returned from Detroit the same evening. [GTWHS-2002-Spr]