Drayton Plains was settled about 1835 with a grist mill. A hotel was built in 1838. The grist mill was known as Drayton Mill. [MPN] Drayton Plains is located in Waterford township and is about five miles northwest of downtown Pontiac.
Photo Info: Top, the GTW Drayton Plains MI depot, which was built in 1908. This photo was taken shortly before it was torn down in the late 1980's. [William Miller photo, Frank Riess collection]
1871. September. A man names John Smith, claiming to have been born in England and a shoemaker, was arrested and placed in jail at Pontiac for an attempt to throw a train of cars on the D&M railroad off the track. He had placed some tires on the track near Drayton Plains, which fortunately were observed in time to prevent injury to the early morning train eastward. [DFP-1871-0901]
1917: The GTW had a station agent here during the day. [TRT]
The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:
