Interlocking: Vassar Tower, MI

Vassar Tower was the interlocked crossing of the NYC's Bay City Branch and the C&O's Saginaw to Port Huron (via Marlette) line. The tower was later automated and taken out of service. Now the crossing is controlled by a gate which is operated by train crews.

Image info: Top photo, this was taken by Ernie Novak, an engineer on the New York Central in 1955. The photo looks north from Ernie's train TB-10. The NYC line crosses the Pere Marquette at this location. A careful examination to the right of the tower shows the MC water tank and water standpipes are visible in front of the depot alongside the main line about 1/4 mile away. The train order board is set at "Stop" for TB-10 so that they can pick up "31" train orders for a meet with the afternoon passenger train out of Bay City/Saginaw. [EL Novak/Charlie Whipp collection]. 2nd image, a view of the crossing in the 2000's. The crossing is now protected by gates. Dale Berry]

Notes

Time Line

1902. The railroad commission approves a first-class interlocking switch and signal system at this crossing. [MCR-1902]

1925. The Vassar interlocking was rebuilt, adding 3 levers. [RSC-1926]

1965. The Vassar Tower is closed. Train order operations - including the train order signal - are moved to the C&O Vassar depot. [DH]