Station: Portland, MI

Portland, in Ionia County, was settled about 1833. It was incorporated as a village in 1869. It was located on the Looking Glass River in southwest Ionia County. [MPN]

The town was a station stop on the Pere Marquette line between Grand Ledge and Howard City, about 12 miles northwest of Grand Ledge.

Photo Info: Top, the Pere Marquette depot at Portland with an old car in front. 2nd photo, the same depot with a short passenger train stopped in front. Not the horse drawn dray and taxi meeting the train. 3rd photo, the Portland "Boosters for Christ" leave on a Pere Marquette passenger train, heading for Belding on March 2, 2917. [Vanhorn photo, Alan Loftis collection]

Notes

When the main line was rerouted from Grand Ledge to Grand Rapids, this station was downgraded.

Time Line

1869: December: A "drunken row" breaks out in a saloon in Portland, as drunk railroad construction hands fight over payment for their work. The Village Marshall attempts to break up the fight, to no avail. One man is cut and many more are injured. The streets were littered the next day with drunk workers. Village and railroad officials meet and set new hours for saloons. [I&L]

1871. New depot is built. It burned in 1877 and is replaced in 1878. [I&L]

1886. The D&LN freight house at Portland was built to replace the previous building which was destroyed by fire. [DL&N-1886]

1890. New stockyard scales were constructed. [DL&N-1890]