Saranac was settled in 1836 about eight miles southwest of Ionia. The town was incorporated as a village in 1869.
The GTW depot at Saranac was one of three "Witches Hat" depots on the Trunk. The others were in South Lyon and in Corunna.
Photo Info: Top, the GTW depot at Saranac, taken around the turn of the 20th century. 2nd photo, another view of the depot with a passenger train unloading. [David McNeill collection]. 3rd photo another view of the depot in 2003. [Alan Loftis collection and photo].
1865. September. We understand that a sort of armistice or cessation of hostilities for ten days has taken place between the D&M and a Mr. Allen, who claims the strip of land on his farm in Saranac, Ionia county, occupied by the company for their road. It appears the right of way across this land has never been fully secured and settled for by the Railroad Company, the question having been in litigation for some years past, and recently decided by Judge Lovell, in the Ionia Circuit Court in favor of the plaintiff.
The trouble on the road during the past few days has not been caused by Mr. Allen, as some may supposed in violation of law, but in a legal manner. Mr. Alen, along with the Sheriff and a large number of men, took measures to get possession of his land, and no more trains could pass over it. He was prepared to take up the track and level down the road, when tis armistice was agreed upon. The question at issue will, doubtless, be amicably adjusted in a few days. [GRE-1865-0911]
1867. October. Saranac, on the D&M railroad 133 miles west of Detroit has seven general stores; six grocery stores, two drug stores; three hotels; two hardware stores; two flowring (sic) mills; two saw mills; two stave and heading manufactories; three wagon shops; four blacksmith shops; two harness shops; four boot and shoe shops; two churches - Methodist and Episcopal - a good common school house; one Masonic Lodge and one Good Templar. [DFP-167-1009]
1917. The GTW had an agent here during the day shift. [TRT]
The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:
