PC: Re: Old Penn-Cenn RR bed.

["Jeff & Laural Feldmeier" <J-LFeldmeier@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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> I'm interested in the history behind an old railroad bed (without the
> rails) near my property north of Lapeer Michigan.    The county map has
> them labeled as Penn-Cenn.  I have walked them and they appear to have
> been raised several years ago with remnant gravel and some old ties lay
> around. It would make an awesome mountain bike trail!   I have walked
> them and they lead to a small town just 2 miles north called
> Columbiaville , MI.  where there is an old brick passenger terminal which
> has since been taken over by the Rotary club.
> 
> The bed has captured my interest.
> 
> Do you have any info?

Terrell,

This line was formerly NYC (Mich. Central) that ran from Detroit to
Mackinaw City.  Other stations beside Lapeer Jct. and Columbiaville
included Rochester, Vassar, Bay City, Standish, West Branch, Grayling, and
Gaylord.  At Mackinaw a car ferry had service to St. Ignace and a
connection with Soo Line.  I know the track in the Rochester area was
abandoned soon after CR's startup in 1976.  I don't know when the line in
the Lapeer Jct. area was removed--probably about the same time.  The right
of way in the Rochester area is now the Paint Creek Trail.

Jeff Feldmeier
Allen Park, MI