| Fowler is on the former Grand Trunk line between Grand
Rapids and Durand. The line was built by the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee
RR in 1857 and operated for many years by the Grand Trunk. In 1987 the line
was sold to the Central Michigan RR. They operated the line for a few years,
then sold parts of the route to other shortlines. Tracks through Fowler were
removed around 1996.
An older depot in Fowler burned in February 1906. The fire
was discovered by the superintendent of the electric light works at about
10 o'clock at night. He managed to save "the books", but everything else
was destroyed by the fire. Damage was so extensive that a box car had to
be used as a temporary depot .
The St. Johns News of November 22, 1906 has a photo
of the new depot and reports that "the station is one of the most tasteful
and convenient on the road". The depot was about 20' x 60' and had a
freight/baggage room, general waiting room, agents office, and smoking room,
all with electric lights.
The rounded end of the depot with its "witche's hat" roof
was a fairly common feature of Grand Trunk stations, not only in Michigan,
but also in New England. Michigan has at least three such stations still
standing; Saranac, Fowler, and
South Lyon. Another in
Corunna was torn down in the late
1960's.
Around 1974 Fowler's depot was moved out of town, several
miles to the northwest and turned into a home. There were a few changes and
alterations, but the home still has the rounded end with the witche's hat
roof and the distinctive dormer making it easily recognizable as a Grand
Trunk depot. |
