From Steam Engines to Scenic Trails: The Polly Ann Legacy

Dive into the intriguing history of Michigan’s Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad, affectionately known as the Polly Ann.

Running through the Thumb region from 1889 to 1984, the Polly Ann was crucial for local agriculture and industry, from beans and sugar beets to gravel for construction.

Discover how this struggling railway shaped communities, transformed into a recreational trail, and left lasting landmarks in Caseville, Michigan. Join us on this nostalgic journey along one of Michigan's most endearing railways.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to End of the Road in Michigan, a podcast taking you through Michigan's fascinating history,

(00:05):
from bustling cities to quiet towns, sharing the forgotten stories at the end of the line.
I'm your host, and today, we uncover the tale of the Pontiac, Oxford, and Northern Railroad,
more affectionately known in local lore as the Pollyann.
The Pollyann Railroad began operations back in September of 1889.
It was never glamorous.
In fact, its nickname, poor, old, and neglected,

(00:28):
reflects the struggle it faced from its very beginning.
Stretching nearly 100 miles from Pontiac up to Caseville, Michigan,
the Pollyann chugged its way through the rural countryside of the thumb region.
In the early 1900s, the Railroad struggled to keep passenger service profitable.
The sparsely populated towns along the route simply didn't provide enough passengers to justify
the costs. Yet, the fertile farmland along the way produced valuable cargo like wheat, sugarbeats,

(00:53):
and beans, keeping the trains running, if just barely.
Locals even joked that the train crews often took home free bags of beans whenever they stopped,
turning out to beans into the local slang for taking a lunch break.
By 1909, unable to thrive independently, the Pollyann was purchased by the Grand Trunk Railway
for $400,000, marking a significant shift in its role.

(01:13):
Fast forward to the late 1930s, and Oxford had become home to one of the world's largest gravel
mines. gravel became the primary cargo of the Pollyann, transported to build roads and even runways
at self-regergearforespace. The infamous mud run, as workers called it, became an essential but
gritty daily task. At its northern end, Caseville's depot was more than just a stop, built in the early

(01:35):
1880s. It was a lifeline. The rails used in Caseville were manufactured in England and shipped
across the ocean along with two sturdy wood burning locomotives. The modest wooden depot was a buzzing
hub for industry, notably lumber, fishing, and salt production. For decades, this tiny structure
symbolized hope and prosperity for the small lakeside town. However, as times changed,

(01:57):
so did transportation needs. By 1955, the Pollyann reduced service dramatically,
ceasing regular mixed train trips as automobiles took precedence. Eventually, the last full-length
journey of the Pollyann occurred on February 9, 1984, marking. Yet the Pollyann isn't entirely gone.
Today, the old railways path has transformed into the Pollyann Trail in La Pire County,

(02:19):
managed by Michigan's Department of Natural Resources. It's now a bustling recreational route,
hosting horseback riding, cycling events, and charity runs, breathing new life into the
historical corridor. In Caseville, echoes of the Pollyann remain. The original depot building
still exists, relocated and repurposed as a summer home. Visitors to the Caseville Municipal Part

(02:40):
can still see original rails, silent witnesses to a vibrant past. The Pontiac, Oxford, and Northern
Railroad, despite its hardships, lives on, not just in local memory, but in trails walked,
ridden, and enjoyed by generations today. Thanks for joining me at this end of the road. Until next time,
keep exploring Michigan's rich history.