Eric - 2004-06-26 23:35:09
Just for fun, I've gone to Pontiac on the train. Round trip, it's less than $30. You should try it.* * * * * * * * * * * *
Until this summer when I went to Austin where I had a picture in an exhibit and to see my family, I hadn't flown since 9-9-01. Travel to NYC via Amtrak has been a joy several times since then. Was just looking at Ypsi Presses from 1980s when the train still stopped in Ypsi.
Regarding the schedule posted, you can set your watch by the train. Of course, you'll be late for your next appointment.* * * * * * * * * * * * Lynne - 2004-06-27 12:34:31
Oh man. I *love* trains. I am lucky because I live right next to the train tracks. That schedule there is pretty much only a rough guide, btw. ;) And like Eric, I have to confess that just for fun, I have taken the train to Detroit. Mostly because I wanted to take photos of my house from the train. How dorky is *that*? haha. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-06-27 22:53:00
Funny you should mention that, Eric--while I as poking around in the schedules I was thinking of just such a day trip on a weekend. I've taken several vacations on the train--not going anywhere in particular, just riding for a week or so on the train. Loved that. Did that for my honeymoon too--all the way across Canada--it was great.
Lynne, I so envy you for living by the tracks--I'd love that. Ever since I posted that schedule I've been paying more attention to the trains (which I can hear from home when they pass through Depot Town) while puttering around at home this weekend and I also noticed that they don't quite stick to the schedule--oh well, rough guide. * * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2004-06-28 09:05:22
100 years ago (as well as before and after for decades) trains were a major vehicle for death and dismemberment around here. People sleeping off cider along the tracks, bolting horses at crossings, and motor vehicles (electric and gasoline powered) with rudimentary braking systems tangled with trains. A farmer way out in the township was reported to have run his rig into trains three different times on Hitchingham Road. Funny thing is, he lived to complain about it. I believe that around 1900 people had as much concept of vehicular velocity as do raccoons. "There's the train away over yonder. Here's the path across the rails. I've got all day to get across...KER-BLAAAM!"* * * * * * * * * * * * Lynne - 2004-06-28 09:50:24
Even when I lived over on the other side of town, I could always hear the trains and I always loved the sound of them. Now, they shake my house and I love them even more. I think they are one of Ypsilanti's best features. * * * * * * * * * * * * tom - 2004-06-28 10:41:10
Coincidentally enough, this Saturday I took the train from AA to Chicago. This is the third time I've done this - it's a great way to go there, and Union Station is a wonderful old station to boot. If you've seen Scorsese's "Capone", you will recognize the station's main waiting room. As Lynne says, the schedule is only a rough guide. The train was 1/2 hour late Saturday.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-06-28 10:45:54
Isn't Union Station gorgeous? Toronto's station is similar--full of light and grandeur--they were filming a movie there last time I passed through a couple years ago.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-06-28 12:45:54
On the darker side, here is a hobo "riding the rods," one of the most dangerous ways possible to ride a train. There's a whole list [scroll 2/3 way down] of slang terms for injured hobo train-riders such as "Righty: Train rider who lost right arm and leg." More pictures of riders are at the bottom of that page.
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raymond - 2004-06-28 14:40:36My first train trip departed from Michigan Terminal in Detroit. The great cavern of granite, oak, and brass echoing bustle from every surface took my breath away when I entered. Seeing the building now makes me gasp.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-06-28 14:58:32
That is an amazing and grim picture, full of loss, gutted grandeur, and a vague sense of menace. Here are a few (re-posted) pictures of the interior.* * * * * * * * * * * * tom - 2004-06-28 16:29:38
What heppened to the Michigan Central Terminal is so sad. In Philadelphia, they turned the old terminal, which is across from City Hall, into a convention center, and did a real nice job.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-06-28 16:31:15
Is there not a plan on the distant horizon to convert the MCT into the HQ for the PD?* * * * * * * * * * * * Lynne - 2004-06-28 16:52:41
I heard that the City of Detroit is going to renovate the old Michigan Terminal building. They are going to use for a new Police Headquarters or something. I hope that isnt just some silly rumor. * * * * * * * * * * * * Lynne - 2004-06-28 17:04:19
That is weird...your comment wasnt there when I posted mine. huh. Anyhow, it is probably a good sign that we both heard the same rumor. ;) * * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2004-06-28 18:07:52
as soon as the graft, bribes, and payoffs are in effect the detroit police could move to derelict central.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-06-28 18:16:10
Informative article; thanks raymond. They must have built it with a great deal of quality if, after years of neglect and abuse, it's still, as the article says, "structurally sound."* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: