Dryden in Lapeer County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Dryden Depot
By Joel Seewald, November 4, 2017
1. Dryden Depot Marker
Dryden Depot. .
Side 1. The area now known as Dryden was settled in 1834. By 1880 it was a hamlet of about 300 people. A marketing center surrounded by rich farm land, it turned to the railroad to increase its prosperity. Its citizens, spurred by the local Ladies Library Association, contributed $11,000 to help defer construction costs in order to bring the railroad to Dryden. On October 3, 1883, the Pontiac, Oxford and Port Austin Railroad passenger train rolled into town. Over 500 spectators, the Thornville cornet band and a cannon were on hand to salute the train. Side 2. This modest board-and-batten structure was erected in 1883 as a depot on the Pontiac, Oxford and Port Austin Railroad (known as the Pollyann and later named Pontiac, Oxford and Northern). As with most small-town depots, it soon became the center of community activity. In 1884 it was the setting of a gala "leap year" party. Purchased by the Grand Trunk in 1909, the station continued to be used for passenger service until 1955 and as a freight agency until October 9, 1973. It was moved here in 1979 and opened as a museum in 1981. . This historical marker was erected in 1985 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. It is in Dryden in Lapeer County Michigan
Side 1
The area now known as Dryden was settled in 1834. By 1880 it was a hamlet of about 300 people. A marketing center surrounded by rich farm land, it turned to the railroad to increase its prosperity. Its citizens, spurred by the local Ladies Library Association, contributed $11,000 to help defer construction costs in order to bring the railroad to Dryden. On October 3, 1883, the Pontiac, Oxford and Port Austin Railroad passenger train rolled into town. Over 500 spectators, the Thornville cornet band and a cannon were on hand to salute the train.
Side 2
This modest board-and-batten structure was erected in 1883 as a depot on the Pontiac, Oxford and Port Austin Railroad (known as the Pollyann and later named Pontiac, Oxford and Northern). As with most small-town depots, it soon became the center of community activity. In 1884 it was the setting of a gala "leap year" party. Purchased by the Grand Trunk in 1909, the station continued to be used for passenger service until 1955 and as a freight agency until October 9, 1973. It was moved here in 1979 and opened as a museum in 1981.
Erected 
By Joel Seewald, November 4, 2017
2. Dryden Depot Marker
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.
Location. 42° 56.75′ N, 83° 7.546′ W. Marker is in Dryden, Michigan, in Lapeer County. Marker is on Main Street west of Mill Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5488 Main Street, Dryden MI 48428, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ladies Library Hall (a few steps from this marker); Henry Stephens Memorial Library (approx. 4.3 miles away); 102 South Main Street (approx. 4.4 miles away); 138 South Main Street (approx. 4˝ miles away); 121 South Main Street (approx. 4˝ miles away); 129 South Main Street (approx. 4˝ miles away); Almont's Liberty Pole Dedicated (approx. 4˝ miles away); 101 South Main Street—Almont Fountain Park (approx. 4˝ miles away).
By Joel Seewald, November 4, 2017
3. Dryden Depot and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2017. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 6 times this year. Last updated on November 27, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
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