Rochester in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rochester Train Depot and Rochester Elevator

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2021

1. Rochester Train Depot and Rochester Elevator Marker

Inscription. In 1872, Lysander Woodward, Rochester resident and president of the Detroit and Bay City Railroad, brought the railroad through Rochester. It was purchased in 1881 by the Michigan Central Railroad. Rochester flourished because of the railroad. Today, the Paint Creek Trail, a rails-to-trails project, occupies a section of the former rail bed. The original train depot is now being used commercially.

To the south is the Rochester Elevator. It was built next to the railroad in 1880 by Charles K. Griggs. A grain elevator was very important to this farming community. Farmers were now able to quickly get their grain, milk, and other products to more markets.

Erected by Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, The Preede Foundation in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, Paint Creek Trailways Commission, Downtown Rochester, Rochester-Avon Historical Society, Rochester Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 42° 40.935′ N, 83° 7.919′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Michigan, in Oakland

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County. Marker is at the intersection of East University Drive and Water Street, on the left when traveling east on East University Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 East University Drive, Rochester MI 48307, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Western Knitting Mills (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Masonic Block (about 700 feet away); Western Knitting Mills and Boarding Houses (about 700 feet away); Chapman Pond (about 700 feet away); Rochester Opera House (about 700 feet away); The Hammer (about 700 feet away); Detroit United Railway and Car Barn (about 800 feet away); Three-faced Clock (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

<i>ca.</i> 1905 image. Click for full size.

2. ca. 1905

August 19, 2021

3. 1950

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2021

4. Rochester Train Depot and Rochester Elevator Marker

View of the marker and former train station from the east.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2021

5. Rochester Train Depot and Rochester Elevator Marker

View of the marker and former train station from the south.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2021

6. Rochester Train Depot and Rochester Elevator Marker

View of Rochester Elevator building from the marker (looking toward the southeast).

Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 19, 2021

7. Rochester Train Depot and Rochester Elevator Marker

View of the Rochester Elevator building from the southwest.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 20, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.