Ida in Monroe County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Railroad Well
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Gertrude Crampton
Photographed by Craig Doda, October 18, 2026
1. The Railroad Well side of marker
The Railroad Well
In 1836, a well was placed at this site for the use of the Southern Michigan Railroad Company to supply water for its steam locomotives. This rail line was used for passengers and freight between Monroe and Adrian. Because the water from this well proved to be an excellent supply, a stop was established here and the township of Ida was born and flourished. As time passed, the well was closed by the railroad. In 1939, the new Ida Volunteer Fire Department re-opened the well and leased its use from the railroad to provide fire protection for the community of Ida.
Gertrude Crampton
Ida's most famous author, Gertrude Crampton, was born June 26, 1909 in New York to Faust and Ruby Crampton. A resident of Ida for 25 years and teacher at Mason Consolidated Schools, she began her writing career producing science textbooks for first through third grade students. After writing her first three textbooks, Crampton turned to children's fiction. Crampton was best known for the works she created under the Little Golden Books series. Her most well-known books include Tootle, a story about a train that lost its
this page online
Erected 2025 by Monroe County Museum System.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Railroads & Streetcars • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 1909.
Location. 41° 54.505′ N, 83° 34.442′ W. Marker is in Ida, Michigan, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of Lewis Avenue and Ida Street, on the right when traveling south on Lewis Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ida MI 48140, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan and in Greater Detroit. It is also in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles
Photographed by Craig Doda, October 18, 2026
2. Gertrude Crampton side of marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Railroad Well (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . Gertrude Crampton (Wikipedia). (Submitted on October 31, 2026.)
Photographed by Craig Doda, October 18, 2026
3. The Railroad Well / Gertrude Crampton Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 22, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
