Harbor Springs in Emmet County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ephraim Shay

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016

1. Ephraim Shay Marker

Inscription.
The many-sided house across the street, sheathed in steel plates, was built for Ephraim Shay, inventor of the Shay locomotive. Patented in 1881, the locomotive operated by a gear-drive mechanism. Its great traction power and ability to operate on tight curves made it a favorite with logging and mining firms. Built in Lima, Ohio, thousands of Shays were operated by railroads throughout the world. Several were used on Shay's Hemlock Central railroad which began here and ran about fifteen miles to the north. Shay, born in Ohio in 1839, was an inveterate mechanic. He built the Harbor Springs waterworks and later donated it to the city. His firm experimented with boats and automobiles, and one winter he built sleds for the children of the town. In 1888 Shay moved to Harbor Springs, where he died in 1916.

Erected 1970 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number S248.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 45° 25.839′ N, 84° 59.044′ W. Marker is in Harbor

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Springs, Michigan, in Emmet County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (State Highway 119) and Judd Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Shay Park, Harbor Springs MI 49740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Andrew J. Blackbird / Mack-e-te-be-nesey (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew J. Blackbird House / Makade Binisii Wegamik (within shouting distance of this marker); GR&I Railroad Depot (approx. ¼ mile away); World Wars Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Little Traverse Bay (approx. 3.9 miles away); St. Francis Solanus Indian Mission (approx. 3.9 miles away); Library (approx. 3.9 miles away); Post Office (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harbor Springs.

Also see . . .
1. Ephraim Shay. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on September 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

2. Shay Hexagon House. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on February 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

3. Shay Locomotives. (Submitted on September 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Ephraim Shay House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016

2. Ephraim Shay House and Marker

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 6, 2023

3. Ephraim Shay Marker

Ephraim Shay House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016

4. Ephraim Shay House

Ephraim Shay House Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016

5. Ephraim Shay House Sign

Ephraim S. Shay (c. 1890) image. Click for full size.

via Wikipedia, 1890

6. Ephraim S. Shay (c. 1890)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 475 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on August 1, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on September 8, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on February 14, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.