Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower
Photographed By Christopher Light, October 20, 2004
1. Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower Marker
All ladders, stairways and other steel hardware were stripped from the tower when it was removed from operation in the early 1950's.
In use, a hopper car of coal was spottedover the pit, under the arches, the bottom hopper doors were opened and the coal dropped by gravity from the car into the pit where a bucket hoisted the coal to the storage bin at the top of the tower.
The attached concrete shed contained the power source and mechanical equipmetn to activate the hoist bucket which was controlled by an operator in the hoist tower.
The locomotive tender was spotted under the coal discharge chute and a lever activated by the fireman opened a door in the chute to allows the coal to pour into the tender by gravity.
Specifications:
Construction - Concrete and steel
Type of Loading- Bucket and hoist
Height - 79 feet
Width - 28 feet
Length - 30 feet
Capacity - 200 tones of coal
Erected by Pere Marquette 1223 Preservation Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 43° 4.035′ N, 86° 13.702′ W. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915 (a few steps from this marker); Pere Marquette Caboose No. A-986 (within shouting distance of this marker); Pere Marquette Auto Box Car No 72222 (within shouting distance of this marker); Grand Trunk Western Bridge Approach Signal (within shouting distance of this marker); Pere Marquette Steam Locomotive (within shouting distance of this marker); Model 5 Autoflag "Wig-Wag" Crossing Signal (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Reformed Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Akeley Building (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.
Photographed By Christopher Light, October 20, 2004
2. Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,920 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2008, by Christopher Light of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
