Searching for historic site number 2 for this class, I wanted to pick something in the downtown area. I found a register of
historic sites in lansing and selected something other than the capital area sites, since I figured a lot of people would be doing that. Upon pulling up I was confused because there was no definite sign with the address for the Union Depot, just an abandoned building, pizza shop, and a restaurant. I took some pictures of the surrounding area and headed home to look it up. Upon searching, I find that the
old train station was turned in to a restaurant, so no wonder it wasn't as obvious to me (although it should have been since the restaurant area was all decored in railroad esque decorations). It now is presented as Clara's Restaurant and is reserved in a different form. While running, the train station connected Pere Marquette and Michigan Central.
Visitor questions:
- Why was this made in to a resturant?
- When did the station stop running?
Historian questions:
- What was removed/taken when the renovation happened?
- Is there any part of the railroad (or station) preserved in the restaurant?
Visitor questions:
I wish I would have used the link provided on the syllabus, because then I would have know the depot is now a restaurant: http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/17734.htm
ReplyDeletehaha :)
Or I should have gone prior to 9pm at night in the snow. Regardless, the places that are 'historic sites' amaze me because often they are hidden in attractions/restaurants to draw people it. Is this taking away from its history?