The mission of the Clinton Northern Railway is to preserve the history of the railroad and its impact on small town America at the turn of the century and beyond.

May 11 20:13

DEPOT IS NOW OPEN-WELL AT LEAST EVERY SUNDAY!

By: Gary McCampbell

Sunday, May 12, 2013 - 13:00 - 15:00

The St. Johns Depot was open for the first time this year, last Sunday. It will be open every Sunday from then until the END of October.
The team has not had a grand opening as there are some things that need to be done before a crowd can be handled. The team is installing a protective shield around the Jerry Banks Layout and a small bridge is being made to make the passages a mite safer while transferring from caboose to museum car. The team calls the two cars, Scrappy and Annie.

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Mar 02 17:56

St. Johns, Then and Now, contributed by the Michigan Association of RR Passengers

By: Jenny McCampbell
historic cars outside St. Johns Depot

St. Johns, the Clinton County hub 18 miles north of Lansing, came close to bearing the name Sweglesville in honor of John Swegles, the Michigan auditor-general who bought, surveyed and cleared land for new settlements along the projected route of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad. Swegles (remember his first name was John) had greatly influenced the beginning of this new village in 1853 and his companions apparently believed it should bear his name. Either that or the reverend in the group had John the Apostle in mind.

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Feb 26 21:24

Author to Speak about Michigan’s Historic Train Stations

By: Jenny McCampbell
Michigan's Historic Railroad Stations

From the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers:

The enduring appeal of the classic railway depot has inspired songwriters, advertisers, and painters. Most recently, it has led Michael H. Hodges on an odyssey throughout the state to photograph and learn the stories of thirty-one of Michigan’s interesting and picturesque railroad stations.

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History of the Railroad in St.Johns

1853 - St.Johns is organized by a group of speculators who anticipate the building of the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad through the area

1920 - Grand Trunk Railroad Depot, which is now home to the Clinton Northern Railway, is built on Railroad Street.

1964 - The last Passenger Train ran through St.Johns

1992 - The last Freight Train ran through St.Johns

1996 - The last of the railroad tracks through the city are removed

2006 - A short section of track is laid behind the depot and a 1926 Ann Arbor Crew Car is placed there.


In partnership with The Clinton County Arts Council