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.

"Letters to Santa Delivered by Train"

By: ElaineTwichell
"MaKenna Mails First Letter To Santa"

Santa Clause of the North Pole, has contracted with the Clinton Northern Railway in St. Johns, Michigan to use it’s vintage 1903 Railroad Post Office car to receive letters from children in Clinton County. The Barney & Smith car was used to transport mail from one city to another in the time of it’s service. Santa said, “I think it’s a wonderful thing that the folks at the CNR are doing. Restoring such a valuable piece of our history should be commended. I want to help by calling attention to the project.

»

"Cost of a Passenger Car"

By: ElaineTwichell

To build a passenger car of the best kind requires about 2,400 feet of poplar, 3,400 feet of ash, 1,000 feet of white pine, 2,300 feet of yellow pine, 500 feet of the best oak, 400 feet of the strongest hickory, 400 feet of cherry, 400 feet of maple veneer, and perhaps small amounts of other woods.

»
No special Event Scheduled!
Model Railroad Club:


  • Join us at 6:30PM on the first Friday of each Month at the Depot!

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