Skip to main content

Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad ledger

 Item — Box: 1 of 1
Identifier: RH-A-4274

Scope and Contents

The collection is composed of a ledger from the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad. The ledger is dated June 1st, 1869.

The ledger consists of preliminary compass notes for the 33.5 mile railroad from Kalamazoo to South Haven. In the front of the book is the title and notes that say “Book 1 Part 1” and “First Preliminary Line.” On the second page is a key of symbols for landmarks such as blacksmiths, grist mills, churches, and more. Following the first two pages, the fronts of the pages have gridded lines with sketches of the terrain and key symbols and the backs of the pages have generic ruled lines with coordinates.

Pressed between two pages towards the back of the ledger is a pink bow.

Dates

  • Creation: June 1, 1869

Creator

Biographical / Historical

The rail line operated in the late 19th century to early 20th century. It was constructed initially by the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad Company before later being leased to and merging with the Michigan Central Railroad. It became defunct in 1916.

The former line is now a rail trail known as the Kal-Haven Trail which is used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.

Extent

.10 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased with funds from the Starring Endowments.

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .10 cubic feet and a single item from the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad. The item is a ledger measuring approximately 7” x 5”.

The cover is in fair condition. It is made of hard tan leather that is faded and peeling in some places with scuffs and scratches on the surface. The pages are in fair condition with some discoloration and staining around the edges and some pencil marks are faded.

Title
Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad ledger finding aid
Status
Completed
Author
Sophia Cunningham; Stephanie Chapman
Date
2021-11-09
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490