The Saline Reporter
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
July 4th a time to celebrate
PUBLISHED: July 3, 2008
It's quiet around Saline on the Fourth of July. A few fireworks go off, but no parades or festivals shut down streets. But in the 19th century, the holiday was often remembered in a spectacular manner such as in 1870
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After the Civil War, Saline realized it had a major economic problem. It was the only town in Washtenaw County without a railroad. It understood "We must get a railroad or die." What to do?
The first need was to become one community. Because the town was in or near four townships, it needed one spokesman to work with political and railroad leaders. The town petitioned the state of Michigan and was able to become the village of Saline.
Meanwhile in Detroit, a railroad was being organized to connect that city with lands to the west, including Hillsdale County, one of the richest agricultural areas of the state. In 1868, a railroad was officially incorporated called the Detroit Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad. Towns near the proposed route were asked to invest in the railroad if they wanted it and Saline raised $75,000. It was an incredible sum, but it was granted a station.
In July 1869, surveying and construction began with the route between Ypsilanti and Saline given special interest. By April 1870, 15,000 ties had been laid and the road was ready for iron.
A contract had been made with Wyandotte Rolling Mills for iron and the construction crew began laying rail. Also, the depot was being built north of Saline for passengers and freight. By June 11, the rails were within 2 miles of Saline. Was the town ready?
Yes. A committee, including Lyman Wood, Myron Webb, Newton Sheldon, Orange Risdon and Henry J. Miller, had been formed at least six months earlier, and July 4, 1870, was selected as official entry date. The planning was intense, as that day's events recorded at the Ypsilanti Library reveal.
Beginning at 8 a.m., passengers started arriving at Ypsilanti Depot for the first trip to Saline (round trip fare of 50 cents) and at 9 a.m., more than 600 people departed with the cry, "Ho, for Saline."
It passed through Pittsfield, making stops to pick up more passengers and as it approached the new Saline Depot, the train went under a beautiful arch wreathed in flowers showing Saline and Ypsilanti clasping hands with the word "Welcome."
Trains continued all day between Ypsilanti and Saline, giving passengers rides. A constant stream poured into the new depot late into the evening to witness this historic event.
When the 10 a.m. train arrived in Saline, it stopped and the celebration began. The Ypsilanti Tin Horn Band got off and joined the Saline Cornet Band and began discoursing soul inspiring music to the thousands gathered.
Prayer was given by the Rev. O.D. Taylor and then the official address by E.B. Clark, a Saline merchant. After the speech, three cheers were shouted with a strong will for the Detroit Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad, and Clark. Then the assembled thousands led by the bands and Henry J. Miller, marshal of the day, marched up Ann Arbor Street to downtown Saline and then west on Chicago Road to a "delicious spot" called "Risdon's Grove."
The good ladies of Saline had spread 400 yards of table cloth laid with an abundance of all the good things for which the town was famous. After the dinner, sentimental toasts and speeches were given to honor all those present. The celebrations continued until late in the evening
July, 4, 1870, was stunning experience for all.
Thanks to the Ypsilanti, Bentley, Saline, Detroit, and Hillsdale libraries. Also, the Saline, Lenawee, Ypsilanti and Hillsdale historical societies.
A more extensive story should appear on the historical society Web site at salinehistory.org.
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