The railroad depot.
Train to Chicago.
Left: An American 4-4-0 pulling the train to Chicago | Right: Luggage carts in front of the luggage storage.
On the platform.
People waiting to enter the train | Pullman cars with lantern roofs | In the background, Humphrey Manufacturing & Plating Co. Humphrey Products nowadays is a manufacturer of pneumatic and fluid valves, located east of downtown.
West wing and main building.
Left: Restrooms | Center: Main entrance with waiting rooms and ticket office | Background: cabs waiting for passengers
East wing.
Right: Telegraph office and cab waiting area (sorry, no cabs today) | Center: Waiting rooms.
The old depot of 1853.
"[...] a crew of 100 men completed the work of removing the old depot yesterday. [...] A large crowd witnessed the operation." Kalamazoo Gazette | October 4, 1887
Interior with ticket booth.
"The wood work on the inside goes on slowly, but an effort will be made to have the work here all completed and the tracks changed by Oct. 1." Kalamazoo Gazette | August 18, 1887
Business around the depot.
You will find all of these Kalamazoo businesses in the diorama
Eagle Steam Mill.
Flour mill, originally owned by Mr. Merrill & William H. McCourtie. This mill had several side rail of its own. Its steam engine was driven by wood fire. 1863 - ?
Kalamazoo Brewing Co.
The Kalamazoo Brewing Company startet as Kalamazoo Union Brewery. 1894 - 1915 | Today's most important brewery in Kalamazoo is Bell's. Founded in 1985.
Gibson Guitar Co.
Gibson "Les Paul" - a legendary guitar from Kalamazoo. Founded in 1902, today located in Nashville (TN).
The Star Brass Works.
This foundry made parts for Gibson banjos as well as for street cars. 1895 - 1961
The Columbia Hotel.
One of many hotels coming up with the railroads. 1873 - 1982.
G. H. Raynor Bookstore.
Books and stationery, publishing. 1895 - 1967.
Sarkozy Bakery.
My favorite bakery since 1993. Founded in 1978.
Gilmore Bros.
Well known department store, 1881 - 1999.
S. C. Baldwin Photographer.
Baldwin documented Kalamazoo and its inhabitants. Picture shows similar studio. 1851 - 1900.
Main Street 1866.
Streets are broad and unpaved, limited by wooden sidewalks.
Main Street 1869.
Both sides of the street offer parking lots for carriages.
West Main Street 1879.
Shops on the north side of the street often have sun shades.