H I S T O R Y O F T H E P H & D R R
By George Y. Duffy
Vice President and General Manager
The construction of the PH&D, the “Intellectual Line,” was completed in 1918 from South Port Huron to Marine City. It, together with the Port Huron Southern, which ran from Tappan Junction to South Port Huron, was then immediately taken over by the United States Government, which controlled the railroad during World War I. The road was originally built to service Diamond Crystal Salt Company, St. Clair Banner Salt Company and the Independent Sugar Company, Marine City. In the 20’s, the Port Huron Southern became a part of the PH&D. The road had six (6) 80 ton steam locomotives during the 20’s and 30’s and well into World War II. By this time our steam power was completely worn out and two (2) diesel electric locomotives were procured, which are still in use and efficiently able to replace the six steam engines.
The main customers of the PH&D are: Diamond Crystal Salt Company, Morton Salt Company, Chrysler MO-Par and Marine and Industrial Divisions, Detroit Edison Company, St. Clair Rubber Company and the Detroit Gasket Company. The PH&D’s personnel numbers 35 and handles 12, 000 car loads of freight per year over its twenty miles of railroad.
History from June 8, 1963 Michigan Railroad Club Program
- Port Huron
- Marysville
- Saint Clair
- Marine City
- WWII Years
- Post-War Years
Traffic Handled
- Early Years
- 1920’s
- 1930’s
- 1940’s
- 1950’s
- 1960’s
- 1970’s
- 1980’s