Grand Trunk Depot - Battle Creek, MI

 

     Around the late 1800's and into the mid 1900's train depots were more than just loading and unloading passengers and freight.  The buildings were a social gathering among family and friends as they arrived or departed to another destination.  Small depots allowed goods to be brought in as merchants were eager to sell their wares, news from other areas were shared, and people were able to send and receive telegraphs from those they love.

     Below are pictures of the Grand Trunk Depot in Battle Creek, Michigan, located at 175 Main St. Battle Creek, MI.  It was built in 1906 with a mix of several cultural influences, such as Dutch features in the battlement and parapet walls, Spanish-style red tiled roof, and the Hindu style domes.  It even had a German-style dining room for guests.  It really was a spectacular building in its day.  Railroad traffic started to decline and in 1973 the Grand Trunk Western Railroad decided to end its service.  In 1988, the building was updated and repurposed to become the Community Action Agency.  

* The images below were photographed by Jill Moyer on May 28, 2021. 

 

Fantasy Forest Sculpture Park and the Peace Labyrinth

Tucked away in Leila Arboretum, a 72-acre park in Battle Creek, Mi., on W. Michigan Ave, sits a display of beautiful artwork made from the remains of Ash trees which were killed off by the Emerald Ash Borer.  In 2015, artists from around the country were commissioned to show their talents using a variety of methods.  Six year later, some of the displays are starting to show signs of age.  This is a free, family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by all.  There are reminders to look with your eyes only and not to touch the displays. 

* All pictures were taken by Jill Moyer May 29, 2021

Welcome Trolls
By Sam Dougherty
East Leroy, Mi

                                                                        

Backpacker Moose
by Alonzo Montoya
Newaygo, Mi

Paul and Babe
by Kimber Thompson
Marshall, Mi

Bigfoot
by Sam Dougherty
East Leroy, Mi

unknown

Unknown

Unknown

Unknown

The Keeper of Leila
by Robert Sadowy
Toledo, OH

Genie In A Bottle
by Pete Leverentz
Three Rivers, Mi

Troll Totem
by Elizabeth Parker
Battle Creek, Mi

Defender of the Arboretum
by Gabe LaPeer
Battle Creek, Mi

Spirit of 
by George Wise
Climax, Mi

The Strange Disappearance of Ole MacDonald
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

The Strange Disappearance of Ole MacDonald
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

The Strange Disappearance of Ole MacDonald
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

The Strange Disappearance of Ole MacDonald
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

The Strange Disappearance of Ole MacDonald
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

The Strange Disappearance of Ole MacDonald
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

The Strange Disappearance of Ole MacDonald
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive pest from Asia, has killed more than 50 million ash trees across North America.  This "bad bug" arrived in Michigan first, around 2002.  Some 7.5 billion trees are at risk from being attacked and killed. 

I Am Groot
by Stephan Colin
Rochester, Mi

Lady of Leila
by Elizabeth Parker
Battle Creek, Mi

Castle Leiladoria
by Tim Klock
Altoona, Pa

Castle Leiladoria
by Tim Klock
Altoona, Pa

Castle Leiladoria
by Tim Klock
Altoona, Pa

Castle Leiladoria
by Tim Klock
Altoona, Pa

Castle Leiladoria
by Tim Klock
Altoona, Pa

The Wizard of Leila
by Mark Eckles
Cadillac, Mi

The Wizard of Leila
by Mark Eckles
Cadillac, Mi

Griffin
by Tim Klock
Altoona, Pa

Family Tree
by Rebecca Hamlin Green
Chicago, Il

Family Tree
by Rebecca Hamlin Green
Chicago, Il

Family Tree
by Rebecca Hamlin Green
Chicago, Il

Family Tree
by Rebecca Hamlin Green
Chicago, Il

Family Tree
by Rebecca Hamlin Green
Chicago, Il

Gnome Village
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

Gnome Village
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

Gnome Village
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

Gnome Village
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

Gnome Village
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

Gnome Village
by Mike Ayers
Smithfield, VA

Welcome Trolls
By Sam Dougherty
East Leroy, Mi

On the other side of the park is a Peace Labyrinth.  It is a small maze that curves around plants, complete with dead ends.  It was fun to give it a try.  Just no cheating by stepping over the rows.