Welcome to the website of the As you read this, much of the early industrial equipment used to build West Michigan is rotting, rusting or being cut up and sold for scrap. The Industrial Heritage Society's goal is to preserve this early heritage for the edification of future generations. |
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BACKGROUND of the SOCIETYThe Industrial Heritage Society is an off-shoot of the Coopersville and Marne Railway. The C&M is a family-friendly, all volunteer, recreational railway and realized they would not be able to raise the funds necessary to renovate structures and rolling stock. Conversations among volunteers were overheard by the current presidents' son, Ryan Byle. In June of 2000, on his own initiative, Ryan compiled all the volunteers' dreams into a Future Plans document outlining the plans of the railway volunteers. In August of 2000 tragedy struck. While helping his father prepare the train for an excursion outing, Ryan collapsed and died from an unknown heart dysfunction. This Society and its mission is now dedicated to the enthusiasm and initiative Ryan exhibited for the Society's goals. Using Ryan's document as a mission statement, in March of 2001, principle members of the railway filed with the State of Michigan for incorporation as The Western Michigan Society for Industrial Heritage. The Society held its organizational meeting 11 July 2001 where officers and a board of directors were elected. Subsequent to the organizational meeting, application for non-profit, 501(c)(3), status was made to the Internal Revenue Service. The Society was formally recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity in an IRS letter of acknowledgment dated 13 June 2002. This status was verified and renewed 30 January 2007. Click here for a PDF version of these documents. PROJECTSThe initial projects being undertaken by the Society are the purchase and renovation of a handicap accessible passenger coach that will be operated on the C&M Railway and the preservation of the Spring Lake, MI Interurban railway depot.
The ALL Aboard Campaign is seeking to raise the final funds necessary to complete the accessibility modifications and renovation of the railcar. The Society has received challenge grants that bring the pledged donations to $114,000 and the remaining $11,000 must be raised by October 31, 2008 to meet the challenge requirements. CLICK HERE for more details.
For information about membership, donations, or contributions e-mail, write or call: Ed Hanenburg, President, 15585 68th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404 Jeff DuPilka, Vice-President, PO Box 188, Allendale, MI 49401 Philip Cok, Sec/Treasurer, 179 W Randall St., Coopersville,
MI 49404 |
ALL Aboard Campaign kicks off.
The Western Michigan Society for Industrial Heritage was recently awarded challenge grants from the Steelcase Foundation, Meijer Corporation and Ed & Nancy Hanenburg Community Foundation Fund. These grants bring the fundraising for the Handicap Railcar Project to 90% of the $125,000 project total. The challenge grants also bring a deadline to raise the remaining $11,000 by October 31, 2008! Donations and memberships are needed immediately to meet these challenge grants. Click the image above for more details on the ALL Aboard Campaign or go to the Handicap Railcar Project. Society member, Bill Porteous, featured in new book release, "Love, War & Polio."
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This page last updated: August 20, 2008 |
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The 
Reed City author Tim Bazzett has another winning book featuring the 
life and times of Young Bill Porteous. Entitled "Love, War & Polio," it tells the story of Reed City hero Bill Porteous' life story with compassion, insight and humor. "Love, War & Polio" is available at 
At a dedication ceremony held Saturday, July 12, 2008 the newly reconstructed Reed City Depot was named, "The William and Mable Porteous Depot." This recognition was in honor of their tireless work to create the White Pine and Pere Marquette bike trail. The rails to trails bike system is located on the former Flint and Marquette and Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroads. 