Western Michigan Industrial Heritage Society
319 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the Preservation, Renovation and Education of the equipment, tools and supporting structures that built Western Michigan.

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.

The Industrial Heritage Society is an off-shoot of the Coopersville and Marne Railway. The railway is an all volunteer railway and realized they would not be able to raise the funds necessary to renovate structures and rolling stock.

The Handicap Accessible Rail Car Project was the impetus for the development of the Industrial Heritage Society and is written into the purpose statement in the articles of incorporation. Although not equipped to handle handicap riders, the C&M Railway occasionally helped facilitate handicapped rider excursions. The enthusiasm and appreciation expressed by these individuals made it clear that there was a need for this type of service in the area. Additional need and interest in this type of service was substantiated by a survey of Social Activities Directors from retirement facilities in the West Michigan area.

The Society's goal is to purchase a suitable rail car, outfit it with a handicap lift, and provide necessary handicap accessible facilities to accommodate the special needs of physically disabled individuals. The Coopersville & Marne Railway has provided a letter of intent to operate the car and provide educational, historical and railway safety information to its riders.

The Society identified a suitable rail car and in November of 2005 purchased the former Pennsylvania Pullman rail car initially christened, the La Reine. Original construction plans, Floor Plan No. 3973 A (4.8mb pdf), for this all-steel, heavyweight rail car were obtained by member Jim Winslow. Member Winslow has also reconstructed the service history of this car and his article, La Reine to Live Again is scheduled for publication in the Pennsylvania Technical & Historical Society's publication, The Keystone.

Anyone wishing to contribute to this project as a principle donor or contributor is asked to contact any of the officers or board members. Any and all assistance will be welcomed and be recognized in a permanent plaque prominently mounted in the finished car.

For information about membership, donations, or contributions e-mail, write or call:

Ed Hanenburg, President, 15585 68th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404
riverridge15585@aol.com, 616-837-7307

Jeff DuPilka, Vice-President, PO Box 188, Allendale, MI 49401
JDuPilka@westshorefire.com, 616-895-4347

Philip Cok, Sec/Treasurer, 179 Randall St, Coopersville, MI 49404
philip@emsquared.com, 616-997-7387