VIEW PHOTOS OF THE DEPOT GRAND OPENING HERE.
The sun shone brightly on Saturday, July 12, 2008, despite the forecast of severe thunderstorms for the day.
It would not dare rain on our celebration, highly anticipated since 2005. Our Depot, a recreation of the
historic train depot that sat at the junction of the Flint and Marquette and Grand Rapids and Indiana
Railroads, boasts an octagonal meeting room complete with cupola, and will house the Reed City Chamber
of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority, the Pere Marquette Snowmobile Club, as well as serving
as a 24-hour rest area for users of the White Pine and Pere Marquette trails.
About 700 people attended the Grand Opening, a large turnout but not unexpected. It was also a glorious
day for the Porteous family as the new Depot was aptly named "The William and Mable Porteous Depot" in
honor of their tireless work to create the trail system as it is today in Reed City. Opening remarks by
retiring Chamber and DDA director Sally Bolle and an overview of the Depot project by Mayor Darlene
Fuller-Talaske kicked off the program.
A tribute to the William and Mable Porteous by Tim Bazzett, author of "Love, War and Polio – a Story of
Young Bill Porteous," led to Rev. Dean Davenport of Trinity Lutheran Church blessing the building.
Sally Bolle was given an award in appreciation of her hard work and dedication to Reed City. Mr. and Mrs.
William Porteous were named "Honorary Life Members" of the Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce. Following
a ribbon- cutting ceremony, Rev. Davenport led the gathering in singing two choruses of "The Old Rugged
Cross" by Reed City's other famous minister, Rev. George Bennard. He was assisted by Dave Bennett on
clarinet, who followed with the Dave Bennett Sextet. Dave was accompanied, for a short time, by Jamie
McLeod, band director of Reed City schools. Jamie was Dave's clarinet teacher in his youth (which was
not all that long ago since Dave is only 24). The band continued until 4 p.m. to the delight music
lovers in the crowd.
Bolle, who brought the idea of the Depot to the DDA in 2005, challenged the community to make the
most of the new facility. "With this beautiful new building in place, the rest will be up to you, the
City, DDA, Chamber, and volunteer citizens, to bring Tourism and new business to downtown Reed City.
The tools are all in place with this building, and it can be done!" The depot community meeting
room is available for business meetings and special occasions. For more information, please call the
Chamber office at 231.832.5431."
Download a 3-dimensional tour of the new depot (Quicktime).
Download a poster of the depot describing the project (PDF).
Download the Chamber of Commerce newsletter with updates to the
project (PDF).
The deadline for purchasing engraved paver bricks
for the new depot project has been extended. Don't miss the
opportunity to purchase one or more! You'll be a part of the new
history of the depot. Etch a name, a memory of a special person, pet
or a personal message into history. Call the Chamber at 231.832.5431
for more information. Download an order form for the paver brick fundraiser (PDF).
On Wednesday, August 29 at 2 p.m., a groundbreaking ceremony was
held to begin building our new depot. Ground was broken by Darlene
Fuller-Talaske, Mayor, James Thompson, Chairman of the DDA, and Linda
Dean, President of the Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce. In
attendance were Mr. and Mrs. William Porteous (seated in front with
green jacket and Mrs. Porteous to his left) who were instrumental in
bringing the Reed City trail system to the prominence it enjoys
today. Their foresight enabled the original rails to be replaced at
the diamond or junction of the Pere Marquette and White Pine Trails.
Architect Gary Gerber, builder Terry Gerber, Landscape Architect
Marlies Manning, members of the Downtown Development Authority, City
Council, Chamber of Commerce, MDOT, and various other entities were
also in attendance. The builder expects the structure to be finalized
by February with landscaping to be completed in the spring of 2008. More Pictures
Larry Zomer, owner and head photographer for Zomer Photography,
a division of Z’Arts, is well known here in the Reed City area not only as a man of local color, but also as a musician,
photographer, and educator. After spending 32 years as band director in various parts of Michigan, the final 18 here in
Reed City, he is now doing the things that he enjoys most. Those are working with people, in music throughout the State
of Michigan as clinician, adjudicator, musician, director, and now photographer and graphic designer. He has graciously
offered the three prints shown here to the Downtown Development Authority. For a high resolution copy of these prints,
please contact the Chamber office on 231.832.5431. Copyright Larry Zomer (Read Larry's Bio - PDF).
Reed City is a small city located in the southwest corner of
Osceola County in the west central portion of Michigan's lower
peninsula. The city is within an hours drive from Grand Rapids,
Traverse City and Midland. Two Rails-To-Trails intersect in the
City making it the center of the premier trails system in the
state. Reed City is a crossroads community because it was
originally at the intersection of two railroad systems that
bisected the state. It is now at the crossroads of two major
US Highways – 131 and 10 – that bisect the state. This provides
easy access to other parts of the state.
The Old Rugged Cross Museum, which houses the artifacts of Rev. George
Bennard (author of the world's most beloved hymn – the Old
Rugged Cross) is now open for the season. Visit the museum
daily from 1-4 p.m. every day, or call 231.832.3053 for more
information. Take a tour of the museum here.
The
Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum is
an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated
on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City at the
site of Rev. and Mrs. George Bennard's home. Rev.
Bennard was the author of the well-loved hymn, "The
Old Rugged Cross," written in 1913. more >>
2009 Great American Crossroads Celebration ... a Family Festival. For schedule click HERE.
HISTORICAL DEPOT PHOTOS
We have assembled a
collection of historical depot photos, from various sources, which
provide an overview of life as it used to be in Reed City when the
trains rolled through. Click HERE to view. Photos courtesy of the Old
Rugged Cross Museum, Bonnie May Stanton, Marilyn Hoogerhyde (estate
of Margaret Pearson) and Jim Crees.
2008 HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK – THE CITY COMES TOGETHER FOR THE CHILDREN
Once again, Reed City provided a Disney-like day for the kids of Reed City.
City residents dressed as real-life characters passed out treats and delighted young and old alike.
Thanks to Kathy Yost and Marie Thompson for organizing this tremendous family event. Click HERE to view slide show.
Spectrum Health Hospital Volunteer Services
Spectrum Health Hospital Volunteer Services is looking for energetic, positive people
to fill special roles at the hospital. Please review the attached list of opportunities. For more information, call:
Christie Carlson
Fund Development & Volunteer Services
Office 231.832.7184
Cell 231.250.7619
Crossroads Community
Center, Inc., a dedicated steering committee of concerned local
citizens, is working hard to build a new community center. On the
wish list is an Olympic size swimming pool, a fitness center,
basketball and volleyball courts, weight and meeting rooms. There is
also talk of aerobic workout areas, walking and jogging track, multi-
purpose and different-sized meeting rooms, and a performing arts
center. The steering committee is working hard to get the information
about the center out to the community and elicit their support. For
more information on the center or how you can be involved, please
call chairman Steve Westhoff at 231.832.2201.
Prestigious ICMA Credential
WASHINGTON, D.C.—George S. Freeman, City Manager of the City of
Reed City recently received the Credentialed Manager designation
from The International City/County Management Association (ICMA),
the premier local government leadership and management organization.
Mr. Freeman is one of more than 1,000 local government management
professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary
Credentialing Program.
Read the Entire Article.
TIM BAZZETT'S LATEST WORK "Love, War & Polio"
Author Tim Bazzett has another winning book about the Reed City area,
this time featuring the life and times of Young Bill Porteous. Entitled
"Love, War & Polio," it tells the story of hometown hero Bill Porteous'
life story with compassion, insight and humor.
"Love, War & Polio" is available at
Andres Computer, Ben Franklin, and
www.ratholebooks.com
Family Circle Magazine Highlights Reed City
Family Circle Magazine highlights Reed City and the family of Martha and Bruce Jones in the September Issue. Download here (PDF)
Click HERE to see our great summer schedule.
2009 Great American Crossroads Celebration ... a Family Festival. For schedule click HERE.
We have assembled a
collection of historical depot photos, from various sources, which
provide an overview of life as it used to be in Reed City when the
trains rolled through. Click 
Once again, Reed City provided a Disney-like day for the kids of Reed City.
City residents dressed as real-life characters passed out treats and delighted young and old alike.
Thanks to Kathy Yost and Marie Thompson for organizing this tremendous family event. Click 
WASHINGTON, D.C.—George S. Freeman, City Manager of the City of
Reed City recently received the Credentialed Manager designation
from The International City/County Management Association (ICMA),
the premier local government leadership and management organization.
Mr. Freeman is one of more than 1,000 local government management
professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary
Credentialing Program.
Author Tim Bazzett has another winning book about the Reed City area,
this time featuring the life and times of Young Bill Porteous. Entitled
"Love, War & Polio," it tells the story of hometown hero Bill Porteous'
life story with compassion, insight and humor.
"Love, War & Polio" is available at
Andres Computer, Ben Franklin, and
Family Circle Magazine highlights Reed City and the family of Martha and Bruce Jones in the September Issue.
