Left and Right: Medaryville, July 2002. Pearl Street looking north towards San Pierre and Michigan City. This area was photographed because the 1997 Tour Book showed a diagram of where the depot was once located. It claimed the foundation is still present. On a subsequent visit, I was informed by a local "old timer" that the station was between Main and Ridge Streets. The foundation is no longer there. There is a rather interesting building east of the crossing, north on Main Street. It looks like an old hotel, or rooming house. Typical look similiar to other railroad hotel pictures I have seen over the years.

  

Two views of the former depot location. As evidenced by these photos, the foundation has been recently removed. Left: Looking to the north from the former Ridge Street crossing. Right: Same area, looking south from Main Street.

  

Two more views of the former depot location and surrounding buildings. Left: Looking to the former depot site from the west side of the tracks. Right: Main Street crossing. Building on north side of Main Street appears to, at one time, been some sort of hotel or tavern. According to the Medaryville 1953 Centennial book, "The second house was built by Joseph Schultz in the spring of 1853 and stood on the north side of Main street, occupying the first lot east of the railroad. The house was intended as a dwelling, but being spacious for its day, it served as a lodging for workers engaged in building the railroad. It was increased in size with a two-story addition and used by Gus Evert as a hotel through the 1890s." The property is currently in an estate, its most recent owner having passed away earlier this year. (Courtsey of Brian Capouch).

I have just learned, from Brian, that he is purchasing, or has purchased, the estate with plans to completely renovate the sturcture. Good luck on the project Brian.

Schultz House Restoration

Left: Looking at the south wall of the Schultz house. The front porch has been removed. The small house next to the house was part of the hotel. Known as the Drummer House, it was common to have salesmen stay in the back of the house and use the front part to sell thei goods. This structure will also be restored. Right: Look at the west and south walls. All the leaks have been stopped and a new foundation has sured up the building. Progress is slow, but Brian is happy with all the effort so far. While restoration work continues, Brian continues his research into the history of the structure. According to Brian there is an identical hotel in Colorado, built the same year.

Left: Looking at the west wall of the old hotel. The former Monon Michigan City line is in the foreground. All the old siding has been removed. Right: Another look at the Drummer House. Brian has completed tons of research on the history of this structure and is applying for listing as a historical place. So far, Brian is to be commended for taking on the preservation and restoration of this structure.

The building on the south side of the street for many years was the Medaryville State Bank. During the middle 1950's through the 1960's Chevrolet cars were sold by Dick Eggleston in the east side of the building. The Masonic Lodge Hall was above the bank on the second floor. (Information courstey of Jack Kroft.)

Evert House Hotel, date unknown. This hotel was run by Gus Evert through the 1890's. Looks as if it was a pretty busy place when this picture was taken. Photo courtsey Brian Capouch and the Medaryville Centennial Book.

Gangwer Hotel, date unknown. The Schultz/ Evertt house as a hotel. -Courtesy Brian Capouch-

Medaryville 2002. Looking south towards elevator. On the day of my visit there were several hopper cars south of the elevator. After wandering abandoned right of way without tracks, seeing rails and some cars was pretty exciting.

Medaryville 2002. Yes Virginia, there is still some life left in the old Michigan City Branch, even if it only goes as far north as Medaryville. These hopper cars were south of the elevator. It was a nice change to see something other than weeds.

Medaryville 2002. Looking back north towards downtown Medaryville.

Medaryville 2002. End of the line. Taken north of Pearl Street. The tracks end towards the top of the picture. This is the north point of the current CSX tracks on the former Michigan City branch. I did not try to access the absolute end of the line. Maybe another time?

Switching at Medaryville on a cold, snowy, February day. CSX Engineer Dave Randolph sends this photo. You are looking north at the end of the former Michigan City branch. Looks like it was a fun job that day.

Medaryville area 2020

Pictures by Nathan Miles
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