Many Detroiters escaped to nature on the trolleys of the Detroit United Railway (DUR) in the early 1900s. The Orchard Lake Beach stop was located here where the parallel Grand Trunk Railroad and DUR trolley tracks crossed Orchard Lake Road. It was a very popular stop for people enjoying day trips to Orchard Lake for swimming and picnicking. The DUR highlighted local attractions by building trolley stops at lakes, resorts and amusement parks. Over time, the trolley cars became more luxurious, featuring ornate interiors and dining cars. Fares averaged a penny a mile and the electric trolleys could reach fifty miles per hour.
Wayside Sign – Gateway to Nature at the Orchard Lake Beach Trolley Stop
Object ID: 2013-070-004
Date: 2013
Collection: Orchard Lake, TransportationSubjects: Wayside Sign
Wilkins Restaurant Indian
Object ID: 2013-070-002
Date: 1951
Collection: Orchard LakeSubjects: Chief Pontiac
“Created by Greta Chaney. I am also a sculptor and do the same type of work as my mother, sculpted concrete over steel. Very few people do that type of sculpture. Maybe this has shed some light on one of your displays.” – Alana E. O’Kelly (Chaney)
Wilkins Restaurant Indian
Object ID: 2013-070-001
Date: 1959
Collection: Orchard LakeSubjects: Chief Pontiac
“We just found an article about a display you have showing the remains of a statue of Chief Pontiac. He was made by my mother, Greta Chaney in 1951 and a second in 1961. I am sending two photos I have of the two statues she made for the same Restaurant. They are taken with my iPad so they are not great but they will give you a link to their beginning. If you are interested in more detailed photos, I can take them to be copied professionally. Please let me know if you are interested.” – Alana E. O’Kelly (Chaney)