Valentine was an important RR stop for the lumbering railroads. A geocache has been placed here so you can come and look around. The cache itself is winter friendly as it was fitting to publish on Valentine's Day. It's not far off the RR Grade and driveable except in winter. Park along 624, not M-33 (It's closer and safer)
The Valentine Branch of The Detroit and Mackinaw came from the west and terminated here and was operational from 1894-1904. The Green branch of the Boyne City, Gaylord, and Alpena Railroad came up from Atlanta to the south and operated from 1914 until the 20's. Alpena and Northern line was installed in 1895 from the north (Hawks).
An portion from article in the Alpena Argus on Wednesday Aug 28, 1895. "The terminus presents an attractive appearance. The pine trees stand close to the track, as the lumberman has not yet made a desolation with his ax. On the left is a raise of ground, sloping from the track; on the right is a small level plateau, beyond which is a deep ravine, and the trees at the bottom do not project their tops a great height above the plateau. A wagon road extends slanting down one side and up the other. On the plateau is situated the Valentine house, owned and managed by James O'Connor, well known in the city. It is a large, two story building, and the proprietor has a paying business. On one side is a small building occupied as a barber shop, and the striped pole has a sign with the inscription "Valentine Postoffice." Some other little buildings are near the other side of the hotel, one being a fine cold storage room. A few hundred feet further up the road are about 12 log and board shanties, and all appeared occupied. From one came the sound of a sewing machine. A school house is not far distant. At the time the train arrived there were about 50 men in front of the hotel and Mr. O'Conner had a hearty welcome for his guests who had just arrived. Dinner was served just after the train arrived." 
