Wheels of History Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(small)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
With the coming of the railroad in 1887, the town of Brimley, originally known as “Bay Mills,” “Bay Mills Crossing,” and “Superior,” needed a name change to avoid confusion with Superior, Wisconsin. Exactly who “Brimley” was remains in dispute, but his name became the official name for the town in 1896.
The Bay Mills extension of the Duluth, South Shore, & Atlantic Railroad from Brimley to Bay Mills started in January, 1891. The bridge built across the bay was built entirely of pine timbers, and was placed on pilings at 10-12 foot intervals. Ties and rails were laid and a 12 inch plank in the center of the tracks was placed for people to cross the bay. At a point of deepest water, a manually operated swing bridge allowed small boats to access the bay. The trestle was 6-10 feet above the water. Pilings can still be seen today.
Several major fires, including one in 1947, took their toll on Brimley. Train service to Brimley was discontinued in 1961. By then, the timothy hay crop, high in protein, especially sought after in Florida and Kentucky for racehorses, was being transported by truck rather than rail.
The wooden passenger coach that houses the Wheels of History Museum was built for the Algoma Central Railroad. Such coaches were last built in 1905.
The caboose, originally #52 of the Detroit and Port Huron, (now Grand Trunk) Railroad, is a gift shop and tourist information center.
No admission is charged at the museum. Hours and more information can be found at www.baymillsbrimleyhistory.org
I had a very difficult time getting good coordinates (24 feet accuracy) so I’m giving a good clue below. This one should be close to a park and grab.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Va onpx, nve gnax.