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We found this fantastic pamphlet by the Flint & Pere Marquette railroad from the 1800s that highlighted the Bay Port resort. The railroad and the resort were marking to the well-to-do travelers from as far away as Chicago, Cincinnati, and St.Louis. Bay Port offered a cool retreat from the hot and dirty cities of the time. We took the time to transcribe it and capture the images in a more readable format. Hope you enjoy looking back.
Tours through Michigan by Rail and Water
Travelers departing from Saginaw via the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad can reach Bay Port Summer Resort by taking the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad. The route passes through Reese, Fairgrove, Akron, and Unionville in Tuscola County and continues through Sebewaing in Huron County, home to Michigan’s largest coal fields. The total journey covers 46 miles.
The resort is located on the southern shore of Wild Fowl Bay, an inlet of Saginaw Bay. The Bay Port Hotel is a well-constructed, comfortable lodging built on a solid stone foundation atop a rocky bluff. Its strategic location ensures stability against strong winds. The hotel sits in a grove of pine, cedar, and oak trees, about 20 feet above the bay, offering picturesque views.
A notable feature of the hotel is its well-ventilated rooms, each with an external exposure. The hotel has a large basement with two hot air furnaces to keep the facility comfortable in damp weather. Guests also have access to electric bells in every room.
The Bay Port Hotel operates under the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad’s management, with George W. Reynolds serving as its experienced manager. Reynolds previously managed resort hotels in Chicago and the southern U.S. His leadership ensures high standards for accommodation and service.
The hotel stands on newly developed land, ensuring clean and wholesome surroundings. The sanitary conditions are excellent, and there are broad verandas on three sides of the building, allowing guests to relax while enjoying the fresh pine-scented air. Inside, the hotel features spacious parlors and well-lit rooms, both single and en suite. The dining room is large and cheerful, offering guests a scenic view of the bay through the surrounding grove. The kitchen and dining facilities are top-tier, with ample cold storage and fresh dairy products sourced from nearby farms.
Water Supply and Recreation
The hotel uses fresh water from Bay Port Springs, known for its exceptional purity. Analysis by Professor R. C. Kedzie of the Michigan Agricultural College found the water nearly free of impurities, containing small amounts of lime, magnesia, and sodium chloride.
Additionally, there is an artesian mineral well on the premises. Water flows from a 328-foot-deep source and contains minerals with reputed curative and rejuvenating properties. Professor Prescott of Michigan State University analyzed the mineral content, which includes calcium sulfate, magnesium chloride, and bicarbonate of sodium.
For recreation, guests can visit The Casino, which serves as a venue for dancing and social gatherings. It also houses billiard tables and a bowling alley.
The sandy shore of Wild Fowl Bay gently slopes into the water, making it safe for children. The bay extends four miles in both directions and features North Island and Heisterman Island, creating a sheltered and scenic harbor. Point Charities, a prominent land formation, extends four and a half miles into Saginaw Bay.
Fishing enthusiasts will find black bass, pike, pickerel, and deep-water perch in the bay. Fishing boats and equipment are available for rent, and experienced sailors offer boat services at reasonable rates.
Transportation and Access
Bay Port is located on the east side of Saginaw Bay, accessible via the Saginaw, Tuscola & Huron Railroad. The line runs from Saginaw to Bad Axe, connecting various towns, including Caseville, Sebewaing, Unionville, and Pigeon.
Major rail connections:
- Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad: Connects to Saginaw via Durand or Flint.
- Michigan Central Railroad: Provides access via Jackson or Detroit.
- Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad: Links with Milwaukee, Toledo, and Port Huron.
Passengers arriving from Chicago in the evening can travel via the Chicago & Grand Trunk or Michigan Central Railroads, reaching Bay Port by 10 a.m. the next morning. Travelers from Cincinnati and southern areas can connect via Toledo or Detroit to the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad.
The Western Union Telegraph Company extends its service to Bay Port, and the town receives daily mail service.
Saginaw, a city of 60,000 residents, is just 90 minutes from Bay Port by rail. Visitors wishing to stop over in Saginaw can stay at the Bancroft House Hotel, which offers first-class accommodations.
Bay Port Summer Resort 1894
This pamphlet reflects the highly developed travel network of the late 19th century, showcasing Bay Port’s appeal as a summer destination with easy rail access, luxurious accommodations, and abundant recreational opportunities.
