Elm Street tower at the west end of Jackson's main freight yard.  The tower appears to be a crossing protection tower, as opposed to an interlocking tower.  In the top photo, not the eastbound AeroTrain leaving Jackson headed for Detroit.  These photos were taken by Cecil Hommerding in the 1950's.  Cecil's wife is at the top of the stairs of the tower.  Below, the crossing watchman sitting in the tower.  Room in the tower was tight and slats were installed across the window so it wouldn't break when the watchman sat back to relax.  [Doug Leffler collection]

Above, looking east from the tower towards Detroit.  The Mercury passenger train is headed west approaching Jackson depot.  Below, a freight train on one of the freight mains heads across Elm Street and into the yard.  [Doug Leffler collection]

Above, the view from the tower to the southwest.  Below, a locomotive heads into the engine service area which is just across Elm Street.  [Doug Leffler Collection]