New York Central locomotive 4630 leaves the Jackson station (left side of picture) with the last steam-powered passenger train to Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 26, 1952..  (Note the crossing watchman's tower at the Michigan Avenue crossing next to the depot).  Below, the engineer (D. Walton) and fireman (C. Gardner) on the 4630 pose for a final photograph with their locomotive.  [Cecil Hommerding photos, Doug Leffler Collection]

 Below, the flagman removes the markers from the rear passenger car.

The next day, a diesel powered RDC combination mail, baggage, passenger car prepares to leave Jackson for Grand Rapids, ushering in a new, albeit brief era for passengers traveling between those two towns.  Below, the station steam switch job moves the RDC car onto one of the freight leads in preparation for its next trip.  [Doug Leffler collection]