Location: Ontonagon, MI - Hoerner Boxes, Ontonagon Division

Hoerner Boxes was a cardboard paper facility located at Ontonagon, Michigan. It was served by the Milwaukee Road's Ontonagon branch.

Notes

Time Line

1964. During an ICC hearing over a Soo Line request to use LS&I trackage rights between Marquette and Eben Junction, Merlin King, chief engineer of Huss-Ontonagon Division of Hoerner Boxes in Ontonagon testified that they employ 150 people and receive 90% of its supplied by truck, mostly from small lumber jobbers. Hoerner Boxes receives tri-weekly rail service and daily switching service from the Milwaukee Road. He said that present service, although sufficient, is only minimally adequate. "If the Milwaukee Road were required to reduce service, the situation would be serious. We're barely living with the transportation situation we now have." Ward stated. He had been told by a Milwaukee Road representative that the railroad is fearful of losing business at Champion and Sidnaw if the Soo's trackage rights application is granted.

The Ontonagon plant sends out 700 carloads a year over the Milwaukee Road and total tonnage would be be affected if a harbor were built at Ontonagon, he said. [EDP-1964-0320]

1990's. The mill at Ontonagon put out 10-15 loads everyday. They received scrap paper and caustic soda inbound, and for a while also received pulpwood. The railroad had a contract with the railroad that guaranteed payment for 400 loads a month, no matter how many they loaded. The mill was served by the E&LS five days a week, M-Th, and on Saturday. [GB]