Construction began on a brick-and-stone depot for the Toledo, Saginaw & Mackinaw Railroad (TS&M), which later became the Grand Trunk Western branch

Construction train reaches Flushing.

The first passenger train arrived from Saginaw with an 80-cent fare. Commencement of regular passenger service connected Flushing to regional rail lines.

The rail line and depot are soon acquired by the Grand Trunk Railroad, bringing high-quality passenger, freight, and mail service to Flushing. A railroad bridge is completed in 1889 over the Flint River, enabling freight trains to serve local industries like the Hart and Montgomery mills and the electric light plant.

The Great Depression and rise of automobiles lead to declining rail usage. By 1938, Grand Trunk eliminates dedicated passenger trains to Flushing, instead running “mixed” trains (freight trains with a passenger coach attached) due to low ridership. Passenger business continues to dwindle in the following decades, though freight operations persist.

In the mid-1960s, Grand Trunk announces plans to close and demolish the Flushing depot as a cost-cutting measure. Local residents, led by station agent Clare Fox, rally to save the historic building. By 1966 their efforts convince the railroad to reverse course: the depot is spared demolition and instead undergoes minor remodeling (including removing the distinctive north portico, altering the ticket agent’s bay window, and replacing its colored glass windows) and a fresh coat of paint. The station remains in service for a few more years.

The last passenger train stops at Flushing as Amtrak takes over intercity rail service. Grand Trunk discontinues all passenger operations on the line (freight trains continue to pass through). With no more passengers, the 83-year-old depot is closed, marking the end of Flushing’s era as a passenger rail hub.

Two important events involving the depot, sale of the building and property, and formation of the group that would eventually restore that building. The Flushing Area Historical Society, which would play that role, was founded in 1973. Grand Trunk sold the depot and property, with the exception of the main line right-of-way, to Harry Herman and Robert Myers.

Harry Herman and Robert Myers convert the old station into a business – the “Depot Restaurant” – complete with a lounge and new kitchen addition on the southeast side. The restaurant becomes a popular local eatery, repurposing the historic building for a new community use.

Grand Trunk freight train derails in front of the depot, with tank cars tipping over near the attached freight warehouse. Fortunately, the depot itself is not seriously damaged. During track repairs, Grand Trunk uses the opportunity to remove excess sidings around the depot, leaving only the main line and one short spur, as freight traffic has diminished.

Flushing Depot burns.

The depot, as part of the Main Street Historic District, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Depot’s owners donate the remains of the 1888 depot to the Flushing Area Historical Society for $1, formally transferring the deed on February 27, 1984. The Society, led by President Paul Wightman, steps in with a bold plan to restore the structure as a local museum and cultural center. The City of Flushing and Flushing Township agree to support the effort with grants and by removing the site from the tax rolls.

Restoration gets underway in 1984–85 with cleanup of debris and stabilization of the fire-damaged structure. The project’s first phase is rebuilding the complex 19th-century roof and replacing the lost north portico exactly to its original design. Funded by state/local grants and community donations, contractor Will Hall & Sons completes the new roof by September 10, 1986. Engineers determine the original charred brick and wood walls are still sound enough to support the new roof.

The Flushing Area Historical Society opens the Flushing Depot Museum.