Recently renovated in 2021, this iconic landmark to our community and matches the architectural features that are The Cadillac Commons. Located adjacent to After 26 Depot Café in Cadillac City Park along the western shoreline of Lake Cadillac. Cadillac was one of the few non-river lumbering communities that grew and prospered. The main reason for this was that in 1878, Ephraim Shay perfected his Shay Locomotive, which was particularly effective in its ability to climb steep mountain grades effortlessly and to maneuver sharp turns and imperfections in railroad tracks. Until the invention of the Shay Locomotive, horses were used to transport logs, but this process was slow, costly and often dangerous. The lumbering industry was dominant in the 1880-1900 and included many Swedish immigrants. Historic Shay Locomotive
