also called corduroy roads. in northern Michigan and the U.P. you can feel the bumps as you drive along. they were covered in dirt usually in low lying areas.
Actually, corduroy roads were different and much more prevalent. They were used for low lying areas that were wet and the technique is still used for logging roads. Plank roads were actual planks (not logs) nailed to runners and often were build on top of corduroy roads in low areas. Plank roads were meant to be "smooth" unlike corduroy. The intention was to make stage coach travel much more comfortable. But since they were very difficult to maintain, they didn't last long.
My mom's family were from Alpena, MI. My dad's family was from Cincinnati and would vacation in Alpena in the Summer. According to my dad (who lived 1915-1995), as recently as the 1930s, what is now US 23, from Standish, MI to Alpena (about 100 miles) was a plank road (also known as a "washboard" road).
4:38 Poppins: "Oy Weh" ROFL...Youall are the best GL/MI posters around. I ALWAYS enjoy what you are doing and hope for many more. MANY THANKS for what you do.
Several years back they tore up Michigan ave. by the hospital in Holland MI and exposed the buried planks of an old plank road, I think it went between Holland and Allegan. The planks were actually still in un-rotted state for being buried. I took one of them for a souvenir, they were just shoving them aside. Those planks had been SPLIT out of logs, not sawed, which would have added to the bumpiness of the ride.
Another largely forgotten mode of transportation runs generally in sight of the plank route through Allegan county. The electric Interurban railway. There are still a few vestiges of the railway which can be seen including culverts, bridge abutments, a cattle pass which can be seen from Division south of 84th in winter, and the foundation of a station south of 124th Ave west of the 4 way stop with what was the plank road next to a steel electric transmission tower. I believe there was another electric interurban which crossed the route between 112th and Martin. Running from Battle Creek to Allegan.
I had no idear. I lived on 131 in South Boardman for a few years. For 10 cool points I'll challenge y'all to put something together for UA-cam Shorts. Great way to spread word of y'all's expeditions of learnings 😎
Plank roads have always been fascinating to me, but I recently learned of a stone road (Garfield Rd) near where I live that appears on an 1896 map of Beaver Twp (Bay County, MI). If you have the interest, stone roads in Michigan would be a great follow-up to this video.
Another Great and Informative Adventure! I lived here for all but 6 years of my life, around Galesburg, Battle Creek, Bedford, went through Plainwell more than ever, love their ice cream!!! Never knew about the plank roads. always learning from you! Thanks for the History! Those kind of Diners are the best!
I was just wondering if you were going to mention the Meridian Historical Village where the plank road is displayed. And you made it. I live here in okemos and visit there often. Loved this video. So nice to take a walk back in history.
This was great. You two never fail to entertain. Loved the mid-vid bloopers. We were in a museum in the dunes area at the Cali/Arizona border several years ago and learned about these plank roads. Even with Michigan's weather they were probably more stable in Michigan than in the dunes. Great history lesson. Thank you.
I’ve lived in Michigan my entire life, except the couple of unfortunate years in Milwaukee, and I’ve never heard about these roads. I’ve driven past various streets and businesses called Plank Rd. and just assumed they were called that because some marketing person thought referring to their road as flat/straight as a plank was a smart move. I’m amused to find that a plank road was neither flat nor straight. Thanks for the entertaining history lesson. 👍🏻
I grew up in the Kalamazoo area and remember seeing signs for Plank Road Farm on US 131 on the way to Grand Rapids. Apparently it was some kind of tourist attraction, like Deer Forest in Coloma. The original 131 did pretty much follow the old Plank Road. I haven't been on it much north of Plainwell, but would like to check it out now that I've seen this video. The freeway from Grand Rapids was built in stages and for many years it ended at Plainwell until an extension was built to West Main Street (former M-43) and then a couple years later to its present ending just outside Schoolcraft. My family watched them build the West Main interchange.
I wanted to add it is quite ironic how Michigan had so many toll roads in the beginning as our current department of transportation seems to be quite allergic to the concept. In fact, I've been hearing talk that the state might even do away with the tolls on the Mackinac Bridge!
Good to know humans and swine paid the same toll. Also that both humans & swine are not neat creatures. Apparently Poppins are classified as neat creatures, so Mary will have to fly on by, out of shotgun range.
Plank roads, inland deserts what other crazy secrets is Michigan hiding? Thanks for your guys research & efforts bringing it all to us, always good ideas to add to a vacation itinerary
Poppins' smile brightens my day!
My dad was a C
County Road Forman for Oceana Co. MI and told me about the wooden roads in Michigan. Thanks for the history lesson and great job!
Very cool!
Romeo Plank Road, Macomb Twp, in Macomb County Michigan used to be a plank road. Come visit!
I'm from Michigan and never knew that, I love Michigan history thank you ❤
Loving your channel
Thanks Chuck and Poppins !! Your videos are so interesting! Drive safe!
Thanks Erth! Your support means A LOT to us!
Very interesting and informative
I always love your blogs. Thanks!
Thank you!
You two rock. I love your vids.
Entertaining as always. Great bit of history! Drive safe! 🤣
😂😆 I learned (as a pilot) that you can do a lot of other stuff while behind the controls.
I like Poppin. :)
Utica Rd, in Macomb County was a plank road. The Roseville, MI, library has a nice photo of the fare for the road.
also called corduroy roads. in northern Michigan and the U.P. you can feel the bumps as you drive along. they were covered in dirt usually in low lying areas.
Actually, corduroy roads were different and much more prevalent. They were used for low lying areas that were wet and the technique is still used for logging roads. Plank roads were actual planks (not logs) nailed to runners and often were build on top of corduroy roads in low areas. Plank roads were meant to be "smooth" unlike corduroy. The intention was to make stage coach travel much more comfortable. But since they were very difficult to maintain, they didn't last long.
this is fascinating history. thanks for sharing!!!!! *hope Poppins got her Pop on 🍪
😆 😉
I truly enjoy your videos. Wish I could do what you two do.
My mom's family were from Alpena, MI. My dad's family was from Cincinnati and would vacation in Alpena in the Summer. According to my dad (who lived 1915-1995), as recently as the 1930s, what is now US 23, from Standish, MI to Alpena (about 100 miles) was a plank road (also known as a "washboard" road).
“Thanks for pointing that out…” 🤣you guys are great thank you for sharing your adventures!
I used to drive on a plank road by silver lake michigan on a daily basis going back and forth to newaygo michigan from our cottage
The city of eau Claire has a street called plank road.
Interesting. As a bit of an infrastructure nerd i'm surprised i never knew about this. Thanks for the history lesson!
Thanks for stopping by and watching!
4:38 Poppins: "Oy Weh" ROFL...Youall are the best GL/MI posters around. I ALWAYS enjoy what you are doing and hope for many more. MANY THANKS for what you do.
LOL!
Very fascinating 🤔
Nice!!! :)
Hello Restless Viking. maybe you could Come visit the bent Oak tree. in Fruitport mi.
Several years back they tore up Michigan ave. by the hospital in Holland MI and exposed the buried planks of an old plank road, I think it went between Holland and Allegan. The planks were actually still in un-rotted state for being buried. I took one of them for a souvenir, they were just shoving them aside. Those planks had been SPLIT out of logs, not sawed, which would have added to the bumpiness of the ride.
Hey Chuck it’s Doug from Fallasburg just ran into your vid.
I thoroughly enjoyed it !!
Hey Doug! Thanks!
Another largely forgotten mode of transportation runs generally in sight of the plank route through Allegan county. The electric Interurban railway. There are still a few vestiges of the railway which can be seen including culverts, bridge abutments, a cattle pass which can be seen from Division south of 84th in winter, and the foundation of a station south of 124th Ave west of the 4 way stop with what was the plank road next to a steel electric transmission tower. I believe there was another electric interurban which crossed the route between 112th and Martin. Running from Battle Creek to Allegan.
I had no idear. I lived on 131 in South Boardman for a few years. For 10 cool points I'll challenge y'all to put something together for UA-cam Shorts. Great way to spread word of y'all's expeditions of learnings 😎
We've thought about it. Still trying to figure out what.
Plank roads have always been fascinating to me, but I recently learned of a stone road (Garfield Rd) near where I live that appears on an 1896 map of Beaver Twp (Bay County, MI). If you have the interest, stone roads in Michigan would be a great follow-up to this video.
I love these adventures!
Thank you for taking us on your adventure and sharing history. 👍
A lot of Italian neighborhoods had brick roads. They have since been paved over or removed
I grew up along Romeo Plank Road in Macomb Township. That might make a really interesting video for you Michigan historians.
Another Great and Informative Adventure! I lived here for all but 6 years of my life, around Galesburg, Battle Creek, Bedford, went through Plainwell more than ever, love their ice cream!!! Never knew about the plank roads. always learning from you! Thanks for the History! Those kind of Diners are the best!
They ARE the best diners!
I was just wondering if you were going to mention the Meridian Historical Village where the plank road is displayed. And you made it. I live here in okemos and visit there often. Loved this video. So nice to take a walk back in history.
Excellent!
How did I not know about any of this? I live in Lansing and I'm going to go to Okemos and check that out
Just a question. Have you read "Peg
Leg" by Roy Adams? He was from Mason, my home town, and good friend to my mother.
I believe I did when I was a kid. Wasn't it written in the 50s or 60s?
I live near Romeo Plank Road in the suburbs of Detroit, but I’ve heard there were others in the area.
There is a road that runs from Romeo to Clinton Twp called Romeo Plank Road.
My property is directly on m37 thus I own property on the plank road.🤘
This was great. You two never fail to entertain. Loved the mid-vid bloopers. We were in a museum in the dunes area at the Cali/Arizona border several years ago and learned about these plank roads. Even with Michigan's weather they were probably more stable in Michigan than in the dunes. Great history lesson. Thank you.
I’ve lived in Michigan my entire life, except the couple of unfortunate years in Milwaukee, and I’ve never heard about these roads. I’ve driven past various streets and businesses called Plank Rd. and just assumed they were called that because some marketing person thought referring to their road as flat/straight as a plank was a smart move. I’m amused to find that a plank road was neither flat nor straight. Thanks for the entertaining history lesson. 👍🏻
Plank roads were likely a good place to walk on, provided you didn't have to jump to the side because of any approaching vehicle, or man on a horse. 😁
😆
I grew up in the Kalamazoo area and remember seeing signs for Plank Road Farm on US 131 on the way to Grand Rapids. Apparently it was some kind of tourist attraction, like Deer Forest in Coloma. The original 131 did pretty much follow the old Plank Road. I haven't been on it much north of Plainwell, but would like to check it out now that I've seen this video. The freeway from Grand Rapids was built in stages and for many years it ended at Plainwell until an extension was built to West Main Street (former M-43) and then a couple years later to its present ending just outside Schoolcraft. My family watched them build the West Main interchange.
I wanted to add it is quite ironic how Michigan had so many toll roads in the beginning as our current department of transportation seems to be quite allergic to the concept. In fact, I've been hearing talk that the state might even do away with the tolls on the Mackinac Bridge!
I hope you don't UA-cam and drive anymore! This is a great channel I have enjoyed your videos.
Please stop the car while you read.
Good to know humans and swine paid the same toll. Also that both humans & swine are not neat creatures. Apparently Poppins are classified as neat creatures, so Mary will have to fly on by, out of shotgun range.
Question: Did the Lansing to Howell wooden toll road follow I-96 or W. Grand River?
Plank roads, inland deserts what other crazy secrets is Michigan hiding? Thanks for your guys research & efforts bringing it all to us, always good ideas to add to a vacation itinerary
Thanks for watching!