Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== History of Manistee, MASON and Oceana counties, Michigan H. R. Page & Co., Chicago - 1882 -57- OUT OF THE ASHES Sunday, following the fire, was a day well to be remembered. In a few hours had been wrought widespread and terrible destruction. Hope struggled for mastery over despair. But this was only a brief struggle for the bone and sinew of Ludingston was made of too good material to sit idly down and mourn over what could not be recalled. As questions affecting the future of the city presented themselves for consideration, the determined energy of the business men was aroused, and plans for rebuilding began at once to take shape. Early Monday morning Mr. JOHN FANNON sounded the watchword by getting men and material upon the ground for a new building. Others followed in quick succession, and in six months' time the city was in better shape than before the fire. Six months after the fire the DEMOCRAT reviewed the situation as follows: "After the smoke had cleared away on the morning of June 12, 1881, the best of the business portion of Ludington was a smoldering ruin. A large number of the merchants had saved a part of their goods, but could find no place to again open busi- ness. Ex-Mayor BENNETT J. GOODSELL was the owner of one of the best building sites in the city, surrounding the corner of Luding- ton Avenue and Charles Street, and at once appreciated the situ- ation of affairs, and to relieve as far as possible the great demand for stores and offices, he commenced the foundation walls of the second largest block in the city, with his usual energy. The structure was pushed rapidly to completion, and the building is now occupied from cellar to garret. It is in size 48x80 feet, with an L on James Street 40x70 feet. It covers 6,800 square feet of surface, and is a two-story bruck veneered structure standing upon a solid stone and brick foundation. The first story is di- vided into one large double store room and two medium sized store rooms. The double room, fronting on the avenue and South Charles Street, is occupied by the United States post-office and Mr. W. G. BUDD as a jewelry store and a confectionery store. The other store room fronting on the avenue is occupied by L. SHACKELTON & Co., with a stock of furniture, and the store room fronting on South Charles Street is occupied by Mr. E. E. INGRAM, with a wholesale liquor store. The second story is occupied as offices and the city council rooms. The offices are occupied by Prosecuting At- torney D. V. SAMUELS, WHEELER & BISHOP, E. N. FITCH, lawyers; H. A. SUTHERLAND, police judge; J. B. SCHICK, justice of the peace, and others. The block was put up at a cost of $16,000, and is one of the finest blocks on the east shore of Lake Michigan. It's location is central, and it reflects much credit upon its builder, Mr. B. J. Goodsell. "THE CLAYTON BLOCK. "This is the largest and best built block in the burnt district. In size it is 44x92 feet, with an L 48x70 feet. It is a two-story and basement block, and is not only the largest block in Ludington, but one of the largest north of Muskegon. It is a brick veneered building built upon a solid stone and brick foundation, and is a model of architecture. It is divided into five stores in the first story, and each front is adorned with large French glass plates and iron columns. These stores are occupied by Mr. WILLIAM HEY- SETT, with a stock of drugs; SHERMAN Bros., with books and sta- tionery; WILLIAM G. HUDSON, with paints, oils, glass and wall paper; D. P. GLAZIER, with jewelry, clocks and silverware, and C. C. WARD, with a stock of groceries, provisions and crockery. A part of the second story is being finished off for a Masonic hall, and the balance is finished expressly for offices. Dr. F. S. KNOWLES occupies the corner office in the second story. The entire building complete covers 7,408 feet of surface, and was built by GEORGE W. ClAYTON at a cost of $18,000. It is not only a credit to the energy and enterprise of Mr. CLAYTON, but to the city at large. It is finely situated, on the corner of Ludington Avenue and James Street, fronting on James Street. "THE WHITE & DANAHER BLOCK. "This block lies on the corner of Ludington Avenue and North James Street, and stands upon one of the best sites in the city. It is a two-story and basement block, brick veneered, with stone foundation, and was built at a cost of $8,000. The basement is ------------------------------------------------------------------ -58- occupied by Mr. C. L. TRIPP, with several fine billiard and pool tables. The first story is divided into two store-rooms, with French plate glass fronts fronting the avenue. One is occupied by ADAM DRACH & Co., with dry goods, silks, etc., the other by C. L. TRIPP, with cigars, tobacco, confectionery and restaurant. The second story is occupied by WHITE & McMAHON as a law office, F. C. SILVER, with photograph gallery, and Mrs. D. G. SCROGGS, with millinery. This block was built by Hon. PATRICK M. DANAHER and Judge WHITE, and it reflects much credit upon these gentlemen for the interest they take in our prosperous city. "THE WING BLOCK "This block stands upon the avenue, between South James and South Harrison Streets, and in point of architecture is not only tasty but substantial. It was built by Mr. C. G. WING at a cost of $8,000, and is a credit to the enterprise of the owner. Being new and just completed, it is not occupied except in the second story as a law office by Mr. WING. The building is a brick veneered struct- ure, standing two stories in height upon a solid stone foundation with a basement full size of block. The first story is divided into two stores fronting the avenue. The cut-stone and fine work upon the front of the block are unique and showy. "THE CUSHWAY BLOCK "This structure is a two-story brick veneer building, standing upon a solid foundation of solid masonry. It was built by Mr. CUSHWAY expressly for the jewelry business in the first story, and residence in the second. The first story is furnished with a fire and burglar-proof vault and a French plate glass front with iron columns. The building is crested with a galvanized iron cornice, and is furnished with iron shutters. It is a brick veneered struct- ure 25x70 feet, and is centrally located upon the corner of South James and East Loomis Streets, fronting on South James Street. It was built at a cost of $6,000, and is an ornament and credit to its builder and the city. "THE NEW ANDREW BLOCK "This is a brick veneered structure, covering 2,700 square feet of surface, on the corner of East Ludington Avenue and North James Street. It is a two-story building, the first story of which is divided into three store rooms, the largest of which fronts on the avenue, and is occupied by the owners of the block, Messrs. F. W. ANDREW & Co., with books, stationery, toys and wall paper. The remaining store rooms front on James Street, and are occupied by the American Express Company and a picture-frame factory. The second story is occupied by Mr. S. C. MADSEN with his photograph gallery and several gentlemen as private offices. The block was put up at a cost of $5,000, and is one of the best built buildings of its size in the city. "THE STOUT BLOCK "This new block stands upon the avenue adjoining the WING Block, and covers 3,420 square feet of surface. It is brick veneered, with solid foundation. The first story is divided into two store rooms, the largest of which is occupied by the builder, Mr. O. S. STOUT, with furniture; the smallest with millinery, by Mrs. O. S. STOUT. The second story is occupied by Mr. STOUT with fine furni- ture and carpets. The front of this block is built to correspond with the front of the WING Block, and is, of course, tasty. It was put up at a cost of $5,000, by the owner, and is among the best blocks of its size in the city. "THE GEBHARDT BLOCK "This block stands upon the corner of East Ludington Avenue and South Harrison Street, and in size is 44x70 feet. It is a two-story brick veneered structure, and was put up by Mr. J. A. GEGHARDT, at a cost of $5,000. The first story is divided into two store rooms, the first of which is occupied by Mr. GEBHARDT as a merchant-tailoring establishment, and by Mr. J. N. YOUNG with groceries and provisions. The second story is divided into offices. The block is finely located and is a credit to the city. "THE KIESEWALTER BLOCK "Mr. KIESEWALTER has one of the finest store buildings in the city. It is a brick veneered structure 24x90 feet, standing upon a solid stone foundation. It is a two-story and basement building, and was put up at a cost of $5,000. The first story and basement is occupied by Mr. W. A. KIESEWALTER, the owner, with groceries and provisions, and second story as a residence. The building stands upon the corner of East Ludington Avenue and South Harrison Street, and is close to the business center. Mr. KIEWEWALTER may be justly proud of his new building. "THE WILLIAM & WHEELER BLOCK "This building was one of the first erected upon the burnt dis- trict, and was put up at a cost of $4,000 by its owners. It is a two-story brick veneered building 24x80 feet, and stands upon South James Street, near Loomis Street. It is occupied throughout by the firm with hardware of all kinds. Messrs. WILLIAMS & WHEELER deserve great credit for their energy and enterprise. "THE MENDELSON BUILDING "This new building stands upon Ludington Avenue, east of Lud- ington State Bank. It is a two-story and basement brick veneered building, and stands upon a stone foundation. It is one of the best built buildings in the city, and is in size 25x90 feet. It cost Mr. PETER MENDELSON about $4,000, and is occupied by himself with clothing in the first story and as a residence in the second story. The building is one of the most substantial buildings of its kind on the avenue. "THE WILSON BUILDING "This new store building stands upon South James Street, just south of the CLAYTON Block. It is a two-story brick veneered struc- ture, and was built by Mr. DAVID WILSON at a cost of $3,000. In size it is 22x70 feet and is occupied with dry goods and clothing in the first story by Mrs. MOSES ZIEF, and in the second story by Mr. ZIEF as a residence. The building is a credit to its builder, as well as to James Street, on which it fronts. "THE FANNON BUILDING "We believe that this was the first building built upon the district. It is a two-story brick veneered structure 22x60 feet in size and was built by Mr. JOHN FANNON, at a cost of $3,000. The first story is occupied by Mr. FANNON as a refreshment saloon, and the second story as a residence. Mr. FANNON deserves much praise for his energy and push in putting up the first substantial struct- ure upon the burnt district. "THE MEYERS ESTATE BUILDING "This is also a two-story brick veneered building and was put up by Mr. CHARLES T. SAWYER, executor of the estate. In size it is 22x60 feet, and cost about $3,000. The first story is occupied by Mr. A. PALMITER as a confectionery store and restaurant. The second story is occupied with the Ludington RECORD printing office and Mr. FRANK STEVENS as a residence. "THE BARTLETT BUILDING "This is a brick veneered building standing upon East Ludington Avenue, adjoining CLAYTON Block. It is a solid built structure, and was put up by Mrs. A. L. BARTLETT at a cost of about $3,000. In size it is 22x60 feet. The first store (sic) is occupied by Mrs. S. A. CILLEY with millinery; the second story by Mrs. BARTLETT with dress-making. ------------------------------------------------------------------- -59- "THE VAN HOUTEN BUILDING "This is the handsomest and best built one story building in Ludington. It stands upon the west side of South Charles Street, near the avenue. It is a brick veneered building 22x70 feet in size. The front is of French plate glass and handsomely trimmed. It is occupied by Miss FLORA VAN HOUTEN, the builder, throughout, with millinery and dress-making. It is the leading millinery establishment of the city. The building is a credit, not only to the builder, but to the city at large, and is valued at $3,000. "THE DANAHER BUILDING "This is a one-story frame structure 20x50 feet. It stands upon a solid stone foundation, and was put up by Mr. M. B. DANAHER. It is located on South Charles Street, near the corner of West Loomis Street, and is occupied by Mr. FRED OHLAND, with a stock of liquors and cigars. Its cost was about $2,000. "THE LATIMER BUILDING This is a one-story brick veneered building and was built by Dr. F. N. LATIMER, at a cost of $2,000. It is occupied by the doctor with drugs, medicines, etc., and is located on the north side of the avenue, between James and Charles Streets. "THE COTTON, HOLMQUIST and SCHUESTER BLOCK "This is a one-story brick veneered block built by Mr. E. COTTON, Mr. M. HOLMQUIST and Mr. HUGO SCHUESTER. In size it is eighty by fifty feet, and stands on the north side of Ludington Avenue, near the corner of North Harrison Street. Mr. COTTON owns one section of the block, and occupies it with flour and feed. Mr. MAGNES HOLM- QUIST owns another section and occupies it with coffins, caskets, etc. Mr. HUGO SCHUESTER owns the remainder of the block, which is divided into two rooms, one of which is occupied by Mr. A. W. CROMP- TON as a bakery, and the other by Mr. M. L. FOWLER as a barber shop. The entire block is valued at $4,000. "THE FRALICK & HAMMOND BUILDING "This is a frame structure and was built prior to the extending of the fire limits over that section of the city. It stands on the north side of the avenue, just east of the ANDREW Block. It is a one-story building, and is valued at $1,000. It is occupied by its owners with flour, feed and hay. "THE HUDSON BUILDING "This is a small temporary frame building, and was put up by Mr. W. G. HUDSON just after the fire. Its cost would not exceed $500. It is now occupied as a confectionery and residence. "THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH BUILDING is one of the largest church buildings in the city, and the finest. It is a brick veneered structure thirty-five by seventy-five feet with Sunday-school room thirty-two by sixty feet. It is heated with a furnace, and has all the improvements of a modern church architecture. The cost of the structure complete is about $7,000. It stands on the corner of Court and Harrison Streets. "THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH BUILDING "This building is in size thirty-two by sixty-five feet. It is a brick veneered structure, and was built at a cost of about $4,000. It stands on the corner of East Court and North Harrison Streets, and is a model of neatness. The society has every reason to be proud of their new building. "THE KIESEWALTER MARKET and BARN "The market is a brick veneered structure sixteen by fifty feet, and fronts on Ludington Avenue just east of the STOUT Block. It is occupied by Mr. H. SHIEBEL as a meat and vegetable market. "The brick veneered barn stands in the rear of the KIESEWALTER Block, and is one of the finest brick barns in the city. The two buildings are valued at $2,000. They are owned by Mr. WILLIAM A. KIESWEALTER (sic). "THE FOSTER RESIDENCE BUILDINGS "This cluster of buildings stands on the corner of West Court and North James Streets, and is very close to the business portion of the city. They are frame structures standing upon solid mason work foundations. One building is the size twenty-four by thirty- six feet with adjoining size sixteen by twenty-eight feet. Another is twenty by thirty feet with adjoinings size twenty by twenty-four feet, and the last of the three is twenty-two by thirty-four feet in size with addition twenty by twenty-four feet in size. They are all finely laid out outside and in, and are built after exquisite designs. Each building is furnished with a good basement, and is two stories in height. The first of these buildings was commenced while the ruins were yet surrounded in smoke, which fact speaks highly of the energy and enterprise of the owner, Prof. J. N. FOSTER, of the Ludington High School. The three buildings with the frame barn were put up at a cost of about $7,000. "THE STEVENS RESIDENCE "This is a frame structure and was built by Mr. FRANK STEVENS at a cost of about $1,000, and stands on East Court Street, near the corner of North James Street. "THE BISHOP RESIDENCE "This is also a frame structure, and with the barn was erected by Mr. THOMAS G. BISHOP, at a cost of about $1,500. It stands upon the corner of East Court and North Harrison Streets, and is a very neat residence. "THE EWING FACTORY "Mr. EWING has erected a new factory on the south side of West Loomis Street, and it and its contents are valued, at a low esti- mate, at $8,000. Mr. EWING lost heavily at the great fire, but rallied, and his two-story building 50x100 feet is filled with busy workmen, engaged in manufacturing and repairing wagons, carriages, sleighs, fancy cutters, etc. Mr. EWING employs a large number of men, and his work gives the best of satisfaction. He not only has a large local sale of his wagons, etc., but enjoys a large trade along the line of the F. & P. M. R. R., and the east shore of Lake Michigan." The present season Dr. MAY is erecting a two-story brick block, thirty-eight feet front on Ludington Avenue, by seventy-three feet in depth, at a cost of about $5,000. It is divided into two rooms, one of which will be occupied with a bank, and the other as a store. Mr. GEORGE TRIPP has just finished a neat two-story brick block on Ludington Avenue, near the CLINTON House, which he will use for his meat market. In the Fourth Ward, Mr. T. R. LYON has erected a fine brick block, two stories high and costing about $8,000. Mr. EDWARD GAGNON has recently completed one of the finest brick blocks in the city. It is situated on James Street, and has a front- age of seventy feet, and is two stories high. One-half of it is used for a livery stable, and the remaining portion is divided into stores. The new German Lutheran Church has been finished this season, and is a credit to the society and an ornament to the city. A large number of frame buildings have already been completed, and others are in process of construction. Mr. J. S. STEARNS is building an elegant residence in the Fourth Ward, which will cost upwards of $6,000 when completed. RICHARD RAYNE is building a brick store on Ludington Avenue. New residence buildings are going up in various parts of the city, all of which are tasty and substantial structures. --------------------------------------------------------------------- -60- An air of thrift and general prosperity pervades all departments of business, and there are abundant evidences that the city is enjoying a steady and healthy growth. ==========================================================================