TECUMSEH: Images of the Past Volume II (Volume I is sold out)
The history of Tecumseh, Michigan buildings and businesses in photos
SNEAK PEAK from VOLUME II
The new A&P Store at 117 Herrick Park Dr., pictured in 1959, was opened in July 1958. The grocery store was completely air-conditioned and featured modern amenities in every department and offered parking for 100 cars. Jerry's Market sells groceries and meats at this location now.
At the time this photo was taken in 1975, the D&C Store at 101 E. Chicago Blvd. featured an amazing candy counter as you entered. The typical dime store offered various and sundry items, all in one location. The building is known as the James Block and was built in 1894. A photo taken in 1915 is below.
SNEAK PEAK from VOLUME I
In 1937, Clark’s Market closed its business in the Witherell building (exterior featured in photo below) on the southwest block of Chicago Boulevard nearest Pearl Street after 48 years. Albert Clark first entered the meat business in 1889 and began his own business in 1909.
Looking southeast at Chicago Boulevard from Pearl Street, the first building on the right, Witherell Hall, was built in 1904 by William Witherell. The first floor was originally used as a carriage showroom and the second floor was an assembly and dance hall with an adjoining kitchen where annual Christmas parties took place. The Odd Fellows Lodge used the third floor. It was destroyed by fire on July 20, 1975. Grey Fox Floral, C. Jackson Realty, and local artist Russell Steinke occupied the building at the time of the fire. Officials said arson was the cause of the blaze and had it not been for new equipment and the hard work of the firemen, more buildings could have been destroyed. The top two floors were removed at a later date. The building now houses several offices, including that of the Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce.
Built in 1894 and known as the James Block, the Masonic Temple occupied the third floor with offices on the second floor. In 2017, the first floor is one open area with a single merchant, but in circa 1915, when this photo was taken, Alva Spade occupied the space with the door on the angle where he sold clothing, gentleman’s furnishings, boots and shoes. On the right, was the Heesen and Heesen Store. Years later, a barbershop was located at a side entrance on Evans Street (left side of this photo at the back).