Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~EAST JORDAN~
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Please do not copy the photos on this site, many of which have been submitted by private individuals...
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
Photo Above: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
The FIRST settler, William F. Empey, became the FIRST postmaster on 31 May 1873.
East Jordan incorporated as a village in 1887, and as a city in 1911.
East Jordan incorporated as a village in 1887, and as a city in 1911.
How did EAST JORDAN get its name?
Jordan River History
East Jordan's Name
Photo Below: A Marching Band and Veterans at the start of a parade in East Jordan...
~ Main Street of East Jordan With Hitching Posts, Instead of Meters ~
Early 1880s
~ "Commercial House" or Hotel in East Jordan ~
(Where Hite Drug Store was in 1960)
~ "Commercial House" or Hotel in East Jordan ~
(Where Hite Drug Store was in 1960)
1883
~ Approach to East Jordan with Schooners on Both Sides of Bridge ~
~ Approach to East Jordan with Schooners on Both Sides of Bridge ~
1883
~ East Jordan's FIRST Hotel; The "Eagle House" ~
(Located on the West Side of the South Arm)
~ East Jordan's FIRST Hotel; The "Eagle House" ~
(Located on the West Side of the South Arm)
1885
~ Charlevoix County Offices Moved to East Jordan ~
East Jordan was the county seat of Charlevoix County from 1885 to 1887.
~ Charlevoix County Offices Moved to East Jordan ~
East Jordan was the county seat of Charlevoix County from 1885 to 1887.
1890
~ Logging Scene in the Woods South of East Jordan ~
~ Logging Scene in the Woods South of East Jordan ~
1890s
~ Team of Oxen Skidding Logs Near East Jordan ~
~ Team of Oxen Skidding Logs Near East Jordan ~
~ Maple the East Jordan Lumber company Sold for Steinway Pianos ~
~ East Jordan Lumbering Operations Logging Equipment ~
~ Kimball's Tonsorial Parlors; East Jordan Barber ~
(During Lumbering Days)
(During Lumbering Days)
1890s
~ East Jordan's Bridge in 1890s; Rebuilt in 1958 ~
~ East Jordan's Bridge in 1890s; Rebuilt in 1958 ~
~ Iron & Chemical Works Made Wood Alcohol in East Jordan ~
(Failed 1930)
(Failed 1930)
1890s
~ This East Jordan Mill Made Barrel Staves and Hoops ~
(The Kilns were Used for Bending)
~ This East Jordan Mill Made Barrel Staves and Hoops ~
(The Kilns were Used for Bending)
1890s
~ East Jordan's Main Street ~
(Old Russell House Loomed Where Post Office Stood Later)
~ East Jordan's Main Street ~
(Old Russell House Loomed Where Post Office Stood Later)
1890s
~ East Jordan Main Street in Winter ~
~ East Jordan Main Street in Winter ~
~ Ships, Schooners, and Barges ~
~ Old Schooner and Log Boom at East Jordan ~
~ "Rosabelle" sailed from Lake MIchigan; Towed through Channel ~
(On to East Jordan for a Load of Lumber)
(On to East Jordan for a Load of Lumber)
~ Two Trips Daily on "The Walter Crysler" and "The Gordon" to East Jordan ~
~ The Friend Made Daily Rond Trips from Harbor Springs to East Jordan ~
Late 1880s
Steamer "City of Midland" in East Jordan
(She Plied Lakes Between Chicago and Buffalo)
Steamer "City of Midland" in East Jordan
(She Plied Lakes Between Chicago and Buffalo)
1880s
~ East Jordan Swing Bridge Allowed Lumber Loaded Schooners Through ~
(See another photo below)
~ East Jordan Swing Bridge Allowed Lumber Loaded Schooners Through ~
(See another photo below)
About 1900
~ Barge "Fletcher" Going Through East Jordan Swing Bridge ~
~ Barge "Fletcher" Going Through East Jordan Swing Bridge ~
~ The Yacht "Pilgrim" Built in 1876 became "HUM" ~
(Bought by Jepson of East Jordan and Re-named HUM;
Ran Between Charlevoix and East Jordan until about 1915. Capsized in Chicago and Lost.
When first built, the Pilgrim was moored at Belvedere in Charlevoix.)
(Bought by Jepson of East Jordan and Re-named HUM;
Ran Between Charlevoix and East Jordan until about 1915. Capsized in Chicago and Lost.
When first built, the Pilgrim was moored at Belvedere in Charlevoix.)
1894
~ Excursion on Side Wheeler "Queen of the Lakes"
(Round Trip Charlevoix > East Jordan > Boyne City for 25¢)
~ Excursion on Side Wheeler "Queen of the Lakes"
(Round Trip Charlevoix > East Jordan > Boyne City for 25¢)
1895
~ East Jordan With High Water and High Masts ~
~ East Jordan With High Water and High Masts ~
~ Rare and Unusual Picture of Schooners from Tug ~
1) Fearless 2) York State 3) Ever Fuller 4) Porter %) Butcher Boy 6) George Steele
1) Fearless 2) York State 3) Ever Fuller 4) Porter %) Butcher Boy 6) George Steele
1897
~ East Jordan Water Power ~
~ East Jordan Water Power ~
1904
|
1905
~ Charlevoix County Fair To Be Held in East Jordan, Michigan ~
22 September 1905
1905
~ East Jordan Miles School ~
1916
~ Harry Potter... Ex-postmaster ~
~ Harry Potter... Ex-postmaster ~
1916
~ When Timber is Gone, Then What? ~
~ When Timber is Gone, Then What? ~
1917
~ New East Jordan Studebaker Bus ~
~ New East Jordan Studebaker Bus ~
1920
~ Vortruba Building and Porter Building ~
~ Vortruba Building and Porter Building ~
1921
~ Cemetery Name ~
~ Cemetery Name ~
1921
~ New East Jordan High School Building ~
1941
~ Rites for East Jordan's FIRST Mayor ~
~ Rites for East Jordan's FIRST Mayor ~
Patricia Ann "Pat" (Eschedor) Sweet, who served as another MAYOR (like above) of East Jordan,
passed away 27 February 2018.
Pat and her husband Jerry Sweet owned
Charlevoix Properties and Yesterday's Treasures Antiques, both in East Jordan.
2018
1942
East Jordan Canning Company Fire Swept the Warehouse
East Jordan Canning Company Fire Swept the Warehouse
1948
Fire Destroyed East Jordan Fire Hall
Fire Destroyed East Jordan Fire Hall
1949
Gospel Song Writer Names Mt. Bliss
Gospel Song Writer Names Mt. Bliss
1951
"County Farm" > Grand View > Grandvue
"County Farm" > Grand View > Grandvue
1952
~ New Direct Dialing Possibilities ~
Boyne City Mayor Harry Tompkins and East Jordan Mayor Lee Sommerville inaugurated a new telephone service. Boyne City numbers could dial directly to Petoksey and East Jordan.
East Jordan and Petoskey could not, however, dial to each other.
~ New Direct Dialing Possibilities ~
Boyne City Mayor Harry Tompkins and East Jordan Mayor Lee Sommerville inaugurated a new telephone service. Boyne City numbers could dial directly to Petoksey and East Jordan.
East Jordan and Petoskey could not, however, dial to each other.
1954
~ East Jordan's New Bank ~
~ East Jordan's New Bank ~
1967
~ Grandvue Awaits New Wing ~
~ Grandvue Awaits New Wing ~
1972
~ Grandvue 30-Bed Addition OK ~
~ Grandvue 30-Bed Addition OK ~
History for Charlevoix County's Grandvue Facility
1953
~ East Jordan Air View ~
~ East Jordan Air View ~
1955
~ New East Jordan School ~
~ New East Jordan School ~
1958
~ Overlapping Names ~
~ Overlapping Names ~
1958
~ Giant Paul Bunyon of Ice ~
~ Giant Paul Bunyon of Ice ~
1968
1968
1969
1978
A 29 June 1978 article, written by Marshall Sayles, publisher of the East Jordan News-Herald, to accompany this photo above of the Temple Theatre in East Jordan included much of the following about the fire that happened in the fall of 1962:
The fire chief said he felt that faulty basement wiring was the probable cause of the fire that consumed the theatre in 1962. The two story structure became a raging inferno, with 30 firemen to fight the fire, noting a fairly strong wind was blowing in from the south east. Burning embers were sent toward the East Jordan foundry roof. Flames were shooting across to the A&P store, the News-Herald building, Hite Drug Store, the bowling alley and up the street to the Jordan Inn. The window on the News-Herald was so hot, a hand could not stay on it. Many important papers, checks and money, and the subscription list book were taken to Huckle’s Camera Shop down the street for safe keeping.
During the fire, one hundred or so people moved around the streets, helping where they could, taking pictures, or shooting movies of the action. Several young men helped move equipment from Milt Meredith’s barber shop since the back of his building on Esterly Street was perilously close to the burning theater.
Firemen kept careful watch of the huge electric ‘Temple’ sign perched atop the building. Would it fall on to Main Street causing harm to those below and perhaps start other fires, or would it slide backward into the flames? The sign stood some 40 feet into the air and had for many years been a sighting landmark for night flying pilots. Fortunately it tumbled back into the inferno, sending flames even higher into the air. At that moment I turned to look toward the East Jordan Iron Works and saw a crew of men moving about on the foundry roof.
With all the activity and excitement I had lost track of the time. Upon checking my watch for the first time that night I was surprised to discover that it was five o-clock in the morning.
Bill Porter was assigned to clear the ruins after the firemen had finiahded their work.
Before the fire and before the closing: M.N. ‘Mac’ McDaniel, who had operated the theater for a number of years, was not the owner at the time of the fire, having moved downstate after its closing. He passed away several years ago. Two or three others attempted to revive the business without success. If memory serves me correctly the building was in the hands of a realtor when it burned.
McDaniel had purchased the business from Hollis Drew who had had a long and successful East Jordan Theater career.
I recall McDaniel telling me that in the late 1940’s he was approached by a man who had moved to East Jordan from Detroit. He had offered Mac in the neighborhood of $70,000 for the then thriving business, which included successful mercantile operations on both sides of the building’s main entrance.
In those days the theater was running two shows a night every night in the week with a single showing Sunday afternoons. On weekends there always seemed to be a crowd standing out front munching popcorn and waiting to get into the second show.
With going businesses on both sides of the building and with the theater operating well into the black, McDaniel decided not to sell the operation. I was told the investor then made an offer for the Boyne Theater, but was turned down.
Within a few short years after the theater sale had been refused, television ‘hit’ East Jordan. One appliance merchant said TV sets are being sold like ‘loaves of bread’. Ironically, a man rented space on one side of the building selling TV sets as fast as they could be trucked in.
The sudden advent of television was a devastating blow to East Jordan’s 50 year old nightly enterainment center. Attendance dropped as more and more people began staying home nights to watch television. Not only in East Jordan, but throughout the state theaters began closing or were operated on reduced schedules. It was reported in Detroit that nearly every theater on Woodward Avenue was for sale at that time.
Thus, the theater had become a major part of the entertainment and social life of those growing up in East Jordan. Its death was an emotional loss to hundreds who, although still embracing the progress of television, did not want to lose something that had been so dear to them for so long.
The entertainment segment of East Jordan’s society had a fall to fall existence ~ built in the fall of 1911 ~ burning to the ground 51 years later in the fall of 1962.
The site is now [1978] a parking lot.
The fire chief said he felt that faulty basement wiring was the probable cause of the fire that consumed the theatre in 1962. The two story structure became a raging inferno, with 30 firemen to fight the fire, noting a fairly strong wind was blowing in from the south east. Burning embers were sent toward the East Jordan foundry roof. Flames were shooting across to the A&P store, the News-Herald building, Hite Drug Store, the bowling alley and up the street to the Jordan Inn. The window on the News-Herald was so hot, a hand could not stay on it. Many important papers, checks and money, and the subscription list book were taken to Huckle’s Camera Shop down the street for safe keeping.
During the fire, one hundred or so people moved around the streets, helping where they could, taking pictures, or shooting movies of the action. Several young men helped move equipment from Milt Meredith’s barber shop since the back of his building on Esterly Street was perilously close to the burning theater.
Firemen kept careful watch of the huge electric ‘Temple’ sign perched atop the building. Would it fall on to Main Street causing harm to those below and perhaps start other fires, or would it slide backward into the flames? The sign stood some 40 feet into the air and had for many years been a sighting landmark for night flying pilots. Fortunately it tumbled back into the inferno, sending flames even higher into the air. At that moment I turned to look toward the East Jordan Iron Works and saw a crew of men moving about on the foundry roof.
With all the activity and excitement I had lost track of the time. Upon checking my watch for the first time that night I was surprised to discover that it was five o-clock in the morning.
Bill Porter was assigned to clear the ruins after the firemen had finiahded their work.
Before the fire and before the closing: M.N. ‘Mac’ McDaniel, who had operated the theater for a number of years, was not the owner at the time of the fire, having moved downstate after its closing. He passed away several years ago. Two or three others attempted to revive the business without success. If memory serves me correctly the building was in the hands of a realtor when it burned.
McDaniel had purchased the business from Hollis Drew who had had a long and successful East Jordan Theater career.
I recall McDaniel telling me that in the late 1940’s he was approached by a man who had moved to East Jordan from Detroit. He had offered Mac in the neighborhood of $70,000 for the then thriving business, which included successful mercantile operations on both sides of the building’s main entrance.
In those days the theater was running two shows a night every night in the week with a single showing Sunday afternoons. On weekends there always seemed to be a crowd standing out front munching popcorn and waiting to get into the second show.
With going businesses on both sides of the building and with the theater operating well into the black, McDaniel decided not to sell the operation. I was told the investor then made an offer for the Boyne Theater, but was turned down.
Within a few short years after the theater sale had been refused, television ‘hit’ East Jordan. One appliance merchant said TV sets are being sold like ‘loaves of bread’. Ironically, a man rented space on one side of the building selling TV sets as fast as they could be trucked in.
The sudden advent of television was a devastating blow to East Jordan’s 50 year old nightly enterainment center. Attendance dropped as more and more people began staying home nights to watch television. Not only in East Jordan, but throughout the state theaters began closing or were operated on reduced schedules. It was reported in Detroit that nearly every theater on Woodward Avenue was for sale at that time.
Thus, the theater had become a major part of the entertainment and social life of those growing up in East Jordan. Its death was an emotional loss to hundreds who, although still embracing the progress of television, did not want to lose something that had been so dear to them for so long.
The entertainment segment of East Jordan’s society had a fall to fall existence ~ built in the fall of 1911 ~ burning to the ground 51 years later in the fall of 1962.
The site is now [1978] a parking lot.
1979
~ FIRST Television Aerial in the East Jordan Area ~
~ FIRST Television Aerial in the East Jordan Area ~
1979
1982
East Jordan's Fiddlers' Jamboree
East Jordan's Fiddlers' Jamboree
1983
East Jordan with Iron Works Still in Operation
East Jordan with Iron Works Still in Operation
1987
~ Shoreline Motel Rebounds after Fire Slowed Business ~
~ Shoreline Motel Rebounds after Fire Slowed Business ~
1990
~ Dedication of Sportsman's Park ~
~ Dedication of Sportsman's Park ~
1994
~ Local East Jordan Historian & Community Leader George Secord, 84, Died ~
~ Local East Jordan Historian & Community Leader George Secord, 84, Died ~
2020
Photo Below: Honoring History: Foundry Bar & Grill in East Jordan
101 Main Street, East Jordan, Michigan
Photo Below: Honoring History: Foundry Bar & Grill in East Jordan
101 Main Street, East Jordan, Michigan
EJ formerly known as East Jordan Iron Works was torn down and opened a new plant near Elmira, Michigan
to replace the longtime foundry along the East Jordan waterfront is the namesake for Foundry Bar & Grill.
to replace the longtime foundry along the East Jordan waterfront is the namesake for Foundry Bar & Grill.
15 June 2020 Slideshow Below: East Jordan
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
15 June 2020 ~ Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
More of Charles Dawley's remarkable videos and photography can be viewed on
Drone Photography from Charles Dawley "Up North Imaging".
15 June 2020 ~ Posted only by Permission from Drone Photographer Charles Dawley, Up North Imaging
Photo Below: East Jordan Iron Works Casting is located in Bay Harbor, Michigan...
Photo Below: East Jordan Iron Works Casting is located in Charlevoix, Michigan...
Photos Below: East Jordan Iron Works Castings are located in Petoskey, Michigan...
Photos Below: East Jordan Iron Works Castings are located in Harbor Springs, Michigan...
Photo Below: East Jordan Iron Works Casting located in Detroit, Michigan...
Photo Above: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
On 23 September 2016 the East Jordan Iron Works announced in the Petoskey News Review
that the foundry would be moving 13 miles east, but would be retaining its 350 jobs.
that the foundry would be moving 13 miles east, but would be retaining its 350 jobs.
2017
~ East Jordan Iron Works ~
East Jordan in Charlevoix County, Michigan
~ East Jordan Iron Works ~
East Jordan in Charlevoix County, Michigan
TWO Photos Above: Alex Childress' additional work also may be viewed at Alex Childress Photo.
2017
Beginning of Construction...
of new foundry for EJ in Antrim County, Michigan
Beginning of Construction...
of new foundry for EJ in Antrim County, Michigan
The necessity for Construction Permits is less prohibitive in Antrim County than in Charlevoix County.
Photo Above: Posted on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site only by permission from
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
Photo Below: The new East Jordan Iron Works is HUGE!
(Located at the top of Elmira Hill, south of Boyne Falls, Michigan)
EJ (New Name) is no longer located in Charlevoix County, Michigan,
but rather is located in Antrim County.
2007
~ Saint John Nepomucene Catholic Church ~
(Corner of M-32) 4976 St. Johns Road, East Jordan, Michigan
9 December 2007
~ Saint John Nepomucene Catholic Church ~
(Corner of M-32) 4976 St. Johns Road, East Jordan, Michigan
9 December 2007
2007
~ Stone Hedge Farm ~
2246 Pesek Road, East Jordan, Michigan
~ Stone Hedge Farm ~
2246 Pesek Road, East Jordan, Michigan
View the slideshow below of the happenings on 9 December 2007 at Stone Hedge Farm [Facebook].
~ East Jordan & Southern Railroad ~
1901
~ East Jordan & Southern Railroad Built for Logging and Lumbering ~
(Carried Freight & Passengers until 1960)
~ East Jordan & Southern Railroad Built for Logging and Lumbering ~
(Carried Freight & Passengers until 1960)
The East Jordan Southern Railroad engine locomotive and coal tender
was moved 6 June 2017 from Memorial Park
to a new home a half mile down the road on to the East Jordan Sportsman's Park on the Jordan River.
Several photos of the move are posted on the Petoskey News Review link above.
was moved 6 June 2017 from Memorial Park
to a new home a half mile down the road on to the East Jordan Sportsman's Park on the Jordan River.
Several photos of the move are posted on the Petoskey News Review link above.
The East Jordan Veteran Memorial is featured on the
Charlevoix Emmet History web site,
on the "East Jordan Memorial Park" web page.
Charlevoix Emmet History web site,
on the "East Jordan Memorial Park" web page.
East Jordan Shoe Club Holds a Shoe Museum
The School Club was started in 2008 and run by Matt Hamilton...
The School Club was started in 2008 and run by Matt Hamilton...
East Jordan's Superintendent was quoted in the 16 February 2023 Petoskey News Review, "The club and its lessons that guide our students has really been a mechanism to change the culture of our buildings. So many of our current students and alumni have been a part of this club and been part of a change for our district as a whole... providing experiences that will last a lifetime." Students must read a motivation book titled Value Up, to join the club, and then write a paper telling what they have learned from the book. The museum serves as a reminder to students to work hard, make good choices, not bully others, and most of all... walk in one another's shoes. In 2023 the museum holds shoe of 160 donors; the most recent being those shoes of Dolly Parton; but holding others of the likes of Kobe Bryant, Jack Nicklaus, Steven Spielberg, Michael Jordan, Justin Bieber, and Barbara Henry, the FIRST Black student to attend William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Henry, now 90, sent a note along with her shoes, to the East Jordan Shoe Club members, encouraging students to continue following their goals and using their talents to give back to the community. The museum of shoes holds, and teaches, so much more than just being a shoe closet. Click HERE to access photos of the shoes in the East Jordan Shoe Club museum.
UPDATE 1 March 2024 Petoskey News Review: The East Jordan Middle School Shoe Club will assist in a goal of raising over $160,000 toward East Jordan's Grand Army of the Republic Veterans Park. The project hopes to culminate with a trip to Gettysburg and a Memorial Day dedication of the new park. They already have raised $145,000. The Shoe club started in March 2008 by teacher Matt Hamilton who had been inspired by listening to motivational speaker Mike Donahue. Click HERE to read Value Up by MIke Donahue with Matt Hamilton. Recently, the students have collected shoes from the inventor of the cell phone Martin Cooper, the world's fastest woman Sanya Richards Ross, and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Ursain Bolt.
UPDATE 1 March 2024 Petoskey News Review: The East Jordan Middle School Shoe Club will assist in a goal of raising over $160,000 toward East Jordan's Grand Army of the Republic Veterans Park. The project hopes to culminate with a trip to Gettysburg and a Memorial Day dedication of the new park. They already have raised $145,000. The Shoe club started in March 2008 by teacher Matt Hamilton who had been inspired by listening to motivational speaker Mike Donahue. Click HERE to read Value Up by MIke Donahue with Matt Hamilton. Recently, the students have collected shoes from the inventor of the cell phone Martin Cooper, the world's fastest woman Sanya Richards Ross, and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Ursain Bolt.