Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
MICHIGAN MAPLE BLOCK CO.
OF PETOSKEY
~ EVOLUTION ~
most recently 1420 Standish Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan
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.
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
29 April 2020
This below history was captured from the Michigan Maple Block Company's web site the same day
that the company announced through the 29 April 2020 Petoskey News Review...
"Michigan Maple Block to Shut Down Operations" after more than a century.
The company had been operating on a very thin margin, and then Governor Gretchen Whitmer
made an executive order to shut doors due to the COVID-19 she said;
the company said it was impossible to continue as a viable business and would close by 20 June 2020.
Approximately 56 employees were affected with this announcement.
This below history was captured from the Michigan Maple Block Company's web site the same day
that the company announced through the 29 April 2020 Petoskey News Review...
"Michigan Maple Block to Shut Down Operations" after more than a century.
The company had been operating on a very thin margin, and then Governor Gretchen Whitmer
made an executive order to shut doors due to the COVID-19 she said;
the company said it was impossible to continue as a viable business and would close by 20 June 2020.
Approximately 56 employees were affected with this announcement.
"A History Ingrained with Innovation"
(as posted below and on 2020 Michigan Maple Block Company web site)
~ The Name and Year on the Present Company Sign ~
Michigan Maple Block Co Since 1881
Michigan Maple Block Co Since 1881
The 1941 photo below of the same end of the Michigan Maple Block Building as the above photo,
does NOT show a sign noting "SINCE 1881".
does NOT show a sign noting "SINCE 1881".
The September 1971 photo below of the same end of the Michigan Maple Block Building
in the above two photos, does NOT show a sign noting "SINCE 1881".
Photo below, obviously, was taken during a strike at Michigan Maple Block.
in the above two photos, does NOT show a sign noting "SINCE 1881".
Photo below, obviously, was taken during a strike at Michigan Maple Block.
HOWEVER...
(in deference to the sign stating "since 1881")
It was announced in the 5 August 1903 Petoskey Evening News that after Bauerle Bros. sold their plant to Mr. Broman of Chicago that the name of that plant hereafter was to be known as
Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company.
Its principal output would be butcher's blocks, brush blocks, and cutting blocks of all kinds.
It was not until this plant was destroyed by fire in 1913, and after it rebuilt,
that it was reorganized as
Michigan Maple Block Company
as announced in the 7 November 1916 Petoskey Evening News.
Regarding the sign above that hangs on the end of the building in 2023 stating
"Michigan Maple Block Co Since 1881"
the company's history has taken many twists and turns to reach back
for the beginning of the company as possibly being in 1881...
NOT this 1420 Standish Avenue location of Michigan Maple Block Company
as in the confusing lines of corporate parentage.
The Timeframe of the Beginning Years is Quite Confusing...
(in deference to the sign stating "since 1881")
It was announced in the 5 August 1903 Petoskey Evening News that after Bauerle Bros. sold their plant to Mr. Broman of Chicago that the name of that plant hereafter was to be known as
Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company.
Its principal output would be butcher's blocks, brush blocks, and cutting blocks of all kinds.
It was not until this plant was destroyed by fire in 1913, and after it rebuilt,
that it was reorganized as
Michigan Maple Block Company
as announced in the 7 November 1916 Petoskey Evening News.
Regarding the sign above that hangs on the end of the building in 2023 stating
"Michigan Maple Block Co Since 1881"
the company's history has taken many twists and turns to reach back
for the beginning of the company as possibly being in 1881...
NOT this 1420 Standish Avenue location of Michigan Maple Block Company
as in the confusing lines of corporate parentage.
The Timeframe of the Beginning Years is Quite Confusing...
Throughout this web page, when text is shown in this very color,
the information will have been gleaned from the company's own web site history as posted above...
"A History Ingrained with Innovation".
the information will have been gleaned from the company's own web site history as posted above...
"A History Ingrained with Innovation".
1841
The Emmet County Register of Deeds holds handwritten field notes of government surveyor Charles W. Cathcart that foretells Bear River's influence on the lives of hundreds of pioneer Petoskey citizens. Cathcart's 22 October 1841 notes stated, "Bear Creek, in this township (34N, R5W) after flowing through the swamp, passes over a limestone bed between the high banks, and rushes like a mountain torrent into the lake, affording the very finest of mill sites." He also recorded the presences of big stands of cedar, pine, hemlock, spruce, beech, elm and "sugar".
In the above 1941 recording of abundant water power and raw material, the all-important railroad had not yet arrived so businesses were not clamoring to take advantage of nature's bounty. The railroad showed up in Petoskey in 1874, and eventually a number of Bear River dams were built–as many as five operated at the same time...
~ 2 August 1984 The Graphic
In the above 1941 recording of abundant water power and raw material, the all-important railroad had not yet arrived so businesses were not clamoring to take advantage of nature's bounty. The railroad showed up in Petoskey in 1874, and eventually a number of Bear River dams were built–as many as five operated at the same time...
~ 2 August 1984 The Graphic
1875
Transcription below of 4 June 1875 Emmet County Democrat article (after the arrival of the railroad), offering water power from Bear River for free to interested manufacturers... by Shaw and McMillian:
"The 1875 enterprising firm of Shaw & McMillan recently has purchased a tract of land bordering upon Bear River, and includes a portion of the best water power to be found in the State of Michigan. The jobbers are already at work clearing the ground and getting ready to erect a dam upon the upper portion of their land which will turn the river from its natural course into a race where will be mills erected from time to time. They make this generous offer to manufacturers that any corporation or firm that will come here and erect manufacturing interests that will employ 25 men the entire year, they [Shaw & McMillan] will give them water to drive their machinery and land to build on without money and without price. This truly generous offer cannot not be accepted by some firm ere long for a water POWER which is so complete as this is, can seldom be found. Bear River is the outlet of Bear Lake [Later, Walloon Lake], a lake about 15 miles in length which affords a never failing supply of water even during the driest portion of the year. There is an inexhaustible supply of cedar about here suitable for wooden ware of all kinds, also any quantity of handsomest birds-eye maple that ever grew and will make the finest kind of furniture."
By July 30 [1875] the dam was well under construction and on 17 September 1875, according to the local paper, 'it was filled with water and proved to be made in good workmanlike manner."
1875 Article Below: The newspaper, like surveyor Cathcart in 1841, already was touting "the surrounding country mostly covered with hard timber, principally Maple, Beech, Elm and some Hemlock, some of the finest of Birds-eye Maple to be found on top of the globe."
"The 1875 enterprising firm of Shaw & McMillan recently has purchased a tract of land bordering upon Bear River, and includes a portion of the best water power to be found in the State of Michigan. The jobbers are already at work clearing the ground and getting ready to erect a dam upon the upper portion of their land which will turn the river from its natural course into a race where will be mills erected from time to time. They make this generous offer to manufacturers that any corporation or firm that will come here and erect manufacturing interests that will employ 25 men the entire year, they [Shaw & McMillan] will give them water to drive their machinery and land to build on without money and without price. This truly generous offer cannot not be accepted by some firm ere long for a water POWER which is so complete as this is, can seldom be found. Bear River is the outlet of Bear Lake [Later, Walloon Lake], a lake about 15 miles in length which affords a never failing supply of water even during the driest portion of the year. There is an inexhaustible supply of cedar about here suitable for wooden ware of all kinds, also any quantity of handsomest birds-eye maple that ever grew and will make the finest kind of furniture."
By July 30 [1875] the dam was well under construction and on 17 September 1875, according to the local paper, 'it was filled with water and proved to be made in good workmanlike manner."
1875 Article Below: The newspaper, like surveyor Cathcart in 1841, already was touting "the surrounding country mostly covered with hard timber, principally Maple, Beech, Elm and some Hemlock, some of the finest of Birds-eye Maple to be found on top of the globe."
Click HERE to access additional information about the role the dams
played in Bear River industries evolving years into the future as the Michigan Maple Block Company.
1876 OR Forward To 1878
"In the early 1880’s, Petoskey was a small working village at the end of Little Traverse Bay in northwestern Lower Michigan. The lumber industry was booming, and on the nearby Bear River, two businessmen, Mr. Baker and a Mr. Forbes, founded a woodenware manufacturing plant."
It was noted, however, in the section of Mr. Forbe's 1916 obituary below that it stated already in 1876, Mr. Forbes had been a member of the firm of Forbes & Baker, which had constructed the FIRST dam at the site of the then existing city light plant at the dam in 1876. Forbes & Baker erected a factory on the "east side of the river"... for several years employing twenty or twenty-five men. No bridge then crossed Bear River at Mitchell Street, and a roadway led down the bluff from the street to the factory, as shown in the fourth photo below.
It was noted, however, in the section of Mr. Forbe's 1916 obituary below that it stated already in 1876, Mr. Forbes had been a member of the firm of Forbes & Baker, which had constructed the FIRST dam at the site of the then existing city light plant at the dam in 1876. Forbes & Baker erected a factory on the "east side of the river"... for several years employing twenty or twenty-five men. No bridge then crossed Bear River at Mitchell Street, and a roadway led down the bluff from the street to the factory, as shown in the fourth photo below.
The joint 1916 obituary for Mr. and Mrs. Forbes above was not correct in stating that Forbes & Baker were established on Bear River in 1876 because the 28 November 1878 news article farther below reported that Forbes & Baker in 1878 were "only beginning to explore Petoskey as the location for their Wooden Ware Factory." Sometimes obituaries are only as accurate as memories serve.
Photo Below: Petoskey's FIRST Factory is shown with lumber, and on the east side of the Bear River
with Little Traverse Bay in the background, but no date, nor name, for the factory was labeled.
Could this below photo POSSIBLY be the Forbes & Baker woodenware factory, as that factory had been described as
located on the east side of Bear River, the area which this photo shows with facing north toward Little Traverse Bay?
with Little Traverse Bay in the background, but no date, nor name, for the factory was labeled.
Could this below photo POSSIBLY be the Forbes & Baker woodenware factory, as that factory had been described as
located on the east side of Bear River, the area which this photo shows with facing north toward Little Traverse Bay?
Below Photo labeled as:
"Forbes and Baker Dam" in the book A Look Around Little Traverse Bay on page 76...
On page 77 of the book noted above, it stated:
"The Forbes and Baker Company became Michigan Maple Block in 1903.
[Above statement was not completely true as Michigan Maple Block was not officially named such until 1916]
"Forbes and Baker Dam" in the book A Look Around Little Traverse Bay on page 76...
On page 77 of the book noted above, it stated:
"The Forbes and Baker Company became Michigan Maple Block in 1903.
[Above statement was not completely true as Michigan Maple Block was not officially named such until 1916]
Two Items Above: The evolution of the Shaw & McMillan Dam (also known as Forbes & Baker Dam) explaining dates for the dam becoming property of H.O. Rose in 1883, creating a penstock to later be added to the Petoskey water works plant on Lake Street.
Photo Above Dated 1876 ??: Looking south on the Bear River this Forbes & Baker Dam showed as the first dam (later the city's electric light plant dam) with the roadway that led down from Mitchell Street to the dam. The Mitchell Street Bridge did not yet exist. The Hankey Dam was the next dam behind the Forbes & Baker Dam, in the photo.
1878
October 1878 article directly below stated that "Gardner recently had purchased the water power ABOVE Shaw & McMillan's, which formerly belonged to Ignatius Petoskey, and would at once commence the erection of a grist mill thereon. Mr. Gardner eventually owned property on both sides of Bear River.
In the article below, the street mentioned west of Emmet Street was Elizabeth Street. The 28 November 1878 news article right reported that Calvin Forbes and Robert Baker were only beginning to explore Petoskey as the location for their Wooden Ware Factory.
|
|
1879
Petoskey was incorporated as a village in 1879.
Petoskey was incorporated as a village in 1879.
Article Below: The Site for The Handle Works (Forbes & Baker) selected was on the east bank of Bear Creek, being the water privilege of Shaw & McMIllan, and comprised about two acres, with the use of four hundred inches of water.
|
Article Below: Mr. A.A. Gardner would begin erecting a flouring mill (eventually Hankey Cable Mill/Hankey Dam). Mr. Gardner had bought the water power from Mr. Petoskey the previous Fall for the purpose of a flour mill. Mr. Gardner's site was above the power then occupied by Forbes & Baker, which eventually was across from the city's electric plant site.
Article Below: Progress at the Forbes & Baker Handle Factory included the water wheel having been places,
and the northeast corner of the second story transformed into a cozy, well-lighted business office, 10X10. |
1879 Article Below:
Forbes' Handle Factory was in successful operation. |
March 1879 Article Below: "Forbes & Baker moved to Petoskey about the middle of January 1879, and at once commenced building, and not withstanding the extreme cold weather and other difficulties, manufacturing began six weeks from the time they commenced building. The products designed to be manufactured were broom and mop handles, potato mashers, rolling pins, whiffle ? and neck yokes, gymnastic clubs and other things too numerous to mention. One of the advantages, which had great influence in securing their location in Petoskey, were the facilities for shipping their wares to market by either water or rail." The below article told also of the early successes of Forbes & Baker.
Below: The Emmet County Property Record Search as transcribed below shows that Calvin Forbes owned two properties in Petoskey; the business property with Lucius L. Baker. Forbes and Baker recorded their property purchased from Chief Ignatius and Mary Ann Petoskey on 29 December 1879. Their other property transactions all transpired in 1880 and are posted below in that year ~ 1880.
Subdivision Ignatius Petoskey LOT 5 Block 2
1879 12/29/1879 Grantor: Chief Ignatius and Mary Ann Petoskey
Grantee: Calvin Forbes and Lucius L. Baker ($300.)
1879 12/29/1879 Grantor: Chief Ignatius and Mary Ann Petoskey
Grantee: Calvin Forbes and Lucius L. Baker ($300.)
Photo Below labeled "Shaw-McMillan Dam on the Bear River in Petoskey" (undated)
The Shaw-McMillan Dam created power which ran Forbes & Baker.
The Shaw-McMillan Dam created power which ran Forbes & Baker.
Forbes & Baker FIRST was located on the east bank on the opposite riverbank of the site of the eventual
City Electric Plant at the Penstock Dam...
City Electric Plant at the Penstock Dam...
1880
The factories along the Bear River shared the river's power and interwove their evolving histories...
The factories along the Bear River shared the river's power and interwove their evolving histories...
Photo Above Labeled:
"Mitchell St. Bridge and Shaw-McMillan Dam on the Bear River, looking north in Petoskey"
The Hankey Grist Mill is the huge building at the far right
up on the bluff from the Hankey Dam and the cable power.
Is the building under the red line perhaps that of Forbes?
"Mitchell St. Bridge and Shaw-McMillan Dam on the Bear River, looking north in Petoskey"
The Hankey Grist Mill is the huge building at the far right
up on the bluff from the Hankey Dam and the cable power.
Is the building under the red line perhaps that of Forbes?
The dam transmitting power by heavy cable to the grist mill up on the bluff; power first owned by Joseph Gardner. After only a short time, Gardner's eyes were bothered terribly by the wheat dust, so Gardner sold the mill in the spring of 1880 to Christopher Hankey, a Civil War veteran from Illinois. In The Traverse Region (1884) on page 166 it was stated, “In the spring of 1880 he [C.F. Hankey] removed to Petoskey and purchased the Cable Mills [on Bear River]… Mr. Hankey is a very successful businessman.”
It was C.F. Hankey's daughter, Minnie, who married Thomas Forman. This marriage played a later role in the evolutionary history of Michigan Maple Block Co. when Hankey and Forman on 24 March 1893 purchased the Armstrong Company which later became the Forman Company which had its own corporate evolution.
Local area historian William "Bill" Ohle wrote in 2 August 1984: "The first beneficiary of the Shaw & McMIllan OFFER was the firm of Forbes and Baker, pre-Civil War clothes pin manufacturers of Rockford, Illinois [see photo below], but most recently makers of broom handles in Kalamazoo. They were looking for a plant site because they were running out of raw material down below. This [Forbes & Baker] factory is especially worthy of note because it was the forerunner of a firm organized in 1903 which became the Michigan Maple Block Co. [see green colored text below], still in Petoskey, still in the Bear River Valley."
It was C.F. Hankey's daughter, Minnie, who married Thomas Forman. This marriage played a later role in the evolutionary history of Michigan Maple Block Co. when Hankey and Forman on 24 March 1893 purchased the Armstrong Company which later became the Forman Company which had its own corporate evolution.
Local area historian William "Bill" Ohle wrote in 2 August 1984: "The first beneficiary of the Shaw & McMIllan OFFER was the firm of Forbes and Baker, pre-Civil War clothes pin manufacturers of Rockford, Illinois [see photo below], but most recently makers of broom handles in Kalamazoo. They were looking for a plant site because they were running out of raw material down below. This [Forbes & Baker] factory is especially worthy of note because it was the forerunner of a firm organized in 1903 which became the Michigan Maple Block Co. [see green colored text below], still in Petoskey, still in the Bear River Valley."
Actually, in 1903 the business name became Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company.
That name officially did not change to Michigan Maple Block Company until 1916.
That name officially did not change to Michigan Maple Block Company until 1916.
Photo Below: In about 2020 the Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company
donated the clothes pins and wood bowl to the Little Traverse Historical Museum.
donated the clothes pins and wood bowl to the Little Traverse Historical Museum.
Below: The Emmet County Property Record Search as transcribed below shows that Calvin Forbes owned two properties in Petoskey; the business property with Lucius L. Baker. Forbes and Baker recorded their property purchased from Chief Ignatius and Mary Ann Petoskey on 29 December 1879. By 11 February 1880, however, Lucius and Adora Baker had sold their business share to Calvin Forbes for $100. Then, by 24 June 1880, Forbes sold the business property on Lot 5 Block 2 to Charles Peterson. By 4 August 1880 Forbes Petoskey properties had been sold, although news articles below in the new few years still refer to Forbes, so perhaps the business still retained his name, but it is not certain that Calvin Forbes and his family were still in the area.
Subdivision Ignatius Petoskey LOT 5 Block 2
1879 12/29/1879 Grantor: Chief Ignatius and Mary Ann Petoskey
Grantee: Calvin Forbes and Lucius L. Baker ($300.)
1880 02/11/1880 Grantor: Lucius and Adora Baker
Grantee: Calvin Forbes ($100.)
1880 06/24/1880 Grantor: Calvin and Bertha Forbes ($800.)
Grantee: Charles Peterson (Sealed in witness of Blood and Wachtel)
Subdivision Fraser & Curdys Add. Lot 4 Block 1
1880 07/19/1880 Grantor: Charles and Sarah Fraser AND Scott and Sarah Curdy
Grantee: Calvin Forbes ($350.)
1880 07/19/1880 Grantor: Calvin and Bertha Forbes ($200.)
Grantee: Albert Whipple
Subdivision Ignatius Petoskey LOT 6 Block 2
1880 08/14/1880 Grantor: Calvin and Bertha Forbes AND Lucius and Adora Baker ($1,000.)
Grantee: Maurice Block
Subdivision Ignatius Petoskey LOT 5 Block 2
1879 12/29/1879 Grantor: Chief Ignatius and Mary Ann Petoskey
Grantee: Calvin Forbes and Lucius L. Baker ($300.)
1880 02/11/1880 Grantor: Lucius and Adora Baker
Grantee: Calvin Forbes ($100.)
1880 06/24/1880 Grantor: Calvin and Bertha Forbes ($800.)
Grantee: Charles Peterson (Sealed in witness of Blood and Wachtel)
Subdivision Fraser & Curdys Add. Lot 4 Block 1
1880 07/19/1880 Grantor: Charles and Sarah Fraser AND Scott and Sarah Curdy
Grantee: Calvin Forbes ($350.)
1880 07/19/1880 Grantor: Calvin and Bertha Forbes ($200.)
Grantee: Albert Whipple
Subdivision Ignatius Petoskey LOT 6 Block 2
1880 08/14/1880 Grantor: Calvin and Bertha Forbes AND Lucius and Adora Baker ($1,000.)
Grantee: Maurice Block
1881
Hankey rebuilt and greatly improved the dam in 1881, by then known as 'the Hankey Dam' servicing 'the Cable Mills'. Hankey's flouring mills expanded in 1895 to a grain elevator in Harbor Springs, and a flouring mill and elevator were built in Boyne Falls; with more expansion in Mancelona, Gaylord and Onaway. During WWII the flour brand was discontinued and the cable mill site on the Bear River was sold to the City of Petoskey.
Article Left: Meanwhile, in 1881, Niles Turned Wood Box Co. had located in the upper portion of the handle factory of Forbes & Baker. The box company used a portion of Forbes & Baker's power to run the machinery. The principle articles manufactured by the box company was pill boxes, salve boxes, and blueing boxes, used by druggists; using birch and basswood. Forbes & Baker previously had hired all their lumber sawed ready for use, but had begun doing all that in their own shop; using a drag saw and a circular saw. |
1882
Forbes' Largest Shipment of Goods from Petoskey in One Week
Forbes' Largest Shipment of Goods from Petoskey in One Week
1883
The Year of Forbes' Fire
The Year of Forbes' Fire
Two Articles Below: Mr. Forbes' Handle Factory burned in June. He was uncertain as to rebuilding again.
LATER: Rebuilding never happened.
LATER: Rebuilding never happened.
1883 Article Below: In addition to auctioning the residence of Calvin Forbes, in Petoskey, "the largest amount of real and personal property ever offered there at public sale," the Forbes auction included the sale of "one 40 inch, special size, Leffel water wheel, as good as new, shafting and other machinery saved from the late fire, also several thousand brick, fifty cords of wood, etc". No mention was made of selling the business; just the selling of items listed from the business after the fire.
Two Articles Below: Mr. Forbes had been in Petoskey for the past five years; being a pioneer manufacturer of the place. Mr. Forbes' family life was filled with musically gifted children; ready to assist in entertainments for various events. The family planned their farewell concert in Mitchell Hall before touring; traveling and performing around the country. Forbes sold his home and wares, and traveled the country with his musical family, encountering some serious family health issues along the way. Baker was a carpenter/builder of Bay View cottages.
Upon arrival of Forbes & Baker in Petoskey, the 2 January 1879 Petoskey City Record reported that Forbes & Baker bound themselves to employ at least 10 hands the first year, and 15 hands the remaining four years. Then, upon compliance with such conditions Forbes & Baker were to receive a deed at the end of five years.
Mr. Baker and a Mr. Forbes, founded a woodenware manufacturing plant. Only a few short years later, Baker and Forbes sold the business to Frank and Fred Bauerle, who ran it until the turn of the century."
It appears from news articles that Mr. Forbes, already separated from his partner Mr. Baker, never rebuilt his burned out handle factory, so it is unclear how Mr. Forbes could have sold the 1883 burned out business to Frank and Fred Baulerle as stated in Michigan Maple Block's History as stated above.
It appears from news articles that Mr. Forbes, already separated from his partner Mr. Baker, never rebuilt his burned out handle factory, so it is unclear how Mr. Forbes could have sold the 1883 burned out business to Frank and Fred Baulerle as stated in Michigan Maple Block's History as stated above.
LATER and again not all true: A 4 August 1992 Petoskey News Review article did state much the same information as stated in the company's history; however, probably the following 1992 article information had been gained from the company OR the company had gained its company history information from the article about William Ohle's account of the Bear River industries, stating "In 1878, two businessmen, Mr. Baker and Mr. Forbes, came to the lumbering town of Petoskey and founded a wooden ware manufacturing plant. They sold the business to Frank and Fred Bauerle a few years later. And around the turn of the century, Charles Broman and Frederick Schmitt bought it [the wooden ware plant] from them [the Bauerle Bros.]."
In 1883 when Forbes was abandoning his handle factory and leaving town, Frank Winsor arrived in Petoskey and began building a saw mill to operate a woodenware factory on Bear River, playing into the evolution of the Bear River industries. Winsor built his factory on the west side of the river from the Hankey Cable Mills dam; and Winsor later operated a factory at Walloon Lake. Mr. Winsor also operated a cider mill on Ingalls Avenue for several seasons. The following year in 1884 was when Mr. Bauerle arrived in Petoskey and then made a connection with Frank Winsor.
So, no connection existed between Bauerle and Baker & Forbes.
1884
F.K. Winsor Manufacturing started work in January 1884, and connected with Bauerle the same year.
Photo Below:
Mrs. Winsor wrote on the back of the undated photo "Winsor Woodernware factory before he enlarged it".
"This building housed the goods that were put out to dry and packed for shipment"
Mrs. Winsor wrote on the back of the undated photo "Winsor Woodernware factory before he enlarged it".
"This building housed the goods that were put out to dry and packed for shipment"
Articles Below:
Mr. L. Bauerle of Chicago, manufacturer of a special line of wooden goods,
arrived in Petoskey in April 1884 and leased ground and power of Mr. Frank Winsor to run Bauerle machinery.
Mr. Winsor's had established his property on the west side of the river in the fall of 1883.
No mention in news articles was made of Mr. Bauerle having had any connection to Forbes & Baker.
Photo Below: The Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company donated this container to the Little Traverse Historical Museum in about 2020. The container's label reads: "Always sold under this trade-mark. M'F'G. BY L. BAUERLE. Manufacturer of Wooden Vinegar Measurers Funnels Etc." A hand-written note beside the container stated, "Vinegar Measure Mfg. by Leonhard Bauerle who came here in 1884. Forerunner of Michigan Maple Block."
The description with photo below stated: "The Hankey Dam provided power to the Hankey Flour and Grist Mill, manufacturing 'Orange Blossom Flour'. A cable crossed the river for the Leonard Bauerle & Sons Wooden Products Mill. They made measures and funnels for vinegar, butter molds, doll dishes, and baby rattles made from one piece of wood. Later, this was bought out by A.K. Winsor."
Photo Below: The Hankey Dam was the location of the Winsor Mill and Bauerle's factory.
1885
Wiliam Birkett of Petoskey and William's son Thomas Birkett of Dexter, Michigan, opened their wood pulp mill (named Birkett Brothers) on the Bear River. The Birketts soon changed, after suffering with reduced prices below a living margin for wood pulp, to hardwood manufacturing and special furniture. The building for the hardwood manufacturing stood on the hill above the river, power being obtained by an ingenious patented rope cable connected with the water wheels. The senior Bauerle also entered into partnership with Birkett Brothers, who had established a mill and fine water power just below the McManus dam. The Birketts' accessed dam originally had powered a wood pulp factory, but switched to lathe work, and also built a grist mill. The Birkett dam had a 24 foot fall and when its three wheels were running, developed 400 horsepower. Their site was the historic one once owned by missionary Andrew Porter’s nephew. The Birketts connected in furnishing power for Mr. Bauerle, an inventor of woodworking machines for making of faucets and wooden measurers; in the Birkett's enterprise. The Birketts also had a custom grist-mill at this time and with their dam were also able to furnish the power to the plant of Bull, Bauerle and Jones. This mill did an extensive business in the manufacture of Indian clubs, dumb bells, ball bats, and variety turning. This Bauerle plant burned in 1890 [see farther below].
1895 Center Article Below: Bauerle business known as Bull, Bauerle & Jones hardwood factory.
The obituary for Mrs. Henry Bull, one of the pioneer lumbermen of Northern Michigan stated she died in 1921 at the home of their daughter Mrs. A.W. Palmer of Grand Rapids. Another daughter Mrs. F.L. Clemons survived in Washington D.C. Mr. Bull had been a member of the mill firm of Bull, Bauerle & Jones. Mr. Bull also operated a mill at Brutus, Michigan.
1886
Birkett & Spokes Travails and Fire
Article Below: The Petoskey Record newspaper was taking offense from competitor newspaper Democrat. Both Birkett & Spokes and Bauerle's factory were lauded as being "enterprising manufacturing institutions" by The Petoskey Record as opposed to insinuations from the Democrat.
1887
Vernon Sinking with Bauerle Product worth $100.00
Vernon Sinking with Bauerle Product worth $100.00
2 November 1887 Article Left: Since the Champlain had burned (Photo Below Right), the Steamer Vernon had been doing overloaded duty. While no one from the Petoskey area was lost with the Vernon sinking in a heavy sea off Two Rivers Point near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, L. Bauerle of Petoskey had about $100 worth of goods on board, and Connable & Son lost about $350 in fish shipped from their Northport house.
Click HERE to access additional information about the local waterfront ships and steamers like the Champlain and Steamer Vernon.
Click HERE to access additional information about the local waterfront ships and steamers like the Champlain and Steamer Vernon.
1888
During the fall of 1887 due to expansion of his trade, Bauerle took on a partner, Charles Fay, in his business and erected a large new building in the south part of Petoskey near the G.R. & I Railroad; so no longer located with Winsor's wooden dish factory. The business has increased power and improved machinery to supply any demands of their patrons, and give employment to a large number of men. ~ 9 July 1888 The Daily Resorter
1889
1890
Photo Above: Although the photo is labeled as 1890,
this previous Bauerle location was no longer the location of the Bauerle factory in 1890.
this previous Bauerle location was no longer the location of the Bauerle factory in 1890.
FIRE!
for Bull, Bauerle, and Jones...
In the long run L. Bauerle was referred to as 'the father of Petoskey's wood-working industry.' He and his sons Fred and Frank were so highly regarded by 1890, when their factory was destroyed by fire, that a public subscription was undertaken to put them back in business... With the help of this local support and some outside financing from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the Bauerles were soon 'the Armstrong Co.' The Armstrong Co. firm was making great quantities of hardwood flooring and had a payroll of $6000 a month; big business for little Petoskey." ~ 8 December 1984
Mr. Fred Bauerle's 1937 obituary reminisced that "With his father and brothers he started the Bauerle woodenware factory on Bear River, using part of the power furnished by the Hankey Milling Company. Later they moved to the old Forman factory where they continued to operate. The large home erected by the senior Mr. Bauerle still stood on Clarion Road [in 1937]."
The June 1890 article below explained: The Winsor factory which was located across the Hankey Dam from the Hankey Grist Mill, was purchased several years before by Mr. L. Bauerle. Mr. Bauerle then purchased a tract of land south of Petoskey (close to the convex corner of Clarion and Standish), near, but not on, the site of today's [2023's] Michigan Maple Block. There he grew what was to evolve into the huge Armstrong Company for wood working... perfect location by wood floating down the river, and beside the railroad to ship out product. The same article laments, however, the factory burned, just as it was completed. The articles below tell of the fire and the community's involvement in resurrecting the business. The Beginnings of the Armstrong Factory.
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FIRE!
After the 14 March 1890 fire, on 14 March 1890,
the Bauerle Factory Reorganized as The Armstrong Company
The Bauerle/Armstrong Factory was rebuilt farther up the river
by the convex of Standish and Clarion avenues.
After the 14 March 1890 fire, on 14 March 1890,
the Bauerle Factory Reorganized as The Armstrong Company
The Bauerle/Armstrong Factory was rebuilt farther up the river
by the convex of Standish and Clarion avenues.
Right Center Column: The Petoskey Record 19 March 1890 article reported about the 2AM Friday morning fire that broke out in the lathe room. The L. Bauerle Company business facility was approaching completion, but the system for fire protection had not quite yet been completed. The plant as a whole was claimed to be the largest wood-working institution in the world; employing 125 men with plans for 200 men when completed. Twelve miles of steam pipe for heating the factory were installed, and electricity lighted the buildings. Everything was first class, with a $12,000 Corliss engine. Figures were stated that insurance policies of $65,000 would not cover the total $100,000, or more, loss. The newspaper presumed rebuilding would happen quickly.
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Two Articles Below: The company did reorganize as the Armstrong Company, and began rebuilding... "The most extensive building operation now in progress are those at the Armstrong factory." Mr. L. Bauerle went into partnership with the Birkett Brothers... where previously a relationship had existed.
Article Below: It would seem that while Bauerle was renewing a connection with Birkett Brothers, Bauerle's previous connection with Frank Winsor, was being organized with the firm of Mr. James A. Washburn of The Washburn Manufacturing Company specializing in woodenware.
1891
The Armstrong Factory
(Reorganized from the burned Bauerle Factory)
The Armstrong Factory
(Reorganized from the burned Bauerle Factory)
Transcription of the article of the 7 June 1890~The Daily Resorter posted above under 1890. Then mostly reposted, with slight variations in the 1 June 1891 The Daily Resorter... below is the 1891 transcription:
"The Armstrong Factory:
First of all in size and importance comes the Armstrong Company’s works [shown in two drawings above]. This institution is the outgrowth of a small wood working business stated in connection with the Winsor factory several years ago by Mr. L. Bauerle [when] Chicago and Pittsburg capitalists bought a tract of land south of town where the railroad crossed the river and built a great factory, with everything that goes with it. After nearly two years of constant additions and improvements the factory burned a year ago last March just as it was completed.
Nothing daunted, the owners reorganized their stock company, and under the name of the Armstrong company, began rebuilding on a larger scale than ever, and now have in operation the largest and most complete hardwood manufacturing institution in the world.
The main building is 80 X 200 feet, three stories high, built in the most thorough manner and fitted with every appliance found in any modern factory. A large three story ware house is taxed to its utmost capacity in storing and handling the manufactured goods. An important part of the plant is the saw mill, the largest and most complete in this part of the state. Spacious brick buildings apart from the others are the Japanning* works, which constitute a very important branch of the business. Numerous other large and expensive buildings are scattered over the grounds, a very good idea which is furnished by the accompanying engravings.
The whole plant is heated with steam, lighted with electricity by its won electric light plant, and supplied with patent fire extinguishing water pipes, from independent system of water works. In ? the institution is as complete in ? as money and brains could ?? [part of article missing] ?? the wood is worked down to the Jappanned* knob of a teapot cover and the wooden tip of a nursing bottle, it will be seen that very little material is wasted. The institution gives employment to about one hundred and fifty operatives and is being constantly increased in capacity. The principal stockholders are Pittsburg and Chicago parties of practically unlimited capital, and the superintendent and manager is Mr. F.L. Blair who was for years foreman for the Armstrong company in Pittsburg manufacturing establishments."
*Japanned = Covered with a hard black varnish.
"The Armstrong Factory:
First of all in size and importance comes the Armstrong Company’s works [shown in two drawings above]. This institution is the outgrowth of a small wood working business stated in connection with the Winsor factory several years ago by Mr. L. Bauerle [when] Chicago and Pittsburg capitalists bought a tract of land south of town where the railroad crossed the river and built a great factory, with everything that goes with it. After nearly two years of constant additions and improvements the factory burned a year ago last March just as it was completed.
Nothing daunted, the owners reorganized their stock company, and under the name of the Armstrong company, began rebuilding on a larger scale than ever, and now have in operation the largest and most complete hardwood manufacturing institution in the world.
The main building is 80 X 200 feet, three stories high, built in the most thorough manner and fitted with every appliance found in any modern factory. A large three story ware house is taxed to its utmost capacity in storing and handling the manufactured goods. An important part of the plant is the saw mill, the largest and most complete in this part of the state. Spacious brick buildings apart from the others are the Japanning* works, which constitute a very important branch of the business. Numerous other large and expensive buildings are scattered over the grounds, a very good idea which is furnished by the accompanying engravings.
The whole plant is heated with steam, lighted with electricity by its won electric light plant, and supplied with patent fire extinguishing water pipes, from independent system of water works. In ? the institution is as complete in ? as money and brains could ?? [part of article missing] ?? the wood is worked down to the Jappanned* knob of a teapot cover and the wooden tip of a nursing bottle, it will be seen that very little material is wasted. The institution gives employment to about one hundred and fifty operatives and is being constantly increased in capacity. The principal stockholders are Pittsburg and Chicago parties of practically unlimited capital, and the superintendent and manager is Mr. F.L. Blair who was for years foreman for the Armstrong company in Pittsburg manufacturing establishments."
*Japanned = Covered with a hard black varnish.
The Petoskey Record 11 November 1891 article above explained: “… the deeds were signed which convey to the G.R.&I. railroad the right of way from the Armstrong factory down the west bank of Bear river to the Birkett Brothers mills, and work will begin on it at once. It will be a costly bit of work for the road as the cuts and fills are very heavy; but once done it will not only give the road the advantage of taking the product of all the mills which are or may hereafter be located on the river, but save the mills and factories a great deal of money now expended for hauling to the depot and the docks. It is, we understand, the purpose of the road to push on down to the bay in course of time. The parties who own lands along the river will be greatly benefitted by this branch. It makes available for manufacturing sites a long stretch of land which will now have both railroad and water frontage. [City] President McManus will perhaps reap more advantage than others, for logs can be delivered and lumber loaded at the door of his sawmill, while he can offer several large and beautiful sites for factories, which will consume the refuse of his mill for making power. Birkett Bros., whose lands be farther up the stream, will also profit largely. To no one more than President McManus is credit due for bringing about this great improvement.”
Click HERE to access additional information about Petoskey's City President McManus.
Click HERE to access additional information about McManus Dam and lumber company.
Click HERE to access additional information about Petoskey's City President McManus.
Click HERE to access additional information about McManus Dam and lumber company.
Article Below: "BIRKETT BROS. & BAUERLE FACTORY: Desiring to use more profitably their magnificent water power, Birkett Brothers last winter, associated with them Mr. Leonhard Bauerle, mentioned as the originator of the Armstrong factory, and put up a factory for the hardwood manufactures. The building stands on the hill above the river, power being obtained by an ingenious, patented rope cable, connected with the water wheels. Mr. Bauerle is the inventor of a number of wood-working machines, several of which are making faucets and wooden measures in the manufacture of which he has no equal. The factory is supplied with the very best machinery, much of it being Mr. Bauerle's own invention, and is already turning out a large amount of work. A saw mill which will be run in connection with this business is almost completed, and the mill and factory will employ fifteen or twenty men."
Eleven Photos Below: In about 2020, the Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company donated these utensils and tools to the Little Traverse Historical Museum. No particular names were labeling the utensils or tools, nor were they labeled with company names or dates. In the 1891 article above, the Winsor Wooden Ware Co. listed several of their works as being wooden bowls, butter molds, rolling pins, potato mashers.
1892
Bull, Bauerle & Jones took over operating the Armstrong plant under lease.
1893
Thomas Forman married his first wife, Martha Jeroloman, in 1878. Martha died in 1882. Eight years later Mr. Forman married Miss Minnie Hankey, of Petoskey. Minnie Hankey Forman died in 1930. Thomas Forman, born 7 August 1853, died 29 November 1933 in Detroit's Harper Hospital, and was buried in Petoskey's Greenwood Cemetery. Minnie's sister was married to Chalmers Curtis whose family has had a long history with banking, and various other Petoskey interests.
On 23 or 24 March 1893 the Armstrong Company was bought by C.F. Hankey and Thomas Forman from the Armstrong Flooring Co. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; the same year that Thomas Forman and a young Morgan Curtis formed a partnership in Forman and Curtis Floor Company. The Armstrong Company became the Forman Company. This was the largest industry on Bear River. The plant covered eighteen acres and made a million feet of maple flooring a year. This floor factory burned 18 July 1901. [This timeframe and business transaction was the beginning of the Curtis ownership of the convex corner of Standish and Clarion avenues property. In later years, Morgan Curtis donated the property to the use of the Petoskey Schools where the stadium stood for years with a plaque noting Curtis' donation (see photo below). The stadium was razed in March 2022, and the location is still maintained and used by the school system, and open for public recreation like walking the track. For additional information about this donated Curtis property click HERE.]
On 23 or 24 March 1893 the Armstrong Company was bought by C.F. Hankey and Thomas Forman from the Armstrong Flooring Co. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; the same year that Thomas Forman and a young Morgan Curtis formed a partnership in Forman and Curtis Floor Company. The Armstrong Company became the Forman Company. This was the largest industry on Bear River. The plant covered eighteen acres and made a million feet of maple flooring a year. This floor factory burned 18 July 1901. [This timeframe and business transaction was the beginning of the Curtis ownership of the convex corner of Standish and Clarion avenues property. In later years, Morgan Curtis donated the property to the use of the Petoskey Schools where the stadium stood for years with a plaque noting Curtis' donation (see photo below). The stadium was razed in March 2022, and the location is still maintained and used by the school system, and open for public recreation like walking the track. For additional information about this donated Curtis property click HERE.]
The photo below seems to be the same as above photo, from another source, and with different labeling...
being labeled below as "Michigan Maple Block Company" (Not True)
being labeled below as "Michigan Maple Block Company" (Not True)
Three Undated Photos Below:
The Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection had labeled the photos as the Forman Flooring Company.
The Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection had labeled the photos as the Forman Flooring Company.
Photo Below: 1902
The Forman & Curtis Hardwood Flooring Factory
Located at corners of Clarion and Standish Avenues
The Forman & Curtis Hardwood Flooring Factory
Located at corners of Clarion and Standish Avenues
Photo/Text Above: "In 1895 the Forman & Curtis Hardwood Flooring Factory was located at the Corners/Apex of Clarion and Standish avenues. The plant originally was built by the Armstrong Company of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. They manufactured nothing but hardwood flooring turning out 7,000.000 feet per year. It burned down in 1902."
This convex area includes the property that Morgan Curtis eventually donated to the Petoskey Public Schools to be used for the stadium located on "Curtis Field"... the stadium was razed in 2022. Click HERE for additional information about the Curtis Field. In a 24 March 1965 Petoskey News Review was an article by community pioneer John KIlborn, who told: “The first large scale logging operation I can remember was in 1898. A camp was just a short distance from our school and they took the timber off of a large tract of land that adjoined our farm. The crew, consisted of about 30 men and eight teams of large horses. The timber was cut and skidded in the fall and hauled by teams and sleighs when the winter came, taking the timber to the Thomas Forman and Company mill at Petoskey. The mill was where the present Petoskey High School football stadium is located today." AND "In Petoskey there was the Thomas Forman saw mill and flooring factory that burned to the ground in 1901; The W.L. McManus Lumber Company that operated here as long as the timber lasted, the Michigan Maple Block company that used to operate a saw mill; the combined shingle and saw mill operated by L.G. Grimes and the Bauerle Brother saw mill and broom handle factory along with a few other small operations.” It was written "The old Tom Forman plant where they manufactured maple flooring. Mr. Forman didn't believe in insurance so when the mill burned he lost everything. The plant was out near the stadium." |
1894
Bull, Bauerle & Jones had built up extensive business in the old Armstrong plant before it was sold;
they moved to the second floor of the Birkett Bros. factory.
A court case was ensuing in Chicago for
Armstrong Company vs. Houston & Co.
they moved to the second floor of the Birkett Bros. factory.
A court case was ensuing in Chicago for
Armstrong Company vs. Houston & Co.
1895
In March of 1895, Bull, Bauerle & Jones added baseball bats to its list of products,
and, a month later, wooden exercise bats.
and, a month later, wooden exercise bats.
1896
Map Below: 1896 Sanborn Map showing Birkett Brothers Novelty Wood Works & Grist Mill AND Bull, Bauerle & Jones
1897
Bull, Bauerle & Jones settled in their own factory;
the acquired mill property of L.G. Grimes on Standish Avenue...
no longer with Birkett Bros. factory
Bull, Bauerle & Jones settled in their own factory;
the acquired mill property of L.G. Grimes on Standish Avenue...
no longer with Birkett Bros. factory
Death Notice Above:
Mr. Leonhart Bauerle's home was Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan,
where he died 13 September 1897 of Bright's Disease.
Mr. Leonhart Bauerle's home was Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan,
where he died 13 September 1897 of Bright's Disease.
Business was so good for the firm, Bull, Bauerle & Jones, that by October of 1897 they had moved to the former Snyder plant that had belonged to L.G. Grimes and was located on the Bear River, south of the city, on Standish Avenue. They installed $12,000 worth of machinery and an electric light plant.
Fred Bauerle's 1937 obituary explained, "Mr. [Fred] Bauerle was an old-time resident of the city, coming here with the family many years ago. With his father and brothers he started the Bauerle woodenware factory on Bear River, using part of the power furnished by the Hankey Milling Co. Later they moved to the old Forman factory where they continued to operate. The large home erected by the senior Mr. Bauerle still stands [1937] on Clarion Road."
1898
1898 Photo Below: Bull, Bauerle & Jones no longer were located with the Birkett Bros.
Bauerle became sole owner, with Bull and Jones (a silent partner) selling out to Bauerle.
Bauerle took in partners Charles Broman and Mr. Hull who gained ownership of the company.
Bauerle became sole owner, with Bull and Jones (a silent partner) selling out to Bauerle.
Bauerle took in partners Charles Broman and Mr. Hull who gained ownership of the company.
Articles Above: Just before the turn of the century, Mr. Jones, who was certainly the silent partner in the firm, sold out his portion, and Bull & Bauerle continued on alone – briefly. Leonard Bauerle had died on 14 September 1897 of Bright’s Disease, so in November of 1900, Henry Bull sold out to Bauerle’s son Frank, who had a wood turning business in Chicago. His machinery was brought to Petoskey to add to the stock, and the firm was then called Bauerle Brothers.
The two 1898 articles below, however, stated that at first Jones left the firm to his partners Bull and Bauerle AND the business would continue under the firm name of Bull and Bauerle... not Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company, like the more recent 1968 article stated.
The two 1898 articles below, however, stated that at first Jones left the firm to his partners Bull and Bauerle AND the business would continue under the firm name of Bull and Bauerle... not Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company, like the more recent 1968 article stated.
1899
Land Transaction
Land Transaction
1900
1901
Forman Company FIRE in JULY
Forman Company FIRE in JULY
As noted in the 20 February 1901 news article below the Thomas Forman Company,
was running busily along with the other Bear River Industries... THEN, Fire struck in July...
was running busily along with the other Bear River Industries... THEN, Fire struck in July...
Back in 1890, the Bauerle Company's new facility was nearing completion when it became a great loss due to fire. The same year, the Bauerle Company reorganized as the Armstrong Company. On 23 March 1893 the Armstrong Company was bought by Hankey and Forman to run under the partnership of Forman and Curtis Floor company. The company ran prosperously until 18 July 1901 when it was destroyed by fire.
Article Below asked, Do you remember....
Article Below asked, Do you remember....
A 7 August 1901 The Petoskey Record article advised, "It is now pretty definitely settled that the Forman flooring factory will not be rebuilt, and this city thus loses an enterprise which had supported many families, and kept a great deal of money circulating among our business men. If the business men had long ago demanded that a plant so important to the interests of Petoskey, be well protected against loss by fire, by laying a six inch main up the valley, or by the purchase of a modern steam fire engine, it would have been done, and at an expense of a sum which would not have been felt by the tax-payers, the big institution would have kept on pouring money into the channels of local trade for twenty years to come."
It seems in the same year as the horrendous Forman Fire, according to the December 1901 article below, that the Bauerle Bros. was a very busy establishment located on Bear Creek at the south end of town; quite possibly the location of the evolved location of Michigan Maple Block Company on Standish Avenue, but in 1901 still named Bauerle Bros. The community was considering the great loss of industries and employment due to a lack of proper fire fighting equipment for the devastating fires.
It seems in the same year as the horrendous Forman Fire, according to the December 1901 article below, that the Bauerle Bros. was a very busy establishment located on Bear Creek at the south end of town; quite possibly the location of the evolved location of Michigan Maple Block Company on Standish Avenue, but in 1901 still named Bauerle Bros. The community was considering the great loss of industries and employment due to a lack of proper fire fighting equipment for the devastating fires.
1902
The Independent Democrat 7 February 1902 article told,
"The Thomas Forman Co. Ltd filed articles of incorporation with the county clerk yesterday."
"The Thomas Forman Co. Ltd filed articles of incorporation with the county clerk yesterday."
Three Petoskey Record 18 June 1902 articles below told,
"The Bauerle Bros. occupy the old Snyder handle factory property, and business seemed to be booming for them."
The Bauerle Bros. closed down for a month or six weeks for repairs and improvements.
"A Little Journey" further described the businesses near to Bauerle Bros.
"The Bauerle Bros. occupy the old Snyder handle factory property, and business seemed to be booming for them."
The Bauerle Bros. closed down for a month or six weeks for repairs and improvements.
"A Little Journey" further described the businesses near to Bauerle Bros.
1902 Petoskey Plat Map
The 1902 Petoskey Plat Map Above: The large V-shaped area between State Road morphing into Sheridan Street, Standish Avenue, and Clarion Avenue included from the north... Grimes property associated with the manufacturing of bricks, The Standard Oil Company, more Grimes property, the Bauerle Bros Mill, and Forman Co. Ltd.
The 1902 Petoskey Plat Map Below Same as Above, but showing more properties farther north downstream: The Birkett Bros. property can be seen near the Petoskey Fibre Paper Co. at the bend in the river. The F.W. Winsor Bros. property and mill can be seen at the bend near the Hankey Dam and Mill.
The 1902 Petoskey Plat Map Below Same as Above, but showing more properties farther north downstream: The Birkett Bros. property can be seen near the Petoskey Fibre Paper Co. at the bend in the river. The F.W. Winsor Bros. property and mill can be seen at the bend near the Hankey Dam and Mill.
The 1902 Plat Map shows that the Bauerle Brothers Mill was located on their property which had Grimes property
to the north and to the east, which in 2023 both are part of the Michigan Maple Block Company property.
to the north and to the east, which in 2023 both are part of the Michigan Maple Block Company property.
1903
The Petoskey Block and Mfg. Co
The Petoskey Block and Mfg. Co
"By 1903, Schmitt had become the company’s majority stockholder. He refined the appearance of the butcher block, making many design improvements. From 1907 through 1916 he obtained several patents for his ‘Butcher Chopping Block’ and most importantly for his technique of laminating, known today as the ‘Wood Welded’ process."
On 1 August 1903 (article farther below) Bauerle Bros. hereafter would be known as The Petoskey Block and Mfg. Co.,
having sold their plant to Mr. Charles II Broman of Chicago.
Broman was a man with new ideas.
With a salesman Frederick J. Schmitt, for the firm since about the turn of the century,
Broman would revolutionize the business.
A 1981 company brochure stated:
"Near the turn of the century, Chicago businessmen Charles H. Broman and Frederick J. Schmitt
became interested in the business as a result of their work with the meat-cutting industry."
Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Co.would make butchers’ blocks, cutting blocks,
brush blocks (block handles for brushes) and so on.
The FIRST meat blocks were made in August, 1903, when the factory employed abut 25 men.
“Broman and Schmitt had recognized the problems inherent in the then standard meat cutting block,
a log section of southern Sycamore.
Not only did it tend to split as it dried, but its size was limited by the size of the log."
having sold their plant to Mr. Charles II Broman of Chicago.
Broman was a man with new ideas.
With a salesman Frederick J. Schmitt, for the firm since about the turn of the century,
Broman would revolutionize the business.
A 1981 company brochure stated:
"Near the turn of the century, Chicago businessmen Charles H. Broman and Frederick J. Schmitt
became interested in the business as a result of their work with the meat-cutting industry."
Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Co.would make butchers’ blocks, cutting blocks,
brush blocks (block handles for brushes) and so on.
The FIRST meat blocks were made in August, 1903, when the factory employed abut 25 men.
“Broman and Schmitt had recognized the problems inherent in the then standard meat cutting block,
a log section of southern Sycamore.
Not only did it tend to split as it dried, but its size was limited by the size of the log."
Clipping Below: Evidently, the Bauerle factory had some sort of arrangement
to construct a new butter dish factory on the Grimes' lot north of the Bauerle factory.
to construct a new butter dish factory on the Grimes' lot north of the Bauerle factory.
Two Photos Below: About 2020 the Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company donated this miniature cutting block to the Little Traverse Historical Museum. The item had no label to indicate the company name or any date. The 1903 article below indicated that its principal output would be "butcher blocks", so possibly this was a salesman's miniature sample of the product being promoted. The actual item is about 6" by 6". Another possibility... a table like the one shown farther below in the 1933 WoodWelded booklet promoting their new WoodWelded product. A photo like this butcher block table was featured.
5 August 1903 Article Below: The Bauerele Bros. sold their plant to Mr. Charles II. Broman, of Chicago, who immediately took possession. Broman & Schmidt [sic ~ probably Schmitt] also had acquired the Mears mill property and water rights at Boyne Falls and would employ in the Boyne Falls plant 75 to 100 men, besides a force of men in the woods during the winter. The Boyne Falls plant was known as the Monarch Brush Co., but the Petoskey plant was the individual property of Mr. Broman, and would be called the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Co., and its principal output would be butcher's blocks, brush blocks, and cutting blocks of all kinds. Mr. Broman would bring his family from Chicago. Fred Bauerle already was getting out railroad ties and shingles at Levering.
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Article Below: "Bauerle Brothers Sell Out. An important Petoskey business deal was concluded Saturday, whereby Bauerle Brothers sold their wood working plant to Charles H. Bromann of Chicago. The plant will hereafter be known as the Petoskey Block and Mfg. Co."
1903 > 1907
Climax Dish Company connection to Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Company property...
"It will be located on the four acre site,
immediately adjoining and just south of the Standard Oil Co.'s property...
The site is about 600 feet long by 250 feet in width,
and lies between Standish Street and the G.R. & I. Railroad.
It was secured by the Board of Trade on option from L.G. Grimes,
who is the owner of considerable property in the vicinity."
Climax Dish Company connection to Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Company property...
"It will be located on the four acre site,
immediately adjoining and just south of the Standard Oil Co.'s property...
The site is about 600 feet long by 250 feet in width,
and lies between Standish Street and the G.R. & I. Railroad.
It was secured by the Board of Trade on option from L.G. Grimes,
who is the owner of considerable property in the vicinity."
Articles Left and Below: Descriptions of the main building of Climax Dish Company Ltd. "80 by 180 feet... foundation consists of number of concrete frustum of pyramids, about three feet square at the base, and about two and one half feet in height, with a substantial floor to contain the heaviest machinery.
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Follow the years 1904, 1905, and 1906 below to fill in the happenings
for the Petoskey Climax Dish Company, and the company's 1907 connection to Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company.
for the Petoskey Climax Dish Company, and the company's 1907 connection to Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company.
Petoskey City Council meeting below: "Resolved, That the property known as the Climax Wood Dish Co.'s site and buildings be purchased for public improvement purposes at a cost not to exceed $1,800 and that public building committee have charge of purchase." Then... "moved that resolution be referred to the incoming ways and means committee. Motion prevailed."
24 April 1907 Article Below Left: The Climax Dish Factory was established in 1903. By 1907 the Petoskey City Council considered the proposal for the purchase of the Climax Dish Factory site, by then occupied by the Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Co. Mr. Chalmers Curtis spoke of the apathy and indifference of the business men of Petoskey. Every effort had been made by a few members, and a liability of about $1,800 had been assumed by four or five individual members of the board of trade, and he urged that it would be an act of grave injustice to permit a few to carry the load when the benefits were so widely distributed... the site was worth the amount asked of the city, that the board of trade had erected buildings to the value of nearly $6,000, the the whole would become the property of the city in fee simple, subject to the lease of the block company, which is for a period of seven and one-half years. The company has an option to buy the property at any time for $7,000 and they are obligated to pay all taxes on the property and keep the buildings insured in favor of the board of trade. This debt should be assumed by the city. A failure to comply with the terms of the lease for a period of thirty days is a forfeiture of the lease. With this debt cancelled the board of trade would go out of existence, and the indebtedness of its member would be cancelled.
After debate ensued Judge Clay E. Call suggested a happy solution of the trouble by proposing that the legislature be asked for an enabling act permitting the city to purchase this property. That was unanimously agreed with a resolution to purchase the property conditioned upon the passage of an enabling act by the legislature.
5 June 1907 Article Below Right: The enabling act was passed by the Michigan congress authorizing Petoskey to purchase and receive conveyance by good and sufficient warrantee deed of certain tract of land to be used for Public improvement purposes. The city was thereby authorized to cause to be levied on the taxable property of the city such a sum of money, not exceeding the amount necessary to pay the purchase price (not to exceed $1950) of said tract of land. The resolution passed 6-1.
After debate ensued Judge Clay E. Call suggested a happy solution of the trouble by proposing that the legislature be asked for an enabling act permitting the city to purchase this property. That was unanimously agreed with a resolution to purchase the property conditioned upon the passage of an enabling act by the legislature.
5 June 1907 Article Below Right: The enabling act was passed by the Michigan congress authorizing Petoskey to purchase and receive conveyance by good and sufficient warrantee deed of certain tract of land to be used for Public improvement purposes. The city was thereby authorized to cause to be levied on the taxable property of the city such a sum of money, not exceeding the amount necessary to pay the purchase price (not to exceed $1950) of said tract of land. The resolution passed 6-1.
1904
Mr. Charles Broman improved and enlarged the Bauerle Brothers Mill,
but removed the L.G. Grimes shingle plant and dismissed the large force of men employed at the shingle plant.
The Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Co. was incorporated 19 August 1904, and capitalized at $50,000, fully paid in.
but removed the L.G. Grimes shingle plant and dismissed the large force of men employed at the shingle plant.
The Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Co. was incorporated 19 August 1904, and capitalized at $50,000, fully paid in.
29 March 1904 Article Center: Petoskey's "Board of Trade" was influential, and promoted to the Board that the L.G. Grimes Standish Avenues property be purchased; the shingle mill of over three acres, including the mill building with its 40,000 feet of lumber AND the other lot of four acres facing Standish, and joining the dish company site on the north and the Petoskey Block & Mfg. Co. on the west. The latter tract contained two houses, both rented, ALL for the price of $3,800.
5 October 1904 Below Article Far Right: Finally, in October 1904 the Board of Trade voted unanimously to authorize the directors to purchase the Grimes property, and to levy a ten-per-cent assessment upon all members, payable on or before the 1st of September 1905. The Board of Trade were allowed to purchase "the only obtainable site then left in the market within the factory district along the river, for the purpose of using the same as a factory site or sites for such new manufacturing enterprise as may be induced to locate in Petoskey. The Board was offered the property for such use at a price considerably below what was offered for it by other parties. The Board also voted unanimously to recommend every voter at the city election to vote yes on the question of bonding the city to extend the water mains."
5 October 1904 Below Article Far Right: Finally, in October 1904 the Board of Trade voted unanimously to authorize the directors to purchase the Grimes property, and to levy a ten-per-cent assessment upon all members, payable on or before the 1st of September 1905. The Board of Trade were allowed to purchase "the only obtainable site then left in the market within the factory district along the river, for the purpose of using the same as a factory site or sites for such new manufacturing enterprise as may be induced to locate in Petoskey. The Board was offered the property for such use at a price considerably below what was offered for it by other parties. The Board also voted unanimously to recommend every voter at the city election to vote yes on the question of bonding the city to extend the water mains."
Center Left Article: Petoskey Board of Trade instructed the directors to secure from L.G. Grimes, for factory sites, two tracts on Standish Avenue. One tract was the Grimes shingle mill property of over three acres, and included the mill building which contained about 40,000 feet of lumber; the other was a lot of over four acres, facing Standish Avenue, and joining the Petoskey Climax Dish Factory site on the north, and the Petoskey Block & Mfg. Co on the west. This latter tract contained two houses, both of which were rented. These were practically the only remaining available factory sites in that part of the city, and the board of trade thought it wise to take them at the price, $3,800 as property in that section had been increasing in value materially during the past few months.
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Photo/Text Below: Even though the Forman Company had burned,
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad crossing in the area still was referred to as "Forman's Crossing"
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad crossing in the area still was referred to as "Forman's Crossing"
1905
The new company, known as The Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company, invested in timberlands and purchased cut lumber from local sawmills. They built their own sawmill on the factory’s 13-acre site and constructed enormous dry kilns powered with the hot air supplied by burning the plant’s scrap wood and sawdust.
11 January 1905 Article Below: In 1903 Charles H. Broman had purchased the novelty turning works of Bauerle Brothers in the south part of the city, and began the manufacturing of small wooden articles and butcher’s blocks. Looking to enlarge the capital, Mr. Broman had organized a new company under the name of the Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Company. The new company acquired possession of the property owned by the Petoskey Board of Trade and recently occupied the Climax Oval Dish Company in addition to the turning works. Maple and pine would be the principal woods used. The employees were to increase from about 40 men to between 70 or 80... The company was incorporated with H.S. Hull as president, L.G. Grimes as vice president and Charles Broman as secretary/treasurer. It soon built a new sawmill on the company’s 13 acre site, investing in timber lands, as well as purchasing cut lumber form local sawmills.
Photo Below: Name of saw mill was misspelled... should have been spelled "Bauerle".
Photo Below: Name of saw mill was misspelled... should have been spelled "Bauerle".
The above article stated that Bauerle Bros. had sold the block company two years previous to Broman who changed the name to Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company in 1903. In just those two short years since selling, the article below reported what a successful Pellston business Fred Bauerle had developed in the lower floor of one of Mr. Bogardus' Pellston buildings.
1906
By May of 1906 Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company was claiming to be the largest firm of its kind,
taking production from the rough logs to the finished product.
Mr. Broman purchased the novelty turning works of Bauerle Bros., removing the Oval Dish factory from Petoskey,
and organized the company to manufacture wooden blocks and similar articles;
leading to substantial profits for the company.
Fred J. Schmitt recently had moved from Chicago as an experienced salesman for
Petoskey Block and Mfg. Company.
taking production from the rough logs to the finished product.
Mr. Broman purchased the novelty turning works of Bauerle Bros., removing the Oval Dish factory from Petoskey,
and organized the company to manufacture wooden blocks and similar articles;
leading to substantial profits for the company.
Fred J. Schmitt recently had moved from Chicago as an experienced salesman for
Petoskey Block and Mfg. Company.
Differences emerged between the Petoskey Board of Trade owning the land
where Petoskey Block and Mfg. Co. was located...
where Petoskey Block and Mfg. Co. was located...
1907
FIRE
FIRE
In 1907 Michigan Maple Block employed more that 60 employees with a payroll of more that $41,000 annually. They had become ‘the largest sectional block manufacturer in the U.S.,’ according to a 1906 catalog.
In 1907 Petoskey could not afford to lose any of its factories, especially wood working ones. If factories were lost to fire, the existing timber soon would be exhausted by other less valuable uses with no factories to confer the timber into goods which increased the wealth and population of the city. With wood working factories, the owners of nearby timber would take care of the timber, and resell it to factories; if the factories were lost to fire, much timber would be cut and burned for firewood or consumed for ordinary uses that would confer no permanent gain upon the city.
The Petoskey Record’s Wednesday 24 April 1907 newspaper reported that the 19 April 1907 fire about 8 o’clock at the Block factory caused considerable damage to Petoskey’s second biggest factory. The fire alarm called both Petoskey fire companies to the factory in a few minutes. A fire wall kept the flames mostly confine to the kiln, although the main factory was damaged. The kiln and content of about 125,000 feet of lumber, were a total loss.
The same 24 April 1907 newspaper had another article titled “Steam Fire Engine Should Be Bought.” The fire forcibly demonstrated the ned of a fire engine. It was the third big fire that has visited Petoskey’s factory district in the last 16 years… the first being the Armstrong Manufactureing Company, throwing between 300 and 400 men out of work; the second fire being the Thomas Forman flooring factory employing about 150 men, besides associated workers like loggers. For the first two fires, an engine would have saved the plants because no water main ran to the plants. In about 1905, the city had the foresight to run water mains to the plants. The mains, plus the good work of both hose companies, helped to save the Block company. Petoskey needed a fire engine badly. An engine at the Block factory fire could have taken water from the river and reached the fire quickly. |
In May 1907 Petoskey's Board of Trade bought the site of the Block factory for $1950, so the factory continued to run. The Petoskey Block factory was buying all the timber lands they could secure at the right price, and by October 1907 had enough timber land to run the factory for a number of years.
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1908
FIRE
FIRE
With the Block Company still reeling following its 1907 fire, the Petoskey City Council had drawn up a contract to give the Block Company the right to purchase its present site, so obviously, the Block Company had NOT owned the site previously. Alderman Fisk, however, questioned the right of the city to sell and asked the city attorney’s opinion of the matter which substantially was as written at length in the 20 October 1908 Petoskey Evening News article below.
The company’s bright future was sidetracked by a 1908 fire that destroyed the plant. With the city’s help, it worked out terms to rebuild. At this time, a shrewd Fred Schmitt accepted company stock in lieu of his back pay. In short order, he owned the company.
Article Below:
The 1907 Petoskey Block Company FIRE barely was addressed on 19 October 1908 in the article above,
when as the 22 October 1908 newspaper announced another
"Block Factory Fire".
The 1907 Petoskey Block Company FIRE barely was addressed on 19 October 1908 in the article above,
when as the 22 October 1908 newspaper announced another
"Block Factory Fire".
22 October 1908 Article Above: The building burned was owned by the city which leased the building to the company on the proposition that the company pay $1 a month rent for ten years, keep up the taxes and protect the city’s interest against fire in that time. The nearby DeArment brick/block factory building also was partially in flames, but their own fire fighting facilities were sufficient to put the fire out.
Because a strong southeast wind blew all night, and with sparks flying all over the west side, many people spent a sleepless night. By 2 o’clock nothing remained, but the brick walls of the boiler house, and a few upright and blazing floor supports. 23 October 1908 Article Right: The Block Co. was having enticement from Traverse City to move, and the stockholders felt the company needed to hear from the sentiments of Petoskey's citizenry. |
Article Below: The 26 October 1908 Petoskey Evening News & Daily Resorter reported on the Petoskey City Council’s meeting with the Citizens and with Block Company officials. The Block Co. representative C.H. Broman stated “For the past six moths we have tried to get a lease from the city council for the property we occupied. You all know, or should know, that the ground on which the factory is located is owned by the city of Petoskey, and the city also owned the main building, while we owned and still own the boiler house, warehouses, and dry kiln. On this we had our insurance, keeping up $5,000 for the city, insurance on their building. We received our lease of the property in January, 1905. from the board of trade, and it is now nearly expired. And all of our buildings are located on city property with the lease nearly run out. You gentle men figure out our position. Buiness lately has been very good, with orders still coming in, and no way at present to fill them. There are just two things to tell our four or five hundred regular customers, who have been brought into line as a result of several years hard work, with that we will go ahead and fill these orders at once, or else that we we will have to leave their orders unfilled. And as we are anxiously waiting for the city’s action on the matter, our reply to customers will depend on that action. We have a nice building, the dry kiln, standing at present on the city grounds. And we should have a new factory building. But we do not feel like building it on the city grounds. And we should have a new factory building. But we do not feel like building it on the city property without their giving us a long term lease. And our dry kiln and warehouses are no good to us without the main building.”
The Aldermen continued to comment/discuss. Then, Prof. M.O. Graves arose from the public and offered a motion in behalf of the citizens assembled, and the people of Petoskey, that “They recommend to the council that the $5,000 insurance money be turned over to the company and that the long term lease be granted.” The public’s motion passed unanimously.
The Aldermen continued to comment/discuss. Then, Prof. M.O. Graves arose from the public and offered a motion in behalf of the citizens assembled, and the people of Petoskey, that “They recommend to the council that the $5,000 insurance money be turned over to the company and that the long term lease be granted.” The public’s motion passed unanimously.
Article Below: Reporting anticipation of the upcoming city meeting's outcome...
Article Below: The 28 October 1908 Petoskey Evening News reported that the Petoskey City Council turned a deaf ear to the Petoskey Block Co. proposal… thus giving the “Marble Heart” to the company. After much back and forth between the company and the city, no progress was made, ending with a resolution be submitted to the company, with more meetings and talks to follow.
Two Articles Below: Both of Petoskey's news papers had articles about the Block Factory
previous to the upcoming meeting which may resolve the issues at hand.
previous to the upcoming meeting which may resolve the issues at hand.
Article Below: The 30 October 1908 Petoskey Evening News & Daily Resorter reported that after open meeting and closed session, and back to open meeting, Alderman Gray offered a resolution that the action taken at the previous meeting be rescinded, with motion passed. A following new resolution passed and then adopted read as follows: “The city will, in consideration of the surrender of the lease now held by the company, give your company a 50 year lease, provided you use the ground in that time for factory purposes, said ground to revert back to the city at any time your company or your successors shall cease to use the land for the above stated purposes: and that you pay out the sum $100,000 in five years for labor, this sum to be exclusive of executive labor and the city will at the time of the completion of the new building, turn over this sum of $5,000. The city will hold an interest in this building to that amount to decrease yearly in the same ratio as the amount of your pay-roll accumulates, and will release all claim on building at the end of five years if the above conditions are complied with.”
4 November 1908 Article Below: The Council Proceedings where Petitions and a Proposition were presented.
Article Above: Alderman Gray of the Petoskey City Council reported on the "Block Company Insurance due the city, stating that the payment was nearly completed for the full $5,000. and would be completed in a short time."
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1909
Block Company Insurance Controversy
(involving Board of Trade selling out to the City in 1907)
(involving Board of Trade selling out to the City in 1907)
Article Below: Broman was encouraged at the outlook for Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Co., because the new warehouse had been completed on the company's ground.
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1910
Article Right: The Judge ruled to "sustain the injunction restraining the city from ever paying to any private person or corporation the $5,000 to be used for any but public purposes, and ordered the money, which is now held in trust for the city by Chalmers Curtis, paid into the city treasury, and it will become an asset to the city."
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Article Above: On 1 September 1910 Charles H. Broman gave up the active management of the Petoskey Block & Mgf. Co. He was planning extensive lumbering operations for the coming winter near Epsilon in Springvale Township.
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1911
Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company
Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company
Photo Above Labeled:
"This picture was taken about 1911, just prior to the disastrous fire of 13 January 1912,
which almost totally destroyed the plant."
Additional information about the fire is posted below under 1912.
(Same photos as in the Header for this same web page)
"This picture was taken about 1911, just prior to the disastrous fire of 13 January 1912,
which almost totally destroyed the plant."
Additional information about the fire is posted below under 1912.
(Same photos as in the Header for this same web page)
Articles Below: In February it was reported that the Michigan State Supreme Court affirmed the case upholding that the city cannot pay the Block Co. the $5,000 of insurance money they had proposed. In December the Block Company was hosting a Thanksgiving supper for its employees.
1912
FIRE AGAIN!
FIRE AGAIN!
Yet another Block Factory fire in 1912, this time followed by the present building being erected.
Article Photo/Text Below: The 18 January 1912 Petoskey newspaper reported a fire on Friday night 12 January 1912, of unknown origin in the Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Company destroyed the plant causing a loss of over $50,000, throwing nearly 50 men out of employment. The fire spread quickly throughout the building, destroying the entire plant with the exception of the boiler and engine room, which were of brick. A few office files were saved, and the G.R. & I. RR moved their cars from the tracks at the factory. Only about $30,000 will be received from insurance on the present loss. Not only will employees be out of work, but also the factory loss will put a stop to a large amount of lumbering being done for the factory. The company will undoubtedly rebuild its plant immediately, as it was doing a fine business and large shipments of finished blocks were being made to every part of the United States. F.J. Schmitt, manager of the company has spent much of his time in various sections of the country and had worked up a large business for his company.
With the advent of this latest 1912 Petoskey Block & Manufacturing Company fire, the 18 January 1912 newspaper article above included a SUMMARY of the company happenings: “The block company was first organized in 1903 and was incorporated in 1905 for the purpose of manufacturing wooden blocks and wooden turned goods in Petoskey. The company was capitalized at $50,000 and the first officers were: President, H.S. Hull, of Traverse City; vice-president L.G. Grimes; secretary and treasurer, Chas. H. Broman. The FIRST meat blocks were made in August, 1903, when the factory employed abut 25 men. In April, 1907, the dry kiln and a part of the factory were destroyed by fire, causing a loss of about $14,000. This part of the factory was rebuilt, but on the evening of October 21, 1908, the factory building proper was burned down, the brick wall between the dry kiln and the factory saving the kiln. The loss caused by this fire amounted to over $60,000, with about $40,000 insurance, of which $5,000 came to the city, as the building was owned by the city. The factory was immediately rebuilt, but on the company’s ground, and in connection with the saw mill. In this new building, 94 X 77 feet in size, is where the fire started on Friday night. Mr. Broman had severed his connection with the company about a year ago, and since that time Mr. Schmitt has been managing the business with gratifying success."
2 March 1912 Article Right: About 60 of Petoskey’s prominent business men convened and made a motion that a committee of three be appointed to confer with the Block Company and report at the adjourned meeting the next week. Dr. Reycraft’s proposition would turn over to the company the five thousand dollars which the city council was prevented paying by an injunction. The sum was insurance money which the company believed should belong to it and which certain persons believed should not be turned over, alleging that the concern had not lived up to agreements. Dr. Reycraft suggested that the city deed to the company the land which it holds by lease, taking a nominal sum for it, and that the city buy the company’s gravel pit for five thousand dollars.
6 March 1912 Article Left: The businessmen met again and appointed committees to canvass the city for the remainder of the amount of the $10,000 to be raised to retain the block company in Petoskey. Dr. John Reycraft believed the city should in some manner turn over the five thousand dollars about which trouble arose some time ago… the city should bond for the necessary amount not raised by subscription, and the gravel pit owned by the company should be bought “for a park”.
16 March 1912 Below Left: The Block Company would remain in Petoskey if the city would give three thousand dollars and would trade the land now occupied by the company and held by lease, for the gravel pit on the other side of the river owned by the concern. The city land which the block company wishes possession of is about 3 ½ acres in area. Company manager Schmitt expressed that previously the company had felt/thought that Petoskey did not want the company, but with the rally of the citizenry showing the true feeling, the decision had been reached to rebuild in Petoskey, provided the community would assist in the manner expressed in the meeting. Besides the money raised, Carl De Arment, owner of the brick factory, donated ten thousand bricks to the cause. The Petoskey City band led the crowd to the city hall.
30 March 1912 Article Below Center: "Proposition of purchase lands from the Block Company"… The City would sell and convey to the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company for the sum of one dollar, the following described land in the City of Petoskey AND the City of Petoskey would purchase from the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company the following piece of land for the sum of $2,000.00 and warrants drawn up to wit. All unanimous.
22 April 1912 Article Below Right: While all arrangements between the city and the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company had been satisfactorily adjusted, the corporation would not go ahead with the rebuilding of its plant until the G.R.&I. railroad would agree to give certain rates for freight shipments. This agreement took place when in private railroad car No. 36 of J.W. Hunter, superintendent of the northern division; J.H.P. Hughart, vice-president and general manager of the road and E.C. Leavenworth, general freight agent, stopped in Petoskey for a conference with M.F. Quaintance, commercial agent; F.J. Schmitt, president of the block company; G.J. Jacobs, secretary and treasurer of the company; Mayor Homer Sly, Dr. C.J. Gray and L.A. Galster The Rates were made with the officials.
30 March 1912 Article Below Center: "Proposition of purchase lands from the Block Company"… The City would sell and convey to the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company for the sum of one dollar, the following described land in the City of Petoskey AND the City of Petoskey would purchase from the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company the following piece of land for the sum of $2,000.00 and warrants drawn up to wit. All unanimous.
22 April 1912 Article Below Right: While all arrangements between the city and the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company had been satisfactorily adjusted, the corporation would not go ahead with the rebuilding of its plant until the G.R.&I. railroad would agree to give certain rates for freight shipments. This agreement took place when in private railroad car No. 36 of J.W. Hunter, superintendent of the northern division; J.H.P. Hughart, vice-president and general manager of the road and E.C. Leavenworth, general freight agent, stopped in Petoskey for a conference with M.F. Quaintance, commercial agent; F.J. Schmitt, president of the block company; G.J. Jacobs, secretary and treasurer of the company; Mayor Homer Sly, Dr. C.J. Gray and L.A. Galster The Rates were made with the officials.
8 June 1912 Article Left : Announcement that the new factory for Petoskey Block and Manufacturing probably will be completed in 30 days, following 30 days of a partially completed structure, gracing the old block company site. New building features include:
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1913
Two Photos Below: The Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company donated in about 2020 this Clipper Hand Surfacer box to the Little Traverse Historical Museum. The box notes that "We Furnish New Blades." Obviously, the box is from 1913 or later because it was in 1913 that the name of the block company was changed specifically to "Michigan Maple Block Company" and the new name was adopted in 1916.
1914
1915
1916
Michigan Maple Block Company Name Adopted
Michigan Maple Block Company Name Adopted
The 7 November 1916 Petoskey Evening News announced the
Petoskey Block Company name changed to Michigan Maple Block Company.
Petoskey Block Company name changed to Michigan Maple Block Company.
The name “Michigan Maple Block” was adopted because
"Everyone knew where Michigan was, and knew Michigan maple was good wood," according to Schmitt.
"Everyone knew where Michigan was, and knew Michigan maple was good wood," according to Schmitt.
~ Manufacturer of Wooden Heels for Women's Shoes ~
Article Right: Michigan Maple Block Company was considering "the Manufacture and Cover Wooden Heals for Women's Shoes for Eastern Trade."
Photo Above: In about 2020, the Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company donated this wood backed advertising thermometer to the Little Traverse Historical Museum. Official changing of the name of the company to Michigan Maple Block Company in 1916.
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1917
Article Left: Petoskey Businessmen had been attending the hearing of the railroad freight case in Grand Rapids; appealing for a lower freight rate. |
1918
Two Articles Below:
On 1 October 1918 Michigan Maple Block Company sent a carload of blocks for the government and to help win WWII.
On 1 October 1918 Michigan Maple Block Company sent a carload of blocks for the government and to help win WWII.
1919
The undated photo above from the Greenwood Photo Archive was labeled: " Bear River_Michigan Maple Block". This label would indicate the Bear River is lower front in the photo with the train running on the railroad track on the other side of the river. Perhaps the tower is for the train. The only other building recognized at this point is on the left upper hillside; perhaps the old Sheridan School, meaning the photo is viewed a little toward the north, and mostly toward the east. PLEASE, if anyone has a better, or more knowledgable, identification of this photo below contact the web master by clicking HERE.
A response from Steve Stapert (of Grand Rapids) has added greatly to what all is visible in the photo above: "The GR&I roundhouse, water tower, sand house, several locomotives with the De Arment Brick Co. are in the back left and the Standard Oil Co, mostly obscured in the back right. Library of Congress 1919 Sanburn Map linked here AND the 1919 page shown next after above photo. The Michigan Maple Block Co. would be further to the right (south) off the edge of the picture. I believe you are correct in that the Sheridan School is visible in the upper left."
A response from Steve Stapert (of Grand Rapids) has added greatly to what all is visible in the photo above: "The GR&I roundhouse, water tower, sand house, several locomotives with the De Arment Brick Co. are in the back left and the Standard Oil Co, mostly obscured in the back right. Library of Congress 1919 Sanburn Map linked here AND the 1919 page shown next after above photo. The Michigan Maple Block Co. would be further to the right (south) off the edge of the picture. I believe you are correct in that the Sheridan School is visible in the upper left."
1921
Mortgage Sale item above: Both the Schmitt and Bauerle names were associated with the block company over the years, but it is not understood what significance this item has. If anyone has additional information about this, click HERE to contact the web master.
1922
1923
In 1923 Michigan Maple Block Company purchased a 500 horsepower steam engine, which was used to generate electric current from 1923 to 1962. The huge engine ran the plant after acquiring it as WWI surplus, although it never had been used. Gerald Burtch went to work at the company in 1923 and helped to wheel bricks into the company yard for the walls to enclose the huge machine. The steam engine drove a line shaft to power all the machinery in the plant and was hooked up to a generator and made electricity. The engine powered a 29 inch wide leather belt. Check farther below, under the 1975 information on this same web page to learn more about this steam engine that served Michigan Maple Block for many years. Photo Below: the same 1923 steam engine in 1975.
Photo Below: The man was labeled as "Gerald Burtch at Michigan Maple Block Company" but was undated. The text above noted that Gerald Burtch worked at the company from 1923 until years later.
1924
At sprinkling system had been installed in the Michigan Maple Block Company factory.
At sprinkling system had been installed in the Michigan Maple Block Company factory.
1925
Wedding of Beatrice Schmitt to Alfred J. Dau
whose family still owned the Michigan Maple Block Company
when they had to announce the closing of the company in 2022
whose family still owned the Michigan Maple Block Company
when they had to announce the closing of the company in 2022
Alfred J. Dau's 1968 obituary below told of his lifetime involvement with Michigan Maple Block
and other community activities... but, listing his wedding year to Beatrice Schmitt as 1926???
and other community activities... but, listing his wedding year to Beatrice Schmitt as 1926???
The company was passed down directly from Schmitt to son Frederick Jr. and then grandsons John and Robert Dau. Robert Dau said, “Wood has the ability to age. And the more it is used, the more beautiful it becomes.”
1926
Two Michigan Maple Block Company advertisements below showed the connection between the block company and
local bread bakery Bon-Ton AND touting of the block company's connection with Wood Welded.
local bread bakery Bon-Ton AND touting of the block company's connection with Wood Welded.
Article Below Left: Fred Schmitt, head of Michigan Maple Block Company had spent 8 weeks in England, France and Germany, having made numeral business connections, although foreign business conditions were rather unsettled with the market not yet brisk. Much disconnect was noted among the working people and farming class.
Article Below Center: The Petoskey harbor needed to have funds for dredging, breakwater repair and a new light house, with expectation of a record Freight business. The Stuart made almost daily trips from St. James, Beaver Island with cargoes of hardwood logs for Michigan Maple Block Company; carrying about 35 thousand feet of logs on each cargo, and took back freight supplies to the island. The repairs were imperative for other business as well as for Michigan Maple Block Company.
Article Below Right: Michigan Maple Block Company was sponsoring the giant seaplane capable of carrying 12 passengers from St. James to Petoskey, with F.J. Schmitt, head of the company being a passenger on the FIRST trip.
Article Below Center: The Petoskey harbor needed to have funds for dredging, breakwater repair and a new light house, with expectation of a record Freight business. The Stuart made almost daily trips from St. James, Beaver Island with cargoes of hardwood logs for Michigan Maple Block Company; carrying about 35 thousand feet of logs on each cargo, and took back freight supplies to the island. The repairs were imperative for other business as well as for Michigan Maple Block Company.
Article Below Right: Michigan Maple Block Company was sponsoring the giant seaplane capable of carrying 12 passengers from St. James to Petoskey, with F.J. Schmitt, head of the company being a passenger on the FIRST trip.
Articles Below: It became evident in the 11 October 1926 Petoskey Evening News "Help Wanted" item that Michigan Maple Block Company particularly was interested in fast airplane access with the block company hiring "Sawyers and teamsters for Beaver Island". It was noted in the December article below that John Laggis, ice cream parlor had added a new sandwich department with a "new butter kishwich outfit... and new counters, with Michigan Maple Block Company serving equipment." By 1928 Laggis was beginning the well known Arcadia restaurant.
1927
Obituary Right: Mrs. F.J. Schmitt's brother George Jacobs passed away 29 October 1927. For about seven years Mr. Jacobs had been manager of the Michigan Maple Block Company. Then, for his last five years he had been active in the management of the Sturmer-Jacobs company, a butchers' supply firm in Chicago. |
1928
Michigan Maple Block Company factory roof painted to direct Petoskey Air Port Traffic
to the location of the air strip on Notestine's Farm
Michigan Maple Block Company factory roof painted to direct Petoskey Air Port Traffic
to the location of the air strip on Notestine's Farm
Click HERE to contact the web master with any information/photo about this Petoskey Air Port as noted in the 1928 and 1929 articles below. The 4 June 1928 article claimed, “The painting of the name ‘Petoskey’ on the roof of the Michigan Maple Block Company factory was to be finished that day.” No known aerial photo showing this roof painting is known. The Emmet County Board appointed a committee to seek a site for at least one first class airport. A Sub-Committee was seeking land for as many sites as possible for an airplane landing field for Emmet County. Advertising asked for 80 to 300 level acres in Emmet County suitable for an airplane landing field. By 15 March 1928, the airport committee told the convention that 15 sites were under consideration, and a report would be forthcoming. On 2 June 1928 The Petoskey Evening News reported: A temporary aviation field for Petoskey and Emmet County had been assured the previous day, by closing a lease for one year only on the Notestine farm located three miles south of the city on state trunk line M-131. The lease was made by the city, not by the county. The property was being prepared for expected Rotarians coming by plane; a large arrow pointing south painted on the roof of the main building of the Michigan Maple Block Company plant would direct the pilots. The arrangement was temporary for the current year, with standard markings on the grounds, which would enable the visiting aviators to get their property bearings for landing.
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Articles Below: Mr. Lacy Sergent, a family member with Michigan Maple Block Company, told a group that "the company hoped to remain in Petoskey ten years more before the available timber supply was used up." In that same 1928 year, boat loads of logs continued to come in daily from Beaver Islands, with the logs pre-sawed at the McManus mill for various kinds of cutting blocks at the block factory, and the heavy slabs and edgings would be sold for fuel.
1929
Articles Below: The McManus sawmill, in operation over 50 years, had assembled one of the largest stocks of logs in many years. The timber was principally hardwood to be cut for use in the Michigan Maple Block Company’s plant which operates the year around, deriving their timber supply from the logs cut at the McManus mill. About half the logs came by barge from Beaver Island.
Lacy Sergent, manager of Michigan Maple Block Company, gave a Kiwanis Club talk about Beaver Island where the block company had done business for the previous five years. Lacy had learned about the island people. He, of course, talked about King Strang who had ruled the island, until he was assassinated. Another of the Beaver group, High Island, later became a refuge for some of King Ben’s followers, with some of the followers remaining there still in 1929. Lacy told of the preservation of the buildings, and the hardships and privations those people had endured.
Lacy Sergent, manager of Michigan Maple Block Company, gave a Kiwanis Club talk about Beaver Island where the block company had done business for the previous five years. Lacy had learned about the island people. He, of course, talked about King Strang who had ruled the island, until he was assassinated. Another of the Beaver group, High Island, later became a refuge for some of King Ben’s followers, with some of the followers remaining there still in 1929. Lacy told of the preservation of the buildings, and the hardships and privations those people had endured.
In 1929 Michigan Maple Block Company purchased the Bally Block Company in Bally, Pennsylvania.
With the two companies combining, they became the largest butcher block company in the United States.
Bally Block Company products included caskets, cedar chests, windows, window sills, and furniture.
1930
Two Articles Below: It was in 1926 that Fred Schmitt, head of Michigan Maple Block Company, was sponsoring the giant seaplane capable of carrying passengers from St. James to Petoskey, with him being a passenger on the FIRST trip. Then, in 1930 an air mission of mercy to Beaver Islands, although with a different airline, was successfully negotiated and an injured woods worker was brought back to Petoskey’s hospital in his fight for life. Joseph Wells of Petoskey wss the hurt worker, who had been employed by Cleo Harris’ camp on the islands. The camp cuts and decks the logs there for Michigan Maple Block Company. Joseph Wells had been caught between two logs and was badly crushed at the hips. Wells was bundled with blankets and placed in the fast open express plane, but as the plane took off from St. James, the wind pulled the blankets away from the injured man, so the pilot landed again to have them fastened. Landing at the Emmet County airport after a 25 minute flight, Mr. Wells was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where doctors gave him an even chance for recovery.
Article Below: As noted from the above article about the travails of Joseph Wells being injured in the woods on Beaver Island while cutting wood for Michigan Maple Block, less than two weeks later, Elmer Matthews was injured as well. Plans were made to bring Elmer to the mainland by dog sled across the ice to Cross Village and then to Petoskey's hospital.
Frank Winsor's 1930 obituary below told that in 1883 Winsor arrived in Petoskey and operated a woodenware factory on Bear River, and later operated a factory at Walloon Lake. Winsor also operated a cider mill on Ingalls Avenue for several seasons.
Page Below: The three men guiding the destinies of Michigan Maple Block in 1930 were Fred J. Schmitt, the president, his son Fred J. Schmitt, Jr., the superintendent, and his son-in-law, Lacy H. Sergent, the manager.
1931
Fire... sprinkler system put fire out, preventing serious loss
Fire... sprinkler system put fire out, preventing serious loss
1932
Article Below Left: Michigan Maple Block Company outfitted Admiral Richard E. Byrd's second Antarctic expedition; with an order for a mess table, a cook's bench, and a work bench... all with 2 inch tops rather than standard 3 or 4 inch tops, thus saving weight. Shipment was promptly made to the U.S. Navy Yard in Boston Massachusetts.
Articles Below Center and Right: Lacy Sergent, manager of Michigan Maple Block Company was named president of the First STate Bank of Petoskey and refused a salary. A business trip to Chicago accommodated both business dealings.
Articles Below Center and Right: Lacy Sergent, manager of Michigan Maple Block Company was named president of the First STate Bank of Petoskey and refused a salary. A business trip to Chicago accommodated both business dealings.
Obituary Below: George B. McManus,one of Petoskey's best known and highly respected business men, passed away unexpectedly. In 1890 he began work in the logging department of the W.L. McManus Lumber company. McManus' firm had been associated with Michigan Maple Block Company, in charge of their logging and lumbering operations. He was considered an authority on hydro-electric plants and built the plant at the McManus Dam which later was purchased by the city of Petoskey.
1933
Michigan Maple Block Company/Corporation
initiated Monarch Wood-Welded Flooring into the Petoskey Plant in about 1933.
initiated Monarch Wood-Welded Flooring into the Petoskey Plant in about 1933.
Two Photos Below: The Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company donated this wood mold/press to the Little Traverse Historical Museum probably created in 1933 or later, as noted above. The mold/press would engrave the wood item as it stated: "WOODWELDED BLOCKS FROM THE TREES TO YOU MICHIGAN MAPLE BLOCK COMPANY".
Four Photos Below: In about 2022 the Dau Family of Michigan Maple Block Company donated this booklet promoting WoodWelded Blocks to the Little Traverse Historical Museum; showing front, back and inside pages.
1934
1935
1936
1937
A January 1937 fire threatened the large plant of the Michigan Maple Block Company, with the fire starting in the basement beneath the "bull wheel" machine, when flames rapidly shot through the floor to the ceiling where the sprinkling system set off, helping to contain the fire, and to save many blocks nearing completion.
The 26 August 1937 obituary below for Fred Bauerle told about Fred's business history in Petoskey. With his father and brothers he started the Bauerle woodenware factory on the Bear River, using part of the power furnished by the Hankey Milling Company. Later they moved to the old Forman factory where they continued to operate.
1938
Article Below: Always civic minded, The Michigan Maple Block Company presented 12 brand new one-runner jumpers to the Petoskey Winter Sports Club. The jumpers called "Petoskey Scooters" were being added to products manufactured by the company... one of which was sent to Herpolsheimers in Grand Rapids for display. This product description sounds very much like the one-runner "Bump Jumpers" still used at the Petoskey Winter Sports Park.
1939
FIRE in Lumberyard in December
FIRE in Lumberyard in December
1940
In the 1940s, the Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago used blocks to insulate their atomic bomb tests...
from Michigan Maple Block Company.
Not only was the military using the butcher blocks, but the food industry,
like Kroger Grocery and Baking Company and The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P),
both of which had stores locally in Petoskey.
from Michigan Maple Block Company.
Not only was the military using the butcher blocks, but the food industry,
like Kroger Grocery and Baking Company and The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P),
both of which had stores locally in Petoskey.
1941
The 18 June 1941 Petoskey Evening News article below reported: The Michigan Maple Block company closed as result of an employee's union strike the previous 17 June 1941 after the company and union did not agree after three months. The picket line on 18 June 1941 was maintained by the United Furniture Workers of America, a CIO affiliate. Employees asked 10 cents an hour increase immediately. The company offer was an immediate two cents an hour and basic rate of 45 cents an hour in September. Carl Krause, union president assured Fred Schmitt, plant general manager, no company property would be damaged, although company officials suffered tire punctures upon driving through the company’s gate. Clyde Comstock, company attorney and spokesman, said the company’s St. Ignace plant still was operating.
The present minimum wage in the plant was 40 cents an hour, and the top pay 75 cents an hour, resulting in a present average rate of pay through of 44.6 cents an hour. A compromise offer from the company was to give a general 2 cents an hour wage increase immediately, and to raise the minimum wage to 45 cents an hour on 2 September 1941. That offer would raise the average pay throughout the plant to 46.6 cents per hour, and after September that average wage would be slightly over 48 cents an hour.
The present minimum wage in the plant was 40 cents an hour, and the top pay 75 cents an hour, resulting in a present average rate of pay through of 44.6 cents an hour. A compromise offer from the company was to give a general 2 cents an hour wage increase immediately, and to raise the minimum wage to 45 cents an hour on 2 September 1941. That offer would raise the average pay throughout the plant to 46.6 cents per hour, and after September that average wage would be slightly over 48 cents an hour.
The 19 June 1941 Petoskey Evening News reported: The terms for negotiations from the employee’s point of view were a pay raise, with additional comments. “As everyone knows, the price of food has taken a steep rise– the price of everything. In fact, because of federal and state taxes being levied at rich and poor alike. These conditions are growing steadily worse and the middle of July, prices will be more than at present and the indication is for a steady increase. No one wants a strike, but when men reach the state that now is reached at the Block company, they combine their strength to concerted effort to gain for their families a decent living. It seems little enough.” Following a plea to the city’s merchants to donate food to the union headquarters on Emmet Street, across from the Block company, the statement closed with the words: “In a quiet and peaceful way, this strike will be conducted. We are not warlike nor blood thirsty savages– Just regular American people, tryin to live as Americans should.”
Article Below: Employees immediately rejected the company's offer.
Photos Below: Michigan Maple Block Company Strike...
with lumber truck delivery
with lumber truck delivery
Photos Above and Below:
The 1941 strikers were stationed along Standish Avenue in front of Michigan Block Corporation;
the hillsides were quite bare.
The 1941 strikers were stationed along Standish Avenue in front of Michigan Block Corporation;
the hillsides were quite bare.
Article Below: Michigan Maple Block Company employee representatives and management failed to agree at a seven hour session held at the plant's office. Not yet public what would transpire from this point.
Michigan Maple Block Company Strike Ends
Article Left: The 13-day strike of Michigan Maple Block Company employees was settled. Full production already was underway by the one hundred employees. The mutual agreement called for the following with a few more agreement stipulations listed in the article above:
|
1942
Michigan Maple Block's Wartime Efforts in the Milkweed Collection Process
Michigan Maple Block's Wartime Efforts in the Milkweed Collection Process
Before WWII, military life preservers were made from kapok which was from a fruit of a tree growing in the East Indies. Japan's occupation of that region, ended kapok supplies to the United States. Dr. Boris Berkman identified milkweed as a flotation substitute for life preservers, thus the crucial collection of area milkweed pods.
Click HERE to access an article by Gerald Wykes provided by Michigan History Magazine titled "A weed goes to war, and Michigan provides the ammunition."
Click HERE to access an article by Gerald Wykes provided by Michigan History Magazine titled "A weed goes to war, and Michigan provides the ammunition."
I had heard for years from my husband Sheldon Buckmaster's mother Lucille Buckmaster about how during the WWII era, she would go into the fields, especially near their Petoskey (Emmet County) MI home, and with organized community groups, to pick milkweed pods for the war effort. She told how the milkweed floss was used for the filling in flotation vests for the military personnel. During WWII civilians, adults and children, were a very important part of the war effort, and everyone truly put forth! I had not realized the scope of this Milkweed Pod collection effort in the Emmet County area until a friend shared with me, to look through, many of his family's photos. Then I discovered this ORIGINAL photo below of the Emmet County Fairgrounds with some of the 125,000 bags of milkweed pods, collected in 1944. The Emmet County Fairgrounds was the "world's largest milkweed center, and on Sheridan Street, Petoskey, was the location of the only processing plant of its kind in the world" according to an article, from the Petoskey Public School student written newspaper "The Hi-light" from the Thursday, November 2, 1944 issue. ~ Karla Howard Buckmaster
Dr. Boris Berkman, below, was the founder and perpetuator of the Milkweed Floss Corporation of America. He was standing on the fairground's grandstand third in from the right... along with other local citizens. Notice the drying milkweed pods bags hanging from the grandstand.
Photo Below: Just a short distance from Michigan Maple Block, off Standish Street to Buckley Avenue, then across Sheridan Street, was the government created milkweed processing plant ~ Milkweed Floss Corporation of America. The building which previously had housed Preston-Feather Building Supply business, had been seized by the government. The drying bags of collected milkweed pods were transported to the Sheridan Street milkweed processing plant, for instance, from hanging areas at the county fair grounds, or from the nearby fence of Michigan Maple Block.
Two Photos Below: Michigan Maple Block Company provided their fence area to hang milkweed pods for drying, just as was happening at the Emmet County Fairgrounds with the milkweed pods hanging from every available space.
1 November 2016 Photo Below: This is the same location on Standish Avenue as the two OLD photos above showing the milkweed pods hanging on the fence to dry during the 1940s. The fence may be a different fence, but it is in the same location. The white in the field behind the fence is milkweed pods.
Click PLAY in the upper left corner to view the below slideshow of 24 August 2023 photos of milkweeds
in the closed Michigan Maple Block Company field and fence line.
in the closed Michigan Maple Block Company field and fence line.
Monarch Butterfly... listed as ENDANGERED,
but NOT yet listed under the Endangered Species Act
22 July 2022
but NOT yet listed under the Endangered Species Act
22 July 2022
Article Below: "... butterflies are imperiled by loss of habitat and increased use of herbicides and pesticides... people can help, including planting milkweed, a plant that the caterpillars depend upon."
During the 25 July 2023 Emmet County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (ECBRA) meeting regarding Michigan Maple Block Company [MMB], the enduring and prominent milkweeds at MMB were mentioned. Emmet County Board Commissioner David White passed along the Monarch butterfly concern from a constituent.
It was not included in the minutes for the above meeting, but the Brownfield consultant for the possible developers of MMB, McClelland, made statements illustrating total lack of knowledge about the relationship between the milkweed pods and the relationship to Monarchs. He made some statement about how any erosion by the Bear River would not affect the the milkweed pods.
Walloon Lake Community Page Facebook Social Media announced:
On 23 September 2023 an army of volunteers will be needed to help dig up and move and replant the milkweed
at the old Michigan Maple Block property; please bring shovels and trucks.
On 23 September 2023 an army of volunteers will be needed to help dig up and move and replant the milkweed
at the old Michigan Maple Block property; please bring shovels and trucks.
23 September 2023 ~ About 11 days ago, Lauri Juday, a member of the “Walloon Lake Community Page” invited everyone to join her and her husband Scott to meet at 9AM on 23 September 2023 (Saturday) at Petoskey’s old Michigan Maple Block Company property. Lauri was asking for volunteers to help dig up and move and replant the milkweed from the Maple Block site. Milkweeds are the “life-blood” of the Monarch Butterfly. The Dau owner of the property flew in from Europe at midnight, and unlocked the gate to the property at 2AM Saturday so the event could proceed. The Michigan Maple Block Company property is in the process of being sold, so Lauri was preserving the legacy of the milkweeds in the company’s location. (Photo 1) The turnout was impressive; young and old, and headed by (Photos 2 & 4) Lauri and her husband. Walloon Lake’s South Shore (Photos 6 & 7) Art Cullman, along with Mrs. Russell, were friendly “greeters” and welcomed everyone to the project and to healthy nourishment as they worked in the beautiful sunny hot day. Once the milkweeds were dug up and placed into a pickup, they were transferred to Resort Township, near the township’s compost area. Resort Township is interested in becoming a Monarch Butterfly Township, and this transplanted milkweed garden will be a grand start toward that goal. This is Lauri’s second time for a major milkweed garden transplanting. (Photo 5) Lauri also has been busy with a butterfly tagging project, in connection with a “tag counting” in Mexico where the Monarch Butterflies migrate for the winters. Lauri was instrumental in Walloon Lake’s Melrose Township becoming a Member of Monarch City USA. The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy also are involved in their new pollinator protection program. The history of the milkweed in Petoskey, especially by the Michigan Maple Block Company property during the use of milkweed floss for the buoyant stuffing in military life vests can be found on my following web page link:
WWII Need for MIlkweed Pods
WWII Need for MIlkweed Pods
Photo Below 23 September 2023: Notice the root system being held connecting the two dug-up milkweed plants. The root system of milkweeds can propagate. Milkweed roots are called rhizomes which grow horizontally through the ground; growing over, under, and around obstacles as the rhizomes encounter them. The rhizomes send up new shoots through the ground to grow new plants. The rhizomes hold starch, needed by the plants.
Milkweeds can grow from seeds, transplants, or rhizomes (like the roots in the photo below); milkweeds are necessary to support monarch caterpillars.
Milkweeds can grow from seeds, transplants, or rhizomes (like the roots in the photo below); milkweeds are necessary to support monarch caterpillars.
Click PLAY in the upper left corner of the slideshow below to view more photos of the 23 September 2023 digging up of the existing milkweeds at MIchigan Maple Block Company, then the milkweed transplant location on Resort Township property to attract the butterflies, and later in October 2023, led by Laurie Fraley Juday, the harvesting of milkweed pods (not plants) from Michigan Maple Block property with the help of Team Butterfly.
~ Photos submitted by Laurie Fraley Juday
~ Photos submitted by Laurie Fraley Juday
By 2 October 2023 newly transplanted milkweeds from the Michigan Maple Block Company Event above
into a private Petoskey meadow were filled with seeded floss;
ready to create new milkweeds for the 2024 summer to welcome the Monarchs.
into a private Petoskey meadow were filled with seeded floss;
ready to create new milkweeds for the 2024 summer to welcome the Monarchs.
1943 >1945
MIchigan Maple Block Company Wartime Efforts Acknowledged
MIchigan Maple Block Company Wartime Efforts Acknowledged
Photo/Text Below: The Michigan Maple Block Company not only provided fence space for hanging the bags of milkweed pods to dry for military life vests, the company also was producing their butcher blocks, much needed by the military for their thousands of new barracks, and on the military ships... Fort Knox alone needed 300 new mess halls, along with the need of butcher blocks for the field kitchens.
A local military veteran told that during WWII while once being bombarded, he had taken cover under a table. He knew as he lay, looking up at the bottom of the table, and it was stamped Michigan Maple Block Company, Petoskey, Michigan… he would be okay.
A local military veteran told that during WWII while once being bombarded, he had taken cover under a table. He knew as he lay, looking up at the bottom of the table, and it was stamped Michigan Maple Block Company, Petoskey, Michigan… he would be okay.
Below Military Letter Home to the Northern Michigan Review from Petoskey's Ray L. Ellis S-1/c told that
"The butcher block on the ship is from Petoskey."
"The butcher block on the ship is from Petoskey."
Photo/Text Below: On 9 February 1943 Michigan Maple Block Company and their employees were first awarded the Army-Navy Production Award Flag, with an "E" for excellence, for high achievement in the production of war materials. A second and third renewal of the award added two white stars to the distinctive flag. Click HERE to access additional information about the role Michigan Maple Block Company performed during WWII.
If anyone knows the existence of the Michigan Maple Block Army-Navy Production Award Flag, please contact the web master by clicking HERE. It would be interesting to learn the whereabouts, and perhaps receive a photo of the actual flag. The picture below is what the flag would look like with the two stars. This photo below has been added (of a different acknowledged business than Michigan Maple Block Company), with permission, from David Dwight Jackson. Click HERE to access Jackson's military web site tribute of "The American Automobile Industry in World War Two" with photos of various Army-Navy Production Award Flags.
WWII was considered a "popular war" in that every American contributed... every business contributed... in the war effort; when Michigan Maple Block Company was acknowledged by the military for its excellence, all of Petoskey celebrated. Various businesses, and the newspaper, filled the newspaper with ads of praise. Click PLAY in the upper corner of the slideshow below to view the patriotic commendations.
1944
Fred J. Schmitt, Sr.
Three Photos Below were included in the article below with descriptions.
The clipping below explained the hardwood bobbins being manufactured at Michigan Maple Block as shown in the photos above and below were for the war effort. The crafted hardwood bobbins were sent to a silk factory which was engaged in the production of parachute cloth for the Air Forces.
Two Photos Above and One Below L>R: "Alfred J. Dau, sales manager, Percy Read of the office,
and Fred J. Schmitt, Jr., son of the founder, and present general manager of the company."
and Fred J. Schmitt, Jr., son of the founder, and present general manager of the company."
1944 Photos/Clipping Above and Photo Below: Thomas McKeachie, was one of the oldest employees of Michigan Maple Block Company. He began working in 1911, and as a common laborer helped to build the present [1944] plant. In 1944 he was a very capable plant foreman. The packing house block McKeachie was standing beside weighed 3,100 pounds.
1945
Photo/Text Below: Michigan Maple Block Company had built and donated a snack bar for Teen Hall located in the basement of the old Petoskey City Hall. L>R: Ray Kolinski, Elsa Billiideau, Jean Knecht and roland Phillips enjoyed soft drinks at the snack bar.
Article Below:
Petoskey firemen attended a fire at Michigan Maple Block Company where shavings in a conveyor ignited;
causing slight damage.
Petoskey firemen attended a fire at Michigan Maple Block Company where shavings in a conveyor ignited;
causing slight damage.
Article Left: With WWII post-war government cancellation of the milkweed contract which product was used as a substitute for kapok, the process was coming to an end, although Dr. Berkman told of many other by-products which could be obtained by the processing of the milkweed.
Article Below: August Miller had been active in the milkweed processing, but with future prospects of its ending, Michigan Maple Block Company offered an executive position to August Miller. Mr. MIller accepted the offer. |
1946
Obituary Below Right: MRS. F.J. Schmitt died 19 years after her husband Fred Schmitt, Sr.
AND
three years after her son Fred Schmitt, Jr. (Obituary also below)
AND
three years after her son Fred Schmitt, Jr. (Obituary also below)
Obituary Left: Fred Schmitt, Jr. who passed in 1957 had married Edna Smith and had two daughters: Phyllis (Fred) Searl and Shirley (John) Wynn. Edna survived Fred Jr. until 2000. Edna's obituary below told that during that time "Edna served as president of Michigan Maple Block Company from 1957 through 1963, assuming the role after the passing of her husband." Fred Schmitt, Jr. had been president since 1941.
|
1949
1951
1952
Articles Below: In September 1952 a three-week strike took place for Michigan Maple Block. The strike was settled for 3¢ an hour, after having asked a 15¢ an hour pay boost, company paid life, medical and surgical insurance and additional vacation benefits.
PERRY OIL COMPANY
Located very near to Michigan Maple Block Company
Located very near to Michigan Maple Block Company
1952 Photo Below: The location of the huge tanks is shown near the V-shaped corner of Buckley and Standish avenues. That was a location in 1952 very close to Michigan Maple Block Company and while the Perry name and ownership has changed over the years, the location of the big tanks is still the same in 2023, only the tanks now lie on their sides; very near to the block company. The gas company still is very active in 2023.
Four 2023 Photos Below: Still next door to Michigan Maple Block Company property is the
Pacific Pride Commercial Fueling which has evolved from the Perry Oil Company (bulk storage noted above);
previously the Standard Oil Company.
Pacific Pride Commercial Fueling which has evolved from the Perry Oil Company (bulk storage noted above);
previously the Standard Oil Company.
1953
1954
Editorial Below: The newspaper was urging people who were leaving for the season, not to leave pets behind. The kittens in the photo below were not abandoned. In fact they were pretty well taken care of by workers of Michigan Maple Block Co. Cats were kept on hand to keep down the population of mice. These kittens were brought in from a farm by one of the men and they might not had made good "mousers" because they got hand-outs so often – even ice cream!
Article Below: Herman Deboutted (center) of Roseclare, Belgium was touring the Michigan Maple Block Co., with Jeff Bodette (left) of the Chamber of Commerce, and Elmer Pfeiffer (right), company official. Deboutte was visiting industries to learn more about American methods,
Photo Below; Labeled only as "Michigan Maple Block 1954), but no people identifications. The gentleman on the right looks to be the same same as in the clipping above with the man labeled as Elmer Pfeiffer, company official.
Photo Below: The wood bowl appears very similar to the wood bowl held in the photo above,
as a product of Michigan Maple Block Company.
as a product of Michigan Maple Block Company.
Article Below: Mr. L.L. Thomas helped clear the ground and construct the buildings
where the Michigan Maple Block Company now stands.
1957
Fred Schmitt Jr. died 2 September 1957 at age 59. His obituary is posted on this web page, above, with his father's in 1946. Fred Schmitt Jr.'s obituary stated that "In the early 1880's Barley [Sic Bauerle] Brothers founded and operated a butter bowl plant in the present location of the company." That is not completely true according to records which placed the Bauerle Bros. Woodenware, beside the Windsor Wood Factory, on the river across the Hankey Dam at the Cable Mills; perhaps later moving to the present location. Schmitt Jr.'s obituary continued, "In 1898 the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Co. was established under different management. In 1906 they hired Fred J. Schmitt, Sr. as a salesman and three years later he invested in the company. He purchased additional stock until he owned the firm. On Jan. 12, 1913, the mill was destroyed by fire and it was rebuilt. The firm is the largest manufacturer of meat blocks in the world, operating warehouses in 15 cities with offices in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles. Over a million dollars is invested in equipment for production. The company has large timber holdings in the Upper Peninsula and parts of the Lower Peninsula, including Bois Blanc and Beaver Islands."
1960
In the 1960s Michigan Maple Block made three round blocks to press out the nose cone of a spaceship destined for the Moon. The blocks were 72 inches around and 36 inches deep, and weighed over two tons. They were thought to be the largest blocks ever fabricated the United States.
1961
Another FIRE!
Another FIRE!
1962
Year's later, John "Jack" Dau's 2011 obituary told he had acquired Michigan Maple Block Company in 1962.
Photo Below: This is an amazing photo with Michigan Maple Block in the center. Other places of interest include: the smoke from the burning city dump on Howard Road, Bear River Road extending from Clarion Avenue, LaTocha Farm on top of the left hand hillside (home of previous air strip, NCMC in 2023), Perry Oil Company, Old Railroad Roundhouse, Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway [see below] running beside the river and extending out parallel to Bear River Road, Petoskey High School stadium, and Sheridan Street.
Steve Stapert, having expert knowledge of the local area railroads wrote:
"The Pennsylvania Railroad took over the GR&I by 1920. The Pennsylvania RR in turn merged with the New York Central to form Penn Central in 1968 and promptly went bankrupt four years later. The US Congress formed Conrail to clean up the mess and the Penn Central GR&I division went to Michigan Northern RR via the State of Michigan intervention to keep the line operating. Those were chaotic years so probably the Round House was simply torn down as it would have been dilapidated and unnecessary by then."
Stapert further explained about the photo below:
"In this 1962 picture the GR&I railroad line split with one track on each side of the Bear River. The line to the left continued on through downtown Petoskey's railroad park and on all the way to Mackinac City. The line to the right was the GR&I Bear River spur. It followed the river, ending just south of US 31 along Elizabeth Street, following roughly the same path as the current Bear River Trail in the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, earlier serving McManus Lumber, Bear River Paper, and City Light & Power."
Steve Stapert, having expert knowledge of the local area railroads wrote:
"The Pennsylvania Railroad took over the GR&I by 1920. The Pennsylvania RR in turn merged with the New York Central to form Penn Central in 1968 and promptly went bankrupt four years later. The US Congress formed Conrail to clean up the mess and the Penn Central GR&I division went to Michigan Northern RR via the State of Michigan intervention to keep the line operating. Those were chaotic years so probably the Round House was simply torn down as it would have been dilapidated and unnecessary by then."
Stapert further explained about the photo below:
"In this 1962 picture the GR&I railroad line split with one track on each side of the Bear River. The line to the left continued on through downtown Petoskey's railroad park and on all the way to Mackinac City. The line to the right was the GR&I Bear River spur. It followed the river, ending just south of US 31 along Elizabeth Street, following roughly the same path as the current Bear River Trail in the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, earlier serving McManus Lumber, Bear River Paper, and City Light & Power."
1963
Article Left: A.J. Dau was marking three anniversaries including for Petoskey Housefurnishing Company which he had purchased in 1927. The article also notes that Alfred J. Dau was Chairman of the Board of Michigan Maple Block Company in Petoskey and Bally Block Company of Bally, Pennsylvania. He came to Petoskey in 1924 as a salesman for Michigan Maple Block Company. |
1964
1965
The 2023 web site for WoodWelded told, "The old 500 horsepower steam engine, which was used to feed all the plant’s waste wood to generate electricity, no longer drives the long line shaft to power the machinery. In 1963, the old WHS class Whitcomb gas locomotive, which had hauled loaded flat cars of logs from the railroad to the mills and later, cut timber to stock piles, was replaced by a 25,000 pound capacity fork lift truck."
Two Photos Below: Michigan Maple Block Company Locomotive
The burning house in the photos/text below "was built in the lumber era and once was owned by the late Fred Schmitt family." The Schmitt Family owned Michigan Maple Block, located just across Clarion Avenue from their home. The William T. West family owned the building when it burned in 1965. The Wests had run the home as The Rainbow Inn which local historian Rick Wiles has written about as "Northern Michigan's African American resort hotel" that can be accessed by clicking HERE. Rick Wiles noted that "The large, white structure was the former mansion of Petoskey's woodenware manufacturer, Frederick Bauerle. He had the home built for his family in the early 1880s. After many renovations, it served as a boarding house beginning in the 1940s."
2024 Photo Below taken from Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan: The red arrow points out the foundation to the mansion once owned by a Michigan Maple Block Company owner that once stood on the opposite side of Clarion Avenue than the block company.
Photo Below: The red arrow points out the mansion owned by the wooden ware manufacturers.
Map Below: The property where the mansion above was located shows
it is owned by Payette Holdings LLC of Boise Idaho in 2023.
it is owned by Payette Holdings LLC of Boise Idaho in 2023.
1970
15 September 1970 ~ Michigan Maple Block Company employees went on strike.
24 and 25 September 1970 Petoskey News Review article and two photos below: RIVAL SIGNS–Official of Michigan Maple Block Company posted a sign which gives a message to the striking members to which the union countered with a sign, reading; Surplus food Factory 90% Employees eligible for surplus food, working full time, need a living wage... Mich Maple Block U.F.W.A. Local 419 on Strike... for Much Higher Wage, Cost of Living. Some Pork for Our Beans.
27 November 1970 Article Below: Strike still going after 72 days...
Two Articles Below:
On 12 December 1970,
a time of picketing ended in violence sending one picketer at the company gate, to the hospital.
On 12 December 1970,
a time of picketing ended in violence sending one picketer at the company gate, to the hospital.
The strike continued in December 1970 when 57 of the CIO union employees were replaced with outside workers (SCABS), followed by the company damage by vandals who incapacitated some the company's major equipment.
1971
Article Below: The Petoskey News Review reported on 2 February 1971 that the Michigan Maple Block Company employees Local 419, United Furniture Workers of America, had been told by the Petoskey City Council to move their picket trailer from the public right of way by the gate to the plant. The Union was assured the trailer could be left there for sufficient time to seek a permit to move it on to private property across Standish Avenue. The trailer had been there since the first Sunday in October after the strike began 15 September 1970. During the city council’s discussion, an international union official, Lowell Daly, asked to speak. Daly had observed that the city allowed several other temporary trailers to exist around town which did not have an ordinance enforced. Lowell Daly revealed “the employer constantly dumped raw sewage in Bear River and was evading hauling out from a tank” and the union thought the sewage was “going into Bear River’ but Daly said the law was good for the strikers, but not for the company [Michigan Maple Block] to uphold. Daly presented several reasons the trailer should be allowed, but in the end the council voted for trailer removal from the plant’s entrance.
Keep in mind that the revelation of the plants’ sewage pumping into the Bear River did not fall on deaf ears. View the repercussions of this sewage evacuation on the 1973 happenings posted below on this same web page.
Keep in mind that the revelation of the plants’ sewage pumping into the Bear River did not fall on deaf ears. View the repercussions of this sewage evacuation on the 1973 happenings posted below on this same web page.
The strike did not end for 18 months; making it one of the longest strikes in Petoskey's history.
"Gerald Smith was hired by Michigan Maple Block Company in 1972 when the company had been under strike for 15 months! Smith was told by John Dau and Robert Dau, president and vice-president of the company, that if Smith failed to settle the strike and put the plant back to work, it would mean the death of the company. Three months later with "Smitty" having accepted the challenge, the strike was over and the company was on its way to a new future.
A few years later after suffering a heart attack, the company was restructured which left the company even stronger than with just one person managing all aspects of the operation; now three people... a sales manager, plant manager, and secretary treasure.
Under new leadership the company continued to grow, expanding its product line, creating a new office center, modernizing its plant, increasing its productivity. Smith said upon retiring in 1982, 'There is a feeling of sadness as I leave my desk and the fine group with whom I've worked over these years. However there is a feeling of pride in what has taken place here at the Block Company over the past 10 years, and in seeing what it's become, partly under my management.'
Gerald Smith's involvement with Michigan Block begged his wider involvement fighting for the entire economy of Northern Michigan. He founded the Northwest Industrial Association, and has served as its president three times.
The company's dependence on rail traffic edged him into working with the state Transportation Commission for the survival of the rail service. He became acquainted with the labor and commerce commission too, through his desire to boost Northern Michigan." ~ 1982 Article Below of Gerald Smith's retirement was the source of this information of his earlier accomplishments for Michigan Maple Block.
A few years later after suffering a heart attack, the company was restructured which left the company even stronger than with just one person managing all aspects of the operation; now three people... a sales manager, plant manager, and secretary treasure.
Under new leadership the company continued to grow, expanding its product line, creating a new office center, modernizing its plant, increasing its productivity. Smith said upon retiring in 1982, 'There is a feeling of sadness as I leave my desk and the fine group with whom I've worked over these years. However there is a feeling of pride in what has taken place here at the Block Company over the past 10 years, and in seeing what it's become, partly under my management.'
Gerald Smith's involvement with Michigan Block begged his wider involvement fighting for the entire economy of Northern Michigan. He founded the Northwest Industrial Association, and has served as its president three times.
The company's dependence on rail traffic edged him into working with the state Transportation Commission for the survival of the rail service. He became acquainted with the labor and commerce commission too, through his desire to boost Northern Michigan." ~ 1982 Article Below of Gerald Smith's retirement was the source of this information of his earlier accomplishments for Michigan Maple Block.
1972
Michigan Maple Block Company hoped for Federal Help
for installing a Bear River interceptor sewer system to meet state requirements,
and to keep the doors to the plant open with the health department's blessing.
Michigan Maple Block Company hoped for Federal Help
for installing a Bear River interceptor sewer system to meet state requirements,
and to keep the doors to the plant open with the health department's blessing.
Article Below: For the FIRST time in 83 years five ladies have been hired to posts held in the past by men at the Michigan Maple Block Company; Marie Anderson, Avalon Morgan, Marcia Kent, Debbie Crouch, Bonnie Warner and Marie Anderson.
Clipping Below: City Manager Richard Gorman told two problems were ahead for the project which would bring sewer service to the area of Michigan Maple Block Company and McLaughlin Company involving the final design which was needed by spring; one was rock in the area where the present interceptor ended, and another was unstable soil in other areas.
1973
Article Below:
Petoskey City Council voted 5-0 to terminate the city providing a truck to haul sewage from Michigan Maple Block Company’s holding tank to the city treatment system at the end of the week. The resolution also called for the city to provide a driver for the truck the rest of the week and to set a charge for that, plus retroactive charges to April 13 when the plan was started by Mayor James Gibson. The prosecutor VanDam told the council prior to its vote that he had notified the sheriff that day that Maple Block was operating the city’s truck which did not have a state license to haul pumped out sewage, so the sheriff had ticketed the vehicle.
Mayor Gibson explained that he had authorized the use of the one vehicle because the company had needed a sewer for a long time, and Gibson felt the city had dragged its feet on getting a sewer to that area for the prior 10 years he had been on the council or the mayor. Councilman Ostander stated he felt Gibson’s actions were cutting into private enterprise, and he felt the company had been dragging its feet.
City Attorney Stroup said the city did have the legal right to help an industry and cited several industrial laws authorized by the legislature. Much discussion ensued. Prosecutor VanDam said that the use of holding tanks was illegal in the county, but he was not looking to prosecute the city; however, he would prosecute the company unless they complied... and the health department, would continue after the company. His opinion was that if a holding tank was illegal, carting out of a holding tank was also illegal. VanDam said the health department had tried to work with the company for the last three years, and cited what he felt were broken promises by the company, having had plenty of time to comply.
Petoskey City Council voted 5-0 to terminate the city providing a truck to haul sewage from Michigan Maple Block Company’s holding tank to the city treatment system at the end of the week. The resolution also called for the city to provide a driver for the truck the rest of the week and to set a charge for that, plus retroactive charges to April 13 when the plan was started by Mayor James Gibson. The prosecutor VanDam told the council prior to its vote that he had notified the sheriff that day that Maple Block was operating the city’s truck which did not have a state license to haul pumped out sewage, so the sheriff had ticketed the vehicle.
Mayor Gibson explained that he had authorized the use of the one vehicle because the company had needed a sewer for a long time, and Gibson felt the city had dragged its feet on getting a sewer to that area for the prior 10 years he had been on the council or the mayor. Councilman Ostander stated he felt Gibson’s actions were cutting into private enterprise, and he felt the company had been dragging its feet.
City Attorney Stroup said the city did have the legal right to help an industry and cited several industrial laws authorized by the legislature. Much discussion ensued. Prosecutor VanDam said that the use of holding tanks was illegal in the county, but he was not looking to prosecute the city; however, he would prosecute the company unless they complied... and the health department, would continue after the company. His opinion was that if a holding tank was illegal, carting out of a holding tank was also illegal. VanDam said the health department had tried to work with the company for the last three years, and cited what he felt were broken promises by the company, having had plenty of time to comply.
A great deal of the 3 May 1973 Petoskey News Review was dedicated to Michigan Maple Block Company’s septic issue. The articles and photo/text below are extremely informative.
Robert Starmer, secretary-treasurer of Michigan Maple Block Company read the text of the statement announcing the closing on Friday, May 4, 1973, of the plant which they stated had been operated here for 86 years. (For observation’s sake that would have made the operation of the plant since 1887… not stating how the 1881 establishment date noted on the building, came to be.) “We have a sealed 1,500 gallon holding tank. We have our own sealed tank truck and our own maintenance man and driver to transport sewage effluent for this tank to the City disposal system. We would gladly pay the same sewer tax that anyone having the benefits city sewer systems play.”
Starmer said the federal funds for the new interceptor sewer would make a new septic system not needed, but this could not be built overnight. He felt the hauling of the sewage to the city’s plant much better than the company building a new septic system that would be abandoned when the city sewer was built.
Starmer said during the civil trial in circuit court Health Department official Henne had admitted that he had never actually seen septic tank effluent going into Bear River and that his dye tests were ‘inconclusive’.
Robert Starmer, secretary-treasurer of Michigan Maple Block Company read the text of the statement announcing the closing on Friday, May 4, 1973, of the plant which they stated had been operated here for 86 years. (For observation’s sake that would have made the operation of the plant since 1887… not stating how the 1881 establishment date noted on the building, came to be.) “We have a sealed 1,500 gallon holding tank. We have our own sealed tank truck and our own maintenance man and driver to transport sewage effluent for this tank to the City disposal system. We would gladly pay the same sewer tax that anyone having the benefits city sewer systems play.”
Starmer said the federal funds for the new interceptor sewer would make a new septic system not needed, but this could not be built overnight. He felt the hauling of the sewage to the city’s plant much better than the company building a new septic system that would be abandoned when the city sewer was built.
Starmer said during the civil trial in circuit court Health Department official Henne had admitted that he had never actually seen septic tank effluent going into Bear River and that his dye tests were ‘inconclusive’.
Article Below: During a 1970/71 Strike at Michigan Maple Block Company (view 1970 and 1971 above on this same web page for details of the strike) it was reported to the District Health Department No. 3 that a company septic tank was draining into Bear River. That situation unknowing to the company management at the time was investigated and found to be true that an overflow pipe drained to the river. The fifty foot plus pipe was removed and the hole in the septic tank blocked. The trench was refilled and closed. That did not satisfy the health officer who requested the Block Company make a new drainfield some 300 to 400 feet south of the plant. This area, however was quite an elevation from the present level of the tank, so would have required a pump to raise the fluid about four feet. The company contacted the city with the possibility of the city installing sewers in the company's area. The city advised it had been discussed, and the city realized the entire company area must have sewers at an early date. In January 1973, Governor MIliken did announce that $110,000 would be made available to the City of Petoskey to share, in the cost of the Bear River interceptor sewer project on the agenda for 1973 and had set aside $85,000 to go with the $110,000. The city next left forms for the company to fill for the purpose of helping the city acquire this money.
The result of this would give seven other industries and 75 homes sewers in the area, including the city garage and the high school stadium which also had no sewers. Meanwhile, the company endeavored to remedy the immediate sewage problem, because the sewers were within 10 to 12 months away. The inspector, began to file action against the company... with the case still in court at the time of the article. During the court's hearing the inspector was questioned, and he was unable to prove that the company was polluting the river or causing pollution. No conclusive tests were made to prove pollution. It was only his idea that this was happening.
The cost of a new drainfield to be used for 10 to 12 months would cost thousands of dollars, due to the electrical work required to handle the pumps and also the building to house this equipment against the cold weather. The Health inspector would not allow for licensing of the company's own 1,200 hauling truck which could address the issue.
The result of this would give seven other industries and 75 homes sewers in the area, including the city garage and the high school stadium which also had no sewers. Meanwhile, the company endeavored to remedy the immediate sewage problem, because the sewers were within 10 to 12 months away. The inspector, began to file action against the company... with the case still in court at the time of the article. During the court's hearing the inspector was questioned, and he was unable to prove that the company was polluting the river or causing pollution. No conclusive tests were made to prove pollution. It was only his idea that this was happening.
The cost of a new drainfield to be used for 10 to 12 months would cost thousands of dollars, due to the electrical work required to handle the pumps and also the building to house this equipment against the cold weather. The Health inspector would not allow for licensing of the company's own 1,200 hauling truck which could address the issue.
Article Above and Photo/Text Below announced: On 4 May 1973 Michigan Maple Block was closing when last ditch efforts to resolve the septic impasse did not happen.
Prosecutor VanDam stated the following:
Prosecutor VanDam stated the following:
- The Health Department did not close the plan or order the plant to be closed. Company management made that decision.
- The Block Company had pled not guilty and demanded a trial in District County, so no fees would be levied until after the trial.
- The Block Company had said they were turned down in procuring a license to operate a tanker truck. Application for license did not happen.
- With an annual payroll of $350,000 plus profit and management salaries, it was absurd the company could not spend 3 to 4 thousand dollars to bring its sewage system within the law.
Text Above and Photos Above and Below: With 63 Michigan Maple Block employees affected by the closing of the company, about 40 employees were protesting in front of the District Health Department building on Lake Street. With employee dependents, the closing might involve 400 to 500 people.
Article Below: Henne, health officer, issued a permit to Michigan Maple Block Company to "install a system that will be located on the southern portion of the Standish-st property with a 2,000 square foot drainfield, a 1,500 septic tank and a 500 gallon dosing tank with pump. Three feet of fill will also be provided. Maple Block will begin installation of the system as soon as bids are accepted and will be allowed to pump out an existing septic tank until the new system is completed"
Article Above: MIchigan Maple Block had agreed to install a septic tank system which already was completed by May of 1973.
Article Below: Only a month after the block company's investment in a sewage system, in 22 June 2022, the city already had word of a grant for the Interceptor sewage system which would cover Michigan Maple Block.
Article Below: Only a month after the block company's investment in a sewage system, in 22 June 2022, the city already had word of a grant for the Interceptor sewage system which would cover Michigan Maple Block.
1974
28 October 1974 Petoskey High School students were given a tour of Michigan Maple Block to learn about local history and local industry. The accompanying article left told that Michigan Maple Block was founded 88 years ago, which would have been 1886, rather than in 1881 as posted on the end of the building. Originally they manufactured wooden bowls, but after a divesting fire the company evolved into making wooden chopping blocks... laminated blocks.
|
1975
Article Below from 3 February 2000: This 2000 clipping was reporting news of "25 Year Ago",
thus news in 1975.
thus news in 1975.
Two Photos Below: Michigan Maple Block Company's Old Steam Engine
Two Photos Above: Al Waterson, the current 1975 plant superintendent, and Gerald Burtch, retired superintendent who began working at the plant in 1923, viewed the old steam engine before it was dismantled.
Article Below: In 1923 Michigan Maple Block Company purchased a 500 horsepower steam engine, which was used to generate electric current from 1923 to 1962. The huge engine ran the plant after acquiring it as WWI surplus, although it never had been used. Gerald Burtch went to work at the company in 1923 and helped to wheel bricks into the company yard for the walls to enclose the huge machine. The steam engine drove a line shaft to power all the machinery in the plant and was hooked up to a generator and made electricity. The engine powered a 29 inch wide leather belt. Only two belts were ever used; the original and a 1941 replacement which cost $3,000 for about 125 feet in length. In 1962 the plant went to city power and the steam engine was shut down. It became outdated. In 1975, the company donated the steam engine to Traverse City’s Northwest Michigan College Maritime Academy where it was to be placed in a museum for public view. The vacated space was to become a Michigan Maple Block Company employees’ lunchroom.
Article Below: In 1923 Michigan Maple Block Company purchased a 500 horsepower steam engine, which was used to generate electric current from 1923 to 1962. The huge engine ran the plant after acquiring it as WWI surplus, although it never had been used. Gerald Burtch went to work at the company in 1923 and helped to wheel bricks into the company yard for the walls to enclose the huge machine. The steam engine drove a line shaft to power all the machinery in the plant and was hooked up to a generator and made electricity. The engine powered a 29 inch wide leather belt. Only two belts were ever used; the original and a 1941 replacement which cost $3,000 for about 125 feet in length. In 1962 the plant went to city power and the steam engine was shut down. It became outdated. In 1975, the company donated the steam engine to Traverse City’s Northwest Michigan College Maritime Academy where it was to be placed in a museum for public view. The vacated space was to become a Michigan Maple Block Company employees’ lunchroom.
1976
Bear River winds past the Petoskey Public Schools' stadium, under the Standish Bridge,
past the Michigan Maple Block Company,
then on down through the river valley out to Little Traverse Bay.
past the Michigan Maple Block Company,
then on down through the river valley out to Little Traverse Bay.
Photo Below:The convex of Standish and Clarion avenues, the railroad track by Clarion Avenue, the Bear River, McLaughlin's Manufacturing Company facilty, and the Petoskey High School Stadium property which had been donated to the schools by Morgan Curtis. Morgan had owned the entire property to the convex of the corners when in 1893 Morgan became a partner with Thomas Forman; owner of Armstrong Flooring Company at the Petoskey location. In 1894 Bull, Bauerle & Jones had built up an extensive business in the Armstrong plant on the second floor before it was sold to Thomas Forman and Morgan Curtis to become the Forman Factory.
1977
Article Below: It was to the city’s advantage in promoting the sanitary sewer installation along Standish Avenue and in the Sheridan Street-Buckley Street area, that the voters amended the city charter to all for full special assessments when the need dictates. Previously, the city was limited to 25 percent of the assessed value of a person’s property. City officials were pleased about the removal of the limitation because often assessments had not been meeting the cost of the project.
1977 Article Below: The City Council “got heat” when Gerry Smith, Michigan Maple Block official gave a verbal lashing when the city had not included the plant in the sewer projects. Smith added Michigan Maple Block Company had increased its work force from 55 employees to 103 in the last year, and is severely taxing its drain field. Smith said polluted water probably could be found in the ditches along Standish Avenue. So, to appease Smith, the city council approved sanitary sewer plans for Standish Avenue and Sheridan-Buckley streets in a heavily industrial portion of Petoskey with bids due at the upcoming 19 December meeting. Smith told the council he had been waiting seven years for sewers, and if its kept waiting the cost would be prohibitive. Then Councilman Clark suggested the city tack on the Michigan Maple Block to the Standish project if the company would pay for the project… the other council members agreed.
At the same meeting, homeowners balked at the high assessments without fed money to help fund the project. Article Below: "Business Urges Sewer, Homeowners Say Wait."
At the same meeting, homeowners balked at the high assessments without fed money to help fund the project. Article Below: "Business Urges Sewer, Homeowners Say Wait."
Article Above: The City of Petoskey received a grant to purchase the old C.M. Harris Lumber Company's 6.7 acre property on the Bear River located on Standish Street between the MIchigan Maple Clock Company and Petoksey High School's Curtis Field. On the 2023 Emmet County "Property Search" Map Below the property is noted to have 5.85 acres. The property in 2023 is used for various public activities including a skate park, a pickle ball court, access to the Bear River Trail, a parking lot, and access to the area of the recently vacated/razed stadium of the Petoskey Public Schools.
1978
Photo/Text Below: Michigan Maple Block Company burns wood chips which saves money.
A chipper grinds up the wood slabs, a waste product of the company's product.
The chips are hauled into the building by a conveyor system and burned as fuel in a massive boiler.
A chipper grinds up the wood slabs, a waste product of the company's product.
The chips are hauled into the building by a conveyor system and burned as fuel in a massive boiler.
By 13 March 1978 the city council was getting serious about installing a sewer system to accommodate not only Michigan Maple Block Company, but several areas of the city as noted below.
"Whereas, the City Manager has filed with the City Clerk his report finding that each of the following public improvements is a public necessity, namely:"
"Whereas, the City Manager has filed with the City Clerk his report finding that each of the following public improvements is a public necessity, namely:"
Notice Below: Special Invitation citizens who would have a "Special Assessment" for the Sewer installations...
and to make known any objections.
and to make known any objections.
1978 Article Below: In May the bids were “Over Estimate” (article above), and by 18 December “Approximately 67 percent of Petoskey’s $1 million plus sanitary sewer project was completed before winter arrived." In fact, the project was slightly ahead of schedule. The East Jordan company W.A. Porter Construction Company planned to resume the project in the spring. Hookups already were available along Standish, Buckley, Howard, and Ann Streets because the heavily industrialized areas were given priority. For several years, city officials had fought hard for federal funds for the projects. Only minor problems of rock formations while digging trenches had been encountered.
Photo/Text Below: Floyd “Mose” Thompson celebrated his 40 consecutive years at Michigan Maple Block Company, having headed the maintenance department since 1956; having originally been hired for just two weeks. Mose passed in 1981 with his obituary stating he had retired in June, 1980, from the Michigan Maple Block Company; so with 42 years employment there.
1979
Michigan Maple Block Company and the Railroad
Michigan Maple Block Company and the Railroad
Steve Stapert, an expert about local railroads of the Northern Michigan area gave a a brief history of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, regarding the railroad round house that had stood since about 1904 near Bear River and near to the oil facility, next to today's [2023's] Michigan Maple Block Company location. "The GR&I Railroad arrived in Petoskey in 1874. It originally had an engine house located where the train station is now in 2023 at Bay and Lewis streets, across from Stafford's Perry Hotel. Later, the engine house moved to Baxter and Washington streets. Finally in 1903 or 04 the GR&I built this third engine house/round house near Forman's crossing. The GR&I division of the Pennsylvania Railroad was the first of all the PRR divisions to be completely dieselized in 1950 so the coaling tipple, water tower, and sand house at the roundhouse were obsolete then and removed. Because diesel locomotives required far less maintenance, the roundhouse also was of less use. The turn table also seemed to be missing in about 1962 in an earlier photo above, and explained because diesels do not need to be turned around like steam locomotives.
The GR&I had arrived at Petoskey along a route largely parallel to US 131 from the south and continuing through Bayview, Conway, Oden, Alanson and on up to Mackinaw City. The Pere Marquette Railroad, however, arrived from Traverse City through Charlevoix to Petoskey along a route parallel to US 31, then ending at Bayview. The Pere Marquette RR had a yard, roundhouse, and accessory buildings along the bay's shore west of the Bear River; a still standing station depot in Bay Front Park in what is now the Little Traverse History Museum."
The GR&I had arrived at Petoskey along a route largely parallel to US 131 from the south and continuing through Bayview, Conway, Oden, Alanson and on up to Mackinaw City. The Pere Marquette Railroad, however, arrived from Traverse City through Charlevoix to Petoskey along a route parallel to US 31, then ending at Bayview. The Pere Marquette RR had a yard, roundhouse, and accessory buildings along the bay's shore west of the Bear River; a still standing station depot in Bay Front Park in what is now the Little Traverse History Museum."
10 January 1979 Petoskey News Review told: Talk of merging two groups to improve rail service; just one focused group no longer concerned with salvaging the railroads in northern Michigan, but to get the system to work smoothly. Gerry Smith of Michigan Maple Block Company was a firm believer in the role of Michigan’s railroad. With fuel shortages, the cost of fuel, not only highways, airports, and seaways need government subsidies, but railroads need subsidies as well. Smith felt that light-weight diesel or electric train cars would be the transportation of the future. Three railroads were serving northern Michigan: 1) Michigan Northern, based in Cadillac, with lines running to Mackinaw City 2) Cheaspeake and Ohio, with lines running to Petoskey 3) Detroit and Mackinaw, serving the east side of the state from Detroit to Mackinaw.
Railroads were a good way to transport items; especially heavy items. If service were suspended, the track would deteriorate. The railroads had a low density of use in the Petoskey area, so the railroad group would need to build up the freight service, and possibly the passenger service. The two railroad groups should merge to make effective use of the governmental transportation packages.
Article Above: Compared to the 1970-71 strike, this contract agreement came easy... a 3 year contract after three days and nights of negotiations brought a ratified contract between the Local 419 of the United Furniture Workers and Michigan Maple Block Company.
Two Clippings Below: Two Minor 1979 Fires were reported at the Michigan Maple Block.
May 1979 Article Below: Robert "Bob" Starmer retired from Michigan Maple Block Company, ending 11 years as secretary-treasurer, and sales manager, of the business. He served as sales manager for five years before taking over the added duties of secretary-treasurer. Those years meant he had started with the company in 1963. Starmer's 1998 obituary, however, stated, "In the late '50s, he was then manager of the Michigan Maple Block Company, until his retirement."
1980
The 8 January 1980 advertisement below announced the move of Petoskey Oil Company to 1414 Standish Avenue next to Michigan Maple Block. It must have been only the business name moving because several photos/maps in previous years show fuel tanks already located in that location. In 2023 the business at the same location is the Derrer Oil & Propane Company [Pacific Pride].
Clipping Below: Sparks from a boiler ignited an overhead roof cover into a "minor fire."
The accompanying 1980 article below about Burton Hooker explained: “”Hooker, the 66-year-old former owner of Hookers Laundry [Petoskey] buys much of his wood at Michigan Maple Block when he returns here for the summer and then takes it back to Arizona… usually his wood working takes the form of trays, bowls, or plates featuring the intricately cut and inlaid wood of differing colors and shapes.”
1981
Michigan Maple Block claimed 1881 as the date of establishment, and therefore was celebrating its First 100 Years in 1981. Firm president Jack Dau, told the celebrating gatherers, "Each of you has had a vital role in turning the timber that God has given to us in the surrounding forests into a finished product useful to mankind.
These are the people who kept this enterprise alive through five major wars, several depressions, and a couple of fires. Their story, and now yours, is the story of America. From communities such as ours, not Wall Street, Hollywood and Washington, came the people who developed our land, fought our wars, and kept our factories running. They didn't give up when their very existence was threatened by severe weather, pestilence, great depressions and wars. Instead, each threat was met as a challenge, and conquered through their legendary courage and ingenuity.
Today is not different than the past. Our threats are dressed in different costumes, but they are there– now in the form of drug abuse versus pestilence; inflation versus depression; foreign versus local competition; world racial, religious and political unrest versus outright major wars.
Can we survive? You bet we can! We have worked together in this business and in this community for 100 years so that our grandchildren can celebrate our bicentennial. The firm has survived very well as one of the largest laminated wood-products manufacturing firms in the nation."
These are the people who kept this enterprise alive through five major wars, several depressions, and a couple of fires. Their story, and now yours, is the story of America. From communities such as ours, not Wall Street, Hollywood and Washington, came the people who developed our land, fought our wars, and kept our factories running. They didn't give up when their very existence was threatened by severe weather, pestilence, great depressions and wars. Instead, each threat was met as a challenge, and conquered through their legendary courage and ingenuity.
Today is not different than the past. Our threats are dressed in different costumes, but they are there– now in the form of drug abuse versus pestilence; inflation versus depression; foreign versus local competition; world racial, religious and political unrest versus outright major wars.
Can we survive? You bet we can! We have worked together in this business and in this community for 100 years so that our grandchildren can celebrate our bicentennial. The firm has survived very well as one of the largest laminated wood-products manufacturing firms in the nation."
1982
The Petoskey News Review reported on 25 January 1982, the Emmet County Medical Care Facility’s new 22-bed addition opened for occupancy. Many of the furnishings in the new wing were purchased with donations from several area families and by the Care Facility Auxiliary. Two conference tables were donated by Michigan Maple Block Company.
By 1879 a Rail Subcommittee had been organized with the 10 member counties of the Northwest Regional Planning and Development Commission which included Michigan Maple Block Company’s Gerry Smith Smith who already was the president of the Rail Users Association. Smith knew government assistance for track development and repair was available, but the northern sector did not get any of that funding. Michigan Maple Block Company needed the railroad money for the company to stay in existence. As the number of rail cars increased so did the rail deterioration. The rails must be kept in shape. With Smith's involvement in the railroad groups, Michigan Maple Block Company at least had a voice with “determining current and future rail needs by considering traffic, where industrial parks were located, and the natural resource bases, and attitudes of area users and non-users and policy attitudes.”
By August 1880 the C&O Railroad planned to discontinue service between Manistee and Bay View by filing with the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
The 28 January 1982 Petoskey News Review reported it had just been announced that the Michigan Transportation Commission voted 4-2 to cut appropriations for Michigan Northern Railway [MNR], for operating between Petoskey and Mackinaw City. That vote would end the state's both operating subsidies and tax and lease payments on the tracks–a cost that MNR said it could not meet. Speaking to the commission was Gerry Smith of Petoskey, president of the Northwest Michigan Industrial Association who told the members, “Every time I come down here there is another stall. We’ve got to get the railroad situation straightened out very fast.” Smith told that Michigan Maple Block had problems with a recent contract because of the uncertainty of rail service. He said he was hard pressed to plan future rail shipments, because he did not know if the railroad would be there to handle it.
The 5 February 1982 Petoskey News Review reported that Michigan Northern Railway began an embargo on rail shipments over the Petoskey to Mackinaw City section of track, indicating shippers should reroute their traffic elsewhere. MNR said they would continue operating from Petoskey south, but because of the loss of overhead traffic, they would not operate more than once or twice a week in that area. The overhead traffic–daily lumber shipments from the west coast–enabled the line to move cars through the area almost daily. Hurting the most would be Michigan Maple Block Company which had depended on the line for lumber shipments from the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin.
Michigan Maple Block Company was not the only Petoskey company being hit hard by lack of reliable rail service. The 10 February 1982 article below told about the effects also felt by Petoskey Plastics, and Cities Services and propane service.
By August 1880 the C&O Railroad planned to discontinue service between Manistee and Bay View by filing with the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
The 28 January 1982 Petoskey News Review reported it had just been announced that the Michigan Transportation Commission voted 4-2 to cut appropriations for Michigan Northern Railway [MNR], for operating between Petoskey and Mackinaw City. That vote would end the state's both operating subsidies and tax and lease payments on the tracks–a cost that MNR said it could not meet. Speaking to the commission was Gerry Smith of Petoskey, president of the Northwest Michigan Industrial Association who told the members, “Every time I come down here there is another stall. We’ve got to get the railroad situation straightened out very fast.” Smith told that Michigan Maple Block had problems with a recent contract because of the uncertainty of rail service. He said he was hard pressed to plan future rail shipments, because he did not know if the railroad would be there to handle it.
The 5 February 1982 Petoskey News Review reported that Michigan Northern Railway began an embargo on rail shipments over the Petoskey to Mackinaw City section of track, indicating shippers should reroute their traffic elsewhere. MNR said they would continue operating from Petoskey south, but because of the loss of overhead traffic, they would not operate more than once or twice a week in that area. The overhead traffic–daily lumber shipments from the west coast–enabled the line to move cars through the area almost daily. Hurting the most would be Michigan Maple Block Company which had depended on the line for lumber shipments from the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin.
Michigan Maple Block Company was not the only Petoskey company being hit hard by lack of reliable rail service. The 10 February 1982 article below told about the effects also felt by Petoskey Plastics, and Cities Services and propane service.
Article Below: The Michigan Maple Block Company's Union members ratified a new three-year contract... an "equitable" agreement, considering the economy in the area and in the country. The company was eased by an agreeable settlement of the contract, but the railroad situation continued to dominate the company's attention for most of 1982.
Articles Above and Below: While the Michigan Maple Block Company's employees ratified their contract, the company representatives were fighting to save the railroad line which brought the unfinished product to the plant, and then the railroad shipped out the finished product... A hearing was to help determine the "Area's Last Chance to Save the Railroad."
The 27 April 1982 Petoskey News Review reported, "At 11:02 P.M., the Petoskey Fire Department was called out to Michigan Maple Block Company on Standish Avenue when chimney sparks from the firm's wood boiler landed on the roof. There was no damage, and firemen were out for 37 minutes."
A 24 September 1982 Petoskey News Review article announced that State Senator Mitch Irwin had named Gerald “Smitty” Smith, along with Petoskey resident Rosemary Glaser and chairman of the Emmet County Democratic Party, to head Irwin’s re-election campaign in Emmet County. Smith was director of lumber and forest products at Michigan Maple Block Company and president of the Northwest Michigan Industrial Association, Chairman of the Cross Straits Ferry Commission and president of the Northwestern Rail Users Association. This state senator association would be perfect for Michigan Maple Block Company’s input, and discussions, regarding the ongoing railroad situation that was so crucial for area businesses.
1983
Gerry Smith, retired from Michigan Maple Block Company,
told that the company "never logged anything smaller than 16 inches in diameter at breast height."
told that the company "never logged anything smaller than 16 inches in diameter at breast height."
1984
In 1984, Joe Hoffman Sr. retired from plowing snow for Michigan Maple Block Company,
after forty years.
after forty years.
Article Below:
MIchigan Maple Block Company already was shipping extensively to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia,
and hoped to ship more to Japan and to enter the German market.
MIchigan Maple Block Company already was shipping extensively to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia,
and hoped to ship more to Japan and to enter the German market.
Jack Grubaugh, secretary/treasurer of MIchigan Maple Block Company was
the incoming president of the Northwest Michigan Industrial Association.
the incoming president of the Northwest Michigan Industrial Association.
1987
Photo Above: Chief Wawatum the railroad ferry service between the Straits of Mackinac...
Article Below: Gerry "Smitty" Smith had become "involved in the Northern Michigan railroad problems when his former employer, Michigan Maple Block was served notice by Penn Central that it would cease serving the area." As an active member of the Northern Michigan Rail Users and Supporters Association he tried valiantly to maintain rail serrvice in the area. He remembered one Michigan Transportation Commission state meeting when one member of the audience kept saying how old the Chief Wawatum was, indicating the ferry should be scrapped. That comment made "Smitty" a little mad. Not only was the ferry needed to help the railroad, but the ferry was just about the same age as "Smitty" was.
As rail service was ending, Penn Central sold the trackage from Grand Rapids to Petoskey to the state. The Bay View Association purchased the track running through its property with the stipulation it could tear up the tracks two years after the last train ran that way.
For a time Michigan Northern leased the tracks and had ample business through a contract with Algoma Steel of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to haul pipe into Pellston and load it on railcars heading south for the oil and gas industry. When worldwide oil prices dropped the company stopped hauling pipe. "That was the deathblow to Michigan Northern here and it was brought to a complete halt," Smith said.
When Bob Redman took over the railroad company, for money owed him, he approached Smith for suggestions on how to improve traffic. For eight months Smith managed the Chief Wawatum to help keep rail service in Northern Michigan. When the rail service could not keep going, Redman tried to get the Emmet County Board of Commissioners interested in taking over the right of way for $150,000.00 for trail use. The county was not interested so it was offered to the state, but to no avail. Through court order, the track, right of way, and land reverted back to C.M. McDaniel, the owner of The Equipment Co. in Greenville, South Carolina.
Smith said, "It's history going away. It's history disappearing."
Article Below: Gerry "Smitty" Smith had become "involved in the Northern Michigan railroad problems when his former employer, Michigan Maple Block was served notice by Penn Central that it would cease serving the area." As an active member of the Northern Michigan Rail Users and Supporters Association he tried valiantly to maintain rail serrvice in the area. He remembered one Michigan Transportation Commission state meeting when one member of the audience kept saying how old the Chief Wawatum was, indicating the ferry should be scrapped. That comment made "Smitty" a little mad. Not only was the ferry needed to help the railroad, but the ferry was just about the same age as "Smitty" was.
As rail service was ending, Penn Central sold the trackage from Grand Rapids to Petoskey to the state. The Bay View Association purchased the track running through its property with the stipulation it could tear up the tracks two years after the last train ran that way.
For a time Michigan Northern leased the tracks and had ample business through a contract with Algoma Steel of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to haul pipe into Pellston and load it on railcars heading south for the oil and gas industry. When worldwide oil prices dropped the company stopped hauling pipe. "That was the deathblow to Michigan Northern here and it was brought to a complete halt," Smith said.
When Bob Redman took over the railroad company, for money owed him, he approached Smith for suggestions on how to improve traffic. For eight months Smith managed the Chief Wawatum to help keep rail service in Northern Michigan. When the rail service could not keep going, Redman tried to get the Emmet County Board of Commissioners interested in taking over the right of way for $150,000.00 for trail use. The county was not interested so it was offered to the state, but to no avail. Through court order, the track, right of way, and land reverted back to C.M. McDaniel, the owner of The Equipment Co. in Greenville, South Carolina.
Smith said, "It's history going away. It's history disappearing."
1989
Gerry Smith "Smitty" had been instrumental for Michigan Maple Block Company in negotiations in the 1970s regarding the sewer connection, and also maintaining railroad connection.
1991
1992
Clipping Below: Bob Boening retired from Michigan Maple Block Company. Jack Grubaugh, secretary-treasurer and general manager, praised Boening’s efforts to bring a pension plan to the company, and said the longtime employee would now be able to reap the benefits. Bob Boening retired after more than 40 years at Michigan Maple Block Company.
The 1992 Bombs to Butcher Blocks article above reported: "Michigan Maple Block Co. is one of the largest and oldest manufacturers of butcher block products in the nation... In 1878, two businessmen, Mr. Baker and Mr. Forbes, came to the lumbering town of Petoskey and founded a wooden ware manufacturing plant. They sold the business to Frank and Fred Bauerle a few years later. And around the turn of the century, Charles Broman and Frederick Schmitt bought it [the wooden ware plant] from them [the Bauerle Bros.]... The company invested in timber lands and bought cut lumber from local sawmills until they built their own [saw mill] on the factory's 13 acre site... In the 1940s the Manhattan Project, where research of the FIRST atomic bomb was conducted, used custom sized Michigan Maple Block Co. blocks as insulation. In the 1960s, the space industry asked Michigan Maple Block Co. to build three round blocks to press out the nose cone of the moon rocket."
1994
Contract Settled
Smoky Stack
Smoky Stack
1995
1996
Dumping Grounds
FIRE in August
Plant Tours
Dumping Grounds
FIRE in August
Plant Tours
Column Below: Author Simon Otto grew up on Petoskey’s Sheridan Street, in the vicinity of Michigan Maple Block. Otto witnessed multiple area dump sites: 1) Gruler’s Farm Supplies ~ 2023 approved for housing 2) Near the milkweed processing plant ~ 2023 businesses 3) Railroad Roundhouse near Michigan Maple Block Company location of a small pond with garbage dumped in it; drained into the Bear River. 4) Michigan Maple Clock Company along the south end of its buildings at the river’s edge ~ 2023 being approved for a housing development 5) Private property site that dumped into the river.
Clipping Below: Harbor Spring's Shay Elementary School fight grade sudents made "plant tours"
which included Michigan Maple Block Company.
which included Michigan Maple Block Company.
1997
1998
2000
FIRE
FIRE
Edna Smith married Fred J. Schmitt, Jr. in 1920. When she passed in 2000 her obituary below noted that Edna had been the president of Michigan Maple Block company from 1957 through 1963, assuming the role after the passing of her husband.
2001
2002
Articles Above and Below: Anne Shepherd was celebrating her 40 AND 50 years with Michigan Maple Block in the accounting department. Anne did not leave Michigan Maple Block Company until she had been employed at the company for 62 years, according to Anne's 2017 obituary below the article.
Obituary Below: Anne Shepherd Passed after working for Michigan Maple Block Company for 62 years.
2003
Article Below: MIchigan Maple Block had about 65 people working at the company
when the employees and the company settled the contract.
when the employees and the company settled the contract.
2004
The reporter below undoubtedly stated information given by the owners, but some of the information was not accurate, as documented in previous news articles, and by the Sanborn Maps.
The 2004 article below announced that Michigan Maple Block Company was generating about $7.5 million in annual sales and provided work for about 65 people. “The business had its roots in a downtown Petoskey wooden ware plant which men named Baker and Forbes founded in 1878. Frank and Fred Bauerle purchased the operation shortly after. It was in 1881 that The Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Co. began.” That 1878 date is not true according to articles that announced that Broman and Hull owned the factory in 1898 and they changed its name to Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company. “The plant moved to its present site in 1890. The current building has been in place since around 1920, having replaced an earlier structure that burned.” On the 1902 Petoskey Plat Map, the 2023 Michigan Maple Block Company property was owned by L.G. Grimes, and Bauerle Brothers owning a very small property farther south and in 1902 Forman Co. Ltd still owned the V-shaped area. "In the early 20th century, Schmitt, who'd become the block company's major stockholder, changed the name to Michigan Maple Block Company." The block factory burned in 1912. After the facility was rebuilt, the 7 November 1916 Petoskey Evening News announced the Petoskey Block Company name changed to Michigan Maple Block Company.
The 2004 article below announced that Michigan Maple Block Company was generating about $7.5 million in annual sales and provided work for about 65 people. “The business had its roots in a downtown Petoskey wooden ware plant which men named Baker and Forbes founded in 1878. Frank and Fred Bauerle purchased the operation shortly after. It was in 1881 that The Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Co. began.” That 1878 date is not true according to articles that announced that Broman and Hull owned the factory in 1898 and they changed its name to Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company. “The plant moved to its present site in 1890. The current building has been in place since around 1920, having replaced an earlier structure that burned.” On the 1902 Petoskey Plat Map, the 2023 Michigan Maple Block Company property was owned by L.G. Grimes, and Bauerle Brothers owning a very small property farther south and in 1902 Forman Co. Ltd still owned the V-shaped area. "In the early 20th century, Schmitt, who'd become the block company's major stockholder, changed the name to Michigan Maple Block Company." The block factory burned in 1912. After the facility was rebuilt, the 7 November 1916 Petoskey Evening News announced the Petoskey Block Company name changed to Michigan Maple Block Company.
Photo/Text Below: The text below was a portion of a larger article; telling that Michigan Maple Block Company had crafted locker room benches for the Detroit Red Wings and for the Chicago Bears, and maple tabletops for Pizza Hut and Applebee's in Petoskey, and the new Village Inn restaurant scheduled to open at Pellston Regional Airport. The company also built 200 laboratory bench tops for the FBI headquarters in Vandenberg, Virginia.
2005
2006
Article Below: Manufacturing malaise hits area, but some are fighting back, as explained about Michigan Maple Block Company in this section part of the complete article.
2011
John "Jack" Dau's obituary below tells he had acquired Michigan Maple Block Company in 1962. He was survived by his daughters Barbara Dau Southwell and Ann Dau Conway who were owners of the company later when they had to notify the employees in 2022 that the company must close.
2012
In 2012... Michigan Maple Block countertops were featured in home decorating and design magazines, The cutting blocks could be purchased in local “Made in Michigan” stores or W.W. Fairbairn & Son in Alanson, Michigan. The company was advertising in the classifieds for those who sought to buy end cuts; and also for the company to purchase the forestry of large acreage of maple, oak and aspen.
Three Photos Below: By 2012, the City of Petoskey had blazed a walking trail along the Bear River, allowing for visions of the Michigan Maple Block Company's buildings from across the river, closer to Clarion Avenue.
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Article Below: Anne Shepherd began working for Michigan Maple Block as a bookeeper and payroll in 1952 and continued until 2012, sixty years later. Shepherd stated, “I never thought I’d be in this place this long, but they’ve been good years. (The company) has been awfully good to me.”
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2015
Robert Dau's Obituary and Article Below: Robert Dau was the son of Alfred and Beatrice (Schmitt) Dau. Robert had been President of WoodWelded International, the marketing arm of the Michigan Maple Block and Bally Block Companies. After retiring from the company in the mid-1980s he pursued his passions of art collecting and travel. In his later life Robert became friends with Pietro Vinotti, a sculptor, who kept his studio near the Village of Walloon Lake. Robert commissioned several pieces by Vinotti, including a bronze statue of Chief Petoskey that is now located overlooking the Bay in Petoskey. The Chief Petoskey statue originally was created in wood by Vinotti, and reproduced in bronze by Michael Petrucci's Fine Arts Sculpture Center in downstate Clarkston, Michigan.
Being a philanthropist, and one who greatly appreciated art, coupled with being a member of The Little Traverse Historical Society, it was fitting that Robert Dau wanted to leave something really nice for the community. Robert wanted to donate a likeness of famed writer Ernest Hemingway–who had spent summers at nearby Walloon Lake while growing up and lived some in Petoskey as a young man. Progress toward the Hemingway statue then stalled for months while the city council finally decided upon the placement of the statue in Pennsylvania Park close to Lake Street, just across the street from the location of the suburban station where Hemingway accessed the railroad; and right next to the City Park Grill [then the Park Garden] where a young Hemingway hung out at the iconic cherry bar. The city worked with Robert Dau's daughter Fernanda Dau Fisher, to help identify the location, and then to see the statue through its unveiling and placement dedication on 21 July 2017 at 4PM. Click HERE to access additional information, and photos, on this same web site about Robert Dau's generous donation of the Hemingway statue, modeled from the photo in the article below.
Being a philanthropist, and one who greatly appreciated art, coupled with being a member of The Little Traverse Historical Society, it was fitting that Robert Dau wanted to leave something really nice for the community. Robert wanted to donate a likeness of famed writer Ernest Hemingway–who had spent summers at nearby Walloon Lake while growing up and lived some in Petoskey as a young man. Progress toward the Hemingway statue then stalled for months while the city council finally decided upon the placement of the statue in Pennsylvania Park close to Lake Street, just across the street from the location of the suburban station where Hemingway accessed the railroad; and right next to the City Park Grill [then the Park Garden] where a young Hemingway hung out at the iconic cherry bar. The city worked with Robert Dau's daughter Fernanda Dau Fisher, to help identify the location, and then to see the statue through its unveiling and placement dedication on 21 July 2017 at 4PM. Click HERE to access additional information, and photos, on this same web site about Robert Dau's generous donation of the Hemingway statue, modeled from the photo in the article below.
2017
Photo Below: 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.
2019
The company's 2023 web site stated the following, "To respond to the tastes of consumers and kitchen designers, we’ve introduced six additional wood species: white ash, black walnut, American cherry, red oak, exotic teak and the eco-friendly, plantation grown, lyptus. These additions complete the line, offering a full spectrum of color and texture for any taste." The photos below of the wood species displays was found in Petoskey's main office location at the Michigan Maple Block Company.
Photos Above and Left: Michigan Maple Block created this "base ball bat rack" display to show the various species of wood used by the company. The wood cutting block is an example of the fine work the company has created since its inception... sold all over the world.
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Below: 2019 screen capture from the company's web page talked of the original understanding of wood in creating the noted butcher block... Broman and Schmitt, with ties to the meat cutting industry, "recognized the problems inherent in the standard meat cutting block of the day, a log section of southern sycamore. Not only did sycamore split as it dried, but the size of the cutting surface was limited by the size of the log. Schmitt and Broman determined that laminated hardwood is the answer to a better meat cutting surface. Broman bought out the Bauerle brothers to begin manufacturing, while Schmitt traveled the country as the national sales representative.
The new company, known as the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company, invested in timberlands and purchased cut lumber from local sawmills. They built their own sawmill on the factory's 13-acre site and constructed enormous dry kilns powered with the hot air supplied by burning the plant's scrap wood and sawdust.
By 1903, Schmitt had become the company's majority stockholder. He refined the appearance of the butcher block, making many design improvements. From 1907 through 1916 he obtained several patents for his "Butcher's Chopping Block" and most importantly for his technique of laminating, known today as the 'Wood Welded' process."
The new company, known as the Petoskey Block and Manufacturing Company, invested in timberlands and purchased cut lumber from local sawmills. They built their own sawmill on the factory's 13-acre site and constructed enormous dry kilns powered with the hot air supplied by burning the plant's scrap wood and sawdust.
By 1903, Schmitt had become the company's majority stockholder. He refined the appearance of the butcher block, making many design improvements. From 1907 through 1916 he obtained several patents for his "Butcher's Chopping Block" and most importantly for his technique of laminating, known today as the 'Wood Welded' process."
2020
On 29 April 2020 Michigan Maple Block Company announced through the Petoskey News Review
"Michigan Maple Block to Shut Down Operations"
after more than a century.
The company had been operating on a very thin margin, and then Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
made an executive order due to the COVID-19 to shut doors;
the company said it was impossible to continue as a viable business and would close by 20 June 2020.
Approximately 56 employees were affected with this announcement.
"Michigan Maple Block to Shut Down Operations"
after more than a century.
The company had been operating on a very thin margin, and then Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
made an executive order due to the COVID-19 to shut doors;
the company said it was impossible to continue as a viable business and would close by 20 June 2020.
Approximately 56 employees were affected with this announcement.
Ann Dau Conway addressed the closing plans of Michigan Maple Block Company in a letter to employees: “This is the most difficult decision we have ever made, because of the negative impact it will have on all of you, some of whom have worked at Michigan Maple for over 40 years." Conway cited recent happenings relating to the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons why it was impossible for the company to continue as a viable business. She noted an executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — which had led to a shutdown of Michigan Maple Block’s Standish Avenue manufacturing plant — as well as economic hardship and uncertainty resulting from the viral outbreak. Conway noted that the company had been through many adverse economic time periods, including two world wars, The Great Depression and multiple recessions. Conway stated she was "saddened that the mounting challenges the business faces today have compelled us to close the company.”
The company's sister business Bally Block Company in Pennsylvania would continue producing the "Wood Welded" product lines for Michigan Maple Block Company's customers.
The 2020 article stated, "Michigan Maple Block was founded in 1881 in Petoskey as a woodenware products company." Ann Dau Conway and her sister Barbara Dau are fourth-generation owners of Michigan Maple Block, which Ann stated has remained in their family since 1903 when their great-grandfather, Frederick J. Schmitt, became the majority owner of the firm. Their father John "Jack" Dau ran the company for 50 years before his passing in 2011 [See 2011 obituary above].
The company's sister business Bally Block Company in Pennsylvania would continue producing the "Wood Welded" product lines for Michigan Maple Block Company's customers.
The 2020 article stated, "Michigan Maple Block was founded in 1881 in Petoskey as a woodenware products company." Ann Dau Conway and her sister Barbara Dau are fourth-generation owners of Michigan Maple Block, which Ann stated has remained in their family since 1903 when their great-grandfather, Frederick J. Schmitt, became the majority owner of the firm. Their father John "Jack" Dau ran the company for 50 years before his passing in 2011 [See 2011 obituary above].
2021
2022
Michigan Maple Block Co. and FOR SALE Sign
Michigan Maple Block Co. and FOR SALE Sign
While asking $2,500,000.00, On-line Real Estate One gave the following description of the 1420 Standish Avenue Michigan Maple Block property built in 1918: "Amazing opportunity to own a large acreage parcel along the Bear River recreation corridor in the city limits of Petoskey only one mile from the downtown Gas Light District. The site is 12.4 acres with 11.1 usable acres and features over 1,000 feet on the Bear River. There is an existing 83,660 SF historic building on the site that was previously used by Michigan Maple Block Co. A buyer could use some or all of the existing structure, but the value is in redeveloping the property. This has been designated a MEDC Priority Redevelopment Site by the City of Petoskey allowing for a streamlined process for potential developers. Planned Unit Development, residential, multi-family, industrial and mixed-use are all possible uses."
Information Below:
The Emmet County "Property Search" web page lists the particulars of the Michigan Maple Block Corporation.
The Emmet County "Property Search" web page lists the particulars of the Michigan Maple Block Corporation.
Slide Show Below of internet photos found August 2023 on multiple real estate web sites like
Zillow, Real Estate One, and Coldwell Banker.
Click PLAY in upper left corner to view slide show.
Zillow, Real Estate One, and Coldwell Banker.
Click PLAY in upper left corner to view slide show.
2023
8 March 2023 Petoskey News Review Article: Headline read... "Site Slated for Workforce Housing Former Michigan Maple Block Company will be location of apartment complex with approximately 200 units." The project has been addressed by Jeff Smoke with Great Lakes Capital which became aware through Michigan Economic Development Corporation [MEDC] suggesting the location as a potential development site. Smoke stated a need exists in Northern Michigan for "workforce housing" and at least a portion of the apartments will have monthly rent that is priced for between 80–120 percent of the area median income. The rest of the units will ultimately depend on the project budget. The budget will seek incentives from MEDC and other sources as tax abatements or relief to make the project financially viable. Commercial components will be considered later if demand exists.
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20 March 2023 Petoskey News Review Article: Petoskey’s City Council approved the submission of a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Brownfield grant and loan for the Michigan Maple Block high-density housing project. The project is pursued by real estate development and private equity firm Great Lakes Capital, an Indiana-based company that invests in several types of properties, including multi-family dwellings. Jeff Smoke is the managing director. The city staff had been working with the developer and his team, going back to August 2022 on this housing project. City manager Shane Horn stated the project from a Brownfield perspective needs a great deal of assistance. This grant would help with the demolition and environmental cleanup. EGLE provides Brownfield grants and loans of up to $1 million to local units of government and Brownfield authorities for environmental response activities, asbestos abatement and demolition to support private redevelopment projects. The entire project is estimated at over $70 million for over 200 units, including work-force housing.
This grant has a loan component in the application with 1.5 percent interest rate, a 15-year payback, and the first five years are interest free. The city could repay the loan through the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) through the Brownfield. While city council member Tina DeMoore supports the project and the grant, she smartly expressed concern about the City of Petoskey being a guarantor of a $1 million loan and carrying the full risk of the project. She was in Petoskey, and surely remembers the giant loss the city took, when then 2006 Mayor Meyer and City Manager George Korthauer signed an after-hours agreement to GIVE the HOLE developer the city's property (with no bond assurance) for the “Option” to have city parking on the lower level of the HOLE development. The city lost its property when the developer went bankrupt; so the HOLE is still just a HOLE, after multiple NON-developing, developers. The city (taxpayers) also paid for updating infrastructure for the HOLE; will city infrastructure be a necessity for the Michigan Maple Block Company housing project as well? Click HERE to access the HOLE story.
What does the city stand to gain for its taxpaying residents by putting itself at risk of funding $1 million for this housing project?
The city also supports using Redevelopment Ready Communities dollars to help with the environmental costs.
The city also says that funds from the Emmet County Land Bank Authority are being explored from a cleanup standpoint.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20 March 2023 Petoskey News Review Article: Petoskey’s City Council approved the submission of a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Brownfield grant and loan for the Michigan Maple Block high-density housing project. The project is pursued by real estate development and private equity firm Great Lakes Capital, an Indiana-based company that invests in several types of properties, including multi-family dwellings. Jeff Smoke is the managing director. The city staff had been working with the developer and his team, going back to August 2022 on this housing project. City manager Shane Horn stated the project from a Brownfield perspective needs a great deal of assistance. This grant would help with the demolition and environmental cleanup. EGLE provides Brownfield grants and loans of up to $1 million to local units of government and Brownfield authorities for environmental response activities, asbestos abatement and demolition to support private redevelopment projects. The entire project is estimated at over $70 million for over 200 units, including work-force housing.
This grant has a loan component in the application with 1.5 percent interest rate, a 15-year payback, and the first five years are interest free. The city could repay the loan through the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) through the Brownfield. While city council member Tina DeMoore supports the project and the grant, she smartly expressed concern about the City of Petoskey being a guarantor of a $1 million loan and carrying the full risk of the project. She was in Petoskey, and surely remembers the giant loss the city took, when then 2006 Mayor Meyer and City Manager George Korthauer signed an after-hours agreement to GIVE the HOLE developer the city's property (with no bond assurance) for the “Option” to have city parking on the lower level of the HOLE development. The city lost its property when the developer went bankrupt; so the HOLE is still just a HOLE, after multiple NON-developing, developers. The city (taxpayers) also paid for updating infrastructure for the HOLE; will city infrastructure be a necessity for the Michigan Maple Block Company housing project as well? Click HERE to access the HOLE story.
What does the city stand to gain for its taxpaying residents by putting itself at risk of funding $1 million for this housing project?
The city also supports using Redevelopment Ready Communities dollars to help with the environmental costs.
The city also says that funds from the Emmet County Land Bank Authority are being explored from a cleanup standpoint.
Photos Below taken 4 April 2023: The site is still "FOR SALE".
17 April 2023 (with reference to meeting minutes for Petoskey City Council) Presentation by Jeff Smoke, Managing Director of Great Lakes Capital, gave project overview on 1420 Standish Avenue, Former Michigan Maple Block Property. $3.1M is budgeted to demolish and remediate site; commercial is not wanted until density is met, units will be about 700–1,100 square feet apartments... four stories with an elevator was considered, but the extra costs outweighed the benefit; that three-story walkups were the best value and an elevator is costly... The property will not be acquired until incentives are lined up since there is too much liability and risk, economy continues to move forward with more challenging interest rates, labor costs have decreased, but materials increased making it more expensive to complete projects.
Heard inquiry if Maple Block Flats comply with ADA standards with the proposed three floors, and no elevators. Brad Toothaker, Great Lakes Capital Managing Partner/Founder, responded that the project has to comply with ADA guidelines and that first-floor units are required to meet requirements, but not third and fourth floors.
Heard inquiry if Maple Block Flats comply with ADA standards with the proposed three floors, and no elevators. Brad Toothaker, Great Lakes Capital Managing Partner/Founder, responded that the project has to comply with ADA guidelines and that first-floor units are required to meet requirements, but not third and fourth floors.
19 July 2023 Petoskey News Review Article: On 17 July 2023 the city council approved for city manager Shane Horn to apply for a $1 million Brownfield loan from EGLE [Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy]. Already the project has received $1 million from EGLE. Tina DeMoore voiced concerns about the potential risk and the city's role in applying for a loan, particularly given other funding mechanisms available to a wealthy capitalized developer. The vote passed, however with a 3-1 vote with Derek Shiels absent. The housing development would create over 200 units, which include "workforce housing;" an over $70 million project.
23 May 2023 Emmet County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority minutes recorded a question specifically about what type of Brownfield was being sought for the Michigan Maple Block project. Consultant McClelland explained the differences between Traditional and Transformational Brownfield Plans and updated that the MMBP is not intending to use the Transformation Brownfield. The MMBP was further discussed.
26 June 2023 Petoskey City Council meeting minutes included the following. Councilmembers commented that no written or legal commitment to workforce housing was included in the agreement for the $1M grant or $1M loan, commented that demolition and disposal is very expensive and a plan should be in place since Petoskey has no landfill, along with various other thought provoking questions. Jeff Smoke, developer, commented that the target date for land purchase and acquisition is late September; that the number of workforce units could be included in the agreement if needed; and that he applied for a Missing Middle grant, but did not receive funding this round, and that he also applied for a RAP grant.
12 July 2023 Agenda Memo prepared for 17 July 2023 Petoskey City Council meeting, told "Redevelopment of the former Michigan Maple Block property has many challenges: A large industrial building that must be abated and demolished, soil contamination that requires special soil management considerations and the potential for vapor mitigation under buildings, groundwater contamination that may require treatment for dewatering, and unstable soils that require special foundations."
17 July 2023 Two Pages of Meeting Minutes Below for the Petoskey City Council: Only one council member voted NAY to the resolution... even though Great Lakes Capital would not sign on to guarantee the project before the city would support the $1M loan application. The city was the signatory and guarantor of the loan, NOT the developer. The loan to the City must be paid back regardless of the success or failure of the development project... sounding very reminiscent of The HOLE agreement. Three council members voted to approve the resolution.
17 July 2023 Two Pages of Meeting Minutes Below for the Petoskey City Council: Only one council member voted NAY to the resolution... even though Great Lakes Capital would not sign on to guarantee the project before the city would support the $1M loan application. The city was the signatory and guarantor of the loan, NOT the developer. The loan to the City must be paid back regardless of the success or failure of the development project... sounding very reminiscent of The HOLE agreement. Three council members voted to approve the resolution.
25 July 2023 Meeting Minutes Below for the Emmet County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority: The MIchigan Maple Block developer's consultant Mac McClelland reported the developer is going through the Planning Commission with the City of Petoskey, with positive feedback. NO performance guarantee reported, with McClelland indicating the big risk is the EGLE loan. Developer agreements will be required for the loan, but none have yet been signed. Risk exists for utilizing public funds to demolish, and then have the project not move forward. No performance guarantees in place. So a lien could be placed on the property by the State of Michigan.
Below is an important e-mail sent to various governmental people, in hopes of keeping the City of Petoskey from entwining the County of Emmet into being a partner in "authorizing execution of EGLE Brownfield Grant and Loan Agreement for Michigan Maple Block... because the County has NOT approved this supposed "partnership" as written.
Subject: 08/20/23* Time Sensitive Consideration needed please
ECBOC, Administrator Boyer, Mike Keiser, City Mgr Shane Horn, Clerk Kanine, (PLUS the e-mail was sent to each of the Emmet County Commissioners).
The following proposed resolution was included in the City of Petoskey’s Agenda Packet for 21 August 2023.
https://cms3.revize.com/revize/petoskey/City%20Council/Agendas/2023/packet%20-%2008.21.23.pdf
The two pages below from the packet are regarding “Adoption of a proposed resolution authorizing execution of EGLE Brownfield Grand Loan Agreement for Maple Block Flats LLC."
Subject: 08/20/23* Time Sensitive Consideration needed please
ECBOC, Administrator Boyer, Mike Keiser, City Mgr Shane Horn, Clerk Kanine, (PLUS the e-mail was sent to each of the Emmet County Commissioners).
The following proposed resolution was included in the City of Petoskey’s Agenda Packet for 21 August 2023.
https://cms3.revize.com/revize/petoskey/City%20Council/Agendas/2023/packet%20-%2008.21.23.pdf
The two pages below from the packet are regarding “Adoption of a proposed resolution authorizing execution of EGLE Brownfield Grand Loan Agreement for Maple Block Flats LLC."
What concerns me is on the following page. HOW is the redevelopment of the former MI Maple Block property a partnership with Emmet County??? I have not heard of you commissioners, or any report from Mr. Boyer, that Emmet County (the government) has agreed to a partnership with this project. I do attend county Brownfield meetings where the Emmet County Brownfield AUTHORITY has agreed to a partnership with this project, but I never have heard the county, per se, make such an agreement. Did I miss this county discussion, or did the city just assume a partnership and reel in the county in this resolution? This grant has to do with a $1.0 million loan which if not repaid with a completed Maple Block project must still be repaid by ?.
I think possibly the wording below may be incorrect and need to be corrected, before a city council vote, but whatever… Emmet County’s inclusion MUST be removed from this Resolution No. 23, unless you let me know that you county commissioners publicly approved such a partnership on this project, that I so far am not aware. Just a presentation to, or awareness made, of the Maple Block project, to the commissioners does not mean Emmet County is a partner! This below resolution will be voted on at the 21 August 2023 city meeting so this resolution wording must be addressed with the city that same day, tomorrow; Monday, 21 August 2023, for it to be changed before the city council could vote upon it as incorrectly written below; time sensitive.
I am not opposed to the Maple Block Project, but I am opposed to the sucking of Emmet County into the project, without county commissioners' representation in this respect.
Please let me know what is decided about this!
Thank you.
~ Karla
I think possibly the wording below may be incorrect and need to be corrected, before a city council vote, but whatever… Emmet County’s inclusion MUST be removed from this Resolution No. 23, unless you let me know that you county commissioners publicly approved such a partnership on this project, that I so far am not aware. Just a presentation to, or awareness made, of the Maple Block project, to the commissioners does not mean Emmet County is a partner! This below resolution will be voted on at the 21 August 2023 city meeting so this resolution wording must be addressed with the city that same day, tomorrow; Monday, 21 August 2023, for it to be changed before the city council could vote upon it as incorrectly written below; time sensitive.
I am not opposed to the Maple Block Project, but I am opposed to the sucking of Emmet County into the project, without county commissioners' representation in this respect.
Please let me know what is decided about this!
Thank you.
~ Karla
NO replies were received from any of the Emmet County Board of Commissioners to whom the above e-mail was sent. After the city's above 21 August 2023 meeting with the above proposal, I had the opportunity at another meeting on 24 September 2023 to ask Emmet County administrator Dave Boyer if he had contacted the city manager Shane Horn. Boyer said he had e-mailed Horn, and asked him to remove the name of Emmet County in the above proposed Resolution. The following day 25 August 2023, I called City Manager Horn and asked if he had removed the name Emmet County from the proposed Resolution. Horn stated he had not received MY above e-mail, and Horn checked that the e-mail address I had mailed to him was correct, and yes it was... he had not heard from Boyer regarding this matter. Horn said that he knows that the county would want to be involved. I said that was not how government worked; that any involvement by the county has to be approved by the representatives of the people; the elected commissioners. I then told Boyer that Horn said he had not received my e-mail, nor Boyer's message. Boyer even showed me the e-mail Boyer had sent... YES, Boyer had contacted Horn. Later, that same day, Horn let me know that he found my e-mail in his SPAM box. ~ Karla Buckmaster
So, as of now, the above Resolution passed by an unknowing Petoskey City Council. Does that put Emmet County on the hook for any future happenings because of the authorizing of the execution of a $1M Loan Agreement when the city had not required a "performance agreement/guarantee" from the possible developer? That same lack of a "performance agreement/guarantee" is the reason why the City of Petoskey still has a HOLE in the heart of the Petoskey.
So, as of now, the above Resolution passed by an unknowing Petoskey City Council. Does that put Emmet County on the hook for any future happenings because of the authorizing of the execution of a $1M Loan Agreement when the city had not required a "performance agreement/guarantee" from the possible developer? That same lack of a "performance agreement/guarantee" is the reason why the City of Petoskey still has a HOLE in the heart of the Petoskey.
PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT (18 September 2023)
The submission is comprehensive and reflects discussions with various city departments on the implementation aspects of the project. The Applicant submitted for the September 6, 2023, Planning Commission meeting consideration of their final site plan. After reviewing the documents, the Planning Commission offered several conditions for inclusion in the plan before its official signing by the Planning Commission Chairperson. These conditions included:
Add a fire hydrant on the southeast corner of the proposed commercial lot.
Revise the light fixtures (poles, brackets, luminaires, and wall packs) to black.
Address issues noted in EGLE's July 28, 2023 letter.
Revise the landscaping plan as noted in the review memo dated August 29, 2023, from Tim Knutsen, RLA. Submit revised plan for administrative review and approval.
Install a double filter fabric fence adjacent to the Bear River (EGLE S51)
Remove six (6) parking spaces that are adjacent to two curb cuts.
Installation during and after construction of catch basin filters (EGLE S58).
Identify snow storage areas on Sheet C4.0, “Site & Dimension Plan.” And, locate snow storage areas where snow melt has access to the closed stormwater system.
Installation of heavy-duty concrete pads in front of water-related dumpsters/compactors. Prior to issuance of a Zoning Permit submit easement documents for review and approval from the City for the ten-foot easement along Standish Avenue for the 10-foot wide shared path and the area designated for a pedestrian bridge connection to Riverside Park.
Remove the existing city walk along Standish Avenue.
The submission is comprehensive and reflects discussions with various city departments on the implementation aspects of the project. The Applicant submitted for the September 6, 2023, Planning Commission meeting consideration of their final site plan. After reviewing the documents, the Planning Commission offered several conditions for inclusion in the plan before its official signing by the Planning Commission Chairperson. These conditions included:
Add a fire hydrant on the southeast corner of the proposed commercial lot.
Revise the light fixtures (poles, brackets, luminaires, and wall packs) to black.
Address issues noted in EGLE's July 28, 2023 letter.
Revise the landscaping plan as noted in the review memo dated August 29, 2023, from Tim Knutsen, RLA. Submit revised plan for administrative review and approval.
Install a double filter fabric fence adjacent to the Bear River (EGLE S51)
Remove six (6) parking spaces that are adjacent to two curb cuts.
Installation during and after construction of catch basin filters (EGLE S58).
Identify snow storage areas on Sheet C4.0, “Site & Dimension Plan.” And, locate snow storage areas where snow melt has access to the closed stormwater system.
Installation of heavy-duty concrete pads in front of water-related dumpsters/compactors. Prior to issuance of a Zoning Permit submit easement documents for review and approval from the City for the ten-foot easement along Standish Avenue for the 10-foot wide shared path and the area designated for a pedestrian bridge connection to Riverside Park.
Remove the existing city walk along Standish Avenue.
Development Summary below was presented to the 16 October 2023 Petoskey City Council
when recommending "Authorization Execution of Brownfield Grant and Loan Implementation Agreement.
when recommending "Authorization Execution of Brownfield Grant and Loan Implementation Agreement.
Below is a copy of the resolution referenced in the above correspondence which the
Emmet County Board of Commissioners all approved except for Commissioner Laughbaum.
Emmet County Board of Commissioners all approved except for Commissioner Laughbaum.
Below: 6 November 2023
Public Hearing meeting minutes posted WITHIN the minutes of the regular ECBOC meeting...
rather than its own Public Hearing meeting minutes.
It was pointed out to County Clerk Kanine before that the
Emmet County Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure for the Conduct of Meetings as of January 3, 2017 stated, "A separate record will be kept of each public hearing heard by the Board. If a public hearing is held
in conjunction with a meeting, the record of the public hearing will be kept separate from the record of the meeting."
Although labeled as Public Hearing minutes, those minutes are found WITHIN the minutes for the regular meeting.
Public Hearing meeting minutes posted WITHIN the minutes of the regular ECBOC meeting...
rather than its own Public Hearing meeting minutes.
It was pointed out to County Clerk Kanine before that the
Emmet County Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure for the Conduct of Meetings as of January 3, 2017 stated, "A separate record will be kept of each public hearing heard by the Board. If a public hearing is held
in conjunction with a meeting, the record of the public hearing will be kept separate from the record of the meeting."
Although labeled as Public Hearing minutes, those minutes are found WITHIN the minutes for the regular meeting.
Relative to Above Minutes:
Additional information regarding Commissioner White's possible Conflict of Interest having to do with
decisions associated with Public Housing being considered by the Emmet County Board of Commissioners
can be accessed by clicking HERE showing his corporation's recent association with the Lofts of Lumber Square
which was approved by the ECBOC and the Emmet County Brownfield Development Corporation,
on which Commissioner White sits on both.
Additional information regarding Commissioner White's possible Conflict of Interest having to do with
decisions associated with Public Housing being considered by the Emmet County Board of Commissioners
can be accessed by clicking HERE showing his corporation's recent association with the Lofts of Lumber Square
which was approved by the ECBOC and the Emmet County Brownfield Development Corporation,
on which Commissioner White sits on both.
Buckmaster then made the following statement
during the Public Hearing and entered into the minutes as Attachment #1.
during the Public Hearing and entered into the minutes as Attachment #1.
The $500,000 Great Lakes Capital possibly had in the game, thus far, would partially have gone to pay for the consultant, McClelland; all of those expenses are reimbursable from the public taxpayers' funding. Hopefully, however, not requiring a "performance bond" by the "whatever entity is Great Lakes Capital" in the project will not play out as it did in Petoskey Pointe, leaving a HOLE in the Heart of Petoskey.
Developers, along with governmental agencies, like MEDC perpetuating its own staff employment,
which devise ways to extract funding from the public, to pay for their own interests,
should be mindful of President John F. Kennedy’s quotation:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” …
are you a parasite, or an oasis in the desert?
Below: Summary of Concerns about Maple Block Flats approved Brownfield Plan
HIGH COSTS for Both Taxpayers and Renters!
which devise ways to extract funding from the public, to pay for their own interests,
should be mindful of President John F. Kennedy’s quotation:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” …
are you a parasite, or an oasis in the desert?
Below: Summary of Concerns about Maple Block Flats approved Brownfield Plan
HIGH COSTS for Both Taxpayers and Renters!
Above: Petoskey Council member DeMoore seemed to be the only council member to express how the council efforts were considering the incentives to the developer, rather than incentives beneficial to and needed by the city; and with no legal agreement in place as to what the developer would provide to the City, in exchange for the requested incentives...
Is the illustration below of an ostrich with its "head in the sand",
or illustrative of government officials "head in the sand" approach to the
High Cost to the Public, and to the Renters for the Maple Block Flats?
or illustrative of government officials "head in the sand" approach to the
High Cost to the Public, and to the Renters for the Maple Block Flats?
So what kind of deal has been arranged behind the scenes to explain, that as of 5 March 2024, on the Emmet County Property Search web page, the ownership of 1420 Standish Avenue still is that of "Michigan Block Corp Bally Block Co. 30 S. 7th Street, Bally, PA 19503; ALTHOUGH on 24 January 2024 the City of Petoskey registered on their “Check Register” that $110,958.83 was paid to Maple Block Flats LLC for Consulting Services. Unbelievable… well, maybe not unbelievable, since no performance bond was required from Maple Block Flats LLC for the city to just sign away tax payer money, no matter the outcome. It is all very reminiscent of “THE HOLE”.
Click HERE to access the web page with the document soliciting bids for the demolition of structures
at 1420 Standish Avenue. Below are some of the pages included in the RFP regarding the structure.
at 1420 Standish Avenue. Below are some of the pages included in the RFP regarding the structure.
18 March 2024 FINALLY... Liber 1258 and Page 418 in the Emmet County Register of Deeds reveals a sale has transpired with Michigan Maple Block Company of 30 S 7th St, Bally, Pennsylvania, selling its property at 1420 Standish Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan; to "Grantee" Maple Block Flats, LLC, Michigan limited liability company of 7410 Aspect Drive, Suite 100, Granger IN 46530, dated and effective on 6 March 2024, by "Grantor" Barbara E. Dau Vice President in the County of Denver in the State of Colorado. The instrument was notarized by Jessica S. Geist of Denver, Colorado. The three page Warranty Deed for tax parcel ID 24-52-19-07-200-012 was registered on 18 March 2024 by Karen Cosens, Emmet County Register of Deeds. The Emmet County Treasurer May Mitchell determined that taxes on the property had been paid for the year period proceeding the date of the document. The Register of Deeds has noted A REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX VALUATION AFFIDAVIT FILED [RETTVA]... meaning the selling price was not revealed.
Click HERE to access a 50 minute video of a walk-through of the Michigan Maple Block Company... helping to preserve the past history of the facility;
as posted on the Petoskey News Scanner Facebook page.
as posted on the Petoskey News Scanner Facebook page.
18 March 2024 Petoskey City Council meeting minutes: The City Manager [Horn] told "that Michigan Maple Block property closed March 6 and 10 bids were received for abatement and demolition which will begin in April."
~ Vintage Michigan Maple Block and WoodWelded ~
Found, and purchased, from a local Petoskey resale shop... a large sized Wood Welded table top.
Obituary and Photo Below: A now deceased forty year employee of Michigan Maple Block Company,
with company permission,
had preserved left over end-rolls from the sanding machines... then, no longer usable at the company.
with company permission,
had preserved left over end-rolls from the sanding machines... then, no longer usable at the company.
The 2023 MIchigan Maple Block Company Wood Welded web sites states, "'If you own a piece of butcher block, the laminated individual pieces of wood come together in a unique pattern of colors and grain. It’s like a fingerprint. No two pieces of wood are ever the same. That’s rather unusual today! What else can you say uniquely belongs to you?'” Dau remarks.
Michigan Maple Block butcher block products are sold around the world, to people who recognize and value these qualities. A list of individuals who have butcher block products in their homes or work places would read like a celebrity who’s who."
Michigan Maple Block butcher block products are sold around the world, to people who recognize and value these qualities. A list of individuals who have butcher block products in their homes or work places would read like a celebrity who’s who."