Header Photo: 14 July 2017 ~ Window display of Monarch Garden & Floral Design (with reflection)
at 317 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan.
at 317 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan.
Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ SIGNS AND WINDOW DISPLAYS ~
...Of The Times
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
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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.
~ SIGNS OF THE TIMES ~
~ Ray Lewis Signs ~
620 Ingalls Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan
620 Ingalls Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan
Ray Lewis began painting signs at the age of 20, at the Family Home on Sheridan Street, Petoskey, Michigan. He was a self taught (talented) commercial artist. He designed, built, and freehand lettered all of the signs he created. The collage of his signs (below) shows only a tiny sampling of his Lifetime of Work… Signs of the Times.
All of the Lake Street, Mitchell Street, and surrounding businesses... in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, and surrounding communities showcased signs by Ray Lewis. Ray began his notable career by creating grocery store window designs and poster signs, and by lettering names and license numbers on boats in the harbor. Ray even decorated the Petoskey High School gymnasium where the Winter Sports queen galas were hosted (Article Below Right). Business grew. Most of the area huge roadside signs/bill boards (if not all) were designed and painted by Ray. Stores like Games Imported and the Mole Hole hired Ray to create signs for their shops other than only in Northern Michigan. When the circus and carnivals came to town, Ray’s own children loved it when he painted the merry-go-round horses, the ticket booths, and other entertainment needs. He often sheltered that cool stuff in their yard when he was working on it. He also produced all of the Swiss floral style decorations on the buildings at the ski resorts. Ray even painted the McCabe semi trailer that traveled the country, while also, promoting Petoskey, Michigan "Land of the Million Dollar Sunset". |
Two Photos Below: As of 2019 this original Lewis sign is still hanging at the Terrace Inn in Bay View.
The Lewis signature is still revealed off the end of the "C".
The Lewis signature is still revealed off the end of the "C".
Two 1947 Clippings Below: The Chamber of Commerce in Petoskey hired commercial artist Ray Lewis to paint the truck and trailer of McCabe's Inc. which traveled throughout the Middle West. The painting was of scenes and slogans advertising Petoskey.
Three Clippings Below:
1957 ~ Ray was to design and paint a redecoration of the Farm Bureau sign.
1963 ~ Ray Lewis was to hang a large lighted wooden sign for PUMCO (Petoskey Upholstery and Mattress Company) at 220 E. Mitchell Street.
1966 ~ Games Imported was given authorization for Ray Lewis' company to install a large wood sign.
1957 ~ Ray was to design and paint a redecoration of the Farm Bureau sign.
1963 ~ Ray Lewis was to hang a large lighted wooden sign for PUMCO (Petoskey Upholstery and Mattress Company) at 220 E. Mitchell Street.
1966 ~ Games Imported was given authorization for Ray Lewis' company to install a large wood sign.
Photo Below of a plant department: In 1944, during World War II, Ray Lewis was working in the Bomber Plant in Willow Run, Michigan. Even then, and there, Ray's talent was being used as he painted numbers/identification etc. on the planes. Ray lived with his family in government housing, identical to the housing provided by the government for the Japanese citizens during the war. At the same time, several men with families from Petoskey were in Willow Run: Pete Beatty, Emery McMaster... they shared coupons, tokens, and the like, so necessary during that trying time.
Design Below: Ray Lewis designed this "Kilroy Was Here" when Ray Lewis was working in the Willow Run Bomber Plant as in the photo above. Google internet sources to learn the significance of "Kilroy Was Here" during WWII.
~ 620 Ingalls Avenue ~
Photo Below Left: Ray Lewis Sign Shop with the business "SIGNS" in the window...
Photo Below Right: Same building in 2012 that held Ray Lewis Sign business
is owned by the City of Petoskey, and used as storage by the Little Traverse Historical Museum...
Photo Below Left: Ray Lewis Sign Shop with the business "SIGNS" in the window...
Photo Below Right: Same building in 2012 that held Ray Lewis Sign business
is owned by the City of Petoskey, and used as storage by the Little Traverse Historical Museum...
The following was transcribed from an interview of Ray Lewis.
"Ingalls Store, the Jail, and Hose House"
"Ingalls Store, the Jail, and Hose House"
"The corner of Ingalls and Charlevoix streets was the main corner in the early days. The frame store building with a high ‘false front’ was built by Jackson Ingalls. James Hitchings, father of Charles, at one time had a meat market there and lived over the store. He was also the sheriff.
Mr. Matteson, father of the shoe repairman Matteson, lived over the store at one time.
The land, and perhaps the building, at 621 Ingalls was gotten from William Birkett, with a reverter clause that at such time the property was not used by the city, it was to go to the Birkett heirs. The building was placed against the bluff with one side of the basement exposed to the sun. The place became a little city hall.
On the ground level was the fire hall–called the hose-house. The fire wagon cold roll out the east door. The team of horses was also stabled there, with hay kept in the loft.
Lou Gregory’s dad, Frank, built the tower on the hose house that shows in old paper mill pictures. The canvas water hose from the fire wagon was hung up on rods in the tower to draw and dry after use. There the air could get to it.
A jail cell was in the basement (maybe east end). Now in 1980 it is 3rd ward voting place and city storage space.
The land back of Ingall’s store was planted to an apple orchard. In it, back of now 41 Charlevoix Avenue was a shed to store Burnett Brother’s farm machine equipment.
Mr. William J. Henry later owned 'the house that Jack built' 401 Jackson Street. He paid $2,000.00 for house and land."
Mr. Matteson, father of the shoe repairman Matteson, lived over the store at one time.
The land, and perhaps the building, at 621 Ingalls was gotten from William Birkett, with a reverter clause that at such time the property was not used by the city, it was to go to the Birkett heirs. The building was placed against the bluff with one side of the basement exposed to the sun. The place became a little city hall.
On the ground level was the fire hall–called the hose-house. The fire wagon cold roll out the east door. The team of horses was also stabled there, with hay kept in the loft.
Lou Gregory’s dad, Frank, built the tower on the hose house that shows in old paper mill pictures. The canvas water hose from the fire wagon was hung up on rods in the tower to draw and dry after use. There the air could get to it.
A jail cell was in the basement (maybe east end). Now in 1980 it is 3rd ward voting place and city storage space.
The land back of Ingall’s store was planted to an apple orchard. In it, back of now 41 Charlevoix Avenue was a shed to store Burnett Brother’s farm machine equipment.
Mr. William J. Henry later owned 'the house that Jack built' 401 Jackson Street. He paid $2,000.00 for house and land."
The City of Petoskey has owned this 620 Ingalls Avenue property for years,
and allowed it to deteriorate to the point that it must be demolished.
and allowed it to deteriorate to the point that it must be demolished.
~ Sign Shop Still Standing ~
17 April 2023
Mrs. Ray Lewis planted the pine trees on the other side about 80 years ago,
after being told they would never grow.
17 April 2023
Mrs. Ray Lewis planted the pine trees on the other side about 80 years ago,
after being told they would never grow.
Click HERE to access the web page with the document soliciting bids for the demolition
at 620 Ingalls Avenue. Below are some of the pages included in the RFP regarding the structure.
at 620 Ingalls Avenue. Below are some of the pages included in the RFP regarding the structure.
Photos Below: 6 March 2024 Posted on Emmet County Web Site for Soliciting bids for demolition of 620 Ingalls Avenue property photo taken 4 October 2022). Several other photos the interior also may be accessed by clicking HERE.
~ In the Process of Painting Signs ~
Photo Below Left: Ray was painting a sign in his yard under a horse chestnut tree,
with his daughter Linda's sandbox underneath the sign.
Photo Below Right: Ray was painting the window designs for C. Joy's "family" Arcade...
one of his last sign paintings, possibly, as Ray passed away the following year on 11 January 1983.
Photo Below Left: Ray was painting a sign in his yard under a horse chestnut tree,
with his daughter Linda's sandbox underneath the sign.
Photo Below Right: Ray was painting the window designs for C. Joy's "family" Arcade...
one of his last sign paintings, possibly, as Ray passed away the following year on 11 January 1983.
~ Petoskey's Traveling Billboard"
Painted by Ray Lewis
Painted by Ray Lewis
View the Slideshow of SIGNS of the TIMES below...
~ Painted by Ray Lewis ~
Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo.
Ray and his family lived in an apartment above the Ingalls Avenue "Ray Lewis Sign Shop" until about 1950. Then Ray had built a family home around the corner where the street name changes into Charlevoix Avenue... although still on Ray's 2+ acres of land. At that corner was where the road headed down to the Mitchell Dam area, before the Mitchell Dam was removed. Ray's property had an old barn which Ray Jr. tore down in the 1960s. Ray's property extend from the McDermott Blacksmith (below in the news article) property to the Lashmit home. More information about Bill McDermott's Blacksmith shop, and other West Side area businesses, may be accessed on the "Vehicles and Bicycles" web page on this same web site, by clicking HERE.
On the 1901 Sanborn Map, Ione Street did not exist, but a road was in the middle of the block between Jackson Street and the future Ione Street. It was sort of an alley, never was paved, and it quietly disappeared. Walt Kring, father of Dave Kring who owns the large car dealership north of Petoskey in 2020, built a little house on Ione Street right across the street from the pulp pile, in about 1935. He and his wife Nell, who was a sister to Ray Lewis' wife Leah, had lived behind Nellie Birkett's (William Birkett House) in a cabin prior to their Ione Street home. Across from the Lewis Sign Shop on Ingalls Avenue was Will Ingalls' store. On the north side of Ione were the Cider Mill foundation, then the March family home later on; the Steels, Hargetts, Ollie Coker, Krings, Sharon Atherine, and on the Jackson and Ione corner was the Gustafson's house. Just east across Ingalls, where Jackson becomes Wachtel, was a large concrete foundation which may have been a toy factory. Below that, down on the river, had been the Hankey Dam with the cable up to Elizabeth Street. It was a bustling community for many years.
The Ray Lewis Sign Shop contributed greatly to the growth, as well as the preservation, of local history with the many area signs Ray created until his death in 1983. Also, in the early years, his business was located in the very hub of the activity of the "West Side" of Petoskey. The old 1897 blacksmith building of Bill McDermott was located at 601 Ingalls Avenue (shown in article above). Across the street, the fire department grew in the Hose House on the corner of Ingalls Avenue and Ione Street. A feed store occupied the corner of Ingalls Avenue and Jackson Street with the same owner J.L. Henderson, having had a store previous to where the Lewis Sign Shop was eventually located. Across the street Bill Hosman ran a market for about eight months in the early days. That market later because the cider mill run by Windsor, then later run by Louis W. Pagel. Next to the cider mill was a barbershop. Pat Singer, a pre-1900 wagon maker, had had a shop on the corner of Wachtel and West Mitchell. Henderson’s store became a general store, then a mattress factory, and later storage. In 2020 Ray Lewis’ Sign Shop location building is owned by the City of Petoskey and used for storage by the Little Traverse Historical Society… continuing to hold and preserve history.
Photo Below: Pioneer Cider Mill
View the Slideshow of "SIGNS of the TIMES" below...
~ Various Area Signs ~
Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo.
"This is a test... only a test"
so
LEST YOU FORGET...
Try to identify the properties before reading the descriptions at the bottoms of the photos.
Hit PAUSE in upper left corner if more time is needed...
Many of the photos of businesses are from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s; some no longer exist.
(Corrections and/or additional information are welcome.)
View the Slideshow of SIGNS of the TIMES below...
~ Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers~
Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo.
~ Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey newspapers~
Click on Play in Upper Left Corner of Main Photo.
Signs and Window Displays are posted below in "kind of" alphabetical order.
~ Arcadia ~
Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
George and Stella Batsakis owned the Arcadia Cafe business and property.
More information about, and photos of,
the Batsakis (and their daughter Mary Zographos) family by clicking for this web page.
More information about, and photos of,
the Batsakis (and their daughter Mary Zographos) family by clicking for this web page.
Obituary Below: Chef James Michael was the owner of the business portion of the Arcadia for many years.
More information about Chef James Michaels (above) can be found on this website on the "Old Houses" webpage.
Photo Below: The Little Traverse Historical Museum displayed "Food Culture Little Traverse Bay Region" photos and information; including the Arcadia advertisement and a photo of the Mitchell Street Popcorn King with its many signs.
~ Bay Harbor Equestrian Club ~
~ Petoskey Cheese ~
440 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
440 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
A GREAT GRATE Sign!
Announced in the 9 September 2023 Petoskey News Review:
"Petoskey Cheese plans move to site near Harbor Springs"
Announced in the 9 September 2023 Petoskey News Review:
"Petoskey Cheese plans move to site near Harbor Springs"
~ Merging Billboard Signs ~
~ Church Entry Sign in Local Area ~
TOP
~ Dockside Advertising ~
Business advertising painted on a dockside building in Petoskey
Business advertising painted on a dockside building in Petoskey
Downtown Petoskey
Photo Below: This WELCOME sign hung as an archway greeting as people disembarked from a train on Lake Street beside the "dummy station." The building at the right was the Cushman Hotel which lined the Cushman Park (now the Pennsylvania Park in 2024).
Photos above and below were taken 14 August 2019, but the sign's listing of Events was for 2018!
~ The big Mackinaw City sign hdes the main business section of Petoskey. ~
1961
1961
~ "Summer Shop Committee" WANTS Victorian,
rather than Colonial, Street Lamps ~
1966
rather than Colonial, Street Lamps ~
1966
~ Glen's Quick Stop Gas Station ~
~ D&W Quick Stop Gas Station ~
1115 N-US 31, Petoskey, Michigan
~ D&W Quick Stop Gas Station ~
1115 N-US 31, Petoskey, Michigan
~ In front of Glik's store 319 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan ~
~ Hemingway Sign in front of Petoskey's Carnegie Building ~
Located at 500 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Posted by the Michigan Hemingway Society
Located at 500 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Posted by the Michigan Hemingway Society
~ Hemingway Sign in front of Little Traverse Historical Museum ~
Located at 100 Depot Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Posted by the Michigan Hemingway Society
Located at 100 Depot Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Posted by the Michigan Hemingway Society
~ Hollywood Theatre ~
Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan
~ Milk Truck at Grain Train ~
"OUR COWS AREN'T ON DRUGS, BUT THEY ARE ON GRASS!"
"OUR COWS AREN'T ON DRUGS, BUT THEY ARE ON GRASS!"
~ Gypsy Vodka ~
312 Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan
312 Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan
~ Headlands OBSERVATORY ~
The Headlands project was part of a contentious NON-voted millage
for MILLIONS of dollars of county taxpayer indebtedness.
It is hard to believe that the sign, as in the photo below, was sent in as an OBERSERVATORY...
Another waste of taxpayer dollars as the sign has been corrected.
for MILLIONS of dollars of county taxpayer indebtedness.
It is hard to believe that the sign, as in the photo below, was sent in as an OBERSERVATORY...
Another waste of taxpayer dollars as the sign has been corrected.
~ MAP Above the 45th Parallel of Latitude ~
Located inside the Chase Bank in Downtown Petoskey
Corner of Howard and East Mitchell Streets
Located inside the Chase Bank in Downtown Petoskey
Corner of Howard and East Mitchell Streets
~ Petoskey Masonic Lodge ~
405 East Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan
2022
The sign is illuminated only when the lodge is meeting.
The ORIGINAL Masonic Temple building in Petoskey was located at...
329, 331 East Lake Street (Cutler's in 2020).
The building was constructed in 1883 as a Masonic Temple.
Long-term tenants of 329, 331 East Lake Street have been
Little Will's Jewelry, the People's Theatre, C.G. Paithorp; attorney, and Gattle's.
405 East Lake Street, Petoskey, Michigan
2022
The sign is illuminated only when the lodge is meeting.
The ORIGINAL Masonic Temple building in Petoskey was located at...
329, 331 East Lake Street (Cutler's in 2020).
The building was constructed in 1883 as a Masonic Temple.
Long-term tenants of 329, 331 East Lake Street have been
Little Will's Jewelry, the People's Theatre, C.G. Paithorp; attorney, and Gattle's.
J.A.C. Rowan started the Masonic Durand lodge in Petoskey (Named for George Durand).
More information about J.A.C. Rowan may be learned on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website
by clicking the "People" web page.
The charter was granted in February 1877, following the organizational meeting held in April 1876, in the Presbyterian Church... which became the Episcopal church (the Petoskey Public Library in 2018).
More information about J.A.C. Rowan may be learned on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve website
by clicking the "People" web page.
The charter was granted in February 1877, following the organizational meeting held in April 1876, in the Presbyterian Church... which became the Episcopal church (the Petoskey Public Library in 2018).
1927 Article Below: Mason's Durand Lodge History
~ Monarch Garden & Floral Design ~
317 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
317 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
"... to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish...
even AFTER death,
and thereto I pledge myself to you."
in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish...
even AFTER death,
and thereto I pledge myself to you."
Monarch's Christmas tree surrounded with two groupings of live amaryllis.
~ Pellston Regional Airport ~
Pellston, Michigan
Pellston, Michigan
~ Perry Sales ~
West side of Mitchell Street Bridge, at 109 West Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan, site
was established in 1938...
Location in 2017 includes West Marine and Mancino's
West side of Mitchell Street Bridge, at 109 West Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan, site
was established in 1938...
Location in 2017 includes West Marine and Mancino's
~ Home of Petoskey Cement ~
~ The Popcorn King and the Billboard on the roof of the building next door ~
Popcorn KIng located at 326 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan became Dr. John Kelly in 1958 (Optometrist) Office, and in 1965 Clothes Post.
Billboard located on 324 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan became Giles Restaurant in 1926 until 1973 when it became Bay's Restaurant.
Popcorn KIng located at 326 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan became Dr. John Kelly in 1958 (Optometrist) Office, and in 1965 Clothes Post.
Billboard located on 324 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan became Giles Restaurant in 1926 until 1973 when it became Bay's Restaurant.
Merle Leach retired from The Popcorn King in 1958.
~ Post Office Moving ~
300 to 308 Mitchell Street, Petoskey
(Announcing moving of Petoskey's PO to 216 State Street in 1969)
300 to 308 Mitchell Street, Petoskey
(Announcing moving of Petoskey's PO to 216 State Street in 1969)
For additional information about the Petoskey Post Offices and other area post offices on this same web site,
click HERE.
click HERE.
~ Railroad Crossing ~
Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan
~ Red Cross ~
Originally at East Mitchell Road > Photo Below 16 July 2021 on Standish Avenue
In 2021 Petoskey no longer has an actual Red Cross Site.
Originally at East Mitchell Road > Photo Below 16 July 2021 on Standish Avenue
In 2021 Petoskey no longer has an actual Red Cross Site.
~ Rite Aid ~
Corner of U.S. 131 and U.S. 31, Petoskey, Michigan
Corner of U.S. 131 and U.S. 31, Petoskey, Michigan
~ Service Club... Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions ~
V-Shaped Corner of West Mitchell and Madison streets, Petoskey, Michigan
V-Shaped Corner of West Mitchell and Madison streets, Petoskey, Michigan
~ FIRST Petoskey Street Signs ~
~ Timberwolves of North Central Michigan College ~
~ Wal-Mart ~
~ The Woods ~
M-119 ~ Pointing out the Obvious...
M-119 ~ Pointing out the Obvious...
~ Watershed Sign ~
For a truly important issue, a PROOF READER would have been expected for the sign spelling...