Rochester in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Rollin Sprague Building

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 10, 2018

1. Rollin Sprague Building Marker

Inscription. The "Old Stone Store" is the oldest commercial building in Rochester. Dr. Rollin Sprague of New York had the structure built in 1849 of coursed cobblestone, using a construction method more commonly used in his home state. The Sprague Building is the only known commercial example in Michigan of this particular type of construction. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the building reflects its 1899 appearance. The Home Bakery opened here in 1930.

Erected 2000 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L2065.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 42° 40.769′ N, 83° 8.009′ W. Marker is in Rochester, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is at the intersection of Third Street and Main Street, on the left when traveling east on Third Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 South Main Street, Rochester MI 48307, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City of Rochester, Michigan (within shouting distance of this marker); Rochester Opera House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct

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line); Three-faced Clock (about 400 feet away); Masonic Block (about 500 feet away); Western Knitting Mills (about 800 feet away); Township Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Western Knitting Mills and Boarding Houses (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Vandeventer House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

Also see . . .
1. Rollin Sprague Building. "The rear and side walls are of cobblestone with corner quoins, while the current front facade replicates a Late Victorian pressed metal facade constructed in 1899. The original front facade was likely of Greek Revival styling, constructed of coursed cobblestones in the same manner as the sides and rear." — Wikipedia (Submitted on June 12, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

2. Cobblestone Structures in Upstate New York. Includes a "Brief History of Cobblestone Architecture" by Richard F. Palmer (Submitted on June 12, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

3. Cobblestone Masonry. (Submitted on June 12, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

Rollin Sprague Building and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 10, 2018

2. Rollin Sprague Building and Marker

Marker is under the stairway.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 260 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.