Sanford in Midland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Olson Store
The Olson store was located in the town of Olson on the northeast corner of Nine Mile and Olson Road in Lee Township. Elva (Larson) Smith donated the store to the Sanford Historical Society. The building was moved to the museum grounds in 1993 and restored.
The store was originally built in 1880 and rebuilt in 1924. The Larson family bought the store in 1904.
When it was originally restored, after being moved to the museum grounds, the walls and ceilings were replaced completely and repainted. The floors were partially rebuilt and refinished.
The layout of the interior of the store was recreated from plans that Elva Smith herself provided. Many of the interior items now displayed were provided and installed with Elva's assistance.
One or two people would operate the store. The customer gave the grocer a list and he or she collected the items and did the weighing, packing and pricing.
There was a gas pump outside the store which was pumped by hand to fill the customer's containers or car tank. There was also a barrel of kerosene to fill the customer's containers. The store was heated by a potbelly stove around which were several chairs and a table with a checkerboard where customers kept up on the local happenings. There was also a cabinet at the rear of the store for milk, cream, butter and eggs that were traded for groceries or offered for sale to other people. Other items like sugar, flour and coffee were bought by the barrel or large bag which would be weighed and sacked ahead of time for sale when the grocer was not busy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1993.
Location. 43° 40.567′ N, 84° 23.29′ W. Marker is in Sanford, Michigan, in Midland County. Marker is on Smith Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sanford MI 48657, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Agnes Catholic Church (here, next to this marker); Depot (a few steps from this marker); Sanford Centennial Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Sanford Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Felix School (within shouting distance of this marker); Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Clare Bailey Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sanford.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 173 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.