Somerset in Hillsdale County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Somerset General Store
1871
Photographed By Craig Doda, December 25, 2019
1. Somerset General Store Marker
Inscription.
Somerset General Store. On the Old Sauk Trail, later known as the Detroit-Chicago Turnpike, George A. Smith erected this building for use as a general store to serve local residents and travelers.
Frank R. Smith was proprietor when his brother in law, Andrew Leutheuser, came to work for him in 1910.
In 1915 Mr. Leutheuser purchased the business, which became known as A. Leutheuser 7 Co. The village and surrounding area were served by the Leutheuser family for a half century.
The store was a source of virtually all the store-bought necessities for village and farm families. It also provided a market for customers wool, grain and other farm commodities.
This building was more than a general store and post office. It was also a social center where patrons would gather to catch up on local news or to attend programs at the community hall above the store where plays and occasional dances were held.
The Somerset Post Office was situated in the general store. Andrew Leutheuser served as postmaster for 36 years.
Plaque Dedicated August 3, 1996
On the Old Sauk Trail, later known as the
Detroit-Chicago Turnpike, George A. Smith
erected this building for use as a general
store to serve local residents and
travelers.
Frank R. Smith was proprietor when his
brother in law, Andrew Leutheuser, came to
work for him in 1910.
In 1915 Mr. Leutheuser purchased the
business, which became known as
A. Leutheuser 7 Co. The village and
surrounding area were served by the
Leutheuser family for a half century.
The store was a source of virtually all
the store-bought necessities for village
and farm families. It also provided a
market for customers wool, grain and
other farm commodities.
This building was more than a general
store and post office. It was also a social
center where patrons would gather to
catch up on local news or to attend programs
at the community hall above the store where
plays and occasional dances were held.
The Somerset Post Office was situated in
the general store. Andrew Leutheuser
served as postmaster for 36 years.
Plaque Dedicated August 3, 1996
Erected 1996.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 42° 2.912′ N, 84° 22.618′ W. Marker
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is in Somerset, Michigan, in Hillsdale County. Marker is at the intersection of Somerset Road and Chicago Road (U.S. 12), on the right when traveling south on Somerset Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Somerset MI 49281, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 25, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on January 25, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.