Otisville in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

E. S. Swayze Drugstore

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 16, 2010

1. E. S. Swayze Drugstore Marker

Inscription. E. S. Swayze opened a drugstore on this site prior to 1870. When the store burned in 1874, Swayze built this one. Members of the Free Methodist Church used the second-floor meeting hall for services from 1887 to 1890. In 1903 Masonic Lodge #401 and the Order of the Eastern Star bought the building, which they owned until 1970. This intact commercial building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 2009 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2180.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 43° 9.988′ N, 83° 31.457′ W. Marker is in Otisville, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is at the intersection of State Street (State Highway 15) and Main Street, on the left when traveling south on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 E Main St, Otisville MI 48463, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Country School (within shouting distance of this marker); Otisville High School (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith Hill Cemetery

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(approx. 0.8 miles away); Laing-Mason House (approx. 1.8 miles away); West Forest United Methodist Church (approx. 3 miles away); The William Peter Mansion (approx. 5.7 miles away); United Methodist Church (approx. 5.8 miles away); Columbiaville Depot (approx. 5.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Otisville.

Also see . . . Michigan MPS Swayze, E. S., Drugstore/Otisville Mason Lodge No. 401. The National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form describes the building as a: "two-story red brick structure [that] is best described as a vernacular interpretation of Italianate styling.... The first level is separated from the second by the remains of a secondary cornice.... Though vacant since 1970 and exhibiting some deterioration, the building remains one of the most intact commercial structures on Otisville's Main Street." The Nomination Form also includes a photo of the somewhat deteriorated building in 1982. (Submitted on October 27, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

E. S. Swayze Drugstore and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 16, 2010

2. E. S. Swayze Drugstore and Marker

E. S. Swayze Drugstore and Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kathy Garman, July 7, 2021

3. E. S. Swayze Drugstore and Historical Marker

This image shows the new location for the marker, as well as the renovations done to the side of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 900 times since then and 21 times this year. Last updated on September 25, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2010, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3. submitted on September 25, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.