Grass Lake in Jackson County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Union Block

S.E. Corner of E. Michigan Ave. & Lafayette St.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 28, 2022

1. Union Block Marker

Inscription.
Built in 1866, at a cost of $60,000, the Union Block (later referred to as the Beaman Block) was the largest business block in Grass Lake. During its lifetime, it was a hotel, a sanatorium for mineral water cure, a town hall, a carriage factory, a shirt factory, a roller skating rink, an opera house, a county library, an artist studio, an antique shop, a grocery store, and a butcher shop.

At the rear of the building, dug through solid rock were two wells used for bathing and for drinking.

On June 17, 1949, the Fire Marshal condemned the Union Block. The Grass Lake Federated Church purchased the property and had it torn down on December 7, 1950

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is June 17, 1949.

Location. 42° 15.042′ N, 84° 12.856′ W. Marker is in Grass Lake, Michigan, in Jackson County. Marker is on West Michigan Avenue just east of Watson Street, on the right when traveling west. This marker is on the outside wall of the Lost Railway Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 142 West Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake MI 49240, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Michigan Central Railroad Train #6 (here, next to this marker); Grass Lake Michigan Central Railroad Station

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(a few steps from this marker); Grass Lake Union School (a few steps from this marker); Grass Lake Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Grass Lake Sports Day (within shouting distance of this marker); Well Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Grass Lake / Michigan Central Railroad Depot (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Maintenance/Handcar Shed (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grass Lake.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 28, 2022

2. Union Block Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 60 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.