Vergennes Township in Lowell in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Union Block

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

1. Union Block Marker

Inscription. The Union Block was built soon after the Civil War. Many of Lowell's social events were hosted in the 3rd floor ballroom of Train's Opera House, located on the east end of the block. Seating in the Opera House was increased to 600 after a fire in 1909. Dancing parties, masquerade parties, valentine parties, business men's carnivals, theatre productions and banquets were held here. Hotel rooms and The Lowell Journal office were on the 2nd floor. The first floor housed three businesses. The Star Theatre, Lowell's first theater, occupied 204 W. Main and later the Idle Hour Theatre. Yeiter, Haner and finally Roth & Sons Furniture, Undertaking and Chapel were in this building until 1962 when Beachum's Home Furnishings went in. You can still see the word Chapel in the glass. The Flat River Antique Mall, billed as West Michigan's largest, occupied the east end and middle of the block for 20 years from 1986 to 2006. Antique dealers rented booths on all four floors.

The center of this block was home to a wide range of businesses. Luther Severy's tin shop, a Billiard Parlor and Lunch room and

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H.J. Rittenger Insurance occupied 210. Next door was Ben Doyle's Saloon, J. W. Rutherford Variety and Ralph Townsend Furniture. 214 housed the drugstores of Yeiter, D. G. Look (1890-1932), and John Hildery. Citizen's Telephone Exchange (later merged with Bell Telephone) was on the 2nd floor from 1921-1954. Hine and Noble, Charles Althen Clothing (1890-1904), R. VanDyke's Men's Wear (1918-1941) and Chicago Bargain Store operated at 216. The City State Bank (1900-1917) was located in 218 and then Hill's Shoe Store(1917-2000). R.E. Springett's law office was on the 2nd floor, 1902-1950.

A harness shop was at 220 until the building was rebuilt in 1902. It then became Hakes Funeral Home, Williams Jeweler, Yeiter's Furniture and Undertaker, J. C. Hatch, Van's Supermarket and Gambles. At the west end of the block, John Fallas Livery Stables anchored the block. E. D. McQueen had the livery beginning in the 1890's. It turned into McQueen Motor Company until 1965, then Bristol's Body Shop until 1996.

Timeline
1866
Colonel Vinton built Opera House for Jarvis C. Train
1867
Center of Union Block built

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

2. Union Block Marker

The marker is facing the storefront in this photo.

as one building by five prospective storeowners; 222 W. Main built by McDole Shaw
1902
220 W. Main built by Vard Raymond
1909
Fire in Opera House; Mrs. Train rebuilds and remodels
1945
Fire at 220 W. Main, 3rd story destroyed

McQueen’s Livery gradually morphed into McQueen Motor Co. with the change from horse to automobile. Oaklands, Pontiacs and Chevrolets were first sold and later Plymouths and Chryslers.

The third story of Van's Super Market at 220 W. Main was not replaced after the fire of 1945. Al Hermans renovated the building and opened his Gambles store a few months later.

Newton Warner’s Idle Hour Theatre at 204 W. Main Street, 1912-1920’s

Interior view of the D.G. Look Drugstore at 214 West Main, 1892-1932.

Train’s Opera House in 1893

The local telephone exchange was located on the second floor of 214 W. Main. The operators would plug in the lines to complete the circuit between the caller and the party being called. This was done from 1921 to 1954 then Lowell installed the direct dialing system.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce •

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Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 42° 56.035′ N, 85° 20.399′ W. Marker is in Lowell, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in Vergennes Township. It is on West Main Street (Michigan Route 21) near South Water Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 216 West Main Street, Lowell MI 49331, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan

and in Greater Grand Rapids.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lyon Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Broadway Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Museum Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Waverly Hotel Block (within shouting distance of this marker); South Broadway St. (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert W. Graham Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Waterpower (about 500 feet away); Clamming and the Button Factory (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lowell.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 230 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.