Paw Paw Township in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Longwell Block - 143 & 145 E. Michigan Ave.

Built 1888

— Historical Walking Tour —

Longwell Block - 143 & 145 E. Michigan Ave. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 9, 2023

1. Longwell Block - 143 & 145 E. Michigan Ave. Marker

Inscription. After a great fire ravaged this section of the village on January 13, 1888, businessman George W. Longwell (1832-1919) purchased the two lots encompassing this block and constructed the present brick Italianate-style building. He and his brother, James M. Longwell (1827-1907) began Longwell Brothers Drugs & Groceries in 1850 and had operated out of the old building that was located on this site, before it was destroyed by fire.

Upon construction and for many years thereafter, the storefront on the left side of the building was home to the Longwell Brothers' store, while the one on the right was home to the Paw Paw Savings Bank. The bank was incorporated in 1886 and failed during the Great Depression.

The storefront at the rear of the building (along Kalamazoo Street) was for many years a barbershop and afterwards a butcher shop. The second floor consisted of office spaces.

Longwell Brothers Drugs & Groceries passed down to George's two sons: Edgar Brush Longwell (1863-1927) and George W. Longwell, Jr (1866-1945). They operated as partners until 1903, when business disagreements caused them to break up the partnership.

Erected by Paw Paw Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is January 13, 1888.

Location.

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42° 13.068′ N, 85° 53.467′ W. Marker is in Paw Paw, Michigan, in Van Buren County. It is in Paw Paw Township. Marker is at the intersection of East Michigan Avenue and North Kalamazoo Street, on the right when traveling west on East Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 145 East Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw MI 49079, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First National Bank of Paw Paw (within shouting distance of this marker); Engine House - 125 E. Michigan Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); Village Hall - 111 E. Michigan Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); Paw Paw Public Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Coterie Club - 200 S. Kalamazoo St. (about 500 feet away); Van Buren County Courthouse - 212 E. Paw Paw St. (about 500 feet away); Van Buren County / Van Buren County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); Service Gun (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paw Paw.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 9, 2023

2. Longwell Block - 143 & 145 E. Michigan Ave. Marker

The marker is just left of the streetlight.

Longwell Block Dated Stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, March 9, 2023

3. Longwell Block Dated Stone

Credits. This page was last revised on March 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.