Jackson in Jackson County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Horace Ismon / Ismon Building
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 31, 2012
1. Horace Ismon Marker
(side a)Horace Ismon
This building was erected for Jackson dry goods merchant Horace Ismon in 1853. Ismon had begun his mercantile career in Paw Paw during the 1840s. Although established in Jackson, he continued his Paw Paw ventures, engaging in the woolen trade, building a tannery and grist and saw mills, and financing the Paw Paw Railroad. Ismon was a founding director of the Jackson County Bank in 1872. Having no children of their own, Ismon and his wife Clara, mentored youth interested in the mercantile trade.
(side b)
Ismon Building
A lavish gala attended by three hundred guests and future governor Austin Blair celebrated the opening of the Ismon Building on February 22, 1853. The building has housed a variety of enterprises, among them Horace Ismon's dry goods store, a pharmacy, and a home health service. From 1927 to 1972, the Fairy Garden restaurant occupied the upper floors. It believed to have been the first Jackson establishment with air conditioning (installed in 1933).
Erected 2001 by Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1838.
Location. 42° 14.841′ N, 84° 24.521′ W. Marker is in Jackson, Michigan, in Jackson County. Marker is at the intersection of West Michigan Avenue and South Jackson Street, on the left when traveling west on West Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 171 W Michigan Ave, Jackson MI 49201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bucky Harris Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Pomeroy Post No. 48 Grand Army Of The Republic (within shouting distance of this marker); The St. Joseph Indian Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Congregational Church (within shouting distance of this marker); This alley is named for Emma Nichols (within shouting distance of this marker); Abolitionists in Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacksonburg Public Square (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named First Congregational Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jackson.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 15, 2022
2. Horace Ismon / Ismon Building Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, November 15, 2022
3. Horace Ismon / Ismon Building Marker
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 31, 2012
4. Ismon Building Marker
Photographed By Dave Wilcox, March 31, 2012
5. Horace Ismon / Ismon Building Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. This page has been viewed 582 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 20, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on April 20, 2012, by Dave Wilcox of Grass Lake, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
