Petoskey in Emmet County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Park Garden Cafe

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016

1. Park Garden Cafe Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Originally McCarty's Saloon and Billiard hall, the walls of the Park Garden Cafe would have a lot of stories to tell if they could talk. Built in 1875, the main billiard hall was one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite haunts. The interior is well-preserved with a pressed tin ceiling, wood trim and swinging doors. The 1894 Brunswick Bar is hand carved and built from black walnut, cherry and hickory. The second floor was used for dances, religious services, and town meetings, including the one that produced the Village Charter in 1879. About 1901, Frank Fochtman built the red brick two-story building just up the street. It had a bowling alley in the basement, a restaurant named "The Grill Café" on the main floor and apartments above. The vacant lot between the two became "The Palm Garden," an open-air café complete with fountains and a tent for shade. In 1997, The Park Garden was renamed The City Park Grill.

Erected by City of Petoskey.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.

Location. 45°

Park Garden Cafe Marker on Park Garden Lot Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 25, 2016

2. Park Garden Cafe Marker on Park Garden Lot Sign

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22.491′ N, 84° 57.21′ W. Marker is in Petoskey, Michigan, in Emmet County. Marker is on Lake Street east of Pennsylvania Park, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Park Garden Lot city parking lot sign, with the parking lot south across Lake Street from the Emmet County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 438 East Lake Street, Petoskey MI 49770, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Annex (within shouting distance of this marker); Elk's Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Ernest Miller Hemingway (within shouting distance of this marker); Desert Shield / Desert Storm Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Michael B. Lindemuth (about 300 feet away); Vietnam Memorial (about 300 feet away); Carnegie Library Building (about 300 feet away); Heath Michael Robinson (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petoskey.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 248 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 21, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.