Town and City Scenes--B, Miscellaneous

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Fairman Block, located on the southwest corner of Maple St. and Michigan Avenue, in Big Rapids, Michigan. The block was built in 1880 by Ferdinand Fairman. Fairman's Drug Store, owned by George F. Fairman, who was also the manager and treasurer of the building at this time, occupied one of the stores, along with Stillwell's Bazaar.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Ferris Institute building in Big Rapids, Michigan.The building, known later as "Old Main," was on the corner of Oak and Ives Streets. In 1894, Ferris Industrial School moved into the building, changing its name to Ferris Institute in 1898. Ferris Institute would later become what is now Ferris State University. The building was destroyed by fire in 1950.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Fifth Ward School building in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the First Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was built in 1906, designed by the Detroit architect W. E. N. Hunter. It is currently the First United Methodist Church.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the First Ward school building in Big Rapids, Michigan. The First Ward School was established in 1859 and was the first school in Big Rapids.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the sawmill and lumber yards of Jones Green manufacturing. Jones Green manufactured building materials, from sashes, doors and blinds, to maple flooring, and was established in 1895. Judge W. T. Jones had previously operated a factory on the location producing building materials on a smaller scale until that factory burned down, prompting him to go into business with George W. Green. The factory - expanded in 1902 - operated its own sawmill for cutting lumber to be used in the plant, and received lumber directly from railcars.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Big Rapids, Michigan High School building.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the interior of Stillwell's Bazaar, a department store in Big Rapids, Michigan, owned and managed by W. M. Stillwell from 1899 into the the early 20th Century.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Maple Street Bridge, which crosses over the Muskegon River in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Mecosta County courthouse and grounds in Big Rapids, Michigan. The courthouse was built in 1886, following a two-year "courthouse tax" approved by voters. It was replaced in 1970.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting Michigan Avenue looking north from Maple Street in downtown Big Rapids, Michigan.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting Michigan Avenue, looking south from the intersection with Linden Street, in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Michigan state fish hatchery, located in Paris, Michigan, near Big Rapids, Michigan. The fish hatchery was the second fish rearing site established by the state of Michigan. It was established in 1881 on the Muskegon River.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Michigan state fish hatchery, located in Paris, Michigan, near Big Rapids, Michigan. The fish hatchery was the second fish rearing site established by the state of Michigan. It was established in 1881 on the Muskegon River.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Morris Crane Block on Michigan Avenue, in Big Rapids, Michigan. Built in 1886, this building housed the Morris Crane dry goods and clothing store.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting a newlu built dam (probably Rogers Dam) on the Muskegon River, just outside of Big Rapids, Michigan. The dam was opened in 1906 by the Grand Rapids-Muskegon Power Co. (now Consumers Energy Company).

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Nisbett Block at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Maple Street in Big Rapids, Michigan. The building began construction in 1885 by the president of the Mecosta County Savings Bank, Daniel F. Comstock, but halted when the bank failed in 1896. William P. Nisbett bought the building after retiring from newspaper publishing and completed the structure in 1906.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting The Northern Hotel Block, on Maple Street in Big Rapids, Michigan. The block was constructed in 1881, and included the 75-room hotel The Northern and several stores.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Phelps Free Public Library, on the corner of Elm and Stewart Avenues in Big Rapids, Michigan. The library (including grounds, building and books) was bequeathed by Harriet C. Phelps in the late 1890s. The building, built in 1885, would later be used as the City Library, and then the Mecosta County Historical Museum.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the Presbyterian Church in Big Rapids, Michigan. The church building was remodeled in 1906.

Black and white photograph from souvenir folder of Big Rapids, published in approximately 1907, depicting the home of Charles P. Judson in Big Rapids, Michigan. Judson, born in 1861 near Schoolcraft (Mich.), moved to Big Rapids in 1882, partnering with his brother-in-law to form Cole Judson, a store selling primarily hardware and mill supplies. In 1886, Judson went into business by himself, opening a hardware store in the Fairman Block, and later purchasing and moving into the Judson Block on Michigan Avenue. He was married to Jessie M. Fairman in 1886 in Big Rapids.