CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BANK

Interior of the original bank on the corner, the Charlevoix County Bank. The cages were thought to be the last word in protection from, and discouragement of, burglary.

CRANE'S DRY GOODS STORE

Located in the CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BANK building, with entrances on both Bridge St. and Clinton St., the Crane store was typical of such establishments at the turn of the century. Bolts of yard goods lined the shelves, a never ending variety of materials for the making of the dresses of the day, dresses that required much, much more material than now. It was not uncommon for a woman to make clothing for her entire family, and then do some dress making for others to augment the family income.

In picking out her materials the customer usually sat at one of several stools, for the leisurely process of buying was often intermingled with the exchange of town gossip. The final step was a turn at the notions counter for the matching buttons and ribbon.

It may be noted that dress making then was as highly competitive as hair styling is today.

When fire destroyed the CHARLEVOIX COUNTY BANK building in 1924 the Crane Store was a total loss, and no effort was made to continue the business.

FIRST PHOTOS OF CARS ON BRIDGE STREET

A car of unknown make at the intersection of Clinton St. and Bridge St.

A confrontation at the bridge. On the left the new horsepower, on the right the old. And the old was understandably frightened of the new.