WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The first block of S. Grant Ave. begins at W. Michigan (formerly 1st North St.) and ends at South St. (formerly 1st South St.). The present Andrews School property on the corners of S. Douglas(s), Millard (formerly 2nd South St.) and present South Street, does not touch S. Lincoln. It is built on what was part of a three and a half acre park donated by Henry Yauney, president of the Village of Three Rivers 1871-1872. Mr. Yauney (1822-1907) was a farmer, a real estate agent, president of Riverside Cemetery Association, and the 2nd Vice President of Michigan Southern Poultry Association which held its first exhibition here in 1877. Mr. Yauney’s mansion built on W. Michigan Ave. in 1868 was the J. W. French home before it became the Elks Club.
The site of the old Andrews schoolhouse on W. Michigan (1st North St.) became grocery stores over the years including Krogers, Fred’s, and Hardings. The shops and parking area on the east of the building were part of the “Peterson Plaza”. It is and was filled with a number of small businesses on S. Grant with #111 Dr. James Peterson, chiropodist office (1959-1972), Ethel’s Beauty Shop (Ethel Moore) later owned by Ethel’s daughter Val. Now it is “Nuris Inspiration Salon”. #109 Doug’s Barber Shop (Doug Minger) from the 1970s.
Many businesses have been in the present Fred’s Pharmacy site. Using #103 S. Grant from 1974-1983 was Jay & Kay Floral (J.D. & Knaomia Chaffins partners). 1974 Kroger was #808 West Michigan. Now Fred’s Pharmacy and Hardings use the 808 W. Michigan address.
Year 1962 the list of homes and businesses was #105 American Laundry Dry Cleaners, Jessie Jackson, mgr, #107 Heronymus Bakery & Snack Bar, Earle & Lucille Heronymus partners, #109 Sam’s Barber Shop (Loys Miller, owner), #110 Willis & Loretta Earl (ch: Doretta) (employed at Weyerhauser Co. & Cont. Can Co)., #111 office Dr. James E. Peterson, #114 Olive & Frank Conrad (retired), #116 Julia & Walter Conrad (inspector Wells Mfg), #121 Charlotte May Pierce and Carol Crego (widows), #122 George & Florence Faist (retired). The houses on the West side have been demolished for auxiliary parking lots. There is no 200 block of South Grant Ave. The 300 block begins south after a jog in the road at Millard to cross Broadway.
Next Time: South Grant continued including some history of the “Chicken Lady”.
Submitted by Anna Smith, a Three Rivers history and mystery lover.
