WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
One description of Third Avenue is “Runs Easterly from Soldier Monument to the Cemetery”. The Sailor Soldiers Monument at the intersection of Main and Michigan (3rd Ave.) was erected and dedicated June 20, 1893 in honor of the Civil War veterans. It ‘s cost and placement was voted by the citizens. It’s removal was and still is sometimes decried by the citizens. 4th Ward starts at the bridge over the Portage River just before it joins the St. Joseph River.
History of a street name comes with an explanation about the special person it is named for. This is an exception. This businessman lived at #196 (the home he built still stands at the corner of East Michigan Avenue and Garden)) and worked at #163-169 E. Michigan Ave. (old 3rd Ave.). His house became the home of Dr. Porter for many years. It still is beautiful.
Albert Van Alystine, the mayor is remembered as the monument mover. (Albert born 1856, died 1936). In 1922 he moved the A.C. Van Alystine Company to Three Rivers into the former Toe-Pad building where he carried on the business of manufacturing hygienic lingerie belts, aprons, napkins, etc. He remodeled the building and beautified the grounds which he surrounded with lovey gardens.
In 1920’s changes were being made to the Street and Avenue names in the four wards (made up of the past four towns/villages). Three Rivers 1st Ward changed to prominent citizens names, Lockport 2nd Ward kept numbered streets, Canada 3rd Ward changed to all names, and Brooklyn 4th Ward kept numbered avenues. This ended much confusion for police and fire emergency calls.
When automobiles with their size and speed replaced horse and buggies the Statue was in danger. The police could not prevent all of the accidents. At the intersection of M-60 and Main Street the fencing around the Statue was not enough. Nor was one policeman and his whistle. It was the same problem with the Cemetery gates at present Riverside Cemetery. Hence when M-60 came into being 3rd Avenue (present East Michigan at Jefferson which runs north became a curved road). As Mayor from 1927-1928 Van Alystine worked for the betterment of Three Rivers citizens. Road name changes are not always popular.
Wonder what the Monument would look like today with all the semitrailers turning at Michigan and Main (Business 131 and M-60).
Next time: A little more regarding East Michigan Avenue.
Submitted by Anna Smith, a Three Rivers history and mystery lover.
