Emerson, A Community In Alpena County

By Ruth Ann Cochrane

Published in Wilderness Chronicle, Issue 23

Alpena county was surveyed in 1840. during the 1850’s, 1860’s and 1870’s, much growth took place. Among the major calling cards were the virgin pines and other valuable timber which stood ready for harvest. With this attraction, lumber companies sprang up throughout northeastern Lower Michigan. Eager lumbermen such as Albert Pack, George Nicholson, George N. Fletcher, and T. G. Spratt purchased many acres of land in Alpena County in particular. They hired crews to cut the timber. Crewmen came from far and wide as the news of the booming lumber industry spread throughout the United States and Canada.

Crews cut the timber until the most valuable stands were down. When the quality and quantity no longer met the standards of the lumber companies, the land was sold at reasonable prices as they saw no further value in it and no future in farming. To the lumber barons, farming offered little romance. They moved on to “greener pastures”.

For the ones who purchased the land and stayed, farming eventually proved prosperous. However, much preliminary work was necessary. Many stumps had to be blown, and many boulders had to be picked. The first farmers, many former crewmen, cultivated their fields in the spring, summer, and fall and lumbered the lesser stands during the winter for additional income. Emerson, a community in Wilson Township, Alpena County, represents such activity.

The area which became known as Emerson was settled by a variety of nationalities. Such a melting pot was to add to the strength of the community. Neighbor helped neighbor no matter the creed or tongue. Edward L. Emerson, Charles Wise, Sr., Daniel Ferguson Sr., Fred Farman, Joseph Shell, Edward Shell, Patrick Kelley, Jeremiah Cousineau, Charles Cousineau, Aiken Cousineau, Charles Gergan Sr., and George Duby were among the courageous pioneers who represented many nationalities in the present Emerson area.

THE PIONEERS

Edward L. Emerson, a native of Maine, was born in 1833. He came to Alpena County around 1876 and cleared a farm along present-day M-32 near HERRON FEED & GRAIN. His home was an accommodating stopping house which served the men from lumber camps and those traveling between Hillman and Alpena in particular. He and his wife, Miranda, ran the stopping house, halfway house, for a number of years. Later the settlement was named Emerson in honor of the Emerson family.

Charles Wise Sr. was born in Maine in 1847. He came to Alpena County in 1863 at age 15. It is said he had 57 cents in his pocket upon arrival. He soon found work as a lumber looker, one who explores new woodlands and estimates the amount of timber there, with the Loud Lumber Company at McCormack Lake. Eventually, he established his own lumber company.

In 1872, he purchased 160 acres of woodland near the present M-32 and Emerson Road junction. He cleared enough land to build a small bachelor home and barn. It was to this home in 1885 that Charles, then 37 years old, brought his nineteen-year-old blushing bride, Margaret E. Turner.

Preparations were made to build a new and larger home. In the spring of 1886, they moved into their new home.

There they raised their family. The home eventually became their son, Frank’s home. Frank and his wife, Olive, raised their family in the same house. The house still stands. In 1991, the Wise farm was designated as a Centennial Farm as it had remained in the family over one-hundred years.

In addition to being the home for two generations of the Wise family, it has been a general store with mostly groceries, a U. S. Post Office, a stagecoach stop, a restaurant, and the office of several business ventures. These activities will be described in other sections of this study.

Daniel Ferguson St. was born in Fitz Roy, Ontario, Canada in 1840. He later lived on Ottawa. He came to Alpena County in the early 1870’s and settled near the present M-32 and Harrison Road “flat iron”. He took up farming, and he and his wife, Hannah, ran a stopping house in their home which accommodated many a weary traveler and lumberman. He also owned and operated a blacksmith shop on his farm. The Fergusons played very important roles in the young community through these businesses.

Fred Farman was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1847. In 1870, he first came to Alpena to work for his cousin, Albert Pack, a lumberman. Later he worked in Oscoda for Pack Woods Company. He returned to Alpena County in 1896. He and his wife, Frances, bought property near the present Herron Road and M-32 section. He took up farming. Today much of his farm is part of the Paxton Shale Quarry.

Joseph Shell was born in Yorkshire, England in 1842. He came to America with his parents when a boy of seven. He lived in Detroit until 1865 at which time he came to Alpena County. He bought a farm near the present M-32 and Bean Creek Road junction. There he and his wife, Elizabeth, operated a very successful dairy farm. His obituary stated, “He was one of the stalwart, courageous figures who early saw the possibilities of this section and proceeded to develop it. The Shell farm is one of the outstanding farms in this county and has long been an example of what thrift and industry can accomplish.” At one time the Dafoe Post Office was located in the Shell home. More on this will appear in the section about the post office. An interesting not about Mrs. Shell is that she was born while on the ocean enroute to America.

Edward Shell, brother of Joseph Shell, was born in England in 1852. He settled near the present M-32 and Emerson Road junction. In the 1880 census for Wilson Township, he is listed as a farmer. He was a bachelor. The Shell School was named in his honor as he deeded land for its original construction.

Patrick Kelley was born in Ireland in 1844. He went to Canada with his parents as a young man. Later he left Canada and entered Michigan via Detroit. He settled on a farm near the present Harrison Road and Emerson Road intersection during the 1880’s. He and his wife, Annie, took active roles in pioneering activities. Two of their sons, the Kelley Brothers, were threshers in the area. They were listed in the 1911 and 1917 Michigan Gazetteers.

Jeremiah Cousineau was born in St. Martin, Ile-Jesus, Quebec, Canada, in 1846. He came to Michigan as a young man. In 1875, he, his wife, Pauline, and family moved from Bay County to Alpena County. In 1877, he purchased a tract of land along present-day M-32 and Bean Creek. There he proceeded to clear land and take up farming. He was one of those diligent, hard workers who helped carve a farming community out of a vast wilderness.

Charles Cousineau, brother of Jeremiah, was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in 1855. He came to Alpena County during the late 1870’s. He purchased 120 acres of forested land along what is now known as Carney Road. He cleared what became a prosperous farm.

Around 1911, he purchased land along present-day M-32 from Roy Emerson. On this property, a large home was built. It was used as a boarding house along with his residence. Lumbermen and men who worked in the nearby gravel pit found food and lodging there in particular. Charles and his wife, Frazille, ran the boarding house until the early 1920’s.

Aiken Cousineau, brother of Jeremiah and Charles, was born in Canada in 1857. Around 1885, he settled in a forested swamp near the corner of Harrison Road and Emerson Road. He and his wife, Josephine, were truly pioneer farmers. His obituary related he had spent over four decades in making one of the finest farms in the county.

Charles and Wilhelmina Gergens, natives of Germany, lived in Ontario, Canada, before coming to Michigan. In 1880, they left Canada with their young family and arrived in Wilson Township, Alpena County. They purchased acreage along the tote road which is now known as M-32 and began clearing it for their new home. This land contained gravelly hills. The present Herron Post Office is near the former Gergens farm. Today, many years after Charles and Wilhelmina’s ownership, the land is still referred to as Gergen’s Hills.

George J. Duby was born in Canada in 1859. He came to Michigan during the 1880’s and had lived in Alpena for the time before purchasing the prospective farmland near the present junction of M-32 and Bean Creek Road. He and his wife, Vitaline, established a renowned dairy farm there.

THE SHELL SCHOOL

March 1, 1881, Edward Shell sold a parcel of land to the Public Schools of Wilson Township for the purpose of building what became known as the Shell School. It was named in honor of Mr. Shell and was first located near his home which was by the present M-32 – Emerson Road junction. Later it was rebuilt at the corner of Emerson Road and Harrison Road. It served the Emerson area until the Wilson Township Schools consolidated in 1956.

Many teachers taught at the Shell School throughout its history. Among them were Gretchen Wise, Cynthia Wise, Myrtle Donnan, Minnie Turner, Peggy Mortimer, K. Bushey, Annie Stahl, Mr. Crandall, Isabelle Smith, Rosemary Couture, Wesley Davis, Earl McLeod, Madeline Goodall, Warren Barrie, Elizabeth Wallace, Agatha Bushey, Edgar Diamond, Mary Herron, David Trafelet, Jay Ostrander, Leona Villeneuve, Margaret Couture, Ada Nugent, June Bailey, Mildred Mulvena, and Alice Rittenberg.

The curriculum at the Shell School was typical of the one-room schools of its time. Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic were taught with enthusiasm. Former students cherish the memories of noon-hour ball games, spelling bees, Christmas programs, Valentine’s Day parties, and last day of school activities such as games and picnics. They also recall box socials and other fund-raising activities. Oh, to get the box which that certain young, blushing gal prepared!

THE POST OFFICE

Several post offices have served the people of the Emerson area throughout the years. Hobson, Dafoe, and Lachine Post Offices served the area before the Herron Post Office was established. There never was a post office by the name of Emerson in Alpena County even though the homes and buildings which housed the post office were often within its limits.

The Hobson Post Office opened April 26, 1899. It was named in honor of Richmond Pearson Hobson who was an American naval officer during the Spanish-American War. Kate Turner became Hobson’s first postmistress. She served in that capacity until Edith Patrick became postmistress, November 7, 1901. March 1, 1905, Kate Turner became postmistress for a second time. She remained postmistress until the post office merged with the Dafoe Post Office, December 21, 1909. The new route was known as Dafoe. The Hobson Post Office was located in the homes of its postmistresses. There were no routes. Patrons picked up their mail at the post office boxes. August 5, 1899, the Dafoe Post Office was commissioned to Samuel Dagget. He could employ a carrier as often as needed. Dafoe Post Office was named in honor of Lemuel G. Dafoe who was an early settler and later became State Representative. The first Wilson Township headquarters for the Dafoe Post Office was located near the King Settlement road and Taylor Hawks Road junction. Mr. Dagget served as postmaster until January 2, 1900 at which time Susan McHarg served as postmistress until Henry Portwine became postmaster, January 26, 1904. Mr. Portwine served as postmaster from his home until the post office was moved to the home of Charles H. Wise, the new postmaster, April 21, 1904. Mr. Wise was postmaster of Dafoe until March 10, 1915. March 10, 1915, Agnes Shell became postmistress, and the post office was moved from the Wise residence to her home which was next door. Miss Shell acted as postmistress until the post office was discontinued and mail was transferred to the Lachine Post Office, November 30, 1917.

During the Dafoe postal history, Roy Emerson, son of Edward L. Emerson, became the first rural mail carrier of the area. He was a very faithful, dependable mail carrier, and he made a substantial career.

In researching the Dafoe Post Office, several interesting facts were gleaned. Among them were stories of how the mail traveled from town to town. They are as follows:

During the time the post office was at the Wise’s home, a stage coach running from Alpena to Hillman would stop to bring the mail. The stage, a buckboard with three seats for passengers, would arrive each day for the noon meal, change horses, and continue on with stops at Flanders and other post offices along the way. The next day the stage made the return trip, again stopping to give passengers a meal, and to change horses. Ben Stewart and Silver Stillwell were stage drivers.

The D & M Railway eventually replaced the stage run.

The train stopped at Emerson near the present Alpena Livestock Commission. Pat Kelley picked up the mail and hauled it the half-mile to the post office on a home-made, two-wheeled cart. In the winter, he used the hand sled.

In the early days of mail carrying, Frank Wise used a team of horses to deliver the mail. He kept five horses. With his horses and buggy, he made half the route one day, the other half the next. Each horse would work two days and have one day to rest.

Frank recalled that M-32, then U.S. 10, was just a narrow gravel road, and the secondary roads were mere trails. In the winter, the farmers volunteered their teams to pull the snowplow. Sometimes three or four teams were hooked together to pull the plow.

Today, mail carriers and patrons can appreciate the motor vehicles used to carry U. S. mail and the state highways and county roads on which to travel.

Herman Goodman and Barney Norton, Lachine postmasters at various times, served the Emerson area until the Herron Post Office was established in 1920. It was named in honor of Fred Herron, an early settler. Alexander Martin became Herron’s first postmaster. Mr. Martin had the post office in his general store on Herron Road near the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. This location was much more convenient than the Lachine Post Office to the Wilson Township residents. The post office remained in the general store even under different ownership until Diana and Halvor Ritsen moved it to their new home by M-32 in 1955. After Mrs. Ritsen’s retirement, the post office was moved to its present location. See the chart below for the Herron postmasters and their dates of service.

HERRON POSTMASTERS

Alexander Martin, Postmaster, October 15, 1920

Lillian B. Martin, Acting Postmaster, June 12, 1930

Lillian B. Martin, Postmaster, August 12, 1930

Dorothy Munroe, Acting Postmaster, March 1, 1935

Dorothy Munroe, Postmaster, July 20, 1935

Diana Marie Ritsen, Postmaster, March 29, 1945

Dorothy M. Radke, Officer in Charge, July 31, 1970

Dorothy M. Radke, Postmaster,, April 15, 1972

Shirley M. Pugh, Officer in Charge, February 3, 1984

Betty J. Lautner, Postmaster, May 12, 1984

Marjorie Manning, Postmaster, October 22, 1988

Through the years, several people have served as clerk and postmaster relief at the Herron Post Office. Among those were Halvor Ritsen, Pat Ritsen Homant, Shirley Pugh, Marge Manning, and R. Joan McHarg.

Of the Herron mail carriers, Frank Wise is the most widely remembered. Mr. Wise had been carrying mail for the Lachine Post Office at the time Herron Post Office was established. When Mr. Martin opened the post office in his store, Mr. Wise transferred from the Lachine Post Office to the Herron Post Office to continue as carrier on basically the same route. Frank Wise carried mail for Herron until his retirement in 1965. Mail carriers since Frank’s retirement include William Dubie, Jerry Burnham and Frances Goff. Sub carriers during the history of the Herron Post Office include Monroe Napper, Ralph Chevalier, Ed Zbytowski, Joseph Hemmingson, Don Neumann, Dorothy Munroe Niewola, and Valarie Zbytowski.

At the present time, Marjorie Manning is postmistress, Frances Goff is mail carrier, and Valarie Zbytowski is sub carrier. R. Joan McHarg is postmaster relief. Herron’s mail route is 70.35 miles.

The Herron Post Office continues to expand. In 1958 it advanced from fourth class to third class. At that time, the mail route was only 34 miles as compared to over 70 miles today.

ENTERPRISES

FERGUSON’S BLACKSMITH SHOP: As mentioned earlier, Daniel Ferguson Sr. owned and operated a blacksmith shop on his farm which was by the present M-32 and Harrison Road “flat iron”. By heating the iron to a red glow in his forge which was kept hot by hand operated bellows, he was able to shape and weld latches, hinges, tools, utensils, horseshoes, etc. Perhaps his most important role was that of making horseshoes and shoeing horses. In a young farming community such as Emerson where transportation, lumbering operations, and farming depended on horses, the local blacksmith was a prominent figure.

WISE’S STORE: The 1905, 1911 and 1917 Michigan Gazetteers listed, “C. H. Wise, grocer.” Charles and his wife, Margaret, ran the general store from a room in their home. Once a month Charles would make the two-day trip to Alpena to get supplies. Local residents recall seeing him on his way to and from Alpena. In the winter, he used his horse and sleigh to make the run. He wore a big, heavy fur coat to keep him warm. His loud voice could be heard at a distance. He would often deliver barrels of flour and other commodities to his customers while enroute. Mr. Wise’s services were much appreciated by the Emerson community, ten miles from town.

THE KELLEY BROTHERS, THRESHERS: The Kelley Brothers, Henry (Harry) and James were sons of Patrick and Annie Kelley. They were well-known among the farmers of the community as they threshed their grain. Threshing bees and the home-coked meals which were served to the threshers are in the memories of many. What appetites they acquired after a hard day in the field! The Kelley Brothers were listed in the 1911 and 1917 Michigan Gazetteers.

ISADORE COUSINEAU, FRUIT GROWER: Isadore Cousineau, son of Jeremiah and Pauline Cousineau, was a noted fruit grower in the area. He had a productive orchard and abundant strawberry crops. He was listed in the 1917 Michigan Gazetteer as a fruit grower.

BENSTEAD’S SAWMILL – BRACKEN’S SHINGLE MILL: William and Elizabeth Benstead owned and operated a sawmill during the early part of this century. [20^th Century] The mill was located on present-day Kaiser Road. Timber was sawn into planks, boards, etc. After a time, thy discontinued the sawmilling business and built a general store by their home near the present junction of Harrison Road, Kaiser Road, and M-32.

The 1917 Michigan Gazetteer listed Bracken’s Single Mill. William Bracken, step-father of William Benstead, apparently ran the former Benstead mill or bought it from his step-son to start his own business in much the same location.

BENSTEAD’S STORE – HARRISON’S STORE: William and Elizabeth Benstead built a general store near the present junction of Harrison Road, Kaiser Road and M-32 as stated earlier. They lived by the store. General merchandise was sold there. Since they were ten miles from the city of Alpena and transportation was limited, their store served as a great convenience to the area. They operated the store together until Mr. Benstead passed away during the flue epidemic of 1918.

After William’s passing, Elizabeth continued to run the store. Later she married Thomas Harrison, and they continued running the business. They remodeled and rebuilt. Living quarters had been in back of the store. Mr. Harrison built an addition onto the side of the store. When the construction was completed, a party was held. The following clipping from The Alpena News describes the event: “Opening of new building by Thomas Harrison was occasion for 200 to enjoy a dance and entertainment. Andrew Harrison was ‘caller’ and James Johnson pleased with cleverly executed step dancing exhibition. Mrs. Harrison was assisted with refreshments by Miss Marie Harrison.”

Cream was tested at the store and hauled into Alpena to Northern Creamery. Shoes, shirts, overalls, needles, thread, dry goods, and groceries were included among the general merchandise sold at Harrison’s Store. The Harrisons ran the store until Tom’s death in 1952. The store was not reopened. Ivan Harrison, their son, lives in the home today, but the store has been razed.

THE DETROIT AND MACKINAC RAILWAY

In 1909, the Detroit and Mackinac railway built a branch line from Alpena to Hillman. It was formally opened December 29, 1909. Along this branch, several stations were designated. Among them was Emerson. The D & M officials named it in honor of the Edward L. Emerson family as stated earlier. Before this date, the area was known as Wilson after the township.

A freight station and a water tower were built in Emerson. From this freight station, pulpwood, hay, cattle, lumber, etc. were shipped by rail. The water tower was built beside a natural spring and furnished water for the steam engine. Men from the Lachine section crew helped maintain the Emerson station. They would take the handcar and travel the track to Emerson. Roy Emerson worked at the water tower.

In Emerson, the D & M bought land and owned and operated a gravel pit from which large quantities of gravel were hauled for road construction. Car loads of gravel were shipped via the train. During the teens and early 1920’s, the gravel pit operations were at their peak. A crusher was installed in the hills, and crews were hired to operate it and to work in the pit.

After a few years of running the gravel pit, the D & M sold it to Federal Sand and Gravel of Saginaw, Michigan. The pit was discontinued during the 1930’s after having been in operation about fifteen years.

Several section crewmen and foremen worked in Emerson for the D & M. One foreman, Julius Rohde, was particularly recognized for his knowledge of the railroad. He was a native of Germany and had lived in Tawas City, Michigan, the D & M headquarters, for a time. When the railroad was being built between Alpena and Hillman, Mr. Rohde moved to Alpena County to work on its construction. He lived in a log house in Emerson and worked on the railroad in various capacities there. Later he moved to Lachine, the nearest depot to the west, and worked there as section foreman. Mr. Rohde was a jack-of-all-trades at the railroad. He could put a derailed train back on track without the aid of his crew.

Even though the Emerson tracks are silent today, the memories of their activities will long be treasured among area residents. In November of 1991, the D & M was purchased by Lake State Railway. Today Lake State Railway utilizes the westbound branch as far as the Paxton Shale Quarry.

KING’S BAR AND GROCERY: Waldo (Reddie) and Bernice King built KING’S BAR AND GROCERY where the present LITTLE TOWN LOUNGE is located. From the grocery, food items and gasoline could be purchased. The bar offered a variety of drinks, snacks and dancing. After running the business for some time, the Kings sold it to the Edmund and Raymond Dubies.

LITTLE TOWN LOUNGE: The LITTLE TOWN LOUNGE is presently owned and operated by Randy and Karen Werth. The lounge was built in the late 1940’s by the Edmund and Raymond Dubies. The original KING BAR AND GROCERY burned, and the Dubies rebuilt in the same location.

Over the years, the bar has been a source of entertainment. Food, drinks, pool, and dancing have been provided for the most part. Under the present owners, it is a restaurant and bar. Featured are family-style meals, fish fries, karaoke, and live music.

During its history, the bar has had several owners and names. Among them are the Edmund and Raymond Dubies, Merle (Joe) and Rita Dubie, Adolph Kindt, Donald Neumann, Kitty and Cy Samp, Terry and Rosemary Dohn, Bob Baily, and Randy and Karen Werth. It has been known as DUBIE’S TAVERY, DUBIE & KINDT’S TAVERN, THE BULL PEN, KITTY & CY TAVERN, LONGHORN TAVERN, HARRY’S FOOD AND SPIRIT, and the LITTLE TOWN LOUNGE.

ALPENA LIVESTOCK COMMISSION COMPANY

The Alpena Livestock Commission was largely the result of groundwork laid by county supervisors. Ray Bushey, John McKinnon, and Dougal Morrison. They with Ben Wright of the Alpena Chamber of Commerce sought the advice of Lewis Zimmerman of Traverse City, Michigan, and Charles Gray of Merritt, Michigan. Zimmerman and Gray were known as the veterans among livestock dealers.

Zimmerman and Gray combined their efforts and became the owners of the newly formed Alpena Livestock Commission.

The first livestock auction was held at the Alpena County Fairgrounds in August 1939. Sales were held weekly at the fairgrounds for the next nine years. The last sale was held July 2, 1948. At that time, Gray and Zimmerman noted that since the operations started there in August of 1939, the sales had amounted to $9,260,758.73, all of which had been paid out in this area. They also announced that the next sale would be held at the newly constructed plant in Emerson, eleven miles west of the city.

The Emerson plant had many things to offer. A large frame barn, 84 by 144 feet in size and a sales pavilion 38 by 54 feet had been built to accommodate the larger sales. The office was built of concrete blocks. The new plant had twice the capacity of the one at the fairgrounds. A spur of the D & M was available to facilitate shipping by rail. There were 17 acres upon which to operate.

The commission held its first sale in Emerson, July 9, 1948. This sale was successful in that 771 head of cattle sold for $78,014. The commission gave away a purebred Hereford sire on opening day. The lucky consignor was Fred Snow of Hillman.

A new procedure was started with the first sale in Emerson. Farmers could bring stock in the morning, have it appraised, and receive cash in advance. They wouldn’t have to wait for their cash until the stock was sold. That way, the farmers had a chance to obtain money for shopping and business to be transacted while the sale was in progress.

Large numbers of feeder pigs, feeder cattle, cull cows, hogs, and poultry were sold at the auctions. In later years, poultry was discontinued. Special feeder sales were held in the fall, as well as the annual Thunder Bay Beef Breeders Sale. These cattle were some of the best sold in Michigan.

The railroad was used as a shipping method for a few years. Trucks became a more popular means of transportation due to the accessibility factor. The area had several truckers involved in hauling cattle. Among them were Harold Cole, Howard James, Norman Beyer, and Gene Hansen.

A number of buyers came to the sales over the years. The Lytle Brothers from Breckenridge, Michigan; Harold Schultz of Bay City; Lloyd Johnson of Escanaba, Michigan, and the smaller local buyers such as the Alpena Sharp Freeze took part in the buying to name a few.

Bob Handrich, an auctioneer from Fairview, Michigan, became known as the official voice at the Friday sales. For forty years, he “wielded the gavel.” Other auctioneers were George Wright of Shepherd, Michigan, and Stan Sloan of Wolverine, Michigan.

Many others helped to make the auction a success. Mrs. Roy (Emogene) Bates and Mrs. Pete Bygden were head bookkeepers, Lawrence Van Sipe was barn boss, and Roy Van Sipe was weighmaster for many years. Marie Avery was one of the best ring clerks and worked there several years. Otto Miller tagged the animals. George Frederick, Frank Diemond and Karl Lemster

Were associated with the caretaker’s job at various times. Sandy McDonald, Chester Armstrong, Richard Armstrong, Bertha Dammrose, Cheryl Cramer, John Atkinson, Tom Zbytowski, Bill Kolleen, Larry Graham, and Barbara James were among those who worked there in various capacities.

During the time the sales were being held in Emerson, the commission went under new ownership. Zimmerman and Gray sold to Dick Fitch and Ole White of Traverse City, Michigan.

The sale was held every Friday, except holidays, until Dick Fitch and Ole White sold to Gene Hansen of Gene Hansen & Sons Trucking, Inc. in June of 1989. Fitch and White had owned the commission for nearly 25 years.

The last sale in Emerson under the ownership of Fitch and White was held June 30, 1989. Some 4 to 5 million dollars worth of animals had been auctioned off yearly at the Emerson site.

Gene Hansen purchased the plant for use as a collecting point for area livestock to be sold elsewhere, mainly at St. Louis and Cass City, Michigan. At these points, the cattle were auctioned off by the Michigan Live Stock Exchange (M. L. S. E.). It was thought that trucking the stock out of the area would bring full market value to the seller since M. L. S. E.’s highly competitive auctions with more packers and buyers would bring higher prices.

At the time of closing, plans were made to continue having the fall feeder sales and the Thunder Bay Beef Breeder’s Sale at Emerson.

In March of 1993, Gene Hansen and Sons reopened the Alpena Livestock Commission Company in Emerson. They operated it primarily the way it was previously. Sales are now held every Thursday at 1:30 P.M. El-Jay Humphrey of Vestaburg, Michigan, is the auctioneer. Lloyd Johnson of Escanaba, Michigan, Murco Inc. Packing Company of Plainwell, Michigan, and the Michigan Live Stock Exchange are some of the buyers along with the local farmers. Cattle are trucked to other points in the state.

THE BRANDING IRON RESTAURANT: The restaurant which later became known as the BRANDING IRON was built by Waldo (Reddie) King on property by the ALPENA LIVESTOCK COMMISSION. The restaurant was opened only on Fridays as it served the people attending the livestock auction. Bernice King, Phyllis Smith, Mrs. Preston Bell, George Manning, Joe Robson, and Skip Robson were among the owners and operators of the restaurant.

Around 1975, the James Harts purchased the building. They remodeled and added on. They named it the BRANDING IRON RESTAURANT. At first, they ran it only on auction sale days. Later full meals were served five days a week. It has been said that no one could fry a steak like Jim. In 1982, the Harts sold it to Irene MacFalda.

Irene MacFalda renamed the restaurant IRENE’S BRANDING IRON RESTAURANT. She continued to serve family-style meals and was open seven days a week. She ran the family restaurant until the fall of 1989. The restaurant was not reopened.

POPEYE’S GENERAL STORE: The store last known as POPEYE’S GENERAL STORE was built in the late 1940’s by Merle (Joe) and Rita Dubie. Through the years, it was a general store from which food, beverages, hardware, gasoline, and petroleum products could be purchased. In later years, movies could be rented from the store.

It has had several owners and names throughout its history. Among the owners were Merle and Rita Dubie, Raymond and Ruth Dubie, Elyle and Frances Atkinson, Royal and Shirley Pugh, Fred and Lillian Manning, Richard and Martha Heisser, Fritz Stafford, and Allen and Connie Buchanan, the last owners. It has been known as Dubie’s Grocery, Atkinson’s Grocery, R. & S. Grocery, Manning’s Grocery, D & M General Store and Popeye’s General Store. At the present time, the store is closed.

When the Fred Manning’s owned the store, they added on. The addition houses the Herron Post Office today.

ICE CREAM PARLOR: When the Fritz Staffords owned the D & M General Store, they opened an ice cream parlor in the front section now housing the Herron Post Office. It was in operation for one summer.

EMERSON ELEVATOR COMPANY – EMERSON FEED STORE: Fred T. Collins organized the Emerson Elevator Company in 1953. It was located near the Alpena Livestock Commission. Mr. Collins’ elevator was a full-service elevator. Feed was ground and custom mixed. Fertilizer, farm and dairy supplies, and seed were among the items sold there. Bruce Collins, Fred’s son, helped in running it. Mrs. Collins did much of the book work. Upon retirement, the business was sold to Rudolph (Rudy) Kowalski.

EMERSON FEED STORE: During the early 1970’s Rudolph Kowalski purchased the Emerson Feed Store. He continued to run it as a full-service elevator. His wife and hired help did most of the business transacting. After a time, the elevator burned. They rebuilt one building and sold only bagged feed, etc. after this, as the grinder was not replaced. In 1979, the Kowalski’s sold the feed store to Tom Zbytowski, the present owner.

HERRON FEED & GRAIN: When Tom Zbytowski took over the ownership of the feed store, he renamed it HERRON FEED AND GRAIN. Zbytowski’s feed store is primarily family operated although they do hire some outside help. The Zbytowski’s added on and installed a grinder. Bulk feed tanks and a drive-on scale were also added.

Today the feed store is again on of full-service. Feed is ground and custom mixed. Feed, seed, fertilizer, dairy and other farm supplies, hardware, boots, gloves, etc. are sold there.

Presently about a 50-mile radius is served, including Hillman, Posen, Mio, Hubbard Lake, Ossineke, Harrisville, Alpena, Lachine, and Fairview along with Herron. The store is open five and one half days a week, 8 AM to 5 PM weekdays and 8 AM to noon, Saturdays.

PRICE AND SONS’ ELECTRONICS: Duane Price and sons ran Price and Son’s Electronics – Quasar Television Service during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. They sold and repaired televisions, radios, stereos, scanners, C. B.’s, refrigerators, microwave ovens, and other appliances. Their business was located near their residence by M-32 in Emerson.

LLOYD BLACK, CONTRACTOR: Lloyd Black owned and operated an excavating business from his home by M-32 in Emerson. His services included ditching, road building, land clearing, and bulldozing. He operated the business for 22 years, from 1946 until his death in 1968.

A & S SANDBLASTING: is owned and operated by Andy and Sue Gibelyou. The business is at their home along M-32 in Emerson. Andy can sandblast anything from a piece of glass to a semi-trailer. He uses high and low pressure and air and sand. Most of the sandblasting is done in the spring, summer and fall. Customers from Mio, Fairview, Rose City, Atlanta, and Hillman make use of his services, as well as local residents. The business has been running about five years.

MR. G’S BODY SHOP: In 1985, Andy and Sue Gibelyou moved to Emerson and opened MR’ G’S BODY SHOP. Cars and trucks which had been in accidents were repaired and minor rust spots were removed. Andy ran the business a couple of years and decided to go into sandblasting instead.

BEAUTY WORLD SALON: Mrs. Robert O’Neil (Patricia) owned and operated BEAUTY WORLD SALON. It was located at the site of the present Herron Post Office. She ran her shop during the early 1970’s. Haircuts, styling, perms, shampoo-sets, coloring, and manicuring were among the services rendered. Mrs. O’Neil’s career ended with her death in 1974.

CAROLYN’S BRUSH ‘N’ COMB BOUTIQUE: In the mid to late 1970’s, Carolyn Sprayberry owned and operated CAROLYN’S BRUSH ‘N’ COMB BOUTIQUE. The shop was located in the present Herron Post Office building. Haircuts, styling, shampoo-sets, coloring, manicuring, and perms were among her services.

KELLY’S HAIR ‘N’ KARE: During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Kelly Gusler Peterson ran a beauty shop, KELLY’S HAIR ‘N’ KARE, next to the carwash. Perms, shampoo-sets, cutting coloring, styling, etc. were among the services provided. Kelly moved her business to her home near the Alpena County Regional Airport. Her business continues there.

HAIRITAGE HAIR FASHIONS: After Kelly Peterson moved her shop to her home, Kathy Kruczynski set up a beauty shop in Kelly’s former location. Kathy called her shop HAIRITAGE HAIR FASHIONS. Styling, cutting, perms, coloring, shampoo-sets, etc. were among the services rendered. Janice Black Hansen worked with Kathy for a while. In January of 1984, Janice became the shop’s operator and renamed it JAN’S HAIR FASHIONS. She continues to provide the usual services of the beauty shop. She also sells gifts and Avon products from the shop. Customers enjoy the holiday decorations artistically displayed. Customers come from Lincoln, Harrisville, Atlanta, Alpena, Long Rapids, Lachine, Posen, Long Lake, Grand Lake, Beaver Lake, Ossineke and Herron. Many summer residents are patrons as well.

STOCKAMP’S BARBERSHOP: In 1952, Carl Stockamp opened a barbershop in Emerson. Hair-cutting, styling, shaving and the other usual barber services were provided. He operated his shop near his home by M-32 until September 1971 when illness forced him to retire.

WEIR’S SERVICE GARAGE: In the mid 1960’s, Albert Weir built a garage in Emerson. He serviced and repaired cars and trucks. Marathon gasoline and petroleum products were among items which could be purchased there. He ran the garage until 1973 when an accident forced him to retire.

FARMER’S WELDING SHOP: Franklin Diemond owned and operated FARMER’S WELDING SHOP by his home along M-32 in Emerson. He was an iron worker and a Class “A” welder. Used farm machinery was sold from the shop. His original shop burned, but another soon replaced it. For about twenty years he served customers over a large area.

TERRY’S WELDING AND REPAIR: During the early 1980’s, Terry Dohn owned and operated TERRY’S WELDING AND REPAIR at his home in Emerson. He ran his shop for a couple of years. Later he built a welding shop in Lachine.

JONES’ TV SERVICE: In the early 1970’s, Kenneth Jones ran JONES’ TV SERVICE where the present Herron Post Office is located. Ken sold Motorola televisions, installed antennas, and repaired televisions, radios, and stereos. Delbert Black worked with him. He also did repair work for TEMPO of Alpena.

EAST SHORE ASPHALT: EAST SHORE ASPHALT was owned by Howes of Alpena. It was located where the carwash is today. Howes ran the asphalt business during the 1940’s and early1950’s. Robert Wilson worked there.

CEDAR POSTS: During the early1950’s many cedar posts were turned in the Emerson barn. E. J. Bergeron of E. J. Bergeron Fence Company f Detroit (Warren) owned the business. Walter (Bob) Matzke, Raymond Compeau, and Percy Pelleran were among those who ran it. Franklin Diemond was the manager at the time.

CREAM STATION: In the last 1940’s and early 1950’s, Walter (Bob) Matzke owned and operated a cream station in Emerson. It was located on M-32 across from the present Jerry Duby Excavating.

R & S CARWASH: In 1970, Royal and Shirley Pugh purchased land near the Alpena Livestock Auction and had a self-serve carwash built on the property formerly the site of East Shore Asphalt. In 1978, they sold it to Kenneth and Patricia Smith. The Smiths added on and rented the addition as a beauty shop.

HERRON AUTO REPAIR: In the early 1980’s Jack Hoult and Randy Moore ran HERRON AUTO REPAIR in the former Weir garage. They offered complete auto and truck repair. They specialized in servicing four-wheel drives and automatic transmissions.

ACE AUTO BODY: During 1978, ACE AUTO BODY was in the former Weir garage. Services included rust removing, bumping, painting, repairing, and free estimating. With a quality mechanic, fine services were rendered.

C J’S AUTO BODY: In 1986, C J’S AUTO BODY was located in the former Weir garage. Services included bumping, painting and repairing.

MANNING’S USED CARS & SERVICE: In 1974, Carlton Manning ran MANNING’S USED CARS AND SERVICE in the former Weir garage. His logo was “Drive a Little, - - Save a Lot!” Quality used cars were sold and serviced there. Additional services included complete collision and garage service, painting, and bumping. Free estimates were given. Mr. Manning ran the business until his death in January 1975.

C & D AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND REPAIR: During the late 1970’s and the early 1980’s, Chuck Jones and Dick Chowen owned and operated C & D AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND REPAIR in the former Weir garage. Automatic transmission service was their specialty, but general auto repairs were also provided.

JERRY DUBY EXCAVATING: Jerry Duby owns and operates JERRY DUBY EXCAVATING along M-32 in Emerson. The business is located near HERRON FEED & GRAIN. Services rendered include backhoe, bulldozing, hauling sand, gravel, and topsoil, and building ponds, septic systems and roads.

HOME TV SYSTEMS, INC.: During the mid 1980’s, Jim Morris ran HOME TV SYSTEMS, INC. from the former PRICE AND SONS ELECTRONICS building by M-32 in Emerson. Satellite systems were sold from this location. Later he moved his business to Morris Road.

PARKS’ GARAGE: Around 1983-1984, David and Judy Parks ran Parks’ Garage in the former Weir garage. Services offered included hydraulic hose and fitting and general auto repair. Poulan chain saws, gasoline and petroleum products, and snack foods were also sold there.

SMITH PRECISION: SMITH PRECISION is run by Al Smith. He does tool and die work which is sent out of this area. He has operated his business for about three years in the former WEIR’S SERVICE GARAGE in Emerson.

BUCK’S TACKLE: Victor Manning, better known as “Buck”, ran BUCK’S TACKLE in Emerson during the early 1980’s. Tackle boxes, lures, spoons, bobbers, live bait, worm keepers, and fishing poles were among the items sold at the shop. After running the business for a few years, he opened another bait shop north of Alpena and left this location.

A & K BAIT SHOP: In 1980, the A & K BAIT SHOP was located at 9944 M-32 in Emerson. Live bait and some tackle were sold there.

ANTIQUES AND USED FURNITURE: During the late 1980’s, the Ronald Reeds ran a shop in the former PRICE & SONS ELECTRONICS building. They sold antiques and used furniture. After the Reeds, Larry Spears ran a shop there with mostly used furniture. He sold on consignment.

MURRAY’S MEAT MARKET: Albert (Mose) and Denalda Murray owned and operated a meat market at the corner of Emerson Road and M-32. Fresh meat was cut and sold from the counter.

SPECTATOR SPORTS RECREATION

COUNTY LEAGUE BASEBALL: Spectator sports played a major role in entertainment in Emerson. County League Baseball perhaps led among them. Throughout the years, at least two locations served as baseball diamonds. One was near the intersection of Herron Road and M-32. The other was near Miracle Drive in Emerson. Teams from all over the county demonstrated their skill and sportsmanship at the diamonds. Crowds of eager spectators stood cheering for their home teams. There are no comparable County League Baseball teams in Alpena County today. Their recollections bring about a bit of nostalgia.

ALPENA MOTOR SPEEDWAY: The ALPENA MOTOR SPEEDWAY was located in Emerson, ten miles west of Alpena. It opened for races during the summer of 1956. Roland Emerson was its president, Franklin Diemond was secretary-treasurer, and Al Heintzleman was the publicist. The speedway was on Roland Emerson’s property.

The quarter-mile track was used for jalopy races. Large crowds gathered to watch the daring drivers. Charlie Boucher of Alpena was the oldest driver and took the Grand Championship for three years in a row. He had car No. 12.

Beatrice Diemond ran a concession stand on the grounds during the races. With the help of her daughters, she served buttered popcorn, roasted hot dogs, candy bars, pop, ice cream (hand dipped), etc.

In May of 1957, a tragedy occurred during the opening day of the season. Robert Spain, son of Fred and Leona Spain, was killed as the result of his car rolling on him after the safety belt snapped during the first lap of the Australian Pursuit. It was Spain’s first and last race.

Other races were held after the fatality, but interest dropped. The speedway closed around 1958.

LACHINE SADDLE CLUB: During the 1950’s and 1960’s, the LACHINE SADDLE CLUB held horse shows in Emerson. The club owned ten acres of land near the Harvey Wilson residence. In a building moved from the airport (then Phelps Collins) meetings were held and dinners served. The shows and dinners were usually held on Sundays. Mostly local talent was displayed. Trophies and ribbons were given as prizes to the champions. Sometimes the club would put on shows in other areas such as Hillman, Onaway, and Harrisville. They also performed at the Alpena County Fair.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I want to thank all who have given me information through letters and interviews and those who have generously given photos to illustrate the Emerson history. Thanks also to the staffs at the Alpena County Library and The Alpena News for their service in locating clippings and other historical data.

PHOTOS:

The Thomas Harrison family at their store in the late 1930’s. Family members include: Elizabeth and Thomas (parents), and children (l-r) Thomas, Ivan, Rose, Kathleen Trueman and Alfred.

1903 Plat map of Wilson Township, Township 31 N. Ranges 6 & 7 E.

The Harrison Store. Photo courtesy Rose Spink.

Shell School II. Photo courtesy Olive Wise.

Former Joseph Shell family home and last location of the Dafoe Post Office.

Charles H. Wise family home, stagecoach stop, restaurant and Dafoe Post Office and grocery 1904-1915. Photo circa 1900. Courtesy Olive Wise.

Charlie and Frazille Cousineau boarding house and home. Photo courtesy of Vina Sabourin.

Former Emerson home in Emerson.

The Alpena Livestock Commission and former Branding Iron Restaurant.

Herron Feed and Grain

Popeye’s General Store and Herron Post Office.