Broadway looking North from the corner of Hammond Street

Methodist Church Parsonage

Methodist Church Parsonage was located on the northwest corner of Charlotte and Broadway.  The parsonage was torn down in the early 1950's to build the Sinclair Station.

A Snowy Winter Day

The picture of downtown Union City in the early 1900's was sent to me by my brother Marty.

Note - Sherry Herdman asked the question ----I'm curious about the 2 story building on the left side of the photo at what looks like the corner of N Broadway & Charlotte St. Do you know anything about it?

Reply --- That was the Methodist Church Parsonage, which was torn down in the early 1950's to make way for the Sinclair Station that stood on the corner until it was torn down to make way for a bank building.  To see a picture of the parsonage, click on the label on the right side of the blog for the "Methodist Church", it is the last of the three pictures for the church.

"Growing Up In Union City" by Ross D. Pendill

"Growing Up In Union City" by Ross D. Pendill is a collection of short stories Ross wrote for the Union City Register Tribune between 1982 and 1983.  His daughters, Penny and Linda, reprinted the collection in this booklet at the time of his death, September 23, 1997.

Linda gave me permission to add the book to my blog ...hope everyone enjoys reading the great stories as I have. 

To view the collection of  short stories Ross D. Pendill wrote, click on Short Stories below.  To return to this page, click on the back button of your browser.

Short Stories

Note - The pages of the booklet are viewed in Google Picasa and you can view the stories a page at a time, view in slideshow, print a page, or download a page.

Moving Day in Union City - early 1920's ...Re-post with comment on 21 Nov 2011

The picture was sent to me by my brother Marty.  The truck moving a families possessions sitting at the corner of Broadway and Allen Streets, with Soldiers Park and the Congregational Church in the background. The picture is estimated to have been taken in the early 1920's.

Does anyone have a clue as to who the men are in the picture or correct date?

Comment - Hi Ron:

The Union City Bicentennial 1976 booklet in the UC Public library, the picture is titled "Ed Lincoln and his truck".  Hope this helps. 

I enjoy your blog and check it frequently.  I grew up just outside of UC and graduated in 1980, approximately a year ago moved back and bought a house on Ellen Street.  I have been doing research on my house and happened to see this same picture that you have on your blog so I thought I would send you a note.

Have a great day.

Julie Gregory

  

Captain Burr Olson - Newspaper articles from his scrapbook

Captain Burr Olson wrote several short stories for the Union City Register Tribune.  The stories are about his interesting life and the Union City area.

The scrapbook was sent to me by Stanley Smith and after scanning the pages, gave to my brother Marty for the Union City Historical Society. 

To view the collection of the newspaper articles Captain Burr Olson wrote, click on Short Stories below.  To return to this page, click on the back button of your browser.

Short Stories

Note - The pages of the scrapbook are viewed in Google Picasa and you can view the stories a page at a time, view in slideshow, print a page, or download a page.

Uncle Burr's Residence

Uncle Burr's Residence in Union City. The Uncle Burr referenced in the picture is Captain Burr Osborn.
Note - If anyone can identify the location of this home, please email at rchard1960@gmail.com (click on email address to send an email ..thanks!).


Below is a theory sent to me by Beatrice (Madden) Lake on the possible location of the home ...does anyone have any additional thoughts on her theory?

Hello,
In way of introduction, I am Beatrice (Madden) Lake. I am the oldest sister of your classmate Jim Madden. I was referred to your website when it first began, and Have enjoyed your postings. I have a personal collection of all the yearbooks and "Peerless Union City" and "Union City on the St. Joe" to which you have referred. And a couple of Branch County Atlases. I just love a mystery, and have enjoyed trying to figure out where this building would be in Union City. First I thought it would be John Street, where Zae Robinson White lived, but there are more gables on that house, and then I thought it was the one Klaudia Fisher lives in next door, that being one of the older homes. But..........My Theory: I believe this is Captain Burr Osborn, an interesting man who sailed the world 3 times before settling in this area. His accounts of "Early Pioneer Days" he wrote for the Register-Tribune in the 1920's is in the Bi-Centennial book 1976. From those article he lived on Thrams road, south of Girard (confirmed by my 1879 Branch County Atlas). He moved to Allen Street, (the street that runs on the south side of Congregational Church). The house the 1976 book refers to is the one left standing across from the church. But in my minds eye, I remember a house that looked like this just around the corner from Broadway that Mrs. Enner (sp) lived in, in the 1940's. She operated the Strand Theatre when I was a kid. That house has been razed, (now back of the Dollar Store) and I feel that could be that one. My 1909 Union City Directory, publishedby Tom F. Robinson. says he lived on Allen St. The listing of those living on Allen St. are as follows: Roy D. Rayner, Leo L. Johnson, J. Calvin Richards, Burr Osborn, S. Eugene Lee and Henry Corey. I would assume that the listing began at broadway, and if that is so, He would have lived approximately where that home is. I can't see that is the same home, even with remodeling. I guess it will take more investigation. I don't know if there was any other verification that he lived in the house still standing or not. It has been fun researching this postcard, but mine is only a theory. I hope to see many more interesting things on this website, and I would appreciate your response on my theory when you have time.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Beatrice Lake

Captain Burr Osborn - Peerless Union City 1903

Captain Burr Osborn

Note - Regarding the "Captain Burr Osborn" ...(from the publication titled "Historical Industrial and Social Record of Peerless Union City Michigan" edited, compiled, and published by Tom F. Robinson in March 1903), EARLY HISTORY OF UNION CITY, reads: .... Among the older residents of Union City there is no more familiar figure or one who is more popular than the gentleman named above. Capt. Osborn was born near Bridgeport, Conn., April 25, 1826, and he lived in that locality until he was sixteen years old. At that early age he embarked in a whaling vessel and for the following seven years he sailed the oceans, during the last three years of this period being in the U. S. navy. His was a varied and interesting experience. He sailed round the world twice, visiting all the grand divisions of the globe, besides many of the islands. For a period of several months he was a subject of King Kamehameha III, of the Sandwich Islands, and it was at Honolulu that he enlisted in the U. S. navy, May 6, 1846, when the Mexican War was in progress. During this war he was on the U. S. surveying vessel, " Shark," and U. S. men of war in the Pacific, and was also with General Fremont in California. He assisted in the U. S. survey of the west coast of America from Terra del Fuego to Alaska and in the first survey of the Columbia River. He received his discharge in 1849 and afterward returned to Connecticut where he lived for several years. He came to Michigan in 1852, since which time his home has been in Sherwood and this place. While a resident of the first-named place he was for twelve years a justice of the peace, highway commissioner for six years and also school director for an extended period. In Union Township he was also chosen as highway commissioner and he always performed his duties in a highly satisfactory manner. Capt. Osborn is by nature one of the most companionable of men. His extensive travels have provided him with a fund of most interesting reminiscence and his memory serves him well in telling. A few years since, he published a volume entitled "Reminiscences of a Voyage Round the World in the Forties" and the same proved most interesting. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the three local Masonic lodges, and he was a charter member of Union City Chapter No. 53, R. A. M. He has two sons, C. R. Osborn, who is the station agent for the Michigan Central R. R. Co. at Albion, and G. A. Osborn, who lives at Jackson.

Star Duo Trailer Factory - Udated

The picture from the early 1960's of the Star Duo Trailer Factory located on South Broadway. The factory sits on the site of the old Peerless Cement Factory.

Note - Made a correction on the location of the Star Duo Trailer Factory offices, originally had the office's located on Crane Street. An email from Stan Smith noting that the location should be South Broadway.
Looking at the 1959 Robinson's Branch County, Michigan Directory ....notes; Star Mobile Homes, Inc., Homer Kidwell V-President & General Manager; 501 South Broadway, Union City; telephone number Pioneer 1-4111.

Marble Manor - Skating, Dancing, and Food - Re-post (two additional pictures)

Marble Manor Roller Skating and Dancing

I found a postcard of the Marble Manor and an Ad from "The Shopper's Guide" for posting on your blog.  Cindy Stemaly Taylor

Note - Cindy is a granddaughter of Leonard and Agnes Stemaly who owned Marble Manor.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 50th Anniversary - 1952 to 2002

Attached, is a postcard of the Catholic Church and a copy of the booklet that was printed for the 50th Anniversary of "Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church".  Thought you might be able to use it for your blog.

Sincerely, Cindy Stemaly Taylor 

To view the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 50th Anniversary - 1952 to 2002 booklet (click on the on Booklet below.  To return to this page click on the back button of your browser).

Booklet

Note - The Booklet is viewed in Google Picasa and you can view the booklet a page at a time, view in slideshow, print a page, or download a page.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 25th Jubilee - 1952 to 1977

I am the granddaughter of Leonard and Agnes Stemaly who owned Marble Manor.  My grandfather donated 3.9 acres for the Catholic Church.  Attached, please find a postcard of the church and a copy of the booklet that was printed for the 25th Anniversary of the church.  It tells of the church's beginnings.  Thought you might be able to use it for your blog.

Sincerely, Cindy Stemaly Taylor 

To view the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 25th Jubilee - 1952 to 1977 booklet (click on the on Booklet below.  To return to this page click on the back button of your browser).

Booklet

Note - The Booklet is viewed in Google Picasa and you can view the booklet a page at a time, view in slideshow, print a page, or download a page.

Glove Coaters to celebrate their 50th Anniversary on August 25th, formerly a Roller Rink and a Dance Hall

The picture above of the Marble Manor Dance Hall given to my brother Marty by Tina Alford. Her grandparents (Ray and Bessie Stagner) operated the dance hall in the mid 1950's. The Dance Hall replaced the Marble Manor Roller Skating Rink. Today it is Glove Coaters, Inc which began manufacturing in 1961 (Thursday is the 50th anniversary).

Bill and Renee Tassie at work coating and packaging gloves

Bledsoes Beach

Bledsoes Beach - 1945

History of Miller's Grocery and later Brott's Grocery Corner

The following history for the Miller's Grocery and later the Brott's Grocery corner, was prepared by my brother Marty Chard with the help of several people including Carl Miller's son Bob Miller who supplied most of the photo's and a photo of Bob Brott supplied by Barbara (McNett) Brott.

A & W Root beer Stand

The picture of the A & W Root beer stand that most of us remember visiting at the corner of Ellen & Ann Streets. 

The picture was provided by David Swan with the following comments ...My dad bought it from Mr. Shepard. Not sure what year.. Sold to Mr. Early about 1956.  Dad added a longer roof, and had sides/walls that would be put in or taken out, so he could be open for lunch, and after school during cold weather.

Union City High School Alumni Newsletter #1 - 130th Annual Alumni Banquet on May 29, 2010

The Union City High School Alumni Newsletter #1 covering the 130th Alumni Banquet was presented to those attending the Union City High School Annual Alumni Banquet on May 28, 2011, along with Newsletter #2 for the 131st Alumni Banquet.  The Alumni committee decided to issue the 2010 Banquet Newsletter in addition to the 2011 Banquet Newsletter at the 2011 Banquet, since it covered the 50th anniversary for the class of 1960, the last graduating class from the old high school.   Copy of the Newsletter sent to me by my brother Marty.

Union City High School Alumni Newsletter #2 - 131st Annual Alumni Banquet on May 28, 2011

The Union City High School Alumni Newsletter # 2 was presented to those attending the Union City High School Annual Alumni Banquet on May 28, 2011.  Copy of the Newsletter sent to me by my brother Marty.

Flood - March 9, 1908

The flooding that occurred in early March of 1908, was a result of heavy accumulations of snow in February, followed by heavy rains in early March, and warm temperatures resulting in the quick melting of the snow.  The St. Joseph and Coldwater Rivers both reached record flood levels.  On Sunday, March 8th the foundation for the south end of the Broadway Bridge gave way (as see in the forth picture below) and the bridge collapsed into the St. Joseph River.  

The following pictures of the bridge after it collapsed, and the flooding that occurred in the southeast part of Union City.

Picture of the Broadway Bridge taken in 1907 a year before the flood

Looking north from the south side of where the bridge stood

Another picture looking north from the south side of where the bridge stood.  

Comments provided by my brother Marty..... The barn and building next to it was built in 1845 and used as stores.  In later years it was used as a hotel and was called the "Titlow House".  After the hotel closed the barn was used as a livery stable.  In 1915 the buildings were torn down and the Engle and Stanton Ford Garage was in 1920.  In 1922, Carl Bray purchased the business.  The building is now the home of the new Union Township Library.

Picture of a large crowd of spectators on the north side of where the bridge once stood, possibly Sunday after church, since the bridge collapsed on a Sunday?

Picture from the north side looking towards the south side, the Riverside Hotel to the left

Worker installing a temporary swing bridge across the St. Joseph River

Lady walking across the swing bridge towards the Riverside Hotel

Children crossing the swing bridge towards downtown

Looking south towards the Riverside Hotel

Residence surrounded by water

Looks to be a mill race, location not know other than it's in Union City

Flooded homes

Home flooded with the Union City Water Works in the rear of the picture

More flooded homes

Street and homes flooded

More homes and barns flooded

Ariel view look south showing the extent of the flooding

A 1909 picture of the new bridge that replaced the one lost in the 1908 flood

Millrace bridge collapse on June 4, 1908

Comments provided by my brother Marty..... The millrace bridge collapsed on June 4, 1908 due to stress from the March floods when Leo Bigford was crossing the bridge with his threshing machine.