212 5th St.

212 5th St. in downtown Calumet, MI.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Calumet, MI

Significance:

Contributing Structure to the Calumet National Historic Landmark District

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

MANAGED BY:

Private Property

Amenities

2 listed

Cellular Signal, Parking - Auto

In the 1880s, this site was occupied by the Peter Ruppe and Sons warehouse, serving their department store across the street. Around 1890 the warehouse was removed or remodeled, and the Ruppe family leased space in this building to other businesses. The site of the one-story addition to the north side of this building was formerly occupied by a separate commercial building, addressed 214 5th Street. That building started out as a two story commercial building, but later a third story was added. 212 5th Street was divided into two separate storefronts for many years as well. It was home to many businesses including C. J. Sorsen’s Suomalainen Apteeki (Finnish pharmacy), the Bee Hive Shoe Store, and the Calumet post office. The building to the north was occupied by a tailor and Victor Herman’s photography studio, for a time. Sometime around 1940, the J. J. Newberry 5 and 10 cent store moved into the building. They remodeled the main floor and removed the front staircase to the second floor. 214 5th Street was demolished, and the addition was built, further expanding the sales floor. Newberry’s was a classic dime store and included a lunch counter and soda fountain.