![School History Part 2: Rising from the Ashes (1872-1926)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65e88d2fd7d6185156d0b169/a278f1b7-2110-4cc2-86c3-f21ff9a73cb3/School+History+Part+1+-+Port+Hope+Michigan+-+Port+Hope+Mercantile+-+Resized.png)
School History Part 2: Rising from the Ashes (1872-1926)
The original schoolhouse was lost in the 1871 fire, but the community quickly rebuilt. By 1872, a grand two-story school stood at Second and School Street, featuring a stage for productions. For over 50 years, this building was the heart of education in Port Hope... To keep reading, click read more.
![School History Part 1: Humble Beginnings (1860-1871)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65e88d2fd7d6185156d0b169/1724618422577-19NWZXKMMRO5SXCSTJ6Q/Screenshot+2024-08-25+at+4.34.57%E2%80%AFPM.png)
School History Part 1: Humble Beginnings (1860-1871)
As the new school year kicks off, let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the rich history of education in Port Hope. Port Hope’s educational journey started around 1860 with a simple schoolhouse near the lake, fondly known as a "shingle shanty by the shore." To keep reading, click read more.
![The Great Flood](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65e88d2fd7d6185156d0b169/1723060173534-OQLO9PC56J3PG81XH23B/Port+Hope+Mercantile+-+Storm+Floods+Port+Hope+-+pg+1+-+The+Times+-+Fri%2C+August+17th%2C+1928.png)
The Great Flood
On August 10th 1928, Port Hope faced a dramatic series of events. At 1 PM, a downpour began, flooding streets and turning creeks into torrents. During the storm, water flooded the area behind the Mercantile Co., entering through the back door and flooding the basement. To keep reading, click read more.
![The Mysterious Fire](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65e88d2fd7d6185156d0b169/1722019241435-U9J3ZBVUKCFY90HX91JD/Port+Hope+Mercantile+-+Fire+-+Half+page+1+-+Huron+County+Tribune+-+Friday%2C+November+22%2C+1918.png)
The Mysterious Fire
In 1918, tragedy struck when the store, owned by German-born Charles Engle, was deliberately set on fire. The culprit was never found, but rumors swirled. Read more.
![Flourishing Under New Owners](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65e88d2fd7d6185156d0b169/1722019638599-EGLD27K4IG2G5DY96WII/Mihlethaler+Co.+Store+Image+Port+Hope.jpg)
Flourishing Under New Owners
Over the years, the original store saw several notable owners, each leaving their mark. In this edition of store history learn about the owners from historic newspaper clips and see photos of the original store.
![The Beginning of Our Store’s Legacy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65e88d2fd7d6185156d0b169/1722020837418-IO1LXTLQODGMRQ05CDF9/Demorest%E2%80%99s+Illustrated+Monthly+1875+Inside+Fashion.png)
The Beginning of Our Store’s Legacy
In 1875, William Henry Leuty, affectionately known as Henry Leuty, built a grand two-story wood frame store on the north corner of State and Maine. This iconic building quickly became a cornerstone of the community.
![Fresh Finds: Spring 2024](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65e88d2fd7d6185156d0b169/069f0915-de3f-4d20-a643-4916deb12e62/UV+Shirts+-+Port+Hope+Mercantile_rsz.jpg)
Fresh Finds: Spring 2024
Introducing Our Latest Arrivals! From apparel like branded UV long-sleeve shirts to unique gifts and more, explore now and be the first to get your hands on our new inventory!