Rebuilding and Resilience: A Lasting Legacy

After the 1918 fire, the community rallied to rebuild. In 1919, architect George L Harvey drew up plans for a new masonry building, the Engle Mercantile Company. This new structure rose on the same historic corner of State and Maine, symbolizing the town's determination and spirit. The new store, still standing today, became a beacon of hope and renewal for Port Hope. 

From its origins as Henry Leuty's store to surviving a devastating fire, this corner of State and Maine has seen it all. Today, it continues to serve as a reminder of the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Port Hope. Thank you for joining us on this journey through time. We invite you to visit and experience the legacy of our store firsthand!

George L Harvey was an architect based in Port Huron, Mich. He is known for designing Gleaners Temple, a stately building on Woodward at Palmer in Detroit, near what is now the north end of Wayne State University’s campus. The Greek-temple-inspired building was built in 1909 for a Christian life insurance group.

Discover more about Port Hope history and countless other fascinating stories by picking up a copy of "Portrait of a Village: Port Hope, Huron County, Michigan" at the Mercantile.

You can view photos of the now torn-down building at the link: https://historicdetroit.org/buildings/gleaners-temple