A Glimpse into Local Maritime History: A Harbor of Hope and Rivalry
On September 12, 1871, a letter to the Detroit Advertiser and Tribune set the stage for an intriguing chapter in local history. The letter sparked a debate over where to build a crucial Harbor of Refuge on Lake Huron. Sand Beach (now Harbor Beach) and Port Hope both hoped to be selected as the site, each recognizing the potential economic boost the harbor would bring. To keep reading, click read more.
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
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
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.