The Man Who Went to School for 45 Years

The Rochester Community School District has named several of its buildings in honor of well-known educators, administrators, or civic leaders. However, the district’s oldest building is not named for a teacher or a public official—it is named after the building’s caretaker, who was a friend to all of the students he served during his 45-year tenure there. The 1889 school building as it appeared during William Harrison's tenure. The rise of Fourth Street as it approaches Wilcox Street was … [Read more...]

Holland’s Has Been Beautifying Rochester Since 1929

It started out as a way to earn extra money during the Great Depression, and evolved into a family business and Main Street landmark that has passed through three generations. In 1929, William L. Holland Sr. felt the sting of the U.S. economic collapse when his job as a foreman at Hudson Motor Car Company in Detroit was reduced to part time status. To make up some of his lost income and support his family of six, Holland started a greenhouse business at his property on Norton Lawn in Avon … [Read more...]

Just Released! Mr. Blair’s Labyrinth $9.95 Available Now At Lytle Pharmacy

Like Robert Lytle’s other seven novels, Mr. Blair’s Labyrinth is marketed for the 9- to 14-year-old set. However, these Michigan-based adventures extend to a much greater audience including teachers, parents and senior citizens. Many are read in Michigan schools for their life lessons and fast-paced adventures.  Mr. Blair’s Labyrinth tells of two teenaged brothers who visit Grampa’s new home as he is rebuilding an old garden, originally built by the estate’s first owner, Frank Blair.  Mr. … [Read more...]

A Look Back at Gantos

Lebanese immigrant Theodore Gantos long dreamed of opening his own linen store, and when the devastation of the Great Depression ended, he did just that. With his wife, Haseebie, he opened the first Gantos store in Grand Rapids in 1932. Over the next few decades, the store shifted gears to become a successful women’s-wear boutique before going out of business in 2000. … [Read more...]