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Historically speaking

Merryweather Building recalled

ISHPEMING — Thomas J Dundon paid $6,250 for the Merryweather building, in 1900. (Today’s equivalent $232,403) and then almost that much for renovations.

“Only those who have taken the trouble to go through the Dundon block, formerly the Merryweather building, corner of Main Street and Cleveland Avenue (northeast corner) realize what extensive changes and improvements have been made there since the new owner took the place. As much money has been spent in improvements as the building itself cost the present owner. “ (Mining Journal, August 2, 1901)

“The work of overhauling the structure was started just nine month ago, and nearly a solid year will have passed before everything about the place is in first class order. The basement extends under the entire block and furnishes useful space for the first-floor tenants. At present much of it is taken up by T.H. Dawson, who occupies the corner store.

New plate glass windows have been put in Mr. Dawson’s place and it is Mr. Dundon’s intention to also put plate glass in the other store facing on Main street.

There are eleven office rooms on the second floor. These have just been finished and are ready for occupancy. Mr. Dundon has moved into the two front rooms on the north side. All the rooms are spacious, airy and convenient.

The hallway through the center is large and the closets on both floors are well equipped. Some of the rooms on the second floor have been spoken for and will be occupied soon, although there are some yet to be rented.

As an office building it is equal to anything of the kind in the county and Mr. Dundon should have no trouble finding good tenants.” (Mining Journal, August 2, 1901)

Even though it was expensive, the purchase of the building was a good deal. There would be plenty of rental income and the renovations enabled Dundon to increase the rent. Main Street was a popular place to be and when one tenant moved out, another one moved in. Dundon didn’t even purchase a home until 1913.

However, nothing lasts forever and for the Dundon block, the end came in 1932 when the building burned to the ground.

“The destruction of the Dundon block by fire at an early hour yesterday removes a landmark. It was one of the first buildings erected on Main street when that thoroughfare was laid out in 1870.

The original structure was mush smaller and occupied only a portion of the two lots on the corner of Main street and Cleveland avenue.” (Mining Journal, May 25, 1932)

“The building always was used for mercantile purposes, but it remained for Mr. Dundon, who bought it nearly a quarter century ago, to improve it and make it one of the most modern business blocks in Ishpeming.

The building never was vacant as it stood on one of the best business corners in the city.” (Mining Journal, May 25, 1932.)

“The late H. Olin Young, for several terms congressman from the Twelfth district, and one of Marquette county’s most prominent attorneys, started in business in the Dundon building, as bookkeeper for Curtis, Prime & Co., coming here from Republic where he served the Republic Iron company as weighmaster when the mine was opened.

It was while employed as bookkeeper for the mercantile concern that Mr. Young studied law.” (Mining Journal, May 25, 1932)

“Ishpeming firemen have had few more stubborn fires to fight than the one yesterday morning. Mr. Dundon lost his library of law books in his office rooms on the second floor, and Dr. E.W. Sivula lost all his dental equipment.

Fireman Joseph Maloney, who was overcome, dropped opposite one of the Main Street entrances while holding a hose. Dr. J.D. Crane was there and he immediately took charge.

It was an hour or more before the fireman was able to leave Bradford’s store, where the doctor worked over him. As soon as he was able to resume his work he did so and remained on the job until the fire was extinguished.

About 4 o’clock Paul Maloney, son of T.J. Maloney, was overcome and required treatment as he lay on the walk in front of the Miners’ Bank building. Abe Nicholls and Antoni Andriacchi also were overcome.” (Mining Journal, May 25, 1932)

“Insurance carried by the owner and occupants was light, and, according to one of the occupants probably did not amount to 25% of the total loss. On account of it being a veneer building the insurance rate was high and occupants took a chance against a fire loss. Mr. Dundon stated that his insurance would cover only a small part of his loss. The same is true of all occupants.” (Mining Journal, May 25, 1932)

It would take over 2 years for the ruins to be torn down. The depression was a large reason, but the death of Thomas Dundon in 1933 may have contributed to the delay.

“Ned Dundon, of Iron Mountain, was here yesterday making arrangements for razing the ruins of the old Dundon block, Main street and Cleveland avenue, which was gutted by fire two years ago. “ (Mining Journal, August 31, 1934)

Parts of the walls which were left standing after the fire have become dangerous during high winds, which is one of the reasons for razing the ruins of the building at this time.” (Mining Journal, August 31, 1934)

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