Horace Ismon/Ismon Building
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S5280ft
N 42° 14.841 W 084° 24.518
16T E 713784 N 4680491
Located on the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Jackson Street. Streetside parking available.
Waymark Code: WM16ZG
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 02/05/2007
Views: 22
HORACE ISMON
This building was erected for Jackson dry goods merchant Horace Ismon in 1853. Ismon had begun his mercantile career in Paw Paw during the 1840s. Although established in Jackson, he continued his Paw Paw ventures, engaging in the woolen trade, building a tannery and grist and sawmills, and financing the Paw Paw Railroad. Ismon was a founding director of the Jackson County Bank in 1872. Having no children of their own, Ismon and his wife, Clara, mentored youth interested in the mercantile trade.
ISMON BUILDING
A lavish gala attended by three hundred guests and future governor Austin Blair celebrated the opening of the Ismon Building on February 22, 1853. The building has housed a variety of enterprises, among them Horace Ismon's dry goods store, a pharmacy, and a home health service. From 1927 to 1972, the Fairy Garden restaurant occupied the upper floors. It is believed to have been the first Jackson establishment with air conditioning (installed in 1933).
Historical Name: Clara & Horace Ismon, Austin Blair
Parking nearby?: yes
D/T ratings: 
website: [Web Link]
Registered Site #: Local Site #2025
Historical Date: Not listed
Description: Not listed
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