Howard Block (Port Huron, Michigan) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Howard Block
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 201--205 Huron Ave., Port Huron, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000251 |
| Added to NRHP | March 17, 1994 |
The Howard Block, also known as the Central Block, is a historic building in Port Huron, Michigan. You can find it at 201-205 Huron Avenue. This important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. This means it's recognized as a special place because of its history and unique design.
Contents
A Look Back: The Howard Block's Story
Who Was Henry Howard?
The story of the Howard Block begins with a man named Henry Howard. He was born in 1833 and moved to Port Huron with his family when he was just one year old. As he grew up, Henry became a very successful businessman. He owned parts of several local sawmills, which were important for making wood products. He also helped start the First National Bank.
Building a Landmark
In 1863, Henry Howard teamed up with another important businessman, John Johnston. Together, they built a commercial building at the corner of Military and Water Streets. This building housed Johnston's bank.
Later, in 1875, Howard and Johnston worked together again. This time, they built the Howard Block, which is the building we see today.
Early Businesses in the Block
One of the first businesses to open in the Howard Block was the First National Bank. Henry Howard had become the president of this bank in 1871. The bank stayed in the building even after Howard passed away in 1894. It finally moved out in 1904.
After the First National Bank left, other banks moved into that space. These included the St. Clair County Savings Bank and later the German American Bank.
Changing Stores and Shops
Over time, the banking area of the building was changed to make room for other types of businesses. It became home to a drug store, a jewelry shop, and even a men's clothing store.
Some well-known businesses that were in the Howard Block include:
- Springer & Rose: This was a men's clothing store that started around 1871. It was in the Howard Block from the 1910s all the way to the 1960s.
- Marx Jewelers: This jewelry store moved into the old bank space in the mid-1930s.
What Does the Howard Block Look Like?
The Howard Block is a three-story building made of red brick. It's built in a style called High Victorian Italianate. This style often features decorative details and tall, narrow windows. A two-story section was added to the back of the building around 1880.
Location and Unique Shape
The building sits right on the corner where Huron Avenue and Quay Street meet. The way the building is shaped actually matches the sixty-five-degree angle of these two streets. This gives it a unique look.
Windows and Details
Along the Huron Avenue side, there are three storefronts at ground level. At the very corner, there's a narrow section with one window. This part originally had an entryway and faces diagonally towards the street intersection.
On the second and third floors, you'll see windows with rounded tops. These windows have cool, decorative iron caps above them. At the very top of the building, there's a wooden cornice. A cornice is a decorative molding that runs along the top edge of a building. This one was fixed up and restored in the 1990s.
