Experience Sturgis "The Electric City" October 3, 2009

HAPPY EXPERIENCE STURGIS- THE ELECTRIC CITY FESTIVAL DAY 2009!

2009-10-03T08:23:00.003-04:00

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Looking forward to seeing everyone at today's festival!

A Very Special Thank You to All Our Experience Sturgis- The Electric City Festival 2009 Contributors!

2009-10-03T08:15:00.001-04:00

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Be sure to check out all the great 'experiences' happening at local Sturgis businesses and organizations today!

T.O.P.S. Group Leads Walk of History

2009-10-02T12:21:00.001-04:00

Sturgis Journal

STURGIS | CLUB NEWS

Walking is good exercise, and one reason TOPS is hosting it at Experience Sturgis Saturday, but TOPS is offering more! While participants exercise their body, they can have the added bonus of exercising their minds by remembering the past or learning about the town as they walk, said Pat Quirn of TOPS.

Participants should register at 8:30 a.m. at the fire station from where the group will leave from at 9:00 a.m. Each walker will get a copy of Mary Lou Falkenstein's, narration of "The Way it Was."

The way Mary Lou remembers several blocks of Sturgis:

In the parking lot, south of the fire station, was Sturgis' first equivalent to the Dairy Queen, where you could buy an ice cream cone on the sidewalk without even getting off your bike.

The fire station has undergone several add-ons over the years as the town grew and there was a need for more trucks and equipment.

Across the street, Bandholtz Paint (which was originally on Pleasant Street in the parking lot north of Crusader Arms,) was all homes and businesses lining Nottawa.

The most famous hamburgers in town were to be found at Hanselman's "Castle Quik" just north of the present paint store. You could order your burger at a sidewalk window, pay for it, and be on you way.

Next to the fire station was the First Presbyterian Church, but now houses the public library and the Sturgis city offices.

The second block north holds what was Union Elementary School which later became Sturgis Junior High and High School and now Sturgis Central Commons.

Across the street where the Sturges-Young Auditorium is, was once residential homes, up to what was then a Christian Science Church.

Beyond that, on the east side, was Bing's Restaurant and Judy's Beauty Shop.

Then there was the Stone Bait Shop where you could buy anything you needed for hunting, fishing, etc.
Next, was City Dairy where Boland Tire is now.

Across the street was mostly residential, but there was Leister's Electric Shop and Royer's Auto Shop.

Crossing the tracks, on the east we find a store that was Zimmerman's Grocery Store.

On the corner of Main and Nottowa, was Jack's Auto and on down was the old New York Central Railroad Station which now houses the historical society's museum and the chamber of commerce office.

Where the gazebo stands, there used to be a water tank for the trains.

There was a wealth of businesses on the south side of the tracks. Starting at the corner of Nottawa and Hatch, where the party store is, there was a coal yard where the trains unloaded coal for the public to buy. Next, was Blue & Gilham's Feed and Grain where farmers could get most of their supplies.

Then came the freight station and stockyard where animals were shipped and received.

As we go down Clay Street, we come to the Sturgis Journal building, which was originally on the corner of Chicago and Jefferson.

The empty lot on the corner of Chicago Road and Clay our Carnegie Library once stood.

Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee

2009-10-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

Paul Smith, purveyor of fine chocolates at Great Lakes, spruces up the exterieor of his coffee shop for the Experience Sturgis festival.

ROSALIE CURRIER/STURGIS JOURNAL

Saturday a Great Chance to Experience Sturgis!

2009-10-01T12:26:00.014-04:00

Sturgis Journal
OUR VIEW

Visitors to Sturgis Saturday are in for a great treat. The third-annual Experience Sturgis Festival is shaping up to be the biggest, yet with something for everyone.

Officially slated from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., the festival will incorporate the present, celebrate the past and bring the community together.

This year, the history of seven bussinesses were highlighted in the Journal and make up this year's History Walk. Those businesses include: First United Methodist Church, St. John's Episcopal Church, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, Sturgis Fire Department, the law firm of Bird, Svendsen, Brothers, Scheske & Pattison, Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee and the Sturgis Journal.

The Journal will host its 150th anniversary celebration, also from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., in our parking lot. The event will include a 65-foot inflatable obstacle course for children, a bounce house, clowns, face-painting, live music, free food, and tours of the Journal facility.

Just a few blocks away downtown, visitors can join for breakfast at the Sturgis Fire Department; take part in the Sturgis Walk, or kids can sign up for the Chalk It Up Contest.

The Sturgis Middle School band will perform at the official festival opening at 10:00 a.m., tours of the Sturgis Historical Museum will be offered and the Strand Theatre will show "From Moccasins to Main Street," in a single showing at 10:30 a.m.

There will be a "So Ugly It's Cute" dog contest, a fashion show, a celebrity cake walk, performances by the State Line Cloggers and 2nd Grade Singers from Sturgis Public Schools.

Corner Cafe will host a biscuit baking competition, the Sturgis High School Band will perform and the local Lion's Club is hosting a bicycle-decorating contest.

This is only a sampling of events taking place.

We hope everyone in the Journal's readership area will visit Sturgis on Saturday and experience all the community has to offer.

We also invite everyone to help us celebrate 150 years bringing you the best in local news coverage.

Experience Sturgis Fall Festivities

2009-09-30T22:39:00.005-04:00

No Shortage of attractions at third-annual festival

By Rosalie Currier
Sturgis Journal

Saturday is the third annual Experience Sturgis festival and there will be activities from one end of Sturgis to the other.

Local businesses, clubs, the school, churches, and service organizations are joining to help the community enjoy the hometown and its history.

Rebecca Reeg and Sharon Matkin came up with the concept for Experience Sturgis several years ago. An inspiration for the festival camp from Reeg, who loves history and wanted the stories of downtown buildings and businesses to be told on plaques for the public to read, year 'round- a walking tour.

This year, seven more businesses will have plaques mounted. The Sturgis Journal has printed a history for each. "Twenty-six stories have now been told," Reeg said.

As for the festival, "When you have so many people putting together the pieces that make up the... festival, you know it has to be something special," she said.

There will be stages at Pleasant Street and Free Church Park, events at the fire department, North Street, Citizens Plaza, Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, the Sturgis Historical Museum and the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce.

To set the mood, The Sturgis Jr. Women's League has again decorated the business district with corn shocks and pumpkins.

Planned activities include a mixture of fun, history, art, food, fashion, and community service. Doug Bates, owner of Designs by Vogt's will create and display a city of Sturgis logo made entirely of flowers. The Salvation Army is sponsoring "Can You Do It?" sculpture contest. The sculpture winner will be announced and the food pantry shelves restocked. Corner Cafe is sponsoring the Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-off. The Hair Crafters are hosting a Judge John Sturgis beard growing contest. Life House Books and Gifts features a cherry dessert bake-off and the Sturgis Garden Club will take entries for a pumpkin-carving contest. The Episcopal Church is hosting a historical tea and there will be Pumpkin Painting at Open Door.

The Sturgis Public Schools music department will be well represented with two children's choirs singing and two bands playing.

"It is amazing to me how generous and giving so many of our Sturgis poeple are and continue to be, even when their time is at a premium," Reeg said. "When I attend this festival and history walk, I will remember to appreciate all those who have worked to bring about such a special day for our community."

Bakers, start your ovens for the Bake-off!

2009-09-29T22:41:00.027-04:00

By Laura Kurella
Sturgis Journal

The third annual Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-off will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday outside of Corner Cafe in conjunction with the Experience Sturgis festival.

I have a chance to join three other judges for this event: Jiffy Mix president Howard Holmes, Barbara Williams, and James Harter. Holmes is making a special trip to Sturgis to help judge at this event.

"It is an honor to be invited to judge an event that so closely identifies itself with its city's history," Holmes said. He referred to the story of the governor who, when asked to incorporate the prairie into a city, he recalled the wonderful biscuits Ardillacy Sturgis had served him when he passed through the area. Because of those biscuits, he decided to call the city "Sturgis."

Holmes comes to the judging table with big credentials, offering professional expertise in biscuit mix development, research and quality.

Barbara Williams, of Sturgis, belongs to Sturgis Garden Club, Junior Women's League, and a Master Gardener group, brings to the judges table expertise in catering and hospitality, which she earned from her family, which she calls, "Chemists in Aprons." She has also spent eight years managing an executive guest house, which had her providing special meals for lodgers, including executive dinners that were richly appointed in detail. She is looking for eye-appeal as well as tasteability in the biscuits.

James Harter, of Sturgis, is about to open Heritage Bakery. Harter brings to the judges table over a decade's worth of food service experience. Through the Culinary Federation, he has worked with some of the best in the field, including chefs at Notre Dame and Klinger Lake Country Club. He perfected his culinary skills at Lake Michigan College. He will be most interested in the taste and smell of the biscuits.

My credentials for the judges' panel includes a self-syndicated food columnist, a cookbook author, and the host of a food-based local cable TV show as well as more than 40 years of baking experience gained from working with my mother- a professional pastry chef. I will be looking for biscuits to be what they should be- warm, flavorful, aromatic, light, and slightly moist.

At a glance
What: Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-off
When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Corner Cafe, Sturgis

2009 Experience Sturgis Festival- Schedule of Timed Events

2009-09-28T14:59:00.003-04:00

7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Breakfast at the Fire Department to raise funds for a new laptop for the truck and celebrate 150 years!
8:30 a.m. Registration for the "Sturgis Walk" in front of the Fire Station, sponsored by T.O.P.S.
8:30 a.m. Registration for "Chalk It Up" Contest at Citizens Plaza; Contest begins at 9: 00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. "Sturgis Walk" begins (Pleasant Street Stage), sponsored by T.O.P.S.
9:00 a.m. Coaches Corner at Sportsarama with WMSH
9:30 a.m. Audio visual sale and Friends of the Library Silent Auction
10:00 a.m. Festival Opening Ceremony with the Sturgis Middle School Band (Pleasant Street Stage)
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. True Oldies 99.3 Live Broadcast at Pleasant Street
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tours of the Sturgis Historical Museum with free shuttles by the Circle Line Bus
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. History Walk Tour with Docents at 2009 Featured Locations
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Straw mazes, pumpkin wagon, games and more at Free Church Park! Sponsored by St. Johns Lutheran Church
10:00 a.m. Citizens Bank Car Show begins on North Street
10: 30 a.m. Free Movie- one showing!!! From Moccasins to Main Street at the Strand Theatre
10:30 a.m. Entries for the Garden Club's Pumpkin Carving Contest must be submitted at the Citizens Bank Plaza
11:00 a.m. Storytelling of "The Legend of Chief White Pigeon" and book signing at Lowry's Books and More!
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pumpkin Painting at the Open Door Gallery, $2 per child, ages 3-12
11:00 a.m. Crowning of the Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-Off and Performance by the Sturgis Middle School Choir (Pleasant Street Stage)
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Reconciled will perform at the First United Methodist Church
11:00 a.m. So Ugly It's Cute Dog Contest at Free Church Park, sponsored by It's a Dog's World
11:30 a.m. Celebrity Cake Walk at the corner of Chicago and North Street
11:30 a.m. Fashion Show by Maurices and silent auction to benefit St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter- pet adoptions available!
12:00 p.m. Judge John Sturgis Beard Contest (Pleasant Street Stage) sponsored by Hair Crafter's Barber Shop
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Circle Line Bus will offer free shuttles to events
12:15 p.m. State Line Cloggers/Dance Center Stage perform at Free Church Park!! Directed by Anne Lindamood Eichorn
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. "Singsperation" music enjoyment from our area Churches (Pleasant Street Stage)
1:00 p.m. Salvation Army CAN You Do It? Can Drive Contest. Winners announced at Pleasant Street Stage
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Kid Zone at Free Church Park- Straw Mazes, games and more! Sponsored by Sturgis Public Schools
1:00 p.m. 2nd Grade Singers from Sturgis Schools perform at Free Church Pa
1:30 p.m. Winner of the Council of the Arts' "Chalk It Up" Contest announced at Citizens Plaza
2:00 p.m. Winner of the Cherry Dessert Contest announced at Pleasant Street Stage
2:00 p.m. "Hostess with the Mostest" Historical Tea at the Episcopal Church
2:00 p.m. Eastwood Singers from Eastwood Elementary perform at Free Church Park
2:00 p.m. Registration for the Corn Hole Tournament at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
2:30 p.m. Winner of Garden Club's Pumpkin Carving Contest announced at Citizens Plaza
2:30 p.m. Performance by the Sturgis High School Band (Pleasant Street Stage)
2:30 p.m. Sturgis Lion's Club Bike Decorating Contest and Parade on North Street
3:00 p.m. Corn Hole Tournament at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce

Experience Sturgis Participating Businesses and Organizations

2009-09-24T11:02:00.004-04:00

Experience Sturgis-
The Electric City Festival

October 3, 2009

Participating Business & Organization "Experiences"!

(2009 Featured Businesses)

Action Quick Print- Donation of printed posters
Barnell's Carpet- See Mark Dvorak and his "Chainsaw Creations"
Bird, Svendsen, Brothers, Scheske, and Pattison- Community Tailgate: hotdogs, chips, and more!
Boundary Water's Cafe- Cider, cider, and more cider specials! Enjoy a visit from the orchard and learn how to make cider!
Camburn's- Cooking out on the Holland Grill- demos and tasting!
Central Florist- $5.00 off coupon Holiday Arrangements!! Specials on Cash & Carry Flowers!
Citizens Bank- Classic Car Show and Judge Sturgis Family History Display
Corner Cafe- Annual Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-Off, Entries in by 10:00 a.m., Crowning at 11:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Street Stage
Curves- Demonstrations and Free Passes
Dawn 2 Day- Games, Prizes, and Grab Bags!
Designs by Vogts- See the City of Sturgis Logo made entirely out of flowers, an amazing antique Flower Frog Collection, and in-store specials!
Eastside Kiwanis Club- Docent volunteers for the History Walk Tours
Fiebig Jewelers View a silversmith at work and participate in our new game!
First United Methodist Church- Church Tours, refreshments, face painting, and music by Reconciled, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Great Lakes Chocolate and Coffee Company- Demonstration of bean roasting and samples!
Hair Crafters Barber Shop- Beard Contest in honor of Judge John Sturgis
Harmony Lane Community Music School- Explore the different instruments, walk on a giant piano mat, make your own shaker, prizes and more! Santa's House at Free Church Park
It's a Dog's Word- "So Ugly They're Cute" Dog Contest!
Jamie's Hair Salon- "Cuts on the Curb" proceeds donated to a loved one undergoing brain surgery.
Lavina Praise Band- Enjoy the joyful, inspirational music shared by their praise band!
Lifehouse Books and Gifts- Cherry Dessert Bake-Off! Entries in by 11:00 am, Crowning at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Street Stage
Locust Grove Mennonite Church- Be empowered by music from their Praise Team!
Lowry's Books and More- Storytelling and book signing, "The Legend of the Chief of White Pigeon" by Rob Sisson
Magic Moments- Sturgis and surrounding area antique post card collection!
Maurices- Fashion Show and Silent Auction to aid pets in need at the St. Joseph County Animal Control & Shelter. Pet adoptions available! All in Free Church Park at noon
McGrady Jewelry- 3rd Annual Diamond Dig
Mike's Pizza- "Pizza by the Slice" Specials and pizza dough toss for the kids!
Open Door Gallery- Pumpkin Painting for the kids, ages 3-12! $2 per child. Also on display, American Gothic Community Mural, 2009
Salvation Army- "CAN You do it?" Community Wide Can Drive contest!!! Winners announced at 1:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Street Stage
Sportsarama- 9:00 a.m. Coach's Corner with WMSH
Stateline Cloggers- Dance, dance, dance, at Free Church Park at 12:15 p.m. directed by Anne Lindamood Eichorn
St. John's Episcopal Church- Tours of the church and mini pipe organ concerts 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Hostess with the Mostest Historical Tea at 2:00 p.m.
St. John's Lutheran Church- Straw Mazes, pumpkin wagon, games and more at Free Church Park!
St. Joseph Co. Circle Line Bus- Free shuttles to events noon to 4:00 p.m.
St. Joseph County Hispanic Council- Enjoy a glimpse of Hispanic Culture! Learn how to make pinatas, paper flowers, and fresh salsa! Chicago Road
Strand Theater- FREE MOVIE! Moccasins to Main Street 10:30 a.m.
Sturgis Area Churches- "Singsperation" live inspirational music from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Street Stage
Sturgis Auto Bath- Stop in and receive a $20 off detailing coupon!
Sturgis Bank and Trust- Helping to build the Sturgis Community- then and now! Activities for children!
Sturgis Chamber of Commerce- Corn Hole Tournament! Registration 2:00 p.m., Tournament 3:00 p.m.
Sturgis Council of the Arts- Information table with power-point presentation!
Sturgis Council of the Arts and Glen Oaks Community College- "Chalk It Up" Chalk Drawing Contest! Registration at 8:30 am, winners announced at 1:30 p.m. in Citizens Bank Plaza
Sturgis District Library- Used audio visual sale from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friends of the Library Silent Auction
Sturgis Electric Department- Kid Friendly exhibit on the "Electric City" with vehicle display!
Sturgis Fire Department- Pancake Breakfast 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Celebrating 150 years!
Sturgis Garden Club- Daffodil Bulb Sale and Pumpkin Carving Contest! Entries in by 10:30 a.m.; Winners announced at 1:30 p.m. at Citizens Plaza!
Sturgis Historical Society- Tours of the renovated museum
Sturgis Junior Women's League- Beautiful fall decorations adorning the Downtown Sturgis Area!
Sturgis Journal- Sturgis' Oldest Business 150th Birthday Bash with tours, games and giveaways!
Sturgis Lion's Club- Bike Decorating Contest and Parade! 2:30 p.m. at North Street
Sturgis Public Schools- Kid Zone- games and activities at Free Church Park! Musical performances at Pleasant Street Stage!
Sturgis Senior Center- Information table on history of the senior center and plans for the future! Display of competition blueprints for the NEW Sturgis Senior Center at Sturgis Life Skills Center, 115 W. Chicago
Sturgis Trophy House- Open House to meet the new owners! Store Specials!!
T.C. Appliance- Vintage Appliance Display
The Scrap Shack- Stop in for many in-store specials and a free card to make n' take!
T.O.P.S.- Experience the "Sturgis Walk"!! Sign up at 8:30 a.m. at the Fire Station
Trio's Deli- Old-Fashioned Beef Stew and Cobbler Specials!
W. E. English Insurance- Old-Fashioned Putt-Putt Golf Tournament!
Willer's Shoes- Ride the Antique Buster Brown Carousel! (5 and under!)
99.3 WMSH- True Oldies 99.3 WMSH Live broadcast from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Pleasant Street

Contests: Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-Off, Judge John Sturgis Beard Contest, "CAN You do it?" Can Drive Contest, "Chalk It Up" Drawing Contest, Cherry Dessert Bake-Off, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Bike Decorating and Parade, Corn Hole Tournment, "So Ugly They're Cute" Dog Contest!

Book reveals family's recipe for success!

2009-09-22T15:12:00.006-04:00

By Laura Kurella
Journal correspondent
Sept. 22, 2009

   Howard S. “Howdy” Holmes Jr., Jiffy Mix president, will be in Sturgis on Oct. 3 to serve as a celebrity guest judge at the annual Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Contest, but he will also be on hand afterwards for conversation at a book signing that will also take place courtesy of Lowry’s Books and More in honor of his company’s new book, “Jiffy: A Family Tradition, Mixing Business and Old-Fashioned Values,” written by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds.
   This well-researched and well-written piece explores every facet of the company’s history— the early years of Chelsea Milling Company, a business that has now been owned and operated by the same family for four generations. In remarkable detail further evidenced by actual heirloom photos, this book explains it all, from the mill and the beginnings of Jiffy baking mixes to the changes that have taken this company strongly into the 21st century.
   "I wanted to honor my family before me and I felt a need to record our history,” said Howdy. “It has been a heart warming experience for me.”
   The idea for the book began in 1990, but was put on hold after the unexpected death of its first author, Joseph Clayton. The project was restarted in 2001 after Howdy’s father, Howard, passed away.
   Highlights in the book include what inspired Howdy’s grandmother, Mabel White Holmes, to create Jiffy Mixes; the trials and tragedies the family endured and how the Jiffy Mix brand has grown over the last 80 years to now claim 57percent of our nation’s total muffin mix market— all without ever spending a single dime on advertising.
   The book also details its current president’s rise to power that, before joining the team at Jiffy, pursued a childhood dream of auto racing.
   Competing in six Indy 500 events and claiming Rookie of the Year in 1979, Howdy gained a wealth of experience in business management, marketing, and public relations. Returning to Chelsea Milling in 1987, he ascended to president and CEO after his father retired in 1995.
   The book is loaded with many personal family photos that offer an intimate look into the inner workings of one of the longest running flour mills in Michigan. It is designed to warm you almost as much as a batch of Jiffy biscuits.
   Books are available at Lowry’s Books and More. All purchasers will be given exclusive access to Howdy at the signing on Saturday. For details, call Lowry’s, 651-6817.

Muffin Man Causes Stir!

2009-09-15T18:40:00.001-04:00

What’s cooking in Sturgis!
By Laura Kurella
Sturgis Journal

If having the Muffin Man come to town wasn’t enough to get you interested in baking up your favorite biscuits, now there’s even more incentive to get you to enter this bake-off.

When news quickly spread all over town last week that Howdy Holmes, President of Chelsea Milling Company and the maker of the ever popular Jiffy mixes, was coming to help judge the Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-off, it caused a certain reader to pen another letter to me.

Yes, I am talking about Wayne Bradley – the reader who dared me to see how a manly Tri Tip was made, is now throwing down a gauntlet over the muffin man.

Wayne wrote, “I want to meet the Muffin Man and I want him to crown me the Biscuit King!”

Then he added, “I am so confident that my biscuits are the best that I will personally cook a Manly Meal for anyone that beats me!”

Knowing just how tasty Wayne’s cooking is, I have to say that this challenge is definitely one worth a little flour in your kitchen!

If you’d like to get in on the Biscuit Bake-off, contact the Corner Cafe to reserve a spot. The contest is free and all you need to do is bake up a good-sized batch of your best biscuits and get them over to the fest that morning for judging – it’s that simple.

But, that’s not all. I also need to mention that the 2009 Holiday Cooking Show, featuring Deanna House and myself will be taking place on Thursday, October 22, at the Sturges-Young Auditorium.

This year’s Expo will be even bigger and better than ever and the lucky winner of the Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-Off Contest will be receiving 4 special V.I.P passes to the Cooking Expo that will entitle them front row seating at the shows. Good luck!

Mark Your Calendar!

2009-09-15T10:31:00.003-04:00

Biscuit Expert Coming to Sturgis!

2009-09-09T23:23:00.006-04:00

By Laura Kurella
Sturgis Journal
Sept. 8, 2009

There are still about three weeks before the Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-Off, an annual event held at the Experience Sturgis "The Electric City" Fest, but you may want to dust off those recipe boxes a little earlier this year because a real biscuit expert will be on hand to help judge the biscuit entries this year.

Howard Holmes, the president of Chelsea Milling Company- the makers of "Jiffy" mixes- will attend and participate in a few of the many events scheduled during this day-long festival.

Howdy, as he likes to be called, will serve as a special guest celebrity judge at the Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-Off, which kicks off at 10:00 a.m. Oct. 3 in front of the Corner Cafe, the host of this event.

"I love Jiffy products," said Corner Cafe owner, Andrea Stage. "I am looking forward to telling him so in person!"

After the biscuit contest, Howdy is slated to make an appearance at Lowry's Books, where he will make himself available to sign the new, revealing book on his family's milling dynasty: "JIFFY: A Family Tradition, Mixing Business and Old-Fashioned Values," by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds.

"I wanted to honor my family before me," Howdy said, "and I felt a need to record our history, which has been a real heartwarming experience for me."

Howdy will also carry a limited quantity of special recipe booklets that will be given out freely by him at the fest.

"It contains all kinds of wonderful recipes you are sure to enjoy while using "Jiffy!" he said.

The Experience Sturgis Festival is in its third year celebrating the past and present of the community.

Poised to offer another fun-filled day for Sturgis residents and visitors alike, the festival aims to offer an "experience" of the city's rich history and vibrant present through a series of events and activities spread throughout the downtown.

As with the past two years, the Festival will help feature eight downtown buildings/businesses and showcase their unique history.

For more information and a complete listing of all the events and activities, visit: www.experiencesturgis.blogspot.com

Howard Holmes, the president of Chelsea Milling Company- the makers of "Jiffy" mixes- is happy to be invited to participate in Experience Sturgis Festival

100 W. Chicago Road

2009-09-09T23:03:00.016-04:00

By Audora Burg
Sturgis Journal
Aug. 31, 2009
Address at center of city home to many offerings
   Great Lakes Chocolate and Coffee Company occupies a double-space site at 100 W. Chicago Road, in a building that is the third structure on that lot. But prior to the 1988 city directory, the building's interior was divided into two single store spaces that bore two separate addresses, both 100 and 102 W. Chicago Road. Thus, tracing the history of this business and building must include a look at both.
   This is no small undertaking, given the sheer number of enterprises that have claimed these two addresses since the first settlers arrived in Sturgis. Perhaps this is directly related to the building's location: the corner of the crossroads of Chicago Road and Nottawa Street, geographical center of commerce in the new settlement of Sturgis, the point where addresses transition from west to east and from south to north.
   Few enterprises are missing, as preserved in historical records, from the line-up of occupants over the years on the southwest corner of Chicago and Nottawa, at 100 and 102 W. Chicago: at 100 W., dentist, physician/surgeon, beauty shop, CPA, insurance agent, photographer, dance studio, fabric store, pizza, clothing store; at 102 W., hardward store, osteopathic physician, optometrist, finance company, shoe store, business secretarial service, floral shop, and drug store. To follow, then, a focus on the major tenants over the years.
   According to Rober Hair's book, "Sturgis, Michigan: Its History to 1930," the earliest occupant of that corner of Chicago and Nottawa was the first frame hotel on the Sturgis Prairie, built in 1831 by Oliver Raymond. No name was listed for that hotel, which was among the businesses destroyed by the Sept. 26, 1859 fire that claimed the buildings, all made of wood, on the south side of Chicago Road between Nottawa Street and Pleasant Avenue.
   The buildings of that block were rebuilt, and according to Hair's book, by 1864, there was again a hotel on the southwest corner of Chicago and Nottawa, the Prairie House, under the ownership of William Dorsey.
   In 1898 or 1899, depending on the source, fire again claimed the structures at 100 and 102 W. Chicago.
   According to Hair, "Early on the morning of Saturday April 29, 1899, the large and comparatively new Hotel Thornton on the the southwest corner of Chicago Road and Nottawa Street and extending south on Nottawa was totally destroyed by fire, along with several nearby buildings... The Hotel Thornton stood on the west side of Nottawa Street with its entrance about what is now 107 S. Nottawa Street. Its second floor extended north to Chicago Road over a grocery store on the corner operated by James J. Packard and over a drug store adjoining the grocery on the west that was operated by Packard's father, Frank. When the hotel burned in 1899, the grocery and drug store also burned... On the ground floor at the Chicago-Nottawa corner was a triangular store occupied by a shoe shop run by Charles Munger; the building owned by Albert and Charles A. Sturges, was partially insured. Adjoining the Sturges building to the west on Chicago Road was first the F.S. Packard & Son grocery and then the F.S. Packard & Co. drug and jewelry store."
   More details can be found in the 1925 article announcing the grocer Packard's retirement after 34 years in the business.
   "J.J. Packard first entered the retail grocery business in this city with his father, the late Frank S. Packard, the late Frank S. Packard, who bought out the James Thornton grocery directly across the street from the present J.J. Packard grocery. In 1896, Packard & Son, as the firm was known, moved across the street to the present location, but a fire which razed that section of the business district drove them to their former location across the street in 1898. The firm was then sold and Mr. Packard was out of the grocery business for three years. At the end of that time he again re-entered the business and has been actively connected with it since."
   Packard's successor, the National Tea Company, occupied 100 W. Chicago until 1930, following which a variety of tenants came and went. The next major series of occupants at 100 W. Chicago were electrical in nature: Otto Niggli, then Giesen & Spiller, both listed as electrical contractor, services, and appliances, and then Gullen Appliances, in residence from 1961 until someone before 1974.
   The directory listed 100 W. Chicago as vacant after that, until 1980, when a succession of short-term occupants came through: Lo-Mar Fabrics, G & D Pizza, and Cindy's Labels for Less. Then in 1986, Fred Gushwa opened the Keyboard Center, selling pianos and organs, accessories for instruments, sheet music, and providing space and teachers for private lessons.
   It's time to turn brief attention to the fortunes of 102 W. Chicago. In 1944, Frisinger Drug Store opened there, becoming the first in a series of drug stores: Frisinger, Lind, Hanichen Walgreen Agency, and by 1956, Keister's Wallgreen Drug Store.
   At some point, the city directory began to note a restaurant or soda fountain connected with Keister's Walgreen Agency Drug Store & Restaurant and listed Mrs. Juanita Keister as "fountain manager."
   Sometime between 1974 and 1976, when Keister's moved one door west, to 104-106 W. Chicago Road, 102 W. Chicago was vacant. As of the 1978 directory, Central Florist established its presence in Sturgis, coming from an address in Centreville; 1984, the floral shop had moved to a different address.
   The last listing for 102. W. Chicago came in the 1986 city directory, with Micro-Link Center, a store selling computers, software, and accessories.
   When Micro-Link moved, Keyboard Center expanded to occupy the entire physical structure, absorbing the 102 W. Chicago address into its own. As of the 1988-89 city directory, 100 W. Chicago is Keyboard Center, and the next address on the south side of the street is 104 W. Chicago.
   Since 2002, 100 W. Chicago Road has been the location of Great Lakes Chocolate and Coffee Company, owned by brothers Paul Smith and Jared Smith.
   They started with a single store in Sturgis, and by 2007, in pursuit of their vision to be a "deluxe Starbucks, with chocolate," had fulfilled their original goal of opening three more stores: Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Appleton, Wisconsin.
   The Ann Arbor and Lansing locations are expansions, but the Appleton store marks the Smiths' first franchise.
   "The ball is really just starting to roll on this," Paul Smith said. "I don't have a set goal as to how many, other than I understand the thing we're excited about with franchising, we can reach out into markets that we are unfamiliar. We can expand more quickly, and the franchise typically puts an owner operating in the store, so you have a local connection."
   But even their out-of-town franchises maintain a Sturgis connection, through the coffee beans that are roasted at the Sturgis store by the Smiths' cousin, Greg Purlee.
   "That's part of our franchising," Smith said. "We supply all the coffee, so it's going to be roasted fresh here in Sturgis, then shipped to all the locations, but that gives us a competitive advantage because we can control our quality and our freshness and our supplies."
   With a roasting capacity of 100 pounds of beans per hour, Smith estimates they can supply 25 to 30 stores with the current roasting machine- "then that that point we'll upgrade." he said. "So we'll see where it goes from here."
On the Net: www.greatlakeschocolate.com

The date of this picture showing the 100 block of the south side of Chicago Road is not known, but knowledge of fire history on that block as well as the sign designating Citizens State Bank helps narrow down the date: the second fire to destroy those buildings occurred in 1898 or 1899, the bank was in that location from 1892 until 1924, and Chicago Road was paved in 1913. The street in the photo appears unpaved; if this presumption is accurate, these dates combine to suggest a date between 1900 and 1913.

Great Lakes Chocolate and Coffee Company roasts its own coffee beans, supplying its Sturgis store as well as its locations in Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Appleton, Wisc. "I think the coolest thing about the building is we do the roasting here," said Paul Smith, co-owner with his brother, Jared Smith. "We exposed the brick walls, there's a window you can see in, see us roasting- it's kind of a neat feature." The Smiths' cousin, Greg Purlee, shown here, does the roasting.

Great Lakes Chocolate and Coffee Company has occupied 100 W. Chicago since 2002. The building's exterior shell formerly housed two separate spaces and addresses, 100 and 102 W. Chicago, each with its own tenant. Sometime in the later-1980's, the Keyboard Center moved in, then expanded, combining the two interior spaces into a single numbered address, 100 W. Chicago.

A little bit of history...

2009-09-04T18:49:00.008-04:00

The Experience Sturgis- The Electric City Festival project began with filling a need right in our own hometown. It was to lend a helping hand of support to the local merchants who were struggling from the long months of road construction. However, it became very apparent, very quickly, that this endeavor could become so much more. It was then that a mission statement was created. The stated goal was to educate, build community pride and spirit, and to honor those who came before and celebrate those who make their home and livelihood here now. To do this, help was needed.

It has always been to the credit of Sturgis that, when a need arises, the community responds. Even in the first year of establishing a board to accomplish this new set of goals, many community leaders came to the table to make this a success. In 2009, this partnership continued to grow. The participants include a representative from the City of Sturgis, Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, Sturgis Downtown Development Authority, Sturgis Historical Society, The Sturgis Journal, Sturgis Public Schools, the Arts, the Merchants, the Churches, the Hispanic Council, and three members at large. With the 2011 Dam Celebration just two short years away, this committee now has a solid foundation in which to continue building community spirit and sharing the story of the early beginnings and successes of our hometown, Sturgis, Michigan!

This year long project has many facets. Each month a full page article is published in the Sturgis Journal, sharing the history of one building. From the article, we learn who occupied that same space so many years ago and then who does business in that exact location today. It is amazing to journey through our town via these articles! On festival day, a history walk is offered so everyone can visit the special featured business and share in the “experience” they have chosen. But that isn’t all, we have many “experiences’ offered by various organizations, entertainment, food and lots of fun! It brings our “Sturgis family” together to celebrate, and gives an opportunity for everyone to shine… doing what they do best!

Experience Sturgis, The Electric City Festival and History Walk, reminds us to celebrate how much we have to be proud of and that just a few can make a difference! It was close to a miracle that our little downtown, in 1911, had electricity. Most of the cities in Michigan did not, and especially not small ones like ours. The hydroelectric dam on the St. Joseph River, north of Centreville, was a vision of a few that served many. It worked - and that is why we are called “The Electric City!”

Featured Businesses- 2009

2009-09-03T14:37:00.005-04:00

Sturgis Fire Department- 124 N. Nottawa
Sturgis Journal- 209 John St.
Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce- 200 W. Main St.
Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Company- 100 W. Chicago Rd.
Bird, Svedsen, Brothers, Scheske & Pattison, P.C.- 227 W. Chicago Rd.
St. John's Episcopal Church- 110 S. Clay St.
First United Methodist Church of Sturgis- 200 Pleasant St.

2008 Featured Businesses

2009-09-03T14:26:00.006-04:00

Sturgis Bank & Trust- 113-125 E. Chicago Rd.

Dresser Law Firm- 112 S. Monroe

Mike’s Pizza – 112 W. Chicago Rd.

Citizens Bank – 100 E. Chicago Rd.

Sturgis District Library- 255 North St.

TC Appliance- 303 W. Chicago Rd.

Lowry’s Books- 118 W. Chicago Rd

2007 Featured Businesses

2009-09-03T14:25:00.017-04:00

Lifehouse Books & Gifts- 206 W. Chicago Rd.

Willer’s Shoes- 116 W. Chicago Rd.

Sigrist’s Furniture- 201 W. Chicago Rd.

Fiebig’s Jewelry – 211 W. Chicago Rd.

Barnell’s Carpets- 306 W. Chicago Rd,

Magic Moments Scrapbooking- 104/106 W. Chicago Rd.

Corner Café- 200 W. Chicago Rd.

Central Meat Market – 404 E. Chicago Rd.

Open Door Gallery- 101 W. Chicago Rd

107 W. Chicago Rd.

Sportsarama - 114 W. Chicago Rd.

Strand Theater- 219/221 W. Chicago Rd.

Experience Submission Form for Festival

2009-07-13T14:54:00.007-04:00

Attention Sturgis Area Businesses and Organizations!!

Join in the fun of the festival, and toot your own horn!!

All we ask is that you offer an experience!!

Enjoy the Present, Celebrate the Past: Experience Sturgis "The Electric City" 2009

2009-06-04T17:48:00.009-04:00

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 3rd, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.- Experience Sturgis "The Electric City" 2009!!!!! In its third year celebrating the past and present of the community, the Experience Sturgis Festival, taking place in Downtown Sturgis, is poised to offer another fun-filled day for Sturgis residents and visitors alike!

Experience Sturgis aims to offer its guests an "experience" of the city's rich history and vibrant present through a series of events and activities spread throughout the downtown. As with the past two years, the Festival will help feature eight downtown buildings/businesses and showcase their unique history with articles in the Sturgis Journal and a walking tour during the festival.

Other events at Experience Sturgis- The Electric City Festival include: free screenings of, "Moccasins to Main Street;" at The Strand Theater; a Classic Car Show and Model T display; Kid's Zone featuring interactive straw mazes, face painting, and games; Chalk It Up featuring a special chalk art contest for Middle and High School age children; and The 3rd Annual Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuit Bake-Off, a special event held to honor the woman our fine city is named after. Adding to the day's fun will be individual "Experiences" hosted by the many downtown businesses who will be sharing their history and that of the Sturgis Community; the day will also include a Sturgis Walk, a Celebrity Cake Walk, Live Entertainment and much, much more. Be sure not to miss it!

What is Experience Sturgis- The Electric City Festival all about?

2009-06-04T16:35:00.006-04:00

Experience Sturgis- The Electric City Festival is an annual festival and series of artilces celebrating the Sturgis Community.

Mission: Build pride through historical education; develop a spirit of community understanding and cooperation; promote Sturgis businesses and the community.

Featured Businesses: Eight to ten businesses are featured each year with articles throughout the year. Featured businesses also create a historical display case, receive a plaque, and are part of the historical walking tour during the festival.

The festival also includes: special events; business and community group "Experiences", and activities for all ages!

What can you do? Provide an "Experience for the event (May be related to your group's major issue focus or its history); Provide volunteers for event areas or festival subcommittees; Donate to the festival; ATTEND THE FESTIVAL!

Thank You!

2008-11-08T19:40:00.002-05:00

The “Experience Sturgis” board would like to thank all of the volunteers, merchants, and citizens that helped make this year’s “Experience Sturgis” festival and history walk such a wonderful event.

Countless people gave of their time and talents to ensure the success of this day. We appreciate your contribution and dedication to the city of Sturgis.

The board looks forward to giving the community a chance to “Experience Sturgis” again next year on Oct. 3.

Experience Sturgis Board

2nd Annual Experience Sturgis- The Electric City Festival

2008-10-06T19:43:00.009-04:00

By Rosalie Currier

Sturgis Journal

Mon Oct 06, 2008

Saturday started out cool at the Experience Sturgis festival. The crowd was thinner than last year at first, but as the day went on, some parts of town were hopping.

A large crowd gathered to hear the Second Grade Singers perform at Free Church Park.
Pleasant Street offered activities all day.

Sturgis Bank and Trust stayed busy as children colored a house which they folded into 3-D form and added to others on a model of Sturgis that grew more populated as the day went on.

At Lowry’s Books, children’s literature creators, illustrator David Small and his author wife, Sarah Stewart signed books for the young and old.

Jamie’s Salon styled hair on the street in front of their shop and donated a percentage to the 5 Star youth program coming to Sturgis Middle School this year.

At the opening ceremony on Pleasant Street, Jennifer Fair Margraf surprised Journal Publisher Dan Tollefson with an appreciation award from the Experience Sturgis committee.

“He has made sure the history of Sturgis is captured in written form for generations to come,” Margraf said.

Kids Zone, in the parking lot by the Sturgis Police Department, stayed busy with hoop shoots, ring and bean bag tosses, fun tattoos and a bike rodeo.

Displays and activities in various business, offered something for each age group.

The Sturgis Council of the Arts gave prizes to both high school groups that created sidewalk art.

The students received a $25 certificate for Open Door and gift certificates for Mike’s Pizza, all provided by the Experience Sturgis funds, said Mary Lou Falkenstein with the council.

Over all the organizers were pleased and are already thinking about how to improve for next year, said Becky Reeg of the festival committee.

Marking History

2008-10-04T19:50:00.003-04:00

By Rosalie Currier

Sturgis Journal

Sat Oct 04, 2008

One lifetime benefit of the Experience Sturgis festival is the plaques mounted on various buildings providing a synopsis of the site’s history.

That way the history is available more than just the first Saturday in October, said Becky Reeg, one of the festival committee members.

This year, the second year of the festival, seven more plaques have been added to downtown businesses. Buildings with new plaques include Mike’s Pizza, Citizen’s Bank, Sturgis District Library, TC Appliance, Lowry’s Books and More, Sturgis Bank and Trust and the Dresser law firm.

Festival goers who have a punch card marked off because they visited at each plaque site will have their names entered into a drawing for an opportunity to win a gift bag worth more than $450. The bag was filled by Sturgis companies and merchants.

At most businesses bearing plaques, there will also be special activities including:

Mikes Pizza — a dough making demonstration.
Citizen’s Bank — a classic car, Model T and Model A show.
Sturgis District Library — a skit of the pioneer Sturgis Family and a book bag for the first 200 patrons attending, commemorate more than 100 years of library service in Sturgis.
TC Appliance — a vintage appliance display and and a trivia game to win a DVD/VCR combo player.
Dresser, Dresser, Haas and Caywood — an open house.
Lowry’s Books — authors David Small and Sarah Stewart.

Citizens Bank: Experience Sturgis- 2008 Feature

2008-08-25T20:41:00.006-04:00

Experience Sturgis
Audora Burg
Sturgis Journal
Aug. 25, 2008

When Citizens Bank, which has been located at 100 E. Chicago Road since 1924, was organized March 7, 1892, Sturgis was still very much a little village on the prairie.

An ad in celebration of the bank's 50th anniversary in 1942 offered historical context to the "back then" days: "Sturgis at that time was a small village of less than 2,000 people with muddy streets, hitching posts lining the sidewalks, the walks being mostly made of boards, and lighted with kerosene lamps."

The present bank's initial incarnation as Citizens State Bank, with its original $50,000 capitalization, was a buy-out of the $74,426 assets of Clapp Brothers' Bank, described in one historical document as "a family affair of more or less tottering foundations."

Citizens Bank took over the Clapp Bank's storefront at 106 W. Chicago Road. The new bank had solid foundations and within nine months listed assets of $185,586.65.

Early challenges included a "money panic" during its first 10 years of operation and a major fire in 1898. The bank re-opened in a space directly across the street from its destroyed home, moving back to 106 W. Chicago after rebuilding was completed.

Fires and wills

The bank would not occupy its present location at 100 E. Chicago Road until its grand opening Dec. 27, 1924, but the stage was set when an April 1915 fire destroyed the previous building on that lot, "The Sturgis House," a motel built by Judge John Sturgis, early settler and the city's namesake.

Despite the fire and disinterest in re-building, the land would not be available for sale until the death of the final Sturgis heir, in 1922: the Judge's will stipulated that his property not be sold during his heirs' lifetimes.

By 1924, Citizens Bank owned that prime lot on the northeast corner of Chicago and Nottawa roads and began construction on its new 40-foot by 10-foot "modern" banking facility featuring an exterior "covered with massive panels of Indiana limestone."

Publications commemorating the bank's Dec. 27, 1924 opening noted the importance and interest to the community of the opening of a new bank building: "For one thing it indicates that the city is prosperous and that its business interests have faith in its future Probably more than any other institution, banks indicate the business integrity of a community. If they are soundly financed and wisely conducted banks become great factors in the commercial growth of a city."

"Character and strength"

The bank's ad in the 1924 city directory boasts assets over $1.5 million for The Citizens State Bank, "The Bank of Character and Strength."

By the 1930 directory, the bank has added a trust department, earning a name change to Citizens Trust & Savings Bank, "growth over $1,000,000 in 10 years - there is a reason: Safety - Service - Satisfaction."

The "safety" reference likely stems from the Dec. 17, 1928 noontime hold-up of its competitor. A gang of four armed men, later thought to be the "John Dillinger gang," robbed Sturgis National of $80,000, "all its cash and securities."

In 1931, three years into the Great Depression, Citizens Bank remained in a strong position, absorbing two other banks, and with them, extended its claim to local history: Sturgis National Bank had been organized in 1865; Citizens Bank acquired it May 9, 1931. Three months later, on Aug. 10, 1931, the smallest bank in the county, Burr Oak State Bank, founded in 1898, merged into Citizens Bank.

But the effects of the Depression are evident from news items reporting the annual pay-out in "Christmas Club savings." In 1927, "local banks" paid out $70,000 in yuletide savings, $65,000 in 1931, and only $45,000 in 1932.

Growing again

Even before the Depression was officially over, Citizens Bank experienced growth in its assets. The bank's ad on the back of the 1936 city directory stated "Growth over $1,000,000 in 10 years. By the 1938 directory, their ad states a $1 million growth - "in 3 yearsthere is a reason."

The 1950s saw several firsts. When the bank installed automatic-opening doors in 1954, not only was it the first of its kind in Sturgis, it was a first for anywhere in southern Michigan.

Likewise, in 1958, the bank opened the first drive-in branch, "Fastest motor banking service available," at the intersection of Chicago and Centreville roads, also the first of its kind in southern Michigan.

Promotional literature offered a diagram of how the traffic would flow around the new $50,000 building: "Wide entrances, exits, and scientifically designed approaches afford plenty of room to drive in and out. There are no tight spots to squeeze through, no congestion."

Convenience was the other selling point, both location as well as ease of use: "You can come "dressed as you are' and bring the children, too - because you can do your banking from your car."

Expansion in the "60s

Where Citizens Bank marked the 1950s with innovation, the "60s were years of growth, in assets as well as facilities.

The bank held an open house Aug. 9, 1966 to show off its newly expanded and remodeled building. The $400,000 project included construction of a 32-foot by 10-foot expansion, including addition of a 19-ton vault, which door was composed of "open-hearth steel having a tensile strength of 63,000 pounds to the square inch."

In 1968, Citizens State Bank purchased assets of E. Hill & Sons Bank of Colon, which had been founded in 1872.

Other significant milestones in the bank's history include:

1969, bought Fennel Body Shop on North Monroe Street, for additional parking facilities.

1977, celebrated its 85th anniversary with assets of $50 million

1986, sold to Bank One Corporation for $14.5 million

1988, opened branch office in White Pigeon

1992, celebrated 100th anniversary

1995, has become Citizens Commercial and Savings Bank -

1998, razed Hagerman Freeland building, next door, at 102-108 E. Chicago Road for further expansion.

Think local

The four St. Joseph County branches of Citizens Bank - Sturgis, Colon, Centreville, and White Pigeon - are now among the 270 nationwide owned by Citizens Republic Bancorp, whose assets exceed $11 billion.

Ownership may be on a national level, but local focus remains on a local level, said Frank Iannarelli, community president for five years of the county's four branches.

"I think about the things that we have given to the community over the 116 years, all the different things we have sponsored and the events we have participated in, and a lot of times, it's never been publicized, a lot of it is behind the scenes," he said.

"I keep in mind all the time the clients that we serve, about how we have taken care of their great-grandparents and their grandparents and their parents, and now them, and we'll be taking care of their children and their grandchildren, so I think about long-lasting, durational things," Iannarelli said.

Key Dates

1892 - Citizens Bank organized March 7, initially at 106 W. Chicago

1924 - grand opening in new building at 100 E. Chicago

1929 - adds trust department

1931 - absorbs First National Bank in Sturgis

1954 - adds first automatically opening door in southern Michigan

1958 - opens first drive-up banking branch in southern Michigan

1966 - grand opening of main branch following new construction and remodeling

1968 - acquires E. Hill & Sons Bank in Colon

1988 - opens branch in White Pigeon

1992 - celebrates 100th anniversary

The bank's original interior. Following remodeling during the 1960s, the new interior would feature "a pleasing décor of oil walnut and contrasting grass cloth walls, marble floors, luxuriously carpeted offices, and new modern furnishingsto present an atmosphere of business cordiality."

The new drive-up branch built in 1958 near the intersection of Chicago and Centerville roads was the first of its kind not only in Sturgis but in southern Michigan. Convenience was the chief selling point: "You can come "dressed as you are' and bring the children, too - because you can do your banking from your car."

Citizens Bank has occupied the Sturgis business scene for 116 years, since 1892, and the corner of Chicago and Nottawa roads since 1924.

History & Hope

2007-10-09T01:31:00.002-04:00

History and Hope: First Experience Sturgis festival looks backward and forward
Rosalie Currier Sturgis JournalOct. 9, 2007

'Sturgis people working together have made good things happen," local historian Robert Hair stated in a letter read at the opening ceremony for Saturday's Experience Sturgis festival.

Hair was talking about the past as well as the present.

Sharon Matkin, an event co-organizer agreed that it was true of the festival.

An opportunity to build community pride was a major goal of Experience Sturgis, Matkin said.

"The merchants really stepped up to the plate," she said.

There was optimism and hope in the air on Saturday, co-organizer Rebecca Reeg said.

"We have a great town," she said.

The festival had more than one focus. One was on the community's history. The other was the future.

The festival featured walking tours of the city's history. Residents could also anticipate Fantail Brewing Company's arrival in a historical building.

Every shop downtown offered something unique, no matter how many blocks away from the center of town.

Central Meat Market was the farthest from the center of town, but the store was full. Meat cooked on a grill from Camburn Appliance drew attention.

"I want some bacon just like the kind out front," one customer said.

At Headlines Hair Design & Spa, stylists wore poodle skirts and pony tails. A 1950s bright-red muscle car in front of the shop welcomed customers to "Rock and Roll On In."

At Jimi Jo's, children had the opportunity to learn how hard it used to be to crank out homemade ice cream. Free Church Park was the site of live music. Musician, Tom Garn of Sturgis, played for a small but appreciative audience.

Closer to the middle of the business district, Mike's Pizza offered free samples of garlic bread.

At McGrady Jewelers, there was a treasure dig and Scott Adams was the luckiest of all, pulling out a one-third karat diamond.

In front of Willer's Shoes, Gary Neusbaum demonstrated the trade of a cobbler, laboriously sewing soles on a pair of shoes.

Local banks also displayed community pride. At Century Bank and Trust, John Gilliland displayed a rare collection of coins which will be in the lobby the rest of this week. Sturgis Bank and Trust honored those who had served the country and Citizens Bank drew a crowd with a classic car show.

St. John's Episcopal Church offered a high tea.

There was some historical role-playing involved, too. Judge John Sturgis, an original settler, had some ancestors roving the streets. Dorothy Sturgis Persing, great-granddaughter of the judge, with Jackie Persing, great-great granddaughter, came to opening ceremonies. Jackie's brother, Dick Persing, was chosen to be the judge of the Ardillacy Sturgis biscuit bake-off.

After tasting the eight entries, he summed up the experience, giving grandma the credit.

"My biscuit gene showed up. I knew it was in there," Persing said. It was such an experience, Persing said, "my tongue is still spinning."

Then Persing arrived at the pie-eating contest with grandchildren in tow. The Sturgis descendants didn't win, but they did eat most of an eight inch pumpkin pie, complete with whipped cream.

At Open Door Gallery, the artists could hardly keep up with the children coming for silhouettes. And the streets, while not packed, were busy.

"I haven't been downtown since the road construction started," one Fawn River Township resident said. "I don't even know what stores are down here any more."

Joan Teadt of Sturgis was admiring the side walks and traffic islands.

"I think they turned out great," she said.

Mary Lou Falkenstein, Sturgis resident, and guide for walking tours loves the town's history and communicated it with enthusiasm. In spite of being dressed in pioneer woman garb in Saturday's unseasonably warm weather, she was pleased with the festival.

Will this Experience be repeated?

Possibly, as Matkin has been hearing from more who want a piece of the action next year.

Rosalie Currier is a staff writer for the Journal. Contact her at currier@sturgisjournal.com.

Plaques tell history, Walking Tours Give Glimpse of Past

2007-10-05T01:32:00.004-04:00

Plaques tell history, Walking tours give visitors glimpse of city's past

Rosalie Currier Sturgis JournalOct. 5, 2007

A trip to Boston gave Rebecca Reeg an idea.

Reeg, a Sturgis community advocate and history buff, recently visited Beantown and was impressed with the city's self-guided Freedom Trial.

Inspired by what she saw there, Reeg figured something similar might work in her hometown. So spearheaded a plan to get historical plaques to promote education and commercial tourism in Sturgis.

This weekend's Experience Sturgis festival is the combined effort of many community members to help keep the city's historical past alive in the minds of its current residents.

Reeg and local merchant Sharon Matkin dug deep into the town's history and recruited others to serve on the Experience Sturgis committee.

The efforts over the past year come together today, as the city's first historic walking tours begin.

The city of Sturgis, the Sturgis Historical Society and the Sturgis Downtown Development Authority purchased historical plaques for 12 of the city's downtown buildings. There are plans to add more in the future.

A synopsis of the building's history is easily accessible to the public on each storefront.

Guided tours will start today at Barnell's Carpet at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Taste of Sturgis

2007-10-04T01:41:00.001-04:00

Taste of Sturgis Festival features food with historic significance
Rosalie Currier Sturgis JournalOct. 4, 2007

There will be several food opportunities at Saturday's Experience Sturgis festival and three have direct ties to historical Sturgis residents.

Biscuits

Maybe you've heard about Ardillacy Sturgis and biscuits. Apparently, the pioneer woman learned that necessity is the mother of invention, and when she wanted flour in the wilderness, she had make it herself.

When Ardillacy first arrived in the area, history books say she got some corn from neighboring Indians and ground it into meal by scrubbing it across a homemade grater. When Ardillacy wanted buckwheat flour, she ground the buckwheat in her coffee grinder.

If she would work so hard for cornbread and buckwheat pancakes, maybe biscuits were a snap. At least Gov. Lewis Cass appreciated her effort.

In fact, he was so impressed that when it came time to name the settlement, Cass suggested calling it Sturgis, after Ardillacy's biscuits, historian Robert Hair wrote.

Ardillacy's baking ability made the name Sturgis a winner, and local residents will have a chance to win on Saturday. The question is, can all the modern conveniences produce a mouth watering biscuit equal to Ardillacy's?

Biscuits vying for the title of "Ardillacy Sturgis Biscuits" can be entered into a bake-off contest at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Corner Cafe. The winner will be announced at the 11 a.m.

Tea

Perle Skirvin Mesta was born in Sturgis in 1889. By the time she died, she had earned respect around the world as the "Hostess with the Mostest."

Any other quality hostess is second-fiddle to the Sturgis native. The family moved away from 407 S. Nottawa St. when she was 6 and history states Perle's father made money on Texas oil and then built hotels in Oklahoma - even during The Great Depression.

When it was time to get married, Perle snagged a wealthy steel manufacturer who was almost twice her age. When he died, the 36-year-old widow took over the MESTA Machine Company and became politically active.

In the 1940s she earned the title "Hostess with the Mostest" by entertaining the upper crust of Washington.

Soon after, Perle was appointed Ambassador to the Duchy of Luxemburg from 1949-1953. During her years, she apparently entertained 25,000 servicemen and women stationed in Germany and France. She had them over for American favorites like hamburgers.

In Perle Mesta's style, high tea will be served at St. John's Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Pie

"Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy?"

While it's a hard connection to verify, the Sturgis Historical Society showed Sharon Matkin and Rebecca Reeg an old picture with a Cherry Pie Queen in a Sturgis parade. No one knows if that was a one-time crown or what, but there will be a cherry pie bake-off as part of Experience Sturgis. Entries are due by noon Saturday at Lifehouse Books & Gifts. The winner will be announced at 2 p.m.

Sturgis- The Electric City

2007-10-01T01:34:00.001-04:00

Sturgis has long connection with electricity

Rosalie Currier

Sturgis Journal

Oct. 1, 2007

On the new historical markers stating the early uses of various downtown Sturgis buildings, it states "The Electric City 1896."

While many of us take electricity for granted, it wasn't always so. In 1896, very few towns enjoyed the recent invention, but Sturgis residents were on the forefront of the technology.

Forward-thinking city fathers installed a coal-fired generator and the residents could take advantage of electricity for three hours in the evenings.

According to a March 31, 1992, Sturgis Journal article by Joan Bell, local residents weren't sure they trusted electricity enough to let it into their homes in the late 19th century. It seemed like a potential fire hazard to some people.

However, they apparently got used to the advantages of electricity and needed more, so 15 years later Sturgis built a hydroelectric dam on the St. Joseph River.

A 1911 celebration of the opening of the new dam draw a crowd of about 10,000.

Evangelist Billy Sunday was even in town and spoke at the ceremony.

According to Linda Winkens of the Sturgis Historical Society, the dam was so profitable for eight years beginning in 1928 that here was no need for Sturgis residents to pay taxes.

"That was during the height of The Depression," Winkens said.

From those historical roots of visionary leaders, the name Electric City still sticks today, Experience Sturgis committee members said.

Rosalie Currier is a staff writer for the Journal. Contact her at currier@sturgisjournal.com.

City Prepares for Experience Sturgis

2007-09-30T01:42:00.002-04:00

City prepares to Experience Sturgis Saturday
Rosalie Currier Sturgis JournalSept. 30, 2007

The community will have the opportunity to learn the roots of Sturgis with a new festival Oct. 6.

Sturgis downtown merchant Sharon Matkin and community advocate, Rebecca Reeg started talking last year about an "Experience Sturgis" celebration and now the event is less than a week away.

Matkin had moved her business, Hang It Up Custom Framing, into a storefront that used to be Candyland. As she prepared the shop for business, Matkin dug up history and loved what she found. She shared the history with anyone who would listen.

Reeg came in with a historical memorial to be framed. She listened and loved it too.

"I'm all about history," she said.

As they chatted, idea after idea flowed from the women.

"One thing led to another and we were off and running," Reeg said.

They gathered a team and their vision of promoting Sturgis, past and present became clearer. Along with Matkin and Reeg, the Experience Sturgis committee includes Cathi Abbs, Mike Hughes, Todd Maynard, Kim Musolff, Joyce Richardson, Dan Tollefson, and John and Linda Winkens.

In fact, they have gathered enough ideas to keep the festival fresh for years to come.

"We have to stay postive and work together to keep moving forward," Reeg said.

Still, the premise for the celebration centers around Sturgis' past.

Who started the town? What was their dream?

There wasn't always a town on this stretch of land. Just 180 years ago, it was swamp, woods and prairie like most of Michigan.

In 1827, John Sturgis and George Thurston were looking for affordable land and a chance to get ahead. In August they were heading west on the main Indian trail when they climbed a big hill and saw an open prairie.

"This is good enough for me," Sturgis said, according to local historian Robert E. Hair. So Sturgis staked a claim by plowing 10 acres and harvesting prairie hay.

In September, the men went home but returned in the spring of 1828 along with some other pioneers.

Thus the name and the site of the city of Sturgis.

But that was just the beginning.

The Experience Sturgis committee has been digging up the facts, putting up historical markers and planning this weekend's historical festival for the community.

Experience Sturgis "The Electric City" October 3, 2009

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A Very Special Thank You to All Our Experience Sturgis- The Electric City Festival 2009 Contributors!

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