MTFCA Forum

Thanks, Jay! That's not far from me I go through there a few times a year, but I don't recognize the building. -Ed

Ed Baudoux wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 22, 2021 3:19 pm

I go through there a few times a year, but I don't recognize the building.

That's because the truck and the people aren't there any more!

There’s not much online about this photo. I did find out that Lake City is in Reeder Township founded by a different Reeder in 1858. So I’m wondering if F.H. Reeder is a descendant of the township founder.

Others commenting on the photo note there are Mobilgas and Sinclair branded items visible.

There is a Pennzoil sign leaning on the building by the garage door

There are some incredible things in that photo.
If I may: The Mobiloil, Opaline and the pumps. One source says it was taken June 29, 1927.

It is sometimes hard to keep from getting caught up in these marvelous stories and images.
Lake City was incorporated as a village in 1887 and became a city in 1932.
REEDER, Daniel, Born 1833 in Ontario, Canada, Died 1912 in Lake City, Michigan, USA. He was the first settler and on the first board of Supervisors in 1871.
REEDER, Fred Howard, Born 1876 in Ontario, Canada, Died 1945 in Lake City, Michigan, USA. So he could likely have been Daniel's son.
Here are some more photos of the gas station: No years noted on these but you can see the changes.
Rich

Here's my guess. M-55/66 is Main Street and the station may have been where I indicate in red. The three story masonry building also appears to be gone.
As you head further north, another north-south road appears west of M-55 and the old photos appear to show the buildings next to the lake. Heading south the land by the lake narrows and becomes more residential and less downtown.