Marshall's Store


Marshall's Store, also known as DeHaven's Store, or the Marshall/DeHaven Store, is a commercial building located at 102 East St. Joseph Street in Lawrence, Michigan. It was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1979 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

History

Hannibal M. Marshall was born in Antwerp, New York in 1835, and moved with his family first to Oakland County, Michigan and then to Van Buren County, Michigan in 1838. He taught school for three years, then in 1859 began clerking in Dr. Nelson Rowe's store in Hartford, Michigan. At the end of the year, he bought out Rowe and went into business for himself. The store prospered, and by 1874 Marshall was able to construct this large building in the village of Lawrence. Marshall owned the store through the end of the 19th century. Until 1902 the third floor of his building was used by Masons and other fraternal organizations as a meeting place.
In 1906, the store was purchased by Levi C. DeHaven. DeHaven was born in 1852, and in 1871 purchased a store in Bangor, Michigan. He had multiple other business ventures, including purchasing the "Big Store" in Bangor in 1900. After purchasing Marshall's store, DeHaven changed the name to "DeHaven and Sons." He operated both the Lawrence and Bangor stores until 1924, when he sold the Lawrence store to Henry R. Phillips. Phillips continued to operate the store using the name, "DeHaven's Store" until his death in 1965.
After Phillips' death, the store closed for good, having served as the main grocery and dry goods store in Lawrence from its construction through the mid-20th century.
The structure remained vacant until 1976, when Kim Traverse purchased it. From 1977 to 1983, the DeHaven Store served as the home of the Whole Art Theatre Company. It has remained one of the best preserved and most distinctive Italianate commercial buildings in the region.

Description

Marshall's Store is located at the center of the village of Lawrence, and is by far the largest and most visually striking building in the commercial district. It is a three-story red brick Italianate
structure stretching five bays wide. The first floor has three display windows and two doors. The name "DEHAVENS STORE" is painted directly on the bricks above the entrance.