Kaden's Store

Frank Kaden, one of Boyne's pioneer merchants, was born in 1862 and first came to the area in 1876 from Philadelphia. After operating a business in Boyne Falls for several years and spending some time in California, he returned to Boyne City and in 1903 decided to build a store. Purchasing a lot for $1,000, he constructed the first brick building on Water Street. He chose February 22, Washington's Birthday, as the opening date as a symbol of his belief in the idealism of American life. The left side of the building held groceries, and the right side carried thread and bolts of muslin. The store was heated with two large wood stoves and lighted by kerosene lamps. In 1906 a furnace was installed, and in 1908 it was wired for electricity. In 1041, Frank sold the store to his daughter, Florida, and her husband, Ira Bowman. In 1947, the Bowmans converted the grocery and dry goods store into a men's and women's clothing enterprise and family shoe store.

Boyne City, Michigan · United States