Somerset General Store

On the Old Sauk Trail, later known as the Detroit-Chicago Turnpike, George A. Smith erected this building for use as a general store serving local residents and travelers. Frank R. Smith was proprietor when his brother-in-law, Andrew Leutheuser, came to work for him in 1910. In 1915 Leutheuser purchased the business, which became known as A. Leutheuser and Co. The Leutheuser family served the village and surrounding area for a half century. The store supplied virtually all the store-bought necessities for village and farm families and provided a market for customers' wool, grain, and other farm commodities. More than a general store and post office, it was also a social center where patrons gathered to catch up on local news or attend programs at the community hall above the store, where plays and occasional dances were held. The Somerset Post Office was situated in the store, and Andrew Leutheuser served as postmaster for 36 years.

Michigan · United States