Bollman Block

by Kiel Vanderhovel and Derek Dykens

Architect: Charles K. Shand
Location: 800-806 Oak Street, Calumet
Built: 1900¹
Masonry contractor: Paul P. Roehm
Destroyed by fire: 1950

Although this business block was initially designed for four separate stores on the first floor, the entire floor was originally occupied by the Lieblein wholesale firm, based in Hancock. In later years, it was home to the Michigan Auto Company. The building was destroyed in a catastrophic fire on March 3, 1950. Joseph Miglio was killed and Charlie Ryan, Sr., lost his leg when they were crushed by a large portion of the front wall that collapsed into Oak Street as they were fighting the fire.²

The four-story masonry building ran roughly 120 feet along Oak Street and 45 feet along 8th. The façade was clad in coursed, rusticated sandstone and topped with an overhanging cornice. Plate-glass storefronts with recessed entrances opened up the first floor. The second and third stories were united in tall round arches, with spandrel panels between floors. At the second story the windows were paired within these arches; at the third level were three windows with double-hung sash. Paired windows surmounted the arches at the fourth level. The second and third floors were divided into apartments and the fourth floor was used as a lodge hall and club rooms.

Buildings by Charles K. Shand in the Copper Country

• St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 1908
• Lutey Floral Co. Building 1903
• Foley Building and Murphy Building 1903
• Walz Block 1902
• Lake Linden Village Hall 1902
• Edward F. Cuddihy House 1901
• Tamarack Hospital 1900
• Bollman Block 1900
• Calumet Opera House and Village Hall Addition 1900
• Red Jacket Village Fire Hall 1899

Notes

1. Eckert, Sandstone Architecture, 244.
2. Vertical files, Keweenaw National Historical Park Archives.