The first photograph, which features businesses from 100 to 110 Fleshiem during that period, came from the collection of longtime downtown business owner Don Khoury.

George S. Van Stone ran a photography studio with William Nerold at 100 E. Ludington St. By mid-November of 1895, Van Stone was making plans to leave for California, which was how they dated the photograph between the late 1892 and 1895, according to local historian Bill Cummings.

M. Mortenson, another photographer, occupied the studio by 1902. Martin C. Hartwig worked as a coal and wood dealer in 1907, and had his business there in 1913. In 1925, Charles G. Kroll worked as a tailor in the space and by 1935, John J. Alleva ran the Northland Typewriter & Supply Company.

The Eagle Laundry was at 104 E. Ludington. Charles Wong ran a laundry here by 1902. The Monitor Publishing Company, with Claus Hanson serving as manager, published The Monitor, a Swedish language newspaper issued every Friday, at that location in 1907.

John (Elma) Jetty ran a confectionery store in the former laundry business starting around 1913.

Martin C. Hartwig opened his restaurant at this site about 1925, and 10 years later Tito Gioacchini converted the business to a tavern.

From 1892 to 1925 the American Express Company — American Railway Express Company — was at 106 E. Ludington. Some agents were John J. Doetsch, L.E. Collins, W.A. Sackett, and Morton E. Hurlburt.

The second photograph is a 1913 view of the America Express Co., with Sackett serving as agent at the time.

Charles Rouse ran a restaurant at this location by 1935. Over the years, it changed hands several times including The Coffee Shop which remained in business until 1990.

The third photograph is a postcard view of the large Fisher building from 1909.

Construction began on the Fisher Block, at 108-110 E. Fleshiem St. in late July, 1891.

Hiram D. Fisher of Florence, Wis., was the principal investor, together with Edward J. Ingram and Oliver Evans, both of Iron Mountain. A lease for the property was obtained from the Chicago & North-Western Railroad Company, “said property being located opposite the Iron Mountain Fire Department’s Engine House No. 1 and Arthur Flatt’s news stand.” The three-story brick building had 60 feet of frontage and was 108 feet deep. There was a large basement under the entire building. The first floor had two “store rooms,” while the second floor was divided into offices, each supplied with a fire-proof vault.

The third floor was divided into two large halls provided with reception rooms well adapted for “secret societies” or fraternal lodges.

The Commercial Bank was housed in the Fisher Block from 1892 until Dec. 21, 1929, when its new building on the 500 block of South Stephenson Avenue was officially dedicated.

(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Tom A. Hanna owned and edited the Iron Mountain Press at this address from 1902 and 1913.

Later years, the Timbers Motor Lodge housed the corner of Ludington and Stephenson Avenue from about 1993 until it was demolished in 2020.

The fourth photo is the Towneplace Suites by Marriott, which opened its doors on the old Fisher Block location in November 2023.

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The Daily News is bringing back photos of “yesteryears.” Each week, an historical photograph will be posted on The Daily News’ Facebook page. Readers will be asked to identify the location, as well as share a memorable experience of the location. “Back to the Present” will then be published in the Wednesday edition, including a current photo. Readers can comment on The Daily News’ Facebook page, or email tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com with subject “Back to the Present.”