A walk north on the east side of Grand River, in 1870, brought one past the Brighton Hotel (lots 47-48), noting the large barn to the east along East Fitch Street. The M.L. Case store (lot 49) is adjacent, bordering the Martin Wickes store (lot 50) and DuBois blacksmith shop (lot 51). After crossing Mill Street (St. Paul Street, 2008), one notices a large home (lots 52-53), which appears to be the residence of the Cushings. The next two lots (54-55) would include M.D.L. Townsends residence.
It is helpful to note that the first purchasers of land, c. 1834-36, in the area known as Brighton, quickly prepared plat maps, with streets sketched and natural features noted. Lots were designated and numbered. The owners speedily returned to the East and encouraged others to buy their lots in what would soon be a booming city. When electricity became available, addresses included site numbers. Lots 52-55 were numbered from 200-300. A May 1928 note in the Brighton Argus says, David Reed is erecting a fine new garage on his property (#204) on Grand River. 2008 finds Matthews B.P. Station at #204.
Lot 54 included numbers 216-222, which hosted a great variety of businesses in the two-story brick structure with rental apartments on the second floor. At various times, one found groceries and confections (Mr. & Mrs. Walter Kless in 1927); G.D. Van Camp Chevrolet service garage, 1940-1947. Anns Dress Shop, 216 W. Grand River, was bought by Mary Mathias and Donna Nelson in October 1946, followed by Vogue Drycleaners in 1951. Meanwhile at 220, attorney Kenneth Weber had his office there in 1950. B.H. Morton has an aluminum storm door business in 1952. From 1950 to May 1963, Covietz Buick had a dealership. Podiatrist Dr. Owen Fowler practices in 1955. Realtor Donald Henkelman was at 222 in 1967, followed by The Kings Things (antiques and gifts) in 1981. Brighton Garage Door Sales had offices there 1997-2001. Most recently Herb Munzells Engineering and Survey Company conducted business until 2001.
By 1927, the Washington movie theater was located across the back of the building, which also served as a grades 5-8 classroom for a time in the 1927-28 school year.
300 W. Grand River also has a history. The Brite Spot Lunch was in place in the 1930-40s. The Blue Goose Bus could be boarded there. In 1947, one could catch a taxi from the site. It was run by various local people into the 1950s. By 1954, a beauty salon and barbershop could be patronized. By the mid 1980s, one could purchase flowers from the Country Lane Flower Shop.
Compiled by Marieanna Bair from the Societys Historic Resource Survey; telephone directories, atlases, Milt Charoneaus First Landowners and Carol McMackens From Settlement to City Brighton 1832-1945. Additions, corrections requested.