In 1871, Grant S. Burgess had been working for William McPherson & Sons in their general merchandise store in Howell. In partnership with McPherson he opened a dry goods, household, general store in Brighton, 1874. This was one of the very early businesses built west of Ore Creek at 334 W. Main. Originally the building included 332 W. Main. When Burgess bought out McPherson in 1879, the archway between the two buildings was closed to become separate stores.
A large ad in the 1896 Brighton Argus Weekly noted “Stylish Dress Patterns for $1-$4.” Fabric included “Fancy wool suiting, a yard wide. Imported French Serge in all the popular plain colors, 46″ wide, navy, browns, tans and blacks.” One should also buy “New Waist Silks at 25c, 33c and 50c a yard”, all for Spring. The early 1900s experienced a bicycle craze. Burgess & Company had coats, pants, belts and hose in order to be properly attired for a bicycle outing. In 1905, W.H. Risch opened an undertaking business in the store.
In 1910, John and Lois Hicks Strick (John born in England, Lois in Brighton) purchased the business at 334. She had met Strick in 1898 when he served as Sergeant in Co. H, 34th Michigan Volunteers in the Spanish/American War, training at Island Lake National Guard Camp. After their marriage in 1900, they lived in Ironwood, Michigan, moving back to Brighton in 1910. John advertised often in the Argus, placing a half page Easter ad for apparel for men: “Suits, $10-$15”, “Ties in beautiful material”, etc. “Ladies and Misses spring coats – $10-$15”. Also “Ladies waists in lawn, voile and linen also silk. An especially attractive assortment of new white dresses.” Boys and girls were not forgotten: hats, gloves, neckwear, shoes, all at “Popular prices”.
In 1910, the newly formed Brighton State Bank leased space in the building until construction of a new bank, 306 W. Main, was completed.
During the time John Strick was serving in France in WW I, Lois ably conducted business, raised her family of three, served in her church and retained membership in several local organizations. John died in 1935. However, Stricks Store continued operations.
At Lois death in 1950, her sister, Sadie Hicks, who had been active in the workings of the store, followed the same business ethics as the Stricks had. In 1953 Sadie was an insurance agent with an office in the store. By 1938, Mi-Ladys Beauty Salon with Gretchen White was in a room in the rear of the store, followed by 1943 by Virginia Bamber Disspain, who had Virginias Beauty Shop. A c. 1960 photo included employees of the time. Mesdames Pauline Baker, Dorothy Ernst, Marjorie Garwood, Mary Johnson and the Misses Esther Green and Sadie Hicks were ready to serve you. Twenty others are listed who were employed during earlier years.
Wanda Partridge bought the store in 1963, and it became an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, decorated in the 1900 period. At the August 10 grand opening, one sat on a stool at the counter or in a booth sipping a real ice cream soda or slurping a banana split.
Hobbyville, with a complete assortment of hobby and craft supplies and kits, was in business at 334 in 1972. By 1987, Betty Golden owns the popular Golden Gallery of picture, framing and display units.
In September 2001, Monas can be found conducting business. In February 2006, the Michigan Candy Company prepares to open. At the present time, 334 is vacant, awaiting a new enterprise.
Compiled by Marieanna Bair from Historic Resource Survey records; William Pless Old Village Cemetery Supplement; census records and From Settlement to City, Brighton, Michigan, 1832-1945 by Carol McMacken. Additions/corrections requested.