The process began with the
removal of 140 years of
alterations along with a
plethora of grime.  The
photo above shows the
removal of two  drop ceilings.
The second floor after
removing tons of debris.
 It was wonderful to see
bare floors and walls.
Our store was constructed in 1865 in a tiny logging camp named
Dwightville.  Dwightville was nestled in a wooded area in the
center of Michigan and consisted of six buildings, a railroad, and
a creek.  The creek was dammed to create a millpond to aid in
logging Michigan's virgin white pine.  

In the late 1890's logging was complete; which soon left
Dwightville abandoned.  At this time the building was moved to
its current location about one mile away. Local historians say it
was moved to Blanchard by rolling it on logs pulled by a team of
horses.  This location has been home to a country store, furniture
store, restaurant, post office, beauty shop, dress shop, antique
store, and now returns to a country mercantile.
This June 2006 picture
shows the store prior to  
restoration.  With the help of
some dedicated family
members the renovation
process began.
Since the structure had no
insulation and sparse
electrical wiring we removed
everything down to the
frame.
Previous owners had divided
the second floor into many
small rooms; this photo shows
the volume of debris.
This is the creek that
was dammed 140 years
ago to create the
Dwightville millpond.
The blue ribbon shows
the original location of
our building in
Dwightville.  The creek
was about 50 yard
behind this site.
COLONIAL TREASURES MERCANTILE LLC
424 MAIN STREET
BLANCHARD, MI  49310
(989) 561-5759
STORE HISTORY
We are working to renovate the property and each year we make some progress.  Jim is
landscaping the surrounding grounds which includes a small formal English garden with a beautiful
pergola and future plans are to add tree lined walkways, a patio, benches for relaxing, many more
flower gardens, a kitchen garden, herb garden, and a barn style shed. Come back and visit us often!
Our new store front at
Colonial Treasures
Mercantile.
One that is forever
changing with new items
added
almost daily. Come in for a
visit, take your time and
look around. We'd love to
see you. Sit awhile, chat
and just make new
friends.
What a beautiful garden setting!!

So inviting and colorful.  Jim is
the master planner for these
great gardens. The beautiful
walls are dry-stacked field stone
and many of the flowers are
heirloom varieties. Jim specializes
in traditional and colonial style
landscaping and fencing.

Custom design and consultations
are available by contacting Jim at
989-561-5759.
New Merchandise added often so please check
back to see what's new!