Milestones on Mainstreet: December 2008
December 10, 2008 by admin
Filed under History, Milestones on Main Street
The Big Shakeout of ‘79 In January of ’79, Jose Cruz keeps things moving in the Sparta Foundry. Jose, known as Joe, works second shift. A straight eight from 3:00 to 11:00 at night. Life in the foundry is hard and dirty. But the money and benefits are good. Twenty men work behind noisy presses [...]
Milestones on Mainstreet: November 2008
November 19, 2008 by admin
Filed under History, Milestones on Main Street
Sparta Booming in 1876 Today, Sparta is a booming town which boasts a hotel in downtown Sparta, a large, two story building situated on the corner of Mill and Division Street. The town is growing due to the railroad bringing in businessmen and travelers to and through the area. The depot is located near to [...]
Milestones on Mainstreet: October 2008
October 14, 2008 by admin
Filed under History, Milestones on Main Street
Sleepy Hollow During the days of the horse drawn carriage, Sparta was booming and Mr. McGowan had elevated dreams when he began building his hotel. The farming community was considered the next best thing to the big city of Grand Rapids; therefore his capital venture seemed a sure bet. Up until the advent of the [...]
Milestones on Mainstreet: August 2008
August 12, 2008 by admin
Filed under History, Milestones on Main Street
Summer 1908 Looks Great For Nelson A. Shaw, things look great in July of 1908. His new business, the Shaw Palace Livery, is doing well in its first year of operation. In the fall of 1907, he finished construction of a two-story building on main street Sparta to house his livery. The American flag, now [...]
