THE BROCKWAY BLOCK

One of Albion’s most prominent downtown buildings is the Brockway Block at 315 S. Superior S on the NE corner of S. Superior & E. Erie Streets. The building was constructed by local entrepreneur Rev. William H. Brockway (1813-1891), who also was the financial agent for Albion College. His daughter Mary was married to Albion College president Dr. Samuel Dickie. Rev. Brockway was involved in numerous community endeavors, including bringing the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad to town in 1872.

Construction on the Brockway Block began during the winter of 1868. It was constructed with soft brick made in Jackson. The brick was hauled with sleighs by George Ensign Warner (1842-1935). During the winter of 1868 there were twelve straight weeks of good hauling weather. Warner also hauled the joists used in the construction. The joists were fashioned of green beechwood at the Duttonville sawmill, located two miles north of Duck Lake.

From October 31 to December 13, 1921, one hundred years ago, the Trine family contractors applied "Kellastone" (stucco) to the Brockway Block. Owner George Bullen stated in a 1921 interview that "his object in having the building Kellastoned was not only to beautify it, but also to preserve the old brick walls which, on account of the soft brick used in their construction, had begun to crumble and go to pieces."

The Brockway Block has been the home of several prominent Albion businesses through the years. The "Bullen’s Big Busy Store" was located here in the early 20th century, followed by the A & P grocery from the 1930s through 1954. Later, Gambles variety store was here, and in later years, Sander’s Furniture. During the 1950s and early 1960s, a roller-skating rink was located on the second floor.

From our Historical Notebook this week we present that classic photo of the Trines on scaffolds, preparing to apply Kellatone to the building. Today, the building is owned by the non-profit Albion Reinvestment Corporation, awaiting a financial partner to "adopt" the building for restoration, renovation, and future mercantile enterprises. When is the last time you have been in the Brockway Block?

	Frank Passic — Albion Historian An Albion native and 1971 graduate of Albion High School, Frank Passic has been researching and writing Albion history since 1976. He is the creator of the Albion Historical Notebook, with hundreds of articles appearing weekly in the Morning Star and The Recorder. Frank maintains an extensive personal archive including Riverside Cemetery records, family surname files, genealogies, photographs, city directories, and high school yearbooks. Support his 2026 research at the Historic Albion Michigan Facebook page. Historical Notebook \| From the Archives \| Subject List \| 100 Years Ago \| Alphabetical Index \| Frank Passic Home Page \| Albion History Books \| Contact Frank
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