The process began with the removal of
140 years of alternations along with a
plethora of grime.  The photo above
shows the removal of two seperate
drop ceilings.
The second floor after
removing tons of debris.  
Never dreamed seeing
bare floors and walls
could look so beautiful.
Our building 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 bulding was moved to its current location one
mile away. Local historians say it was moved to Blanchard
by rolling it on logs pulled by a team of horses.  
This building has been home to a country store, furniture
store, restaurant, post office, antique store, and now
returns as a country mercantile.
June 2006, the mercantile shown in
the early stages of restoration.  With
the help of some dedicated family
members we began the process of
refurbishing the building.
Since the structure had no
insulation and sparse electrical
wiring we removed everything
down to the frame.
Prior owners divided the second floor
into many small rooms; this photo
gives an idea of 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 L.L.C.
424 MAIN STREET
BLANCHARD MI  49310
(989) 561-5759
STORE HISTORY
Check back often to see the progress of our store renovations. New merchandise is also added often!
Jim and Martha have redone their store "Colonial Treasures Mercantile"
most of it's done and is looking great.
Jim is also working very hard on the (Under Construction) English Formal
Garden. This garden is beside the store on our east side. Please come to visit
and see all of our new items in the store. Also visit the garden, sit a spell and
Watch What Grows!!!
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!!!
Jim and Martha take pride in their gardens and they have
some awesome ones. The Formal English Garden beside
the store is looking great and is always changing. Also
they have very beautiful Cottage Gardens at their home.
So inviting and colorful. Jim is the master planner for
these great gardens. The stone walls are wonderful to
see.  His stone walls are all "Dry Stacked" Field Stone. The
dimensions are all done per custom order. Jim also does
Custom Cedar Rail Fences and Combined Cedar & Stone
Fences (stone on bottom/cedar on top) as are seen at
Gettysburg. Stop in the store for a visit and to view this
beautiful garden. It’s a masterpiece in the making. Call
Jim for his expertise landscaping skills at 989-561-5759.
Store Hours: May thru December -
Tuesday thru Saturday - 10am to 5pm