the removal of 140 years
of alterations along with a
plethora of grime.  The The
process began with 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 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 have completed many of our renovations of the property and each year we're making more
progress.  Jim has been landscaping the surrounding grounds which includes a small formal
English garden with a beautiful pergola and has added tree lined walkways, a patio, and benches
for relaxing. Be sure to check out our heirloom vegetable garden.   Future plans are for many
more flower gardens, a kitchen garden, and herb garden. We've also added a Amish built barn
style shed which houses primitives, antiques and garden items. Come back and visit us often!
There is always something different to see.
Our new store front at
Colonial Treasures
Mercantile.
One that is forever
changing with new &
vintage made in America
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.
Check back soon to see what's new!
Join us for a trip down
memory lane.
When people broke the law in colonial Virginia, the courts ordered swift and
often public punishments. Many of these punishments would be strange or
harsh to Americans today. You can stop at to our shop in Blanchard today
and have a FUN picture taken in our colonial stock.
Heirloom Garden