The museum archives indicated that during the early 1900s, a number of transportation-related businesses were running at 124-126 W. B St.

Martin Harvey operated a blacksmith and wagon shop from 1902 to 1903 in this building.

By 1907, Josiah Beard had taken over, specializing in blacksmithing, horseshoeing and manufactured wagons.

The Iron Mountain Press reported on April 13, 1911, the announcement of the sale of Beard’s establishment. The article states, “A new business firm — known as Freeland Corning & Co. — closed a deal last Saturday for the purchase of the Beard blacksmith and wagon shops at the corner of West B street and Carpenter avenue. The business will be enlarged so as to include a first-class garage with automobiles for sale and hire. Josiah Beard, who is a first-class worker in iron and wood, will remain in the service of the firm. Mr. Corning is a machinist and has had experience in the best shops hereabouts as well as in the construction of automobiles.

Automobiles lined Carpenter Avenue on the west side of Gottfred “Guffy” Rudolph Johnson’s Garage at 124 W. B St. in 1915. From left are Arthur E. “Art” Johnson, W. Carlson, Bob Dennins, Lawrence Contarini, Gottfred Rudolph “Guffy” Johnson, R. Evans and Ernest Emmanuel Lindstrom. (Photo provided by the Menominee Range Historical Museum)

The museum noted that in 1913 the business of Freeland G. Corning and William Parent were operating an automobile garage on this site as Corning & Co.

The location changed hands again by 1915, the Iron Mountain Press announced the establishment of a new automobile firm, Gottfried “Guffy” Johnson’s Garage.

The June 10, 1915, edition states, “Johnson and Howard Sandercock have succeeded to the automobile business of Charles Rauer, at the corner of West B Street and Carpenter Avenue. The young men have a thorough knowledge of all departments of the automobile business and are first-class machinists. They have held positions with Mr. Rauer for several years. Messrs. Johnson and Sandercock are progressive young men and enjoy the confidence of the community. It is safe to predict that they will make a success of the business and that work entrusted to them will receive prompt attention. The firm also will succeed to the local agency of the famous Overland automobile.”

In May of 1917, the partnership changed to Johnson & DeGayner — Gottfried Johnson and Eugene J. DeGayner.

The Iron Mountain Press reported in May of that year, “Many new automobiles are being sold here this spring and the demand for light delivery trucks is very large. During the past 10 days, Edward G. Kingsford, agent for the Ford, has received and sold over 60 cars. He has orders booked for many more. Johnson & DeGayner have sold a number of Overlands and are expecting three carloads. Nearly a dozen new trucks have appeared on the streets during the past few weeks.”

The business became a district agent for Dodge and other automobiles. In 1920, it was reported that DeGayner took over sole ownership. He then built an addition at the rear of the building and remodeled the original structure.

Following the renovation, the Iron Mountain News on Dec. 3, 1924, stated that the auto display room was the finest in the city.

DeGayner joined Russell A. Kesler by 1935 to become DeGayner & Kesler as featured Dodge and Plymouth motor cars and truck dealers.

Kesler bought out DeGayner in 1945 and in 1946 the business was listed as Kesler’s Garage.

Following Kesler’s unexpectedly death in 1959, his son Marshall and wife Jennie (Jacobson) Kesler, were listed as owner and manager of Kesler Motors, dealers in Dodge automobiles. By 1961 Marshall L. Kesler was listed as proprietor of Kesler Motors.

Two years later, Twin City Cab, operated by Wayne Goulette ran his taxi company, Twin City Cab at this address from 1963 to 1966.

Erickson Oil Products took over the property and operated the gasoline station from 1967 through 1998.

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“Remember when?” appears every Wednesday in The Daily News. Those with suggestions or historical photographs they would like to submit can email Terri Castelaz at tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.