The first is a tinted, black-and-white halftone postcard view identified as “Kroms Building, Iron River, Mich.” that was postmarked in Iron River on Sept. 2, 1909, the year the department store was built on the southeast corner of Genesee Street and Second Avenue.

A second black-and-white photo shows the building a year later. It’s curious to note a dog appears in both photos.

Barney Krom, born in Lithuania in 1873, came to Chicago in 1886 to live with his older brothers, as both parents had died by the time Barney was 13.

He arrived in Iron River from Watersmeet in 1897 and leased the old Bond building. His successful store quickly outgrew the building and the adjoining Gordon building was purchased, connected to the Bond building by an archway.

A black-and-white photo shows Krom’s Department Store on the southeast corner of Genesee Street and Second Avenue in Iron River in 1910. (Photo provided by William J. Cummings)

In 1909, Krom erected this large, fireproof structure. During his career he established three partnerships: the first with Joe Joseph, 1916-1918; the second with I. Malsin, a brother-in-law, 1923-1925; and the third with his son, Arthur D. Krom.

In January 1955, it was announced the store was going out of business. Krom’s closed its doors for a week to mark down the entire stock of merchandise for a complete sellout.

The building remained vacant for the next two decades until the City of Iron River acquired it and had its contents sold at auction.

Demolition began in September 1975, and the building was replaced by Atanasoff’s Clinic.

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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.