Coleman Historical Society - Coleman, Michigan

09/02/2026

And just like that....E.R. Simon's is part of Coleman history....

09/02/2026

Pictures from tonight......there are cables mounted on the rest of the building to the hydra-hoe to finish the demo phase.

09/02/2026

With the elevator coming down, I thought it fitting to revisit some of its history. It has been a huge part of Coleman and a well-loved landmark.

In 1895 Thomas Simons founded the Cleveland Cedar Company where the E. R. Simons Elevator was later located on Railway Street. The company made cedar paving blocks, about 6' by 6', cut from debarked cedar poles. The business grew so fast the offices were moved to Saginaw and Detroit.

Edwin Simons, brother of Thomas, came to Coleman from Canada in 1871. He was married to Ursula Reagh. Their son, Edwin R. Simons, wed to Florence Pfiel, operated the T. B. Simons Mercantile business, and in 1912 began operating the Coleman Elevator, built in 1900 by William Reardon of Midland. Simons bought it in 1935. Son, Robert M. , owned the elevator for many years, retiring in the 1980's and selling it to the Ittner Bean and Grain Company. The elevator, at 108 Railway Street, remains one of Coleman's principal businesses: "E. R. Simons Co., Division of Ittner Bean and Grain."

09/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1579961820270149/?s=single_unit&__cft__[0]=AZZJaTg582zqA6LHsMyifxlbz5iUb90dqYzZP9tkndJjr9ErKkqg-34TXZQDpaDnLWV_uFFZZsDvQiBcY_5vKpT28uDftFUlWbxSCRcQTY4ZQoBZhBGymjrNsXwLIq8R67VxcHVTYFh5l8Nny547mzi2Ns2NPelFEFdsTQvwuyPvkGQSNmtizykfQgdF5byBGUg&__tn__=H-R

08/31/2026

Well, might as well do a run of racing articles while I'm at it!!

The picture of the green, oval track was on Baker Road.

There was also a track behind what was Adrian Blades business on Saginaw Rd, to the west of town, on the Sid Sentz farm.

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

A golden oldie ~ did you ever go to the race track and watch Dennis Boyce race? Or any of the other Coleman drivers? Share your memories!!

08/31/2026