Boyne City’s Historical Past
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Continuing our series of historical markers – this marker is a tribute to the Kaden’s Store and is located on the wall outside the Provisions Wine Lounge. Frank Kaden was born in Philadelphia on July 15, 1862, and came to this area in 1876. He operated a store in Boyne Falls for a several years and then ventured to California. A year later he returned to Boyne City with $10,000 and decided to build a store. He purchased a lot for $1000 and built the first brick building on Water Street.
On February 22, 1903, the Kaden’s Store was opened for business. The left side of the store was stocked with groceries and the other side had bolts of muslin and thread. The store used kerosene lights and was heated with two wood stoves. A furnace was installed in 1906 and it was wired for electricity in 1908. Frank Kaden never allowed groceries to be charged at the store, but he would occasionally loan money to people in need.
In 1941, he sold the store to his daughter and her husband, Florida and Ira Bowman. The Bowmans converted the grocery and dry goods store to a men’s and women’s clothing enterprise. They also sold shoes for the entire family.