The Aarons Building
The Aarons Building
Year Built: 1908
Architect: Unknown
First Owner: Harry J. Aarons
Building: Unknown
Style: Neo Classical Revival
Address: 359-361 River Street
The Aarons Building is the culmination of the career of Jacob Aarons, an immigrant at the age of 15 from Poland. It is a monument to his life, but one that he was never to see.
Aaarons, known as “Lively Jake the Clothier”, was in the business of men’s furnishings from the age of 15 when he took a job in a clothing store in Syracuse, New York after arriving in the United States. In 1869, he opened a store in Flint where he was successful and popular, moving to Manistee in 1879. Here he rented a small store which he outgrew within a year eventually building his own at the opposite end of this block (corner of River Street and Poplar).
A firm believer in the future of Manistee, Aarons grew and prospered here for 29 years accumulating large commercial and residential real estate holdings. In 1906, he sold his store at River and Poplar Streets to the Manistee County Savings Bank for $28,000 and made plans to build this building. On July 12, 1907, Aarons was struct by a sudden illness and died in 24 hours.
Harry Aarons continued his father’s business as well as his father’s affection for this community. He carried out the plans for this building, overseeing its construction and continued the clothing business. He died in 1928 following a long illness.
The business was continued for several more years by a former employee Harry A. Johnson. The building later accommodated a drug store and photographers studio.
Submitted by
Bryan Arnold
@nanowhiskers