28/40 The Engelmanns

Michael Engelmann, one of Manistee's leading Jewish citizens, arrived from Bavaria to Manistee in October, 1848 and would soon commence work with the Stronachs at a salary of $4 per month. Biographies report that Engelmann spent the years from 1850 to 1856 in the employment of the Stronachs and that, by careful savings and investments, he was able to accumulate several thousand dollars of capital.

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At this time, after 10 years on his own, he returned to his childhood home in Bavaria where he married Sophia Steinhart. 

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Upon his return to Manistee he became a partner in the firm of J.L. McVicker & Company. Along with his brother, Nathan, Michael would go on to become involved in several milling operations as well as lake vessel transportation company. 

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Michael would later become mayor of Manistee and invest in an imposing building on the northeast corner of Maple and River streets called The Engelmann Block. Constructed in 1881, the building would later be destroyed by fire in 1909.

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Engelmann remained an important figure in Manistee as his contributions led to being involved in the First National Bank, Manistee Water Company, Manistee River Improvement Company and what would later become Mercy Sanitarium.

 

While Engelmann passed away in 1888, his mansion was later transformed into a rooming house which remains today at 515 Maple Street. Two streets surrounding the home are named after the Engelmanns...Michael Street & Sophia Street.

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Find out about the Engelmann House

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Read about The Engelmann Block