The Berry Corner

The corner of East Jefferson and Taylor Streets has been one of the most prominent corners in the City for over 140 years.

In 1867 George N. Berry built his large home on the site. George Berry had come to Grand Ledge in 1865 at the age of 22 to visit relatives and friends from New York. The following year he returned with his new bride, Jennie, and they decided to make the town their home. George entered in the mercantile business and purchased several fashionable lots on East Jefferson. He chose the best lot on the corner for this own house.

In about 1871 Berry founded the Loan and Deposit Bank. At first this was run out of the back of his store, but eventually the bank grew until he became a full time banker. After the Great Fire of 1876, he built the Berry Block at 212-214 S. Bridge to house the bank

In 1888 Berry remodeled his own home, adding a front hall and dramatic four storey tower to the corner. About this time, he also began to sell some of his lots on Jefferson, giving way too many of the fine homes we see today. He was a great financier in the town, and in his later years became philanthropic. He donated land for both the Library and the Trinity Episcopal Church. Jennie Berry died in 1917 and George followed her in 1924. Their son Fred had his own grand home at 315 East Jefferson, so the Berry home was vacant for some time.

On February 20, 1930 St. Michael’s Catholic Church acquired the property. The building, with some remodeling was used for church services for the next ten years. In 1940 the fine house was demolished and a new church was built on the corner. To match the neighboring library and post office, the same brick was used from the local Grand Ledge Face Brick Co. After nearly 40 years on the corner, the Church moved to its current location on Edwards Street.

Looking for more space, the City purchased this visible corner in 1970. To make it look less like a church, the metal siding was added to cover up most of the church windows, including a large rose window that faced Jefferson Street. The front entrance was altered and the awning added.

In recent years the City Hall has expanded into 319 Taylor Street. This cottage was built in about 1880 and was home to the Brunger family for nearly 30 years. Russell Tinkham began his long tenure when he moved into the dwelling in 1936 after selling his much grander home on West Jefferson to Governor Fitzgerald.

Housing city government for nearly 40 years, City Hall makes this still one of the most important corners in Grand Ledge