Albert A. Rust Store

Albert A. Rust bought the general store located on the southeast corner of German Mill and Franklin roads from John A. Bigelow, the brick mill family. Bigelow was enlisting in the northern army and Rust saw the opportunity to get into a business.

Tea, coffee, rice, sugar, molasses and crackers were in large barrels. Bolts of calico and other yard goods sold for six cents a yard. Nails were kept in an open box.

During the Civil War, men could enlist in the store. Copies of the enlistment papers of three men who signed on the dotted line in the 10th Michigan Cavalry can be seen at the Franklin Historical Museum at 26165 Thirteen Mile at Kirk Lane. The museum is open on Saturday from 1 – 3 P.M.

The Methodist Protestant Church

In 1840, the church was officially organized with Reverend Laban Smith as preacher. In 1859, William and Emily Kyle deeded the land at 26109 German Mill to the church to erect a house of worship. Thomas Bigelow, a carpenter, completed the building the following year.

In the spring of 1863, the building was dedicated. In 1880, the horse sheds were added behind the church. They were built the full length of the lot to stable horses and carriages during services.

In front of the church was an eight foot wide plank platform used to assist passengers in getting on and off their buggy, carriage or sleigh. The original church had wooden siding. In 1906, the current rusticated block was added to cover the wood siding. Between 1906 and 1908, a fireplace and chimney were added along with a basement and belfry. The horse sheds were torn down in 1922 to make room for the automobile.

Today the structure is a private residence.