Visit

The photos and information below tell you a little bit more about the buildings located in Flat Rock's "Memory Lane." The museum is open the second Sunday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. View a list of upcoming exhibits and special events. We look forward to seeing you.

Cornelius G. Munger General Store, ca. 1875
This building housed the Cornelius Munger General Store from 1875 until 1937, when the family closed the store with merchandise on the shelves. Lee's Barber Shop occupied the building from 1949 to 1969. When the shop closed, the building deteriorated and was slated for demolition. In 1976, the George Diamond family donated the store to the Flat Rock Historical Society with the condition that it be moved and used as a museum. The building was moved to property donated by the Flat Rock School Board and it was dedicated as a museum in 1985. The Munger General Store is one of the city's oldest remainign commercial buildings. It is also a rare exammple of late-nineteenth century detached false-front wood-framed commercial architecture. The building has been recognized for its historic significance with a Michigan Historical Marker from the State of Michigan.

 

Flat Rock Hotel, built 1896
The sturdy brick Italianate Flat Rock Hotel was built by the Ferstle family during the summer of 1896. Architectural details include masonry construction built three bricks thick and a unique tin ceiling and walls in the lobby. In 1906, Oscar Smith and his wife Gertrude arrived in Flat Rock by horse and buggy and purchased the hotel. Upon Oscar's death in 1945, ownership of the building went to his two children, Walter Smith and Esther Smith Lezotte. Telegraph Road was widened in the 1950's and the two story front porch was removed. Walter Smith managed the hotel until it closed in 1998. The property and several adjjoing parcels were purchased by the Rite-Aid Drug Store and demolition of the hotel was scheduled. Through much effort and cooperation by the City of Flat Rock, the Flat Rock Historical Society and the Rite-Aid chain with a lot of support, allowed the structure to be saved. They were moved to "Memory Lane" in 1999. The two story porch has been reconstructed and the first floor is restored and open to visitors during museum hours.

 

Flat Rock Hotel, Greek Revival Wing, ca. 1830
This building which pre-dates the Flat Rock Hotel, was attached to the hotel and incorporated as a "wing" when the hotel was built in 1896. The style of the "wing" is Greek Revival and dates back to the 1830's, when this style was popular. A stable and livery were once located behind the hotel and this building was used as the office. It later became part of the bar area of the hotel. Restoration of this building is now nearly complete.

 

Langs-Wagar House, 1874
Moved in 1999, this house is a fine example of a hipped-roof, four-square house with balloon frame construction. Brothers Charles and Enoch Lang were Civil War veterans and both injured at Gettysburg. When Charles Lang returned to Flat Rock, he married Esther Thorn. In 1874, he purchased lots #20 and 21 and built this house. They had one child, Susie, who graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1886. After the death of both parents, Susie sold the house on October 17, 1912, to Albert Wagar for $925.00. Wagar was also a Civil War veteran, involved in a saw-mill business, and later operated a steam thresher. Active in community affairs, he was elected town treasurer in 1876 and maintained that position for many years. He was also a town supervisor, a member of the Flat Rock School Board for 40 years, and secretary of the Masonic Lodge for 30 years. In 1923 when the charter was adopted establishing Flat Rock as a village, Wagar served as the first Village President.

 

The "Bobcean" Stable / Stofflet Carriage House
This two-story building was originally built by the Stofflet family behind their home on North Huron River Drive. It had two stalls and was probably used as a carriage house. It had a cut-stone foundation. Located behind the Bobcean Funderal Home, it was later used primarily for storage and possibly housed the village fire truck at one time. The Bobcean family donated the structure to the Flat Rock Historical Society and it was moved in 1995. Currently used for storage, restoration is nearly complete. Future plans are to display farm equipment and old tools here.