“It lies a little apart from the Saginaw west side business district, a two-story building of faded red brick standing alone with its memories-somewhat like a November leaf clinging wanly to the red and gold glory of its past.”
“This was Benjamin’s livery stable, now languishing at the southeast corner of Cass and Hamilton in its modern role as automobile storage garage. It had been considered one of the finest livery stables this side of Detroit . . .”
-The Saginaw News, September 5, 1943.
Few blocks of buildings in Saginaw remain as intact as those forming the east side of the 300 block of South Hamilton. The northern half was constructed in stages for C.L. Benjamin, a prominent Saginaw City businessman whose main focus was operating a livery and undertaking establishment.
Charles L. Benjamin arrived in Saginaw City about 1867. The first portion of the buildings that would house his businesses – the portion now housing the Hamilton Street Pub, was constructed before 1877. An 1887 description of the business notes:
C.L. Benjamin - Complete Livery and Undertaking Establishment; Hamilton Street, Saginaw, City. Mr. Benjamin, who is an old resident and prominent citizen, established his present enterprise in 1880 and in 1882 built his present premises comprising a handsome two-store brick building, with a coach house upon the front of the main floor, and a stable in the rear. He has elegantly appointed offices, and an undertaking department, embracing the finest hearses in the Valley, together with full and complete stocks of the finest goods in caskets, coverings, trimmings, etc. In his livery department he has an unsurpassed stock of coaches, coupes, buggies, horses, harness trappings, etc. He employs ten men, and has thirty horses, all fine animals, constantly on hand. Mr. Benjamin does a large business in his livery department, and in undertaking he has secured the best custom[sic] and able manner in which he conducts funerals and has a merited celebrity for the completeness with which he executes embalming by the latest improved process. In addition to this firm, Mr. Benjamin is a member of the firm of Foster, Charles & Co., dealers in furniture, upholstered goods, etc., and is otherwise identified with prominent business concerns.” by the appropriate” (Leonard, J. W. Industries of the Saginaws; historical, descriptive and statistical. [East Saginaw, Mich., J.M. Elstner & Co, 1887].)
The business thrived and in 1909, Mills I. Benjamin took it over at the time of father’s death. When Mills Benjamin married Maybelle Congdon in 1915, they lived in an apartment located on the second floor of 308 S. Hamilton – immediately above what is now the Hamilton Street Pub.
The advent of the automobile drastically impacted Benjamin’s business. While often identified as an undertaker, much of Benjamin’s business related to his livery service. In fact, the majority of the complex of buildings was devoted to horses and carriages. Benjamin provided services far beyond what was used in funeral services. Dates, weddings – anytime a carriage was needed – Benjamin could provide it. Mills Benjamin’s obituary notes he was “A Saginaw oldtimer who was ‘with a lot of Saginaw families from start to finish.” [emphasis added]
“The Benjamin, livery business paled, then died when automobiles became cheap and popular.”
At first Benajamin tried automobile sales to augment the undertaking business. However, by 1943 the building was described as an auto warehouse. Mills Benjamin passed away in 1950.
Maybelle Benjamin continued to reside in her apartment on the second floor of 308 S. Hamilton. In 1965, the office portion of the building became the Old Town Book Shop. Owned by Frank Walsh. He stated:
“‘Mrs. Maybelle Benjamin, our land owner, has taken an interest in us,’ explained Walsh. The store is beginning to remind her of the lumbering days when affairs of the day were discussed by citizens in this very place. She has encouraged us to continue, to provide an atmosphere of learning, and to push on. I agree.’” (The Saginaw News, February 21, 1965.)
The next year the Saginaw News would feature the building in its Heritage Homes Series. The author proclaimed:
“One’s first feeling upon entering this historically and architecturally fascinating Benjamin Building at 306 S. Hamilton is one of nostalgia and regret that a town that boasts symphonies, theaters, museums, can find no better use for such a precious relic. Obscured in a hodge-podge of storage, this elegant interior cries for better treatment.” (The Saginaw News, “Saginaw’s Pride Now Warehouse,” December 15, 1966.)
The article continued: “Maybelle Benjamin (Mrs. Mills I. Benjamin) vows she would never move from the building which has been her life.”
In 1972 The Stable of Saginaw opened in the northern portion of the building and the paper reported:
“They are beginning to call it ‘Old Town Saginaw’ but it is attracting young business people.” (The Saginaw News, May 23, 1972.)
In 1977, the Hamilton Street Pub opened in the southern portion of the building – under the portion of the building where Maybelle Benjamin’ s apartment was located. The article announcing its opening noted:
“Rough hewn beams, stained glass, brick and plank pine flooring combine to give the Hamilton Street Pub, 308 S. Hamilton, an ‘Old Town’ look. It is owned by Dr. Henry W. Noehler, Dennis M. Whalen, David Kessel and Henry S. Pletscher. W. David Owen, is manager. . . . Incorporated in the interior design are the huge doors which led from the coach house at the front to the stable at the rear.” (The Saginaw News, April 26, 1977.)
*The Saginaw News, September 5, 1943.
The Recipe: The Undertaker
Unfortunately for the Castle Cocktail Lounge, the Hamilton Street Pub proved harder to penetrate than the auto sales business for Mills I. Benjamin. We attempted thrice to make contact with the barkeeps and procure a Hamilton Pub-specific concoction-to no avail, despite their outward willingness to participate in our series. As a result, the Castle Cocktail Lounge itself is offering up a fitting enough beverage to accompany this article. Cheers!
1 1⁄2 oz Bourbon
1⁄2 oz Orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier
1⁄4 oz Cynar
1⁄2 oz Grapefruit juice (ruby red, preferred).
Instructions
Shake with ice, strain, and serve up with an orange twist. Be careful if you drink more than one...you don't want a ride home in a hearse.*
The Interior of the Hamilton Street Pub at 308 S. Hamilton Today.
*The Castle Cocktail Lounge always recommends you drink responsibly.
Comments