Tribute to Arbutus

The Phoenix General Store is located at the Junction of M26 & 41.  The store was built in 1873 when the town was a thriving mining town. In 1906 the Phoenix mine shut down leaving yet another ghost town.  The Phoenix store is the only functional business in the town of Phoenix.  Arbutus Perterson bought the store in 1973, renovated it and put in living quarters up stairs.  Arbutus still lives above the store.

      When I saw that Arbutus was selling her sweatshirts with her store picture on the front, I had to buy one and delighted that she signed it . 

      Arbutus Peterson was born and raised in Phoenix, Michigan. Her father, uncles, and brothers worked in the mines. Arbutus is one of the last people alive that went to the Phoenix School. She is only 1 of two people who are original Phoenix residents. She is 86 and still going strong.  Arbutus is a wonderful lady and loves to talk history.

Update.

     Arbutus passed away on August 30th, 2023, at the age of 89. She will be dearly missed.