Kilmanagh Store

Kilmanagh Store Built in the 1870s as a general store. Currently an effort is underway to restore the façade and stabilize and weatherproof the building. John C. (C.P.) C.P.

The Kilmanagh Store was built in1873 as a general store at the intersection of two new “State” roads thru the “swamp”.. Kilmanagh Rd was the route from Sebewaing to Bad Axe, Bay Port Rd went North to the Bay. it was built after the fire of 1871, and survived the Great Thumb Fire of 1881. It is distinctive for its Victorian façade and porch. Liken of Sebewaing built the store as a satellite of his

vast operations in Sebewaing. He also built stores in Bach, Bay Port and Unionville. He opened the Sebewaing store in 1871. After the 1871 fire, the Shebeon creek was dredged, and a sawmill was floated up to Kilmanagh. The store came shortly after to support the sawmill work force. It is documented as existing in an 1884 history of Huron County. The Kilmanagh Lutheran Church was formed in 1876. Kilmanagh did not burn in 1881. In the 1890s store clerks John Rummel and Albert Woldt took over operations. By the turn of the century Rummel had moved on to Sebewaing, and Woldt became the sole owner. In 1920, Albert’s son Clemens P. returned from college and joined the family business, living in the upper level of the store until 1925. operated the store until it closed in early 1963. The current owners, Tom (a grandnephew of C.P.) and Brenda Voss purchased C.P.’s house and the store from his estate in 1980. Currently an effort is underway to restore the façade and to stabilize and weatherproof the building.

07/26/2023

This updated article on the old classic Kilmanagh General Store includes some extra photos from the 1890s. Take a look!

New. old picture of other Kilmanagh store..
03/23/2023

New. old picture of other Kilmanagh store..

02/18/2023
We think this was taken in the “Kilmanagh area” most likely North East of town. Anything look familiar?
08/22/2022

We think this was taken in the “Kilmanagh area” most likely North East of town. Anything look familiar?

Party time in Kilmanagh. Art Reihbein turned his car showroom into a tavern when prohibition ended. (Kelly’s Bar)
05/04/2022

Party time in Kilmanagh. Art Reihbein turned his car showroom into a tavern when prohibition ended. (Kelly’s Bar)

04/16/2022
Another new old photo!
01/26/2022

Another new old photo!

Freshen up!
09/09/2021

Freshen up!

From my mother’s album. 1985 graduation party for Rob an Kathy (college)
09/08/2021

From my mother’s album. 1985 graduation party for Rob an Kathy (college)

All the front glass in place!
09/02/2021

All the front glass in place!

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9500 Kilmanagh Road
Sebewaing, MI
48759

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The Kilmanagh Store was built in the 1870s as a general store in the booming village of Kilmanagh. It was built after the fire of 1871, and survived the Great Thumb Fire of 1881. It is distinctive for its Victorian façade and porch. John C. Liken of Sebewaing built the store as a satellite of his vast operations in Sebewaing. He also built stores in Bach, Bay Port and Unionville. He opened the Sebewaing store in 1871. After the 1871 fire, the Shebeon creek was dredged, and a sawmill was floated up to Kilmanagh. The store came shortly after to support the sawmill work force. It is documented as existing in an 1884 history of Huron County. The Kilmanagh Lutheran Church was formed in 1876. Kilmanagh did not burn in 1881. In the 1890s store clerks John Rummel and Albert Woldt took over operations. By the turn of the century Rummel had moved on to Sebewaing, and Woldt became the sole owner. In 1920, Albert’s son Clemens P. (C.P.) returned from college and joined the family business, living in the upper level of the store until 1925. C.P. operated the store until it closed in early 1963. The current owners, Tom (a grandnephew of C.P.) and Brenda Voss purchased C.P.’s house and the store from his estate in 1980. Currently an effort is underway to restore the façade and to stabilize and weatherproof the building.

The porch and front facade has been rebuilt. Current efforts are focused on fixing the store front windows, and roof and chimney work to do. The next major undertaking will be residing the south wall, and rebuilding those windows and doors. That work will start slow with repairing the wall sill plates, and door and window frames.