Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

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PIION IEER HISTORY OF' INGIHAM COUNTY

ROBSONS "CLEAN UP."
The North won the war, however, and the Robsons, who had
bought the Meade store and business at a low figure, made a financial cleaning. Meade remained in the city, however, and later engaged in other business and bought local real estate extensively.
The old Meade store derived a lucrative business from transients who arrived on the stage from Detroit. Dr. Turner says
the country around Lansing began to settle rapidly following the
establishment of the capital here. Business grew and the town
prospered. The Robsons continued the business in the old store
until the seventies when they moved "down town."
Since the Robson tenancy the old building has witnessed many
new owners and tenants. The relic is now owned by J. G. Reutter,
former mayor, who plans in time to raze it and erect a new brick
block on the site. When this plan materializes the ancient of
ancients in local business history will have vanished with its first
owners and builders.-From the State Journal, Lansing, 1921.
CITY'S FIRST HOTEL, WHERE SOLONS MET IN OLDEN
DAYS, STILL STANDING.
Franklin Terrace Has Important Niche in Lansing's Pioneer
History.
Who was Lansing's first landlord and when and where was the
city's first hotel built?
It is probable that few traveling salesmen, and there are 500 of
them making their headquarters in this city ever give the question a thought as they roll up to local hotels in metered taxis and
kick if they can't get room and bath. If the bell is out of order
or the boy is slow of foot, there is another chance to kick, and if
the telephone doesn't work or the electric lighting system is on
the blink, still another chance to protest is offered.
Dr. Frank N. Turner, Lansing's own historian, has located not
only the spot and the first hotel, but can also give a list of landlords
together with their various regimes. And Lansing's first hotel is
still standing, although now so camouflaged that none of those
pioneer landlords would recognize it.