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M. W. Gee's store (pronounced with a hard "g," as in McGee), on the northwest corner of M-59 and Duck Lake Road, actually predated the highway's construction. Built in 1924 by _____ Bouchaert, it was acquired in 1932 by Harry Ellsworth, who then sold it to Gee in 1936. The store sold gas to motorists and groceries to residents of the summer cottages on White and Duck Lakes. Constructed from textured concrete block, and with impressive cement roof ornamentation, it was commonly known as the "cement block store" or "block store." Children especially enjoyed a small "zoo" with several wild animals, located behind the building. The cement block store survived, albeit much changed, into the late 1980's when it served as a party store. The site is now part of the Walgreen's shopping complex. Below are two different versions of the same photograph of the building, taken looking north-northeast from M-59. The first reveals more details of the store, including a large Mail Pouch Tobacco thermometer on a porch pillar. The lower view shows more of the surrounding area.
