THE girard building
The Girard Building was constructed in 1883 by Grand Rapids businessman William Hodgson as two storefronts separated by an east-west common wall. Hodgson, born in Ireland in 1830, was described as a grainer in 1883 and an artist at his death in 1914. Charles Mears rented the stores from 1887-1888 and then purchased the south end of the block. Moses Dominic Girard, who once worked for Mears, bought the building in 1898. Girard had lost his fortune when the produce business he co-owned failed and, to survive, found work at $6 per week loading potatoes at Holton, near Muskegon. Girard walked six miles round-trip to his lodgings at the Muskegon Wierengo Hotel to save money. Hearing of a load of goods he could buy at a discounted price, Girard brought his $100 savings to Grand Rapids. In a good turn of fortune, noted Grand Rapids retailer Henry Herpolsheimer and another businessman, John Snitseier, loaned Girard the money to buy the goods and $5,000 to buy stock from the Grand Rapids Dry Goods store. Back in business in Pentwater in the building that bears his name, Girard retired his debts in three years, describing his philosophy as making small profits on big sales.Girard ran for Village president on the Progressive political party ticket and served as president of the Pentwater Boosters Club. He supported World War I Liberty Loan Drive and offered a 5% discount to shoppers who invested in Liberty bonds. He also extended six months of interest-free credit on purchases to bondholders. Girard was also a staunch supporter of the League of Nations concept. In 1919, the 63-year-old M.D. Girard, a Pentwater Sporting Club charter member, ranked high among the best rifle shots in the nation. According to his 1920 obituary, Girard suffered from influenza and a weakened heart and died after practice at a meeting of the local chapter of the National Gun Club.
In 1930, the Girard Building housed the township library and Michigan Home Telephone Company operators. Doctors, dentists, and church groups had offices there until 1960. In 1963, Richard and Sally Thornton opened the department store Sally Dicks and converted the upstairs into one large apartment. In 1998 owners Mike and Susie Castor restored the common wall creating two separate retail spaces. In 2023, shoppers will find Benny's Surf Shop and Blue Water Outdoors in the Girard Building.
“Experts with Gun,” Grand Rapids Press 1/22/1910. “Former Merchant at Pentwater is Dead,” Grand Rapids Press 6/1/1920. “Pentwater Merchant Shows His Patriotism,” Grand Rapids Press 10/25/1917. “Tells Why Navy Men were Losers,” Grand Rapids Press 9/3/1919. Additional details provided by Dick Warner, Pentwater Historical Society.