Part I - Agriculture, a supplement to the Big Rapids Pioneer Newspaper. Used with permission.



BLACKSMITHS & BOARDING
Blacksmiths and livery stables were as important in the early days of Mecosta County as automobile mechanics are today. George G. Stover's Central Shoeing Shop, J. Van Alstine's Blacksmith Shop and the Davenport Livery Barn in Paris are just three examples of many, many similar shops that graced the county over the years. For instance in 1905 the city directory for Big Rapids lists seven blacksmith shops, two harncess shops, four feed barns and three livery stables. In the Big Rapids listings today all you will findis Cook's Blacksmith, Welding and Sandblasting.

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