The City Meat Market was opened in 1899. It stood on Oak Street next to the Barnes Hotel. In the above photo, posters can be seen in the windows advertising coming attractions at the opera house.
Julius Larson was born in Vastergotland, Sweden on June 20, 1868. He immigrated to the United States in 1888 and arrived in Manistique on April 3, 1888 at age 19. He was employed with Frank N. Cookson’s crew, working in the woods. In 1893 he traveled back to his native Sweden for a visit. Returning to Manistique in 1894, he continued his employment with Frank Cookson in the woods.
Larson left Cookson’s employment in 1899 and opened the City Meat Market in partnership with Albert Gustafson. The first customers at the store were Margaret Curley, Mrs. A. S. Putnam and Mrs. Virgil Hixson. Paddy Hunt was hired as the first delivery boy.
Larson became sole owner of the meat market in 1903 and remained so through 1918. Then he partnered with Alex Victorson and added groceries to the stock. The name of the store was changed at that time to the “City Food Market.” The two men remained in partnership for over two decades before selling the business to William Sellman on July 15, 1940.
Julius Larson married his wife Freda on October 1, 1903. The couple had three children, two daughters and a son. Larson passed away on August 31, 1942 at age 79.