DescriptionBrick hardware store building at 439 Butler Street (The Butler Panty in 2021) and the John Koning residence at 447 Butler Street (The Inn of Saugatuck, 2021) Butler Street is unpaved. A man stands between the hardware store and a newly planted tree, next to lawn moving and laundry equipment for sale at the store. More information about buildings can be found in "Raising the Roof" by James Schmiechen Negative for this image at 2021.81.07 envelope letter I The following passage from "Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan: 1830-1930" by May Francis Heath suggests the photo may be from around 1894. JOHN KONING For fifty-two years to follow one business at the same stand is the record of John Koning who was born in Holland in 1858 and at the age of seventeen came to Saugatuck, entering an apprenticeship with John Nies; pioneer hardware merchant. He became such a trusted and faithful employee that in 1887, Mr. Nies took him as a partner and in 1894, when Mr. Nies moved to Holland, Mr. Koning acquired the remaining interest in the business which he continued suc­cessfully and with increasing business when in 1920 he was succeeded by his sons and he retired with a competence at the early age of 63. He suffered from heart trouble for four years, living quietly and trying to stretch out his life's span of vears but he succumbed in 1927. John Koning was married to Miss Mary Van Zoeren of Vriesland in 1881 and to that union six children were born, four of whom, James, Ira, Cornelia and Cecelia share in the grief caused by the loss of an exemplary husband and kind and devoted father. Almost from the time of the opening of the Fruit Growers State Bank, Mr. Koning was on the board of directors, serving to the time of his demise. He held many offices in which he showed the greatest wisdom and fidelity; twenty years as member of school board, and long terms on the village council. He and his family were members of the Congregational church; how he loved that little church and worked for its advancement only those who knew him best, can tell.