John Schwartz Media, LLC

John Schwartz Media, LLC John Schwartz Media, LLC features high quality products and services at affordable family pricing.

Good Ol’ Days - Larry & Marlene BryanThe Community Historical Society would like to honor two longtime members for their...
08/23/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Larry & Marlene Bryan

The Community Historical Society would like to honor two longtime members for their service to the Society, Larry & Marlene Bryan.

We are very lucky to have these two special people in our organization. They have assisted our group in so many ways. They joined the Historical Society in 1996. Marlene serves as a trustee and has contributed to many fundraising events. She was the driving force behind the popular Victorian Teas. Both were instrumental in running our Historic Home Tours and the Cemetery Tour. They contribute every year to our raffle and sponsor a calendar page each year. They have a special place in their heart for preserving the history of our community. Thank you so very much!

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2025 Good Ol’ Days Calendar.

08/22/2026

1969 Three Rivers High School Reserves 10/17/69.

This reel is called “Three Rivers Reserves in 1969.” and was filmed on 10/17/1969.

The Three Rivers Football reels are housed by the St. Joseph County Historical Society of Michigan and were digitized by John Schwartz Media, LLC

Good Ol’ Days - The Post Office -Then and NowLorencie Schellhouse, was the first postmaster of Colon and handled the mai...
08/21/2026

Good Ol’ Days - The Post Office -Then and Now

Lorencie Schellhouse, was the first postmaster of Colon and handled the mail in his home. In 1876, 150 letters a day were coming to Colon. It was evident that the community needed a post office. The first office was on the north side of Main Street and destroyed by the fire of 1886. In the late eighteen hundreds it was located on a site in the Godfrey Block. In 1905 it was located in the west side of the Wonsey Building with Mr Wonsey’s son in law , Fabius Fisk as the Postmaster. In 1927 it was moved into the building west of the Colon Express. Wade Drake, Leon Millard and Arthur Warlick worked here and It stayed at this site until 1960 when the Post Office was moved to its current location at 123 S. Blackstone Ave.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2025 Good Ol’ Days Calendar and it was sponsored by Greg & Deb Bordner.

08/15/2026

Summer 1976 - Camp Wakeshma Reels

Camp Wakeshma sought my assistance in digitizing and restoring its historical photographs and videos. During my work, the St. Joseph County Historical Society recommended Sally Snell McLeod to me. They requested my expertise in assisting her in preserving films her father, Fred A. Snell, captured at Camp Wakeshma during the 1960s and 1970s. These reels serve as a valuable repository of memories, providing insights into the camp’s past and the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings.

One of the perks of being on some of the most beautiful waterfront property in St Joseph County is the ability to learn the fundamentals of boating, sailing, fishing and swimming! Nestled along the waters of Corey Lake in Three Rivers, MI, Camp Wakeshma welcomed campers for the first time in the summer of 1926. Since then, it's built a rich history of tradition, fun, and long-lasting friendships. To this day, Camp Wakeshma welcomes kids ages 8-15 to have a summer to remember! Visit our website for more registration info!
https://campwakeshma.com

The Camp Wakeshma Reels are housed by the St. Joseph County Historical Society of MichiganSt. and were digitized by John Schwartz Media, LLC

Good Ol’ Days - City ElectricWilfred “Bill” Morris Wing was born in Leonidas in 1917. He was a Colon graduate with the c...
08/14/2026

Good Ol’ Days - City Electric

Wilfred “Bill” Morris Wing was born in Leonidas in 1917. He was a Colon graduate with the class of 1935. He attended Tri State University in Indiana earning a degree in Radio Engineering. He married Patience “Pat” Sprowl in 1940 and they had two children, Ron and Rita.

World War II began and Bill was called to serve in the Army Air Division. He was stationed in Alaska from 1945 – 46 and did radio repair service for the military. After the war Bill came home to Colon and on March 20, 1947 he bought a wiring and plumbing business from Howard Affeld. At that time the business, called City Electric, was housed in a building just west of the Hill Bank/ Opera House building. The store sold wiring, electrical equipment, refrigerators, appliances and sold the very first televisions in Colon as well as the tower antennas used to receive the television signals. Bill and Bob Brown built the first television using a heath kit. They sold General Electric and Philco products. His motto was “We sell the best and service the rest”.

The Hill Bank began a major renovation to their building and City Electric moved across the street into the Templin Paint Store, an addition built onto the west side of the Brast Drug Store. Bill sold City Electric sometime in the 1970’s. The store then became incorporated into the building to the east becoming the Hardware Store.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Calendar and it was sponsored by John Sprowl.

Good Ol’ Days - Brad HartmanWe would like to recognize Robert Bradley Hartman for his support and contributions to the C...
08/13/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Brad Hartman

We would like to recognize Robert Bradley Hartman for his support and contributions to the Colon Historical Society and the Village of Colon. Brad was born and raised in Colon and graduated with the Class of 1974. He married Gail Downs in 1974 and joined the Army. After basic training he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. He was there until 1977 and the Army gave him his training as an electrician.

When they returned home to Colon, Brad continued his apprenticeships and earned his builders and electricians licenses in 1979. That year he also started his own business as a General Contractor and Electrician. Gail worked with Brad in these early years. They had two children, David and Alan. David also enjoyed this work and began helping his dad while still in school and is still working with him today.

Brad and Gail, both life members of the Historical Society have been great supporters of the museums. When the House building was added, Brad and Gail created, stained and installed all the woodwork and trim. When the Express addition was added Brad and David did all of the work on the lights, fans and electrical outlets. They built and installed shelves to store research books. When we had issues with our sewer system in the house building, causing us to close our only public bathroom, Brad & David came in and located the problem, rerouted the septic and made our bathroom usable again. They did this on one of the hottest days of summer and in time for us to be open for magic week. Brad is currently helping us with the creation of our history room at the library. His skill and insight are invaluable to the Historical Society and we value his willingness to always help out. Thank you so much Brad!

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2022 Good Ol’ Days Calendar.

08/09/2026

1978 Colon Community School District Vs Constantine High School.

Years ago, some reel to reel films were found at Colon Community School District that turned out to be old football games. Even though the quality isn’t perfect, I’m going to do my best to digitize and share them with you.

This is a restored 8mm reel to reel film of Colon playing Constantine in 1978. Final score: Colon 6, Constantine 35. The reels are housed by Colon Community Historical Society and professionally digitized by John Schwartz Media, LLC

Good Ol’ Days - Skippy LaMoreEarl “Skippy” LaMore was born in Ohio in 1893. He started working Vaudeville shows as a you...
08/07/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Skippy LaMore

Earl “Skippy” LaMore was born in Ohio in 1893. He started working Vaudeville shows as a young man and while there, met his wife Jean Rossele. Together they spent 12 years touring all over the United States and Canada. In 1929 Skippy and Jean were traveling through Colon on a train when they saw the beautiful lakes and decided to stop for a day. They decided to make Colon their home. In 1930 the LaMores opened their own tent show that toured Indiana, Ohio & Michigan. It was one of the largest dramatic tent shows featuring, magic, tap dancing, band concerts, slap stick and melodrama. They were extremely popular and people would travel for miles to see his shows. His big tent was eventually sold to Abbotts Magic until it was destroyed by a fire. The Lamores are both buried in Lakeside Cemetery. Skippy died in 1942 and Jean in 1962.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Calendar and was sponsored by Joe & Karen Ganger.

Good Ol’ Days - Fred & Carolyn MerrillFred “Freddie” R. Merrill, AKA Mose A. Rajotte, was born in 1888 in New Hampshire....
08/05/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Fred & Carolyn Merrill

Fred “Freddie” R. Merrill, AKA Mose A. Rajotte, was born in 1888 in New Hampshire. He loved vaudeville and learned how to juggle. He served in WWI in the US Army and married Carolyn Hensel in 1925 in Kentucky. Fred and his wife Carolyn lived in Detroit for several years and had a daughter Merrillyn in 1930. Fred was employed as an advanced publicity man for the Harry Blackstone Sr. show. Fred was an expert juggler and magician in the vaudeville days.

The Merrills moved to Colon in 1935 and Fred went to work for the Abbott Magic Company for thirty two years (1935 – 1967) in the paint shop, spray painting the many props used by magicians. He was a perfectionist and was known to throw a product out into the street if he was unsatisfied with the quality of the paint finish. Caroline also worked for Abbott’s for more than twenty three years creating and fabricating the magical feather flower bouquets.

They lived on Edwin Avenue in the house now owned by Brown’s Antique Clock Repair. He was the first Legion Post Commander in Colon from 1947 – 48. Fred Merrill was the juggling instructor for Hugh Frisbie who went on to become a professional juggler and play the role of “Ronald McDonald”. Their only daughter moved to California employed with the Blackstone Troup. She died there leaving no children. Fred died in his home in Colon in 1976 at the age of eighty seven and Carolyn died at the age of ninety in 1991.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2023 Good Ol’ Days Calendar and was sponsored by Joe & Karen Ganger.

Good Ol’ Days - Recil & Greg BordnerThe story of the Bordner family in Colon began in 1934 when Ohio born Recil Bordner ...
08/02/2026

Good Ol’ Days - Recil & Greg Bordner

The story of the Bordner family in Colon began in 1934 when Ohio born Recil Bordner bought half interest in the Abbott Magic Company. Percy Abbott was his partner until he retired in 1959 when Recil took full control of the company, Together they also created the yearly Magic Get Together.

Recil and his wife Donna raised two sons, Marty and Greg. Donna was a teacher at Colon Elementary. Each year during Magic week the whole family would pitch in to make the week a success. Not only was this important to their business, the event created many financial opportunities for the whole village. Local businesses, service organizations, churches and even private citizens made money when the town tripled in size for one week a year.

Recil’s son Greg graduated from Michigan State in 1974, came home and started working full time at Abbotts. He married Deb and they have raised two children, Drew and Candace here in Colon. Recil died in 1981 and Greg took over full control of Abbotts and the Get Together. They have also been active in the Methodist Church, Lions Club, School System, Chamber of Commerce, Rescue Squad and many more. Greg only missed one Get Together in 2008 when he was in Rush Hospital waiting for a heart transplant which he received on September 30th of that year. As always, the Get Together involves the whole family as well as contributing to the whole community. This year is Greg’s fiftieth year of running Abbotts and the Get Together. The Bordners brought magic to Colon but also community support and involvement.

For the last seven years, John Schwartz Media, LLC has been a valued partner with the Colon Community Historical Society helping to put together a fundraising calendar for the museum. Every month features restored historic photographs by John Schwartz Media, LLC, along with fascinating history research and writing from the Colon Community Historical Society members. This page is from the 2024 Good Ol’ Days Calendar and was sponsored by Larry & Cheryl Engle.

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60753 Bert Road
Colon, MI
49040

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