Colon, Michigan
While I am putting together the features for Colon, here are a few historic photos courtesy of Rick Fisher and his Historic Colon website.
In 1821, Chief Topipahee of the Potawatomi Tribe sold the white people a great area of land of which St. Joseph County was a part. The terms of sale were $5,000 each for twenty years and $1,000 a year to pay for a blacksmith and a teacher. The Ottawa Indians, who were friends and allies of the Potawatomi, were to receive $1,000 a year forever and $1,500 a year to pay a blacksmith, teacher and a farmer.
Today Colon is a warm and friendly place where visitors are made to feel welcome. There is a genuine sense of community that can be seen in the way the historic buildings are preserved and the legends of the past are kept alive even while the town keeps pace with a modern world.
In 1925, Magician Harry Blackstone moved to Colon. He
and his brother Pete Bouton along with the stage crew
would refurbish their illusion show during the summer
months in preparation for their annual fall and winter
tour throughout the United States. In 1927, Australian
magician/ventriloquist Percy Abbott was invited to Colon
by Blackstone. The two hit upon the idea of opening a
magic manufacturing company - Blackstone Magic Company.
However, it was short lived and the partnership lasted
only 18 months.
