18 South Main St.

Historically there was a wooden false front building on this lot at the turn of the century visible in old photos. This building was apparently built about 1880/81. Before that date this site apparently, a part of Lot 6 Block 1, remained vacant. The property was long owned by the owner of Lot 5 (to the east) also, with a house fronting on Buffalo St. (18/20 Buffalo). The wooden building was the site of the first bank in the Village by 1885, the Clarkston Exchange Bank, originator, Esidor Jossman. Reportedly, Jossman began the banking operation in a corner of his general store using milk cans for deposits. In the 9/08/1899 issue of the Pontiac Post noted "E. Jossman has commenced work on his hew bank office." By November the office was finished. (There is conflicting information about this account. Another source said the bank began in the corner of N. B. Smith's store which was on the site of 1 North Main, n. e. corner of Main & East Washington.) A stone building was constructed in 1911 at 15 South Main, across the street, specifically for use as a bank. Apparently Mr. Jossman engaged in a variety of business activities. An item in the 3/27/1902 issue of the Pontiac Post newspaper cites the "fine wool of Jossman & Clark." Other items in Pontiac newspapers seem to indicate that this store was sold to John A. Beardslee/Beardsley in 1902. Beardslee/Beardsley opened a furniture store and arranged "his furniture store so that the upper rooms will be available for his trade." (The Pontiac Post, 2/27/1902.) A 3/27 issue of the same year notes "J. A. Beardsley is building an addition onto the north side of his store as a storehouse for agricultural implements." (This is a bit confusing since tax records do not list Beardslee/Beardsley for this property or any property in 1902 and an item in the real estate transfer column of the 3/09/1905 noted "E. Jossman et. al. to John A. Beardsley" a lot 20' x 80' 3' north of Lot 3 Block 1, $200." That decription is for property north of this site. This researcher believes the Lot 3 is an error and actually means Lot 6.) By 1925 Jossman's store became the site of Hubble-Hopkins Pool Room which burned in 1927 as did the three wooden buildings to the north. The Pool Room began a new life in the "Brick Block", photo right, which was constructed by 1928 on this site. This space later became the original section of the Clarkston Cafe. Robert Parker became the owner in 1943, remodeling it in 1952. A Clarkston News article of the time described the project as consisting of new drapes, paint, & light fixtures. In 19_ the Cafe and the space to the north were combined to form the new Clarkston Cafe. Used brick and barn timbers were applied to the exterior and interior of the building over the original yellow brick. The Cafe expanded again in the 1980s occupying what was originally 14,16, and 18 South Main. Offices occupy the second floor.