Lehman Funeral Home In Portland Michigan

Hey There, Ever Wondered About Portland, Michigan's Oldest Business?

So, you're strolling down the charming streets of Portland, Michigan, and you spot a grand old building with the words "Lehman Funeral Home" etched on it. You might think, "Wow, that's been around forever!" And you'd be right. This place is no spring chicken, folks. It's been serving the community since 1872, making it Portland's oldest business. Let's dive in, shall we?

Back in the Day

Imagine this: It's the late 1800s, and Portland is a bustling little town. Along comes Henry Lehman, a German immigrant with a vision. He sets up shop, offering services that were, well, a bit more final than your average local business. But hey, someone's gotta do it, right?

Henry's son, Charles, took over in 1907. He was quite the entrepreneur, too. Not only did he run the funeral home, but he also owned a furniture store and a hotel. Talk about diversifying your portfolio!

Through the Years

Fast forward to the 1950s, and we've got Harold Lehman at the helm. He was a real innovator, bringing the first air-conditioned funeral home to Portland. Now that's what I call a breath of fresh air!

In the 1980s, the reins were passed to Bruce Lehman, Henry's great-grandson. He's still running the show today, making it a six-generation family business. Can you believe it? That's like having a family recipe that's been passed down for over a century!

Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home Portland, Michigan

More Than Just a Funeral Home

You might think a funeral home is all about, well, funerals. But the Lehman Funeral Home is so much more. It's a community hub, a place where people gather to remember, to heal, and sometimes, even to celebrate.

They've got this beautiful chapel that's seen its fair share of services, but it's also hosted weddings, concerts, and even art exhibits. It's like the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Or in this case, when life gives you a funeral home, make a community gathering spot!

Lehman Funeral Homes | Portland MI funeral home and cremation

Preserving History

This place is steeped in history, and the Lehmans know it. That's why they've worked hard to preserve the original architecture and charm. The grand Victorian-style building is a Portland landmark, and it's even on the National Register of Historic Places. Pretty cool, huh?

So next time you're in Portland, take a moment to appreciate this historic gem. It's more than just a funeral home; it's a piece of Portland's past, a testament to the Lehmans' commitment, and a symbol of the community's resilience.

And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll have a story to tell about the time you visited Portland's oldest business. Until then, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep being curious!