In the heart of Cass City, Michigan, a striking brick building once stood as both a social hub and a symbol of ambition. Captured in this 1914 postcard of the New Sheridan Hotel, a proud landmark of industrial progress. This Victorian-era structure was a common project in successful smaller towns across America, and it was a point of pride for the residents of Cass City.

Built in 1895 by Michael Sheridan, the hotel was no ordinary roadside inn. This three-story structure, crafted from iron, brick, and glass, was crowned with a dramatic architectural feature locals called a “witches’ cap.” At the time, it was affectionately dubbed a “skyscraper”—an audacious term for a rural village, but one that reflected the booming optimism of the late 19th century.

The New Sheridan wasn’t just a place to stay. It was a gathering spot for travelers, traders, and Cass City residents, offering lodging, meals, and a front-row seat to the town’s bustling Main Street. Owned and operated in later years by J.D. Brooker, the hotel evolved into a full-service establishment as Cass City grew through Michigan’s lumber and agricultural boom.

Today, the witch’s hat that once graced the top of the building is gone, but its legacy remains embedded in the community’s collective memory. This postcard is a rare glimpse into an era when a three-story brick hotel could redefine a small town’s skyline—and spirit.