ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI – A fire early Wednesday, Nov. 5, has caused significant damage at The Merson Store, a local landmark where farmers shared free coffee outside every morning and kids stopped for candy.

“It was definitely an icon,” Jodi Byers told MLive.

The fire was reported around 6 a.m. at the store on South M-40 near 102 nd Avenue, an intersection known as Merson Corners. Heavy smoke blocked visibility for motorists.

The highway was shut down shortly after Allegan and Gobles firefighters reached the scene but re-opened around 11 a.m.

Byers said the store is a special place for many residents in the rural area. They could stop for lunch, or grab a gallon of milk. Her son, Zach Byers, had to get hot dogs and sausages whenever he returned home on leave during his 12 years in the U.

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