John Steck was very active in the military throughout his life in three wars. He was in command of Owosso Company M in World War I in France, 1918. He supervised the training of the 32nd. Division prior to World War II and retired as a Brigadier General.
He purchased the T.O. Christian Jewelry Store on New Years Day, 1910, located at 118 N. Washington St. Owosso. He was active in the business until his death in 1961.
The building which housed Steck's Jewelry Store was built in 1863 by George W. (Pard) Loring.
"Pard" Loring, Civil war pension attorney, is shown looking out the second story window in about 1890.
T.O. Christian's Jewelry Store was located on the north half of this building and the south half was occupied by a stationary shop. When Steck moved in the building in 1910, the stationer left.
The pocket watch/optical trade sign shown on the left was used from the 1880's until the 1920's.
Shiawassee County Michigan History