C. E. Barthell, Former Book Dealer, Dies

C.E. BARTHELL, FORMER BOOK DEALER, DIES

Operated Campus Shops For 44 Years Until Taken Ill In 1942

Charles Edward Barthell, well known to many Michigan alumni and townspeople as the owner of two campus book stores for 44 years, died Saturday in a hospital. He was 84 years old.

Mr. Barthell was born in Troy, N. Y., on June 19, 1864, a son of John D. and Sophia Miller Barthell. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy before moving to Superior, Wis., to enter the real estate and loan business.

There he met his wife, the former Ida Henke of Duluth, who died in 1942.

In 1895 Mr. Barthell moved to Ann Arbor to enter the University Law School. Three years later he established his first book store, which was located on the present site of the Nickels Arcade.

The old law school was at that time housed in Haven Hall on the corner of N. University Ave. and State St.

Moved Store In 1929

From his State St. store, Mr. Barthell moved his business to a new store which he built at 1216 S. University Ave., in November of 1929. He was located there until 1942, when he became ill.

Mr. Barthell specialized in law and medical books in his stores. He became friendly with many students through the years and maintained these friendships even after the students had graduated.

He furnished his store on S. University Ave., in a quaint manner, complete with fireplace shelves full of dusty volumes. In 1942 he entered a hospital and the store was in a state of semi-neglect for three years.

Erwin C. Overbeck bought the store and opened for business in April of 1945.

Mr. Barthell’s former residence was at 1831 Washtenaw Ave.

Funeral arrangements have not been completed. The body is at the Muehlig Chapel.

IMAGE TEXT: DIES AT 84: Charles Edward Barthell, former Ann Arbor bookstore owner well known to many University alumni and townspeople, died Saturday at the age of 84.