Grand Haven, Mich. December 1892
December.
Silently the month advances. There is nothing to destroy, but much to bury. Bury then, thou snow that slumberously fallest through the still air, the hedge rows of leaves! Muffle thy cold wool about the feet of the shivering trees. Bury all that the year, hath known, and let thy brilliant stars, that never shine as they do in thy frostiest nights, behold the work. But know, O month of destruction, that in thy constellation is set that star, whose rising is the sign, forevermore, that there is life in death! Thou art the month of resurrection, in thee, the Christ came. Every star, that looks down upon thy labor and toil of burial, knows that all things shall come forth again. Storms shall sob themselves to sleep. Silence shall find a voice. Death shall live, Life shall rejoice. Winter shall break forth and blossom into Spring, Spring shall put on her glorious apparel and be called summer. It is life! It is life! Through the whole year!
H. W. BEECHER.
John Kooiman and Lou Lehman are out after quail today.
The C. & W. M. Ry., is doing three times as large a passenger business this year as last.
Grand Haven has the proud distinction of having the only glass factory in Michigan.
G. A. Bottje and John Juistema are hunting for that last fall’s rabbit today. In lieu of finding it they vowed to bring home some bear meat at least.
John Macfie’s Terrible Misfortune.
A telegram was received here last evening stating that Mr. John Macfie had met with an accident at his mill in Mecosta county near big Rapids. Mr. Macfie was about the mill when in some way he got his left hand in a saw, taking off all the fingers. He was taken to big Rapids, where he received surgical treatment. His son R.G. Macfie of Grand Rapids, was telegraphed to and immediately left for Big Rapids and accompanied his father to his city, arriving here at 1:20 this afternoon. Mr. Macfie was immediately driven to his home.
The accident was a peculiarly unfortunate one, as the fingers of his right hand were taken off some years ago in a shooting accident. He is now left without a finger, but two thumbs.
Mr. Macfie is known and respected by nearly every man in this city who sympathize with him in this affliction.
Later: Mr. R. Graham Macfie was seen late this afternoon. He stated that his father did not suffer the terrible accident at his own mill in Remus, Mecosta Co., but at Chippewa Lake where he was experimenting with a new machine. The fingers were caught but not entirely cut off at first, hanging by the flesh. Mr. Macfie bore up bravely. His hand was bandaged to his breast and he had to undergo a ride of six miles to a surgeon before they were amputated.
New Well Tested.
The new city well was given its first strong test today. The large pump was got to working and four streams of water were applied in different parts of the city. One at the Kit factory, one in the 4th ward and the other two streams in the down town section. After pumping 45 minutes with from 80 to 92 pounds of pressure the well was lowered 5 feet leaving 8½ feet left.
The city aldermen and many others were at the pump house to inspect its working.
A postal card upon which is written a demand for payment of a debt with threat to sue, or place in the hands of a lawyer for suit, has been decided by the courts to be non-mailable under postal laws, and anyone mailing such a postal card renders himself liable to criminal prosecution. Demands for pay, threats to sue, etc., must be closed in a sealed envelope.
W. F. Kelley, ex-county register of deeds, but now of Grand Rapids, has disposed of his interest in the glass factory.
The steamer Ann Arbor No. 1 is still hard aground in the same position that she went on. Her bow is twenty-eight inches out and her stern lies in 14 feet of water. The heavy sea which was running Tuesday night has gone down and the stranded steamer is lying easy, having sustained no injury, as far as can be ascertained. Six tugs and the steamer Thomas Smith are at the scene, but only two have been pulling on the Ann Arbor, as she has no place to make lines fast. A hole is being cut out in her stern, and a line will be passed through the entire length of her hull and made fast. It is thought that when all the tugs can get a hold of her she will be pulled off.
Muskegon wants a new Board of Trade. The town is booming in the wrong way.
It is stated on good authority that 700 houses are vacant in Muskegon. The factories that were built during the boom are closing down.
Henry Grevengoed went to Holland today to deliver an organ. Mr. Grevengoed has a large trade all over the county.
A car load of furniture was shipped today from the Grand Haven Furniture Factory to a firm in Philadelphia. Furniture made by the Grand Haven Furniture Company has taken well and firms that once ordered become regular customers.
Geo. West, a young colored man who lived near Spring Lake, disappeared about 10 years ago. Nothing had been heard of him until the other day he wrote a letter to friends stating that he was cooking for President elect Cleveland’s hunting party in Virginia. He also wrote that the president elect had promised to make him minister to Liberia.
A large number of stock holders of the Grand Haven Furniture factory met at the City Hall last evening. By an almost unanimous vote they instructed the trustees to take charge of the plant and do as they thought advisable in selling the plant to some party or corporation which would operate in this city. Before adjourning the stockholders unanimously expressed the wish that it would be running inside a year.
The parties that stole the underclothes from a line in Mr. C. Christmas’s yard are entirely welcome to them. Only they are requested not to call again.
Vyn Bros. are still hauling the large cases of glass to the glass factory. Yesterday one of the cases was found broken as if by hammer. The glass in it, valued at $800 had been demolished, in some unknown manner.
Almost a Murder.
Norman Sweeney’s latest escapade occurred this morning in a vicious assault made upon a fellow prisoner.
Yesterday a stockily built German visited several business places about town. He purported to be a book binder and was trying to sell his method of binding. After obtaining a few pennies he wound up in the saloons and getting hilariously drunk. In this state he went out on the street and was soon picked up by Marshal Klaver. On the way to the lockup he attracted the attention of every body on the street by yelling at his loudest pitch.
It might be stated here that the fellows name is Herman Meyer. He has been in jail here several times before and had formed an acquaintance with Norman Sweeney the horse thief. As soon as he was safely locked in the cell last night he began yelling at Sweeney calling him “a miserable stock of house thief” and similar remarks. Sweeney called back at the fellow from his cell to shut up. This Meyer did not obey but called Sweeney all the more names.
This morning Meyer was let out of his cell to go to the corridor to wash himself, Sweeney was also let out. He had evidently been waiting for this very opportunity for when he reached Meyer at the wash basin he grabbed a pail and with all his might struck him on the temple, felling him instantly. Dr. Walkey was immediately summoned and dressed and bandaged the wound. An artery had been severed and Meyer lost considerable blood but was thankful to have saved his life.
After his wound had been attended to he was taken before Justice Angel and sentenced to 20 days in jail.
Sweeney is one of the most vicious prisoners that ever occupied a cell in Ottawa county jail. Many people think that he will commit murder before leaving and this assault will not dispel their fears.
Y. M. C. W. Rooms.
A visit to the rooms of the Y. M. B. C. W. now would indeed please the most fastidious. The young men forming that organization have fitted their rooms up in a quiet, homelike, but at the same time handsome style. There are four rooms. The largest one in the rear of the building will be known as the auditorium. Here the government class meets and the Sunday services are held. This room has a seating capacity of 200. The walls are decorated with a pleasant light paper. The floors are all carpeted.
The room overlooking Washington St. will be known as the parlor. Here the young men congregate every evening to read. This is a very pleasant room reminding him of his parlor at home.
Adjoining the parlor is the correspondence room where is a table and writing material.
The rooms are all well lighted and heated. Mr. John Moll, one of the members, has been detailed to care for them.
The Young Men’s Band of Christian workers now have a membership of 46. they have been organized but a short time but are growing steadily. Next week a formal opening of their rooms will take place to which all the contributors to their success will be invited.
The combined efforts of powerful steamers and tugs, together with a judicious application of the best modern wrecking appliance, were effective in securing the release of the big ferry steamer Ann Arbor from the beach near Ahnapee. After lightening 100 tons of coal and about 400 barrels of apples. The tugs Sea Gull, Favorite, Welcome, Charnley, Goldsmith and George Nelson and steamer Thomas H. Smith pulled the ferry boat into deep water at 1 o’clock yesterday afternoon. She is but slightly damaged and will go to Kewaunee and probably resume her regular trip across the lake. The Sturgeon Bay life-saving crew rendered valuable assistance to the wreckers.
Our New Railroad.
At Grand Rapids yesterday, Jerry Boynton gave the inside details of his railroad scheme. He said: “The road will be below grade road, running from Grand Rapids, Jenison, and thence to Georgetown, to Blendon, through rich low lands of Ottawa county to Grand Haven. This route is so level that the grade of the road, already almost completed, is no place steeper than twelve feet to the mile. The new road is designed principally for a heavy freight road, the low grade making it possible to move trains of twice the size in vogue on other roads. Arrangements have been made for terminal facilities here in the Union depot. At Grand Haven, the company has one and a half miles of dockage and a large tract of land on which train sheds, to store 10,000 cars, will be built.
From Grand Haven, trains will be transferred across the lake in two large boats now being built in Cleveland, each of which will carry thirty-two coaches and will run all the year around. This project will make a highway east and west through Grand Rapids from the West to the seaboard. Northwestern roads like the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, are enthusiastic for the road, as it will be an outlet for western freight nearly all of which now goes through Chicago. It is estimated that at the present time 50,000 cars are blockaded in Chicago, on side tracks.
At busy season of the year freight is often tied up there for weeks. The new road will relieve this blockade and will carry cars direct across the lake to Grand Rapids where the five trunk lines will take them east, making Grand Rapids a gateway to the northwest trade. Dockage has already been acquired in Milwaukee. The boats will be similar to those now used at Frankfort by the Toledo and Ann Arbor, but larger and more powerful. Western roads appreciate that the new line will be a boon to them in the busy season, to move the western flour and wheat and are lending the promoters every assistance. The road will make Grand Haven an important intermediate point and do more for that town than anything in years.
The new city pump is not connected with the river at all.
The old suction pipe leading from the city well is being taken up.
A night watchman is now stationed at the Central school building. M. Reenders has the position.
Geo. Fisher was sentenced to 20 days in jail for drunkenness by Justice Angel yesterday morning.
A “boom” in Sunday school attendance may be expected soon—Christmas less than a month away.
The Egyptian mummy which decorated VandenBosch and Co.’s window last week is now displayed at Stern & Co.’s, Allegan.
Louis Bottje’s Bad Luck.
Louis Heiftje of this city lost $70 in a rather peculiar way at the home of his parents in Zeeland last week. Mr. Heiftje went to Zeeland for a few days hunt. A celebration was held in the town while he was there. Wishing to go hunting, Mr. Heiftje handed $70, the season’s earnings which he had with him, to his brother for safe keeping. His brother placed the wad of money in a stove in a room that was not often heated.
His mother did not know of this and when the parade passed the house built a fire in the stove so that the room would be sufficiently warm for the smaller children to remain and look out the windows.
Of course when Louis’ brother went to look for the money some hours afterward it had been reduced to a crisp. Upon Mr. Heiftje’s return to this city next day he took the remainder of the bills to the National Bank or this city to see if some of the amount could be redeemed. The figures were discernable still on some of the bills. They were sent to Washington to be examined as to their worth. The loss is a severe one to Mr. Heiftje as it comprises all he has saved this summer. He does not expect over $10 of it redeemed.
An Old Man Injured.
An old farmer named Parker met with what at first seemed a serious accident yesterday afternoon. He had brought a load of hay to Ruett Weirenger’s barn. Mr. Wierenger showed him the steps leading to the barn loft and went to the house to eat his dinner. The old gentleman either did not understand Mr. Wierenger or else he made a mis-step. At any rate while reaching for one of the rounds of the ladder leading to the loft he fell back into a stall occupied by Mr. Wierenger’s horse. The horse was probably frightened, for when the old gentleman arose to his feet the horse squeezed him up against the side of the stall.
Mr. Wierenger was called and went to the old man’s assistance. Dr. Reynolds was summoned and attended to his injuries. No ribs were broken, but the breath was taken out of him, and he was very week. The old man’s home is in Dennison, where he was sent by train being unable to accompany his team.
E. G. Crosby & Co., of Muskegon, have the contract for extending the piers at Muskegon.
The steamer Wisconsin leaves for Milwaukee today on her first trip of the winter run.
Capt. Lysaght has not as yet received official notice as to the closing of the life saving station. It has been the custom in former years to close Grand Haven, Ludington, Milwaukee and Chicago on December 10th. The other stations close earlier.
The launching of the whaleback passenger steamer Christopher Columbus will occur today at West Superior. A special train will convey the guests of the Henry syndicate and the whaleback company from Chicago to witness the launch. The Columbus will be the largest and handsomest lake craft ever launched, and when completed next May will run between the lake front and Jackson Park conveying world’s fair passengers.
Verhoeks Bros. got in a large drove of cattle Saturday.
C. Nietering it seems, is still hunting for a wife, but thus far has been rejected.
The latest glass men who arrived purchased overcoats as soon as they got here; finding the climate somewhat different than at Louisville.
Four skilled laborers have arrived from Louisville to be employed in the glass factory. All are skilled glass workers and have been employed for many years at the Louisville plant.
Ed. Moran and Jim Ryan got on a drunk and were brought before Justice Pagelson this morning. They claimed to be sailors. Fifteen days of jail apiece was the sentence of the judge.
It is stated on good authority that Grand Haven is to be made the headquarters of the Vandalia Line. In fact they will run a winter line between here and Milwaukee. St. Joseph, their present headquarters, is a dismal failure as a winter harbor. The Vandalia Line of steamers is one of the most prominent on the lakes. Making this port their headquarters will be a great boon to the city.
A well known young Grand Haven man caused quite a sensation in Detroit the other day. The young man is married but that did not hinder him from falling in love with a factory girl. Of course he did not tell the young lady that he was already married and after some time she set a wedding day. Her home was all fitted up for the occasion but the most important factor—the young man—did not appear. The young man writes home that things looked serious for a breach of promise suit for a time, but the heat is subsiding somewhat now.
The new search light to be used to illuminate the Columbia Exhibition grounds is the largest and strongest in the world. The direct power of the light is 150,000 candles. By the aid of the great magnifying glass the power is increased to 160,000,000 candles.
That Chicago horse thief Sweeney, confined in the Grand Haven jail, is a humorist. He nearly killed a prisoner yesterday, who annoyed him during the night by howling and yelling like a lost soul wandering through hades. G. R. Herald.
The Goodrich dock was built in 1874 and is still in good condition.
Already over a dozen boats are here in quarters for the winter.
The tugs that worked on the wrecked Ann Arbor got $200 per hour.
Today noon every life saving station on Lake Michigan except Milwaukee, Chicago, Ludington and Grand Haven will be closed.
The principal boat engaged in pulling the big car-ferry Ann Arbor off the Ahnapee reef and taking her to Kewaunee was the wrecking tug Favorite, formerly on the Muskegon and Milwaukee line.
The irresistible tendency towards Americanization has finally forced the Third Ref. church of this city to conduct a part of its regular Sunday service in the English language. Beginning with next Sunday there will be a regular evening service, in English, conducted alternately by the pastor and some other divine.—Holland News.
The glass factory is now working quite a force of men.
John Baker parted with his well known old horse Blaine yesterday.
Cardinal Gibbons says that the World’s Fair should not be closed on Sundays.
P. J. Bario the bicyclist, has a machine weighing only 11¾ pounds.
Two local d. d.’s were before Justice Angel this morning and let off with a fine.
A dense fog wrapped the city this morning. At 7 o’clock the Central School Building could not be seen from a block away.
Hon. C. C. Comstock does not believe in deepening Grand River but thinks a ship canal from Lamont would be more feasible.
The firemen at their annual election last evening elected the following officers: Foreman of hose company, John Fisher; Assistant, John Van Dongen; Foreman of hook and ladders, John Loch; Assistant, C. Vander Noot. The resigning of John Bottje from the department was accepted. Dick Barlow will probably take his place.
Today is known as Santa Claus day in the Netherlands and the little children relatives of many of our best citizens whose ancestry is Dutch, are having a gala time. Santa Claus day is to the Hollanders what Christmas is to the Americans and the English speaking race. Indeed most of our Christmas customs come from the Dutch and their way of recognizing Santa Claus day.
Common Council.
Common council met in special session yesterday afternoon to consider what should be done in regards to the water works cases which will come up in this term of the Supreme Court. The complainant in the case is the Boston Safe Deposit Co. Suit was commenced by them against the city in 1887 in the U.S. district court for the purpose of enjoining the city from extending its own mains. The verdict of that court not being satisfactory to the complainant the case was appealed to the Supreme Court where it will be brought this term.
It is necessary for one of the interested parties to cause to have printed a record of the case before it can be tried. The clerk of the U. S. Supreme Court has written that the complainants have not done so and yesterday’s special session of the council was for that purpose. After some deliberation it was decided to have the record printed and the case brought to a test. The expense of the same will amount to about $700/
Council then adjourned without other business.
UNO OBSERVES.
That the city is under control of a ring.
That the ring that made Mr. Wachs city printer without asking for bids, is now swapping him off for a genuine Sucker.
CHIEF KOELTZ.
.
That Ald. Koeltz, chairman of the printing committee of the common council, has given the printing of the record and brief in the water works case to a printer without asking for bids, and ignoring the rights of Mr. Wachs as city printer and giving it to one that is under his “influence.”
That the citizens do not approve of the injustice to the other printers of the city.
EDITOR WACHS.
As Uno observed him after he found that he had been sidetracked to make way for the Sucker.
UNO.
The U. S. tug General Hancock is in port and will be quartered here during the winter.
Truman & Cooper, who have the contract of extending Grand Haven piers will extend the north pier 250 feet and the south pier 200 feet.
If a countryman stood on the south channel bridge today he would open his eyes very wide. North and South of him is a fleet of vessels in for winter quarters whose spars and stacks make the river front assume the air of a typical marine city.
IN WINTER QUARTERS.
Grand Haven is the winter quarters for a big fleet this year. thus far the fleet is composed as follows: Steamers Mary H. Boyce, Bon Voyage, Minnie M. Faxton, West, A. B. Taylor, Joseph C. Suit, Alice M. Gill.
Schooners David, Macy, Lena Behm, Maggie, M. Avery, Willie Loutitt, Robert Howlett, Condor, Johnston.
Sailing barge McGregor, U.S. tug General Hancock, U.S. scows Farquahar and Hampton.
Besides these the fleet of tugs and small steamers composed of the Nellie, Sprite, Callister, Deer, Elk, Auger, Miller, Meister, Anna, Stickney, Edwards, and the big wrecking tugs Wright and Merrick, will give the port a general marine appearance.
Columbus street from 4th to 3rd is now being graveled.
John Juistema and Peter Kooiman are “coon” hunting today.
D. A. Blodgett's big mill in Muskegon has shut down for good.
Died, this morning at the home of his son on Jackson street, between 6th and 7th, Garret Boyton age 82 years. Funeral Friday afternoon at two o’clock from the residence.
It is said that a certain citizen is asking help and putting the money he receives to other uses than that which he states it is for. Watch out for him.
A resident of Columbus St. wishes to say that some of the sidewalks on that street from 7th, west, are in wretched condition. In fact in front of some houses there is no sidewalk at all. Now that the street is nicely graveled it would much improve the looks of it by building sidewalks.
It is reported that Mr. Levi Wickham will soon appear on the road with a minstrel troupe. For several days past he has been fixing up an old banjo and the sweet music of “Way Down the Swanee River” can be heard pouring forth from his tonsorial parlors.
Dan Swartz has been in Chicago for the past few days on business connected with his fish market. Mr. Swartz is receiving fish of all kinds, from the salmon of the Columbia river to the celebrated herring from the Dutch and Scottish coast.
The union meeting held last evening in the parlors of the Presbyterian church under the auspices of the W. C. T. U., was one of considerable interest, and attended by representatives of several of the city churches. By request Rev. R. Lewis presided, and conducted the devotional service, assisted by the choir of the Second Reformed church. The principal address was made by Mrs. Van O’Linda, State Supt. of work among foreign speaking people. Her subject being “The army that will soon conquer our country.” Short addresses followed by Revs. DeBruyn, VanZanten, Bennett and Kennedy, interspersed by singing by choir and congregation. The offering was to aid in providing literature for railway stations, and mines and lumbermen in mines and lumber camps.
A Mysterious Letter.
John Kilderemo found a bottle about 6 miles up the river a montnego in which was the following note written on a piece of paper now yellowed from the effects of water.
Chicago, Aug. 26, 1891.
Dear wife:—When this reaches you I may be at the bottom of Lake Michigan and I may be saved, god only knows. Kiss the children for me. Goodbye dearest May.
E. J. SLITER,
166 Clancy St.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
On the back of the note was written “Who finds this please find my wife and give it to her.”
If the note is of any use to anybody it can be had by writing John Kilderemo, Box 446, Grand Haven. It Might be the case that it was thrown in the lake at Chicago and was blown over here and up the river by a west wind.
John Boyden is ill with typhoid fever at Neelyville, Missouri.
Grand Haven, Mich., Dec. 7, 1892.
EDITOR TRIBUNE:
I noticed in your paper of yesterday an article entitled “Uno Observes,” in which there is a picture called “Chief Koeltz” and one “Editor Wachs”, as “Uno” observes him after being sidetracked.
As I happen to know as much, if not more, about the printing of the record in the so-called water works case, than any other person, I deem it my duty to take all the blame, if there has been any injustice done to the city.
At a meeting of the common council, the council left the whole matter of printing the record to the city attorney, with the understanding that the printing should be done by the person who would do it the cheapest, and this part was also left to the city attorney, for the reason as Alderman Koeltz said, the city attorney could take all the blame.
Very soon after this meeting of the council, Mr. Wachs and Mr. Hyer came into my office and asked about the printing and I told them and each of them that the party who would do the work the best and the cheapest would get the job, for it was a big job and it was for the city’s interest to have it done as cheaply as possible. Mr. Hyer, after Mr. Wachs went out, told me what he would do the job for. I told both Mr. Wachs and Mr. Hyer that I should not let the job until Mr. Farr, who was associated with me, came home. After Mr. Farr came home, I met Mr. Kedzie in Mr. Farr’s office and he there made another bid for Mr. Hyer. In a short time I heard that Mr. Wachs was telling around that the job had been let and that he had no chance to bid on it. This was not true. I saw Mr. Wachs on the train one morning after that and he asked me if the job had been let and I told him no, and that if he wanted to bid he better do it, for we wanted to get to work on it, and that the party who did it the cheapest would get the job. He then wanted to know whether we wanted it in long primer or plea and I told him I did not know, but wanted it as other records were printed for the Supreme Court, and that he ought to know in what type they were printed. He said it would make a difference in the price, in which type they were printed and I told him he could bid for each. He said he would that evening, but he did not until the next day,—I think, it might have been two days after that—when he came into my office and wanted to know again in which type we wanted it printed, and I told him as before and he then made two bids one for long primer, at $.45 a page, and for plea at $.40 a page. I told him we could get it done a great deal cheaper than that and then he asked me what the other party would do it for and told him I would not tell him: that I would be a sneak if I should tell him what the other bid was so that he could just bid below him and get the job; that I would not do it for any man. This ended the bidding. No other person put in a bid, and the job was let to Mr. Hyer of the herald, he being the lowest bidder for the job. His bid will save from two to three hundred dollars to the city, from what it would have been if I had given the job to Mr. Wachs. Whenever I can do anything to save two or three hundred dollars to the city I am going to do it no matter if Mr. Wachs does get mad. It cuts no figure in the case, City first and friends next. I understand that Mr. Wachs said that if he did not get the job of printing he would prevent the case from being appealed, and that he had influence enough in the council to do it. It may be he has, but I doubt it, for this council are working for the interests of the city and when they can save two or three hundred dollars for the city they always do it.
Alderman Koeltz had nothing to do with letting the job for printing the record.
Yours Resp.,
WALTER I. LILLIE.
City Attorney.
The little schooner F. Fitch of Onekema is in port today.
The winter bound fleet is now probably nearly all in.
The Detroit morning papers say that the Vandalia system may jilt St. Joe and make Grand Haven the headquarters for their line of boats. If the Vandalia officers decide upon making this port one of the terminals for their winter boats it would indeed be a big boon to the city and our Board of Trade should offer them proper inducements to come here.
A well known lake captain said last winter that Grand Haven would within two or three years be the headquarters of at least three winter freight lines of boats. The gentleman was well acquainted with the principal lake transportation companies officers, and had heard them speaking. No other harbor on the east shore can at all be depended on in the winter except Grand Haven. Each year the winter freight lines discover this to be true and already the Vandalia Line is on the point of jilting St. Joe and will undoubtedly will so.
One of the electric lights in the 4th ward is without a globe.
As Christmas comes on Sunday this year it will almost universally be observed the next day, Monday. This is as it should be.
There was considerable thunder and lightning during the forepart of the storm last evening, something unusual for this season.
Milwaukee shippers and transportation men say they know nothing about the Milwaukee & Grand Rapids Railway & Navigation Company, which proposes to ferry trains across the lake from Grand Haven to Milwaukee on boats similar to the Ann Arbor, of the Kewaunee line.
A certain hound is giving Rinet Wierenga a deal of trouble. Every day this week the dog appears at the store and slyly watches until the proprietor’s eye is turned or until he goes to the back room when he runs into the store and grabs a chunk of meat. The proprietor’s wrath is increasing at every steal and the dog’s owner had best keep him under lock and key.
One of the prisoners in the county jail whiles his time away by hunting through the bible to see how many times the word gold occurs. He marks down what chapter and book it was found in. The prisoner is a common drunk. The jail boys spend a great deal of time reading, and never have too many newspapers on hand.
It is said that rats can be driven out of a house by depriving them of water. They live almost indefinitely without food, and when hard pushed, will not hesitate to eat each other, but no rat can go twenty-four hours without drink, and if every possible means of obtaining water is taken from them they will desert the vicinity.
It is said that the old character known as Indian Joe is dangerously ill. He lives all alone in the old National Hotel.
A Great Freight Center.
It has been an open secret in railroad circles for some time that the Lake Erie & Western was negotiating for the Chicago & West Michigan, the latter road being linked to a scheme formed by the Calvin S. Brice Syndicate to connect the Northwest with the seaboard. The syndicate owns the Lake Erie & Western. The main line of the road runs from Sandusky, O., to Peoria, Ill., but a branch extends from Indianapolis, Ind., to Michigan City, crossing the C. & W. M. at La Porte, Ind. The system also includes Ft. Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville road recently purchased and the famous “Muncie line” from Connersville, Pa., to Muncie, O., also a recent acquisition.
The plan it is said to make Grand Haven a great freight center if the scheme is promulgated. A winter line of freight boats will run between here and Milwaukee. Large freight houses will be built and a large number of freight handlers employed. The Lake Erie road could get control of a great amount of freight from the west.
It has even been hinted that officials have been here looking over the ground and sizing up things generally in case of a deal.
UNO OBSERVES.
That the few remarks he made in regard to the printing has called out Walt Lillie in defense of Ald. Koeltz, and that according to Walt’s statements, Uno was wrong in laying the blame to Ald. Koeltz about letting the water works printing job. Uno stands corrected, but in justice to himself and family, he feels called upon to explain how it all happened.
That in the first place Uno has a very sympathetic nature—that is a very tender and refined feeling, something far above you ordinary mortals that he is compelled to associate with. Mr. W. and Uno and Phiuny and Billy were talking about matters in general, when Mr. Wachs brought the printing matter up. He said Joe Koeltz and him had always been on good terms till this OTHER Sucker had come to town and that Joe was throwing all his influence to the printing offices and that he had given out the printing to that man that had not been here long enough to gain citizenship, or something like that, Uno cannot just remember the exact words, and of course we all sympathize with Mr. W. and said it was a _________ shame, and of course took a drink in order to brace up at Uno’s expense. Mr. W. said the other printing offices got more than he did and that he was a much abused man and that Joe was the man that was at the head of this scheme to ruin him, and we all sympathize with him again by taking a drink at his expense—that is, he told the man behind the counter to put it up, Uno didn’t exactly understand it, but we got the drinks. Mr. W. said he was not given an opportunity to even bid on it. Which of course, we all said was a _________ shame, etc., etc. So Uno went investigating, and he called on Hod Nichols at the Courier-Journal office, and asked him if he had been requested to bid on that big law case the city was getting out. He said he didn’t know anything about it, whereupon Uno made up his mind that Mr. Wach’s story was all right and out of Sympathy for Mr. Wachs and for this reason, only, expressed himself as hereuntobefore mentioned.
That Uno is not fully satisfied there is no ring, however.
UNO.
The steamer Roanoke arrived at 9 o’clock this morning. On account of the current it took her at least 30 minutes before she was tied at the dock.
The Ann Arbor No. 2 was launched at Craig’s ship yard yesterday in Cleveland. She will be fitted out at once and will go to Kewaunee, Wis., where she will be towed between Kewaunee and Frankfort, Mich., in the car ferry service of the new Lackawanna Line to the northwest.
The propellor Albert J. Wright of Port Huron arrived last evening. She will remain here during the winter having been sent by the company who owns the steamer Roanoke. The Wright’s gross tonnage is 250,37 and 124.63 tons net. She is 118 feet long, 23 feet beam and has a depth of 10 feet. She was built in Buffalo but hails from Port Huron.
Opening of the Rooms.
The rooms of the Young Men’s Band of Christian Workers were auspiciously opened last evening. A fine program had been arranged and a large audience present.
Before the exercises began a formal reception was given by the young men forming the Band to all who had contributed to their welfare.
First on the program was singing, “Throw Out the Life Line” by the audience. Rev. Lewis then offered prayer, after which Prof. E. L. Briggs offered a few appropriate and general remarks.
T. Knight reviewed the work of the Local Band and spoke of their future plans. Rev. Bennett of the M. E. church followed in a five minute talk.
Singing by the Second Reformed church quartette was next on the programme. Rev. J. H. Kennedy of the Presbyterian church made a short pleasing talk which envinced laughter from all.
The speaker of the evening, Mr. C. D. Herrington, is chairman of the Grand Rapids district Y. M. C. A. He spoke of the noble work of the Y. M. C. a. and gave the local band some sound and kindly advice.
Remarks by Rev. DeBruyn, singing by the quartet and closing prayer by Rev. J. J. VanZanten finished the exercises.
All present spoke in the highest terms of the appearance and general order of the rooms and the fine programme rendered and all join in expressions of success to the young men in their good work.
Several large hunting parties went out this morning with rigs.
John Harrity, a sailor, was up before Judge Pagelosn today for being drunk and disorderly. He was assessed $1 and costs.
Protect the merchants of this city and tax the army of non residents who peddle their wares from house to house.
A well known celery grower of this city said that if a a celery box factory were started here it could make its proprietor rich. Local celery men use thousands of boxes every year.
John A. Pfaff is in favor of imposing a high license upon all the non resident peddlers who go about the city, selling their wares and goods to the great detriment of our home merchants and tax payers.
The Ideal Postmaster.
Our city’s postmaster ought to speak, read and write every language of our city, but above all he must be honest for “a public office is a public trust,” and every one must admit that the post office is an office of high public trust.
For this office we want a man whom the spoils of office cannot buy, a man of honor who will not steal or lie, a man who has the confidence of the people, whose career is without one stain and whose character is spotless.
HONEST DEMOCRAT.
The car ferry boat Ann Arbor, of the Toledo, Ann Arbor & North Michigan railroad, is again making regular trips between Frankfort and Kewaunee.
The cabin windows of the government steamer General Hancock are being boarded up and everything prepared for the winter.
Dissolution Notice.
The co-partnership heretofore existing under the firm name of Clark & Knight is this day dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. T. Knight will continue the business and will pay all debts and collect all accounts due said firm.
Grand Haven, Mich., Dec. 8, 1892.
W. S. CLARK.
T. KNIGHT.
Spring Lake is going to have an Opera House.
The holiday traffic is beginning to boom.
The next two weeks will be the two great holiday weeks.
A floor is being built in the engine room of the new city pumping station.
Capt. Mansfield is building a coal shed on the west side of the glass factory adjacent to the engine room.
A big sale of Fruitport and Spring Lake land took place last week. In all 175 acres, F. R. Baker estate to A. T. Ewing. Consideration $15,200.
D. Wright’s display windows are so attractive that one small boy fell through one while looking at the tempting confectionary this morning.
The arrival of the pay car made the D., G. H. & M. men happy yesterday.
The Dake Engine Works will have an exhibit in the World’s Fair in machinery hall.
The D., G. H. & M. freight house during the winter keeps the wolf from many a poor man’s door. Over 200 men are employed there during the winter. Many of them are old timers having been employed there many years.
Coopersville is afflicted with wood thieves.
The Life Savers went out of service today at noon.
The big wrecking tug Albert J. Wright somewhat resembles it is said, the New Erie, on of Grand Haven’s boat of some years ago.
Nearly all the vessels are now in winter quarters and the daily arrival of the steamers Wisconsin and Roanoke will be the only event in marine news at this port, until next spring.
Passenger accommodations on the steamer City of Milwaukee are being increased by the introduction of fifty or more berths under the main deck aft. The arrangement of the berths will be similar to those on the long-gone steamships Detroit and Milwaukee, which plied in the 60s. The main deck of the steamer is being renewed, and she will also be given new between deck stanchions and quick work.
One of the few remaining old landmarks of Port Sheldon is about to succumb. Simon Lievense of Holland has purchased of Mr. Goodin the old warehouse, or store, used by the Port Sheldon Co., and parties are now busy pulling it down. This leaves only the old stage barn, to mark the site of what was once Port Sheldon. Perhaps some enterprising speculator will next purchase “Old Baldy,” the sand hill for removal.—Holland News.
The Glass works is booming.
This is the butchering season among farmers.
The post office and Express office will soon be flooded with Christmas packages.
The holiday trade is beginning to boom.
The return of the confessional in the Episcopal church is being talked of.
Our genial and popular fellow citizen Mr. John Macfie was on our streets today for the first time since his accident.
John Unnings, aged 20 years, died of consumption this morning at 10:30 o’clock, at the home of his parents in this city.
George St. Clair, 2:15 owned by Thomas Savidge of Spring Lake, stands at the head of the four-year-old Michigan stallion performers and third in the world.
Mr. N. Robbins, Jr., is having a new hot water heater put in his pleasant home on Franklin St.
The river this morning was frozen over from the south channel in this city up as far as Grand Rapids.
The increased cost of wood this winter is making some of our people wonder what they must do to keep warm.
Akeley Institute closes Friday for a three weeks vacation, thus giving the girls a chance to spend Christmas and New Year’s at home.
Curtis W. Gray, our oldest inhabitant, is seen on the streets daily with the boys, and bids fair to outlive many a young man yet.
A good time to invest in Grand Haven real estate, as there has been a good reliable increase during the past year and it is liable to advance gradually each year now.
The old wrecks having been removed from the grounds next door to Boyd’s saloon leads us to remark that there are several more that we could spare without detracting from the beauty of the city.
Two new railroads for this city next year. How is that for an eye opener? We shall surely get them besides lots of more good things. There is nothing in sight too good for Grand Haven.
Almost everybody is looking for next year’s calendar, now days, and none of them are just sure they will be here to use them. But such is life, we are looking ahead without counting the cost.
Work is progressing rapidly on the two passenger steamers being built at the Grand Haven Ship building Co.’s yard this year, the Columbia and Oval Agitator are valued at $30,000 and $14,000 respectively. The Columbia is 281 tons and the Agitator 94.
The monster new steamship Solwyn Eddy, just completed at Wyndotte for Eddy Bros., is the largest craft on the lakes, her carrying capacity being much greater than that of the Maritana, launched in the spring at South Chicago. To carry full cargoes she will need the new twenty-one foot channels.
Side wheel steamers on the lakes have now gone out of date.
The Life Savers at this port had a very easy season just past but were ready to be called out at any time.
The wrecking tug M. F. Merrick arrived yesterday afternoon. She will remain here during the winter to help the tug A. J. Wright keeping the harbor clear of ice for the freight steamer Roanoke. The Merrick did the same duty here last winter.
The big tug E. G. Crosby came in yesterday afternoon having in tow the scow St. Ignace. The St. Ignace was loaded with lumber for the Corn Planter factory.
Every time the steamers Fountain City and City of Fremont enter St. Joe harbor without striking the bar the St. Joseph papers mention it; as though it were not common, undoubtedly it is not.
Mr. Chas. S. Mountjoy of New York City, a civil engineer and electrical expert was in Grand Rapids Thursday. In conversation he admitted that a narrow gauge electric road, connecting Detroit, Grand Rapids and Grand Haven, was being considered by foreign capitalists and was among the possibilities of the world’s fair city. Mr. Mountjoy assisted Capt. Eads in building the jetties of the Mississippi and also the great bridges at St. Louis.
“No, thank you. I never drink anything.” Said Maj. George W. McBride of Grand Haven, to a friend who asked him to “take something,” in the Morton house yesterday. “I never drink a drop of anything no matter what the occasion,” this to a reporter. “I have a constant fight every day of my life, but it has become second nature to say ‘no,’ and I never mind it now. Yes, I used to drink, but as I said, I have said ‘no’ so long there is no virtue in it any more. Things in Grand Haven are lively. One can hardly get through the streets for the horde of office seekers running around with petitions in their hands. Grand Haven has made more material improvement this year than for fifteen years past. It is impossible to rent a house for love or money, and I do not know what people are going to do.”—G. R. Democrat.
The water in Spring Lake is very low.
Glass keeps arriving for the Glass factory.
The Grand Rapids Press says that Grand Haven business men have formed a pool to buy up property and start a boom.
The Electric Light Plant is being connected with city water this afternoon.
John Garrety, drunk and disorderly, was sentenced to ten days in jail by Justice Pagelson this morning.
Several hunting parties are out again today depleting the woods of wild game and rabbits.
The regular inspection of Co. F took place last evening. Assistant Inspector General Dupont, M. S. T., performed that duty and at the close spoke in the highest terms of the company’s appearance and of their drill work. Of their armory he was highly delighted and said our citizens should encourage the company as it is an institution of which Grand Haven can well feel proud. After inspection was the order until the small hours of the morning. The dance was participated in by a large number.
A letter from Mrs. Rev. Krudenier of Egypt, (Mr. A. Poels’ daughter,) stated that the climate there at this season is the nicest in the year. Mr. and Mrs. Krudenier are doing missionary work near the old city of Cairo on the Nile valley.
Considerable slush ice on the river this morning.
The schooner F. Fitch is still in port and will probably remain here this winter.
During the past season five large steamers have plyed here between Chicago, Milwaukee and Escanaba regularly. Besides those a large number of schooners and occasional “tramps.” No other port on the east shore with the exception of two lumber towns had as large a marine showing.
A lake captain well known here was asked the other day how fortune fared him the past season. “Well,” he said, “we made a living and a little more and that is something to brag about. This is the first presidential campaign year that I was not in the hole at the end of the lake season.”
Venus was in conjunction with Uranus Sunday morning. The most brilliant of morning stars is approaching the sun, and by Christmas will have been shorn of much of her beauty.
It is said that Tony VanderZalm is “stuck” on guard duty. His attention was diverted at the time the guards were called in and continued the beat for some minutes afterward to the amusement of his comrades last evening.
The enterprising bill posters of Chicago are using the winter bound fleet of vessels for their business. The spars of many of the big vessels are decorated with advertising signs from the decks to above the cross trees.
On a clear night and ordinary human eye can discover about 1000 stars in the northern hemisphere, most of which send their light from distances which we cannot measure. How large they must be! Round these 1000 stars circle 50,000 other stars of various sizes. Besides single stars we know of systems of stars moving around one another. Still we are but a short way into space as yet! Outside our limits of vision and imagination there are no doubt still larger spaces.
Fulton and 7th streets are becoming great business streets.
Frank Fisher and Will Kieft acted as door keepers at Co. F inspection Monday night. Lieutenant Pellegrem had charge of the command and Lt. Andres gave the commands in the setting up exercises.
There is a barber shop in Muskegon which eclipses anything in Grand Haven. J. Joldersma has opened a shop there. He charges 6cts for shaves and after the operation is performed presents his customers with a cigar. How’s that?
What’s the matter with putting a heavy license on the farmers peddling meat about the city. Protect the taxpaying butchers.
It doesn’t seem possible that any body who has an interest of Grand Haven at heart would sign a petition remonstrating against the sentiment of putting a high license upon non-resident peddlers. By so doing they strike a blow upon merchant tax payers. Nevertheless the petition above mentioned is being circulated.
A Year Ago.
It was just a year ago the 12th of this month that Jay Barnes disappeared and has been lost to his parents and friends since. A year ago the disappearance was the talk of the city, and is still the topic of discussion. Jay arrived from Grand Rapids from a visit to his sister on the day mentioned. The train in which he was a passenger stopped at the C. & W. M. switch in the southern part of the city. Jay got off here with the rest of the passengers and walked towards town, down the track. This was about four o’clock. That evening, his father, Mr. James Barnes, went home about six o’clock but did not lock the door to his store. Mr. Barnes, after arriving home and not wishing to return again that evening, sent his youngest son to the store to lock the doors. When the boy got inside the building he heard a noise in the rear and said he was frightened away. He went home and told his father, who immediately went down to investigate.
The windows in the rear room were broken and Jay’s satchel was found on the floor. Also a note written by Jay stating that his body would be found at the piers.
The next day the whole city was in a state of excitement over the case. A thorough search was made for any trace of the missing young man. Rumors there were many of finding a hat and coat on the beach and in the woods similar to the ones worn by him. All of the reports were without foundation.
Notwithstanding the note he left stating his intention of suiciding it became evident during the summer that he had not done so. He was seen last June and described exactly by people in Fairbury, Ill. At that time he was traveling about with a companion earning a living with his flute. Where he went to after or where he is now is not known and cannot be conjectured.
A temporary aberration of the mind probably caused him to leave his home and friends, of whom he had many.
The blow was a heavy one to his sorrowing parents and they had the sympathy of the whole community. It is to be hoped his whereabouts will be cleared by another year.
Curtis W. Gray celebrates his 90th birthday tomorrow. Mr. Gray is one of our old citizens ….
A meeting of the trustees of Akeley Institute was held in Grand Rapids in the Episcopal residence yesterday and was attended by Rev. Dr. J. N. Rippey of Muskegon, Judge W. B. Williams of Charlotte, Dwight Cutler, G. W. McBridem T. A. Parish of Grand Haven, W. Savidge of Spring Lake and E. F. Sweet of Grand Rapids. A letter was read from the Rev. J. E. Wilkinson, the principal, stating that the institute was in a prosperous condition, and that the prospects for the future were very bright. The board decided to proceed at once to finish the second story of the new annex so as to have it ready for the spring term.
The many friends of Mr. John Macfie are pleased to see him on the street again.
The lecture at the 1st Reformed church last evening by Missionary Pitcher of Amoy, China, was well attended and very interesting. The missionary stated that Amoy was on the coast of China, north of Canton and Hong Kong. Amoy, he said, was the dirtiest and filthiest city he had ever seen. The citizens did not allow the streets to be cleaned as they claimed the evil spirits would appear. Notwithstanding that certain parts of China are rich with gold and silver, the natives will not have the earth molested. He told of the traits and characteristics of the people of that section and had the attention of the audience throughout..
One of the largest freight trains that ever passed through here passed on the C. & W. M. going north this noon.
A number of small towns in Southwestern Michigan are flooded with bogus silver quarters and half dollars.
The ball players of this city who graced Grand Haven with a championship team some six or seven years ago undoubtedly all remember Dan Crotty who was then in Muskegon B. B. Club. There was a deep rivalry between the two teams and for several summers many a game was played by them. Muskegon generally lost, but it was not Dan Crotty’s fault. Local ballists speak of him yet and the funny and rattling remarks he made while coaching off 3d base in an exciting game. Dan had the power of getting the local boys rattled quicker than the whole of Muskegon put together. Those were the days when base ball was the game and people would walk blocks to get a look at the Cutler House bulletin board to see how the League games came out. Dan Crotty is now a player in the Helena club of the Pacific Coast League.
From the Steamer Gilcher, Friday.
Whoever finds this bottle please send it to 440 Ohio St., Buffalo. She is broken in half. Can’t last much longer. The Gilcher is a goner. Goodbye everybody.
TOM FINLEY.
Finley was a member of the crew.
The force of men employed at the Muskegon harbor entrance in putting up freight sheds to be used in connection with the proposed lines of winter boats between that port and Milwaukee has been increased from fifteen to fifty. The work is to be pushed as rapidly as possible.
Navigation on the great lakes is now practically closed, and except for the movements of the railroad line steamers across Lake Michigan and the Straits of Mackinaw, little will be done by floating property on the lakes henceforth until spring. Interest will now naturally turn to the shipyards, which have orders enough to keep them very busy. The tonnage that will be added to the lake fleet during the present winter will be of the best character—steel freighters of heavy carrying capacity. The profit on property of this kind during the past season has been good, and the continual addition of new tonnage has little or no effect on the freight rates. One of the features of this winter’s work will be the strapping and bracing of steel vessels which have heretofore been regarded as veritable types of strength.
The lessons of the loss of the Western Reserve and Gilcher will not be disregarded, because of the fact that the insurance companies have become alarmed and will not write policies on steel craft that are not conspicuously strong.
Hunters are in a perfect paradise today.
Good sleighing and plenty of snow would make the Holiday season this year the greatest in a number of years.
A man was arrested near the Beech Tree school house this forenoon dead drunk with four whiskey bottles in his pocket.
Henry Verhoeks will go to Chicago Saturday to buy up several carloads of cattle. Verhoeks Bros., have purchased nearly all the cattle available in this section.
Byron Parks was in the county clerk’s office a good half hour the other day looking over the forms of marriage licenses. We’ve still got hope for Byron.
It is said that the Board of supervisors are very favorable to a new court house being built here. They desire one to cost $40,000 or $50,000 and have it located in court house square, requiring the city to move its jail and city hall. The impression is also that if brought up, at least $15,000 or $20,000 is expected to be furnished by the city.
Closing exercises individual to the ending of the Fall term were held at Akeley Institute yesterday. In the afternoon there were literary exercises in the Academic Department. Last evening a musical was given in assembly hall by the pupils of H. C. Post and Francis Campbell. Those who took part were Miss Annie Martin of Charlotte, Misses Genevier Boorham and Marguerite Jewett of Grand Rapids and Mrs. S. H. Boyce and Miss Mabel Beaudry of this city.
Many of the Akeley College pupils have gone home to spend Christmas.
A flour inspector from Milwaukee is testing flour at the D., G. H. & M. freight house today.
Two more skilled laborers from Louisville, Ky., for the glass factory are expected today.
Nearly all the Louisville employees of the glass factory stop at the Kirby House.
Every one should be at the City Hall next Thursday to talk new court house.
A number of old friends of Curtis W. Gray assembled at his home yesterday in celebration of Mr. Gray’s 90th birthday.
Some miscreant threw a whiskey bottle through a window in the Second Reformed church about midnight of Wednesday. The pastor who lives in the parsonage adjoining heard the rattling of the falling glass.
How Does He?
How does City Attorney Lillie know that he made a saving to the city in the printing of the brief in the water works case? He is around creating an impression that of the three publishers of the city, Mr. Hyer bid the lowest on the job. The fact is the TRIBUNE was not asked to bid on the job furthermore was not aware of bids being taken. Then how does Mr. Lillie know that he made a saving to the city?
Common Council.
Common council met at 8 o’clock last evening. Present, the Mayor, Recorder, City Attorney and Ald. Glerum, Koelz, Thieleman, Lockie, Nyland, Kamhout and Lewis. Absent Ald. Bryce.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Accounts to the number of 113 were read and on motion of Ald. Kamhout approved. This is the largest number of accounts that have ever come before the council.
Ald. Thieleman stated that it was now too late to gravel Madison St. from 2nd to 3rd.
Ald. Koeltz of the committee of the committee on water works gave a report of the trial test of the new well. He stated that it had been reduced six feet in 47 minutes pumping four streams. He stated that the present well could furnish a plentiful supply for domestic purposes as long as the city had a population of less than 10,000. But he saw the necessity of having more water in case of fire.
Recorder Angel read a petition signed by the butchers of the city demanding that the farmers who are now peddling meat about the city be required to pay a license.
The recorder also read a remonstrance to this petition signed by a large number stating that it would be an injury to the laboring men and the poor of the city to tax such peddlers.
There was some discussion on the matter and the ordinances relative to it looked up. The ordinance was to the effect that farmers could peddle products grown upon their farms without license. The petition of the butchers of the city was laid upon the table which in parliamentary law means that it is killed.
A petition from residents on Wallace St. was read, asking that an electric light be placed on the cross road west of Wallace St. This petition was laid over until next meeting.
A proposition from Potts & Conger was also read. In substance it stated that the Compendium of Ottawa Co. published by them had been appreciated throughout the country and had been placed in the schools and libraries of the county. The work contained a history of the city and had been gotten up at considerable expense. They offered to sell 35 copies of the work to the city for $60, to be used in furthering the city’s interest and as an advertisement of the town to outsiders. This would be a big advertisement during the World’s Fair year. No action was taken on the proposition.
[This book was published and can be found in the Local History Dept. of the Loutit Library]
The reports of the city officers were read and on motion of Ald. Kamhout were accepted and ordered placed on file.
The report of the secretary of the fire department announcing the election of officers and the resignation of several of the officers accepted.
Mayor Kirby notified the council that he had received communication from the committee on buildings of the board of Supervisors asking that a meeting be called as early as possible to talk over a new court house. The object of the meeting will be explained by the committee. The council decided upon holding the meeting in the City Hall next Thursday.
Mayor Kirby said that he had received a proposition to put a gong into the city hall. The gong would be connected with the telephone and is for the purpose of waking up the firemen in case of a fire at night. The mayor said that the young man of whom he had received the proposal to put it in and keep it in repair for $25 a year.
Ald. Lockie moved that it be put in.
Ald. Nyland thought it too expensive and did not see the necessity of having it.
It was ordered laid over to the next meeting to look up.
The recorded stated that the sheriff had served notice to him that the state was going to take a piece of the land owned up river by the city for non payment of taxes. The land referred to was bought by the city for a gravel bed and is located at Robinson near Ingraham’s farm. The taxes amounted to $3, more or less. It is claimed that there was no good gravel in the bed and no action was taken.
Ald Glerum said he had been approached by people wanting to buy or rent the old water works building, and on motion it was decided to turn that building over to the committee of buildings to sell it to the highest bidder.
Ald. Locke said that there were two or three good sidewalks on Fulton Ave. all the way from Mrs. Welche’s east. He thought something should be done and notices given to the residents of the street that walks be built. Ald. Koeltz said that the ordinance was too loose in that matter and that there were sidewalks all over the city in a sad state of repairs.
Ald. Thieleman said that people would only laugh when sidewalk notices were served on them and the walks remain unrepaired.
There was some talk of making a test case against Mrs. Geo. D. Sanford who has been given 20 days notice and has not yet built a sidewalk at her property on Columbus and 5th streets. Nevertheless no action was taken.
On motion of Ald. Glerum council adjourned three weeks.
Just before the adjournment of council Editor Wachs and City Attorney Walter Lillie had a lively discussion regarding the printing of the brief in the water works case and was on the records. Mr. Lillie said the council at their previous regular meeting had given them him full charge in the case. He stated that at the time he said that there were three publishers in this city and that the one who could do the work the cheapest could have the job. In substance Mr. Lillie answered the same as in the letter published by him in the TRIBUNE last week.
Mr. Wachs said that at the time of the bid he was under the impression that the work had to be done so as to be ready by December or January term, but stated the time had been extended to Mr. Hyler to March and of course his bid was lower than his (Mr. Wach’s)
Mr. Lillie promptly replied that both gentlemen had bid under the same conditions and said that Wachs had been “belly-aching around” for the past two weeks. The argument became heated, the gavel was sounded, and the lawyer and editor shut off.
Mrs. Thomas Golden of Ferrysburg died this morning at 5 o’clock of consumption. Mrs. Golden has been sick for some time. She leaves to mourn her loss a loving husband and eight children and a host of friends and relatives in Ferrysburg, Spring Lake and this city. Mrs. Golden would have been 53 years of age shortly. No arrangements have as yet been made for the funeral. Three of her sons who are employed as telegraph operators out west have been telegraphed for.
Some of our citizens think an electric fire alarm system with boxes about the city would be a good thing. Say for instance two or three boxes in each ward. In the 4th ward if a fire originated late in the night it would take a great deal of time to reach the engine house. A box in a conspicuous place in that ward would surely be a benefit. At least it would not take much for the council to look into the expense of such a system.
Sheriff Edward Vaupell and Prosecuting Attorney Walter I. Lillie of Grand Haven dined in the Bridge Street house yesterday. Speaking of Sweeney, the horse thief who nearly killed a fellow prisoner in the Ottawa county jail the other day, Sheriff Vaupell said: “Sweeney is a bad man and not to be trusted, but he knows perfectly well that I am not afraid of him and can handle him so he gives no trouble when I am around. The assault was something unlooked for and something that probably would have not happen in a lifetime.”—G. R. Democrat.
B. F. Lamoreux, a merchant in Fruitport, was a guest in the New Lexington yesterday with his wife. “Fruitport is doing nicely,” said Mr. Lamoreux. Our principle industry is the iron furnace. That gives employment to a large number of men, but is running slow at present on account of the scarcity of charcoal. However, that is something that will probably be temporary and then things will boom again.—G. R. Democrat.
The quail season is now closed.
The merchants of the city will celebrate the days following Christmas and New years as those holidays fall on Sunday.
From now until New years the grocery stores will remain open until any hour. After that date the early hour closing will be resumed.
There is in course of construction and nearly completed, at C, & W. M. shops at Muskegon a mammoth standard snow plow for use on the road the coming winter. It is the largest of the kind ever built or used by this company. The car to which it is attached is constructed of the heaviest and strongest material and is 11 feet to the roof. When the ballast is placed in its receptacle inside the car the whole will weigh nearly 80,000 pounds. The plow proper is over eight feet high from the rails and is protected by heavy boiler iron strongly riveted.
HE STOPPED THE SALE.
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Big Suit Against J. W. Boynton.
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Ex-Senator Thomas Ferry of Michigan, Hiram V. Reed, and Allen L. Fowler have entered suit in the Circuit court to recover $300,000 damages against the Grand River Railroad Co. and J. W. Boynton, its president.
Messrs. Reed and Fowler are dealers in mining and railroad instruments. The railroad is in process of construction between Grand Haven and Grand Rapids, Mich. It is said that Ex-Senator Ferry had an option to sell the $1,000,000 of bonds of the railroad which he assigned to Messrs. Reed and Fowler. This option had not yet expired and the Chicago brokers claim to have secured a purchaser in an expert engineer who represents considerable English capital. After accomplishing every thing, but the formal sale, it is alleged that President Boynton broke the contract by preventing the sale. It was a question whether Reed and Fowler were to sue ex-Senator Ferry, or whether he would join them in this suit. He decided to pursue the latter course and the actual commission consists of stocks and bonds in the railroad, and the breach of contract is said to have taken place yesterday.—Chicago Journal.
The engine for the whaleback passenger steamer Christopher Columbus is en route from Detroit to West Superior. It occupies four cars and weighs 100 tons.
The car ferry Ann Arbor is an expensive boat to run, about thirty men being employed on her. Thirteen of these are in the engineer’s department alone. She has averaged a trip a day up to Tuesday. On that day she started out, but returned after getting away a short distance on account of the weather.
The steamer Wisconsin will have to wait until Monday before she can be unloaded on account of a scarcity of cars.
The Life Savers.
The Life Saving Crew at this port went out of commission last Saturday noon. The crew, the past season was composed as follows: Capt. John Lysaght, Chas. Behm, Wm. Walker, Chas. Peterson, Barney Cleveringa, Peter Deneau, Peter VandenAerg, Chas. Robinson. All reside in this city. This is something which probably can not be said of any other station on the lake, most of them being made up of residents of other towns. There has only been one wreck the port during the year, that of the Hattie Le Roy. Nevertheless the crew have been called out a number of times to aid schooners coming into the harbor in a wind or gale. Otherwise the season was one of few exciting incidents.
The Spring Lake bus made its first trip this morning.
A little more snow and we will have sleighing.
All the local University of Michigan boys will spend the holidays at home.
John Verhoeks the 7th St, groceryman had the first sleighs of the season out today.
Geo. Hancock is building another large greenhouse. This will make the 14th.
All visitors to this city admire the first Reformed church. In fact it is one of the most beautiful church buildings in Western Michigan.
The first vags of the season were brought up before Justice Pagelson this morning. Their names they gave as John Powell and John Fitzzimmons. A sentence of ten days was imposed on them.
A pipe connecting the new city pumping station with the river was laid Friday. This had to be done in case of fires occurring and the well not holding out.
Nearly three pages of yesterday’s Grand Rapids Herald is taken up with an article on Grand Haven. A bird’s eye view of the city is shown, also cuts of Akeley Institute, Blanche Hall, Challenge Corn Planter Co.s’ Plant, Bloecker & Co.’s plant, Kilvourne & Co.’s plant, American Mirror and Glass Beveling Co., Furniture Factory, the Cutler House, and Geo. Hancock’s greenhouses.
This is the season when the boy financier gets in his work. A load of hardwood was unloaded in front of a business place on Washington St., late this forenoon. Just after dinner when the proprietor returned to work he found at least two dozen boys wanting the job of carrying it in, blocking the door way. The lowest bidder got the job and proceeded to hustle in the wood before school. The unsuccessful bidder strange to say called the successful boy a sucker, but the lad did not mind.
During 6 months there have been 409 entries at this port and 410 clearances. A total of 392,000 tons was brought in and 804,000 taken out.
The Roanoke and Wisconsin are both in port today.
G. W. Miller is building a new celery house.
Many of the display windows here rival those of Grand Rapids and are very tasteful and unique.
Every tax payer should be at the City Hall Thursday night to talk over the new court house project.
This weather has not put a damper on every enthusiastic wheels man, and a few are still used despite the roughness of the streets.
T. Stewart White is opposed to going to the expense of dredging Grand Rapids. His plan is to make Grand Haven the principal port and run a line of river boats down the river to transport the freight.
Capt. T. Vander Veere has been a fisherman for over 30 years and is one of the oldest fishermen here.
The spirit of Christmas is in the very air and nearly every person met on the street has a package destined as a Christmas present to some friend or relative.
Len Fisher is moving from Columbus St. to the residence lately occupied by Mrs. C. Pippel on Washington St.
“By gosh, I wish I could make Christmas seem to me as it used to,” philosophically remarked John Killean at the Clarendon yesterday, as he smoothed out the fifty-two pages of The Sunday Herald. “Christmas does not mean the same to any of us. Blamed if it doesn’t seem as if all the romance and charm was squeezed out by the time it reaches the northwest. Lots of persons say it is because we are older, and can’t enter into the spirit of the day; but there is something more than that. Christmas is celebrated with less enthusiasm in the northwestern part of the United States than in any other portion in the Christian world. Look how the continental countries observe it. Think of the grand old celebrations that England makes. There it is the day of all days. New England celebrates it with a good old enthusiasm, and the south as faithfully observes it as our forefathers did; but we—well, we make a pretense of observing the day, and do as little business as possible; but the next morning we vote the whole thing a bore, and thank heaven that Christmas comes only once a year.”—G. R. Herald.
A considerable amount of ice on the river today.
The fish tugs will keep at work until ice in the lake stops them.
The temperature still remains at a sharp freezing point.
Muskegon Lake is frozen so hard that ice boats are being gotten into shape.
There are 250 dog teams at the Soo this winter. Dog teams are used to carry mail in that section.
Cannot the city clock be made to keep time. For several days past it has been several minutes too fast.
Akeley College will commence the publication of a monthly paper to be known as the Akeley Index. The first number will soon be out.
The improvements that N. Robbins is now making on what is known as the Goodrich docks is only par of what he intends to do. Mr. Robbins will rebuild the ware houses and also build a depot or waiting room for the passengers of the Goodrich boats.
Capt. Tremper who lives on Washington St. near 8th has a dog which howls every time St. Patrick’s church bell I rung. The dog has heard the bell hundreds of times but whenever it rings will home and commence to bark and howl.
The long Insurance man is in town. Although he tries to make you believe you are not long for this world, we feel compelled to say that he at least is long for this world if he dies tomorrow. We have hinted to him that it was our opinion that this fact would materially effect his opportunity for doing business, but he says that the New York Life’s new accumulation policy more than counteracted his misfortune in that line, as it insures against suicide we feel compelled to cede the point.
When the advance agent of the Laura Dainty Co. was in the city a week ago in speaking to a gentleman he said, “I have been taking in all towns of any size from Denver but have never put up a finer hotel than the one I am at now, the Cutler. Its management is painstaking and courteous and its rooms and beds are A-1 and cannot be beat anywhere. If I meet traveling men coming this way I shall direct them to the Cutler every time.”
Bert Mack, a former Grand Haven resident surprised his friends by arriving in town this morning. They supposed him dead as it was reported that he had been washed overboard from a vessel this summer and drowned. Despite the report he is alive and kicking, so to speak. He has been employed on the steamer Schoolcraft running on Lake Superior. He is here on his way from Milwaukee to his present home in Bay City. The man washed overboard and drowned had the same name as Bert.
For a port of its size Grand Haven has more tugs than any other port on the lakes. In fact it has nearly as many as Detroit or Milwaukee which have 18 and 21 respectively.
It is thought that, should passenger traffic between this city and Chicago warrant it, the Goodrich Company’s two elegant steamers, Racine and Atlanta, will each make a round trip a day between the two cities. Thus one boat would leave here in the morning and one at night. This would necessitate an additional boat on the line exclusively for freight.
Spars on steamers are going out of vogue.
Capt. Napier and wife of the U. S. steamer Hancock will spend the winter in Florida.
The fish tugs made wonderfully big hauls yesterday and most of the fishermen wear smiles a yard long to day. Two thousand pounds has been the usual catch, but yesterday about 3,000 was the average and one tug had at lest 5,000 pounds of the finny tribe in her nets.
The importance of Grand Haven’s fishing industry can be estimated when it is known what hauls like yesterday about 30,000 pounds of fish are brought in.
The annual meeting of the Grand River Railroad Company was held yesterday at Grand Rapids and directors were elected as follows: David L. Stiven; Frank J. Lamb, M. C. Dorrity, Parker Merrill and J. W. Boynton, Mr. Boynton was elected president, Mr. Dorrity secretary and treasurer, and Mr. Merrill auditor. Other necessary business was transacted, but it was of entirely private nature, and the gentlemen interested refused to give it to the papers. The company proposes to build a low grade freight road from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven. Mr. Boynton stated yesterday that the first consignment of rolling stock, ten cars and a caboose, would arrive this week.
Skating is reported good at the Big Boom.
A petition is being widely circulated to extend free delivery of the mails at rural districts.
Chas. Ronge met with a very severe bruise on the calf of his leg yesterday, caused by being struck by the hub of his buggy.
The members of the fire department were invited to the home of Mr. John Bottje last evening to partake of a sumptuous oyster supper. Nearly all the members were present and had a grand time.
Christmas packages are beginning to crowd the mails.
This weather puts a tone to the holidays and is just what is wanted.
Precautions should be taken against diphtheria as it is becoming prevalent in Muskegon and other cities of the state.
G. A. Bottje, Bert Struveling, and Fred and Frank Robinson shot 43 rabbits in a few hours hunting yesterday.
A chimney fire at N. B. Glazier’s house near Bloecker’s foundry called the firemen out at 1:30 this afternoon.
Death of Mrs. E. VerBerkmoes.
Mrs. Krien VerBerkmoes died shortly after six o’clock last evening, after an illness of one week with typhoid fever. She was 27 years of age and leaves a husband and two children, the oldest being six years of age. Today would have been the wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. VerBerkmoes and the event has a ray of particular sadness to the loving husband.
The funeral will take place Saturday 1:30 from the residence and at two from the 1st Reformed church.
Christmas cheer prevails everywhere.
School left out this noon for 10 days vacation.
Merchants are happy over the snow, but only wish it had been here two weeks ago.
The man who lives in the big house on Columbus St. near 6th will soon be given notice by his neighbors to clean his sidewalk of snow.
Next year will undoubtedly be the busiest in Grand Haven’s history, and several hundred thousand people can be expected to pass through here en route to the World’s Fair.
This is charity indeed. One of our lady teachers in the City schools heard that the scholars in her room were raising money to purchase her a Christmas present called the attention of the boys and girls to the fact that one of their playmates needed shoes and clothing to keep him warm and suggested they use their money for that purpose. Another instance that has come under our notice was that of a small boy who has decided to give away his sled and also buy a pair of mittens for a little fellow who has to carry out washing for his mother, who is very poor. We mention these instances to show that there are some people who forget self when others are in need.
“Grand Haven is picking up wonderfully fast,” said Jacob Baar of that city, in the New Livingston yesterday. “For a long time we were in a paralyzed condition. We depended entirely upon lumber, and when the mills shut down we were left flat. However, new factories are coming in and the town is building up again. I was born and raised in Grand Haven, and have always had faith in the place. One reason for the faith that is in me is our splendid harbor. It is is open summer and winter alike, and is superior to any other on the east shore of Lake Michigan. It is 400 feet between piers, and today is eighteen to nineteen feet deep in the shallowest place. There is nothing on the shore to compare with it. Grand Rapids should have the full benefit of this splendid harbor, and I think it will some day. Your citizens are moving in the right direction in trying to deepen the river, and I believe it will be accomplished.”
Court House Meeting.
There was a mass meeting at the City Hall last evening though one would not call it so considering the small crowd present. J. M. Lockie was selected as chairman and Hiram Potts secretary. The meeting was for the purpose of giving our citizens some information in regard to a new court house.
Enno Pruim of Spring Lake and G. Van Schelven of Holland, members of the committee on Public Buildings of the Board of Supervisors were present to give such information. Mr. Van Schelven did not arrive until half an hour after the meeting was called, his train being late.
Mr. Pruim was called upon to inform the meeting as to what the Board of Supervisors had done in regard to a new building.
Mr. Pruim in substance said that he heard two schemes talked about. One was that a Court house be erected to be occupied jointly by the county and the city for offices for Recorder, City Hall, etc. The building to cost $45,000 or $50,000. The other plan was to have a court house occupied by the county officers. This building to cost $45,000 or $50,000. The other plan was to have a court house occupied solely by the county officers. This building to coast $80,000 or $35,000. Mr. Pruim was inclined to be in favor of the latter plan. A building in which there were two families he said would probably cause trouble, in the way of janitorship, insurance, etc. Nevertheless Mr. Pruim wanted it distinctly understood that he was not voicing the sentiment of the Board.
Mr. Pruim was asked what the Board expected of the city in case a court house be erected. Mr. Puim said that this was a pertinent question which he could not answer. It was a question which Grand Haven citizens should answer from their own bosoms. But he stated that he had heard remarks that in case of a building being occupied jointly, something like $20,000 would be expected of Grand Haven.
Mr. Pruim’s remarks were intended as a hint to our citizens. He spoke of the unsightly appearance of the court house square. How in case of a fine building being erected it would be flanked on both sides by unsightly structures.
Judge Soule raised the point of a legal question preventing the city from bonding itself for the amount mentioned for a new court house.
Mr. Van Schelven arrived in the hall about this time and was called upon to give his opinions about the new court house. Mr. Van Schelven is a plain speaker easily understood. His remarks were in substance nearly the same as Pruim’s. He gently reminded the meeting that Grand Haven should develop a hustle in the matter. He also spoke of the unsightly appearance of the court house square. Mr. Van Shelven said that a court house no matter how costly would look cheap in between buildings like the jail and city hall. He said that the Board of Supervisors would submit to the people at the spring election, a bill authorizing the expenditure of $5,000 for a new jail. If the city did not have the local pride to move the jail and city hall why the new structure would be built where the old one now stands.
Mr. Vanshelven said that if he was a resident of the city he would vote to have the two buildings moved from court house square. This would be a step ahead, if a new county building were erected.
G. W. McBride made a motion that T. W. Kirby, S. H. Boyce, John Vaupell, Joe Koeltz and T. W. Ferry form a committee to wait upon the Board at their January meeting and learn their views definitely. Adopted. On motion of Postmaster Parish, D. Cutler, sr., and G. W. McBride were added to the committee, and the meeting stood adjourned.
No TRIBUNE Monday.
There are at least two dozen small boys at every crossing today waiting for a hitch, as they call it.
Wm. Hennessy, John Doyle and John McDonald were given 10 days in jail each by Judge Pagelson this morning for drunk and disorderly conduct.
Several neighbors joined in a Christmas tree, last evening at the residence of Jacob Baar. After a splendid supper, “Santa Claus” arrived just in time to distribute the presents from the well laden tree to a house full of anxious and expectant children, with gifts for the older boys and girls too.
W. C. Sheldon, of the Corn Planter Co., has returned from his annual Western trip. He made a good sale of those popular articles, the Challenge Corn Planters and Refrigerators. Mr. Sheldon is one of those rare men that can combine business with pleasure, and is at it all the time. While in California he met a great many former Grand Haven people among whom was Miss Carrie Slayton, who was formerly employed in the law office of Hon. Geo. A. Farr of this city. She has a position and is gaining in weight, having gained sixteen pounds since she went to Los Angeles. The Cutlers, Dwight, Jr., and Miss Francis are enjoying themselves and are gaining under the that salubrious climate. He also met Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Stearns, Frank Stearns, Chas. Stearns, and Milton C. Fordham, who are residing at Los Angeles and all seem to be prospering.
December 2, the steamer Viking left Menominee for Tonawanda with 1,200,000 feet of lumber. This is the largest cargo ever freighted on the lake.
The Christmas entertainment at the Presbyterian church last evening was a most enjoyable affair and was largely attended. Singing and recitations by the Sunday School scholars was first on the program. After which Rev. Kennedy gave some words of kindly advice to the scholars. Last but not least old Cris Cringle or as we would have it Santa Claus, came down the chimney and distributed the gifts on the Christmas tree to the little people who were present.
Washington, Dec., 23.—[Special.] The members of the house committee on public buildings and grounds have notified Congressman Belknap that the same D. O. Watson crowd who all along opposed Capt. Belknap in his effort to pass the Grand Haven public bill are again urging the committee not to report the bill this congress, but to leave it so Richardson can get, the credit for its passage in the next congress. The committee has decided not to report a single bill more for any state in congress and to oppose the passage of any and all such on the calendar. So Michigan will hardly get another public building from this congress, not even for Ann Arbor.
An Open Proposition.
So that the members of the common council and the taxpayer of this city can see whether there is money saved to the city by the method City Attorney Lillie took in letting the job of printing the record in the water works case, the TRIBUNE will do the legal form for the sum of 25cts per printed page, and will guarantee to turn out 600 pages inside of three weeks. Citizens watch the bills allowed by your council and see where the savings comes in.
When the year 1892 passes into oblivion at midnight Saturday it is hoped that young “93” will step into its shoes with a list of good things for Grand Haven.
Among other things a continued hustle by our Improvement Board.
A wise and foreseeing city government.
A water supply, pure and unlimited.
A freedom from the cholera and the “grip.”
A new sidewalk ordinance.
A new court house, whose high and stately spires will be every citizen’s pride.
A healthy, but dignified get there boom.
A motor in the shape of capital and ability to turn the wheels of our dormant furniture and match factories.
A season unparalleled for the summer girl at Grand Haven.
A continued improvement of our streets.
A dozen new factories.
A little more interestedness for Grand Haven by Grand Haven’s own citizens.
A liberal advertising of the city so that it will be of use in the World’s Fair year.
A freedom from “Jacob” and “Tweed” rules.
An electric street car system from Spring Lake to the Park.
A method for abolishing the sawdust fires on the old mill sites.
A new boat line and several of them.
And last, but not least, a year of prosperity for our glass factory, foundry, tannery, Kit factory and vast marine interests.
Sleighing for Christmas has been an unusual thing for several years.
Farmers report that the sleighing in the country is not over excellent yet.
August Van Toll got a pair of left handed gloves—Christmas present from his girl.
A year ago yesterday the Central School was fired by some incendiary, but luckily no material damage was done.
John Johnson and Peter Meher were before Justice Pagelson on the familiar d. d. charge this morning. Ten days for the former and eight days for the latter was the sentence.
Sleighing parties are now the proper thing.
Six business men have been U. S. Senators from this state. Thos. Ferry was one of them.
The National Bank has ordered a lot of the souvenir World’s Fair coins but as yet they have not put in an appearance.
A sleigh ride party composed of N. R. Howlett, Mrs. W. C. Baker, Miss Winston, Miss Ladus and Mr. and Mrs. Capt. Dunbar went to Muskegon last night, starting from the Cutler House.
Our Kewaunee Exchange states that a project is now under consideration to lay telegraph cable across the lake between Kewaunee and Frankfort, that an estimate of the cost has been submitted, and that it is probable that some time next summer the line will be laid and will connect with the Toledo & Ann Arbor line on the other side.
Exercises at the First Reformed Church.
The following Christmas program was gone through by the Sunday School scholars of the First Reformed church last evening. The church was filled by an appreciative audience.
The exercises began with prayer by the superintendent of the Sunday School, Mr. John Luman.
Song by the choir, “Glory the Christmas Angels Sing.”
Christmas song by the infant, class numbering 70.
Transfer of the missionary boxes to the treasurer.
Song by the School, “Over the Ocean Wave.”
Declamation—“Dear Children Far Away,” by Lizzie Van Hall.
Declamation—“On Christmas Night,” by Hannah De Young.
Dialogue, “The Wondrous Story,” by six girls.
Declamation—“Christmas,” by Cassie Johnson.
Solo, by Raymond DeBruyn.
Declamation—“Christmas Gifts,” by Katie Juistema.
Song, “Joy to the World,” by the School.
Declamation—In the Holland language, by James Hoffman.
Next was a recital entitled “Prince of Peace” in which fourteen boys took part. Each one had a separate part.
Declamation—“Ye are my Witness,” by Clara Vyn.
Song, “Beautiful Star,” by Miss Anna Bottje’s class.
A Christmas Carol by Clara Ruster.
Declamation, “Happy Chistmas,” by Minnie Singerling.
Declamation in Holland language by Cornelius Boomgaard.
Song by the Infant class.
Declamation—Mamma’s Darling Son,” by Anna Van Hall.
Declamation—“Another Year” by Ella Balgooyen.
Duet—“Christmas Chimes,” Etta Bottje and Mrs. John O. Doursema.
The report of the treasurer, Mr. John Verhoeks stating that the contents of the missionary box for the past year were $98.67.
Dialogue by three girls.
Song, “Hark!, What Means Those Holy Voices?” by the choir.
Distribution of candles and nuts to the children, followed by prayer ended the exercises.
All the parts were rendered and showed careful study by the young people.
Geo. Smallman met with a painful accident this morning. He was assisting the mail agent in the D., G. H. & M. car when he slipped. His ear was caught in a hook and badly lacerated, also his skull. Several stitches had to be given to the injured member.
John Kohloff was badly injured at the freight house Saturday night. A truck of freight fell upon him and it was first thought that he was killed. Drs. Hofma and Reynolds were called and found his arm to be broken in two places. Mr. Kohloff is resting easily this morning.
Christmas at St. John’s.
The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The weather however, was fearful and prevented many from attending. Rev. W. H. Wotton’s Christmas Day sermon was appropriate to the day and was able and interesting. The music and singing was grand, the vested choir has been under the instruction of the rector now about six months and we candidly believe the singing on Christmas day was not surpassed if equaled at any church in Michigan. The boys and girls of St. John’s choir are justly receiving many compliments.
With a little work of a few of our charitable disposed citizens, more of the poor of the city were made happier on that day than had ever been done before in our city. It goes without saying that Grand Haven has many cheerful givers and with proper organization of this kind would reach would not be the chronics who had rather beg than work; but through sickness and death and other trials become destitute and still destitute will not beg. Those who seek cases of the last kind will always in a city like this find many to help. Why not organize?
The fish tugs are bringing in immense leads of fish every trip.
The fish tug Annie brought in 5860 pounds of fish Saturday, making the largest haul of the season.
All previous records by the local fish tug fleet were beaten yesterday by the Emma Bloecker, Capt. C. Vander Veere. She made a haul of 8000 pounds.
“It is strange,” said a freight yesterday, “that so few accidents happen at the freight house during the winter. Considering the number of men employed there one would think that an accident would be liable to happen once in a while, but there are very few. The men are constantly rushing freight up the plank and through the freight house, but in such a systematic way that accidents are rare.”
The Detroit News for the past month has been devoting considerable space to the senatorial contest of ’83 in which Mr. Ferry was defeated.
The basket factory at Spring Lake is an industry of which Grand Haven as well as Spring Lake should feel proud. Its business is growing and pay roll increasing.
Fred Warber of this city writes thus to, Food, Home and Garden, the official paper of the Vegetarian Society of America: “I have read with interest some of your books and papers and intend to try the Vegetarian principles."
And the snow king reigns—
And sleigh riding is indulged in—
And parties are the order of the day—
And the small boy risks life and limb on the frozen channels—
And seeks a ride at every corner—
And we await the city plow—
And the plumbers bill—
And the numerous other things which only a live winter can bring.
20 Januarys.
The Chief of the Weather Bureau directs the publication of the following data, compiled from the record of observations for the month of January, taken at this station for a period of twenty years.
It is believed that the facts set forth will prove of interest to the public, as well as the special student, showing as they do the average and extreme conditions of the more important meteorological elements and the range within which such variations may be expected to keep during any corresponding month.
TEMPERATURE.
Mean or normal temperature, 25°.
The warmest January was that of 1880 with an average of 37°.
The coldest January was that of 1888, with an average of 17°.
The highest temperature during any January was 61° on January 12, 1890.
The lowest temperature during any January was 12° on January, 1873.
PRECIPITATION
(rain and melted snow)
Average for the month, 2.46 inches.
Average number of days with .01 of an inch or more, 19.
The greatest monthly precipitation was 4.40 inches in 1887.
The least monthly precipitation was .55 inches in 1873.
The greatest amount of precipitation recorded in any 24 consecutive hours was 2.69 inches on January 22, 1887.
CLOUDS AND WEATHER.
Average number of cloudless days, 2.
Average number of partly cloudy days, 8.
Average number of cloudy days, 21.
WIND.
The prevailing winds have been from the West.
The highest velocity of the wind during any January was 60 miles on January 9, 1889.
Geo. W. Felger,
Observer, Weather Bureau.
[Historical Note: A weather report/forecast was included in every issue of the Evening Tribune. They have been omitted from this compilation. The following is the weather report for January 28, 1892 and is typical of the others for this period.]
The Weather.
U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Weather Bureau,
Washington, D. C., December 28, 1892, 8 a.m.
The temperature has risen from 10 to 12° in the lower Missouri Valley and fallen from 10 to 16° in the extreme northwest. Over the area extending north and northwestward from Iowa to the British Possessions the temperature is from 2 to 12° below zero.
Light snow has fallen in the Missouri Valley and continues in Michigan.
With the crest of the cold wave still to the westward, a continuation of the cold weather is anticipated in this vicinity.
Local forecast fro Grand Haven and vicinity for 36 hours from 8:00 a.m. today. Wednesday, continued cold, light snow.
Highest temperature yesterday 22. Lowest temperature last night 16.
GEO. W. FELGER, Observer.
This is a genuine old fashioned winter.
Twelve men in this county make their living carrying the rural mail.
The pond between the pier and the land near the city pumping station is filled with skaters these days.
Capt. Robbins has been making a thorough examination of the charges given by the Point AuSable Life Saving crew against Capt. Wilson.
The building at the head of Washington St., formerly occupied by Enooy’s restaurant is being converted into a passenger station for the Goodrich Co.’s passengers next year.
On Monday night a jolly party of sleigh riders from Grand Haven set out for Muskegon, reaching there about 1 o’clock yesterday morning. They thawed out, turned about, and jingled merrily homeward.―Muskegon Chronicle.
The Akeley Index, a neat little eight-page monthly, devoted, as its name indicates, to Akeley Institute, made its initial appearance in town yesterday. It is published at Grand Haven by H. Y. Potts and Miss Edith L. Powers is the editor. It is an excellent medium for extending the advantages of the Institute.―G. R. Herald.
Roller skating is still indulged in, to some extent in this city. When it first came up several years ago it developed into a craze in less than a month all over the country. Roller skating rinks, were built in city and country towns and are now the only things left to remind one of the great craze. Tobogganing went the same way as roller skating.
A new court house by all means.
Dan Swartz the hustling fisherman has purchased the old water works building at the foot of Franklin St. He will move it across the river next spring and will rebuild it and reside there during the summer.
Next Tuesday an entire new set of officers will go into the Court house. Never since 1868 at least, and probably before that, has this occurred. At least one officer has held over from one term to another, but next year there will be none who held office this year.
“It’s a wonder that several necks and limbs are not broken at the Post Office steps,” said a well known citizen this morning. “One out of every three persons that enters slips there and it is indeed miraculous the escapes some of them have from going over. The doors are hard to open and with the slippery porch make it all the more harder.”
It seems strange that in a county so prosperous as Ottawa so poor a Court House should be maintained. The structure is half a century old and the money required to improve it would build a new court house. No more money should be expended on the hulk and the citizens should open their eyes. Way up in the north woods towns, where counties only have from 10,000 to 15,000 population you will see county buildings that are a grace and not a disgrace. Ottawa County with 40,000 population has a worm shell with the prominent name “Court House.”
Every body that owns a horse and cutter is out sleigh riding today.
Have a ride? Have a ride? Is the question about 60 boys ask of the driver of every team that passes. Yes or no, they will have it unless driven off at the end of his whip.
The Christmas entertainment in the guild room of St. John’s Episcopal church last evening was an enjoyable one. The magic lantern views shown were scenes of the Holy Land and was explained by Rev. Wooton.
Peter Fisher broke a bone in his hand and also a finger yesterday. He was in the Washington House at the time trying to raise a beer keg a certain number of times. In some way he slipped and the weight of the keg crushed his hand against the floor with the result as before stated. The injuries will lay him up for some time.
Martin Weirsma was with a gang of other boys hitching on 7th St. this morning. He jumped on the Spring Lake bus and rode for two or three blocks and started for the sidewalk. When he jumped off he did not see John Hoffman’s delivery back of him and before he had time to get out of the way was knocked down by the horse. He was picked up and his shoulder and head found to be injured but not seriously. This should serve as a warning to the many boys who are hitching. It is a wonder there are not more accidents among them.
The Citizens’ Meeting.
The citizens’ meeting at the Court House last evening was largely attended and was a very enthusiastic one.
A. J. Emlaw was chairman of the meeting and John Vaupell secretary. The principle speakers were Ex-Senator Ferry, G. W. McBride, Geo. A. Farr, Jacob Baar, Mayor Kirby and Geo. D. Turner. Ex-Senator Ferry’s speech was and especially good one.
The matter of a new court house and the city’s share in obtaining the same was thoroughly talked over and the sentiment at the meeting was unanimous towards the city raising $15,000 for a court house costing $40,000 or $50,000.
The Board of Supervisors will be notified of the resolution at their meeting next month.
If acted upon, as it undoubtedly will be, a special election will be held in this city. There should not be a negative vote towards bonding the city for the above mentioned amount as the increase in taxes would be very slight.
An Hour with Jesus.
This is what all who were fortunate enough to be present last evening at the entertainment given in the guild room of St. John’s Episcopal church to the Sunday School children and their parents. The scenes in the life of Christ from the time the Star appeared in the east till his ascension, were, in the absence of Dr. Wilkinson, thrown on the canvas by Mrs. Wilkinson, assisted by Miss Anketel and the description by the Rector given with deep religious fervor. A gentleman remarked such an instructive entertainment as that is worth a dollar but to the followers of the Son of God it meant more than this world can give. The Xmas tree looked very beautiful, but your reporter was too full of glory that awaits the redeemed to stay for the distribution of the gifts and went away looking forward to the time when we shall see them come in like manner as they went.
The car ferry steamer Ann Arbor No. 2 left the Craig shipyard at Toledo, Saturday morning for Frankfort, Mich. Her builders, John and George Craig, are on board. The No. 2 is commanded by Capt. Frank Dority, who formerly sailed the steamer Osceola, and more recently the Colorado.
Two keepers of the beacon lighthouse at Oswego were taken ashore on Christmas day by the captains of the steamers Reliance and the schooner Avondale, with a boat’s crew, after a battle of three hours with ice and waves. The keepers had been without food for two days.
Three Flint & Pere Marquette steamers, the Nos. 1, 4 and 5, spent Christmas in a field of slush ice off Ludington. This is the earliest interference with the movement of steamers on Lake Michigan from that source in years, and gives promise of plenty of similar experience during the months of January, February, and a large portion of March.
John Rosie has one of the Columbian Souvenir coins sent to him by his brother Walter of Chicago.
Sleighing in the country is reported to be first class.
An Egyptian mummy is displayed in Vander Bosch & Co.’s window.
The finance committee of the Board of Supervisors are still at work at the court house.
It is said that a Grand Rapids box manufactory will move their plant here next Spring.
Sheriff Vaupel is moving to his future home in Holland, and Sheriff elect Keppel is moving from Holland here.
S. Verhoek’s meat market on Washington St. has been extensively improved since the fire, making it one of the neatest markets in the city.
Gen. Farrer recommends that the name of the Michigan State Troops be changed to the National Guard of Michigan, in order to confirm the designation which prevails at army headquarters, and which has been adopted by all the states. The general is also in favor of elected officers for three years instead of one.
Nearly all day and a great part of the night Second St. is crowded with coasters.
The Grand Haven correspondent of the Detroit News finds a great state of affairs in Ottawa Co., in the shape of a county seat war between Grand Haven and Holland. An article appeared in the news of last night to that effect. It stated that secret meetings were being held in Holland and that it looks as if Holland was going to get the county seat unless this city begins to hustle. The article runs along in that vein. The News man is certainly wrong as there is not the least feeling manifested between the two towns.
There were four sleigh riding parties out last night.
Skating is becoming popular here, and the pond at the pier is filled with skaters every evening.
Miss Hattie Mouw had the misfortune to sprain her ankle yesterday. She was taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. R. Wierenger.
The dock load of freight was taken off the steamer Wisconsin today, but on account of a lack of cars the boat will have to remain here until tomorrow before the rest of the load can be unloaded.
John M. cook the Third St. groceryman’s delivery horse became frightened at the cars near Henry Solms’ residence on Washington St. today. The horse gave a sudden lurch forward and started running down the street. Mr. Cook was precipitated head first into a 5 foot snow bank but extracted himself after a little struggle. The horse was caught at Matt Chambers barber shop. No damage except a few bruises to Mr. Cook, and the loss of several pounds of raisons scattered 8 blocks down the street.
“Geo. St. Clair now has a record of 2:15¼ ,” said Thomas Savidge of Spring Lake, owner of the well-known stallion, in the Clarendon yesterday. “he might just as well have a mark of 2:12 as to be marked where he is. He went the fifth heat in the race in Lexington in 2:15¼ , lowering his record just five seconds, and as I say he could have done the mile easily in 2:12. There was not a horse within thirty yards of him at the half, which he made in a 208 gait, and when the driver reached the flag he saw that he had everything shut out probably, and then he did just what I did not want him to, he pulled the horse up and went under the wire in 2:15¼ at a 50 gait. You see, I didn’t control the horse last season. He was controlled by a man named Murphy of Chicago, who plays the pool box pretty strong. St. Clair was entered in the Southern circuit, and if he had made the mile in 2:12 he would not have been a good box horse during the remainder of the season. He can trot in 2:10 easily enough. I have not formed plans yet for next season, I shall make a short season and then do not know what I will do.”―G. R. Democrat.
Last day of 1892.
A Happy New Year!
Ferrets are in demand among the hunters.
Remember that the business places close at 9 a.m. Monday.
Many would like the old custom of New Years calling revived.
Today is the last day that the old county officers are in power.
Chas. T. Pagelson has one of the souvenir Columbian coins.
The pond at the pier is still said to be in excellent skating form.
The National Bank has received a few of the Columbian half dollars.
Levi Wickham is giving a cigar to each of his patrons today as a New Year’s remembrance.
Last Saturday we looked forward to several weeks of sleighing. Today the prospects are that we will have it.
Marshal Klaver yesterday arrested John Parker and Andrew Monroe for drunk and disorderly conduct. They were sentenced to 10 days jail by Justice Pagelson today.
The Detroit Journal of last night has an interesting article on the Senatorial contest of 1883 in which Senator Ferry was defeated. Over one hundred names were voted for in that memorable battle.
Have you made your New Year’s promises?
Over one hundred loads of wood a day are said to have come into this city the past week.
Our citizens should understand that the masquerade ball this evening is for the benefit of Highland Park. The ladies have with commendable enterprise worked to make the ball a success and their efforts should be crowned with a crowded hall this evening.
A bill is now before Congress asking that body to repeal that act granting to soldiers and sailors a pension and to pension only those veterans who are wholly incapacitated from labor.
The year 1893 comes in on Sunday; Lent begins February 15, and ends with Easter Sunday, April 2; Washington’s birthday, February 22, is on Wednesday; St. Patrick’s day, March 17, on Friday; Fourth of July, on Tuesday; Labor Day, Monday, September 4; Christmas, December 25, on Monday. There are but two eclipses of the sun, one April 16, and the other October 9, neither visible to this portion of the earth.
The indications that there will be and abundance of ice formation throughout the great lakes the present winter are daily becoming stronger. A southeast wind yesterday drove a large field of ice into Milwaukee Bay, thus demonstrating its presence along the west shore in considerable bodies. Fishermen at Grand Haven and other east shore points are taking up their nets on account of the early formation of ice. The south shore of Lake Erie is already pretty well frozen over. At Cleveland on Wednesday, the fish tugs made a combined effort to reach their nets, but failed, and a wholesome fear exists that they may loose them entirely.―Evening Wisconsin.
The response was made by Supt. Briggs of Grand Haven, who in behalf of the teachers returned sincerest thanks to the mayor for his cordial welcome. He said the association was glad to welcome the members. They felt at home here under the dome of the great capitol of the state in which all had a common interest. He told the mayor that his co-workers would not trouble the police very much, but they would undoubtedly make the commissary department look sick. Officers will be elected tomorrow. The choice for president lies between Supt. E. C. Thompson of Saginaw and Supt. E. L.Briggs of Grand Haven.
The fish tugs lay up after today.
The fish tugs are out today.
Query has been received from Buffalo at the Custom House as to the schooner Porcupine. This is the schooner sunken off Ferrysburg which, it is said, was one of Commodore Perry’s fleet.
A report was current at Detroit on Thursday that the car-ferry steamer Ann Arbor No. 2 which left Detroit Sunday morning, bound for Lake Michigan, got up as far as Saginaw Bay, where the ice parted the steel from her bow, and she put into Sand Beach and took on fuel enough to run back to Detroit.
The Arctic whaler Progress is anchored in solid ice at the World’s Fair grounds, and reminds one of how a ship must look fast hemmed in by ice in the cold regions of the North. Snow rests on the spars and icicles hang from the cross yards. The whaling boats are swung aboard at the sterns, just as they are when everything is made snug on board a vessel during a sojourn within the Arctic circle.