Grand Haven, Mich. October 1892
10/1
October.
Orchard of the year! Bend thy boughs to the earth, redolent of glowing fruit! Ripened seeds shake in their pods. Apples drop in the stillest hours. Leaves begin to let go when no wind is out, and swing in long wave rings to the earth, which they touch without sound, and lie looking up, ‘till winds rake them, and heap them in fence corners. When the gales come through the trees, the yellow leaves trail, like sparks at night behind the flying engines. The woods are thinner, so that we can see the heavens plainer, as we lie dreaming on the yet warm moss by the singing spring. The days are calm. The nights are tranquil. The year’s work is done. She walks in gorgeous apparel. Looking upon her long labor, and her serene eye saith “It is good.”
HENRY WARD BEECHER.
Ball’s basket factory is running full blast.
Grand Haven: During last week not a single arrest was made by the police. Residents with an economical turn of mind are complaining that the force don’t earn their money.—Detroit Tribune.
The Coopersville authorities drove the Grand Haven bill posters out of their town when they were posting Grand Haven 4th of July celebration bills, but they allow fakers to steal $3,000 from their visitors at the fair.
Klaas Leuninga is celebrated his 42nd birthday today, Klaas says he feels as young as a schoolboy yet. He is not afraid to kill eight head of cattle every day.
The Fakers Routed.
Geo. A. Farr put to rout yesterday afternoon the fakers who were getting rich of the rural lists and the smart man from the city, at Coopersville fair. The ground was full of swindling games and gambling devices such as the shell game, chuck luck, the pivot swindle and many others all of which did a lad office business. All these swindlers had papers dressed as farmers, who would win from $20 to $50 every time they played. In this ay the people would be pulled on to throw away their money.
Mr. Farr approached one of these gamesters about one o’clock yesterday afternoon and gave the fellow a sound lecture on swindling boys and ignorant men. The fellow of course eases back, but Mr. Farr, in a tone that meant just what he said, told them that if they were not off the grounds in another hour, he would have every one of them arrested.
When the hour was up not a faker was on the ground. They had fled with their various paraphernalia from the place.
An eye witness said that the lecture Mr. Farr gave one of the fakers was worth listening to. He raked the gambler most unmercifully, and better still, drove them from the grounds.
These light-fingered gentry and gamblers undoubtedly gathered in at least $3,000 during the few days they were at Coopersville. Many a farmer boy dropped all the money he had with him at their games, and it is strange that they were not ordered off sooner.
The balloon ascension and parachute drop at Berlin yesterday was a decided success. The balloonist is Prof. Dear a little short Irishman.
The Grand Haven piers are the most extensive on the east shore.
New life and new spirits are being brought into this city, and the old time lethargy is departing.
Property in this city which some two years ago could be bought for $300 is now hard to get at $800.
The pessimist and the grumbler will always be here, but don’t let him get the majority. While Grand Haven is growing he should not be heard.
More residences have been built this year than for a number of years previous. The town is enjoying a healthy growth that will give us 12,000 people inside of four years.
Alfred Thompson and James Slattery, two deck hands on the steamer City of Milwaukee got on a toot Saturday and were arrested. This morning in Judge Pageslon’s court both were sentenced to ten days in jail.
Many of the fishermen can point out exactly where the steamer Ironsides now lies.
Grand Haven is becoming famous through an article that is appearing in the papers throughout the country in which a prominent engineer says that a canal from this city across the state is the only feasible route and will undoubtedly be built.
In numbers the bicycle lantern parade Saturday evening was not a success, but it is hoped that there will be more of them as it makes a very pretty scene.
The following from the Grand Rapids Democrat gives Jerry Boynton’s true reason for purchasing the valuable locomotive, which he has in the G. R. & I. yards at Grand Rapids: “The purchase of this locomotive by Mr. Boynton places the road which he and his associates are trying to build in a position to ‘sell’ bonds, certain work on the road bed having been done. The Grand Rapids railroad, the corporate title of the road, is projected to run from this city to Grand Haven, running southeast to Grandville, passing the Chicago & West Michigan there, passing through Jenisonville and running a on a tangent to Grand Haven almost due northwest * * * * The locomotive mentioned is as fine a machine as ever came into Western Michigan, in fact, experienced railroad men say it is too good to put on the new road.”
Rabbits are not as numerous as last year, but still there are enough to make the sport interesting.
Geo. Wellwood for drunkenness and disorderly conduct was sentenced to ten days in jail by Justice Pagelson this morning. Wellwood has been peddling flavored extract about the city the past few days.
A farmer’s horse furnished excitement for a time about 5 o’clock last evening. The horse became frightened on Water street and ran at a break neck speed up Washington street. The driver was a good one and held on manfully and managed to keep the animal from running into other teams, the street being crowded at that hour. No damage done.
The display window in T. V. VandenBosch & Bro.’s store attracts more than ordinary attention now days. A cage of monkeys has been placed in the corner window and crowds are continually watching them in their queer and droll antics. There are three of them but one of them was taken to the hospital this morning, it being deathly sick. It seems that the other monkeys have a disliking for the sick one and continually bother him. At any rate he is either sick or heart broken and lies lifeless in a specially made box. The crowd about the window last night was so large that the gas in the window had to be shut off earlier than usual for fear that the window would be broken.
A railroad conductor says that every train brings shoppers from this city to Muskegon and Grand Rapids. Patronize home merchants and keep the money in circulation here.
Henry Solms of this city was a member, some 40 years ago, of one of the then famous New York City fire companies. In those days the fire laddies would run to the fires, every man catching hold of the rope and pulling the engine along. The fire reached, the pump would be manned. Every ward or precinct had a fire company and after the blaze had been extinguished a free fight would be indulged in. A fire was generally one of the most exciting of events in the city, and was made doubly more so by the yelling of the fire boys. Every company was given a name such as “the old maid”, the “east enders” &c. Despite their rivalry the boys all worked manfully at a fire and did not indulge in fisticuffs until the blaze was extinguished.
The town’s prosperity is shown by the number of new residences which are now being built.
In a few years Grand Haven will undoubtedly be the location of the West Michigan Fair.
One of the monkeys which has been displayed in T. VandenBosh’s window and which was reported dangerously sick yesterday has since died.
Postmaster Parish states that for several weeks past the facilities for dispatching the evening mails have been poor indeed, but that commencing this evening, this post office will pouch the fast mail trains on the Michigan Central R’y at Kalamazoo, both east and west. These mails go via D., G. H. & M. to Grand Rapids and the G. R. & I. to Kalamazoo. The G. R. & I. R’y have just replaced the train they discontinued some time ago, thus enabling our mails to catch the fast trains saving several hours to most all points.
The Goodrich steamers have been late in arriving at this port only twice this season. This is a record which very few steamship lines can equal, and shows that their boats are of a superior class.
A big scow load of gravel for the city streets is being unloaded at the slip today.
Escaped From the Reform School.
Three boy inmates of the State Reform School at Lansing, escaped from that institution Tuesday night. They were Thomas Brown of this city, William Byers of Grand Rapids and Frank Curtis of Jackson. A very ingenious scheme was used to effect the escape. One of the boys made his nose bleed while in the school connected with the reformatory. The teacher excused him from the room and detailed the other two boys to go with him down the stairs. No sooner were they down the stairs than they wrenched the lock from the door and got away. They have not yet been captured.
Brown is now about 15 years old. He was sent down to the Reform School from this city last year, shortly after Littlewood, one of his chums. Brown was connected with Littlewood and a gang of other young toughs who them infested the city. Undoubtedly he was one of the ring leaders in the escape. Brown’s term in the Reform School would have expired when he attained the age of 17.
Co. F held its annual election of officers at the armory last evening. The following officers were chosen: Captain, Baltus Pellegrom; 1st Lieut.,Edward H. Andres, 2d Lieut., W. F. Harbeck; company clerk, B. T. Harbeck. The following board of directors was also chosen: Baltus Pellegrom, E. H. Andres, Herman Nyland, W. F. Harbeck, James Verhoeks, Sherman Dickinson, Fred A. Mansfield, P. H. Rosbach, F. R. Harbeck.
The man who sells his property in this city at a low rate now, will regret it inside of two years.
If water connections can be mad, then look out for the first blast of the glass factory whistle tomorrow.
The Dake engine Works shut down today out of respect to Wm. F. Dake.
Second street promises to become THE residence street of the city. Many improvements have been made on the homes on that street this year.
Nat Robbins Jr’s. fine new cement sidewalk will be uncovered tomorrow. It was built by VanDongan & Jonker and is a sample of which that firm can do. People do not have to go out side of town to get that class of work done.
It was a great surprise yesterday when it was learned that Capt. F. A. Mansfield had been defeated for the captaincy, by Lieut. Baltus Pellegrom, at the election the previous evening. Capt. Mansfield had held the captaincy for five years and was a zealous officer, and was the ranking captain of his regiment. Mr. Pellegrom has been lieutenant for five years. He is well up with the tactics and makes it a study and will undoubtedly make a good commander.
Con DeVleiger starts next Monday on his bicycle tour to Buffalo. His route first takes him to Grand Rapids then through Kalamazoo, Lansing and Detroit. At Detroit he will cross the river to Windsor and make the rest of the distance through Canada. The distance to be covered is nearly 800 miles but Con says he can do it in a week or less. Grand Haven will show the world that it has some fast people.
Water street in this city like its namesake in Chicago and Milwaukee is one of the busiest thoroughfares in town. Now that the glass factory will begin business it will be still more so. There are on that street the glass factory, new city pump house, electric light plant, and several of the largest ice houses in this section of the state, gas house, round house, D., G. H. & M. railway tracks, the depot, freight and boat offices and the docks along the river. Truly it is a busy street.
GOOD NEWS.
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The Glass Works in New Hands.
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And Will Resume Work in a Fee Days.
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In a few days the glass factory will be a factory in reality. For some time the officers of the American Mirror and Glass Beveling Co., of Louisville, Ky., have been in this city looking over the site and negotiated with the old stockholders. Yesterday Mr. Hahl the engineer of the company received a telegram from President Vogt instructing him to put the machinery and factory in working order as soon as possible.
Mr. Hahl immediately put five men to work and gave orders to Henry Bloecker & Co., for iron plates to be used as covering for the silvering tables.
If the city can make water connection steam will be got up Saturday, and the machinery put to test after its long rest, and in about two weeks will be running full blast. This is but the initial one of the many new enterprises which are looked for Grand Haven in the near future.
The opening of the glass factory will serve as an impetus to trade in many ways and will be the opening one so to speak.
The opening of the glass factory will serve as an impetus to trade in many ways and will be the opening one so to speak.
As the name implies the work to be done at the factory will be that of beveling glass. This factory will be the most important branch of the main plant at Louisville.
Heavy Sea.
A heavy sea prevailed on Lake Michigan all last night. The steamer McVea came in about 8 o’clock this morning after a futile attempt to make Saugatuck. The McVea runs between Chicago and Saugatuck and had on board 20 passengers on the way to the latter town. All of them were deathly sick, and left by train this afternoon for their destination.
About 9 o’clock the big schooner Ralph Campbell, light, bound from Chicago to Muskegon came in for shelter. Her captain was very anxious to make Muskegon today but was somewhat doubtful on that point.
The schooner Condor, Capt. Boomslurter came in also last evening.
Despite the gale the small steamer Favorite which was in here with fruit, left at 9 o’clock for Holland.
Death of Wm. F. Dake.
A telegram was received last here this morning announcing the death of Wm. F. Dake in Chicago. Mr. Dake had been sick for the past four years. With his brother he went to Chicago some two weeks ago for treatment and to undergo an operation. He had gradually grown worse, his wife and father, Mr. H. F. Dake, being called to his bedside some days ago. Nothing is known as yet as to the arrangements for the funeral, but it will undoubtedly be here.
Deceased was born in Jamaica, West Indies, some 42 years ago. His parents came to this country while he was yet a baby. He has lived here for the past 20 years and leaves a wife and four children, the oldest being 19 years of age.
Mr. Dake has been connected with the Dake Engine Co., from its organization and was one of the directors. The community sympathize deeply with the sorrowing family.
LATER—A dispatch was received at three o’clock this afternoon stating at three o’clock this afternoon stating that Mr. Dake’s body would arrive at 10:37 tonight, and also requested that the Spring Lake Masons be notified.
The balloon ascension and parachute drop at the Holland fair yesterday was a success.
Henry Bolt, Bert Stone and Earnest Smith attended the races at Holland yesterday and were took in. They bet on the wrong horse.
The reason for the Valley City being laid up so early is an accident which occurred to her on the trip last Tuesday. When she backed out of her slip at Grand Rapids the water was so low that she injured the wheel seriously. J. F. Craig of Toledo has been there a few days and decided that extensive repairs were necessary, which would take a week or ten days to accomplish. It was therefore thought to best to lay her up for the season and get her in shape for work early in the spring.
It has been decided to put the steamer Valley City into winter quarters for the balance of the season, and the river freight business will be handled with the Barrett.
The Grand Haven Gas Co., have placed gas in St. Patrick’s church.
Capt. Kirby is building a dock at his ice houses.
Washington St. was crowded with farmer teams today.
Wm. Dake had over 100 inventions and held two patents on his famous Dake engine.
Thomas Savidge’s great trotter Geo. St. Clair is entered in a race at Lexington today.
A new monkey to fill the place of the one that died now romps around in the cage in Vandenbosh’s display window.
G. A. Bottje and Co’s, delivery horse started on a run from the new Fisher residence this morning, but stopped of his own accord when the store was reached. No damages.
Thomas Brown, the Grand Haven boy who escaped from the State Reform School with two other lads, has been captured. He and Frank Curtis one of his runaway chums were both arrested at the Michigan Central yards, West Detroit, Thursday and returned to the school.
Letter From Captain Young.
Mr. Henry Bloecker received the following letter from Capt. H. N. Young the well known boat owner. The Columbia was built here at the Grand Haven Ship building Co.’s yard, being launched this spring. The engine was built by H. Bloecker & Co. and the boiler by Johnston Bros. hence being built wholly at Grand Haven. Some marine men said the boat would not run at all, but all such doubts will now be dispelled as she has proven herself to be one of the fastest boats on Lake Michigan. She is a sample of good workmanship from three great industries of this city.
HENRY BLOECKER, Grand Haven:
Yours of the 28th Sept., is at hand and acted, would say in reply that the steamer Columbia has beaten everything that we have been along side of easily, except the Puritan and we have only been near her once for about an eight mile run when we held level with 110 lbs steam, all we could get with green elm wood with the exhaust in the stack all the time and kept the cut on in order to hold that. The boat runs good and is a splendid sea boat with the sea anywhere before the beam, but rolls with the sea under the quarter. Our time from Charlevoix to Petoskey is one hour and eleven minutes and not pushing her very hard at that. The engineer is very confident that she can run that distance in one hour. It is nearly 18 miles. When we are running twelve miles per hour we carry under an average of 115 lbs of steam will turn 106 exhaust outside out 5½ to 6½ and with 125 lbs steam will turn 140 exhaust outside and 137 exhaust inside without the cut on. I would have written you before, but I wanted to get another run with the Puritan under more favorable circumstances than with green elm fuel. The new stack has made a great difference, I think about ¼ of a chord of wood a day less than with the first one and I feel personally confident that she will run sixteen measured miles per hour, and possibly better. Take the boat all around I am very well satisfied with her.
CAPT. H. N. YOUNG.
Traverse City.
Akeley Institute.
A dancing class for young ladies and children will be formed at Akeley Institute on Monday evening, Oct. 10th, at seven o’clock. The Institute has been fortunate in securing the services of Miss Calla Travis of Grand Rapids to teach the class. Miss Travis is now the most popular teacher in the Valley City and her classes number hundreds. She proposes to give one term in the general principles of dancing, combining with Delsarte, and introducing the Modern Society dances. The second term will be devoted to the Germans and the Minuet. This is an opportunity which society people of Grand Haven have not had before and it is hoped that they will avail themselves of it. The first lessons on Monday evening will be free to all. After this the expense is six dollars for a term of twelve lessons, or seventy-five cents for single lessons.
GRAND MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
The Chicago & West Mich. Ry will sell excursion tickets from Grand Haven to Muskegon and return, Saturday Oct. 8th, on the occasion of the concert of Sousa’s new Marine Band at the Opera House, at the rate of 60 cents for the round trip. The tickets are good going and returning on any regular train on above date. The night express will not leave Muskegon until eleven o’clock p.m.
The concert prices will be 25, 50, 75 and $1.00.
Mail or telegraph orders for reserve seats should be addressed to Fred L. Reynolds, Manager Opera House, Muskegon, Mich.
Mr. Sousa resigned recently from the U. S. Marine band at Washington to lead the new band organized and engaged for the Chicago World’s Fair. Those who have heard it pronounce it ahead of anything ever heard in America. There are also two eminent vocal artists with the company, Miss Landb, soprano from Berlin; and Sig. Galassi, basso from New York.
None of the fish boats ventured out today.
The wind and the sea prevented the steamer Atlanta from getting in until 9:30 this morning.
Another scow load of gravel is being unloaded at the slip today for the streets.
Lieut. Rogers, U. S. Life Saving inspector for this district inspected the station yesterday.
The steamer Atlanta despite the heavy sea left for Muskegon shortly after her arrival this morning.
The little schooner Hattie LeRoy which went on the beach some weeks ago is still laying at the north pier near the life saving station.
The schooner Hattie LeRoy will leave on her journey to Florida as soon as wind and weather permit. The family who are to go with her are still here.
The tug E. G. Crosby which was built at the Grand Haven Ship Building Co.’s yard, will probably be ready for business next week. She will be taken to Muskegon and used by E. G. Crosby & Co., to tow the company’s scows from various ports on the lake.
The lighthouse board at Washington is preparing plans for lightships for service on Lake Michigan and Erie. The vessels will be about 90 feet long, 20 feet beam and eight feet deep. They will be located according to the report of the three lighthouse inspectors as practically decided at the meeting held in Detroit last Monday.
Justice Chas. T. Pagelson had the flag at his home on Lake Ave. flying at half mast yesterday in memory of Wm. F. Dake.
The chimney on W. C. Sheldon’s residence burned out this noon causing a great deal of excitement in that neighborhood.
Property is on the upward climb in this city. A bid of $2200 was placed on a certain Lake Ave. residence and a lot a year ago would have been bought for $1600 and even less.
Next week Tuesday occurs a partial eclipse (very nearly total) of the sun. It will be visible here beginning about 11 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. Get your smoked glass ready.
Capt. Kirby is moving from across the river a building which was once the Engine house of the city, D. VerWy has the job. It will be placed next to Mr. Kirby’s large ice houses, thus placing Capt. Kirby’s entire fish plant on this side of the river.
Certain business men are agitating the organization of a Fair association. It would be a good thing and would bring many thousand dollars into the city next year, if one could be perfected by that time. Grand Haven has many more attractions outside of a fair than any inland town and at least 8000 visitors each day could be expected. Boom it.
Grand Haven sends nearly as many student to the University of Michigan as Muskegon.
There seems to be a growing appreciation among railroad men of the advantages of connection with Milwaukee from the East. The Michigan Central line is said to be preparing to compete with the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee route by establishing a line of steel steamers between South Haven and Milwaukee. In time—as the ferry experiment between Kewannee and Frankfort—will undoubtedly prove successful—huge car ferries will be running out of Milwaukee for Grand Haven, Ludington, South Haven, and wherever railroads can secure connections with this port.—Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin.
The first blast of the glass factory whistle was given this morning.
Wm. VandenBerg painted the tall smoke stack of the glass factory yesterday.
It is rumored and on good authority that another bank will be opened in this city shortly.
Throw aside all animosities and work together for the good of the town.
Before another October Grand Haven will be the liveliest city on the east shore of Lake Michigan.
Never before has there been so much news of improvements and of large contracts in which Grand Haven industries been interested.
In a short time the new city pump house on Water St., will be ready for occupancy and operation. The boiler from the old city works was placed in position there today.
Merean Koopman was arrested last night by Deputy VandenBerg for using indecent language. He was $5 and costs by Justice Angel this morning.
Ottawa County will undoubtedly soon have one of the finest jails in the state. The committee on Public buildings of the board of Supervisors went to Muskegon today to visit the jail there and look over the plans.
We are informed that a male quartette has been organized in this city to cooperate as a glee club with the different political organizations at speeches, etc. The quartette is Dr. A. Rysdorp, Peter Klaver, Wm. Baker and Tony Baker.
Geo. St. Clair 2:15¼ !
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Hon Thomas Savidge now owns the fastest four year old in Michigan and one of the fastest in the world. Geo. St. Clair won the deciding heat of the great Blue Grass stakes in Lexington yesterday in the fast time of 2:15¼ and winning for his owner a purse of $1,000. The purse is insignificant compared to the name and fame his great horse has earned.
Geo. St. Clair has shown great speed on several occasions, and Mr. Savidge has prophesied that he would sometime startle the racing world. St. Clair is virtually a Michigan horse, though from Kentucky blood. May he make 2;10 this season is the wish of many friends of Mr. Savidge.
The fire this afternoon was in the sawdust near the C. & W. M. depot.
John Mulder and Nick VandenBosh, the young men who discovered the blaze in Central School should be awarded a medal by our citizens of at least a vote of thanks.
Flames in the Central School.
For the second time within a year the big Central School building has narrowly escaped destruction by the fire fiend. Nick VandenBosh and another young man were walking in that vicinity last evening, when Nick noticed a reflection of light through a window in the basement of the building. Thinking it was the janitor going through the building with a lantern, but still a little curious of anyone being about the building at that time (it being eight o’clock) the young men walked leisurely up the school hill. A blaze could be seen distinctly then through the transom of the basement window, on the east side of the building. Going to the door and peering through a crack they could see the fire was gaining headway on the basement roof about 20 feet from the door. VandenBosh then sprinted to the engine house yelling “fire, fire.” The department turned out rapidly and were soon at the scene.
The basement door was broken open and the flames, after 20 minutes work, were under complete control. The school house was filled with smoke from basement to copula. In the halls of the upper floors the smoke was so dense that the windows had to be opened in order to save the firemen from suffocating.
Every room is in session today the same as ever, the smoke and water doing but very little damage to them.
The place where the fire originated is in a hall which runs east and west through the basement, and it was in the middle of this hall on the left hand side as you go in from the east. The partition on this side is burned out to a width of at least 8 feet. The scantling and timbers on the basement roof will have to be replaced and a new tier of floor put in on that side. The damage is nominal compared to what might have been.
How the fire originated is not known. The furnaces are in another part of the basement separated by a brick partition. The young men who discovered the blaze say that a strong smell of issued from the flames. The janitor said that a box lay in that part of the hall but did not know what was in it and did not think it contained anything combustible. It was said last night by many that a stack of scrap paper was found near where the fire started. Janitor Dykema states that no rubbish was there at all.
Again others claim that it was the work of an incendiary and to back their claim assert that a window in Miss Hiler’s room was found open. This was the window which was found open at the time of the incendiary fire last winter.
Steam pipes run across the hall, but it does not seem possible that they could heat the wood work so as to start a blaze. Anyway, from appearances the flames originated at the bottom and worked up. Did this box which Janitor Dykema spoke of have anything to do with it. Probably it contained something to cause spontaneous combustion. After the incendiary, it seems the next possible theory.
The Central School is one of the finest school buildings in the state and the finest for any town of the size. If the building had been destroyed it could not be replaced for much less than $125,000.
This morning an agitation was started for employing a good competent watchman for the building. The impression seems to be that in the end it would save the city a heavy expense.
IT WAS SET AFIRE.
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A. J. VerBerkmoes’s Opinion.
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Mr. A. J. VerBerkmoes has a sensational story in regard to the fire in the Central School building last night. Mr. VerBerkmoes resides on Franklin street directly across from the school. About a week ago, one night he was awakened by a noise in the school. He went on the porch of his house and saw the dim shadow of tow or three men near the school house. Waiting, he saw them climb the fire escape and crawl in the window on the northeast corner of the first floor. This is Mrs. Hiler’s schoolroom. After they had gained entrance he heard them walking around, but said they had no light. The next morning Mr. VerBerkmoes said the window on that side of the room was open. He informed Prof. Briggs but that gentleman after investigation found nothing had been molested.
Again a few nights after Mr. VerBerkmoes saw two or three men or boys enter by the same way they had before. Again he informed Mr. Briggs and told him that the thought a watchman should be placed in the building.
Last night about 7:30 Mr. VerBerkoes’s little daughter and son saw three men in the school house yard, but could not tell who they were on a account of the darkness. The little boy says one of them “was a big fat man.” When the fire was discovered, Mr. VerBerkmoes said that he had been suspicioning such an event for sometime on account of the queer actions which he had seen there in the past few days.
Mr. VerBerkemoes watched the school house when it was entered the previous nights until two o’clock in the morning, but did not see anybody come out and thinks that possibly that they made their exit by a different way than their entry.
The Glass Factory.
At 8:30 this morning the whistle of the Glass Factory was heard by the citizens of Grand Haven. The whistle was pulled by Mr. Joseph Koeltz the original proprietor of the one per cent tax to be levied for the purpose of building the institution, and the one who has stood a large amount of the abuse because the glass works were not in operation. But by persistent and hard work Messrs. Emlaw, Lillie, Koeltz, McBride and the gentlemen who have had the work in charge, the point they started out to obtain has been gained. And the thanks of our citizens are due them.
Engineer Hahl is giving the machinery a thorough test today. He finds everything working nicely.
President Vogt is expected here this week. Mr. Vogt is ahead of the American Glass and Beveling Co., at Louisville. That company employs over 100 men and is one of the solidest industries in the south. President Vogt and the other practical glass men will be head of the company here.
Only a few more weeks of navigation.
The life savers will be on duty until December.
A company will be formed this winter to build and run a line of passenger steamers between Grand Haven, Highland Park and Ottawa Beach. Also between here and Lake Harbor.
Wm. Van Drezer came in Monday with one of the finest strings of rabbits ever bagged by a sportsman in this vicinity.
Herman Nyland, Edward VanderZalm and John Bryce, Jr. will report to Lieut. Taylor of Co. B. Grand Rapids, to act as Co. F’s representatives to the Bicycle Corps at Chicago.
What was once the trotting park was bought some time ago by a Mr. Zaldenrast. He has been using it for pasture and was going to sow it in rye next spring. Certain local horsemen have secured the track by rental and will save it from being ruined.
The long looked for wrestling match between Barney Zwaagman and Grocer Verhoeks came off this morning. After three bouts Barney was thrown so heavily that he did not come to the scratch when time was called, and Verhoeks was declared the victor. Stakes, $50.
Co. F. Election.
As was anticipated by many of the members of Company F, the officers elected at their annual election last week declined to accept the positions to which they were chosen and at a meeting of the company last evening their refusals to accept the offices were presented to the company and unanimously accepted. As the meeting was still a part of the annual meeting (a recess having been taken at the annual meeting to Oct 11,) the election of officers for the ensuing year was held, resulting in the re-election of the same officers as last year, namely F. A. Mansfield; captain, Baltus Pellegrom, 1st Lieut.; and E. H. Andres, 2nd Lieut. That the best of feeling prevailed was shown by the fact that the vote was unanimous on all three officers.
As nearly as can be learned it appears that the action at the meeting last Wednesday was intended more as a disapproval of the way in which certain matters in the company had been managed during the past year, than it was to retire Capt. Mansfield so unjustly from the captaincy. The matters referred to seem to have been satisfactorily compromised and harmony has again been restored in the ranks. The captain has always been a great favorite with the “boys” and is also one of the most esteemed officers in the 2nd Regt.
Besides this he is now the senior captain in the regiment and as there is every indication of a vacancy in the field office this coming year he will undoubtedly be promoted to the Majorship. The business management of the Co. F corporation remains unchanged, the same officers announced in Friday’s TRIBUNE continuing in office for the year.
The slanderous and contemptible stories that were so maliciously propagated among the citizens, by a few dissatisfied members concerning the previous election were emphatically denounced by the company and the meeting adjourned with cheers for the re-elected officers.
The following from the G. R. Democrat by the correspondent here: It is reported that a Grand Rapids corporation will purchase and run the Highland Park hotel next season. A movement is also on foot here to organize a street car company to operate a line between the city and Highland Park next season.
GEO. ST. CLAIR’S VICTORY.
Hon. Thomas Savidge arrived home last night fresh from the racing at Lexington, and the scene of the great victory of his still greater horse Geo. St. Clair, to say that Mr. Savidge felt good, would be putting it lightly and every man he met received a warm hand shake.
The race for the Blue Grass Stakes at which his horse won honors was hotly contested. There were four entries, Geo. St. Clair took the first heat, Sternberg the next two and St. Clair the fourth.
One of the largest crowds that ever attended a Lexington race was on the grounds. St. Clair made the first quarter in 33 seconds and the first half in the remarkable time of 107. Coming down the home stretch he was not urged in the least because of the superior lead he had over Sternberg. Nevertheless without the least urging and nothing to inspire him to move faster, he came in under the wire first in 2:15½. The last half was made in 1:08.
Sternberg is a pure blooded Kentucky horse raised within 80 rods of the famous Lexington track, hence, it was a race of Michigan against Kentucky and Michigan won. Twenty thousand dollars changed hands this race.
From the fact that he won so easily and in such fast time in something remarkable and stamps him one of the fastest horses one the American turf.
Geo. St. Clair is now the fastest four-year-old stallion in Michigan and the third fastest in the world. The previous Michigan race record for his age was lowered by him 2½ seconds.
Next week Friday St. Clair will enter into a free for all race at Anderson, Ind. This is credited as being one of the fastest tracks in the west. He will have as a competitor a horse with 2:12 record and several other good ones. Nevertheless if in good condition St. Clair may surprise the old stagers and show them what a Michigan horse can do.
Grand Haven and Spring Lake are now mentioned in turf papers as one of the trotting centers of the country, due to Geo. St. Clair’s victory.
This is almost Indian Summer weather.
A large number of our citizens expect to go to Chicago next week.
Co. F will remain in Chicago Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of next week.
The Goodrich line boats will give reduced rates to Chicago next week for the dedication of the World’s Fair.
Mrs. Thos. A. Parish was elected president of the Woman’s Club for the ensuing year at their meeting last Saturday.
The old white horse that has pulled the American Express wagon in this city so long is endowed with more than usual intelligence as many can testify.
That Grand Haven people are lovers of bargains is evidenced by the number who glance over the Grand Rapids papers to see if any special sales are coming off. Advertising and plenty of it will bring good results and keep trade at home. Laxity in that matter is the only fault with Grand Haven merchants.
Geo. Sanford is considering building a fine residence on his lot corner 5th and Columbus Sts. This is one of the finest sites in the city overlooking as it does the entire northern section of the town. Mr. Sanford resided there until three years ago this October when the residence was burned in the big fire.
Last Saturday Sidney Clarke of this city was quite badly injured by a vicious bull on his farm. His thigh was penetrated by the bull’s horns.
Allegan County Court House.
It was suggested to us this afternoon that if this county should vote to have a new court house built that it would be a credit to it. In this city, Central Park square would be the finest site in town to locate it upon. The gentleman’s idea was to have the court house built in the center of the park and to have fine cement walks running up to it, also to have a cement walk around the entire square, something after the plan of the Allegan county court house, which is one of the finest and nicely located court buildings in Michigan.
Carpenters are hard to obtain in this city now days. They are all employed.
Ed. Craw did not bargain for a kicking broncho when he borrowed a horse of Dr. Cumings the other day. The doctor thinking that the old horse was in the stable, told Mr. Craw that he should hitch him up and take him. That he did not take him was evidenced by the swift sprint Ed made from the stable out of harm and the broncho’s hind feet, a few minutes later.
Tug E. G. Crosby.
The Grand Haven Ship Building Co., builders of steam and sail vessels which have made their name famous for their superior workmanship, have today completed one of the finest towing steamers on the lakes viz: the E. G. Crosby & Co., of Muskegon.
The new tug E. G. Crosby is a handsome roomy boat and is well adapted to for general towing business. Her dimensions are length 95 feet, beam 18 feet, depth, 10 ft. 8 inches, her tonnage is 84.82 gross and 42.42 net.
She has an excellent and strong fore and aft compound engine, diameter of cylinders 16 and 30 inches by 24 inch stroke. Her boiler measures 12 feet in length and 8 feet in diameter. Two furnaces, engines and boiler built by Wilson & Hendrie. She is also supplied with a Dake engine which will be used to haul the tow line aboard and for other purposes.
She will be commanded by Capt. Peter D. Campbell and David Wilson will have charge of the engine.
Feast of In Gathering.
About 8 weeks ago Rev. DeBruyn of the First Reformed church reminded his congregation that the church was still in debt to quite a large extent and unfolded a plan which was immediately taken up. It was to hold what is known as feast of in gathering on the evening of Oct. 12th. Sealed envelopes were given each parishioner and last night, the time appointed, the church was comfortably filled.
The envelopes were gathered and their contents counted; they contained the neat sum of $1,168.17. A sum as large has never before been taken at a single church donation in this city. The congregation all rejoice at the backbone of the debt, so to speak, is broken and the task is now easy. It shows what a congregation can do by working shoulder to shoulder. Every one gave as his means permitted, saving in short eight weeks, money which would otherwise been spent foolishly.
The church and its congregation is to be congratulated upon its success in this novel undertaking.
Capt. Nansfield has made arrangements whereby Co. F as soon as they reach Chicago next Wednesday morning, can sit down to a good square meal. They will be landed direct in the Michigan building on the grounds.
The recruits and ex-members of Co. F drilled last night and this afternoon. There are six recruits and ex-members Elmer Bryce, G. Ball, G. Juistema, Robt. Redeke and Merean Kanhout.
Captain Mitchell states the reason the Valley City laid up is not because her wheel was injured beyond speedy repair, and that the slight accident had nothing to do with it.
Vessels owners appreciate Grand Haven as a convenient port to winter their vessels. Arnold’s large northern fleet and Capt. Brittain’s steamer line will make it their quarters this winter.—Chicago Tribune.
The Chicago Tribune gives this city good advertisement when it says that as a port it is much appreciated by marine men to winter their boats at.
Highland Park is a charming spot these autumn days.
Vandenbosch & Bros. will have in their show window next week, instead of monkeys, a trick bear.
The Woman’s Club of this city is growing rapidly and this year promises a larger membership than last year.
Eddie Bottje while going home last night claims to have seen a ghost near Van Weelden’s meat market. The old ghost story of last year is being heard frequently now..
The Board of Supervisors committee on county buildings invited the citizens to meet with them last night to confer in regard to a new jail and court house. The committee stated that the jail was inadequate for the county and that a large addition would have to be built very soon, and that the people of Ottawa county were realizing more and more the necessity for a new court house. The question is whether the court house should be built on the square between the City Hall and jail or those buildings removed at the expense of the city was referred to the Improvement Board to take such action as they see feet.
ARE YOU IN IT?
And excursion to Chicago to witness the opening ceremonies of the World’s Fair will be given under the auspices of the Grand Rapids Bicycle Club. Arrangements have been made with the management of the passenger steamer A. B. Taylor of Grand Haven to run over Wednesday, the 19th, remain three days, and return on Sunday, the 23d. Round trip rate from Grand Haven including sleeping accommodations on the boat the entire time, $7.00. Meals, if desired, extra. The club extends a cordial invitation to its friends and the public to join them in having a good time. Tickets and information at Perkins & Richmond’s store, Hartman Block.
E. A. CROZIER,
W. B. FOLGER,
MISS CORA STEBBINS,
Committee.
Loss of the Alpena Recalled.
It will be 12 years tomorrow night that the steamer Alpena left Grand Haven for Chicago never to be seen again. The weather was then as it is now, warm as summer.
The day preceding the evening when the Alpena left here was especially so and a list of passengers as large in numbers as any that had left that season were on board. Notwithstanding the beautiful weather the signal service had a danger signal displayed that evening and they knew that a bad storm could be expected on the lake that night. Nevertheless Capt. Napier trusting to his boat against the storm left for Chicago on his usual time.
What happened when the storm struck them, several hours later can be imagined. Probably it was not until the morning of the 16th that the steamer over come by the gigantic sea went to the bottom. No one knows or will ever know. In four short hours a change most varied took place. The exceeding warmth of the day preceding was changed to a snow storm in that time and all the next day a terrible storm of hail and snow swept the lake.
To many it will be a day always to be remembered. No such lake fatality has happened in later days, and the “wreck of the Alpena” will always be spoken of in this section after every big storm.
Capt. Squier, Mr. and Mrs. Benham, (Mr. Benham was publisher of the G. H. Herald) Mrs. Benjamin Curtis and a number of others from this city and Spring Lake were among those lost on the Alpena.
[Two poems about the wreck of the Alpena by Grand Haven attorney and poet, David Fletcher Hunton were published in the Tribune. They can be seen, along with over ninety more of his poems in the D. F. Hunton pages on this site.
The first poem. "Sunset On Lake Michigan," depicts an imaginary underwater visit to the wreck site. The second, "The Wreck of the Alpena." Tells the story of her last trip from Grand Haven. Many other of these wonderful poems are about Grand Haven!]
Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-re, Grand Haven. This has been suggested as a patriotic yell for our citizens. Try it.
Capt. Kirby launched a fine tug at his yard today. She was named the “Elk” and will be the mate of the Deer. She is a larger boat than the Deer being 95 feet long, 19 feet beam and 6 ½ feet depth of hold. Her engine measures 12 and 24 by 16 inch stroke and was built by Hodge & Co. of Detroit. The boiler is 13 feet long, 7 feet diameter and was built by Johnston Bros., of Ferrysburg. Her tonnage is 67.34 gross, 28.67 net.
Much interest is manifested at the prospect of a new court house. Never before have the people of the country townships appeared so alive to the needs of a court and jail building that would be a credit to the great county of Ottawa. The old feeling of sectionalism is departing as the advantages of Grand Haven as a county seat are more fully seen. The general opinion of our citizens is that is should occupy a whole square. This might necessitate moving the City Hall, if that square were used, and now various sites for that building are proposed, among them the lot next to the Unitarian church, the lot in the rear of the 2nd Reformed church, corner lot of 4th and Washington, and also the property known as the haymarket.
Officers of the Glass Works.
The stockholders of the American Mirror and Glass Beveling Co. of Grand Haven, Mich., held their election and F. Wm. Vogt was elected President; J. L. Brown, Vice-President; W. L. Lyons, second Vice-President; R. K. Stalling, Sec’y and Treasurer; Constance Georgel, Gen’l Manager.
Mr. J. L. Brown is from Columbus O., the others from Louisville, Ky. Mr. Stallings will make his home in Grand Haven as soon as he can arrange his affairs in Louisville. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Louisville Silvering and Beveling Co. Mr. Georgel is a man who has grown up in the glass business and the entire family are now in the mirror business in France and in this country. He knows a good thing when he sees it and neither of these gentlemen who have taken hold of the Grand Haven plant if they had any doubts of it not becoming a success.
The most of the stockholders are also stockholders in the Louisville concern and the great success there encouraged them to come to Michigan, realizing many advantages which the Louisville concern never had. They return via the Glass Works and men will begin to arrive as soon as they have the material to run on.
Attempt at Burglary.
The gang of sneak thieves or burglars who have been operating in this city lately are evidently getting bolder, as well evidenced by two attempts, unsuccessful though they were, to gain admittance to two places of business last night.
When J. Kooiman’s saloon was opened this morning unmistakable signs of an attempt to gain admittance to the building were found. The front door of the building had several marks upon it, as if made by a crow bar or some instrument. It appeared as if an attempt had been made to break the panel of the door and crawl in. Probably thinking that this place was too prominent to work in, the thieves went around to the back. Here they were concealed from view on all sides. They evidently worked with an object to make as little noise as possible as they could easily have got in by breaking a pane of glass.
Their efforts to get in by the back door was also futile. The lock in the center was broken but an iron bar on top prevented them from getting further.
Jos. Koeltz’s cigar store was also operated on by thieves last night and the tobacco confectionary in the second floor entered, but nothing taken. An effort was made to enter the ground floor by breaking the door with a crow bar, but they were foiled here also.
Mr. John Pennoyer, who lives in the adjacent room on the second floor, was awakened to see one of the fellows jump over a rear fence. He says the fellow fell down twice after clearing the fence. He could not make out the man because of the darkness.
The would be burglars evidently are novices in this business as an old hand could have got in either place. Evidently they are local talent and are responsible for other thieveries that have lately taken place. Though novices they are still workers, and have a way of covering up their tracks that would do credit to a professional.
It Riled Them.
The Coopersville Observer is very indignant at the TRIBUNE for the article published in regard to Geo. A. Farr routing the fakers at the Coopersville fair. The following is what it says:
That portion of the above article which refers to Mr. Farr is, no doubt, correct and worthy of publication, but the remainder is mainly exaggeration and falsehood. The ground was not “full of Swindling games and devices.” Permits were granted by the officers for certain games of chance, but not for the shell games.” The fakers who operated this game did so without the consent of the officers and in direct violation of their agreement. They were ordered several times to stop, but as many times began again their nefarious operations, until frightened away by Mr. Farr. If the estimate of three thousand dollars, said to have been “gathered by fakirs” was divided by seven, our worthy contemporary could have the amount nearer correct. We do not uphold or encourage gambling in any form; neither do we believe in lying about evil that good may result. The facts are convincing enough without prevarication and misrepresentation.
The statement made that the Grand Haven bill posters were driven out of our town is an absolute falsehood, made up out of whole cloth, and with an evident purpose to cast slur upon our village officers and citizens generally. The bill posters (two young men) came here on the early morning train, and without asking permission of anyone, plastered the front of our engine house all over with mammoth posters advertising a Fourth of July celebration at Grand Haven. They were asked by the authorities to scrape the bills off, which they did. They were not ordered out of town, nor even asked to leave town. They were not insulted, ill-treated, nor molested in any way. They were treated in a much more gentlemanly many then they deserved. This sensational and untruthful item has been extensively copied by papers throughout the state, and is a slander upon the good name of our town and an insult to our citizens, for which the Grand Haven TRIBUNE is mainly responsible.
The TRIBUNE nor none of its representatives were at the Coopersville fair, but the matter was reported to us by trustworthy parties. It was not published as a slander against the Coopersville authorities.
One boy in this city rides his cow to pasture every morning.
Such a beautiful fall has not been known for years.
N. Robbins Jr. is being painted in large letters on the side of the big ware house occupied by him.
Sturgeon Bay, Wis., is all stirred up over a number of earthquake shocks which have been felt there lately.
Three individuals, everyone with a pack or satchel on his back arrived on this afternoon’s D. G. H. & M. train. All three were beastly drunk and created a great deal of amusement as they walked up the street.
Thief Arrested.
Sheriff Vaupell was notified yesterday from Muskegon that a theft had occurred in Conklin, Chester township. A man named Fred Thomas had stolen $27 and an overcoat from his stepson Henry Thomas. The sheriff arrested his man one hour after notification and landed him in the Grand Haven jail.
The fellow was evidently thinking of skipping this section of the country immediately as he had a ticket to Iowa on his person.
Sheriff Vaupell has made many quick arrests, but this breaks the record.
Geo. St. Clair has won more money this year than any other Michigan stallion. Next year he will go for the world’s stallion record.
Sternberg, the Kentucky stallion beaten by Geo. St. Clair in the Blue Grass stakes won the 2:27 trot at Lexington Saturday.
Dake’s Death
The dispatches say W. F. Dake of Grand Haven died in Chicago of spinal difficulty. There is authority for saying Mr. Dake had a disease of the rectum and went to Chicago for treatment by a surgeon, and in less than an hour after reaching there he was operated on with a knife, and in that way received fatal injuries.
Perhaps it can be said the surgeon was a quack or that the operation was an instance of mal practice, but it was another terrible exhibition of the readiness of some surgeons to cut with a confidence they should not have.
It is a disagreeable subject to speak of, but duty to the living demands that the case of Mr. Dake be used as a warning to others similarly afflicted to keep away from surgeons. The knife in such diseases is almost certain death, and if not, life after the operation is usually attended with nervous diseases that make death preferable. There are simple and very easy cures for such diseases, and sufferers should keep away from the knife in the hands of crank surgeons.—Grand Rapids Press.
Late as is the season the croak of the frog can still be heard evenings.
Some one stole all the food from a shed in P. VanZyler’s lot last night.
A false alarm of a fire was rung in the afternoon from the Hubert’s smithy.
A prominent physician of this city declares the article in last evening’s TRIBUNE taken from the G. R. Press in regard to Wm. Dake’s death false. Mr. Dake was not under the charge of a quack doctor but under one who has a national reputation as a physician and surgeon, and everything that was done by him was done for the best. The operation was one that has been performed many times before successfully.
A Jail Delivery Frustrated.
What would have been a wholesale jail delivery and probably a murder was frustrated by Sheriff Vaupell last night. About eight o’clock the sheriff returned to the jail from the outside to see if there was anything suspicious. To his amazement he noticed a light on the west side of the building. Walking up to the building he listened for several; minutes for a sign of noise but not hearing any went into his residence and then into the office which leads directly to the cells. Peering through the keyhole of the first door, he saw several of the prisoners at work on the second door, filing at the bars. He called out telling them to go to their cells, which they did. Then summoning Marshal Klaver and Officer Bouwer a more thorough search was made.
Explanatory, it might be well to say that two doors separate the jail proper from the sheriff’s office. The first door is of solid steel with a square peep hole in the middle through which the sheriff looks before locking up at night. Immediately after entering the door, and to the left is the city lockup, where local drunks are kept. Between the first door and the second door is a hall about eight feet long. The second door is not solid but built of heavy iron bars. This door also contains a peep hole sufficient to press food through. Entering this door, is a hall, to the left of which are the cells of Sweeney, Green and Thomas. To the right of the hall is the outside wall and the west windows which overlook 4th and Washington Sts. It was at the second door that the prisoners were working so seriously. Three of the bars around the peep hole had been cut and taken out and there was already sufficient room for a man to crawl through. Their intention evidently was to get through this hole into the small hall between the doors and lay for the sheriff when he entered to lock up. If their plans had not been frustrated the sheriff would have undoubtedly have been knocked down and murdered. The hall way is so small that by taking him unaware it would have been an easy matter to lay him low.
Norman Sweeney, the noted horse thief and the most desperate prisoner that ever occupied a cell in Ottawa county jail was the ring leader in the plan to escape. His mind has undoubtedly been full of escape ever since the door closed behind him. It was he who is supposed to have fled the bars of the door. Several of the prisoners knew his scheme probably, and were to assist him in the escape, as all of them were near the door when discovered.
A search was made last night to find what kind of tool was used but it was not until this morning (when a thorough search was made) that the instruments were found. They are a common piece of steel, very strong, and a file. The piece of steel is about six inches long and had been ingeniously made into a saw by use of the file.
The work of sawing off the bars had undoubtedly taken some time. This morning when the door was taken down a sort of soft slippery substance was found on the bars near where the cutting was done. This soft substance proved to be soap which had been placed over the crack produced by the saw. The door was painted red. Some of this red paint was stripped off and placed over the soap and the most observing would not notice the difference unless specially called to do so. This would seem to show that several days, or most probably nights, had been taken for the job. This is a very ingenious trick and had been practiced before at jail deliveries, generally without discovery.
A special watch was placed outside of the jail last night. Sweeney was safely locked in his cell and will probably not be allowed the liberties of the other prisoners again.
The whole jail is being thoroughly inspected by the sheriff and marshal today. Sweeney will be stripped and a thorough examination made of his clothing. This is necessary as a watch was one time found in his sock, which the sheriff had not previously known of.
Notwithstanding this he has always been a model prisoner, never grumbling at anything. It was only Saturday that the sheriff brought the jail boys a basket of grapes and their perfidy is shown, in that they probably intended taking his life, in the attempt to escape. As it is, it is well that the plans of the prisoners were discovered so soon.
Thomas, one of the prisoners who is suppose to have assisted Sweeney. Was arrested Sunday for a theft in Chester township. Greene has been in jail for some time for stealing a watch in Holland. Both are fit subjects for short terms in Jackson. Norman Sweeney’s crime is the stealing of the Jenison horses. He is also wanted in Chicago for a like offense. He has a stoical nature and but very little can be pumped out of him in regard to his past history. His alias is Chas. Averill. He has property valued at $10,000 near Chicago stock yards and had a considerable money about him when arrested.
How he got the file and piece of steel is only conjecture. His old cronies in southern Allegan county area tough lot and he has received frequent letters from them. Probably one of them passed the tools to him through the jail window from the outside, which is no hard matter. His brother visited him the other day. This gives rise to a supposition that he furnished the tools, but this is unlikely. Another story is that the prisoner who was released a short time ago, was promised a good cash amount by Sweeney if he could find some means to liberate him.
Too much credit cannot be given the sheriff for his vigilance. His position is one which places him in danger of his life at any time, when such desperate characters are under his care.
Baker’s saw mill started up this morning for a short run.
Johnston Bros. have completed the collar for the new city pump house.
Co F. leaves tonight about 50 strong for Chicago. They will be met at Holland by Co.’s E and H of Grand Rapids.
The estimators placed the loss incurred in the late central school fire at about $207.
M. DeGlopper repaired the iron door of the county jail today, which figured in the escape of last night.
One of the prisoners who had been in the county jail for about a week and was released this morning, stated that he had heard no planning or scheming going on among the other prisoners during his stay, nor had he heard any noise made by the filing.
Jacob Baar last Saturday sold to John Welling ten acres of land and to Derk Groenvedt and Geert Mulder five acres. Yesterday he sold to Menzo O. Kat ten acres. This means 25 acres more to be added to our ever increasing celery fields.
Gus Hubert has invented a punch and shears for blacksmiths and coopers. Mr. Hubert has applied for a patent and will have men on the road introducing the machine in a short time. It promises to become the most valuable of any of his inventions and will undoubtedly meet with a wide sale as it has many advantages over any other tool of the kind. It will cut and punch the strongest of steel and iron.
The Craig Ship building company of Toledo owns the controlling interest in the steamer Valley City and is talking of removing her to some other field of action as the boat did not pay expenses last year. The local stockholders will endeavor to raise enough to keep her here, and may next year charter a boat to run across the lake in connection with the river line.—G. R. Leader.
About a dozen valuable dogs were poisoned about the city Sunday.
Private Bryce of Co. F who will be in the Bicycle Corps at Chicago has a very ingenious device for holding a gun placed on his wheel. Also a rod to stand the wheel up when not in service.
Off to Chicago.
Co F. armory was a scene of excitement all last evening. The company boys were on hand getting in shape their equipment and uniforms to be ready at 10:58 to start for Chicago. Promptly at 10 o’clock the order to fall in was given and the loiterers on the street brought to the armory. The flowing men responded to roll call: Capt F. A. Mansfield, 1st Lieut., Baltus Pellegrom; Sergeants, Harbeck, Nyland and Rosbach; Corporals Dickinson, Dykema, Pennoyer, Fisher, VanderZalm and Bidgood; Privates Zeldenrust, VanLopik, Sleutel, Cleveringa, Pagelson, Bryce, Vyn, Sabee, Boomsluiter, Kinkema, McDonald, Woltman, Moll, Huizenga, VanVeuren, Kieft, Dykhouse, A. VanToll, Rogers, Clark, Findley, Bridals, Modrack, VanBemelen, T. VanderZalm, Welsh. Ex-members, G. Ball, G. Juistema, Ed. Gillen, R. W. Radeke, M. Kambout and E. Bryce. Alvan Dodge also accompanied them.
Mrs. Baltus Pellegrom, Mrs. G. Ball and Miss Kate Pellegrom will be the company’s guests at the World’s Fair Grounds. In all, the company is represented by 44 men, 37 of whom are active members. Sergeant Nyland, Corporal VanderZalm, Privates Bryce and Gillen will be part of the Bicycle Corps.
The Opera House.
The theatre goers of this city will be agreeably surprised when they attend the next show to find the Opera House improved in many ways. A beautiful light paper has been placed on the walls. A new stove has been placed in the rear of the hall. The box office has been neatly remodeled and another door has been added to lead into the hall. This door, which is near the south east corner will be used on cold nights when so much cold air would be admitted through the large swinging doors.
A vast improvement has also been made in the actor’s part of the house; the stage. A new furnace was built this summer which will give sufficient warmth. Improvements have also been made in the dressing rooms, which will be much appreciated by the show people.
Even the most sanguine wheelsmen are loath to believe that cycling has grown so powerful that the business of livery stables has been materially affected, but it is true. The average throughout the country is one bicycle to every 209 persons; in New York City, one to every 42½ persons; in Union county, N. J., one to every 25 persons.
The steamer A. B. Taylor was to have left this morning for Chicago with a large party of Grand Rapids wheelsmen, but for some reason, the bicyclists did not arrive. This afternoon one of them came down and said that the party had all left by train. The report had been circulated in Grand Rapids that the lake was very rough which undoubtedly induced the party to go by another route.
Capt. Kirby’s tow tugs the Deer and the Callister were the only flat tugs that dared venture out today.
Death of Old Charlie.
Old Charlie, the white horse which for 15 years has pulled the American Express Co.’s wagon to and from the trains, died this afternoon at one o’clock. The horse was taken very sick with colic yesterday and all efforts made to save his life were useless. Old Charlie was known by every resident of this city and the days he missed from his accustomed route were few. In fact he has grown old in the service of the company which he had served so faithfully and well all these years.
He seemed to know when he was needed for special exertion. It was only the other night when the lamp exploded in the Express office that he showed a sense of knowing what was expected of him. He was at the depot and his driver, Geo. Kennedy, was notified of the explosion. The driver climbed into his seat, chirped a few words to the horse, who started off on a trot which would do credit to a three year old. In many ways he showed qualities of great intelligence and it can be safely said that this equal can never again be obtained.
All roads lead to Chicago now.
Vanden Bosch Bros., now have a stuffed bear in their windows.
The steamer Racine was crowded with passengers last night on their way to the World’s Fair City.
B. C. Mansfield and N. I. Beaudry have fine Columbus Day displays in their windows.
The committee on county buildings of the board of supervisors will confer with the citizens of the county and particularly of this city some time between now and January as to the feasibility of building a new court house.
Henry Grevengoed had a narrow escape from a bad accident one day last week. He was driving up Washington St. near 8th when his horse and sulky got tangled up in an electrical wire which happened to be hanging on the street. The sulky was tipped over and dragged along with its driver for several yards before the horse could be stopped. The wire had been broke by a stump puller which had passed by some time before.
Smoked glass in the hands of persons who wished to see the eclipse of the sun was a common thing today. The eclipse began at about 11 a.m. and lasted until after one. About one third of the sun was obscured.
The world’s Fair will not be open Sundays.
The horseback brigade were out in full force this afternoon.
The livery stables are doing a land office business today.
J. W. Boynton of Grand Rapids is in the city. All he had to say about his projected railway was, “Its coming, the fruit is now dropping.”
Land in this vicinity is gaining renown as second crop land. Henry Fisher of this city who has a piece of farm property just outside of city limits is growing a second crop of strawberries as large and sweet as the first.
Some unknown miscreant has been injuring the iron posts around a lot belonging to Mrs. Coleman in the cemetery. Such vandalism should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law if the parties are caught.
Columbus Day in this City.
Columbus Day is being observed generally throughout the city. The grocery stores and all other places of business were closed at 9 a.m. The tannery, Kit factory, Corn Planter factory, Dake Engine Works, Bloecker’s Foundry and the ship yards are all taking a holiday. The business houses are not all decorated but nearly everyone displays and American flag at least.
At the Central school grounds the program as published by the TRIBUNE some days ago was gone through by the pupils this morning.
The school children’s parade was the largest of its kind ever witnessed here. The pupils all marched close together but still it was several blocks in length. At least 1000 were in the parade, all of whom had flags, some large, some small, making a very pretty picture. The Kindergarten pupils were especially praised. The G. A. R. veterans brought up the rear to the number of about thirty.
After the parade everybody assembled at the Opera House to hear the addresses and recitations. The crowd was so vast that the Opera House was filled to its extreme limit and as many more were turned away. The exercises were very pleasing. Short addresses were made by Rev. DeBruyn, Rev. Kennedy, Rev. H. T. Root. Rev. ____ gave an address in the German language.
The Bon Voyage and all other vessels in port are in gala attire with flags flying.
The Boys are Kicking.
The Michigan troops slept last night in the transportation building at the exposition grounds, and although the accommodations were fair, considering the immense crowd, there is much complaint. The straw ticks are described as hard and musty and one end of the building is partly open, so it was cold as a barn and every bit of clothing available was necessary to keep warm. The grounds were under the orders of Gen. Carr and last night it was said that orders were issued to all the troops to mount guard and also to give an hour to company drills this morning. Capt. Lambert of the Innes rifles, when informed of the orders, answered: “You can tell him to go chase himself, for I’ll not mount guard and I’ll not drill. That is not what I brought my company over here for. We came as guests and not as slaves.” This morning when the boys arose they started for a toilet room at one end of the building, but were stopped by an official who demanded five cents of each man before they would be allowed water to wash their eyes out with. A big indignation meeting was held and then they marched boldly in, refusing to pay and took temporary possession of the place. During the day complaint was made and tonight the barriers were removed.—G. R. Democr