Grand Haven, Mich. November 1892
11/1
November.
Patient watcher, thou art asking to lay down thy tasks, Life, to thee, now, is only a task accomplished. In the night time thou lyest down, and the messengers of winter deck thee with boar frosts for thy burial. The morning looks upon thy jewels and they perish while it gazes. Wilt thou not come, O December!
H. W. BEECHER.
Despite the rain Hallow’een parties were out in full force last night.
The fogs of London could not equal this weather.
The work of graveling 5th St. from Washington to Fulton is progressing.
The gravel teams can expect at least a month’s work on the streets yet.
Several of the windows in J. Ritzema’s store were broken in Friday’s gale.
The two young men of this city who have gone into the dressed poultry business should be patronized instead of parties from Coopersville or elsewhere.
Mr. John Baker informs us that he and all his relatives to the number of 8 will cast their vote for the straight Democratic ticket. Mr. Baker evidently wants a panic among the Republicans of the town.
Why is it that the town clock is seven minutes too slow? We are informed by D., G. H. & M. local officers that such is the case. Two gentlemen bound for Grand Rapids were late in consequence yesterday afternoon and many more today.
Yesterday morning when Mrs. Bert Stone went into her cellar she found the floor covered with glass and the remains of the fruit preserves. The board holding the preserves had broken during the night and over 100 cans demolished.
The gale of Friday night and Saturday was the most severe that has visited the lakes since a year ago to day, when the velocity of the wind was for a short time even greater than on Friday night last, when it registered for some time the rate of 60 miles an hour. The storm of last year, however, was not nearly of so long duration as this one, nor so disastrous in its effects.
Some small boys congregated near the D., G. H. & M. depot last evening and proceeded to raise Cain generally. They had with them a 75 foot rope which they tied to the depot bell and then ran behind the bill boards on Washington St. to pull the rope and ring it. Marshall Klaver and night watch Cook jumped upon them at this juncture and the small boys vanished. The authorities confiscated the rope, but the owner has not made an appearance.
A new swindle has come to light recently, worked by a couple of sharpers. One goes through the county on a first class bicycle, and strikes a town and claims to be hard up. To make a raise he sells the wheel for a paltry sum and leaves town. A few days later the other fellow comes along looking for a wheel which was stolen from him, giving a full description and number of it. He discovers the wheel which was sold by his pal and claims it was stolen from him, proves his property and departs with it. The two sharpers have $20 or more to divide and leave for new pastures to work the scheme.
The rain of last night but slightly dampened the ardor of the small boy and signs, gates and so forth were mixed miscellaneously. A sign on the porch of the First Reformed church parsonage indicated that oysters were for sale there, but there were no callers unless it was the owner after his sign this morning. A Shlitz beer sign and a cigar sign were placed in front of D. A. Lane’s and he was deluged with people this morning calling for a beer or a J. K. The small boys also showed that they were not adverse to work when there was some fun in it, for at least a cord of wood was piled in front of one business place. A dead cat was strung up on a certain flag pole and many other like performances.
The schooner which wrecked in Muskegon harbor plied between Pullman and North Muskegon.
The wheat is being unloaded from the schooner Hammond which sank at Muskegon.
The schooner Helen Pratt which went ashore at Northville will be left there until spring.
Every voter should register Saturday or Monday.
Some one pulled a heavy gate up Central school pole Hallow’een.
The city government is doing nobly in improving and graveling the streets of the city.
Work on Akeley Institute will begin shortly. It will take about two weeks to complete.
Tomorrow will be the greatest campaign day in this city thus far this year.
The boys who are the habit of tearing bills from the bill boards should be made an example of by being arrested. A large number of Democratic posters were torn down today by boys on their way home from school.
Wm. And Henry VandenBerg are in demand whenever there is any steeple work of work of similar nature to be done. Today they placed a new rope through the loop on the tall signal pole of the Cutler House. A big crowd watched them at work from the street below.
On of the most famous personages in American politics and history, Roger Q. Mills will speak here tomorrow. He is the author of the celebrated Mill’s bill which played a similar part in the last presidential campaign as the McKinley bill of this campaign.
Little Charlie Mundt aged seven years slipped while at play at the Jackson St. school yesterday and broke his left arm. Drs. Hofma and Reynolds were called and set the broken member.
The schooner Nellie Hammond which was wrecked at Muskegon harbor, has been raised. The wheat was uninjured but will have to be dried out.
It may not be generally known but it is a fact that the D., G. H. & M. steamers of 30 years ago, better known as the Black Boats were faster than the present steamers City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin and a majority of the present lake boats. The steamer Detroit in those days made the trip across to Milwaukee in from 4½ to 5 hours. Boats have been improved in many ways since then, but in speed they have not.
The Spring Lake basket factory turned out over 2000,000 fruit baskets during the season just passed.
A fine appearing bay horse now draws the American Express Co.’s wagon, and which it’s driver claims is from blue blood Independence stock.
Another old landmark of this city is disappearing. It is the large three story building on Second St. hill known as the “Castle.” The property on which it stands has been purchased by Mr. D. Utter who will tear down the ugly structure and build a cozy home. The “Castle” has been standing for 30 years but for the past 10 years has not been occupied and has been the rendezvous of gangs of boys who have made it their playing place. The windows have long since disappeared and the building has assumed a wrecked appearance.
The sand bank upon which the extension of the C. & W. M. track is laid on Water St., is rapidly caving in.
Quails are not very numerous the hunters say. Neither are there as many rabbits as last year.
Much to the disappointment of many, Roger Q. Mills, the great Democratic statesman did not speak at the Opera House this afternoon. He passed through the city last night and announced that he would be unable to be here from the fact that he was unable to speak twice in one day. Nothing could hold him and the people were disappointed. He speaks at the Muskegon wigwam tonight.
There is now little doubt that the steamer W. H. Gilcher has gone down with all hands, and that the wreckage found floating near North Manitou island in Lake Michigan is all that is left of the once magnificent vessel. She was last heard from when she passed Mackinaw last Friday. It is the general supposition that she must have struck upon the South Fox reef during the storm of Friday night and had a hole knocked in her bottom. Others think that she collided with some other boat. The theory that she struck on the reef is not considered tenable, except on the ground that she was far out of her course. The idea that she developed structural weakness, as did the Western Reserve, is held by some, but is hardly likely when her heavy load of coal is considered. She was of the same build as the Western Reserve and carried a crew of eighteen. A big schooner is also missing and it is supposed that she collided with the steamer.
The steamer White & Friant which arrived in Chicago yesterday picked up a handrail from a house and a piece of partition of a cabin on which is written, “James Riley, or Rider, 9 p.m.” It is supposed to be from the steamer Gilcher.
The steamer Gilcher which was lost near the Manitous was the second largest carrier on the great lakes. She carried 114,000 bushels of wheat from Chicago to Cleveland last fall.
The big steamer Lackawanna is supposed to have been lost in the same storm and near the same place as the Gilcher, as she has been several days over due.
The steam barge Alice M. Gill of which Capt. Geo. Robertson of this city is commander passed the hull of the schooner Ostrich near the Manitous and investigated it but there was no one to be found. This is the schooner which is supposed the Gilcher collide with causing the wreck of both.
A crosswalk has been laid on the corner of Fulton and 5th streets.
The fishing industry is becoming one of the greatest industries of the city.
The first snow of the season fell today.
This weather reminds one of the approaching holidays.
A sidewalk is being laid on the 5th St. side of Akeley Institute block, by Sidney Scofield.
Contractor C. Glerum is fixing up the chapel which is located on the third story of the Akeley Institute. He expects to begin work on the annex to St. Johns Episcopal church shortly.
Furniture with the name of the steamer Gilcher on has been picked up near Leland.
The loss of the marine men from the big gale of last Friday approaches that of the Thanksgiving storm of 1889.
The sea lion that escaped from Lincoln Park at Chicago, has been seen by sailors between here and Chicago.
Muskegon lumber shipments for this season fell considerably short of the shipments of 1891. The total of number of feet shipped in October 1892, is 20,000,000, while for the same period in 1891 the footing is 34,000,000 feet.
As both the Gilcher and the Western Reserve were built on accepted models, and were similar to a large number of other steel steamers the two disasters have caused a wide distrust as to the seaworthiness of these long, shallow craft with their decks out nearly from side to side by immense hatches, the boats thereby losing all vertical strength which might otherwise be gained from their decks.
Mr. John Stark says the statement in Wednesday’s issue, to the effect that the Old Black Boats of 30 years ago were faster than the present steamers is incorrect. Mr. Stark was chief engineer of the steamer Detroit of the Black line. He says that the Detroit made the trip across to Milwaukee in 6½ hours or about the average time it now made by the steamer City of Milwaukee, but he claims that less fuel was used in those days. The Black Line was one of the most important line of steamers on the lakes, for they carried nearly all the north western mails and did a big passenger business.
EDITOR TRIBUNE:
Where is our Mayor? If I understand the law, he is required, before every election to issue a proclamation warning the inhabitants of the city of the provisions of the election law, and that every violation of said law will be punished. Among other things required by the law, he is required to order the closing of saloons on that day, and that no liquor shall be sold or given away by any person on the day of election under penalty of a fine not less than $25 and not more than $200. Has our Hon. Mayor issued such a proclamation? If he has, I have been so unfortunate as not to see it.
JUVENIS JR.
As we understand it, it is not necessary for the Mayor to issue a proclamation.
A fine set of furniture has been purchased for the Co. F armory.
The residence of Chas. McCarty on the lake shore was burned last week.
Mat Chambers has the finest barber pole in the city in front of his place of business.
G. W. Miller was obliged to shoot his black mare which has done service for him so many years today. It was sick.
John Davis, jr., went hunting this morning with a double barrel shot gun and five dogs. Rabbits will flood the meat market Monday.
Prosecuting Attorney Danhof and Sheriff Vaupel were in Holland this week looking up a reported case of disease meat selling.
Indian Bill, who was killed by the street car in Muskegon yesterday, was well known by all the old settlers in this vicinity. He was of the Chippewa tribe. One of his sons-in-law is employed at Jas. Hennedy’s mill at Sullivan.
Diphtheria is getting a foot hold at Muskegon and an epidemic is feared.
A great many improvements on residences and homes are being made on Second St. hill.
More boats come to Grand Haven in a week than in Muskegon in a month.
There is talk of a toboggan and skating society being formed here the coming winter.
Last night was the coldest night this autumn. The temperature went below 26 degrees. The sidewalks cracked as they do in midwinter.
Everybody remember that there will be a grand closing Republican campaign rally at the Opera House Monday evening.
The size of the Opera House is the only thing that limited the number of people who heard Allen B. Morse last evening. It was an enthusiastic Democratic closing of the campaign in this city. Fire works on the corner of Washington and Second Sts. enlivened the scene.
The crew of the lost schooner Ostrich numbered 7, the captains name was McKay who was a very peculiar character. He could neither read nor write, yet managed to get along very well with his business. His known command commenced with the worn-out schooner Two Brothers and after quitting her embarked for himself in the small scow Trio. He next bought the scow Petrel. Selling these two vessels, he purchased the City of Erie, which he traded for the Ruby. From the Ruby he fitted into the Hattie Earl, and then the J. B. Prime. By the sale of his interest in the Prime he secured in interest in the W. H. Chapman and Leo Higby, which he disposed of in order to purchase the Ostrich. He seldom had other than a leaking vessel under his feet. The schooner Ruby which he once owned is now out of service, lying near Kirby’s ship yard with her hull filled with water.
The steambarge Francis Hinton carried 500 tons of pig iron from Fruitport to Milwaukee on her last trip.
The river has been alive with boats today and the whistling of the barges reminds one of the Chicago river.
The Grand Haven Ship Building Co., have closed the contract for building a passenger boat for Howley & Sharpe of Elk Rapids for use on Torch lake. She will be 65 feet long, 13½ beam and 5½ foot hold.
The Grand Rapids Democrat warns its readers to beware of campaign lies sprung on the eleventh hour.
A poll of Harvard student as to their choice for president results as follows: Harrison, 1144; Cleveland. 851; and Bidwell, 84.
Geo. Kennedy discovered some one attempting to break a rear window in the American Express office Friday night. The act was undoubtedly one of burglarious intent, but the fellow ran away when discovered.
The blizzard that now prevails in Missouri can be expected here tomorrow, indicating and early setting in of winter. The blizzard will be bad on shipping, now wind bound in the harbor.
Several hunters were at the piers yesterday shooting sea gulls for sport.
The city should build a sidewalk from Water street to the pier. The pier is always crowded with people out for walk on Sunday afternoons and at least two blocks of wading through sand is necessitated from Water street.
Geo. Hancock's Mammoth Business.
A visit to Geo. Hancock’s great establishment today showed that place lively as usual. Mr. Hancock is busy shipping celery and has about 100,000 dozen yet to ship. But in the green houses where an observer would take the most interest. There are 18 large green houses on the establishment, a majority of which are devoted to Mr. Hancock’s specialty, carnations. He has many thousand plants of this beautiful flower and over 100 different varieties, besides about 300 seedlings.
Mr. James Hancock puts his whole heart and spirit into this part of the institution and fathers and nurses every tender plant. He has a way of explaining how the different varieties are crossed and new varieties made which is very interesting. There are carnations of every hue, from the palest white to the grandest scarlet. Every variety is arranged systematically and the conglomeration of colors, in the houses is very beautiful.
As stated, Mr. Hancock’s specialty is carnations, but he also has over 125 varieties of chrysanthemums, besides every house plant and fern grown in this country. Many of the different varieties are of Mr. Hancock’s own propagation.
That the business is one great magnitude is shown by the fact that he has orders from England, France and Germany and every state in the Union. It was only the other day that a shipment was made by him to Havana, West Indies. The institution is one that Grand Haven prides as her best.
Fire.
A very curious fire occurred in the tannery this morning and was the occasion of the fire alarm. A new comer to this city, who is a German named Hermans is employed there. On his way to work he smoked a pipe but when he reached the tannery he placed the pipe in his coat pocket, no smoking being allowed about the premises. As is the custom with all employees he changed his clothing before going to work hanging them on a hook. Some time afterward smoke was discovered in that part of the dry house.
The man’s clothing was burning and the beams of the roof were on fire. An alarm was turned in but the department were shortly after telephoned not to come, as the flames were put under control.
The fire originated from the man’s pipe, which he supposed was not lit. No damage except the burning of his clothes.
OLE OLSON.
The mere announcement of the coming of the original Swedish dialect comedy “Ole Olson,” at the opera house has already caused a noticeable stir among local theater goers and Ole’s reception promises to be something great. “Ole Olson,” which plays at the Opera House on Monday next, contains much to interest and amuse that class of people enjoying an evening of laughter at the theater and the many complicated situations in which Ole finds himself, furnish a world of amusement for all. James T. McAlpine essays the role of Ole and his rendition of the character is said to be the best of any who have appeared in this difficult part. Miss Dolly Foster, plays Genie Dimple (the soubrette character) in a captivating manner it is said that her singing and dancing never fail to win the favor and the applause of the audience. The part of the eccentric Irish woman, Bridget O’Flannigan, is entrusted to Miss Louis Arnot, who is a recognized leader in the portrayal of such class of characters. Miss Alice Irving as Paul Jordan is another clever actress. R. C. Chamberlain, is a Grand Rapids boy, plays the comedy role of Dr. Shingle in a clever manner. The balance of the cast contains the names of several well known artists. An especial feature of the performance is the appearance of the national Swedish Quartet from Stockholm, who in their native costumes, render a number of songs in a manner both delightful and artistic. The engagement is for one night only.
It is nearly a year ago that the schooner Ellen Stevenson was wrecked near the north pier. This year there has not been a wreck here, though one small schooner went on the beach.
A visit to the docks and piers this morning showed the largest storm bound fleet in port, of the year. All the vessels that were here yesterday were still in port today, and two additions, the schooner Archie McDonald of South Haven and the schooner Green of Benton harbor. The big schooner Rogers of Sandusky is also with the fleet, having come down from Fruitport with a load of pig iron.
The schooner Nellie Hammond which sank at Muskegon during the recent big storm, has been raised and the cargo removed, some 8,000 bushels of wheat.
The bicycle season is about over.
The streets are frozen hard today.
A quiet election despite the closing of the factories.
There is very little excitement in the streets today. The biggest crowds are in the polling places.
The wind did not do much damage last night about the city as it did not have the full sweep of the Friday night gale.
The Cutler House will undoubtedly be filled with people this evening anxious to hear the election results.
While delivering the milk yesterday morning on 2nd St., near Cy Hass’ saloon, Geo. Warber noticed something bright under his wagon and upon investigation found it to be an Elgin watch, the owner of which is requested to call at this office, and pay for this notice.
The saloons are closed today in accordance with the law.
The gale at one time yesterday afternoon threatened to be a rival of the famous Friday night blow. The wind reached a height of 45 miles per hour, within seven miles of that of Friday. Part of the bill boards on Washington street near Water were blown down and an old street lamp near Ebony’s restaurant wrecked.
Some one yelled “fire” in the rear of the Opera House last night after the firebell rang, which nearly created a panic among the many ladies who were present at the speech. Quiet was restored by the cooler heads.
Miner Leland was helping the celebration along last night by shooting Roman candles. He had a number in his coat pocket when they became ignited in some way and began shooting in all directions. Luckily he was not injured though his coat was badly burned.
Many were the words of praise which the Grand Haven Fire Department received for so quickly responding and extinguishing the Verhoek’s fire last evening. The boys worked hard until the last flame was squelched.
The last issue of Harper’s Weekly contains a picture of the Michigan militia, which was taken during the procession on the day of the [World’s Fair] dedication.
The big fleet of wind bound vessels is still in port today.
Capt. Chas. A. Eggert of the schooner Kate Lyons, who was out in the fierce gale which swept the ill-fated Alpena out of existence, was also out in the recent storm along the western coast of Lake Michigan and had some of his canvas carried away. He says the storm of many years ago can not be compared with the one of last week.—Muskegon News.
The big schooner Rogers nearly tore up the pier where she lay last night. The wind and waves lurched her so often that several timbers were torn off. A line had to be borrowed from the Williams before she could be made securely fast.
Meat Market Burned.
Solomon Verhoeks suffered a severe loss last night in the destruction of his meat market by fire. Mr. Verhoeks has been proprietor of the shop on Washington St. just below 7th for many years. Last evening trade winds being somewhat dull on account of the speeches down town Mr. Verhoeks closed up a little earlier than usual, about eight o’clock. Half an hour afterward, a son of Mr. Henry Solms, who happened to be passing, noticed smoke in the building. An alarm was given, to which the firemen quickly responded .
When they reached the scene, the building was a mass of flames on the inside, but by hard work and the use of plenty of water, the flames were extinguished before extending into the adjoining barber shop of Henry VanderVeere. Our fire department has always had a name for good work when most needed, but the saving of the adjoining buildings in such a gale was something great.
The fire was undoubtedly of incendiary origin. Kerosene oil could be smelt while the flames were in progress and evidence of its use found. The oil was undoubtedly poured around in a rear room by some unknown person maliciously intent. It had a good headway when the firemen arrived.
Henry VanderVeere, the proprietor of the barber shop was in his place of business until after eight, but heard no noise or anything suspicious about the premises. The fire bugs evidently came through the back yard and shed in the rear of the market.
The building will be a total loss on which was only $300 insurance. The tools were also ruined. Mr. Verhoeks had about $85 worth of meat in the market which he was obliged to sell at half cost this morning. He wishes to thank the firemen for their hard work and efforts in saving his building.
“I never saw Republicans so anxious for a tussle as they are now,” said Maj. George W. McBride of Grand Haven in the Morton yesterday. “They are waiting anxiously all over for tomorrow to come, so that they can get ‘up and have at them.’ I never saw Republicans so confident, never saw things look brighter. I am standing the campaign first rate. I am a little hoarse, and just at present tired, dirty and hungry. Yes, I have come to a good place to appease my hunger. A good deal better place than many I have been in. Honestly, rich will have anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 plurality.”—G. R. Democrat.
The campaign was closed by the Republicans last evening in an auspicious manner. Fire works, the band and the loud booming of a cannon at the Haymarket brought a crowd to the Opera House hat filled the building. Mrs. Adelle M. Hazlett’s speech was very enthusiastically received. She was followed by a short talk by G. J. Dykema candidate for attorney general.
The “I told you so’s are quite prevalent now, in speaking of the result of election.
The fire department extend to Mrs. Pierson their warmest thanks for the elegant lunch she furnished them at the Verhoeks’ fire.
The government offices keep undercover today and are undoubtedly pondering over who is to be their successors and what vocations they will ply when they return to private life.
[This issue of the Tribune was almost completely filled with election results which can be seen on microfilm at the Loutit Library.]
Cleveland Will Be President.
Beyond doubt, though full returns have not yet been received, Grover Cleveland has been elected President. He has carried New York, Connecticut, Indiana and New Jersey. Moreover that hitherto Republican stronghold Illinois, has also gone to him. Altgeld the Democratic candidate for Governor in that state is elected.
A big crowd congregated in the Cutler lobbies last evening. Each return received was read off by Geo. A Farr. From the very first everything was democratic in aspect and democratic yells predominated.
But when Chas. E. Soule read the news so far as heard, from the county there was a yell from the Republicans.
Such a land slide was never expected and the Republicans were dishearted when the news from Illinois was received.
A Muskegon man said that when walking down main street in Grand Haven the other day he noticed quite a notable incident: A horse hitched to a buggy and driven by a man was trotting down the street preceded by a shepherd dog, when a large dog ran up and pounced on him. The horse noticed this and immediately made a lunge at the big dog but in so doing stumbled and almost fell but regaining his feet made a second lunge and this time caught the big dog in the middle of the back and threw him to one side and away from the dog, he was protecting.—Muskegon News
Dick DeLere of Ferrysburg was owner of the watch advertised in the TRIBUNE as found by Geo. Warber.
A 50 acre island opposite Spring Lake has been sold to parties for a celery farm for $900.
The first kid that appears on the street with a horn tonight will be locked up.
Two youths who can’t vote, but their daddies can, registered as Grover Cleveland and Judge Altgeld at the American House today.
Unlike Holland and most other cities Grand Haven voters seem to delight in knifing candidates from their own town.
If you want to see a novel sight be on the street tomorrow noon. In accordance with an election bet, Dan Pagelson and George Dennis will wheel Emmett Platt down Washington street at that hour in a wheel barrow.
The man who wears a new hat paid for by one of his friends is a difficult individual to convince that betting on elections is wicked.
Another reminiscence of former mill days that is fast disappearing is the old Ferrysburg mill which is now being torn down.
Capt. Harry Smith of the south channel bridge is on of the most typical old salts both in looks and manner who reside in this city.
Calls Back to Mind the Lumber Days.
The big schooner J. Loomis McLaren arrived in port from Manistee yesterday with a load of from 350,000 to 400,000 feet of lumber for the Corn Planter factory. She was towed up the south channel to just inside the bridge. Being unable to get close to the dock , she lies in the middle of the channel, her cargo being lightered on to a scow and taken ashore by the lumber shovers. The sight is indeed a strange one for it is only ten years ago that Grand Haven shipped more lumber than any city in the world. Right on the banks of the south branch of Boyden’s mill, the largest shingle mill in the world, was situated, and the river then teamed with commerce. Then the mills began diminishing until now there is not a sawmill in operation here.
The McLaren brings in the largest load of lumber that ever arrived in Grand Haven, though several schooners and barges have brought in small loads during the summer. A crew of about thirty lumber shovers are at work unloading the schooner. Several of them, including Peter Slentel, alias “Red Kirby,” are old lumber shovers and though not such adept as they used to be are still unloading amazingly fast.
A large quantity of glass consigned to the Grand Haven Glass factory is now at the D,. G. H. & M. freight house.
The TRIBUNE stated last night that Belknap was elected to congress from this district. Such does not now seem to be the case. The Republican committee was figuring on Richardson’s vote on the Democratic ticket alone and not on the People’s. Richardson’s election seems sure now by about 100 plurality.
The Republican National ticket is beaten. Party managers are now trying to lay the blame. The McKinley bill, the strikes at Homestead, Reed’s position to the laboring men, the McVeagh-Greasham stampede and several other cases are being advanced. Democrats as well as Republicans admit that Harrison had a good administration, and that it was through no ill will against hem that he was defeated. Nevertheless, Cleveland will undoubtedly be like Harrison, a safe man at the head of the government.
This week will be the last week of daily Goodrich boats. Next week one will be taken off and trips made tri-weekly only. What boat will be taken off is not yet known.
Though it seems insignificant to many, still the more boats that lay up in port the better. Several of the sailors from every vessel will remain in the city during the winter and the advantage to the merchants alone from that source is very great.
The handsome steamer City of Milwaukee has made her last trip for the season. Her officers are now awaiting orders from the Grand Trunk officials as to where she will lay up, here or at Port Huron. The Milwaukee has enjoyed a very successful season and it will it will be undoubtedly more so next season.
There is a great deal of driftwood on the beach near the Park.
The electric lights were lit for several hours this afternoon. A break had occurred some where in the line and the lights had been turned on to burn the insulation and hence find the break.
As agreed, Dan Pagelson, Emmet Platt and Geo. Dennis appeared on Washington St. this noon. Pagelson pulled a wheel barrow, Dennis acting as driver and Platt taking his ease by riding. This novel scene was the outcome of an election bet which Platt won.
Those who have been around Co. F’s armory today, seeing the decorations in both hall and armory, say they can hardly wait for the time to come, especially those who have seen the ladies making great preparations for the supper, and $1.50 includes everything.
One of the pumps was moved from the Electric Light Plant to the new city pump house today.
Steam has been got up in the new city pump house to test the engine and boiler.
Wreckage is now picked up in great quantities from the Gilsher and Ostrich at the Manitous.
All through the fall Grand Haven harbor has proven its superiority as a harbor of refuge. Even after the gales there is enough water to float without endangering the biggest boats on the Great Lakes.
Vesselmen who saw the schooner Thorine come in, in the gale this morning, say she had a very narrow escape indeed from going on the beach.
A gale of rain and sleet, and wind of great velocity prevailed on the lake today rivaling almost the wind just three weeks ago. The steambarge Frank Woods loaded with shingles ran in for shelter during the morning. The schooner Annie Thorine of South Haven, light, ran in at 10 o’clock narrowly missing the north pier. The steamers Racine and Wisconsin both arrived as usual but the Racine did not attempt to make Muskegon.
It is refreshing to turn from the political matters with which the attention of the public has been engrossed for several months to the contemplation of another one of those acts of bravery which suddenly lifts a humble and obscure man on the pedestal of heroism. Such a place has been won by Martin Knutzen, light house keeper on Pilot Island at Death’s Door entrance to Green Bay. During the recent gale on the great lakes a vessel was driven on the rocks of Pilot Island. Though it was intensely dark Knutzen descended from the light house, and at imminent peril to his life, picked his way through the surf along a water covered ledge of rock to within hailing distance of the ship’s crew. Shouting to them to jump overboard one at a time, he succeeded in saving every soul on board. Within a week the plucky fellow saved a second entire crew under almost the same circumstances. Public recognition of his heroism by the government would fall far short of the deserts of Martin Knutzen.—N. Y. Press.
The Grand Haven Public Library contains a large amount of the most select and varied reading and should be appreciated more by our citizens. The library is now open from 7 to 8 every Saturday night.
Beginning tonight the Public Library in the Central school will be open from 7 to 8. Every reading citizen should patronize the Library. The hour gives all an opportunity.
The City of Milwaukee Leaves.
The handsome steamer City of Milwaukee will not be seen in this city again until next Spring. As per the orders of the Grand Trunk officials she left at one o’clock for Port Huron where she will remain this winter. Everybody would have liked to see the Milwaukee stay here this winter, but powers that be ruled otherwise. She was taken down the lakes by Capt. Smallman. His calculation was that she could reach Port Huron within 36 hours of starting.
The Milwaukee will have an electric system put in her this winter and new wood work will replace the old in her cabins. She will run next year as this year on the Grand Haven - Milwaukee route, making occasional Sunday trips to the World’s Fair at Chicago from Milwaukee.
Death of Ross Robinson.
The sad and sudden death of little Ross Robinson occurred this morning at 11 o’clock. He had been sick for the past two weeks with heart disease with which he was troubled. Ross was the victim of a terrible accident last April resulting from jumping on a car. He lay at the point of death for several weeks, but gradually recovered, although he had not been in health with which he enjoyed before the accident. He was 14 years of age.
The sorrowing parents have the sympathy of their host of friends in this city.
Co. F’s Reception.
The reception and dedication of Co. F’s new armory last evening was certainly the best society event of the season and went far ahead of all expectations. From 8:00 until 8:30 o’clock a constant stream of people were continually entering. Carriages were coming and going, leaving the fairest of the city’s elite at the door. At 8:45 Capt. F. A. Mansfield appeared and after a few pleasant remarks, read the regrets of Gen. Harter and Inspector Gen. Lothrop and of several old members who were unable to be present, after which he introduced Hon. Geo. W. McBride, who in a few words gave an early history of the company from the time of its formation as the Yates Light Infantry up to the present time. Mr. McBride was followed by E. P. Gibbs, who had been chosen to make the dedicatory address, which was done in a most eloquent way, after which the grand March was formed and led by Lieut. Pellegrom and wife.
Dancing was indulged in until 10 o’clock, when the dining room was thrown open to all, and such a supper was never before seen at any of our social gatherings, fully 200 people partaking of the same.
Dancing was resumed and lasted until 3 o’clock, when all went home feeling that they had indeed enjoyed one pleasant evening, and wishing Co. F great success in all its undertakings.
Grand Haven city has the largest number of children of school age in the county, Holland City comes second, Holland township third and Zeeland fourth, Robinson has the fewest.
N. Robbins, jr., is the first citizen in the city to become an honorary member of Co. F. Several more of our citizens will follow and help the boys along.
The glass factory would have been running now but for the serious illness of the gentleman who is to be foreman here. But its whistle will be heard in a very short time. A carload of glass is now stored in the freight house.
While the Democrats are figuring over the spoils they should not forget that sturdy old Democrat, John Baker who has done yeoman’s work for his party and this campaign.
Capt. Lysaght of the Life Saving Station says that he momentarily expected the schooner Annie Thorine to founder yesterday, as she came in port during the gale. As she was just outside the piers she fairly capsized, her sails dragging the water. Luckily she righted and came in safely.
The sea lion which escaped from Lincoln Park, Chicago, has been seen at Milwaukee.
There are fifteen ports on the lake shore from Michigan City to the Straits of Mackinaw, to wit: Petoskey, Charlevoix, Frankfort, Portage Lake, Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, White River, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland, Saugatuck, South Haven, St. Joseph, Michigan City. These harbors form a chain of ports the most important on the entire system of great lakes.
The little schooner Annie Thorine which nearly ran on the beach here yesterday has been engaged in carrying produce between South Haven and Chicago.
At 4:30 yesterday morning the steam barge J. C. Suit, in trying to make Pentwater harbor, struck the bar outside the pier and went on the beach. She is well up and does not appear to be damaged. The Suit is engaged in carrying lumber from Manistee to Michigan City on the same line as the Woods. She is the steamer which ran in here this fall and was fitted out for the fruit carrying trade.
Tonight look out for meteors as they will undoubtedly be very abundant, as the earth passed through her meteoric orbit today.
A gale is predicted.
The telephone linemen placed a wire in the new city pump house today.
The new boiler for the Central School building has arrived.
Hon. Chas. E. Belknap is still confident that he is elected. He says that the Democratic committee claim only 4 plurality and thinks that will be overcome by the official count.
The dock at the old Boyden mill site is rapidly going to ruin.
Capt. Kirby’s new tug the Elk was given a trial run on the river today.
Schooners about the lake are beginning to go into winter quarters.
Capt. Kirby’s new tug, the elk, is a beauty. She is nearly ready for service.
The life saving crew brought in port three vessels, Jessie Martin, Una and McDougal, early yesterday morning. The vessels were in a somewhat squeezy and perilous position just outside.
For the past two years the Life Saving station goes out of commission on Dec. 5th.
The work of rebuilding the schooner Ellen Stevenson at Kirby’s yard, is still progressing. The Stevenson is is the vessel which went on the beach here last fall.
The schooner Jessie Martin now in port, had a thrilling experience while trying to make South Haven in the blow of last week. The sea was so heavy that pieces had to be broken off the side of the boat in order to let water run off the deck.
The Vandalis system it is said will build in opposition to the C. & W. M. in Western Michigan. It is proposed to have it pass through Saugatuck, Holland and this city to Port Sherman.
The City Hotel has for a guest an honored old gentleman whose ancestry lead back into colonial days. His name is William Patrick. He is a grandson of Capt. James Bidlack who was burned by the Indians at the Wyoming Massacre in 1782, in the county of Lucerne, Pennsylvania. Mr. Patrick says that grass has never grown on the spot where this terrible human cremation of the white settlers took place. It was one of the most horrible epochs in the history of those early days. A monument has been erected at the spot in memory of the brave colonists. Mr. Patrick states that the defeated British paid the Indians a fixed price for every scalp that eventful time. Mr. Patrick is taken on now 85 years of age.
We believe it an outrage on the business men of this city who are obliged to compete with the non-resident peddlers and others who go from house to house and solicit. It is all wrong and our common council should at once put a stop to it. Establish a market and compel those who have anything to sell to stop there and not allow them the whole city. What benefits do our business men get of this expensive city government, if you allow outsiders to come in here and compete with them without paying one cent of taxes? It must be stopped or the merchants of this city will know the reason.
Mrs. Allen of Utah, formerly Miss Mary Ferry, is in the city. Mrs. Allen is well and popularly known here. She says her father Col. Ferry is in the best of health.
“Smitten! Smitten! Smitten!” said Senator Thomas W. Ferry of Grand Haven, as he walked up and down the Morton corridor yesterday, stroking his luxuriant beard. “Smitten hip and thigh, yet there is a grain of comfort in the fact that we have saved Michigan out of the wreck. It was a terrible defeat though. I have no idea what I shall do this winter. I have absolutely no plans and cannot tell until the time comes what I shall do.—G. R. Democrat.
An old soldier was picked up on the street yesterday afternoon by the sheriff for being drunk. The old fellow was an inmate of the Milwaukee Soldier Home and had a ticket for that place by D., G. H. & M. Boat. He was kept in custody until time for the boat to leave when he was taken on board and sent across the lake.
In the issue of Saturday the TRIBUNE stated that N. Robbins, jr. was the first citizen to become an honorary member of Co. F. Such is not the case; Mr. John W. Verhoeks was the first man to become an honorary member of the company. Mr. Robbins was second. It is to be hoped that many more will follow. As said before all members of the company can be excused from jury duty. This to the business man is worth the admission fee. Help the boys along.
Chas. E. Belknap has filed a petition with the Kent county clerk, asking for a recount of certain townships and precincts in that county.
The Corn Planter is run very systematically for a place doing so much business. President Sheldon’s office is connected with all parts of the extensive plant. A tube telephone is the latest and runs to all parts of the factory with main center at the office.
The fish tug Deer will be laid up after next week, the Elk taking her place for the rest of the season.
The life-saving crew at Sturgeon Bay canal are to be investigated on a charge of neglecting to keep a proper lookout nights.
Bids are being received at the U. S. engineer’s office at Grand Rapids for pier construction at Grand Haven and Muskegon.
The Manistee Democrat says that the steamer Sampson is hard aground at Robinson, evidently thinking that the above place is a lake port and not an inland burg 12 miles up the Grand River.
Ole Olson.
It is very seldom that any play draws to the Opera House as many people as did Ole Olson last night. Every reserved seat was taken up and the gallery was crowded with “gods.” The play was well received by all. James T. McAlpine as Ole Olson acted his part in the best of ways and had the Swedish brogue at his tongue’s end. The rest of the cast all acceptably and well filled their parts. The little boy Phillip though having a small part in the play was admired by all.
The singing by Ole, Jefferson Bassett, Dr. Shingle and Genie Dimple was fine especially the song by Ole.
After the third act the Swedish Ladies Quartette were introduced and treated the audience to several of their beautiful and softly modulating Swedish airs. They were encored several times. The echo song by the charlotte was received with loud applause and many of the audience would have desired to hear them still more.
The play wound up in a round of most deafening yells and laughter. Mrs. Bridget O’Flanigan the Irish woman of the play was rejected in her suit with Ole Olson. Her temper arose when told she was not wanted for a spouse and she proceeded to unload her mind by telling Ole that he was not wanted as she had a better man in the shape of Gerrit Brouwer of this city. Pandemonium reigned for several minutes, and it was declared the hit of the season.
August Albright is building a large hot house on his celery plantation just back of the race track. Hugh McDonald and Peter Nederveldt are doing the work.
On feature of this presidential campaign just closed is connected with Mr. Cleveland’s candidacy. He is the 8th, in the line of presidents who were chose for a second term after an interval.
The Steamer City of Milwaukee.
The following letter from engineer C. L. Barron of the steamer City of Milwaukee regarding the trip to Port Huron and the season just closed by that popular passenger boat.
Editor TRIBUNE:—The steamer Milwaukee left Grand Haven at 1 pm. last Saturday. We passed Little Point Sauble at 4 pm.; big Point Sauble 5:50 p.m.; Point Betsy at 9 p.m.; South Manitou Island at 10:30 p.m. and Cat head light at 12:30 a.m. of the 13th.
At 12 o’clock of Saturday night the wind freshened up from the southeast with occasional snow squalls and the sea was quite heavy. We ran slow under the land until 5 a.m. and passed Williquale light at 8:20 with sea very heavy. Passed Wable Shanks at 8:50 a.m. of the 13th. We then put into Cheboygan arriving at 11:30 a.m. Sunday and lay there all the night. Monday morning we left at 6:15. The wind was west, light, over the land. Passiquale Light was passed at 9:45 a.m.; Thunder Bay light at 11:30, Point Aux Barques at 4 p.m. and we arrived at Fort Gratiot at 9 o’clock p.m. Monday night. We are now (Tuesday) laying at Fort Gratiot waiting for orders.
During the season of 1892 the steamer City of Milwaukee has crossed Lake Michigan 196 times. Made 82 round trips to Muskegon, also made 15 excursion trips to Muskegon, also made 15 excursion trips to Racine and Port Washington making a total of over 21,000 miles. During the fast train services there was not a connective missed by the boat being behind. With the exception of the breaking of two wheel buckets nothing has happened to the machinery to delay the boat one hour. The steamer has been sent to Fort Gratiot by the company to be put in first class condition for the season of 1893. An electric plant will be added to outfit the steamer. She will return to the D. & M. route about May 1, running as heretofore with an exceptional occasion trip to the World’s Fair.
Yours, C. L. BARRON.
Mr. John Faivre of Louisville. Ky., is here. Mr.Faivre is an affable young French gentleman and will be foreman of the glass works here. He and his wife will make their home in this city.
Burglars attempted to enter the cigar store of C. VerBerkmoes last night. When the place was opened up this morning, a window in the back part of the shop was found to have been taken out. Bars on the inside prevented them from getting any further. Cuts in the sash showed that a knife or crowbar had been used to get the window up. The burglars are evidently the same ones who have been operating all the fall.
The public library in the central school building is again open to the public Saturday evening from 7 to 8 o’clock. The appreciation shown last winter of this opportunity for boys and men whose work prevents them coming to the library during the day, seems to justify the opening one evening each week this winter. New books are being constantly added and valuable reading matter can always be secured. Many of the best periodicals may also be found there.
It will be a year ago Friday that the schooner Ellen Stevenson of Ludington went on the beach here.
The severe gale last year was October 31. This year the heaviest gale was about the same time of the month.
The Lighthouse board gives notice that on or before Dec. 10, 1892, the light at the Grand Haven light station, on the bluff at the south side of the mouth of Grand River east of shore of Lake Michigan, will be changed from a fixed white light varied by a white flash every ninety seconds, to a fixed white light varied by a flash every minute. The order of the light will not be changed.
The schooner Minnie Davis was sunk by collision with the schooner Hunter Savidge Monday night a mile and a half from Point Mouillee light. The Davis was loaded with coal and went down in 21 feet of water. Her crew all escaped from the wreck without loss of life. The sunken vessel is being stripped today of what is worth saving. The Davis is owned by Dunford & Alverson of Port Huron, according to Inland Lloyds. Her measurements is 164 tons, rating B1 ½ , and valuation, $2,500. She was built at Port Burwell, Ont. The Hunter Savidge seems to meet with ill luck near the close of every season. Last year one of her sailors was killed in this harbor by being run down by the steamer Wisconsin. The schooner had then come in here to lay up.
Horsemen of Western Michigan, do you know that the fastest stallion in Michigan is right here at your door and is in service for a very short season to a few approved mares? We mean the famous Geo. St. Clair of Floral Stock Farm, Thos. Savidge, Prop. Our farmers and stock men should not miss this opportunity as you may never see it again. The season closes Dec.15.
A mermaid is now the scene of attraction in VandenBosch’s window.
Bears are said to be quite numerous near Fruitport and Sullivan. Deer tracks are also plentiful.
Property has advanced in price two-fold in all parts of the city since two years ago.
The merchants of the city and others say that if a chimney sweep would put in an appearance he would have plenty to do just now.
Thomas McDonald, a former deckhand on the steamer City of Milwaukee, was arrested for drunkenness last night by Officer VandenBerg. He was sentenced to 8 days in jail by Justice Pagelson this morning.
Boyce and McGregor Arrive.
The steamer Mary H. Boyce with her consort, the barge W. T. McGregor arrived in port at 4 o’clock this morning. The McGregor will lay up here for the season, while the Boyce goes out four more trips between Escanaba and South Chicago, when she too will lay up. They have had a very successful season, most of the time being engaged in carrying iron ore from Escanaba to South Chicago and also down the lakes to Buffalo, Welland, Canada, and Sandusky.
The boats officers are, Boyce, Capt. W. T. McGregor; 1st mate, Thos. Trail; 2nd mate, W. J. Barnett; chief engineer, Michael Mahre, second engineer, J. D. Stewart. The McGregor is commanded by Capt. Dan Miller, W. M. Belty of this city is steward. A crew of fourteen in all is carried, nearly all of whom are from this city or at least well known here.
Both boats are from the Grand Haven Ship building Co.’s yard and are models of what that yard can do in the way of building staunch vessels of great carrying capacity. Several severe gales and heavy seas were met during the season and were passed through safely.
The fish tugs did not go near their nets today on account of squally weather.
Vessel captains continue to report passing wreckage attached to a sunken vessel southwest of South Manitou Island. The vessel undoubtedly is the schooner Ostrich, as the hemlock lumber in her hold would not keep her afloat any length of time.
The steamer Roanoke is expected here Saturday to go on the Milwaukee Grand Haven route.
The members of Co. F have been a good deal of the time and expense fixing and cleaning the Opera House and all patrons should refrain from marring the walls and spitting tobacco juice on the floor. This will be considered a great favor by the manager of the house and by the company. If you must chew, a spittoon will be gladly furnished you at the box office on application.
Several Milwaukee tugs are out hunting the sea lion.
Everything is beginning to look like business around the glass factory.
Several Republicans about the city are still flying their Harrison & Reid flags.
The electric lamp at the corner of 3rd and Washington Sts., fell down last night. About 6 o’clock.
Storm houses are starting to make their appearance at the front doors of houses.
The wind storm of last night was bad on the electric lamps about the city only half of them being lit after 11 o’clock last night.
Tax the outside peddlers and venders who go from house to house peddling their wares to the detriment of home merchants. Every fall a number of farmers come to this city peddling meat from door to door. These men should be either be compelled to get out a license or a market be established somewhere in the city.
Last year during the holiday season our merchants by diligent and telling advertising kept the holiday trade at home. They advertised just as good bargains as could be found in any city in the state. Notwithstanding the fact that it was a green Christmas, our merchants laid more money away then they have during holiday seasons for many years before. If you have anything in the line of Christmas goods, bring it before the people by means of newspaper, and you will get the trade that will otherwise go to Muskegon or Grand Rapids.
The Corn Planter factory uses over 2,000,000 feet of lumber a year.
The liquor men are getting their turkey’s ready for Thanksgiving raffles.
A story gained circulation yesterday that a stranger had been around to several merchants trying to shove the “queer.” The marshal pronounced the story a fake.
A Holland gentleman in this city remarked that if it were not for Hope college and the Western Theological Seminary, the residents would be glad to sell out at 25 cents on a dollar.
The end of the marine season is near at hand. Marine insurance expires November 30th, and dozens of boats are going into winter quarters all around the lake.
There was as heavy a sea on the lake today as at any time this year.
Wood wagons are beginning to crowd the wood market.
A Holland firm is picking up the lumber and wood along the lake shore.
Commander Nicoll Ludlow is now been removed from his position altogether.
The Prohibitionists gained 80,000 votes in the country since the last election. In this state they gained 1,000.
Chauncey Coffen and wife arrived in the city yesterday on their way from their former home in Fennville, Allegan Co., to Wisconsin. They put up at the hotel. In the afternoon Mr. Coffen went to Gringhuin & Co.’s clothing store to make some purchases. Upon returning he took a chair in the hotel and fell asleep. When he awoke he found that his purse containing $65 and a number of receipts, etc., was missing. Whether it was lost while walking from the store to the hotel he does not know. The loss is a severe blow to Mr. Coffen, as it constituted all the money he had. He returned to Fennville late last night to try and raise more money, as he owns a farm near that town. His wife remained at the hotel. Mr. Coffen offers a reward of $10 for the property.
The old river boat Barrett is still making trips up and down the river.
The schooner Spaulding struck the pier at Tawas yesterday. Two of the crew were drowned.
Mr. John Stark says: “That the old steamer Detroit of which he was an engineer way back in the 60’s beat the City of Milwaukee’s record in crossing the lake. In one season the Detroit crossed the lake between here and Milwaukee 410 times or 205 round trips.
A strange boat looking like a passenger steamer was seen to be heading for this port today on the D. & M. course. She ran down just opposite the Park and very close to shore when she veered around and headed north hugging the coast. She was probably some steamer out of her right course.
EDITOR TRIBUNE:
When I read the request of the Opera House manager Thursday evening. I thought the following might be of interest to the class he addressed: A good many important things happened 400 years ago, and among them was one which thousands will regard of more than passing importance. When Columbus sailed on from San Salvador to Cuba he made a discovery which was as startling as unexpected. It was duly reported that the natives were found carrying lighted firebrands wherewith they kindled one end of dried herbs, while they put the other end between their lips, sucking the smoke through the roll and then puffing it from their mouth and nostrils. A goodly part of the whole world is now doing the same thing. The pulpit has thundered against the practice, the press has uttered its protest and the medical profession has faithfully repeated its warnings, but the “sucking” and the “puffing” go vigorously on. The typical American never appears at his best in any line of heated discussion unless he is recklessly firing tobacco juice from his actively operating mouth. It is not of record that the original Cubans resorted to the more objectionable uses of the weed, or that such uses followed its introduction into English society by Sir Walter Raleigh. It certainly remained for advanced civilization to beget the irrepressible cigarette fiend whose most familiar type wears bangs, talks with an attempted Cockney accent, and sports an ulster with a trail, a big-headed cane and a cultivated air of imbecility.
SUBSCRIBER.
Southern Ottawa is getting to be a favorite hunting place.
Mr. Coffen, the Fennville man who mourns the loss of $65 either stolen or lost Saturday, has heard nothing of it as yet.
It will be just a year ago the coming Thursday that Mill Bessie Koeltz truned on the electric lights of this city for the first time.
One of the large glass windows in front of the post office was broken yesterday between two and four o’clock and the postmaster would like information on the subject.
John Hoey the millionaire said that the pleasantest time in his life was when he paid $3 a week board out of $4 a week salary and tried to save a few cents out of the small margin every week.
Game warden Hampton is making a thorough search for illegal hunters.
Norman Sweeney, the notorious horse thief, was arraigned before circuit court this morning and his attorney plead not guilty in his behalf. He will not be tried this session. Thos. Green who has been confined behind bars for the larceny of a watch in Holland, plead guilty. He has not yet received his sentence.
The long list of drowning fatalities in this city last year has not as yet been equaled this year, the sad death of young Taylor being the only instance. Last year a Grand Rapids man was drowned while swimming in Spring Lake. Not long after a young man, also from Grand Rapids, was drowned near the piers by the capsizing of his boat. A Swede sailor from the schooner Hunter Savidge was run down while in a yawl boat by the steamer Wisconsin and killed. Late in the fall a German from Milwaukee suicided by drowning in Spring Lake.
The Life Savers discovered a large piece of wreckage floating along the beach today. There is nothing to indicate what it is from, but from appearances seems to be an old piece washed along from some point further down.
This weather will give us an appetite for turkey.
A carload of hair was shipped by the tannery to Chicago today.
Geo. Hancock, G. W. Miller and Henry Rogers are still shipping celery in large quantities. Mr. Hancock will ship for two months yet.
Work has commenced on rebuilding S. Verhoeks’ market on Washington street, which was burned some weeks ago.
Steam was got up in the Glass factory today and operations will soon begin. John Luikens is engineer of the plant.
The electric light plant will be a very dull place in the city in the day time now. Some of the water works pumps have been removed to the new station. Nevertheless steam will have to be kept up all day up to lighting time in the evening.
It now transpires that the comet discovered by the astronomers is not moving nearer the earth but away from it and the great meteoric shower will not be forthcoming.
The scaffold upon which John Brown was executed at Harper’s Ferry is being shipped to Chicago for the World’s Fair.
The city is being supplied with water from the new city water works for the first time today. The remaining pump in the Electric Light plant is being removed by Chief Palmer and force. The new pump house is high and commodious. A floor has not yet been placed in the pump room but will be as soon as the other pump is put in position. Mr. O. Vanderhoef has charge of the pump today.
Ice formed in some places on the river last night.
The following preamble and resolutions were passed by the Improvement Board last night: “Whereas, We are creditably informed that the Grand Rapids Herald is preparing for publication a deep water souvenir edition, designed to bring before the 53rd Congress the feasibility, urgency and importance of converting the channel of Grand River between Grand Haven Harbor and Grand Rapids into a waterway of sufficient depth to accommodate heavy draft lake vessels. The undertaking is designed for the purpose of presenting to that body the industrial and commercial importance of the two cities and of representing to it the wisdom and economy of liberal appropriations, both for the improvement of river and harbor, and for the erection of necessary public buildings, and for such other improvements as may be required. Therefore, Received, That the Grand Haven Improvement Board heartily commend the publication as a praise-worthy enterprise. And, Resolved, That they hereby pledge themselves to a hearty co-operation in the fulfillment of the same.
The Elk is one of the nicely finished tugs on the lakes.
Boisterous weather on the lake will undoubtedly keep up until after the close of navigation.
The schooner Lottie Cooper, dismasted in Thursday night’s gale, drifted across the lake anchoring near Holland. The Holland life-saving crew yesterday, after being upset four times, succeeded in taking off those on board.
National holiday tomorrow.
The TRIBUNE will not be issued Thanksgiving Day.
Marshal Klaver reports everything quiet in police circles. Everybody is pious and arrests are few.
A number of snow flurries has covered the earth with the “beautiful” today.
Wm. Van Drezer shot a turkey yesterday in a tree in the rear of the Post Office. The turkey had escaped from a farmer’s wagon.
The remaining pump is being put in position in the new pumping station today. Everything is working as satisfactorily there as could be expected.
The C. & W. M. train due here at 7:05 was one hour late last night, in consequence of colliding with a buggy and killing its two inmates, when leaving Grand Rapids at 5:45. Engineer and conductor were held by the police, but were released within an hour.
The first Thanksgiving held in this country was in the colony of Charleston in the year of 1631. During the Revolution Thanksgiving Day was a national institution. During the Civil war the martyred President Lincoln issued a proclamation recommending special thanksgiving. Since that time a thanksgiving proclamation has been issued annually by the President as well as by the Governor of several states and by the Mayors of principal cities and today has become a fixed by custom and preference as the last Thursday of November.
The small boy can dream tonight of his mammoth turkey dinner tomorrow.
HI POTTS.
—
One of the Most Unctuous and Entertaining
of Michigan’s Humorists.
—
From Detroit Free Press Nov. 23d, 1892.
Whatever may be said for Michigan in other respects, copper, iron, salt and pine, for instance, it must be admitted that her contributions of funny writers to the world’s fund of humor may not have been generous. The state abounds in them, however, but they are mostly modest souls who are content to write humdrum politics and heavyweight editorials on the tariff and currency questions. For many years past there have come to us little ripples of drollery from the up country, and in a general way it has been known that they have come from the quaint brain of a hermit wag named Hi Potts. He writes to the Free Press:
I have long felt satisfied that the American people were anxious to know something about me. There is nothing so annoying to a literary people as the keeping from them of the history of some noted character that they have never heard of. My modesty alone has deprived them of all this. Now that the opportunity has presented itself to furnish them this great literary treat without compromising myself, I hasten to do it.
It is due to the great Wolverine State of Michigan that I publicly admit that I was born within its boundaries. Ottawa County is also entitled to the credit of my birth-place, and I will further give the Township of Polkton a boom by acknowledging that this important event occurred upon her territory. My childlike, bland and attenuated, not to mention youthful, voice f