The Evening Tribune
Grand Haven, Mich. December, 1891
12/1
The sale of seats for the “Fast Mail” is so large, that Manager Hutty is obliged to put in 100 extra seats.
Belva A. Lockwood, one time candidate for the presidency on the woman’s rights ticket, was in the city today. She will leave for Fondulac on the steamer Wisconsin to deliver a lecture in that place.
The schooner Lem Ellsworth, loaded with 620 tons of stone, entered Muskegon during the storm the other day and struck the bar and began pounding against the pier. The government tug Hancock happened to be laying near when the Ellsworth’s captain asked for aid it was refused, the captain of the Hancock saying he wasn’t in the towing business. The Ellsworth was badly damaged and her owners will call the attention of the government to the Hancock’s refusal.
E. H. Andres, one of the proprietors of the Cutler House at Grand Haven, was at the Morton house yesterday. “Hotel business has been excellent this year,” he said. “I never saw a better passenger business across the lake. Every steamer for Milwaukee all summer has gone out loaded. It is just a little quiet now, but we can’t expect to do a heavy business all the year. We are to have a new addition to our hotel in time for our next summer’s business. Mr. Cutler intends to add another story t his block of stores adjoining his hotel. We have the upper floors of this block and this will give us twenty-five more rooms; making ninety rooms in all. We have just put in a new electric light system at Grand Haven, and it is working admirably. This is only the fourth night it has been run, but it is giving good satisfaction. Things are not so dull at Grand Haven as a good many people seem to think.”—Grand Rapids Telegram Herald.
The electric light company are laying wires to the challenge Corn Planter factory.
John Lock bought a house on first street and will move it to a lot on Columbus street near Seventh.
Architect Johnson of Muskegon was in the city yesterday looking over the new Akeley college building, of which he is the designer.
The sixteen-year-old son of Mr. Zingerling cut his hand quite badly with a putty knife at the Corn Planter Works this morning. Dr. Hofma attended him.
Several of the rooms in the Central school were dismissed this morning on account of the cold, the steam heating apparatus not working properly.
John Klaver now handles G. A. Bottje’s handsome two-year-old filly.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Campbell moved into Mrs. A. Hubbard’s residence on Columbus street yesterday.
The City vs. Wiley Water Works case will be heard Monday. As Judge Arnold will not be able to be present on account of the convening of Allendale county circuit court at the same time, Judge Buck of Kalamazoo was obtained and will preside.
Michigan has been invited to contribute 1,000 militia men to do military honors at the dedicating of the World’s Fair building Oct. 11 to 14, 1892. They will be furnished with quarters and subsistence for the five days.
At 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon as three boys were skating on Black river at Holland, two named Dekker and Freddie Roost fell through the ice. The Decker boys were saved, but Roost, who is a son of John Roost, was drowned. The body was recovered.
There are 45 vessels on Lake Superior which are to go to the lower lakes before the close of navigation.
The season of navigation is fast drawing to a close. Nearly every schooner entering Chicago lays up upon its arrival. Muskegon is now the only port shipping lumber. The rate has been advanced to $2.00.
The deep waterways convention meets at Detroit, Dec. 27th. The governors of the states bordering on the lakes have been invited to attend, also to appoint five citizens of each state to act with them as members
The most thoroughly realistic play of the season, if not ever seen in Co. F Opera House, was the scenic production last night “The Fast Mail.”
Considering the limited stage room of the house for plays of this kind, it was well staged and moved smoothly, receiving a hearty response from the small house. Had every seat been filled probably not one person would have gone away dissatisfied. Why the attendance was so small would be hard to determine. Until Grand Haven patronizes good plays when they come, she may expect to be blessed with a good many poor ones. Successful attractions like the Fast Mail do not go to a town many times to lose money, and other good attractions hearing of the poor reception accorded this and other good companies will attempt to fight shy of Grand Haven.
Capt. Loutit asserts the gale of last evening to have been the heaviest of many years. The wind attained an average of 50 miles per hour.
Bessie, the bright little 15 month old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Campbell, died at the residence on 7th street last night, of a complication of bronchitis and whooping cough, after and illness of two weeks. The funeral will be tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the residence, conducted by Rev. Sammis.
It was on January 1st, 1882, just ten years from the coming Jan.1, ’92, that Henry G. Sanford got steam on for the first time in the City Water Works, and last night he put the last fire under the boilers in the old works. The electric company have now taken charge, and are pumping city water.
The wind this morning attained its greatest velocity, 50 miles per hour, since March last, when it attained a velocity of 52 miles per hour. During the night it blowed 45 miles per hour for one whole hour, a velocity, that for a time as long as this, hasn’t been exceed for several years.
Rev. A. Wormser formerly pastor of the 1st Reformed church of this city arrived in the city yesterday. He has been in Montana most of the time for six months past, since he left this city, where he is preparing to establish Dutch colonies. For this purpose he has secured 100,000 acres of land in the Dearborn Valley, and 300,000 acres in the famous Gallatan Valley, Montana, where large houses are being built for the colonists, one of which, called the “Holland Home,” is about completed. Rev. Wormser returned to the Netherlands Oct. 1st, where he has made arrangements for over two hundred families to come over. Some are already on the way, but most of them are expected to arrive about March 1.
IS IT RETRIBUTION?
WIND MAKES A
TOTAL WRECK
OF THE SPRING LAKE BRIDGE.
At about 7:30 o’clock this morning the Spring Lake bridge was opened to admit the passage of the tug Kaiser Wilhelm, which was going up the river with an empty scow. The wind at that time was blowing a perfect hurricane, and as the bridge was being swung back it was lifted completely off its foundation into the river, some of the timbers falling on the stern of the scow.
Grant Gerow the bridge tender and three foot passengers, Wm. Raymond, Robert Covey and a Swede by the name of Olson were on the bridge when it went down and was slightly injured. As it was it is a miracle that all escaped alive. The iron structure of the bridge went all to pieces and is a total wreck and almost a total loss.
Mrs. Wm. Irons died at her residence on Third street last night, after an illness of several weeks. She will be mourned by a very large circle of friends in this city, by whom she was loved and respected for many noble traits of character. Her only surviving child, M. B. Hopkins, has the sympathy of many friends in this city and West Michigan.
The funeral will occur at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon from the residence. The
remains will be viewed only by friends of the deceased.
(see original copy for complete obituary.)
The revenue cutter Andy Johnson went out of commission Tuesday. During the winter she will be overhauled, and such repairs are necessary to enable her to do next season’s work will be made. During the summer she cruised 9,929 miles and examined 1,443 vessels, thirty-two of which she reported. Capt. Davis and Chief Engineer Chase will remain with the boat during the winter at Milwaukee. Lieut. James B. Butt and Lieut. B. L. Reed are placed on waiting orders. Lieut. F. J. Haake will get a leave of absence until next summer, and Assistant Engineer Spear is ordered to the Gallatin at Boston.
As the 6:20 mail train over the D and M road was entering the switch yards opposite Kilbourn’s Kit factory last evening, it ran into a box car which had blown onto the main track. The engine was thrown off the track by the blow, its headlight was broke and front wheel badly damaged. Fortunately no one was injured.
The effects of the big blow of Thursday night were quite noticeable all over the state. At Muskegon Heights, Kelly Bros. M’fg. Co.’s building was damaged to the extent of $10,000, the entire roof and part of the walls being blown down. At Owosso, the walls of a new building were blown over upon a bakery completely wrecking it.
The severe wind of yesterday was fatal to electric lights. Speaking of the break in the circuit, which occurred last evening, Mr. Mackenzie said, “we kept a test magnet on the line all day, trying it about every half hour, and at 4 o’clock in the afternoon congratulated ourselves on the fact that wires had so far withstood the storm, but to our chagrin when at 5 o’clock we were about to turn on the current, we found the circuit broken!” Of course such storms are of rare occurrence, yet the company fear that it may become necessary to add a duplicate line of wire to insure against the damages that arise from severe storms on this lake coast. Time will determine whether this heavy extra expense will be necessary.
The steamer City of New York in entering the harbor this morning was caught by the wind and nearly thrown against the north pier.
Josh Lehman shot a wild turkey at one o’clock this afternoon that was perched on the roof of the First Reformed church.
The tug Frank Edwards, Frank Zeitow commander, went out yesterday and pulled up her nets getting 1,500 pounds of fish. On her way back she came across a small hooker loaded with apples, the captain of which having lost his horn was yelling lustily for a tug to tow him in, which Edwards did.
There is a rumor that the council do not intend to confirm the action of our firemen in the election of Len Fisher as chief of the fire department. This would be a sad mistake as Mr. Fisher has proved, unquestionably, as good a man for the position as ever filled it, and there can certainly be no reasonable excuse for dispensing with his services. COM.
Highway Robber Caught.
Fred Mitcheson, a prominent meat-market man, of Muskegon, was knocked down and robbed yesterday morning of $150. He knew his assailant and reported to the police, who upon investigation, found that he skipped town. He was traced to this city. Deputy Sheriff Collins, of Muskegon, rode down here and informed the marshal and sheriff, who immediately began a search.
About half past one Marshal Verhoef got a clue at Stone’s livery stable, parties there having seen a man of his description ten minutes before going to the Cutler House. The marshal informed this fact to Collins and Sheriff Vaupell who were searching in another part of the city. Sure enough he was the man wanted and Sheriff Vaupell promptly arrested him. Ninety-five dollars was all he had left of the money stolen. He signed his name on the Cutler House register as W. F. Annis. Collins took him to Muskegon with a carriage from Ferrysburg.
The Question Settled.
After a regular meeting of the Ladies Literary Society Saturday afternoon the members discussed on the water famine in Chicago caused directly by the low water of Lake Michigan. Various ideas were brought out by different ones but none seemed to solve the problem, until Mrs. E. L. Briggs concluded with a solution which was voted correct. “I was in Muskegon some days since and found the people of that thriving little place very jubilant over their new water works which pumped water from Lake Michigan. I have come to the conclusion therefore that the low water on Lake Michigan and the consequent diminishing water supply in Chicago is caused by Muskegon’s new water works,” Carried unanimously.
Capt. Kendrick with the U. S. tug Graham and dredge Fresquahar attempted to enter Holland yesterday, but as there is only six feet of water above the mud it was no go.
In an Interview with the Grand Rapids Democrat Saturday Col Duryes said: “At Grand Haven we have added several hundred feet to the piers and have placed several cribs during the season. I suppose we have spent $100,000 there and need more.”
Geo. W. McBride, never a bit changed by the vicissitudes of office, was found in his accustomed attitude in the Morton yesterday afternoon. “My town? Well, we are going to come up to Grand Rapids bye and bye with a boat drawing ten feet of water. We are in that with you and are in to stay. We are booming on it, too. We have a new institution emanating exclusively from Grand Haven genius that is coming on nicely. The Globe Match Works has just gotten in shape to illuminate this part of the country. Charles Dake, a man of ours who has unlimited mechanical capacity, has invented a new mechanism for making matches and has been backed to the amount of $50,000 in his invention by our own capital. The plant will occupy seven substantial brick factory buildings, and employ 300 hands. The product is made from raw material and packed in boxes by the exclusive use of mechanism. No human hand is required in any of the processes. Akeley Institute is receiving a $20,000 addition to its buildings. This well known Episcopal institution is in a gratifying condition of thrift The Grand Haven Ship Building Company has just closed a contract for the construction of a fine fast passenger boat for the Grand Traverse Bay trade, and work in the yards is booming. A new impetus has been given our fish industry, by the adoption of a plan of preserving fish in ice. Captain Thomas W. Kirby has become identified in the new enterprise, and tons of our lake herring are being frozen into solid cakes of ice every day, and stored in a cold storage warehouse, to await the mid-winter market. The enterprise promises large returns.—Grand Rapids Democrat.
The United States tug Graham with the U. S. dredge Farquarhar as escort and the U. S. tug Williams with two scows blowed in here yesterday. They are on their way from Muskegon to St. Joseph to lay up for the winter. Capt. Kendrick of the Graham is well known in this city from former seasons and had to undergo many handshakes from his old friends today.
In the session of the American Trotting Association at Chicago the case of C. E. Bidlack of Hastings, well known here, was heard. Bidlack had taken winnings unlawfully at Augusta and Plainville, Mich., June 26th and July 24th respectively. The money was ordered to be given to the proper winners and the case dismissed.
The report of the damage to the new cribs of the south pier has been somewhat enlarged. It is true that two of the cribs have sagged somewhat, but it is not nearly as a total wreck as some of the press have stated. Col. Duryes, inspector of public works in an interview said: “Up to this date the piers have not been damaged so badly but that they could be repaired at small expense.
Chicago river will be the headquarters for more boats this winter in its history. Three hundred are already sheltered there.
More sailors lost their lives on the great lakes this season than any other since the lakes were navigated. In all 57 were drowned or killed. It was also a notable fact that not a passenger was drowned, and not a passenger steamer being in serious trouble.
The severe drought of the past year or two have caused the water of Lake Michigan to be much lower than for many years. It used to be supposed that this lake had regular ebb and flow of tides. But scientific records kept for many years go to show conclusively that the rise and fall of the lake depends not upon the attraction of the moon and has no periodical regularity, but that it depends entirely upon the amount of precipitation in rain or snow over the whole great basin drained by the lake and its tributary rivers. It follows, therefore, that there is no sudden rise or fall in the lake, but by a reversional excess of rain or snow fall over the lake basin. This will probably take a year or two or more of increased rain fall in the lake basin. The probabilities are then that we shall have a more abundant snow or rain fall for a year or two to come.
If Chicago waits for Lake Michigan to rise for an increase of her water supply, she will probably wait some time.
Ed Bell, the hustling representative of the Grand Rapids Democrat in this city, is well-known to be a thoroughly reliable newspaper, and business man, and just the man to represent the big Western Michigan daily.
An Old Resident Dies.
Antony Hoebeke, an old resident of this city, died at his home on Washington Avenue at 11:30 this forenoon, of cancer of the stomach. At the time of his death he was 69 years of age.
Mr. Hoebeke was born in Wolffaredyk, Netherlands, in 1822. In 1866 he came to this country and settled in this city, where he has ever since resided, except for two years at Spring Lake.
He leaves a wife and five grown children to mourn his loss. He had been ailing since spring when he was taken with a heart attack of “grippe” and had been confined to his bed for the past ten weeks.
The funeral will take place at the residence Thursday afternoon at two o’clock. Rev. Kuiper of the First Christian Reformed church will officiate.
Another 20,000 of brick for the new match factory arrived this noon.
Nearly every house in the city is occupied as is evidenced every day by people intending to locate here but not finding a vacant dwelling place.
That old Democrat in the Third ward, John Baker, gives the EVENING TRIBUNE due notice that he is considerably worried by a complication of taxes and rheumatism. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, yet some people are never satisfied.
Supt. Robbins is at Frankfort assisting in the examination of the life saving crew of that place for neglect of duty.
The fire department were called out at 11 o’clock this morning by the burning of a small house on Franklin avenue in the 4th ward. The fire had been burning for some time before the department arrived and the garret and roof were slightly damaged. The interior of the house was not damaged except by water. The property is owned by R. Temple and occupied by John Pellegrom. The occupants saved all their household goods except a cook stove, and that was not badly damaged. The building was insured in one of John J. Danhof it's agencies.
Congressman Weadock, of Michigan, will introduce a bill increasing the salaries of keepers of the life stations and houses of refuge to $1.000 per annum, and that of the surfmen to $75 per month during the time actually employed. Senator Stockbridge, also of Michigan, will farther the bill in the senate.
The tug Kaiser Wilhelm brought a scow load of brick from Fruitport yesterday afternoon for the new match factory building. One of the brick handlers made a misstep and fell into the slip head first about 4 o’clock. He was rescued by the other workmen without other damage than a wet skin.
Dr. Hofma this morning removed a kernel of corn from the nose of the little son of Mrs K. Bulthuis of Ferrysburg.
John Eustice, of 6th street, a section hand on the C. & W. M. R’y who had a foot badly bruised by a falling rail, Wednesday, is improving slowly.
J. Boyten got the $2.00 cash prize for guessing the nearest to the number of seeds contained in the mammoth squash at John M. Cook’s store. The squash contained 372 seeds and Mr. Boyten guessed 362.
The improvement in the weather bureau since its transfer to the Department of Agriculture in July last has been greater than anticipated by it most earnest friends. Dealing with such an uncertain element as the weather is was supposed that the bureau would have uphill work for some time to come in gaining the confidence of a long suffering public which to put it mildly, had become rather pessimistic. The bureau has steadily increased in public estimation since the transfer and the very favorable impression it is making shows the good judgment which prompted the selection of Prof. Harrington as its chief. The importance of reliable weather and storm forecasts can not be overestimated and there are already strong indications that a policy has been inaugurated that will lead to success. We learn that the work is very much hampered by the small appropriation received last year, it even being necessary to reduce the amount of reports sent to the stations. The new bureau is deserving of more liberal treatment at the hands of congress.
To Build Another Ice House.
Capt. T. Kirby has let the contract to Fred Groenevelt for another ice house adjoining the present one on his river front, to be built at once. It will be 50x90 feet and 20 feet in height, with capacity for 600 cords. This will make Capt. Kirby’s fishing plant the best equipped on the lakes.
Three Teachers Resign.
At a meeting of the School Board last night the resignation of three of our teachers in our schools was accepted and their places filled as follows: Miss Addie Walkley, resigned, succeeded by Miss Gilmore, from the Alma Training school, Miss Addie Clark, resigned, succeeded by Miss Martha Briggs, city, Miss Clara E. Bell, resigned, succeeded by Hellen Hilar, city. Their resignation takes effect at the end of the present term, Dec. 18th. All have proved themselves efficient and popular teachers, and in the future, whatever higher education, social or kindergarten duties they may be pleased to pursue, they have the well wishes of many friends, fellow teachers, pupils and parents.
The furniture buyers, here for the purpose of looking over stock in the Grand Haven Furniture Factory, state that they are well pleased with the goods and look forward to a large spring sale in the same. One buyer states that he has seen no furniture that pleased him more than that seen here, and expects to sell a good many thousand dollars worth the coming season.
Ed F. Bolton, a traveling chimney sweep, was before Justice Pagelson this morning for disorderly drunkenness and got 10 days in jail.
Work preliminary to the building of a temporary bridge between this city and Spring Lake, as provided for by the common council, has begun.
Cornelius VanZanten, who recently purchased the Goldberg fruit farm, has made arrangements with a family in the Netherlands to move onto the farm and operate it for him. They will arrive this spring.
In the case of the People vs. Peter Van Weeman, H. Dyk and J. Dyk malicious injury to farm, before Justice Pagelson yesterday, the jury brought in a verdict of guilty and they pay $100 each and costs or in defraud thereof 90 days in jail.
Mr. Bilz, as a very proper adjunct in the Grand Haven and Spring Lake bridge question, how do you like the suggestion of consolidation of Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg? But to make the question more general, what does anyone think? This is a live question. If you have thought about it, what have you thunk?
The electric lights worked better last night, and will gradually, as the newness of the machinery wears off and it gets running smoother, give a more steady light, and be, undoubtedly, all that the most sanguine of our citizens could have anticipated. All effusions of our bucolic verse writers, (evidence elsewhere) to the contrary notwithstanding.
An excellent cut of our good looking postmaster, Thos. A. Parish, appears in “The Crown” for December, published in Detroit, the official organ of the Royal Areauium, of which Mr. Parish is Grand Regent of Michigan. The cut was intended to accompany a biographical sketch of Mr. Parish published in the July number, but the publishers have been unable to get the electrotype until this late date.
Public Building.
There comes by the morning papers the gratifying news that the first measure introduced in the present congress provides for a public building for Grand Haven, introduced by Congressman Belknap. In this Captain Belknap has kept faith with his promises made. If he will follow it with some push and vigor he has so far shown we sill have what is so greatly needed, a public building.
Congressman Belknap deserves from all our citizens, irrespective of party, their thanks, and we ought to heartily and earnestly join with him in pushing this measure to a successful ending.
Ode to the Electric Lights.
(Ode 1, Adapted.)
Twinkle, Twinkle little spark,
Up above the street so dark;
How you glow, north, east and south,
Like a “snipe” in the “peeler’s” mouth.
X
(Owed 2, Adopted.)
Twinkle, twinkle little “glim,”
O’er the street corner, so dim;
Soon we hope you’ll cast a ray
To light the traveler on his way.
Y
(Oh led 3, Unidentified)
The moon arose in splendor
And revealed a glorious night,
On each formerly dark corner
A magnificent electric light.
Z
Ladies Literary Club.
Saturday afternoon at the ladies club is to be devoted to the study of early music and art. The subjects last meeting were concerning Spanish History. The work of the club is so arranged that one Saturday in every four weeks is given to the study of history, one to art and music, one to literature and the fourth is the day of entertainment. The subjects and participants are announced four weeks in advance by the president, thus giving ample time for preparation.
One feature of the afternoons which promised in time to be most excellent, is that of giving five or ten minutes to the discussion by the different ladies of whatever has been found among the current events worthy of special attention. Ninety-four of the ladies of Grand Haven have seized upon the opportunity of becoming members of this organization.
Our Toll Bridge.
It is no more. While it was, many complained of it’s existence, now many mourn it’s loss. It was duped “a remnant of barbarism,” and like most good things was not appreciated until it was gone. There was doubtless some honest difference of opinion regarding the continuance of a toll bridge between the municipalities of Grand Haven and Spring Lake, but I take it for granted that all concerned agree that the business interests of both towns suffer at present for want of a continuous highway between them, and that a bridge of some kind ought and must be constructed as soon as possible. By whom, and how this is to be done is the question. “The Grand Haven Bridge Company” which built and operated the toll bridge which spanned Grand river between Grand Haven and Spring Lake, was chartered by the board of Supervisors of Ottawa county, October 10th, 1866, for a term of 30 years, hence would have nearly five years more of it’s corporate existence, if it chose to avail itself of it and rebuild the bridge, but as it’s charter was virtually a simple permission without penalty for non-compliance, and it is generally understood that the bridge was beginning to show age, and that the company had in no event any idea of rebuilding it, it is not at all probable that they will now rebuild the swing. I am, in fact, reliably informed that they have concluded to abandon it.
The bridge is in part within each of the corporate limits of Grand haven and Spring Lake. While ex-Senator Farr was in legislature a bill was passed so changing the boundary that the entire bridge territory came within the Grand Haven city limits but when at a later date, by special act No. 281, March 21, 1883, the village of Spring Lake should be willing to undertake to build the swing, and rebuild the approaches, the interesting opinion would arise, what authority under their relative charters either municipality has to invest money and operate a bridge in part outside of it’s corporate limits without special permission of the legislature, which may not convene this winter.
The Board of Supervisors will be in session next month, and they ought to assume and rebuild the bridge, because it is on a state road and general thoroughfare of the county, but I have no idea they will do so. The thing to do at present is to take the bull by the horns and by common consent close the gap temporarily for the winter, and then find out how and by whom a substantial free iron bridge can and will be built. On that I may have something to say in a future issue.
One of the globe Match Co.’s buildings has been roofed and the other will receive its cover Monday.
If the fine weather continues a week longer, the contracting will have Silas Kilbourn Co.’s new mill and factory completed.
As the year draws to a close, merchants and business men are beginning to figure loss and gain. Our merchants generally report a successful year and many of them an increase volume of business and profits over last year.
Timothy Got Tangled.
Timothy Cronin, an old veteran from the soldier’s home in Grand Rapids and bound for Milwaukee, lost his pass to that city while on a spree in this city last night. Timothy showed up before Justice Reynolds this morning for drunkenness, an in default of a fine was sent to jail for five days to keep him out of mischief until his pass is found. The finder will confer a favor by returning the pass to the city marshal, and then Timothy will be taken out of lock and sent to his destination.
W. I. Lillie went to Dennison today for a rabbit hunt. He will spend Sunday with his father at Coopersville. His father leaves for California Monday.
Who Will Represent Grand Haven?
EDITOR TRIBUNE:—The Herald of yesterday asks, “who will represent Grand Haven” in the general effort of the people of Western Michigan to bring its great natural advantages before the manufacturers of the country? In answer to that question I will announce that the new Historical and Business Compendium of Ottawa county will not only represent Grand Haven, but all the rest of Ottawa county. Never before in the history of Grand Haven have the business men and citizens generally shown greater enterprise and liberality than in the patronage of this work. And at Holland and the interior of the county the same enterprising spirit is being manifest. Not less than a half dozen public meetings are being held in each township, and thus every citizen of the county will be given opportunity to assist in moulding the contents of the work. When completed it will cost but two dollars and be a first class representative of the whole of Ottawa county, both at home and at the World’s Fair.
Holiday Rates.
For Christmas and New years, the Chicago & West Michigan, and Detroit, Lansing & Northern railways will sell on Dec. 24th, 25th, 31st and Jan.1st, excursion tickets in nearly all points on these and connecting lines, including Chicago.
Rate will be one and one-third fare for round trip. All tickets good to return until Jan. 4th, 1892.
GEO. DEHAVEN, Gen’l Pass Agt.
If the truth of the matter were known, we believe that few, if any, towns in the state would show a more profitable year, and business on a safer, firmer basis with which to commence the new year, than exists in Grand Haven. The year 1892 promises well and Grand Haven will begin it with prospects that are very promising and satisfactory.
A Bad Gang.
For many months the good people of Olive Township have had in their midst an organized gang of young rascals who have made it a business to destroy barns, fences, fields of grain, cut up harnesses and many other jobs of similar kinds, and it has been carried to that extent that it has been an important question whether a decent law abiding citizen could safely live in the neighborhood.
The people were afraid if they entered a complaint or was a witness against any of the notorious gang that their lives and property would not be safe. Officers could find no one who had the grit to come out and face the gang, and Sheriff Vaupell was at last compelled to make a complaint himself, and even had to furnish his own security for cost, which was a contemptible out-rage on law and order, and the man or men who compelled this faithful and gritty officer to furnish his own security for cost ought to bow their heads in shame. Day light has at last come and one day this week a jury of good citizens of Grand Haven convicted three of the gang,. Jim and Henry Dyk and Peter Van Weenan and Justice Pagelson fined each one of them $100 or three months in jail and yesterday at Holland John Dyk was convicted of cutting up the harness of a good citizen of Olive and he is also behind the bars ere another week has passed it is hoped and expected our plucky sheriff will have the last one of the gang as a boarder, but even then justice has only partially been done. The state prison at Jackson and a long sentence is what justice demands for the whole gang, and the prospect is good that hey will yet get it, and when that is accomplished law and order will again prevail in all parts of Olive.
Frank Fisher, a Grand Haven boy, is watchman on the Fountain City.
The city water works pipes extending into the river are being taken up by a spile driver.
The Worthington pumps have been placed on their foundation in the electric light building.
Congressman Beklnap introduced his bill for a public building at Grand Haven, Dec.8th, and on the 11th inst. Senator Stockbridge introduced a similar bill in the senate which was read twice and referred to the committee on public buildings and grounds.
This morning's sheet (speaking of the News) is nothing if not inconsistent. Yesterday it accused Gen. Cutheon of “allowing Muskegon’s harbor to deteriorate into a national disgrace.” Today it says “the harbor is the finest on the lake.” And so it goes, flippity flop, flippity flip.—Muskegon Chronicle.
The old system of tactics used by Michigan state troops will be discarded after Jan. 1st, and an entirely new system will then be adopted. The new tactics are much more adopted for fighting. It is thought the next encampment will be some where else than Witmore Lake. In 1893 the troops will undoubtedly camp at Chicago.
A New Line of Boats.
The Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan railway have consummated a deal important to Grand Haven, and which will make this port one of the headquarters for their line of boats. This has come about through the inability of the boats to enter St. Joseph on account of the bar at the entrance. The shipments, over the line are principally through the southern states.
Their two steamers, City of Fremont and Fountain City, arrived yesterday morning from Milwaukee with a cargo of 700 tons each, most of the cargo being consigned to Kentucky and through the south. The Goodrich dock has been leased to the company for their use. John Nesser, formerly of this city, but now of Benton Harbor is superintending the business here.
Mysterious Disappearance.
The news of the disappearance of Jay Barnes, as first rumored Saturday evening, came like a thunderbolt to his friends and relatives, with whom he was always known as a quiet young man without an enemy in the world.
Jay went to Grand Rapids last Thursday afternoon, and while there was a guest of his sister, Mrs. Geo. Simpson. He started for home Saturday afternoon over the C. & W. M., being on the train that arrived here at 1 o’clock p.m., and as that train met with a slight accident near the south switch yards, most of the passengers bound for here walked the remainder of the distance. The conductor of the train is positive that Jay walked down the track to Fulton street, turning east toward the Catholic church. This is the last seen of him as far as could be ascertained.
Mr. James Barnes, his father, and with whom he works closed his furniture store at 5 o’clock and went home to supper. When he reached home he sent his son Fred back to lock the building, Mr. Barnes not finding the key when he left. The boy was searching for the key when he heard a noise in the back room and hurriedly ran home to tell his parents, who thinking the boy became scared at some noise in the adjoining building did not investigate at the time.
It was not until nine o’clock that cause of the noise was looked into, when it was found that a sash of window in the room used as a workroom was broken, and a bench underneath a valise belonging to Jay was found. A note was also found the contents of which were not learned.
The case is a very deplorable one both to himself and his parents, and it is hoped the matter will be cleared up in a short time.
The Grand Haven boys attending the University at Ann Arbor are expected home Thursday.
A crew has been secured and are at work loading the freight of the City of Fremont and Fountain City into freight cars.
It is reported the Michigan Central will run a line of boats across the lake, with Grand Haven as eastern terminus.
The Electric Light & Power Co. finished the job of pulling up the water pipes extending into the river today.
Three trains of 25 cars each have been sent here from St. Joe to convey the freight from the steamer City of Fremont and Fountain City.
Nothing further has been learned of the whereabouts of Jay Barnes, though no stone has been left unturned in the effort to find him and clear up the mystery.
The large towing tug M. F. Merick of Port Huron is in port and it is supposed will remain here this winter to break ice if that task becomes necessary.
The steamer Fountain City unloaded here was the subject of a great lost scare a short time ago. The boat in attempting to enter St. Joseph became stuck on the bar and was obliged to put into Chicago not being heard of for two days.
Bradley Taylor, the man who was implicated in the Nunica stabbing affray some time ago, was arrested in Coopersville Sunday morning for cruelly beating his younger brother and sister. The boy had taken some cookies from his trunk which so angered him that he pounded the lad until he was nearly covered with blood. He was brought to jail but has been released on bail.
George Warber, a milk dealer living on the Beech Tree road, had a narrow escape from death last evening. He was going his rounds and had just crossed the C. & W. M. tracks at the Washington street crossing when the 4 p.m. passenger train flew by just grazing the hind wheels of his wagon. Mr. Sullivan, the watchman at the crossing was lighting the switch lights, it being his double duty to do so at that time and could not warn Mr. Warber, and he being very deaf the noise of the train could not be heard.
John G. Paunn, a traveling man, on his way to New York, was a passenger on the steamer Wisconsin which arrived here this morning. Mr. Paunn had the misfortune while getting on board the boat last evening to have his hat blown off and while trying to get it fell into the river. He was rescued by the crew.
The wreckage of the Spring Lake bridge is being taken out of the channel.
Work has been commenced on number three building of the Globe Match Co.’s buildings.
The wide awake lively young lady students at Akeley nearly all leave home today to spend the holidays.
A gang of sixty men worked all night handling freight on the Goodrich dock.
The D., G. H. & M. railroad company’s warehouse is well filled with east bound freight, and there appears to be a shortage of freight cars.
At the fireman’s annual election Monday night the following officers were chosen: Len Fisher, chief; Walter Fisher, assistant chief; John Fisher, foreman and John DeCatur, assistant foreman.
A window in S. VerHoek’s meat market was broken and several bologna sausages taken last night. It is supposed to have been done by parties coming home from the fire, who seeing a chance for a meal, broke the window and grabbed the sausages.
A vacant building owned by P. Verberkmoes situated on Lafayette street on the Second street hill was burned last night at about 10:30. The firemen by good work kept the flames from communication with the adjoining building occupied by Capt. Cavenaugh. The fire was of an incendiary origin as no other cause could be attributed. Mr. and Mrs. Capt. Cavenaugh called in the firemen and they were treated to a repast of hot coffee.
Ara VanderMelden and John Balgoyne shot and killed 44 rabbits, 22 each, in Robinson township yesterday.
SAMUEL LILLEY DEAD.
He Passes Away at the Ripe Age of Eighty-Eight Years.
Samuel Lilley, the aged father of Francis Lilley, of the firm of Sisson & Lilley, died in the home of the latter, No. 430 Cherry street, at 8 o’clock last evening. Mr. Lilley was an Englishman by birth, and came to this country 36 years ago. He first settled in Spring Lake, where he resided for many years. He was an employee of the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railway company for sixteen years. Since the death of his wife, thirteen years ago, he has made his home with his son, where he died. Though his life was prolonged much beyond the allotted time, he being eighty-eight years of age, he had never been sick in his lifetime until attacked by the grip, about one year ago. He has been confined to the house about seven weeks by what was thought to be a severe cold. Since ten days ago he had been obliged to remain in bed, during which time he grown steadily worse until the end came.
He leaves two sons, Francis, with whom he had lived, and Henry of Grand Haven. He also has one son and two daughters living in England. The funeral will be held from the residence of Francis Lilley, Friday, at 2 o’clock. The Rev. Dr. Campbell Fair will officiate. Internment will take place in Valley City cemetery.—Grand Rapids Democrat.
The C. & W. M. railroad is one of the best managed railroads in the west and they own a dock front in this city of 600 feet in a splendid location, and if they had freight sheds could secure all the east bound freight from Milwaukee that they could possibly handle.
Thos. Savidge had the misfortune Monday, of loosing “Owosso Queen,” by Byerly’s Abdallah, son of Mamrino Patchen. She was seven years old, a splendid standard producer, and was valued at $1,000.
Jerry Boynton, the Grand Rapids railroad hustler who has lately been pushing the electric railroad scheme from Grand Rapids to Jenison, is now interesting himself with utilizing the old Baltimore & Ohio railroad bed from Grand Rapids to this city.
Congressman Weadock of the Bay City district will introduce a bill in congress to increase the pay of the life saving service and Senator Stockbridge has promised to see the bill through the senate safely. This is certainly a good move and one that will be supported by every man, woman and child in this city, for we have only recently had a chance to witness the bravery of our life savers in the successful saving of lives at this harbor, and we say give the boys decent pay and show that we appreciate highly their work in saving lives.
A meeting of the citizens of the Counties of Kent, Ottawa and Ionia, will be held under the auspices of the Grand Rapids Improvement Board at Hartmen’s Hall, in the City of Grand Rapids, on Tuesday evening, Dec. 22, 1891, at 7:30 o’clock, for the purpose of forming an association to be known as The Grand River Improvement Association, whose general object shall be to promote co-operative action of the people of the counties above named in aiding the effort to improve the navigation of Grand River. It is believed that every resident of the Grand river valley is interested in this enterprise. You are cordially and earnestly invited to attend the meeting. Upon arrival in town visitors are requested to call at the office of the board, No. 95 Monroe street, and register with the secretary.
Henry Fisher is making some improvements in his lot on Washington avenue well worthy of mention.
G. A. Bottje was elected secretary and treasurer at the fire department’s annual election Monday evening.
The steamers Wisconsin and City of Fremont started for Milwaukee last night but returned on account of the heavy gale outside.
A movement is being made to replace the revenue cutter Andy Johnson with a new boat costing $175,000 or thereabouts for use on the great lakes.
Robert Convey will petition the Board of Supervisors at the January session to build an iron toll bridge between here and Spring Lake.
Mike Treagor employed at the Corn Planter Factory had the third finger on his left hand cut off while working at the joiner yesterday afternoon.
Edward Clarkson, charged with vagrancy, was before Justice Pagelson this morning. He will repose in the county jail ten days. Just in time for the Christmas dinner.
That there will be a boat line between Grand Rapids and this city is a sure thing. The Flat Boat Co. held a meeting at the Board of Trade Grand Rapids last night and a committee was appointed to have the work of building a boat started at once. She will be steel bottomed and be built at Craig & Co.’s ship-yard Toledo.
Capt. Finch, a sub-marine diver of Michigan City, inspected the new cribs at the south pier yesterday and today.
The Grand Rapids Democrat erroneously reports that a movement is on foot among the business men of this city to raise money by a subscription or otherwise, to build a freight house here for the Cincinnati, Wabash & Michigan Railway. In an interview with a party close to the company’s interest, he said: “The C. W. & M. railway is entirely able to attend to its own freight house building without the aid of the citizens of Grand Haven, the Democrat reporter to the contrary notwithstanding.
Will Lose His Hand.
About 7:30 last evening August Otto, C. & W. M. switchman, had his left hand caught between two cars while engaged in switching near the Muskegon Brewing Co. He was taken to the hospital, where Dr. Garber, the road surgeon says it is very probable the hand will be amputated today. Otto is 34 years old, single, and comes here from Grand Haven.—Muskegon News. Otto is well known in this city, his folks living in the 4th ward. He had been up to this summer working with the White & Friant Lumber Co., Manistee, but their work being nearly done he secured employment at Muskegon
P. VerDuin & Co.’s display windows show a fine line of holiday nuts and sweet goods.
John Haklander, a brakeman on the C. W. M, had his hand badly hurt near the C. & W. M. depot last night. He had been a resident of this city until last spring when he moved to Holland
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Capt. DeYoung this morning a daughter..
It was found necessary to amputate the second, third and fourth fingers of August Otto, who was hurt at Muskegon Wednesday afternoon. At the time of the accident he was coupling cars and his hand was caught between bumpers. This was his first half day’s work for the C. & W. M. railway and his first experience as a switchman.
The parlors of the Unitarian church have proven too small for the accommodation of the ladies, and consequently, they have been obliged to move into the main body of the church.
The name has been changed from Ladies Literary Cub to Woman’s Club as being in more in keeping with the broadening spirit of the nineteenth century.
Silas Kilbourn & Co. have moved their possessions out of the Lewis plaining mill into their new factory.
Case Pippel, of Robinson, broke a leg yesterday while sawing wood, by having a log fall onto him from a skid way. Dr. Walkey attended him.
No definite news (though there are many rumors) has been received concerning the where abouts of Jay Barnes.
John Loek’s house, which has been slowly progressing up Fulton street for a week, has reached its destination on Columbus street near Seventh street.
Carpenter Byl has contracted to build the C. & W. M. railway freight sheds at the dock. Lumber for them was expected this morning, but did not arrive, and work will begin on them Monday. They will be 50x100 feet.
“The Norris” to be Enlarged.
Among the improvements that spring will see in our city will probably be an addition to “The Norris” by way of an annex to be built out from the west wing of the house and running towards Washington street. It will be of brick, whether one or two stories has not been decided on, and will contain about twenty rooms. “The Norris” has always been popular with the traveling public, and judging from last season’s business, the improvement is assuredly warranted.
A candy social was given at Mr. Ellsworth’s Tuesday evening. The proceeds $8.00 go to decorate the Christmas tree.
A. Keeler has an eighteen months old colt that can drive a mile in four minutes. He is a goer and will no doubt make a mark some day.
The item in yesterday’s paper chronicling the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. (Capt.) DeYoung was correct with an exception, that the daughter was a son and the son weighed ten pounds and ten ounces. This, as babies are figured now days, is supposed to make a difference of several hundred dollars in favor of Mr. DeYoung’s pocket.
Heaven or Milwaukee?
Concerning the man John Cassidy who left the Andres House Thursday night and a note in his room stating that it was his intention to suicide, indications are that he left with one of the Milwaukee boats. Joe Rhu, proprietor of the Andres House, states that Cassidy left the house about 10 o’clock at night in company with the engineer of the Fountain City, and the fact that he left $38 behind in his board bill and many other debts about the city indicates that he went away to get rid of them, rather than his life, leaving the note, but persons most interested in finding him will do better to look in another direction, says Milwaukee.
The Chicago Syndicate are surveying their late purchase at Bell Point on Spring Lake and laying it out into lots, preparatory to the great boom that will open up in the spring.
Charles R. Uncles, the first colored man ever ordained as a priest, was installed at Baltimore, Saturday.
Today is the shortest day of the year and the old heads say that we are going to have an Italian winter considering the way the wind blows.
Wm. Anais, arrested at the Cutler House in this city for larceny from a Muskegon party, had his trial Saturday. The jury disagreed after being out 26 hours.
John Cassidy is now mysteriously absent from Grand Haven. Great alarm is felt as John is a plumber and may have met foul play at the hands of a prominent citizen.—Grand Rapids Herald.
The electric lights have not showed forth their splendor for the past two nights on account of a lack of fuel oil. A carload of oil arrived today and we can expect light this evening.
Standing at the Tower Clothing House corner Grand Rapids the other day two prominent business men of that city were over heard talking politics and politicians. In the course of their talk, one was heard to remark that in his estimation Geo. A. Farr of Grand Haven was the best political conversationalist he ever met, understanding all leading questions thoroughly.
It was only a medium sized audience that greeted the old play of “Kit, the Arkansas Traveler” at the Opera house Saturday night. The Judge and Mayor ever ready to take a drink were hugely enjoyed. Manuel bond and Kit played their parts effectively and were supported fairly well. Those who came to enjoy and not to criticize were well pleased.
Connections were made with the well and the city mains at the electric plant Saturday night. The fire steamer Rix Robinson pumped into the main until it was connected with the Worthington pump.
Death of Joseph McSauba.
Joseph McSauba, one of the oldest residents of Western Michigan, died at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. A. Ossignac, at 8:10 last evening at the ripe old age of 74 years.
Mr. McSauba was born in Allegan, Mich., in March, 1817. He went to school at that place two years learning to read and write About the year 1840 he was living at Holland where a large tribe of Ottawa Indians were located, of which his father was chief. In 1851 he settled in this city where he has lived ever since. Previous to coming here he was in the fur business with the Indians, selling the pelts to Louis Campau, of Grand Rapids. After coming here he bought furs for C. B. Albee, then the most prosperous business man of the town.
Mr. McSauba was married three times, his first wife dying at the Indian village in Holland. His second and third wives died in this city in 1855 and Jan. 22, 1889, respectively. He leaves one brother and two daughters to mourn his departure. His brother, Louis McSauba, lives in Charlevoix. The daughters are both married and living in this city, one being Mrs. A. Ossignac and the other Mrs Scanlan. Of late years he has done no work, the last two years being stone blind. An operation was performed on his eyes at Ann Arbor, but was unsuccessful.
The funeral takes place tomorrow forenoon at 10 0’clock, from St. Patrick’s church.
The Goodrich Co’s, steamers are all in winter quarters at Mainitowac, except the City of Ludington, Captain Gee, and Menominee, Captain Stines. They are doing winter service between Chicago and Sturgeon Bay Canal and intermediate ports.
Frank Wilson, Patrick Moran and thomas Blair, deck hands on the City of Fremont, were before Justice Pagelson for being drunk and disorderly this morning, and were sentenced to 15 days in jail.
There was a fairly large assemblage at the cantata “Santa Claus’ Mistake” given at the Unitarian church last evening. It was enjoyed by all, the parts being well given.
The steamer Faxon of Mackinaw arrived Saturday and will lay up at Ferrysburg for the winter where her boilers will be repaired by Johnson Bros.
The tug Kaiser Wilhelm went down in 40 feet of water on Spring Lake Saturday morning. Capt. Joslin had just started out and was having some trouble with the ice which had formed over the lake, when to his surprise the boat was found to be aleak, and a few minutes later sunk Undoubtedly the leak arose from the ice which had cut into her, the boat being very old. The crew did some pretty lively work getting into the small boat and didn’t have much time either.
On the first of January, 1892, the weather bureau will discontinue the use of yellow flags in its wind signal displays. A red pennant will be used for the “Information Signal,” and a red flag with a white centre will be used for the “Cautionary.” The “Storm Signal,” red flag with a black centre, remains as at present.
Miss Minnie J. Gillmore of Alma, Mich., and a graduate of Alma training school, is in the city. Miss Gillmore will occupy Miss Walkley’s room in the public schools next year.
Inspector General H. B. Lothrop arrived in the city yesterday morning and during the day inspected the state property. Last evening Co. F was given a thorough inspection, 50 men and three officers being present. The General complimented many of the boys on their neatness of appearance and good keeping of uniforms, Orderly Sergeant Harbeck being absent. After inspection the boys gave a dance in the Opera House in which a large number took part. Grand Haven band furnished the music.
The mass meeting at Grand Rapids this evening for the improvement of Grand river and surrounding country promises to be a grand success. George W. McBride and Geo. A. Farr, of this city, will be among the speakers of the occasion. The following from this county have been named as vice-presidents and are required to occupy seats on the platform: The Hon. George W. McBride, George D. Sandford, the Hon. George A. Farr, Capt. Loutit, S. H. Boyce, A. J. Emlaw, A. VanderVeen, A. S. Kedzie, H. G. Nichols, Grand Haven, Will Savidge, Spring Lake, the Hon. F. Richardson, Hudsonville, the Hon. J. V. B. Goodrich, D. O. Watson, Coopersville.
Manistee has the largest salt factory in the world.
A Communication.
The people of Grand Haven township take this opportunity through me to call the attention of the officers to the fact that they have in their midst a noted habitual drunkard, who, when full of fire water uses vile language before their houses. Last Saturday night this man was drunker than usual and used indecent language before the patronage of the German Lutheran church, when he passed, speaking in such a loud tone that he could be heard for half a mile. The man of whom we speak is known throughout the township by the name of Casper Ruch.
F. A. KAMMERER,
Pastor German Lutheran church.
Letter from the Man in the Moon.
MR. EDITOR.—It seems to me the sublimary mortal of your beautiful little city are having pretty nice times now-a-days. You do not seem to have any winter worth talking about. Your days are pleasant and comfortable, and I am doing all I can to make the nights equally so. I am showing you my bright face and doing all in my power to supply the deficiencies of the little taper you call “electric lights.” I would like to see your town improving as I think it is, am right glad to notice the new manufacturing enterprises that are engaging the attention of your citizens to so great an extent. But you know I cannot be with you every night to brighten up you streets and save your night pedestrians from stumbling. I wish I could have the privilege of showing my bright face to you every night, but you know I am compelled to show my dark side to you about half the time, and when I am trying to be bright and pleasant to you, your miserably cloudy atmosphere often intervenes and almost thwarts my best efforts. I hope you will think of these things, and not blame me for not shining as brightly as I would.
Though I am an old man and have been looking down upon your greater planet for six thousand years or so, my eyes are pretty good yet. I can see the difference between right and wrong as well as ever. And if I should write you again, I may take occasion not only to commend what I see is right, but to rap some of your neighbors over the knuckles for their ill doings. So I would advise you to caution them to beware what they do. For, though I do some times turn my dark side to them, yet I have eyes in the back side of my head and can see just as well when I am shining upon you there with the full orbid splendor of my face.
MAN IN THE MOON.
The Life Saving Tribute.
The life saving crews of the United States presented on Dec. 12, to Mrs. S. S. Cox a splendid memorial vase of solid silver standing two feet high and of a design that appropriately expresses the meaning intended to convey.
The movement to present Mrs. Cox with this memorial was started at the meeting of the board on live saving appliances in Boston in June, 1890. Mr. Cox had died the previous September. It was there suggested that something should be done to commemorate his services to the bureau, and after deliberation it was decided to call upon the members of the services for voluntary contributions. No more appropriate form for the memorial could be devised, it was thought, than a vase, and soon after the session of the board had been concluded a committee went to work upon the project of securing a fund for this purpose, consisting of twelve superintendents of the service, with Lieut. Worth G. Ross, of the Revenue marine Service, who is detailed for duty with the life saving service, as chairman. It is estimated nearly 1,300 men contributed to the fund and the presentation ceremony, which was held at the home of Mrs. Cox in Washington, was attended by the life saving notables and their friends. S. S. Cox was the champion of the life saving service and letter carriers department, for which he worked faithfully and well.
On the body of the vase the following words appear:
“This memorial vase is presented to Mrs. Samuel Sullivan Cox by the members of the life saving service of the United States, in grateful remembrances of the tireless and successful efforts of her distinguished husband, the Hon. Samuel Sullivan Cox, to promote the interests and advance the efficiency and glory of the life saving service. He was its early and constant friend, its earnest and eloquent advocate, its fearless and faithful champion.”
Our crew is proud to say that they were among the contributors to this noble memorial. S. S. Cox while in congress was the most earnest worker for the betterment of the life saving and postal service ever in that body.
The whole Grand Trunk system is just now undergoing a car famine, caused by the enormous movement of grain.
Residents in the eastern part of the city complain that the electric lights were not lit last evening and that the lamps in that in that section are not properly attended to.
The steamer Wisconsin is in with a load of freight but on account of a lack of freight cars is obliged to suspend unloading. Freight cars have been very short all the fall on the D.& M. and other Michigan railroads.
The public schools closed this afternoon for the holiday vacation.
A small blaze at Bloecker’s foundry called out the fire department at 7 o’clock last evening.
The freight house being built for the C. W. & M. railroad on the Goodrich dock is rapidly nearing completion.
Alderman Bos of this city and Thos. Savidge of Spring Lake were the first to drive over our new, free (temporarily) Grand Haven-Spring Lake bridge. They crossed this afternoon.
It is understood that officers of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad were here yesterday looking over the dock room, having in contemplation a line of boats between this port and Milwaukee this winter.
Rev. Wm. Moerdyke of the Spring street Holland church, Muskegon, has received a call to the pastorate of the Reformed church at Rochester, N.Y., made vacant by Rev. DeBruin, the pastor of the First Reformed church of this city. Rev. Moerdyke has received five calls since he has been in Muskegon.
New Line of Boats at Grand Haven.
“We expect to have a new line of boats running into Grand Haven soon,” said George McBride at the Morton yesterday. “The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western road has recently purchased two steel steamers that have formerly been used in Lake Superior trade. The Lackawanna road will use its own rolling stock, and will run its cars over the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee road; but it will have its own docks and train sheds. The boats will be used for freight exclusively. The fright traffic is very heavy just at present. I think about 1000 tons a day are being unloaded at the docks.”―Grand Rapids Telegram Herald.
Grand River Improvement Meeting.
Hartman’s Hall, Grand Rapids, was crowded last night with people from Grand Rapids and adjoining country interested in the deepening and improvement of Grand river. Mayor Uhl read letters of regret from Geo. A. Farr and Hon. T. W. Ferry of this city. Stirring speeches were made by R. W. Butterfield, A. O. Crozier, H. J. Hollister, Geo. W. McBride, Col. Penny, John S Lawrence, Congressman Belknap, J. V. B. Goodrich and Judge Birch and others. Hon G. W. McBride was introduced and spoke as follows:
“I congratulate the Improvement board in gathering such an audience. If you display the same enthusiasm hereafter, you will soon have deep water to Lake Michigan. Our harbor at Grand Haven is capable of floating the deepest vessels on the lake. You have that harbor to use; why not dredge the river in order to use it?
Let us unite throughout western Michigan in demanding of our senators and congressmen that we be furnished an outlet to the commerce of the entire portion of the state. We are with you in Ottawa county, and whatever we can do, we will do.
The Hon. J. V. B. Goodrich, of Coopersville, said he was as deeply interested in the river work as any man in Grand river valley. He had known a man in California that knew all about Grand river, and bought a farm of him within three miles of Grand river while yet in California, upon the understanding that many boats navigated the stream. He arrived here to see only the Barrett on the river, and she only occasionally. He hoped that one day the river would be crowded with monarch lake boats, laden with ores and farm and forest products. One day his people had dreamed of hearing a whistle from Grand river, and since that day his town had boomed. He believed that if his people and the people of other towns could hear again the steam boat whistle on the river, that all of them would boom and boom again. The speaker concluded by submitting the following motion:
“I move to amend the resolutions by adding that the chairman of this meeting appoint a committee of seven persons whose duty it shall be to select such officers of the association as they may deem necessary and report their action through the public press.” The motion prevailed. The chair appointed the following gentlemen as members of the committee: Ottawa county, J. V. B. Goodrich and Capt. Geo. W. McBride; Ionia county, Geo. W. Webber; Kent county, John S. Lawrence, L. H. Witney and Judge Cyrus E. Perkins.
The Hon. I. M. Turner introduced the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, Grand river, at the time of settlement of Western Michigan and for many years thereafter, was navigable for steamboats and formed the leading highway for the commerce of this section of the state; and
“WHEREAS, The navigation of said river has been of recent years much obstructed and interfered with by sandbars and other accumulations, which have gradually formed in said river at its bend and in its shallow places, which obstructions now threaten to speedily destroy the use of said river as a waterway.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, steps should be at once taken, not only to remove said bars and obstructions, but also to dredge and deepen the channel of said river to such an extent that it will meet the present requirements of commerce and furnish a waterway for all the freight of Western Michigan seeking a passage by the great lakes.
“And be it further resolved, that we do hereby form an association to be known as the Grand River Improvement Association, the object of which shall be to use all available means to secure the deepening of the channel of Grand river and the improvement of its waterway; and be it further
“Resolved, That we invite all persons interested in this project to join us and lend their aid in securing this most desirable end.
The following committee was appointed by Mayor Uhl to look after the interests of the association: (see above) The meeting was then adjourned.
No paper tomorrow.
A Merry Christmas to you.
Postoffice hours tomorrow from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 7 to 8 in the evening.
The postoffice employees will feast on turkey tomorrow at the postmasters expense.
The City of Milwaukee will be fitted up in grand style next season making that handsome boat more popular than ever. Electric lights are to be placed in every state room. In 1893 she will probably be placed on the Chicago route for the World’s Fair traffic.
Hints to Santa Claus.
To nobody—the grip.
To the iceman—a cold snap.
To Co. F—a new Opera House.
To the P. of I. —a funeral service.
To everybody—a Merry Christmas
To Ferrysburg—“another lease of life.”
To the glass works building—an occupation.
To the People’s party—a candy date.
To Spring Lake—a big resort boom.
To the D. G. H. M.—more freight cars.
To Co. F. Opera House—always a good company and a full house.
To our advertisers—business, business, business.
To Muskegon, Holland, St. Joe and Benton Harbor—navigable harbors.
To Grand River Improvement Board—success in its undertaking.
To the C. & W. M.—boat lines to Chicago and Milwaukee from the best harbor on the lake.
To Grand Haven—a public building and continued and increa