Grand Haven, Mich. May 1893
5/1
A new office is being built, adjoining the glass factory.
A Grand Haven speculator is figuring on moving some of those 500 vacant Muskegon houses to this city.
Simon Juistema will again be night man in the telephone exchange, taking the position tonight.
When the employees leave the Corn Planter factory at meal hours, one can see the immensity of that institution.
The local firemen are going to prepare a fine time for their visiting brethren who will be here shortly.
Henry Baar left for Muskegon yesterday morning. There he met Wm. Loutit and with a party of others left on a local trout fishing expedition.
The illegal fishermen are becoming more daring and it is stated that fish are being caught in the main channel not far from here unlawfully.
Miss Mary A. White addressed the W. C. T. U. convention Friday. She drew a graphic picture of Woman’s work and influence, during the past fifty years, along the line of reform, especially temperance. After all had joined in singing “God be with you till we meet again,” Miss White by request closed the convention with prayer.
Speaking of the Michigan school exhibit at the World’s Fair, the Detroit Free Press says: “Muskegon and Manistee have excellent kindergarten exhibits and drawings. Grand Haven shows a great deal of first-rate penmanship, drawings and examples of kindergarten work. As may be seen, the exhibit is varied in character, while the statistical work that has been accomplished will be extremely valuable for purposes of references for some time to come.”
H. Fritz’s base ball nine defeated John Sullivan’s Saturday 10 to 3 instead of the reverse as the TRIBUNE had it.
The owners of the Spring Lake toll bridge find it impossible to get the spiles which they had ordered from North Bradley and will have a gang of men out to get lumber along Crockery Creek. It will probably be June before the bridge is passable.
Harry Oaks is running the lunch room at the D., G. H. & M. depot again this year opening up this morning. Harry will undoubtedly have the patronage of many of the passengers bound for the Big Fair.
Death of Harm Kinkema.
Harm Kinkema, son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Kinkema died yesterday afternoon aged 17 years, 3 months, 18 days. He had been ill for several months with consumption.
Harm had always lived in this city and was known by nearly all of the younger people of the town.
His parents, brothers, sisters and a host of friends morn his departure.
The funeral will take place at the Second Reformed church at 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.
Chas. Poel left today for Grand Rapids where he secured a position as conductor on the Electric Street Railway.
If the steamer Atlanta had a dozen more passengers yesterday from Muskegon she would still be aground at that harbor.
The steamer Atlanta struck Muskegon piers Saturday morning and badly damaged her prow.
Coming out of Muskegon yesterday afternoon the steamer Atlanta scraped on the bottom for 200 yards at the mouth of that harbor.
“What a harbor! What a harbor!” exclaimed an officer on the steamer Atlanta coming out of Muskegon last night. The boat was plowing through two or three inches of harbor bottom sand at the time drawing only 12 feet of water.
The steam barge City of New York in leaving Muskegon Saturday, went hard aground on the bar at that harbor. The Atlanta was coming in and attempted to pass, striking the pier and damaging her prow badly.
Residents of Fulton St., desire a sewer laid along that street.
Six inches of snow fell in the Upper Peninsula yesterday.
Improvements are being made in the Washington House bar.
Robt. Convey will superintend the work of getting out timber at Crockery Creek for the new bridge.
Citizens are admiring the fine new Police uniforms worn by Marshal Klaver and Night Watch Cook, but wait till Sheriff Keppel appears with his new one. Cigars will be in order then as it will eclipse everything.
Three restaurants, one bakery, three hotels and four saloons are, among the business places in the last block in the city nearest the river. That part of town is by no means dead.
While Capt. John Walker was working near the cemetery the other day a twig struck his right eye. The organ bothers him very much and for a time it was feared that he would lose the sight of that eye.
In the window of Henry Baar’s store can be seen a dish of handsome brook trout. They are trophies of the trouting expedition made by Mr. Baar and Wm. Loutit to the streams of Muskegon Co. These gentlemen caught a fine breakfast of that gamey fish.
Two of Muskegon’s maids with golden hair,
Will walk to Chicago to attend the World’s Fair,
Because they can’ get out of their harbor way,
Owing to drawing too much water, they say
Ta–ra–ra-boom de-ay,
Ta–ra–ra-boom de-ay.
Co. F decided last night to attend the World’s Fair for ten days with the proviso that five days of the time could be spent in night seeing.
Edwin Terry, the young man of Wright township, who was arrested last week for shooting at his neighbor’s children, was to have had his hearing before Judge yesterday, but the case was dismissed because of a flaw in the warrant.
The Court House Committee of the Board of Supervisors met yesterday in Holland. The details and what in the minds of the committee would be the proper plans for the proposed building were talked over. The committee will meet here at the Court House next Thursday and the plans of the architects will then be looked over, and a selection made after which bids for the construction will be asked of contractors.
Several residences will be built on Second St. hill in a short time it is reported.
While the Racine was turning around at her dock last night, a rope thrown from the dock fell short and became tangled in the wheel. It was released after several minutes.
The steamer City of Milwaukee in all her glory, the effects of a winters over-hauling arrived early this morning.
The Milwaukee left for Muskegon this afternoon. Those down to the dock this evening will have an opportunity of seeing her fine appearance with new electric light system.
Few remain of Grand Haven’s winter fleet and those few will be gone before many days. The steamer Faxton will probably leave for Mackinaw next week.
Nothing has yet been done toward removing the hulk of the tug A. J. Wright which has sunk north of the D., G. H. & M. depot.
Columbian Fountain at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
Paul V. Galvin Library Digital History Collection
Illinois Institute of Technology.
The Opening of the World’s Fair.
The long expected and momentous day dawned dull and heavy. A slight shower of rain in the morning warned everyone to prepare for wet, so the women who were wise went in their old dresses and the men who were wise, in rubber boots. I fancy everyone was echoing the wish of a bright little girl who told me Sunday she hoped “God would dam the rain tomorrow.” (I told her everyone else was ——trying too.) Long before 8 o’clock the World’s Fair trains on every road were filled to overflowing and by nine it was as much as a strong man’s life was worth to try and get to the trains on the Alley “L” and the Illinois Central. The period of waiting from 9 to 11, which was about the time the notables arrived, was filled in various ways by the big crowd, some strolling about the grounds viewing the many incompleted beauties of the place, others planting themselves resolutely in the mud before the Administration building, firmly resolved to see the whole performance or drown in the attempt. The exercises went off in the smoothest possible manner, not a hitch occurring during the whole programme and when President Cleveland, at the end of a short speech, which was delivered in a voice that could be heard by almost everyone in the vast crowd directly in front of him and which was received by everyone with enthusiastic applause, touched the button which started the monster Allis engine, there was a scene which must have stirred the hearts of everyone in the great assembly. Countless flags were thrown to the breeze, the veil that hid the face of the beautiful statue of the Republic was rent aside and fell in graceful folds to the water, just as 200 white doves were liberated and the whistle of every boat in the lagoons, the music of the huge band and orchestra and the mighty voice of 200,000 people joined in the joyous din that proclaimed the World’s Columbian Exposition a thing of the present, while out in the outer harbor, the sturdy old Andy Johnson manfully did her best to celebrate the great event by joining with the music with the roar (sic) of her ornamental guns. It was a scene never to be forgotten. The exercises were over as far as the majority were concerned; the people were not admitted to the meeting of the President and foreign commissioners in the Manufacturer’s Building and the cry was “On to dinner.” Every restaurant on the ground was filled to suffocation in 20 minutes and people waited more or less patiently for an hour or so for dinners which came mighty near never coming. After dinner the real work of seeing the fair began. Several of the buildings were open and filled in a manner that must have delighted the hearts of the management. In spite of the uncompleted state of the buildings and exhibits, many beautiful, and instructive sights were to be seen. The exhibits that attracted the most attention after 3 o’clock when Machine Hall was closed and no one could see the big engine, were the century plant in Horticultural Hall, the fisheries building, the Canadian Pacific, Baltimore & Ohio, London & Northwestern exhibits in the Transportation building.
Michigan’s Pavilion was one of the most attractive in the Mining building and was generously patronized.
Although no official figures have been received up to this time, as to the number of people on the grounds, it is safe to say not less than 200,000 people pushed, grumbled and oh that we should have to write or tongue say it, swore, in the frantic rush for homeward trains and the first day of the great fair was over.
HAMILTON
A large new safe was placed in the glass factory office today.
The rays of the great search light on the dome of machinery hall at the World’s Fair can be seen for 75 miles.
S. Kilbourn & Co. contemplates building a new cooper shop at he kit factory.
Capt. John Walker was in town today. He has doubts as to whether he will ever again regain the sight of his injured eye.
Grand Haven is among the cities represented in the state building at the World’s Fair with a stained glass window.
The Dake Engine Co. is now getting some of their celebrated make of engines in shape for exhibition at the World’s Fair. They will not attract quite as much attention as the large Allis engine that runs the machinery but when the size of the little engine is taken into consideration it is even more wonderful than the magnificent Allis Engine.
The baby daughter of Mrs. James Loch of Washington Ave. met with a serious, and for a time it was thought fatal accident Monday afternoon. Mrs. Loch was making up beds up stairs at the time and the child which was only 16 months of age followed her. A window was open and the child all unseen by Mrs. Loch climbed on the sill and fell to the ground below a distance of 15 feet. Mrs. Loch heard the noise and horridly ran down stairs, and carried her child into the house. Dr. Hofma was called and pronounced the right leg broken. The member was set, the child standing the ordeal very well. It is indeed fortunate that it turned out as it did for if the child had struck its head its neck would undoubtedly have been broken. The child is resting as easily as can be expected today.
The Great Allis Engine in Machine Hall at the World's Fair.
Senator Ferry returned this morning from the opening of the Columbian Exposition. He states the opening spectacle to be the grandest ever witnessed in this or any other country in the history of the world. The mass of people was unprecedented, and good order prevailed. When President Cleveland touched the button that started the great Allis Engine of Machinery Hall; the unveiling of the guilt statue of the Republic, and unfurling of countless flags at the same moment, together with the shouts of the crowds, viewed from the platform was a scene never to be forgotten. The President has improved in appearance and expressed delight at the grand success f the Exposition. Chicago has outdone itself in the magnitude and artistic display of the Exposition buildings, and merits the applause of the world. Transit facilities and all of the appointments are ample and complete. It will be a month yet before all the exhibits are placed. June will be early enough for visitors from a distance to spend time and money to the most satisfaction. The World’s Fair is without question the wonder of the age, and foreigners, with Americans, are unstinted in their praise of the mammoth display.
The New Court House.
The court house committee at their meeting in Holland Monday fixed upon what they desire the new court house to be.
The building will be located in the center of court house square and will consist of two stories and a basement not to exceed 84x100 ft. The basement and first story to be of Waverly tone, second story of pressed brick trimmed with Waverly.
Basement floor must be on a level with the grade outside and be twelve feet high. The entire floor to be arranged into offices but not plastered for the present. The first story to be 14 ft. high, divided into offices for clerk, register, treasurer and judge of the probate and a public and private room for each with vault.
The second story will be 14 ft. high and will contain the court room, supervisor’s room, two rooms for prosecuting attorney, judge’s room, library, tow jury rooms, ladies waiting room, gents’ waiting room and a consultation room.
There are to be two entrances to the court house in the basement and two in the first floor, from Washington St. and Franklin St.
The tower is to be very limited in size. Roof to be of copper and plate glass to be used for all the windows.
The vaults must be roomy and built in pairs. The committee desire the stair case to be on the plan of the one in the Ionia court house. The court room to be 18 or 20 feet high. The floors in halls to be of domestic tiling, other flooring of soft maple.
One public and two private toilet rooms to be in the basement, one in each of the four offices, one in each jury room, the judges room, ladies waiting room, gents’ waiting room, and prosecutor’s office. Every closet to be ventilated through the roof.
Mantels with grates will be located in several rooms. The building to be supplied with drinking fountain on each floor, gas pipe, electric wire and sewerage. Also stand pipe for fire protection.
Inside woodwork to be of red oak and cost must not exceed $35,000.
Unlike the Goodrich boats the steamer City of Milwaukee has an electrician look after their electric system.
Probably many read with interest in last weeks papers the account of the wreck of the steamer Ohio did not know that an Ottawa County man was chief engineer of that boat. We refer to James Frazier of Ferrysburg. The captain and four of the crew abandoned the Ohio, but Frazier stuck to the boat with several others and kept the pumps working until rescued by the wrecking tug River Queen which towed them to Detour. Last Sunday while the Ohio was being towed to Chicago for repairs the wrecker Sea Gull which had them in tow burned to the waters edge and the crew escaped by getting on the Ohio.
The handsome steamer Lora was in here today coaling up. This is her first visit to this port since compelled to come here in the terrible storm of last January, when she arrived in a badly damaged condition and her Captain suffering from a broken rib.
Captain Lockeridge who commanded the steamer Lora at the time she put in here last winter still captains that ship. She left for Bay City at two this afternoon.
The government is going to try and dredge Muskegon harbor to a depth of twelve feet.
The glass factory are receiving and shipping large quantities of glass.
16,000 people visited the Fair yesterday.
For some reason or another Pott’s new fence has caused quite a sensation in the city.
The World’s Fair national commissioners have decided in favor of having the big Fair open Sundays.
The Grand Haven Leather Co., have purchased a handsome new team which their driver Edward Smith, claims is the finest in town.
It is perhaps not generally known that there are more than three times as many foreigners in Chicago as there are Americans. The census of 1890 gave the city a population of 1,207,669. Of this number 292,463 were native Americans and all the rest 915,206 foreigners. There were 384,958 Germans, 215,534 Irish, 54,756 Polish, 54,206 Bohemians, 64,615 Norwegians, 45,877 Swedish, and 33,785 English.
Brick are being removed from the ruins of the old Cutler residence, corner 3d and Washington St.
Mr. D. Utter has been tearing down the old building on Second St. hill known as the “Castle” for several months. In its place he is erecting a fine new residence.
In its World’s Fair column the Detroit Free Press has the following: “Mrs. Annie Macfie, of Grand Haven has sent a historical game of which the board speaks of in high praise.
The carrier pigeon scheme has been adopted by the Fairport fishing Company, the manager of which has invested in tow pairs of the birds. Two pigeons are to be sent out with each boat going to lift nets. As soon as the nets are in, one bird will be sent ashore with information as to the quantity and variety of the catch, which can then be wired to market men. The second pigeon is to be liberated only in the case of accident to the boat, when it will be sent ashore with a message stating the trouble and location of the boat.
The steamer Roanoke will leave for Milwaukee tonight. This will be the last time she will leave or enter this port probably until next winter.
The fish tug built by the Grand Haven Ship building Co. for John Parker of Marquette has been named the Theora.
The old river steamer Barrett left this morning for Grand Rapids at 7 o’clock. The Barrett is sadly in need of a coat of paint.
The D., G. H. & M. steamers Milwaukee and Wisconsin are carrying the mail now between here and Milwaukee.
A prominent local marine man tells the TRIBUNE that the item appearing in last night’s issue stating that the steamer Ohio had been deserted by her captain while in a damaged condition was untrue. Instead, the captain, who by the way is Robert Evans, left the ship in the hope of reaching land and getting a tug to go to the assistance of the Ohio. Capt. Evans is well known by marine men here and has been in Grand Haven many times.
A new leech house is being built at the tannery.
A petition to prohibit racing and fast driving was brought up in council and referred to the proper committee last night.
A violent hail storm occurred in the eastern end of town this morning celery men report. No hail was noticed in the down town section.
Mr. G. Gringhuis who visited the big Fair while in Chicago, says it would take at least a week to see a fair share of the sights. The exhibits are not all yet in place and laborers are at work on the buildings hurrying them to completion.
The firm of DeGlopper & Yonker are building for the Alaska Refrigerator Co. of Muskegon a mammoth wagon to be used for the conveyance of refrigerators. The wagon is something after the style of the large wagon used by the Corn Planter. It speaks well for Grand Haven industries when Muskegon forms place orders for fine work here.
Have the city “Dads” made arrangements with the Court House building committee to have our town clock placed in the tower of the Court House. It would be much more centrally located than where it now is, and it is usual to have them in public buildings.
CITIZEN.
Work on Grand Haven’s pier extension will soon begin. The barge Hinton is here with a load of timbers and also lumber for a shanty that will be built to hold the tools of the carpenters at work on the new crib.
The cold weather is keeping the World’s Fair attendance very low. There were only 14,000 paid admissions yesterday.
A bottle may be large, but you can get into or out of it only what can pass through the neck. This applies to harbors also. Hurry up that dredge.—Muskegon Chronicle.
A citizen suggests that the city do something with the young trees in Court House square before building operations are begun on the new Court House. Now is the time to transplant the trees before the heated season begins.
Quite a few immigrants have come through here the past few days. A young Hollander arrived today, and Thursday a party of foreigners passed through on their way to Milwaukee.
Schooner Indian Bill is in with a load of brick.
Finch & Whits are at work on the sunken tug Wright. In a few days Leathem & Smith will send a tug and steam pump here from Sturgeon Bay to get her ready to be towed over to Manitowoc.
Some of the crew of the tug Deer are on strike, demanding more wages or lifting fewer nets.
Another one of those famous Grand Haven fires yesterday morning.
Muskegon and Grand Haven wheels men contemplate a series of runs and visits between the two cities this summer.
Drifting sand is covering up the gravel at the intersection of Washington and Beech Tree Sts. And also Washington and Pennoyer Ave. Steps should be taken to prevent it.
A horse belonging to a Mr. Schouwenaar ran away along 7th St. today. The wagon was badly damaged by colliding with an electrical pole.
The spiles for the approach to the Spring Lake bridge will probably be drove this week. They are now in the water ready to be taken down to the bridge.
Major and Mrs. F. A. Mansfield will probably again have charge of Highland Park Hotel this season. The Big Rapids man who was here to take charge, it seems will manage a Reed City hotel.
Complaint is being made that cows are being herded on the streets. Where is the pound master?
Geo. Conley has taken charge of the Lake House at Fruitport and is going to boom things this season. He is furnishing it throughout.
The World’s Fair was closed yesterday. The question of subsequent Sunday procedure will come up next Friday. It will cause a hot fight and the champions of both an opened and closed Sunday will be out in force. Well posted directors think they shall decide in favor of an open Sunday.
Express Messenger Rhodes received a “World’s Fair” biscuit today from “Shorty” Knapp, formerly messenger between here and Detroit, but now on the route between Chicago and Cleveland. If Rhodes can digest the biscuit he should join a traveling museum, as it is full of nails, and all conceivable kinds of pins, screws, etc. The biscuit was addressed to Big Indian Rhodes.
The resident in the vicinity of Griffin and Pennoyer Ave. in the 4th ward, demur against the petition that was presented to council, asking that the electric light on that corner be removed to another corner. They will circulate a petition to try to have the city let it remain where it now is.
If the illegal fishing keeps on, our summer visitors will have to come prepared to give up the pleasure of hook and line. That the river is becoming depleted of its gamey black bass and other fish by illegal fishermen all lovers of the hook and line know. If there is no deputy game warden, some responsible party should be appointed and receive a decent salary.
Messrs. Crandall, Hopkins, Bartholomew and Brown, Muskegon cyclists, rode down yesterday to spend Sunday with Grand Haven wheelsmen. They were met at Ferrysburg by several “locals” and after a spin through Spring Lake, came over the railroad bridge to this city. It took the Muskegon party one hour and a half to get here. Seven started from the Sawdust town, but one of them punctured his wheel at the Heights and two others winded and turned back.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:—
I am glad the warm weather has commenced but I am sorry that it don’t agree with everybody. I see that somebody got a head ache bout the town clock, and wants to have it placed in the new court house before the house is here. The time I collected the money for this clock I told the people that the money was to buy a clock to put in the tower of the 1st Reformed church, and I done so and it is there and will stay there and is not to be moved round like an old cart on wheels. But how is it have they quit making town clocks? Hain’t they making any more? Or hain’t Grand Haven entitled to only one? In other places they have them on churches, school-houses, hotels, opera houses. And Grand Haven couldn’t have only one and for every three years moved from one house to another. What an idea! Look at it, too fun in that. It is certainly sure that the new court house must have a tower and a clock, but a different one than this, larger dials, hammer and bell, everything in proportion, and I hope to see it, and if anything I could do to it, I am willing and glad to do it.
M. JOHNSON.
Some of the boats experienced snow in the middle of the lake Friday.
Sands & Maxwell’s new steamer will probably begin running between here and Muskegon, Montague, Pentwater and Ludington the middle of the month.
Five one hundred feet crib and one fifty feet crib will be built for Grand Haven piers this year.
Capt. Robt. Evans of the steamer Ohio has written to his father in Benton Harbor of his experiences on that steamer in the gale of two weeks ago. He writes: I got up on Lake Huron in a gale of wind and broke down Thursday morning. There was seven feet of water in the boat and we tried everything to save her. I left her on Friday noon with the yawl boat and four men to get a tug, as that was the last thing to do to save ourselves. We landed on Cockburn Island without losing a man. After we got there we could not find any one, so we did not have anything to eat from Friday noon until Monday at 1 o’clock. We started for Drummond’s Island in the yawl boat Sunday afternoon, and Monday met a tug looking for us. We got a square meal and reached Detour where the Ohio now is, Monday night. Today I hired a tug for $50 to bring me to Cheboygan, so that I could telegraph you that I was all right.
Not since the memorable year of 1878, when lake boats were compelled to tie up for several months, has the lake traffic been in such bad condition as present. It is all the more peculiar because there is a limitless quantity of grain in the West to go forward to the Eastern market. The Northwest was never in so much need of coal and the demand for iron, although the prices are low, has continued excellent.
A scow load of iron bars which weighed 80 tons were taken over to the island where the government cribs are being made.
Grand Rapids boasts 8000 people who ride bicycles.
Are we going to have a Memorial Day celebration this year?
Muskegon court house will not be ready July 4 as expected.
Ask the driver of the tannery team where he left his overcoat Sunday and then make him set up cigars.
John Welsh has the contract for driving the spiles for the approach to the Spring Lake bridge.
Steps are being taken to have Kate VanDongen placed in the Girls Reform School at Adrain. It seems that since her marriage with Fred Lockard and the subsequent annulling of the same, that she has lived at home with her parents. But her father noticed about two weeks ago that something was wrong and that she was again keeping company with Lockard. She ran away from home May 3, and was taken into custody yesterday by Sheriff Kempel at the home of Lockard’s father. At the hearing before Judge Angel this morning, John Vandongen, the girls’ father testified to this effect and said that Kate had went away from home without his or his wife’s consent. Said that since the trial of Lockard last winter, his daughter had lived with him and everything went along nicely until several weeks ago, when she began to get notice from Lockard. Sheriff Kempel also gave his testimony. The matter was then adjourned until four this afternoon to give County Agent Wachs time to inquire further into the case.
Bright Young American.—A teacher in one of the lower grades of our city schools asking questions, wanted to know if any one of the little boys or girls could tell her what was the capital of the United States. One little tot sang out “Teacher I can,” “Well, what is it?” “Grand Haven,” was the reply. Another little girl in the same class on being asked if she could tell which was the largest city in the United States replied, “Grand Rapids.” This would indicate that the kids are getting to the front at a lively gait.
The Wright had been raised about seven inches from the bottom of the river this morning, when the chain broke and she sank to her former position. It seems that the first sinking of the boat was not due to any defect in the hull but she filled with rain water, carrying her down to where a hole had been stove in her side. The water entered then and she sank.
Oscar Allyn, acting as agent for a party of forty persons in the city, has closed a contract chartering the little lake vessel “Bon Voyage” for one week beginning September 29 for use at the world’s fair. The party will eat and sleep on the boat and have figured out the expense per capita for fare, board and lodging for one week to be $20. Next Sunday afternoon they will meet at the Kent hotel and form and organization for the purpose of receiving a certain sum each week from those who intend to join in this scheme —G. R. Herald.
Holland will imitate Grand Haven in uniforming her marshal.
Rumors are current that one of our firemen will soon become a Benedict.
Joseph Edward reports fruit prospects in the township to be very fine.
Spiles are be drove today for the approach to the Spring Lake bridge.
Mason County’s new court house will be completed by next April.
A fine mirror made by the glass factory has been placed behind Wm. Thieleman’s bar.
The Free masons hoisted today from their flag staff a new banner made by Miss Etta Sleutel.
A bicycle parade with 30,000 wheelsmen in line will be one of the features some day this summer at the World’s Fair.
The fire department were called out early this morning by a burning slab pile near the south channel bridge.
Strange to say not an architect has yet sent in plans for the new Court House. It is thought that the time will have to be extended. The committee meet tomorrow.
An advantageous place to get an idea of the fishing industry at this port is at the pier in the early morning. First one tug will leave for her nets and then another. Interspersed between come the fishing smacks and hookers. For an hour after leaving the harbor the white sails can be seen and the puffing of the tugs heard far out in the open lake.
Report.
The ladies who have interested themselves in the improvement of Highland Park for the past tow years, wish to make the following report of their stewardship to the people of Grand Haven who have assisted them.
From the following entertainments we give the net proceeds.
May 21 and 28, ’91 “District School” ………..............................$127 85
July 18, 1891, Ice cream at Park …………………...........................7 15
May 15 and 16, ’92, supper at Op. House………...........................40 40
Apr. 23, dance at Cutler House ………………...............................20 50
June 3 and 4, “Above the Clouds” ……………...............................58 19
Aug. 8th, Park pavilion opening …………………............................11 57
Aug. 17 and 20, Ice cream at Park ………………............................ 6 25
Aug. 11, int. on bank deposit ……………………................................58
Aug. 29th, Milk Maid’s convention ……………..............................41 00
Dec. 31st, dance at Opera House ………………............................25 00
Apr. 28, 29. ’93 …………………………………..........................33 75
Subscription to Pavilion fund in labor, material and money .................85 30
457 54
July 28? ’92 dance at Cutler House ………………............................2 00
Plastering 2d floor of hotel ……………………................................70 00
Advertising, and printing park and pavilion rules.................................10.25
Fence in front of hotel ……………………………..........................46.67
Repairing and painting small pavilions ………….................................6.40
Large pavilion (including donation of work and material) ….............285.78
Policemen at Park ……………………………...........................…..5 00
$426 10
Bal. on hand May 1st, 1893 ……………………….........................31 44
457 54
MRS. A. S. KEDZIE,
MRS. CHAS. BOYDEN,
MRS. G. W. MCBRIDE.
The large wagon which DeGlopper & Yonker are building for the Alaska Refrigerator Co. of Muskegon will be 16½ feet long and 8 feet wide and will weigh about 2500 pounds. The company intend to have four horses draw it.
Kate VanDongen was yesterday sentenced to the State Industrial School for Girls at Adrian until she attains the age of 21 years. Kate is now 15 years, 9 months and 14 days old. She will be taken to Adrian tomorrow by County Agent Wachs.
A representative of the World’s Fair Commission is expected to be at the Opera House meeting Friday evening. Don’t fail to be there promptly at eight o’clock. Admission free and no collection or subscription papers.
Director Lymon J. Gage has a plan by which he hopes to see the Fair open on Sunday. He will not make it known until Friday when he will explain it to the directors. He says that it is entirely practicable and thinks that it will be approved. He says that the people have a right to demand a Fair open on Sunday and the exposition has a right to receive their money as well as the sideshows and fakers who now get it. President Higinbotham thinks something will be done, but will have to be approved by the national commission.
Raising the Wright.
All attempts to raise the tug Wright having proved futile, Capt. Leathem telegraphed yesterday to expect diver Henry Finch of Michigan City to come here. Mr. Finch arrived this morning and during the greater part of the day has been at work in his submarine suit repairing the under water holes in the tug. These holes will be patched up and a steam pump which is now on the scene will be used to pump her out and float her. This pump arrived this afternoon on the tug Leathem D. Smith from Sturgeon Bay.
To those who have never seen a diver in his suit and work, an opportunity is presented while Mr. Finch remains, and spectators view with wonder. Two men are kept at work on the dock pumping air to him down the hose. Once in a while Finch comes up and urges them to pump faster. He is also connected with the world above by a telephone from his metal head cap and by this means directs the other workmen. The sound of his hammer as he works on the bottom of the boat can be heard plainly on the dock.
The importance and worth of Grand Haven harbor can be estimated when we consider that Michigan City and every other port on the shore have only from 11 to 12½ feet over their harbor bar and vessels are constantly grounding. Our 18 foot channel is a mountain beside any of them.
The electric cooking apparatus on the whaleback steamer Christopher Columbus has been tested and worked perfectly. This is the first time electricity has been used for cooking on a boat. The apparatus consists of a metallic plate connected by wire with a dynamo. There are boilers to contain any kind of food. It is said that food can be cooked quicker, more economically and much cleaner than in any other way.
The government dredge is still at work repairing the pier.
Curiosity draws quite a crowd down to the burned tug Wright today to see diver Finch at work.
John Warren, captain of the little schooner Alice Royce from Holland badly injured his knee while sailing, yesterday. He put in here early this morning. The schooner was taken down the south channel bridge by the station men this afternoon. Capt. Warren will go to the Marine Hospital until able to again take command.
Help along the street sprinkler and subscribe your name.
Miner Goodrich the genial Probate clerk is riding a handsome pneumatic wheel.
The summer resort season will open up soon if this warm weather continues.
The question of compromise between Grand Haven and the Wiley Water Works will be discussed at the Opera House meeting tomorrow night.
All visitors to the World’s Fair from this city should go to the gallery in section U in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building, where they will find Grand Haven’s Public School exhibit.
In connection with his duties as City Marshal, Sidewalk Inspector and Harbor Master, John Klaver is also Truant officer. Some truant small boys have found this out and will hookey from school no longer.
It is strange that there are so few drownings at Grand Haven, considering the amount of water around us. The last accident of this kind occurred over year ago. One summer a few years ago there were several fatalities and two were drown one day, in different places and about the same time.
Mrs. General Custer of Army fame will give a Reading in the Assembly room of Akeley Institute this evening at 8 o’clock, on any one of the following subjects which a majority of the audience may select. “Life on the Plains,” “Experiences in a Garrison,” “Buffalo Hunting.” Admission 25cts. Benefit exclusively for Akeley Institute.
Nearly 50,000 people attended the World’s Fair yesterday.
A telephone message at 3:30 from Spring Lake said the danger was all over.
SPRING LAKE IS BURNED.
One-half of the Pretty Little Village Destroyed.
For the second time within five years our pretty little suburb of Spring Lake has received a visitation most terrible from the fire fiend. A good part of the residence portion of the town is in ashes, including several of the finest houses.
Little did people think that the harmless old river boat Barrett could cause such destruction. She left her dock at Grand Haven for Grand Rapids at 8 o’clock this morning. Sparks flew from her stack set the awful sawdust afire, where in former years the big lumber mills operated. The sawdust burned like tinder and at 9 o’clock a small house was ablaze. At 9:30 the Spring Lake School house was burning and at 10:30 the residence section was in flames.
The business portion of the town was mostly saved as the wind drove the flames further east from that section. Looking east down State St., appeared like a roaring, rushing sea of flames and smoke. Sidewalks, trees and fences were burning fiercely.
Of the larger structures the school house was probably the first to go. It was a large, red, wooden building valued at perhaps $8000 and an insurance of $5000 was carried on it. The engine house situated near it was burned about the same time. An old hand pump was consumed with the engine house. An attempt was made to put it out but the fire was too hot and the attempt was given up.
The Baptist church which is situated just back of State St., was the first church to catch fire. Improvements to the amount of $1500 had just been completed on the church.
The Methodist church was also burned. For a time it was thought that the church would be saved and strenuous efforts were urged, but it went down in the general ruin.
Diagonally across the street from the M. E. church were three houses, one of them being, Mr. Wiley’s and one Mr. Barrett’s. Despite the fact that they were right in the path of the flames they were saved, mainly through the efforts of Grand Haven volunteers who formed a bucket brigade.
Adjoing Mr. Barrett’s home was the large and handsome Gee residence, occupied by H. F. Harbeck. The house together with the barn, burned, entailing a loss of at least $15,000. Cartridges stored in Mr. Harbeck’s home raised a general hubbub by their exploding.
The fine homes of James Emery, L. O. Perham, Mr. Woods, and Fred Brown were destroyed. Also about 40 smaller residences.
Three business houses are burned out; Mulder & Sons, grocery and feed store, J. Poel’s shoe shop and P. Kruisenga’s grocery.
Grand Haven fire department were informed of Spring Lakes’ danger at 9:30 and at 10 o’clock the engine and several reels of hose were loaded on a coal car and were spinning towards Spring Lake at a 50 mile an hour clip. Chief Palmer had his men at work immediately and did good work throughout in checking the flames.
Grand Haven people can well sympathize with her neighboring village, and it is to be hoped, Phoenix like, new residences, schools and churches will rise again above the ruins.
The loss to Spring Lake is terrible and in money can be placed at $175,000. Eighty families are desolate. Many of them lost their furniture and clothing in their homes.
Individually, as well as a whole the loss from such a fire is hard and frightful to contemplate.
Notes From the Big Fire.
The Grand Haven Department made a grand rally to check the flames at a frame house near the D., G. H. & M. track. They were successful the first time, but it caught again and was destroyed.
“Chaplain” Clark, a well known retired minister of the village was stricken with apoplexy during the progress of the flames and is reported to be dangerously low.
President Lyman hustled around with the younger generation in lending a helping hand.
Muskegon sent down an engine and hose cart on a special, arriving at 12:30.
Several horses are reported to have been burned.
The fire fighters worked hard to save the M. E. church and it was not until it was all inflames that they desisted.
Grand Haven was well represented among the fire fighters and lookers on.
Several houses are said to have been burned at Nortonville at about the same time Spring Lake was burning.
Luckily, there were few serious accidents, though there were several narrow escapes from falling pails and buckets.
W. H. Loutit and N. Robbins, jr., marshaled a force of fire workers.
A big load of furniture and bedding, standing near State St. caught form a spark and was burned.
Many of the business places had goods in front of their stores and were ready to vacate.
The flames were not checked until 12 0’clock and even after that time there was serious danger because of the high wind.
Dr. Brown’s house did not burn as first reported.
Now the question is, will Spring Lake ever build up again.
Part of the path of today’s fire was over the same ground as the big fire one summer night some four years ago. Today’s fire was by far the largest and a great deal more involved.
Spring Lakers are model citizens and we would like to see many of the burned out families make their future homes here.
Diver Finch is still working today on the tug Wright.
The dock fires are now raging the same as for the past dozen years.
Grand Rapids can now go ahead and improve the Grand River as the governor has signed the bill.
The D., G. H. & M. road officials estimate that they will carry 500 passengers per day during World’s Fair season.
The political shrewdness of collector D. O. Watson is not being recognized in this vicinity, but throughout the State and Nation.
Mr. Emery was not at home during the fire at Spring Lake yesterday and the household goods, together with the house were consumed.
Come out to the Opera House meeting tonight and let’s talk up Grand Haven’s interest in connection with the World’s Fair. Now is the time to strike. Meeting called 8 o’clock sharp.
Grand Haven’s fire engine “Rix Robinson” was brought back from Spring Lake this morning. Muskegon’s engine “Pioneer” returned last night.
Jacob Baar returned this morning from a trip to Minneapolis, Winoua and St. Paul. While in Minneapolis, Mr. Baar met H. C. Akeley. Mr. Akeley, he says, is as big a man in Minneapolis as he was in Grand Haven. He has one of the finest offices in the city and his mill last year had the honor of making the biggest cut of timber in the U.S., viz, 70,000,000 feet. Mr. Baar’s also met Mr. Butts, who had the misfortune to lose a little son by death last week.
The following architects were here yesterday explaining their plans for the new court house to the committee: W. L. Johnston, Muskegon; A. A. Post, Toronto; W. Findlster, Grand Rapids; W. J. Johnston, Chicago; M. Glucklich, New York; Julius Hess, Detroit; E. H. Mead, Lansing; S. J. Osgood, Grand Rapids and W. R. Goodell of Muskegon. The entire party dined at the Cutler.
H. F. Harbeck was returning from Grand Rapids on the noon train, and as he neared the village he went to the window to give the home returning signal to his wife. What was [his?] astonishment and feelings as the train dashed by to see the place where [his?] home had been a heap of smoldering ruins. He rushed from the train and hastily inquired for his family, and when told they were safe he breathed a sigh of relief. He said his house was worth$2000.—G. R. Herald.
The court house committee met in this city yesterday to consider plans for the new county building. Eleven architects submitted plans. After a long deliberation the committee rejected all but two plans, viz: those of Sidney J. Osgood of Grand Rapids and Johnston and Post of Chicago. At 2 o’clock last night the committee adjourned until Monday. It now lies with the committee to either accept one of these plans or reject both and make another call for plans. The two above mentioned are for a court house costing about $35,200. Next Monday morning the five men constituting the committee will visit Muskegon to examine the Waverly stone.
Health Office Opening.
The Health Office, John Boyink, proprietor, will have an opening Saturday night that is an opening. The finest brand of whiskies, ales, wine and beer that can be procured will be on tap. An elegant free lunch will be served.
SALOONS AND GIRLS.
“The seven thousand liquor saloons in Chicago have employed agents among commercial men to induce handsome girls in Europe and all over our own country under one pretext or another to go there for the ‘Great Fair.’ Houses where they expect to take them are already built and occupied, and others are projected. A little band of good women are hard at work to frustrate this scheme. Please ask clergymen to warn, from the pulpit, all mothers, not to allow their daughters to go to the World’s Fair unless under proper escort. Let the warning be sounded all over our land. For simple country girls will be offered high wages to go there as type writers, accountants, waitresses, etc., and before they know it will be entangled into these dens. A World’s Fair of artistic designs and mechanical exhibits with a moral atmosphere of the times of Sodom and Gomorrah! What a prospect for our country and the world.”
Such, Mr. Editor, is the statement made by “Faith and Works.” In its last issue as mentioned in the Christian Intelligencer of May 3rd. It is claimed the statement can be authenticated by names given if desired. Comments are superfluous. Let every father and mother read, ponder and take warning. Yours truly,
J. J. VANZANTEN.
Smoking Ruins Mark the Scene.
Smoking ruins mark the scene today of the fire that laid Spring Lake desolate yesterday morning. Where were pleasant homes and large homes and large houses yesterday are the smoldering ashes and that bleak openness which mark such devastation as Spring Lake has undergone. From the river to the lake and from Jackson St. three bocks east is the area that the red fiend covered.
Through the courtesy of the Grand Rapids Democrat we are enabled to present a map of the burned district.
The losers in the fire so far as learned were:
Baptist church, loss, $10,000; Baptist parsonage, loss, $3,000; no insurance on either. M. E. church, loss, $7,000, insurance, $1,000; school house $8,000, insurance $5,000; engine house $2,000, insurance $800; Mrs. A. Mulder & Sons, two stores, $7,000, small insurance; P. Kruisinga, grocery, $2,000, insurance, $700.
Also the following residences: Fred Zaph, Mrs. C. Wilson, Alex Wood, Mrs. Hopkins, J. Poel, shoe shop and house, Mrs. M. Mulder, two houses; Mr. Spears, James Emery, Mary Cook, E. DeVries, L. O. Perham, two houses, Henry Cliff, T. Dykema, Geo. Schwab, James Wilde, E. Reenders, T. Smith, Sam Maine, Thos. Hammond, Mrs. Colson, Robt. Loosmore, A. Otto, E. Molson, Mrs. Woods of Grand Rapids, A. VanderMolen, A. M. Zuidema, B. Starke, F. Haan, F. Bertschy, M. Freed, J. Dykhouse, C. Dykema, Mrs. Crum, Jacob Slager, residence of A. D. Ball of Grand Rapids, known as the Gee house occupied by H. F. Harbeck.
There were also about a dozen more houses burned the owners of which were not learned, making 61 houses in all.
The Wood, Emery, Cliff, Hamond and Ball residences were insured. Mr. Harbeck had $1000 insurance on furniture. L. O. Perham was not insured and many others are left in the same plight, never expecting such a visitation.
Muskegon is in a position to sympathize deeply with Spring Lake in the latter’s visitation by fire, coming as it does on the anniversary of our own big fire is at hand. One of the sublimest scenes in the world is a city or town on fire, red waves of flame sweeping from the ground the result of man’s handiwork, the sublimity heightened by man’s helplessness and the thought of the sorrow and suffering that abide in the track of the king fire. Muskegon can appreciate most keenly Spring Lake’s position today, for in proportion to the size of city and town, the fire is a duplicate of that which swept Muskegon’s many blocks south from Clay avenue in 1891.—Muskegon News.
Diver Henry Finch in his diving costume weighs over 400 pounds.
Spring Lake will make an appeal for help for the fire sufferers.
Grand Haven’s list of bicyclers keeps right on increasing.
Now is the time to spread literature with Grand Haven’ advantages over Chicago and on the lake and World’s Fair steamers.
County surveyor Peck has been staking out the ground where the new Court House is to stand.
Some of the spiles for the approach to the Spring Lake bridge are 45 feet long. They are driven into the clay bottom 16 feet. The river at that point is 27 feet deep.
“Despite the cold weather up to this week, the soda water season has opened with far brighter prospects than last year,” said one who deals in soda the other day. “Why I sold 200 glasses the coldest day last week.”
“The fire at Spring Lake made as clean a sweep as I ever saw,” said Frank Irish of the New Livingston, who returned from the unfortunate village the other night. “The part through which the fire swept is as smooth as asphalt pavement. Everything was burned out as clean as a whistle. I hardly think that portion of the village will ever be rebuilt, although it may be,—G. R. Herald.
The World’s Fair ground will be open tomorrow and every Sunday hereafter and an admission of 25 cents charged. The buildings will be closed.
ED. TRIBUNE.—Some of our citizens are petitioning the council to pass an ordinance prohibiting speeding horses on Washington Ave. The whole matter was stirred up by a busybody who hasn’t any children to be run over and would be the first to kick if our council was foolish enough to pass such an ordinance. All cities and towns have avenues for horsemen to speed their horses and why should they not in this city? The men that drive fast horses are not running down children as that crank would have people believe. If the man who wrote that communication to the TRIBUNE some time ago was to drive a fast horse or even a mule, it would be dangerous anywhere near the street let alone being on the street. There is no danger when intelligent men handle the ribbons.
HORSEFIEND.
What is known as the “jag cure” bill has passed the Michigan Senate. The proposed law provides that a justice of the peace may send a common drunkard brought before him to a gold cure institution at the expense of the county if he gives a bond in one hundred dollars to take treatment for three months, and refrain from drinking for a like period. If he breaks over the traces he shall be proceeded with as if the gold cure law had not been in existence.
The Cutler House has just got out a very neat circular bespeaking the merits of the city and that popular hostlery.
Mr. A. DeBoer died at his home on Jackson St., Thursday night aged 52 years. Mr. DeBoer has been an invalid for several years. He had lived in this city for a long period, coming here from Jenison. Some five years he ran a wagon shop adjoining F. D. Vos grocery on Fulton St. Mr. Deboer leaves to mourn his loss a wife and four children; Mrs. John Loch, Mary, Ed, and a son of 8 years. Funeral will be Monday.
The big team belonging to Vyn Bros. dray line, known as the “bald face team” had a narrow escape from drowning yesterday. The steamer Samson landed near the tannery with a load of manure for Geo. Hancock. John Vyn had driven the team on the improvised approach between the dock and boat when the planks separated and the horses were caught in such a way that they could not get up. There was every possibility of their drowning if they should get in the river with their harnesses on, and John unharnessed them and let them drop. They were obliged to swim several blocks before they could get ashore, but they got there safe and sound fortunately.
First on the ground—Mr. Dan W. Andrews the gentlemanly special agent for the Sun office of London represented in this city by Geo. D. Sanford was the first adjuster to settle a loss in the great fire of Thursday at Spring Lake, arriving here Friday noon and made the sun shine in several homes at Spring Lake the same afternoon. How is that for quick work!
EDITOR OF TRIBUNE:—
Please excuse your regular correspondent this week, but the terrible fire that swept over our beautiful village last Thursday, like a cyclone of destruction and laid half of our town tribute to its devastation, was so unexpected and so terrible that we have not had heart to pen a single word until now. It was a terrible fire, so unexpected, so sudden, so irresistible and the loss so sweeping that most of us have hardly recovered from the shock. In two hours time after it struck the first building the fierce fire fiend had swept over our fair village from river to lake like the waves of the sea, carrying everything before it and sweeping from the face of the earth over 77 buildings and over $1000,000 worth of property, representing 60 homes, with nearly every dollar worth of household goods and furniture in these homes, along with it. Not one dollar out of ten of the furniture and household goods in these sixty homes being saved, leaving destitution, need and want on every hand. Blow we give a complete list of sufferers with insurance, as nearly as we can ascertain at this writing.
[This list is very similar to the list in previous posted articles on the Spring Lake Fire and not included here. It can be found with the above article on the Tribune microfilm at the Loutit Library.]
Cutler & Savidge have authorized the Spring Lake council to draw on them for $500 for the fire sufferers.
Grand river is within its banks at Saranac, the first time sine the big break up last winter.
Firemen will be here from nearly every city in the state this week and Grand Haven should and will treat them royally.
The attendance at the World’s Fair thus far has been larger by 220,000 than during the same period at the Centennial.
If the World’s Fair grounds are opened Sundays, the Goodrich Transportation Co., will profit highly by their Saturday night trips. Steamer Racine leaves next Saturday.
Despite the fire, Spring Lake is still as pretty a little village as there is in the state. For boating, fishing and cycling it has advantages over any other town its size here abouts.
The new military bill provides for the office of major general, which has not heretofore existed, and if the bill passes there may be some more changes in the brigade.
Some extensive experiments have recently been made in connection with the German Army, the object of which has been to provide continuous illumination at night from balloons.
All the saloons in the city are making general improvements this spring.
Fred Smith, d. d., 10 days, Justice Pagelson this morning.
As we go to press the Court House committee is still in session in the court jury room, and have not decided upon plans for the new building.
City Surveyor Peck is fixing the grade of sidewalks on certain streets today.
Chief Murphy of the Lapear fire department will be here with five firemen tomorrow night to attend the State convention.
The court House committee took the early train to Muskegon this morning where they examined the Waverly stone used in the construction of the new Hackley school. The committee is in session here this afternoon and will undoubtedly make a selection of plans for the new county building.
Spring Lake has sent an appeal for help to the towns of Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon and Grand Haven.
Fifteen hundred Grand Haven people visited Spring Lake yesterday to get a view of the havoc wrought by the big fire of Thursday.
All the day from 11 o’clock in the morning until 7 in the evening a steady stream of people poured across the railroad bridge at Ferrysburg. The bridge tender remarked that never had so many people crossed for months at a time. All were not pedestrians who crossed either for every wheelsman in the city almost, passed over. The steamer Nellie also enjoyed a big patronage all day and was crowded cabin, stern and bow.
Narrow Escape.
B. C. Mansfield, Ed. Gillen, John Bryce and Ford and Chas. Dake were a party of wheelsmen who rode up to Spring Lake yesterday morning to view the ruins. Coming back they ventured to cross the swing bridge at Ferrysburg in the saddle instead of walking as they have usually done.
There are two boards on the side of the track making the path wide enough for a wheel except for a dangerous crack between the boards. Mansfield and the Dakes crossed over safely, but Gillen who was fourth man ran into the crack just below the bridge proper was thrown into the river below a distance of some 15 feet. John Bryce who was last man in line immediately called for help, and jumped down to the river bank. Luckily he found a boat and pushed out. There is a very swift current in the river now and Gillen in the meanwhile had been carried several yards from where he first fell. Bryce grabbed him and pulled him in the boat, just in the nick of time for he was almost exhausted from loss of blood, the effect of striking a boom pole midway between bridge and river while falling.
His head was badly cut and his hip bruised. A carriage was summoned and he was taken to Dr. VanderVeen where his wounds were dressed. It will probably be several days before he is himself again.
The wheel is not recovered and lies in 22 feet of water.
George Hancock's Celery Farm
The Celery Street.
One of the great streets of the city, but which does not receive proper credit as such, is Ferry St., named after one of the town’s pioneers. Extending as it does from the river to the southern limits, its straight course is adjacent to the best celery lands in the section.
Near the river are the celery farms of A. VerBerkmoes, Cornelius Bos, Martin Kieft and the Roosiens. Part of Mr. Bos’ farm was once a march, often covered by water. He erected a wind mill of the Dutch pattern, cleared the land and pumped off the water until he has now a fine piece of celery ground. Geo. Hancock, H. Rogers and many others have celery land along the street.
Last but by no means least is the large farm of G. W. Miller at the southern end of the street. Mr. Miller has one of the finest celery farms to be found any where in the state.
His farm buildings are models of their kind and would stand side by side with handsome city houses and barns with credit.
The celery business is by no means small, G. W. Miller and Geo Hancock alone employing a small army of laborers during the season of planting and growth of the tonic. But the smaller growers of celery should not be overlooked. There are many of them and all goes to constitute a great industry peculiar to Grand Haven.
The firm of Leathem & Smith Co., senior member of which has been working in this city for the past week on the tug Wright, is one of the most important in the city of Sturgeon Bay. In fact they control the marine interests of the town, owning the tugs T H. Smith, Nelson, Leathem, and L. D. Smith and wrecking outfits.
Every harbor on the lakes nearly requires dredging this year except Grand Haven. Sheboygan, Racine, Michigan City, St. Joe, South Haven, Holland, Muskegon, White Lake, Manistee and Ludington, all complain of shoal water.
The hulk of the big wrecking tug Albert J. Wright which burned on one of the coldest nights last winter, and which was pumped out and raised last Saturday, was towed out of port by the tug Leathem D. Smith this morning bound for Manitowoc. The work of raising the tug has been an expensive one to Leathem & Smith, the owners. What with the services of the diver, scows, spile driver, pumps and labor, the neat sum of $500 must have been expended. The tug was not leaking a bit when taken out. She will be repaired and rebuilt at Manitowoc.
The Atlanta had a large passenger list last night.
The State Fireman’s convention last year was held at Hillsdale.
Spring Lake council officially thanked Muskegon for the aid their fire department furnished.
A dozen or more state insurance agents are infesting Spring Lake just now adjusting losses.
Ed Gillen’s wheel was pulled up from the bottom of the river by means of a grappling hook, yesterday.
The President and Secretary of the State fireman’s association have booked rooms ahead at the Cutler.
Word was received from Hillsdale fire department this morning. They will be at the Cutler with four delegates.
Deputy Marshal Brouwer will be at the Schofield building to receive cash contributions for the Spring Lake fire sufferers.
Gerrit Lindemulder, John Doornbos, Peter Doornbos and D. Rhonda all left for Holland today to visit Grand Haven boys who are employed in factories there.
Fred Smith of the 4th ward wants it distinctly understood that he is not the Fred Smith, d. d. who was sent up for 10 days yesterday by Judge Pagelson. Fred is not that kind of lad.
L. Vyn drove furiously up Washington St. this morning after the ringing of the fire bell to get the hook and ladder cart. Just as he was within a few feet of city hall M. Dykehouse dashed around 5th St. corner, beating him by a nose. Neither driver saw each other until the corner was turned, which made the culmination laughable.
James Riley’s newly painted bus made its first appearance today.
Enclosed in the TRIBUNE today is a supplement containing the program for the State Fireman’s convention.
Snow drifts in shady places are still 4 to 10 feet deep in some places of the Upper Peninsula.
The Court House committee are still in session in the jury room of the Court House this afternoon. It is understood that the committee will report in favor of the Muskegon architects, Johnston & Post’s plan.
Ald. Lewis and a surveyor are establishing a sidewalk grade on Columbus St. There was a report this morning that they found a curious state of affairs, and that some buildings were on the line of the street, but the surveyors state that this is not true.
Last week did not lack for local excitement and neither did this.
A yellow carp was caught at Diamondale. It is said that it is the first of that kind eve caught in the Grand river.
Death of John Schroeder.
John Schroeder died this afternoon at his home near the shipyard after a short illness, with typhoid fever. Mr. Schroeder was 52 years of age, and was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical church. He leaves to mourn his loss, five daughters and one son, also a step daughter. His wife died some four years ago. Notice of funeral tomorrow.
Fire at Jackson Street School.
An alarm of fire was sent in this morning at 8:30 from the Jackson St. school, smoke having been discovered coming through the floor. Upon the arrival of the fire department a hole was chopped in the floor and the fire quenched without doing any particular damage. Miss Kate Cherry and Miss Young are teachers in the school and it was in Miss Cherry’s room that the smoke was noticed. The fire was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary and a pupil is suspected. The Marshal and several of the school board crawled under the building. A heap of burned paper and dried grass was found. It had probably been brought there to start the fire. As the distance between the ground and the floor is only about two feet it did not take long to ignite the boards. Several burned matches were found just in the rear of the building. Thinking that probably some of the scholars carried matches and had dropped one through a crack and started the blaze, a member of the school board enquired, but the pupils all denied carrying matches. One of the li