The Evening Tribune October, 1891
Local News
10/3
A fine programme has been arranged for the German Day celebration in this city October 12th. The parade which starts at 1 o’clock p.m. from the foot of Washington Street will be participated by Co. F, M. S. T., and by societies from this city, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, St. Joseph and other neighboring cities. The merchants and manufacturers of this city will be represented in the procession by designs of their manufacture or trade.
After the parade there will be speech making at the Opera House. Walter I. Lillie will address the people in English and Mr. Kehler of Detroit will speak in the German language. The speeches will be interspersed by the music of the Wurzburg Military Band of Grand Rapids and the Grand Haven City Band. In the evening there will be a grand ball at the Opera House.
Following are the officers: president, Henry Bloecker; Marshall of the Day, Dr. A. VanderVeen. Committee of arrangements: Frank Kaatz, Chas. Hass, C. Seligman, Chas. T. Pagelson, Herman Luhm, John C. Behm, Henry Bloecker and Wm Thieleman.
10/6
Arrangements by the German labor day celebration committee have been made for excursions from Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Saginaw, Kalamazoo, Holland, Allegan and intermediate points. Indications are that hundreds of strangers will be in our city Monday. The German Workingmen’s society, to which is due all the credit for this celebration, will entertain the visitors royally, but every citizen and townsman should lend every assistance possible to make the celebration a creditably notable one. Let every business house in the city decorate in a manner befitting themselves and our city.
10/10
The Muskegon News says there will be a large crowd from there to take part in the German Day celebration in this city Monday.
NOTES ON GERMAN DAY.
Now give us a fair day Monday.
This is like old times. The old town has taken on a new lease on life. Everyone is enthusiastic and interested.
Everybody decorate; everyone help celebrate.
Everyone is contributing to the success of the big celebration. This is good. The success of the celebration is already assured.
The Germans of this city, Monday, will show the people of Michigan that Grand Haven is not dead. They deserve great credit for being the only ones this season who have shown a stroke of enterprise in this regard. This is, indeed, commendable.
10/12
The Procession.
The procession was by long odds the best ever seen here. Starting at the Kirby House the Grand Haven Band led, followed by Co. F, Grand Rapids Military Band, Holland City Band, German Societies from this city, Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Saugatuck, and the Knights of Maccabees of this city. There were several wagons for the German Ladies Society. On one was the inscription
"Mans’s work is from sun to sun,
Woman’s work is never done."
The trades and different business places of the city were very well represented.
The Challenge Corn Planters Company were well represented. Their mammoth refrigerator attracted much attention.
The Grand Haven Leather Company’s display was one of the best in the procession, showing the fine workmanship of that institution.
George Hancock’s display of vegetables and flowers could not have been improved upon and was admired by all.
Bloecker & Co. had a model of their handiwork in the shape of a large engine.
The Grand Haven Furniture Company, though a young institution, do some fine work in their line as evidenced by their display.
"Nate" Seifert carried on a big business during the parade cutting quarters of beef and weighing bologna.
The grocers were not all represented, but Boer & Bolt, J. M. Cook, Ball & Co., VanLopik & Sons and J. Ritzema had a place in the parade.
The Fire Department were all in trim and made a very credible showing.
The Life Saving Crew were out in full force. Their life boat and surf wagon formed a part of the parade.
Joe Godhardt had a display of second hand goods.
In the Liberty wagon were thirteen handsome young girls centered around the Goddess of Liberty, Miss Carrie Fredericks. This was the most beautiful part of the procession.
In the way of unique and a decided novelty was a wagon in which the old fashioned method of flalling was being industriously carried on. This and the German spinning woman created a great deal of amusement.
The Decorations.
Nearly every place of business in the city is decorated in some way today. Across the principal street corners are stretched strings of evergreens. At the Kirby House corner a large sign with the word welcome in German is stretched across the street. A. Justema has boots and shoes hung over the street by his store, and P. VerDuin has several articles in the grocery line displayed in the same way making a very unique display.
Wm. Thieleman’s place of business is decorated with flags and evergreens.
C. Seligman’s cigar store is very neatly decorated with evergreens.
I. Seifert welcomes his German brothers in a neat sign printed in German besides a large amount of evergreen decorations.
S. K. Samuels has a decoration of flags and evergreens in front of his store.
Jos. Koeltz has a neat decoration of evergreens.
B. C. Mansfield decorated his store with flags and bunting, his show window is one of the best in the city, being a neat display of silverware, etc., arranged in an artistic manner.
J. W. Kilber has bunting stretched across the front of his building.
G. VanLopic and son’s are trimmed up with flags.
N. I. Beaudry has a fine window display of his goods.
The VandenBosch stores are decorated with flags and bunting.
Gus Hubert has a rope of evergreens stretched across the street near his "smithy."
10/13
Several scraps on the streets yesterday but none seriously hurt.
The three young ladies from Grand Rapids were very highly entertained by the two young grocery men of this city during the German day celebration.
The Grand Haven Fire Department made a run of four blocks, unfurled their hose and had two streams of water inside of one minute and fifteen seconds in their exhibition yesterday. Who can beat it.
10/14
Additional German Day Notes.
In naming the participants in the German Day parade yesterday, we omitted several who should receive just dues.
Mrs. Mattie Kennedy had a show case neatly trimmed with millenary goods, on the top of which was a stuffed peacock, a credit to the taxidermist’s skill. Mrs. Kennedy was the only representative of the millinery business in the parade, but her display was a credit to that trade.
Wm. Thieleman’s traveling beer garden contained a jolly crowd, and kept the spectators on the line of march roaring.
E. L. VanWormer’s restaurant was neatly decorated with evergreens and flags yesterday.
VanBoomgard & Son showed the different lines of stoves and hardware that they carry in stock.
The rear of the procession was held by a typical Uncle Sam, who was followed during the march by that distinct order of Americanism, called kids.
A little boy dressed in Little Lord Fauntleroy style attracted much attention in Mrs. Mattie Kennedy’s show wagon in the parade yesterday and was admired by all.
The city fathers took part in the procession yesterday in a special coach of state.
The fire department gave an exhibition after the procession yesterday. Starting at City Hall they came down Washington street at full speed. At the corner of Washington and Second streets the firemen jumped off, unfurled the hose and in a twinkle of the eye had a full stream of water turned on. The fire boys did nobly and their quick work was commended by all.
The log cabin which attracted so much attention in the parade yesterday, represented the style of structures our fore-fathers lived in, on and after the time of the landing of the Germans in this country.
The speeches at the Opera House yesterday afternoon were excellent. The meeting was opened by president Henry Bloecker, who, after a few remarks, introduced August Marxhausen, of Detroit, who made an admirable speech in German. He was followed by Walter I. Lillie who also did himself credit. The meeting was concluded by an appropriate closing oration by Col. E. P. Gibbs who dwelt upon the merits of the German people, their benefits to this country, etc.
In the evening the ball was very largely attended and the merry people danced until the early peep of dawn.
The hall was handsomely decorated with evergreens. Above the stage was the inscription in German and English, "In Unity is Strength."
A valuable overcoat was stolen from a guest at the Kirby House during the parade German Day. The price of it subtracted quite materially from landlord Rosbach’s profits for that day.
We take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Grand Haven and vicinity for their hearty cooperation with us in making German Day a grand success, COMMITTEE.
10/16
We Have Noticed It.
Grand Haven complains that whenever she has any celebration of any sort Muskegon and Grand Rapids send but limited delegations. We think the complaint is not well made, so far as Muskegon is concerned. At the recent celebration of "German Day," Muskegon sent over a delegation of from 50 to 75 people—four times in proportion as went up from Grand Rapids. The fact is, and Grand Haven ought to begin to see it by this time, about the only use Grand Rapids has for our neighbor on the coast is to buy Grand Rapids goods and vote for her politicians. Citizens of Grand Haven are always welcome here, and Muskegon people feel they are among friends at Grand Haven, despite the interchange of pleasantries by the newspapers.—Muskegon News. The fact remains, however, that Muskegon sent only a dozen, three of whom belonged to the German society, while the society here was led to expect a hundred at least, that many having been reported as coming. It isn’t possible, is it, that the balance of the delegation got off at Kirk’s Junction, thinking they had reached this city? How dry they must have got, if they did.
10/16
Col. Ludlow of the United States Engineer Corps is at the Morton. Col. Ludlow has charge of the harbors on the east coast of Lake Michigan and of the entire light house system. He has been making a survey of Grand river. "I don’t know that I have anything especially interesting to you on the subject of Grand river navigation," he said to a reporter for the Telegram Herald last night. "I have been quarreling with a Democratic representative because of his paper persisted in referring to the proposed improvement as a canal. It isn’t a canal in any sense of the term. You might as well call it a bridge. Besides, if congress ever gets the idea that it is a canal, you will wait a long time for an appropriation."
When asked concerning the printability of the proposed water-way, the colonel said, "I don’t see why it isn’t perfectly feasible. The difference of level between here and Grand Haven is only six feet. The river bottom between here and there is mostly sand and gravel. There is a little rock, but nothing that can’t be removed with a dredge. A channel 100 feet wide can be constructed without any difficulty whatever. No expensive blasting will be found necessary or anything of the kind. So far as any difficulty is concerned, however, an engineer can do almost anything in these days if you furnish him with the money. There wouldn’t be any trouble with low water, I think. There would be enough water in the river to fill the channel, and water would back up from the lake too. It does come up the river now to within nineteen miles of here.
A waterway would be a great benefit to this country. It would greatly reduce freights, and wouldn’t necessarily injure the railroads. The increase in traffic might easily supply the difference. Because one man is prosperous in a business, it doesn’t follow that another man in the same business must suffer. A waterway would benefit every single individual in this part of the country."
In response to a question of the reporter’s he continued, "I don’t know anything about the political situation. I’m not in politics and never had any desire to be Congressman for two years. The woods around here seem to be full of men who are willing to sacrifice themselves. Now if I could be a U. S. Senator for life I should like it, but I’d sooner be a government engineer than a Congressman, not withstanding the fact that we have to work harder than any other set of men in the government service. There are only 104 of us to do all the government engineering work and part of the work on fortifications."—Grand Rapids Telegram Herald.
10/19
A. W. Goodrich of the Goodrich Transportation Co., was in Grand Rapids Saturday negotiating with the business men of that city. The prospects re that a better line of boats will be put on between this city and Grand Rapids next season.
Steel Steamer for the Grand.
J. M. Mitchell and J. T. Craig of the firm of Craig & Co., the Toledo boat builders, have been in the city the past few days. They have carefully examined the river between here and Grand Haven, and they are contemplating the building of a 150 foot steel steamer to carry freight and passengers regularly between here and Grand Haven. The design of the steamer will especially adapt it for running over places where the sand is moistened and the water only dew.—Grand Rapids Telegram Herald.
10/21
Will Navigate the Grand.
Grand Rapids merchants, manufacturers and capitalists will organize a $50,000 stock company to build a 150x36-ft. steel shallow water boat for navigating Grand river from that city to Grand Haven. The boat will carry 150 to 200 tons of freight, with a speed of twelve miles per hour, and will cheapen freight rates materially, pro-rating arrangements for an equitable basis, having already been made with the Goodrich Transportation Co. It is estimated that such transportation will cheapen the lowest all-rail rates now in force between Grand Rapids and New York and average of 15 per cent. Several thousand dollars of the stock have already been subscribed.
10/26
A $50,000 fund is being raised in Grand Rapids for the deep water navigation of Grand river. Five thousand nine hundred seventy-five dollars has already been subscribed.
10/2
The Electric Light & Power Co. will unload two carloads of machinery today.
10/6
The large fly wheel for the electric light works is being put in place today.
10/7
Electric Light Matters.
Things at the electric light plant as well as in the streets look much as if our city would have electric lights in the very near future. The great Corliss engine and the two boilers are in place, the poles are set, and the building is nearing completion. The iron roof arrived this morning and will be put on at once.
It will be seen by an advertisement in another column that the stock is now offered for sale, and it would be a good thing if every citizen of Grand Haven could own at least one share of this stock, as it would give them a chance to be entirely familiar with all the workings of the company; in fact they would then be selling light to themselves. See Turner about it.
10/14
The first wire started from the electric plant this afternoon..
10/17
In regard to the trimming of shade trees for the passage of electric light wires, we wish to assure the good citizens of Grand Haven that we are exceedingly anxious to avoid, as far as possible, any injuries to the trees or their appearance. Our workman are instructed to do no more trimming than is absolutely necessary, and while engaged in the work, they will be glad to consult with and receive the suggestions of property owners, to the end that the trimming may be done, as far as possible, in accordance with their views. Hoping that all will good naturedly accept the unavoidable trimming, we are respectfully,
GRAND HAVEN E. L. & P. CO.
10/19
The Electric Light Co,. are stringing wire for lighting the streets. For all night lighting they are putting up 12 miles of heavy, insulated copper wire to serve the arc lights at street crossing. For commercial arc light to run till 12 o’clock five miles of wire will be put up and for incandescent lights some seven miles of wire will be required; 25 miles in all.—Herald.
10/20
Nearly all the machinery has been in place in the electrical light plant except the dynamos which have not yet arrived.
10/28
The old Walker pump in the City Water Works has been sent to the Walker Pump Co., Fenton, Mich., for repairs.
The Electric Light Co. received their oil tank yesterday, and it is a monster, manufactured by Johnston Bros. Ferrysburg.
Another Fire at Highland Park.
10/3
A fire at Highland Park Thursday night threatened to destroy that beautiful resort. Capt. Walker discovered it, and he called Mr. Mansfield [owner of Highland Park Hotel] and other sot his assistance. He also telephoned for help which proved unnecessary, as he succeeded in extinguishing it with Mr. Mansfield’s help after some hard work. If fire ever gains headway the Park is doomed, cottages, hotel, and shade trees will all go, and Highland Park will be a thing of the past. People who own property there ought to make arrangements whereby telephone connection could be had during the winter, as it will be of utmost importance to secure help from the fire department on more than one occasion during the winter.
10/8
The annual election of officers in Company F occurred in the armory last evening and resulted as follows:
F. A. Mansfield was re-elected Captain by the following vote: Mansfield 35, Pellegrom 16, E. H. Andres 6; for first Lieutenant, J. Pellegrom 35, and E. H. Andres 22; for Second Lieutenant, E. H. Andres 45, and J. W. Verhoeks 14; J. W. Verhoeks and Ferd. Harbeck were elected Sergeants, and Ph. Rosbach, jr. Corporal. F. Harbeck was elected Co. Clerk, and contrary to usual customs, a Secretary of Corporation, A. J. Nyland, was also elected, this being done to obviate so much work falling on the Co. clerk alone. The above officers of the company also constitutes the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors met and elected the following officers: President, Capt. Mansfield; Vice-President, Lieut. Pellegrom,; Secretary, A. J. Nyland; Treasurer W. F. Kelly. E. H. Andres, J. W. Verhoeks and F. Harbeck were appointed a committee to look up the accounts of the Secretary and Treasurer. The election passed off pleasantly and seems to have given satisfaction all around.
Changes in the Weather Bureau.
10/9
Weather and temperature signals will be displayed hereafter from the weather office in the Cutler House. In order that these signals will not be confused with the wind signals they will be displayed from the staff on the south side of the building.
The signals embrace five symbols: A square white flag, indicates fair weather; a square blue flag indicates general rain or snow; a black triangular flag refers to temperature. When placed at the top of the hoist it indicates warmer weather, when below, cooler, and when not displayed the forecasts are that the temperature change, if any, will be slight. A white flag with a black square center indicates the approach of a cold wave and that the temperature will fall suddenly. A white and blue flag (parallel bars of white and blue) indicates that local rains and showers will occur, and that the rainfall will not be general.
Prof. Harrington proposes to have these signals displayed from all the offices of the bureau throughout the country. This move is another departure in the management of the new bureau. Although but three months have elapsed since the transfer to the agricultural department, some radical changes have taken place and with good results. Local forecast officials have been appointed at many of the large cities.
The weather maps have been improved and the issue greatly increased; the forecasts more thoroughly disseminated, and weather services established in states not here before provided for. Many other changes are in contemplation.
On the first of July the old style bulletin was discontinued at the Grand Haven office, and weather maps substituted. These maps show in a graphic manner the conditions over a large area,—the temperature, barometric pressure and changes, wind direction and velocity, precipitation, state of the weather and location of storms, and cold or cool waves. A study of these maps from day to day shows the relation between local weather and advancing areas of high or low barometric pressure and accompanying phenomena. These maps are posted at many prominent points and any information respecting them or other matters pertaining to the work of the bureau will be cheerfully given by the observers.
10/9
There was nothing to mar the pleasures of German Day except the accidental shooting of little Peter VanDorpel, due to the careless handling of a rifle by Frank Fox.
Frank Fox of this city and R. Austin of Kalamazoo set up a shooting gallery in the vacant lot opposite the Opera House yesterday morning. While trying to force an obstinate cartridge into place the rifle discharged, with the result already stated. The ball entered the boy’s ear and is supposed to be lodged near the nasal cavity.
Immediately after the shooting the boy was brought into Dr. Walkley’s office. The doctor, assisted by Dr. Hofma, dressed the wound and he was taken to his home on Elliot street.
The boy is nine years old. The family have been in this country two years, the father being employed by George Hancock as a gardener.
Everyone who witnessed the shooting thinks it was through gross carelessness the boy was shot. Fox and Austin have both been arrested to await consequences.
At last report the boy is doing as well as could be expected with a bullet above the palate.
10/5
Ottawa’s political giants are in the city in full force today.
10/6
The Peoples Party of this district held their congressional convention at Grand Rapids yesterday. Edward Hutchins of Douglas, Allegan Co., was unanimously nominated on the first ballot.
10/13
Another Democrat in the third ward born to Mr. and Mrs. Len Fisher last evening—a 10 pound boy.
10/21
As is his custom the Hon. Geo. W. McBride is doing yeoman service for the Republican party.
10/23
The campaign this fall, for a congressional one, is unordinarilly quiet, in this part of the district, at least, very little interest having thus far been awakened. The Democratic meeting at the Opera House last night, addressed by John S. Lawrence and M. M. Houseman, of Grand Rapids, (Congressman Weadock, of Bay City, was not able to be present) drew out a good audience.
10/24
A large audience were at the Opera House last night to hear Hon. Julius C. Burrows and Senator F. B. Stockbridge discourse on the political issues of the day from the Republican standpoint.
10/31
Remarks a prominent Republican: "the loyalty of Hon. Geo. W. McBride to the Republican party is demonstrated by the services he is rendering to that organization. He has spoken every night so far this week and will speak next Monday night to the citizens of West Olive."
Ex-Congressman Mark S. Brewer of Pontiac will talk politics tonight to the people of this city at Music Hall. He is an earnest and eloquent speaker and should be greeted with a large and enthusiastic audience. Hon T. W. Ferry and Hon. G. W. McBride, two of our distinguished citizens will also make speeches at the meeting.
10/15
The Goodrich Co’s. Grand Haven-Chicago boats are under obligation to run to Muskegon as long as navigation remains open, but on account of the condition of that harbor at this season of the year, they are very often unable to get in or out of it, and the question that very naturally asserts itself right here, is, "what is going to be done about it?" Will the festive Muskegonites continue to assert that the boats should run there, when they cannot?
It is a truth apparent to everyone else that Muskegon’s harbor is not blessed of the goods with enough water to float a very ordinary lake craft in an ordinary heavy sea, yet Muskegon fosters, nurses and fondles the pet and altogether egotistical idea that every craft on the lake should run into its harbor on every available occasion, even if they have to run on dry land. The steamer Racine was tied up there all of yesterday and last night unable to get out.
10/29
It is rumored that the steamer Racine became fast on a bar while trying to leave Muskegon today. Whether she is inside or outside the pier was not learned.
10/30
This week’s edition of the Grand Haven Herald has been delayed on account of the non arrival of their paper caused by the SS. Racine being laid up at Muskegon harbor.
Muskegon knows a good thing when she sees one, and tries to exemplify the principle "hold fast to that which is good." Perhaps this explains why she has been holding the Chicago-Grand Haven boat in her harbor for two days.
10/31
It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. The American Express Co. reaps the benefit of this five days gale of wind on account of not having any Chicago boats since Monday, she not being able to get out of Muskegon harbor on account of the sand bar for five days. The express company shipped to Chicago on Thursday night 130 boxes of celery and 130 baskets of smoked fish, and on Friday night 107 boxes of celery. Total weight 14,825 lbs. What is the matter with that so-called beautiful harbor at Muskegon, which they claim is open the year round? Echo says what.
10/28
The fire department was called out last night by a fire in the residence of Mr. P. Verberkmoes on Lafayette street. The fire department by quick work soon had the blaze under control.
The house was not damaged to a very great extent by fire, but the water damaged the plaster and carpets badly. Unmistakably, it was the work of an incendiary. Fires had been started in the closets and near the organ and several other places. They were started where the most damage could be done. The family were away at the time having gone down town, and it is supposed had been watched by the fire bugs. Seventy dollars which was left in the house is missing, and it is supposed was burned or stolen. The insurance on the furniture will not cover the loss.
10/17
The schooner Hunter Savidge came into port last night about 11 p.m. to lay up for the season. When about 30 rods north of the Life Saving Station, a yawl boat with two sailors was put overboard, it being the intention to pull the boat by means of ropes to the south pier that she might tie up.
It was while in the employment of pulling in the ropes that the steamer Wisconsin bound for Milwaukee hove up before them. The men in the yawl either became excited or expected the steamer to steer out for them; at any rate the yawl was struck fairly amidships by the prow of the steamer. A cry was heard after the collision and the life saving crew went immediately to the rescue. The Wisconsin was stopped as soon as possible but as nothing could be done soon went on her way.
As soon as possible boats were out searching for the men. One of them, though badly injured, managed to swim to shore. After four hour’s search the body of the unfortunate sailor was found. His head was badly cut and disfigured, and it is thought that death came from the blow received rather than from drowning.
A jury was impaneled by Coroner Stuveling this morning, and the inquest held in the cabin of the Hunter Savidge. After several hours deliberation the jury gave as their verdict that death was caused by being run down by the steamer Wisconsin and that no blame be attached to the captain of said steamer.
The dead sailor’s name is Carl Johann Hansen. He has friends in Spring Lake but no relatives in this country, his home being in Frederickstadt, Norway. His age is 21 years.
10/16
It is not all a luxury to be a school teacher in Grand Haven. Bad boys from school, and some who do not go to school, call to teachers as they pass along the streets. If the young ladies have escorts life is made doubly miserable for them. Grand Haven should be deprived of her primary school money and an extra large sum should be raised for kindergarten schools, to teach, the bad boys the rudiment of good behavior.—Detroit Journal. If Grand Haven school boys are particularly worse in behavior than other city school boys, why is it?
10/20
The driving of piles for the foundation of Silas Kilbourn & Co’s. sawmill and kit factory will soon be completed and framing will begin within a day or two. Orders for the windows, iron work, etc., are all in, and it is the company’s wish to have the whole structure completed within 60 days. The building will cover 100x110 feet of ground, the sawmill being 40x100 feet and the kit factory 50x70 feet, the two being joined together forming on L in the angle of which will be the fire proof engine and boiler house 36x64 built of stone and brick. Two boilers will be used, 16 feet by 60 inches in diameter, with 56 two inch flumes in each. The engine will be a Bay State, 20x24. Johnston Bros., of Ferrysburg, will build the boilers.
The sawmill and factory will be 30 feet high, both under one self-supporting roof, no center posts being used, with iron sheeting and roofing. Both floors of the factory proper will be used as a cooper shop, and on the upper floor of the sawmill will be the bolting saws, etc.
The buildings are of the best modern plan, the latest improved machinery will be used and the whole will be a great improvement over the former plant, and an important addition to Grand Haven industries. When the new factory and sawmill is completed and in running order, Silas Kilbourn & Co. will employ 100 men. The work is under the supervision of L. Lyman.
10/21
The lowering of the water level in the great lakes, year after year, is the subject the interest in which has extended beyond the sciences. It has come to be a matter of practical concern to vesselmen. These latter are interested very greatly in the report of O.M. Poe of the United States Engineers, who proves that the waters are becoming lower every year. During the last five years there has been a steady fall, carefully noted each year, of more than three feet in the waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. The measurements are made in the month of June because the water is then at its highest. In February the minimum depth is reached, and the ship owners expect to see many exposed places in that month, the coming year. The subject of concern, however, is the rivers emptying into the lakes. It is reported that the Sault canal now shows a depth of fourteen feet four inches only, and at Grosse Pointe, the entrance to the Detroit river, many vessels have grounded this season on account of the low water. When shallow boats and flat-bottomed steamers were used, soundings wee seldom made. But, with vessels with deep draft the state of the water is a matter of grave consideration. Gen. Poe says that the rainfall in the lake country in the last five years has been below the normal, and that this accounts for the low water in the lakes. But this statement will not reassure ship owners, who reach these great bodies of water by tributary streams; and it is likely the time will come soon when all new lake vessels will be built with less draft.—Grand Rapids Democrat.
10/26
Our people were startled Saturday by a report that a ghost was holding forth within our borders. It was seen patrolling along the C. & W. M. railroad track Friday night near the residence of Mr. Bowman. Naturally the people in that vicinity were very much frightened, thinking it the spirit of some departed railroad man come back to haunt the railroad company. Of course the residents along the track keep a nightly vigil, but if the ghost is a human being or visionary object is not yet known.
It is reported that different parties saw the specter on his nightly tramps for the past two weeks. In fact, now that the report has come out everybody has seen it.
10/30
A number of residents on Pennoyer avenue, in the eastern part of the city, were aroused from their sleep the other evening by a strong masculine voice singing "Nearer my god to Thee" at utmost capacity. Investigation proved it to be one of our ex-constables taking rapid strides down the middle of the road with a lantern in one hand and a large club in the other. Indeed a ghost story will unnerve the bravest.
10/31
Capt. Joe Kirby claims he met the ghost the other night between C. N. Addison & Co.’s store and his residence.
10/27
Report comes from Spring Lake as we go to press, that a man by the name of Peter Fryant had committed suicide by drowning. He left a letter saying he was tired of life. Further particulars could not be learned.
10/28
The Suicide.
The name of the man whose body was found near the Spring Lake House, yesterday, was learned to be Peter Klein, and that he had come from Milwaukee. From the appearance of the body, it appeared that the had been in the water tow weeks or more. A silver watch and $4.87 in change were found on his person.
He had been seen in Spring Lake about two weeks before, and was evidently very tired of life as he was complaining of his many troubles.