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 little boys mentioned the name of a school mate whom he said did carry them. Youthful fire bugs can do as much mischief as older ones and if the building was really set afire, and example should be made of the perpetrator.
Capt. John Lysaght, of the Grand Haven life-saving crew, was born at St. Joseph, Mich., 39 years ago, and is the son of Capt. Lysaght, of that city, who earned his title as commander of Co. I, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. Capt. John is a thoroughly bred sailor and wouldn’t be anything else if he could. He first shipped upon the old schooner Guide and has sailed upon more than 20 schooners since. He has been in the life-saving service about 10 years, stationed at Muskegon, Pointe Sable, Racine and Grand Haven, and during that time has with his crew answered more than 40 calls for help from disabled craft of different kinds, and nearly every instance has been the means of saving live or property, or both. It was his crew at Racine that saved the large iron ore vessel, Howland, with three men on board. They took her to South Chicago, keeping her up for over 70 hours with hand pumps. The only credit the crew got for these superhuman efforts was an attack from several newspapers for abandoning their station.—Detroit News.
The steamer Faxton left last night for Mackinaw after wintering here. The Faxton received and important rebuild by the Grand Haven Ship Building Co., and is one of the handsomest little steamers that ever left this port. She is one of Arnold’s fleet composed of the Minnie M., West and Faxton, and will run between Mackinaw and Cheboygan again this year. Her chief engineer, Mr. Henry Nyland is well known here as is also Wm. Kelley, second engineer. Al. Hoogenstyn and F. Walsema are also on the Faxton this season.
With the leaving of the Faxton only one of the winter fleet remain here, the Mary McGregor.
Capt. N. Robbins sent out a lot of chairs to the steamer Faxton at the piers today for the 9th Life Saving District.
The steamer Faxton which started out for Mackinaw early this morning put back again because of a heavy sea prevailing. She is lying at the pier.
If the World’s Fair is open Sundays the Christian Endeavor Society threaten to stay away.
A public meeting was called last night by Mayor Geo. P. Hummer of Holland to take measures towards giving immediate aid to the sufferers by the recent conflagration at Spring Lake.
Several Spring Lake fire losers were insured with the State Investment of California which “busted” several days before the fire. Mr. A. Otto was one of the parties who thus lose their insurance.
The resolution to open the World’s Fair on Sundays and return the loan advanced by the government, was adopted by the local board yesterday. The buildings will all be opened but the machinery will not be running. An admission of 50 cents will be charged.
Oh! Ye Lovers of Horseflesh.
Haughey & Van Dyke, the new livery men, are now prepared for business; in fact, are strictly “in it,” and all lovers of the fine drive behind a spanking team of horses will be gratified to the Queen’s taste by calling on these gentlemen, whose stable is fast becoming popular. In new and stylish rigs this firm have something that can’t be undone. Their stable is located on Washington street, opposite City Hotel.
Two sawdust fires this morning.
At the City Recorders office are a lot of “Grand Haven Illustrated” which could be profitably distributed to the visiting firemen.
A Handsome Court House.
The Court House committee finished their most important labors yesterday by selecting the plans for the new county building. The plan of W. K. Johnston of Chicago was accepted.
The plan will be found at the office of the county clerk, G. J. VanSchelven and Mr. Johnston’s Chicago for inspection by the different contractors who care to bid on building the structure.
The committee again meets June 20 for the purpose of selecting the lowest contractor. Bids will be received up to 12 o’clock of that day.
The committee recommended the use of Waverly stone and brick upper story with white stone trimmings. The roof to be of slate with copper cornices and fixings, no iron to be used. The inside of the building will embrace the better styles of all the modern court houses of the state.
The fact is, Ottawa County is going to have one of the neatest and handsomest Court Houses in the country and one which every citizen will point to with a strong feeling of local pride. The plan can be seen in Baker’s window.
The tug L. D. smith with the Wright in tow put into Muskegon Monday until after the storm subsides.
STATE FIREMEN’S CONVENTION.
The delegates to the State firemen’s convention were, the majority of them at the Opera House promptly at 11:00 o’clock A. M., but it took some time for Secretary Fuller of Lansing to write out the receipts called for by the members. This time was pleasantly put in by the delegates in general social intercourse, and the polishing up of “old acquaintance.”
The association was called to order by President W. P. Perry of Hillsdale, at 11:30 A. M.
On motion of Secretary Tuller, the following committees were appointed:
[The official business and proceedings of the convention have been omitted from the presentation of this article, but are available with the original article on microfilm at Loutit Library.]
The convention was adjourned to 1:00 P. M.
Convention called to order by President Perry at 1:40, who called upon Rev. Peter DeBruyn of the 1st Reformed church who offered prayer.
Mayor Bloecker was introduced and welcomed the convention as follows:
Gentlemen:—It is not very often that we meet a body of men assembled in convention in our city as we meet you gentlemen here today.
We appreciate and feel honored by your action in your last year’s convention for selecting our city as your headquarters for this Columbus year. We therefore greet you and hail you with a hearty welcome in our city.
The object of your association as near as I am informed is not mercenary, but it is for the mutual benefit of knowledge and information of all advantages and improvements in the art of fighting fire, at all times and particularly so when you are assembled in your yearly convention. Therefore gentlemen, I hope that your deliberation and action you take at this meeting be a benefit to yourself, your brethren and to the noble craft you represent here. And we hope the sojourn in our city be a source of pleasure and recreation to you and when you go home that it will be with strength and good health, so you will always be ready when the alarm is sounded to fight your enemy, the fire, fight it successfully at all times, night or day.
Mr. President, again, I hail you with a hearty welcome and in token thereof, I tender to you the freedom of our city for the time you are with us and present you with a key that will unlock every door in our city. Enjoy the freedom to the full extent and should you find a door this key will not unlock, then send in an alarm and I guarantee that our Fire Department will rally to your assistance as quick as any department can respond.
At the close of the address Mayor Bloecker presented the President of the association with a key to the city—a large bronzed key. The president then introduced Chief Palmer of this city who welcomed the firemen. He said the mayor had already presented the key to the city. If they wanted anything, ask me and you shall have it. Pres. Perry then responded in a few well chosen words to the Mayor and Chief Palmer.
He said, “We are banded together to promote the interests of the saving of life and property.” He extended a cordial invitation to the citizens and especially the ladies to attend sessions of their conventions. He complimented Chief Palmer very highly in the course of his remarks.
[Intervening convention business]
At this time an alarm of fire was sounded and the fire boys true to instinct left the house pell mell.
Later they again convened.
Many of the visiting firemen are from the interior of the state, and many have never seen the great inland lake, Michigan. Give the boys a trip down the government pier to the light house and life saving station. If visited today the lake could show them what it can do in the way of making waves in one of its sullen moods.
Show the boys the beauty of Highland Park, the greatest summer and bathing resort on this shore of the lake. Other points of interest about the town are the ship yards, wharves, Hancock’s green houses, the celery farms. The Corn Planter factory, Kit factory, Bloecker’s foundry, Dake works and tannery and other of the big manufacturing institutions would undoubtedly welcome the boys and gladly show them through. Last but not least are the fisheries across the river. What the stockyards are to Chicago the fisheries are to Grand Haven and a visit would repay anyone.
The School Fire.
It now transpires that the incendiary fire at the Jackson St. school yesterday was the work of a pupil of that school named Harry Wescomb. He is enrolled in Miss Cherry’s room. Yesterday he did not come in when school called but remained outside. About 9:30 smoke was noticed coming up through the floor. Miss Cherry went out to the door to give the alarm. She noticed young Wescomb and told him to run to the engine house. He did so and informed Marshal Klaver. The place where the fire originated was investigated. A pile of rubbish was found, some of the material appeared to have been oil soaked. The Wescomb boy was suspected from the first. The Marshal brought the youth before several members of the school board yesterday afternoon and he confessed after some pumping, although at first tried to lay the affair on other pupils.
The boy is only about 12 years of age. His purpose in burning the building seems to have been to get even with the teacher as he expressed it. He was brought before Judge Pagelson this morning but the hearing was adjourned until tomorrow. It is possible that he may be sent to the Reform School.
Besides the 50 or more delegates in attendance at the Firemen’s convention, there were a large number of visiting firemen, swelling the list of visitors to nearly 100.
Secretary Tuller has the key presented to the Firemen’s convention by Mayor Bloecker yesterday, safely packed in his grip to be preserved as a memento.
A party of the Ithaca, Hastings and Hillsdale firemen, chaperoned by Len Fisher visited Hancock’s green houses yesterday morning. They expressed astonishment and delight at the beauties and varieties of flowering plants to be found there.
The ladies of the Presbyterian church wish to thank the visiting firemen and city teamster for the aid extended them in getting boxes, containing goods for the Spring Lake fire sufferers down to the boat.
Harry Wescomb the youth who attempted to burn the Jackson St. school was this morning sent to the Industrial Home for Boys at Lansing until he attains the age of 15 years. He is now 11 years old.
The ladies Aid Society of the Congregational church and their co-laborers yesterday sent three bundles and a box of supplies, one stove, two bedsteads, one table and one basket to the suffers of the fire in Spring Lake, including a valuable bundle of clothing from Akeley College. MRS. SOLMS, Pres.
Yesterday a frightful disaster on Lake Erie carried into eternity seven members of the Cleveland Life Saving crew while attempting to rescue two men who floated down the river on a raft and were carried out into the lake. Both men were drowned. There were eight men of the life-saving crew and only one returned to tell the terrible story.
A load of hay standing on the hay market burned about 8:30 this morning. The load was left in the square by John Connell of the Lake Shore, while he went to Muskegon. The hay and hay rack are a total loss but the wagon is only slightly burned. The load is supposed to have been fired by revelers returning home from the ball who perhaps by some mischance let a cigar fall in the hay.
Hastings Gets the Firemen Next Year.
This morning the convention to order at 8:15 by President Perry. The first topic brought up for consideration was “Are the State Conventions of any advantage and value to the Firemen?” The question was handled by S. C. Despres who stated that the thoughts and hints brought forward at the conventions were of inestimable value to him and he thought to every fireman who attended. He stated that no matter how perfect any department might be, something of value to them could be gleaned from such gatherings.
“What was the best method of selecting good men for the Fire Department?” was the next topic and was discussed by Delegate Bordene, who spoke of the necessary attributes required for the duties.
H. D. Williams of the Homer Department urged the delegates to take notes of all points they thought of value at the different conventions. Mr. Williams thought that by doing this, more interest would be taken at the proceedings.
The topic “What Part Does Electricity Play in Fires?” could not be answered very readily, being somewhat a glimpse of the future.
“What is the best method of electing a fire chief?” was handled in a masterly paper by Delegate Stevenson of Paw Paw, who advocated the old maxim that “Might is Right” and that the majority rules. The speaker was in favor of placing the election of a chief in the hands of the department and not with the city or village council as is sometimes done, because many times the council men would elect only a man of their political persuasion.
Chief O. J. Jackson of Ithaca also spoke on this topic. Mr. Jackson is a humor loving gentleman and seemed to be on good terms with every one of the delegates. He said that he was chief of one of the best volunteer fire departments in the state, but why he was he did not know. “I couldn’t be a truckman,” said Mr. Jackson, “because my feet are too big. I was too clumsy and too much of a coward for a ladder man, and consequently the department not liking to kick me out and not knowing what else to do with me elected me chief. What has kept me at that position, I do not know.” Mr. Jackson then spoke in a more serious vein of a good chief’s requisites. He was loudly applauded.
Geo. L. Grey (our George) of Lapeer, had something to say on this topic also, stated the qualifications of chieftain. Mr. Grey further added to the remarks of the other speakers that a chief should be reliable, trustworthy and a man of notoriety and having influence with his men and fellow citizens.
The committee on resolutions then presented the following report, which was adopted.
To the Officers and Members of the Michigan State fireman’s Association:
GENTLEMEN—We, the members of the State Firemen’s Association in convention assembled, highly appreciate the hospitality and entertainment given us by the citizens and Fire Department of Grand Haven, therefore be it.
Resolved, That we extend sincere thanks to Chief Palmer, Fire Department and Mayor Bloecker, (May their shadows never grow less.) Also the Common Council, members of the Press and citizens in general for the many courtesies and kind consideration to the Association during our visit here.
Respectfully submitted,
T. B. KEYWORTH,
E. A. REMER,
H. W. SILL
The committee on Topics were granted two months in which to report. The secretary read a letter from Fire Marshal Henry Lemoyne asking that S. W. Baxter, assistant fire marshal, be substituted for him at the banquet this evening, and also recommending Lake Michigan water as a beverage for the delegates. The new president, W. F. Sterling, took the chair and the applause from the delegates.
A vote of thanks was then extended to the outgoing officers.
Adjourned.
Several of the firemen delegates stayed over today to accept the hospitality of their newly made acquaintances in this city.
A bill is now before the state legislature to allow saloons to be open on July 4, Labor Day and Washington’s birthday.
Some boys who were fishing in the South channel near the ship yard the other evening noticed men in a boat pulling on nets near them filled with fish. It is stated that the illegal fishermen find a ready market in the city for their catch.
The American Mirror & Glass Beveling Co., have an industry in this city which Grand Haven citizens point to with pride. They have just completed a mirror for a Grand Rapids firm which is one of the largest ever made in America, being 70 by 178 inches in size.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra arrived from Milwaukee on the handsome steamer City of Milwaukee. They breakfasted at the Cutler and left on the 9 o’clock train for Ann Arbor where they play tonight. The Orchestra is scheduled for Detroit tomorrow night.
A St. Louis man contributed $100 to the Spring Lake fire sufferers.
It is only about seven years ago that the safety bicycles were introduced. Now the town of 5000 that does not have 50 riders of them is a poor town indeed.
The bill of Mr. Kline establishing the penalty of death by hanging for the crime of murder established in the first degree, by direct and not circumstantial evidence, passed the house yesterday afternoon by a vote of 56 to 5. Messrs. Hoyt and Norington the Ottawa representatives voted against the bill. Mr. Kline thinks the bill will pass the Senate easily.
Fireman’s Banquet.
A fitting and delightful termination of the two days convention of the Michigan State Firemen’s Association was that last evening at the Cutler House. It was a banquet tendered to the visiting firemen by the fire department of this city. It is to be regretted that the banquet was not given Wednesday evening instead of last night, as the large majority of the visiting delegates had left for their homes on the afternoon trains after the convention had adjourned and not more than twenty-five remained to attend the banquet.
At 9:30 o’clock, about one-hundred banqueters, principally local firemen and citizens, gathered around the banquet board and partook of the following menu, after invocation by Rev. J. H. Bennett of the M. E. church.
BROILED QUAIL on Toast.
Aux Champignons
FROG LEGS, A La Durand
Saratoga Chips
Cold Chicken Ham Sandwiches
Spiced Lamb’s Tongue
BONED TURKEY
Jolly Aux Poires
IMPERIAL PUNCH
Lobster Salad Chicken in Mayonnaise
Imported Sardines Olives
CHAMPAGNE JELLY, Whipped Cream
Cake
VANILLA ICE CREAM
Beside each plate was a handsome souvenir program and men. Speaking began at 10:30 o’clock when Mayor Bloecker arose and presented Prof. E. L. Briggs as toastmaster, whose easy, cheerful style of speech, eminently qualified him for the office. Owing to the absence of Messrs. S. C. Despres, D. Pond, L. A. Bentley and N. H. Lemoyne, several of the most interesting toasts on the program were necessarily omitted.
Geo. McBride responded to the toast “Our Guests” and was followed by W. I. Lillie on “Home Protectors,” H. Y. Potts on the “Fire Bug,” Rev. J. A. Kennedy on “The Responsibilities of a Fireman” and Hon. J. V. B. Goodrich on “Silent Partner.”
D. L. Barber of Lapeer, in behalf of the firemen then thanked the citizens for their kindness and hospitality and stated the reason so many of the delegates had gone home, was that they were mostly representatives of volunteer departments and were paying their own expenses and consequently as soon as the business of the convention was finished, they all tried to get home as soon as possible.
Ex-Senator T. W. Ferry, Rev. J. B. Bennett and Thos. A. Parish then responded to the call of toastmaster by a few impromptu remarks after which the meeting was dispersed.
Many go to see the haunted house when they visit Agnew. It stands still untenanted and rumor says the tall blacksmith is going to vacate the adjoining blacksmith shop as it is haunted too.
Dr. Moss of the electric plant has been applying electricity to rheumatism with great success.
The Columbus St. school has done a very charitable act in contributing $3.25 to the Spring Lake fire funds.
Mr. G. A. Bottje suffered the misfortune of having a chisel fall on his head last night while making shelves in his hardware store. Quite a slit was cut necessitating a few stitches.
Mrs. Harm Poel formally a resident of Grand Haven and well known here, but lately of Grand Rapids has been taken to the Kalamazoo Insane Asylum. It will be remembered that Mr. Poel died some weeks ago.
Grand Haven visitors to the World’s Fair should see the postal exhibit in the government department. A picture of the old black boats upon which the distribution of mail originated, can be seen there also a printed copy of Postmaster General Holt’s order.
Two of the delegates to the Firemen’s convention are still in town.
The Corn Planter’s Co. have two large drays busy now. One requires three horses to draw.
DeGlopper & Jonker shipped to the Alaska Refrigerator Co. of Muskegon today the largest wagon ever made in the city. The work was all done here and is a credit to the firm.
The big wagon shipped to Muskegon today was at first intended to have been shipped by boat but this plan was abandoned as the boat would surely have grounded at the Sawdust harbor with such a load.
The Sunday opening of the World’s Fair grounds has been postponed until next week.
They say that Ruet Wierneger couldn’t catch a fish if he had a net tied to the end of his line.
Ten years ago the now elegant lots owned by Ald. Jos. Koeltz, located on or near the corner of Second and Franklin Sts. Were veritable sand heaps upon which were located a few rickety sheds. Mr. Koeltz purchased one of the lots at that time and by dint of much labor and money, succeeded in filling it in with sand and raising it to a respectable level. He then built his handsome residence. Last year he purchased the old Company F armory, moved it next to his home and converted it into a modern residence. Several weeks ago Mr. Koeltz added to his real estate by purchasing the old Eastman place on Franklin St., the lot of which adjoined his residence lot. The house is being remodeled and repaired, which improvements, when completed will make it one of the most desirable places of residence in the city. The lots mentioned and their buildings which ten years ago could be bought almost for a song are valued in the thousands now, and Mr. Koeltz’s residence property is among the most valuable of the city.
Mr. Haines has formerly opened her ice cream parlor for the season of 1893, and invites the public to call. Next door north of Opera House.
Proclamation by the Mayor.
The 30th day of the present month, commonly called “Decoration Day,” being a legal holiday by law of the State, it is urgently requested that the citizens of Grand Haven abstain from their usual avocations on said day and join with the local post of the G. A. R. in such exercises as may be arranged for a suitable observance of the occasion in grateful memory of our deceased soldiers.
Mayor’s office, May 20th, 1893.
HENRY BLOECKER, Mayor
Baker’s mill will commence running next week with a two months cut ahead. A new smoke stack will be placed on the structure. Baker’s is the only mill now extant of the many that lined the river in this city and Spring Lake in mill days.
Considering the number of murders that occur in Michigan it will probably not be long before the state has its first hanging to chronicle as the bill which just passed the house to that effect will become law undoubtedly. The bill provides for hanging of all murderers who commit crimes deliberately. This does not include those who might Commit murders on the spur of the moment.
[Industrial School at Lansing circa 1910.]
Harry Witcomb, the boy sent to the Industrial Home at Lansing for attempting to burn the Jackson St. school was taken there yesterday by County Agent Wachs but was refuse admittance to the institution because he was not yet 12 years of age. Hence he was brought back home. County Agent Wachs supposed that the bill passed last winter, making the age of admittance 10 years but it seems that it was not made law. The boy is very jubilant over the fine return trip, in fact he is having the laugh at the expense of the County Agent.
“Americans can manufacture as good as plate glass as there is made,” said R. Stallings, secretary and treasurer of the Louisville American Plate Glass company, in Sweet’s yesterday. “In fact, much of the glass that is sold for French plate is American. I have abundant faith in the home industry and am always ready to defend the home product. Of course there is a prejudice against American glass, many persons believing it to be vastly inferior to the foreign article. But this is only prejudice. Some time ago a prominent and well posted furniture manufacturer called at our Grand Haven warerooms and wanted to look over our stock. We keep a supply of American, French and German glass, and he offered to bet with me that he could pick out the different plates at sight. I took him into a section in which we keep nothing but American goods. He began to pick out the French plates. He began to do it and went over the stock. He confessed that it was some times a little difficult to tell whether a stock was American or French, but he believed he had hit it about right. When I told him there wasn’t a foot of French plate glass in that section of the warehouse he refused to believe it, but we succeeded in convincing him. The McKinley bill has done much for American manufacturers and will do more. There is no reason why the plate glass used in America should not be made at home.”—G. R. Herald.
The tug Pacific of the W. D. & D. Tug Co., of Manitowoc brought in a scow from that port today, to be used for Grand Haven crib construction. The Pacific will be often here during the summer for pier work.
Montague has an N. H. Ferry Post, G. A. R. named after Noah H. Ferry.
About $20 has been subscribed in Hudsonville for the Spring Lake fire sufferers.
Joseph Jackson, formerly of this city, is supervising pier construction at Racine.
A citizen suggests that a dance be given within a short time for the benefit of Spring Lake fire sufferers. What’s the matter with closing the social season with a rouser.
In the patent office exhibit in the manufacturer’s building of the World’s Fair, is among a thousand others, a model of a mechanical device by Hiram Pruim, formerly of this city.
A business man suggests that the residents and business men of the city build stone or cement walks in front of their places which would add a more metropolitan appearance and at the same time be nearly as cheap as wooden walks.
Geo. M. Duram and family moved to Grand Haven Monday. They had lived here many years and formed a large circle of friends who were sorry to see them depart. In Grand Haven they will not be among strangers, for they are known there almost as well here. Mr. Duram will continue his business here and also expects to add to it considerably in Grand Haven, Arthur will come home and assist in managing the business. Montague Observer.
Children under twelve years of age can get in to the World’s Fair for twenty-five cents.
One of the wonders of mechanical art at the World’s Fair is the gigantic Ferris wheel located in midway plaisance. This wheel will carry who so ever desires to a height of 280 feet. It was erected at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars, and is to the Columbian Exposition what the Eiffel tower is to the Paris fair.
Jacob Ritzema burst a blood vessel in his leg in his grocery near the C. & W. M. depot this morning. Mr. Ritzema did not feel it at the time, but happened to look down and noticed his shoe covered with blood. He had a sore spot on his leg midway between knee and ankle which he supposed had healed, but it was from there that the blood came. Mr. Ritzema fainted twice at the store while efforts were made to staunch the flow of blood. Recovering somewhat he was put in his delivery wagon and hurried to his room above Enony’s restaurant on Washington St. Here he again fainted and Dr. Hofma was called. The flow of blood was stopped and the wound attended to. He is resting well this afternoon though a little weak form loss of blood.
Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Duncan are attending the World’s Fair.
The chief engineer, U. S. A. has just issued an official bulletin giving the draft of water available at all lake points. The harbors on this shore have the following depth: Charlevoix 18.5; Grand Haven 15; Holland 6.6; Ludington 13.6; Manistee 12.5; Manistique 11; Michigan City 13; Muskegon 12; Pentwater 10.1; Petoskey 14; St. Joe 12.5; Saugatuck 8; South Haven 10; White Lake 8.5. It will be seen that Grand Haven has a far greater depth than any of her lake shore neighbors and twice as much as Holland and Saugatuck. The only ports on the lake that have a greater depth are Calumet 16; Chicago River 16.5; Menominee 16; Milwaukee 17.
Capt. Rueben Vanderhoef has been at Chicago with his little steamer Thomas Friant, for the past two weeks. The Friant plys this summer from the foot of VanBuren St. to Jackson Park. The Capt. States that the trade to the Fair by lake has not yet fully opened up.
The whale back steamer Christopher Columbus which is now in Chicago is considered a wonder among mariners. She made a Sunday excursion trip from Milwaukee to Chicago.
The tug Carrie Ryerson is in with a scowload of spiles for pier construction.
The employees of the Grand Haven Leather Co. raise $50.25 for the Spring Lake fire sufferers.
Snow fell today. Snow covered the ground in this city the 22nd of May, 1882, an old resident says.
A driving rain from the northeast this morning kept most people off the street and wet to the skin those who did venture out.
They say that that young 3d ward barber who attended the excursion Sunday will have to submit to a court martial from the church congregation of which he is a member.
Morning papers announce the burning of the little city of Belding. Fire started in the refrigerator works at midnight last night and soon spread to adjoining property. One-half of the town is doomed.
D. VerWy and Thomas Savidge contested as to who would be first to go over the Spring Lake bridge yesterday. Dick won as he usually does, and is very jubilant in consequence.
Business men on lower Washington St. near the wharves rightly complain because there are no sewer connections there and on a rainy day water accumulates to a depth of several inches in the street.
Mayor Bloecker wishes to inform the citizens that persons desiring to contribute something to the Spring Lake sufferers should leave the articles at the Scofield building in care of marshal Brouwer. After Thursday the room will be closed, so take all contributions before that day.
The Spring Lake bridge was made passable yesterday afternoon and at 5 o’clock D. VerWy crossed over with his team, having the honor of being the first one to do so. Dick can always be found at the front. Mr. VerWy furnished the men at the bridge with a box of cigars today.
Grand Haven liquor dealers have all complied with the law and received the red card for which they pay $500 yearly.
D. VerWy has completed the job of moving Mrs. Walter’s residence in Spring Lake. While working in the village Mr. VerWy purchased a house of Mrs. Savidge which he sold to Chas. Hammond immediately after the fire and moved to his place.
John Stevenson a machinist employed at Bloecker’s foundry died last night at 11 o’clock at his home on Madison St. He was 31 years of age and had lived here for a few months only. He had been sick for the past two weeks with pneumonia. Mr. Stevenson was a member of Muskegon Heights Lodge K. O. T. M. and carried $1000 Life insurance. He leaves a wife and four boys. Funeral will probably occur tomorrow afternoon.
Within the past ten days Sheriff Keppel has arrested two saloon keepers in the county for selling liquor without getting their annual license. The law complied with, and the keeping of a saloon is as legal as any other business. But when a saloonist fails to put up an appearance with the $500 annual tax after a certain date, it is as much a misdemeanor as is larceny. It has been some time since a liquor case has been tried before Ottawa Circuit but there will be at least two next August.
The steamer City of Milwaukee arrived this morning in time to transport her passengers to the early train after a stormy night. Owing to the weather she did not leave Milwaukee until a late hour. The steamer left Milwaukee at 11 o’clock Saturday night for Chicago with a fair load of passengers, returning to Milwaukee yesterday morning at 6 o’clock, experiencing a fine run both ways. The passengers all expressed delight at the brilliancy of the electric lights and the smooth running electric system the boat has.
Relic of Old Vicksburg.
Perkins Post, G. A. R. of Spring Lake has in its possession a rare and interesting relic of the late Rebellion in the shape of a paper called the Vicksburg Citizen, printed July 2, 1863. It is printed on common wall paper and was the last paper published there before the surrender of Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Grant. It was presented to Perkins Post by Comrade Nathan G. Cummins of Grandio, Missouri, who also presented the Post with a copy of the so called Iron Clad Oath. We take the following selections from the Citizen:
[The remainder of this article describing a personal account of the siege of Vicksburg can be seen on microfilm at the Loutit Library.]
The schools of Muskegon celebrate next Thursday as Hackley Day.
What’s the matter with putting the two public fountains in running order?
The family of John Fertch are moving here from Muskegon. Mr. Fertch will be employed in the glass factory.
Why is it that Will Hovey calls at VanSchelven’s meat market at a certain hour every day? Must be an attraction back there.
Don’t be fooled into patronizing foreign advertising fakers who promise to advertise your business on steamboat and railway lines and never do it. H. Potts has made arrangements to distribute all Grand Haven advertising, printed in town, on boat and railway lines leading out of the city, free of expense.
Supt. Briggs has resigned his position as superintendent of our schools and accepted a like position at Coldwater at a salary of $1500 a year. A motion was made at the board meeting last night by Dr. Reynolds and seconded by Geo. Stickney to increase his salary here to $1500, but was lost by the following votes: Ayes – Reynolds and Stickney; Nays – Glerum, VanZanten and VandenBerg. We regret his departure from among us and think the board have made a mistake in not retaining him here.
Speaking of Captain Alex. Nicholson who died in Grand Rapids Monday the G. R. Eagle says: He has three sons following the lakes and all are masters of vessels. Capt. William Nicholson being master of the splendid Goodrich steamer plying on the Chicago-Grand Haven route. He was one of a splendid type of Scotch-American citizens whose labors have helped wonderfully in developing the Great West of twenty to fifty years ago.
Just Like Billy.
The following letter received by the TRIBUNE this morning explains itself.
BUFFALO, N. Y. MAY 22, 1893.—TO EDITOR: DEAR SIR: Please insert in your paper mention of the brave act by one of your citizens, Wm. L. Andres of Grand Haven, who leaped into the river at the mouth of Buffalo harbor and rescued the two daughters of wm. P. Tasker who were capsized from a small boat in mid river. Steps are being taken to reward him with a medal for bravery. He immediately left the spot and what little information we have got we collected from his boat friends. We understand he has relatives in Grand Haven who would be pleased to hear of it.
Respectively,
MR. AND MRS. WM. P. TASKER,
WEST BUFFALO, N. Y.
Still Another.
Wm. F. Willard was brought before Justice Pagelson this afternoon, charged with keeping his saloon at Berlin open, a week ago last Sunday. He waived examination and was bound over to Circuit Court on bail. Willard is well known as a former lumber man here.
O. VanWeelden has disposed of his interest in the schooner Willie Loutit to a Norwegian vessel owner of Milwaukee. Capt. VanWeelden arrived home this morning to seek another berth. The Loutit will trade to Milwaukee in the lumber business under a new captain.
Prof. Briggs to Leave.
Supt. E. L. Briggs of Grand Haven Public Schools after seven years in that capacity has severed his connections here and will next year be Superintendent of the Coldwater schools. Probably no other superintendent of our schools has gained so much affection in the hearts of the school children and parents too, as has Prof. Briggs. Unlike most teachers he has made Grand Haven his home in more senses than one. With unfaltering success he has helped to raise the standard of our schools as high as any in Michigan. Many of the improvements in school work and material during the past seven years were made at his suggestion and the citizens en masse will wish him success in his new field.
Mr. Briggs said this morning that he was loath to leave Grand Haven and that he had considered long before coming to a final decision, but financially and otherwise the field opened to him offered more advantages. Of course Professors are like other individuals and the mere love of a place does not bind them to it forever. Consequently our schools will be looked after by a new superintendent next year.
Liquor Dealers and Bondsmen.
Following are the Ottawa County liquor dealers who have been granted licenses thus far this fiscal year and the bondsmen and the amount of bond money required.
[This list can be found with the above article on microfilm at the Loutit Library.]
Michigan visitors to the World’s Fair can check their baggage and wraps at the state building.
The bill before the state legislature to tax church property has been defeated.
The National Commission has made a final decision to open the World’s Fair Sundays.
Harry Dood and Thomas Slager two Muskegon boys were drowned in the little lake there yesterday.
Anyone having flowers to contribute for decorating soldier’s graves on Memorial day, will please leave them at the Opera House, Monday afternoon. May 29th.
EXECUTIVE COM. W. R. C.
Mrs. T. Stap died this morning at 9 o’clock, aged 68 years after an illness of 18 weeks with cancer of the stomach. She had lived in this city 12 years and leaves two children. Funeral will be held tomorrow forenoon.
It is stated that Miss Lora A. Smith, who has been principal of the High School for nearly fifteen consecutive years, will close her labors in our school at the end of the school year. If the report is true is a matter much to be regretted. Miss Smith, during her long stay here has assiduously and ardently performed the laborious duties incidental to the four highest grades of the schools. Her services will be sorely missed and it will be extremely hard to replace her. Each pupil who has left the High School into the walks of life, has gone with kindly remembrances of Miss Smith and a commencement without her presence will seem very strange indeed.
The Conklin house and store building of Wm. McWilliams burned last night. The fire started in the house. Most of the contents were saved. Both buildings are totally destroyed. Loss about $2,500, with small insurance.
Andy Falls is now running his bus line between Spring Lake and Grand Haven. Bus leaves Spring Lake at 8 and 10 in the morning and at 2 and 4 in the afternoon. Leaves here at 9 and 11 in the morning and at 3 and 5 int. afternoon. Orders left at this office will receive prompt attention.
We learn today that what has been called “The East End Shoe Store” which had been in charge of Henry Meyer, has been attached. We find the facts to be these: that some time ago L. L. Ferris & Co. of Chicago entered into a contract with Mr. Meyer by which they put the stock of goods in said store and Mr. Meyer was to run the store. He was to sell the goods all over and above the invoiced price he was to have as his commission for selling, Ferris & Co. owning the goods. Mr. Meyer was to remit to them the invoice price and out of the profits so made he was to send to Ferris & Co. all the money he could spare and they were to keep it for him so that after a time he would have money enough in their hands to purchase a stock of goods for himself, and he was also from time to time signing accommodation notes for them so that they could endorse them and get money on them, but the notes were not to be in payment of any goods. Meyer was to pay the rent for the building and keep the goods insured for them. During the time Meyer has been running the store he has deposited with Ferris & Co. several hundred dollars and signed several hundred dollars worth of accommodation notes. Ferris & Co. a short time ago failed, and Meyer attached the goods in the store which belonged to Ferris & C. to protect himself.
WARNING!
Notice is hereby given that I and my deputies will arrest any person or persons destroying, pulling up or injuring the sidewalk grade stakes now being put down on some of our streets. Violators will be stringently prosecuted.
A. J. KLAVER, Marshal.
Peter Klaver has completed an artistic sign for Chas. Seligman.
Montague will probably have an electric light system placed in their village.
The C. & W. M. will put on a flyer between Grand Rapids and Chicago that will cover the distance in five hours.
In the post office last evening a lady handed her pocketbook to her little girl and the youngster laying it down for a moment, it was picked up and carried off by a little boy.
Attorney Hunton was unceremoniously hustled out of a Washington St. business place this forenoon by Sheriff Klempel for interfering with the Sheriff’s business. It is probably not necessary to state that he did not return inside. Mr. Hunton threatens to take out a warrant for Sheriff Keppel’s arrest on a charge of assault and battery.
[Besides being a very prominent attorney, David Fletcher Hunton was a remarkable poet, many of his poems were about Grand Haven. His great-great grandson, Christopher Hunton contacted me to help with some research on him and it turned into a very large project in which some ninety of his poems were retrieved from the old Grand Haven Tribunes and elsewhere. they have been digitalized and posted on the Sand Hill City website. These poems along with some biographical information about him can be seen at:
http://www.sandhillcity.com/d_f_hunton.htm ]
Yesterday was “Hackley Day” at Muskegon and was generally observed as a holiday in all the schools, the children taking part in rendering excellent programs in honor of C. H. Hackley. Charley Hackley is doing noble work for humanity, and Muskegon may well feel proud of him.
Monday’s rain put out the Michigan forest fires.
Miss Lora A. Smith will continue as principal in the High School next year.
The School Board at their meeting last night invited Prof. J. B. Esterbrook of Petoskey to take charge of Grand Haven’s schools at a salary of $1400 annually. Mr. Esterbrook will without a doubt accept.
Lella Soule, daughter of Judge Soule broke her arm by falling from a bicycle last evening. The little girl stood the ordeal bravely and nothing serious will result.
There will be several important changes in the corps of teachers in our schools next year. Edward P. Cummings who graduates as a “Lit” from the University of Michigan this year, will take the Eighth grade in the Central Building vice Miss Holsinger. Other changes are: Miss Susie Hooker of Burr Oak, vice Miss Yeomans in Seventh grade, Miss Mary Babbitt of Spring Lake vice Miss Garner in Sixth grade, Miss Julie a. Soule, vice Miss Nellie DeGlopper in third grade.
Prof. J. B. Esterbrook of Petoskey who will be Superintendent of Grand Haven schools next year is a man about Prof. Briggs age and a graduate of Olivet. He has had about 10 years of school experience and was superintendent at Montague two years and at Petoskey the past three years. Mr. Easterbrook was in town yesterday and today.
Death of Cornelius Addison.
Mr. Cornelius Addison died this morning at 8 o’clock at his home on Franklin St. after a lingering illness.
Mr. Addison was born at Dordrecht, Netherlands, 72 years ago, the third day of last April. His early years were spent in the kingdom of the Netherlands and in January, 1849, he was married to Christine Fischer, by Rev. Crusberger. In 1856 Mr. Addison immigrated to America with his family, consisting of his wife and three children, L. C. Addison, Mrs. B. E. Tanner and Mrs. R. E. Misner. They settled at Nunda, in old Livingston Co., New York, and lived there 10 years. In the meantime, C. N. Addison and Mrs. J. D. Duursema were born, also a son John who died in infancy.
In 1866 the family moved to Muskegon, where Fred J. Addison was born. Muskegon was their residence two years when they moved to Fremont, living at the latter town 22 years. Chris Addison was born during their residence there.
Mr. Addison has made his home in Grand Haven since 1888, living a respected useful and Christian life. Always genial and good natured he had a friend in every acquaintance, who join in expressions of sympathy with the family in the departure of a model father, neighbor and friend.
Mr. Addison was a member of the Congregational church of this city, and was a member of the order of the Chosen Friends of Fremont having a life insurance in that order for $1,000.
Funeral Monday afternoon at two o’clock from the Congregational church.
The tug Carrie Ryerson with the scow Bob Rice as consort is carrying timber for Grand Haven pier construction.
[Besides assisting in the construction of the Grand Haven piers during this period, the Carrie Ryerson was later involved in the 1915 Eastland disaster and was the first vessel to the overturned ship to save passengers.]
Sheriff Keppel now owns a valuable Irish setter.
By the death of an uncle in Flint Mrs. E. B. Holmes of this city falls heir to $1,500.
Jerry Boynton is still talking railroad and promises to have it down here shortly.
A representative of the Commercial Bank of Chicago was here yesterday. The Commercial is the bank that attached the Ferris Shoe House, Chicago, and is here looking up the possessions of the defunct company.
Some time ago the matter of laying a water pipe to the [Highland] Park came up in Council and will undoubtedly be passed. But when a resolution to pipe Elliott St. is brought up the Council lays it on the table. If pipes can be laid to the Park why can’t they be on Elliott St.
TAXPAYER.
Waverly Stone Co. will have an exhibit at the World’s Fair.
The toll house was moved on the Spring Lake toll bridge yesterday.
Holland churches will take up a collection for the Spring Lake fire sufferers tomorrow.
Some of the members of the Court House committee conferred with Architect Johnston in Holland today.
The lilacs will not be put out this Decoration Day, something that has not occurred in many years.
Chicago may have its Woman’s Congress at the World’s Fair, but Grand Haven can now boast of an Old Maid’s Club, so it is said. Its second meeting was held at Beech Tree yesterday with six of the ancient damsels in attendance.
A blue racer was killed in Fruitport this week that was 7 feet long.
An amendment providing for an appropriation for $100,000 for lengthening the Muskegon piers was voted down by the state legislature yesterday.
During the past year Marshal Klaver and Night Watch Cook have had barely a day off. At that rate, they have small prospect of seeing the World’s Fair.
EDITOR TRIBUNE: I absolutely deny that I was in anyway interfering with the Sheriff’s business, as you stated in yesterday’s issue of your paper. Your’s &c, D.
F. HUNTON, May 27th, 1893.
A rat attempted to jump through a pane glass in Step’s feed store the other day. It succeeded in breaking the window and getting half way through, but was impaled on the sharp glass and killed.
Hungry Thieves.
Burglars with an appetite entered John Cook’s Corner Grocery some time last night or early this morning. When the store was opened this morning the robbery was discovered. The thieves entered the building through an annex to the main store next to C. Vanzylen’s feed store. A pane of glass had been removed but two doors were in the way before the main door could be reached. A hole was cut through the first door and the latch removed. The second was of double thickness. Marks show that the thieves first attempted to cut through this also but they gave up the effort and pried it open. They undoubtedly had a hard job in prying it open for it was barred by a two by four scantling. Arriving in the grocery, a raid was made on the cash drawer and about $4 taken, much of the coins taken consisted of pennies. After taking what they wanted, the thieves sat down behind a counter and regaled themselves with sardines and oranges. Orange peels in profusion lay behind the counter this morning where the midnight marauders had left them.
Mr. Cook said this morning that besides the money taken from the cash drawer several boxes of cigars were taken. Nothing else is missing. The thieves probably expected more change in the store and disappointed were determined to get a good meal out of the undertaking. Local talent is suspected. Lately Muskegon and North Muskegon groceries have been visited by the same class of thieves who after burglarizing helped themselves to a square meal.
PROGRAM OF MEMORIAL SERVICES.
Grand Haven, May 30, 1893
For the information of those taking part, and the general public, the following Program of Memorial services on the 30th are published:
I. At 8:30 A. M. all comrades of the G. A. R. and other old soldiers and sailors, desirous of marching with the Post, will meet at Post Hall in uniform and with Memorial badges.
II. At 9:00 A. M. sharp, Public Schools will form on Sixth and Washington streets, right on City Hall. Co. F. M. S. T., will form on north side of Washington street with right on 4th street. Weatherwax Post and other old soldiers and sailors at Left of Company F. Highland Tent of Knights of Maccabees on left of Weatherwax Post. German Workingman’s Society on left of Maccabees. The City Band on Washington street in front of City Hall. Weatherwax Relief Corps, Orator, Chaplain, and singers in carriages on Fifth street between Washington and Franklin. Fire Department on Washington with left on Fifth. Citizens in carriages in rear of Fire Department.
The Parade will start at 9:15 sharp, and move down Washington to Second, and by Second street and Lake Avenue to Lake Forest Cemetery and G. A. R. Monument in the following order:
III. 1. City Band.
2. Public School.
3. Co. F., Capt. Pellegrom.
4. Weatherwax Post G. A. R. and old soldiers.
5. Highland Tent of Maccabees.
6. German’s Workingman’s Society.
7. City Fire Department.
8. Weatherwax Relief corps.
9. Orator, Chaplain and Singers in Carriages.
10. Citizens in carriages.
IV. Program at Cemetery.
1. Music by Band, Star Spangled Banner.
2. Reading Memorial Orders by Adjutant.
3. G. A. R. Memorial Services.
4. Music by Vocal Quartette.
5. Prayer by Chaplain, Rev. H. T. Root.
6. Music by Vocal Quartette.
7. Decoration of Memorial and Graves by G. A. R. and W. R. C.
8. Music by vocal Quartette.
9. Oration by Rev. James Kennedy.
10. Music by Band, America.
11. Salute to Dead: fire by detail of Co. F.
12. Benediction by Chaplain.
13. Parade reforms and returns to Washington St. and is dismissed.
All exercises are to be finished by noon.
If the weather shall be wet, graves will be decorated by detail and the Oration and other exercises will be held at Co. F. Opera House, and the Parade dispensed with.
The Beech Tree school has nearly 60 pupils enrolled.
Ground was broken today for W. I. Lillie’s new residence, corner of Franklin and 2nd Sts.
Prof. J. H. Esterbrook of Petoskey has announced his acceptance as Superintendent of Grand Haven schools next year.
Supervisor Elbert Lynn of Tallmadge is in town today. Mr. Lynn says that for high water on Grand River this year takes the lead. Apples are a failure in his section.
A prominent fruit grower says there will be few apples in this vicinity this year as very few trees are blossoming. Peaches and other fruits there will be plenty.
The strawberry season will be here later than ordinary seasons this year because of the extreme cold spring. The season will be at its height the 4th of July. Of course the delicious little fruit will receive a right warm welcome.
Robt. Convey will attend the Grand Rapids bicycle race tomorrow. John Bryce and Ford Dake will probably go also.
Nearly fifty horses are being used at the Muskegon trotting park. Driver C. E. Bidlack of Spring Lake has a large string. Among them a 4 year old green pacer belonging to Henry Sprick; Crepe McNett, 6 year old record 2:28 belonging to Dr. McNett; Chas. Ellis, 5 year record 2:27½ owned by Chas. Higgins of Coopersville; Frank Ryadyk, nine year old record 2:32½ belonging to D. W. Ainsworth of Spring Lake. Also colts Sweet Air and Robby Adair belonging to Thos. Savidge; a 3 year old mare by Empire belonging to H. F. Harbeck of Spring Lake, and a 3 year old of his won aired by H. J. S. Bonnie M. George 2:30 and Geo. St. Claire 2:15½ will be added to the string in June. Mr. Bidlack is the possessor of a pneumatic sulky weighing 52 pounds, which he uses on the track.
Dwight Cutler jr. is home from the Pacific coast.
Tomorrow being a legal holiday, the TRIBUNE will not be issued.
All the grocery stores in the city will be closed tomorrow the entire day.
It has been several years since Grand Haven was visited by a first class circus.
It seems strange that in the four blocks on Washington St. from 2nd St. to the river, there has not been a grocery store for many years.
An Italian was taken in tow by Marshal Klaver today for selling trinkets without a license. He was taken before Justice Angel and got a license for the day.
The F. & P. M. boats run aground every time they enter Benton Harbor.
The steamer Valley City will make its first trip down the river next Thursday.
The hull of the wrecking tug A. J. Wright presents a rather dilapidated appearance at present, but it will not take too long to make repairs. Her hull is damaged but very little, only the upper works being burned off. She is big enough to make a first class wrecking tug and with a 24x36 engine will be the best wrecker in this part of the lakes. A gang of men are already at work on her and she will be got ready to go into commission as soon as possible.—Sturgeon Bay Dem.
Twenty-two Junes
The Chief of the Weather Bureau directs the publication of the following data, compiled from the record of observations for the month June taken at this station for a period of 22 years. It is believed that the facts thus set forth will prove of interest to the public, as well as the special student, showing as they do the average and extreme conditions of the more important meteorological elements ad the range within such variations may be expected to keep during any corresponding month.
TEMPERATURE
Mean or normal temperature, 68°; the warmest June was that of 1873, with an average of 69°; the coldest June was that of 1889, with an average of 59°; the highest temperature during any June was 96° on June 18, 1888; the lowest temperature during any June was 39° on June 2, 1888; average date on which last “killing” frost occurred (in spring), May 1.
PRECIPITATION.
(rain and snow)
Average for the month, 4.10 inches; average number of days with .01 of an inch or more, 9, the greatest monthly precipitation was 9.35 inches in 1876; the least monthly precipitation was .55 inches in 1887, the greatest amount of precipitation recorded in any 24 consecutive hours was 2.65 inches on June 23 and 24, 1871.
CLOUDS AND WEATHER.
Average number of cloudless days, 9; average number of partly cloudy days, 14; average number of cloudy days, 7.
WIND.
The prevailing winds have been from the southwest; the highest velocity of wind during any June was 48 miles in 1876 and 1879.
Lawn tennis season is near at hand.
Henry Pellegrom caught a large lawyer at the north pier yesterday.
Get up early and take advantage of the fine fishing at the piers.
Jacob Baar caught the first black bass of the season at the piers yesterday morning.
Henry Pellegrom has the record for catching the largest black bass of the season, weighing 3 pounds.
It was one of the most beautiful and sunshiney Decoration Days we have had in many a year.
Sheriff Keppel received a telephone message this morning stating that Eastmanville Post Office was burglarized last night. He left for there to investigate.
Spring Lake’s new chemical engine for which the village paid $1200, arrived from Chicago this morning. It was to be tested this afternoon and a building set afire for that purpose.
John DeSpelder of this city served four years under Gen’s Rosencranz [Rosecrans] and Sherman. He participated in the Battle of Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta and Savannah and many minor engagements. He lost an arm at Savannah.
Baker’s mill will begin operations for the summer this week.
Carpenters from cities on the other side of the state come to Grand Haven for work. That speaks well for Grand Haven.
Contractor A. VerBerkmoes will superintend the building of Dwight Sheldon’s new residence on Washington St. The plans are by architect Robinson of Grand Rapids. The house will consist of two wings, each 16x32 feet, an 8 foot basement, and two stories above. The dimensions of the kitchen will be 18x18 feet. All inside work is to be of oak and the residence will be heated by a furnace. When completed it will be one of the finest homes in town.
We understand that a collection amounting to fifty dollars, was taken in the first Reformed church Sunday for Spring Lake fire sufferers. The Reformed church people did well but can the people of Grand Haven as a whole say as much. Compared with Holland’s gift we have done very little for our neighboring village. Why would it not be a good plan for all the churches to take up a like collection.
Decoration Day in Grand Haven.
Decoration Day was observed by a majority of or citizens in various ways yesterday. Everybody took a holiday and very few business places were open. The day dawned bright and warm and was such a one as we have not had in many a year. Strangely enough, rain has marred many of our past Memorial Days, but yesterday there was not a cloud in the sky.
The procession formed at 9 o’clock at the City Hall. The City Band led the way flowed by 800 school children in charge of Supt. Briggs; Co. F, and Weatherwax Post, G. A. R., 40 strong, were next in line. The Mayor, Common Council, Firemen, Relief Corps, and other citizens in carriages followed in the rear.
At beautiful Lake Forest cemetery the exercises took place as follows:
Music by Band, Star Spangled Banner.
Reading by Memorial Orders by Adjutant.
G. A. R. Memorial Service
Music by Vocal Quartette.
Decoration of Monument and Graves by G. A. R. and W. R. C.
Music by Vocal Quartette.
Oration by Rev. James A. Kennedy.
Music by Band, America.
Salute to Dead, firing by detail of Co. F.
Benediction by Chaplain.
Rev. Kennedy’s oration had a patriotic ring to it. He spoke of the valor of the G. A. R. on the bloody fields of the Rebellion and urged that pensions are now due them as the government’s debt for their heroic work in the years 1861-1865. “The man who begrudges the old soldier his pension” said Kennedy, “I think would be condemned by the people of Grand Haven and elsewhere.” Mr. Kennedy also spoke of the great sacrifices made by the boys in blue when leaving for the war; of parents and families left behind, perhaps never to see again.
After the exercises the crowd dispersed, many of them to decorate and beautify the graves of their own beloved dead.
The holiday weather was taken advantage of by a large number who spent the day in boating, fishing and other sports. As early as 4 o’clock in the morning, 90 people by actual count, were fishing at the piers. Perch bit vigorously and a great number of the gamey black bass were pulled in also.
The steamer A. B. Taylor arrived at noon from Muskegon with an excursion. At 1:30 and excursion of several mile in the lake was made by that boat and was largely attended.
Decoration Day is becoming more and more a popular holiday and in a quiet and unostentatious way is observed by the majority of the people.
Suicide in Mid Lake.
Jacob Fees of Grand Ledge, Eaton Co, suicided by jumping into Lake Michigan from the steamer Atlanta 40 miles off this port at midnight Monday night. It was not known here until the steamer Atlanta arrived from Chicago on her return trip this morning. It seems that he left a card with his name written on, in his room in the boat and also left what money he had there. He then jumped over the side of the steamer, but was detected by the watchman.
The Atlanta was stopped, the small boat lowered and a search made for the unfortunate’s body. After laying to for 20 minutes the steamer resumed her course without finding a trace of it.
It is thought that Fess took passage on the Atlanta from Grand Haven. No one seems to know him here and a search of the hotels failed to find his name on any of the registers. No cause was assigned. Fess calculated well in his suicide as the boat was many yards away before it could be stopped.
The sailing yacht Blanca of Montague was here yesterday.
The steamer, City of Charlevoix, recently had a narrow escape from a serious accident at Frankfort. She was making the turn into the channel on her course out of the harbor, and had her helm hard aport, when the wheel chain broke. She became unmanageable and before her speed could be checked, struck the Government pier near the Life Saving Station. Little damage was inflicted on the steamer.
The schooner Trixie of South Haven was in port yesterday.
A Grand Haven man is negotiating the purchase of the little steamer Antelope of Capt. Cobb. He intends running her on Mona Lake between the railroad stations and the resorts, and will be given a five year privilege to run boats on that lake.
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