May 10, 2000

Herald news ... 100 years ago

By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald
      - The contract for the vault fixtures at the new courthouse was awarded to Ihling Bros. & Evard of Kalamazoo by the building committee Saturday last. The price of the contract is $850.
      - W. A. Dean is preparing plans for a $4,000 residence for Frank Hamilton to be erected on his property at the corner of Washington and Franklin Streets. It will be quite a handsome building and add nicely to that neighborhood of fine homes.
      - Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Richards had an unusual and not very pleasant experience Tuesday night. They had gone to Mayfield to gather arbutus about dark and became lost. They were compelled to spend the night in the woods and as they had no matches with which to build a fire, suffered considerable discomfort.
      - The son of Mr. LeZotta, who lives at Interlochen, fell into the lake while running logs and was unable to get out till he was wet through and somewhat exhausted. He didn't require the help of those nearby, but he did require a change of clothes.
      - The ladies of Mabel sprang a surprise on Mrs. Martha Seeley last Thursday, it being her 61st birthday. All report a very enjoyable time.
      - Martin Vanderhoof, of South Boardman, received good news this week when he was notified that his pension has been increased to $12 a month. This will be a worthwhile benefit to help with his living expenses.
      - A fine funeral car for the Michigan Burial Co. of this city was brought by the steamer Illinois last week. It is one of the finest in the state and is a very expensive one. A casket wagon was also received recently and both will be used in the work of the company in its Front Street location..
      - Hon. J. W. Milliken has bought the McRae property on Cass Street, opposite the engine house, paying $50 per front foot. Mr. Milliken will, in the future, build an addition to his present structure, thus covering his entire lot back to the alley. This is necessary to make more room for his largely increased trade.
      - The Traverse City Rod and Gun Club has received two settings of eggs of the Mongolian pheasant which is intended to introduce this game bird into the region. The eggs will be set by A. Perny and when hatched, will be kept and cared for until at least a year when they are turned loose to shift for themselves.
      - A light rain last evening was a very welcome relief to many, as the forest fires have been raging for the past week and have already done considerable damage to timber and threatened other property. Monday, the city was enveloped in a pall of dense smoke which became very disagreeable. The flying ciders and burnt leaves gave strong evidence if close proximity. Chief Rennie and a large force of men went to work by the cemetery and were successful in heading off the advancing fires.
      - Clement and Emma Pierce, of Kingsley, are mourning the loss of their young son who died Sunday or spinal meningitis, at the age of 8 years, 9 months and 21 days. He was buried in the Evergreen cemetery.
      - Advice on deportment. It has been well said that "the mother's heart is the children's schoolroom".
      - Medical advice of a century ago. The studious ought to have stated times for exercise, at least two or three hours day.
      - Best buy of the week. One open buggy, in good condition, price $20.00 at B. J. Morgan