January 26, 2000
Herald news ... 100 years ago
By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald
- This city narrowly escaped a disastrous conflagration Wednesday morning and only for the desperate efforts of the fireman and willing helpers, the entire north side of Front Street from Steinberg's Grand Opera House to Cass Street would have been swept away by the flames. Four frame buildings were totally destroyed and two more were badly damaged. The loss will approximate $18,000.
- Hon. James L. Gibbs died at his home in Mayfield yesterday, after being stricken with paralysis several days ago. There was hope he would recover, but his condition did not improve materially and the end came suddenly and peacefully. Mr. Gibbs served with success in every work in life. He had held a number of political offices, owned several businesses and was an involved member of the Baptist church. His loss will be keenly felt in all circles.
- H. L. Carter has been rearranging his undertaking establishment to a considerable extent and greatly improved its appearance. He has portioned off a room and has had it neatly papered and lighted by electricity. This will be used as a sample and sales room with two long rows of large caskets arranged on pedestals and smaller ones placed along the sides. The total: 64 caskets .
- A party was given Monday night on Franklin Street in honor of Walter Haynes, a popular member of the Crescent Band. The young men, with their young ladies, gave their comrade a farewell party at which games were enjoyed, refreshments served and several tokens left for their esteem of Mr. Haynes. The honored guest leaves Friday for Elkhart, Indiana where he will enter a school which manufactures musical instruments.
- Father Bauer of St. Francis church has been energetic for many years in the building up and general prosperity of that church and now encourages an improvement and enlargement of that edifice. There has been some opposition to this project mounted by Catholics living on the west side who are Bohemians, Poles, French and Germans and do not speak English. They wish a church in which services shall be conducted in other languages.
- The second series of pedro parties given by the K. O. T. M. at Grawn began last Saturday evening. Six parties are to be given, a prize to be awarded to the one winning the most games during the series. This has been a most popular affair in the past and will be well attended.
- The quarterly meeting of the Board of County Poor Superintendents was held yesterday. The board reports there are few people in the county who are actually in need of county assistance, but those who are in need are being cared for properly.
- The largest load of logs taken to Duck Lake this winter was drawn by W. Cox, 1,500 feet of elm. Although, this is a substantial amount, it does not match the load of 3,000 feet of hard maple drawn by Ed Broadway at that place last year.
- The researches state tax commissioner, Oakman performed while in Traverse City recently, shows some interesting developments with the tax rolls of our own city, the county and other cities in this vicinity. Mr. Oakman reports that the mills and factories are assessed at about one third of their actual value and that all the counties in the area are paying far less than they should to the state.
- One of the most delightful entertainment's of the season was the old-fashioned party given by Pipe Organ Division No. 3 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Bracken last evening. There were nearly a hundred present. A delightful program was given in which an old-time melodeon played no small part. Refreshments included coffee, crullers, pumpkin pie and cheese.
- Frank Jameson narrowly escaped very serious injury Friday last. The horse he was driving took fright near Front and Park Streets and in trying to control him, the bridle broke. Frank was thrown from the cutter and when the animal turned into Germaine's barn, fell upon a small hydrant which entered his abdomen. He was terribly torn and has since died of his injuries.
- Advice on deportment. The young man in society can, by many little attentions to others, place himself on record as an exponent of a true gentleman.
- Medical advice of a century ago. Medically speaking, snuffing, smoking and chewing tobacco are all abominably unwholesome.
- Best buy of the week. Century Cookbook. 368 pages of valuable cooking receipts, also treatises on the labor of the kitchen and laundry. 15 lion heads and a 2-cent stamp. Lion Coffee.