July 11, 2001

Herald news ... 100 years ago

By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald
       - The first Fourth of July of the twentieth century carried a stronger sentiment of liberty than ever before because of the fact that the nation had survived more than a century and reached beyond the seas to an extent never dreamed of by the framers of the independence document. While there was no celebration to any extent in this city, the residents, however, participated in numerous patriotic demonstrations at various points helping the eagle scream loud and long. About 500 people boarded the "Columbia" for Northport to observe the festivities at that place. On account of the muddiness of the streets here, the usual games could not be pulled off, but two bands provided music and the ball game offered another amusement.
      - A shooting affair took place last evening in the rear of Bert Ellis' saloon which aroused much excitement and came very near being a tragedy. Several stories are afloat today as to the actual composition of the event. It has been reported that Frank Tharp came to the rear of the saloon, rapped at the back door to be let in, but seeing that Mr. Tharp was already "full", Mr. Ellis refused him entry. Mr. Tharp then threatened to kick down the door and subsequently fired two shots, both missing their intended mark.
      - Edwin H. Pierce, a faithful and well-liked employee of the Hanna & Lay Mercantile Co., died Wednesday last at his home of pleuro-pneumonia. Mr. Pierce had given up his work in the drug department just a week before, though he had not been well for some time. He was forty years of age and leaves a widow and two daughters.
      - The three-year-old son of John Webster of Monroe Center had his arm broken yesterday while playing in a yard with some other children and a number of calves. It is not known whether it was the children or the calves caused the accident. Dr. Anderson was called upon to reduce the fracture.
      - A. P. Gray, who lives on the peninsula, received a dispatch Sunday from Mt. Morris stating that his daughter has been stricken with a mental affliction. Miss Gray has been at that place assisting her sister in the care of the woman's husband who is suffering from typhoid fever. Mr. Gray will leave today to bring his daughter home.
      - Herman Weizenberg has disappeared from his home in Long Lake township and left a wife and young children to look after themselves. He left July 2nd and a few days later, a cousin received a letter dated July 4 confirming his departure and stating he would not return until he had made his fortune.
      - George Lardie is shipping three refrigerator cars of 1000 crates of cherries to Chicago every week. There is a fine crop this year and good prices are being paid ranging from $1 to $1.50 a crate, the latter being for the best sweet cherries.
      - A. W. Bushee, a carpenter who was working on a new residence on West Tenth Street, fell off the roof Monday when the platform gave away. He was unconscious for some time and it is feared he may have sustained some internal injuries.
      - Early Thursday morning the barn belonging to Joseph Girard was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The fire had been burning about an hour before being discovered, however, the family reached the building just in time to save the horses and a few of the farm implements from the flames. The loss is about $500 and there is no insurance.
      - Fred Pierson was slightly injured on the Fourth by the explosion of a cannon fire cracker. Others who suffered injuries by the same explosive device were: Cuy Hall, Frank Daniels, and Bennie Robertson. The most serious accident happened to Lay Ruby whose hand was shattered by the explosion of a giant firecracker
      - Advice on deportment. If you spill coffee or tea, do not apologize. It is understood that you did not do it intentionally.
      - Medical advice of a century ago. To treat the bite of a mad dog, mix ashes of oak with hog's lard, and anoint the part as soon as possible; repeat twice or thrice at six-hour interventions.
      - Best buy of the week. Traverse City State Bank will issue Time Certificates at 3 percent per annum.