February 20, 2002

Herald news ... 100 years ago

By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald
       - The committee on claims and accounts of the board of supervisors is buried in bills, the total of which are way up into the thousands. The committee has the big knife out on the table and just how vigorously they will use it, remains to be seen. The principal bills are those relative to the smallpox cases. The largest case of fighting the disease has been at Interlochen where Dr. Willett cared for the victims with many visits to each. His documentation is 25 pages and the total of the bill is $2,785.50.
      - About forty friends of the late Mrs. M. K. Buck spent a memorial afternoon at the home of Mrs. J. W. Milliken Friday which was full of sweet and tender memories of the departed friend. Her daughter, Louise, read poems and other writings which her mother had written, many of which showed the tenderness and deep religious feeling which she demonstrated throughout her life.
      - The Christian Endeavor society of the Friends church and a number of their friends were delightfully entertained last week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jeffries on Division Street with a valentine social. Readings, games and pretty desserts contributed to the enjoyment.
      - Peter Wurzburg has returned from Port Huron where he attended the meeting of the Michigan Racing Circuit Association. He secured the admission of Traverse City into the circuit and it heads the list with the dates being July 1 to 4. Local horsemen are greatly pleased and promise the finest race meet ever seen in northern Michigan.
      - Miss Rozella Vogelsong, one of the teachers at Oak Park School, entertained her fellow teachers February 13th with a delightful five o'clock dinner at her home on Washington Street. The house was prettily decorated in red and white and the refreshments were delicious. Before departing, the guests left some beautiful reminders of their esteem for the hostess.
      - J. W. Milliken, E. J. Fulghum and C. L. Grelick of the board of water commissions, accompanied by Supt. H. O. Joynt, have returned from visiting several cities for the purpose of inspecting various water works systems. They are agreed their trip was very profitable and that the information they gained will be of value to the city.
      - Herman Wiegand, chemist, has been in Bay City several weeks in the interest of the proposed starch factory at that place. He reports that the people have been slow in showing an interest in such a business but believes they may change their minds when they learn it is proving to be a great financial success in many places.
      - Mrs. Dan Loudon entertained the Ladies' Library association Thursday afternoon at a very delightful social held in the library parlors. Her fine Scotch readings were greatly enjoyed by the 50 ladies present who had brought their fancy work, prepared to spend a pleasant time. Doughnuts and coffee were served.
      - The weather has been cold and stormy most of the week with plenty of snow and there is more coming. Some of the roads outside the city are impassable again, being full of drifted snow.
      - Some of the merchants complain that the quarantine of the asylum has caused a slowdown in business, particularly in certain lines. As some three hundred persons work at that institution and spend their money here, it is not strange that city business should be affected. The situation provides an illustration of the value of the asylum and shows also that about $10,000 a month circulates in the city.
      - W. A. Dean is drawing plans for five pretty and commodious cottages for Mrs. C. Germaine to be erected on State Street and Boardman Avenue. This is very desirable property and finely located for residences. The cottages will each have about seven rooms, contain modern appointments and cost about $1,000 each.
      - Advice on deportment. Chief among things to avoid at the theater is whispering audibly or laughing during the performance.
      - Medical advice of a century ago. If the pain is very severe with cholera morbus, i. e. flux and vomiting of bile, steep the belly with flannels dipped in spirits and water.
      - Best buy of the week. High grade, high arm sewing machine guaranteed for 10 years, $7.50 at J. W. Slater House Furnishing Co.