June 19, 2002
Herald news ... 100 years ago
By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald
- The underground system of the Citizens' Telephone Co. is rapidly nearing completion and the last of the job should be done by next week. The work includes about 30,000 feet of ducts for the underground cables and about 35 manholes. Total cost is $18,000.
- George Wilkins, janitor of the Masonic block, was suddenly stricken with paralysis Monday morning while at work in the basement of the building. Dr. W. E. Moon was summoned and took Mr. Wilkins to his home for the necessary care. His right side is completely paralyzed and he is deprived of speech.
- Rev. Mr. Laufman delivered his stereoptican lecture last week to a crowded house at Kingsley. The lecture was the first of the kind ever given in that village and was enthusiastically received.
- The case of the Superintendents of the Poor vs. Edward Helfrich, et el. was taken up in circuit court Monday morning. This is a suit in which it is sought to compel the defendant to contribute $5 per week for the support of their mother who, it is said, holds a life lease to the farm of 102 acres on which the principal defendant lives.
- The Wallace circus, which exhibits regularly in Traverse City, was damaged by a tornado at Sturgis last week to the extent of $5,000. The tent was leveled and the poles broken like matches. A large number of horses broke loose and with the screams and roars of the wild animals, there was considerable panic among the 2,000 in attendance. A number of ladies fainted, making the work of the people who maintained their wits most laborious.
- A preliminary meeting for the organization of a musical society was held at the home of Mrs. E. T. Brinkman Friday morning. It is hoped to make this a permanent musicale and a meeting to perfect the association has been planned with Mrs. Brinkman June 20th.
- The residence of George Dago in Fernwood was struck by lightning Saturday evening and though no one was hurt, it was a narrow escape. It was found, on investigation, that the lightning had landed on the smokejack that runs from the chimney, but passed through a wire to the roof, a corner of the house through the plaster, jumped to the bed, then through a wall into the kitchen where some boards were ripped up, then into the ground. It was fortunate the family hadn't retired for the night.
- Our correspondent at Long Lake reports that residents around that place have already heard the hum of mowers. All the crops, but corn are fine, but some warmer days would help that nicely.
- Col. S. A. Smith arrived from Jackson yesterday to take charge of the hotel at Neahtawanta. The colonel looks as well and is as jolly as ever and his friends hereabouts will be glad to have him back. He is up to the ears in business, preparing for a big crowd at the resort this summer.
- The baseball team at Williamsburg has got into a very bad habit of winning games which they seem powerless to break. Much to the surprise of many Traverse City people, they beat the Queen City team Saturday in a seven inning game in the rain, 9 to 8.
- The mentally disordered man who escaped from the G. R. & I. train Friday at Westminister was recaptured the following day and brought in on the afternoon train. The men who were after him thought they had him Friday evening, but he escaped again. He seemed to be none the worse for his risky jump and ramble through the woods.
- Advice on deportment. A gentleman in society is always ready to offer services to ladies, especially to those who are not gifted with much beauty or are not young.
- Medical advice of a century ago. To treat weak eyes, wash the head daily with cold water.
- Best buy of the week. 25% discount on all trimmed hats for strolling and outing purposes at E. Wilhelm.