February 23, 2005
Herald news ... 100 years ago
By Emma Jane Muir
Special to the Herald
- The tops of the desks and tables of the furnishings for the new Carnegie library arrived Friday and the force of workmen were busy Saturday placing them so the delayed removal of the city library can take place. A practical librarian from Chicago will arrive soon to instruct the city force in the matter of classifying fiction books, heretofore not being observed.
- The cold weather record for the winter was broken last Monday night with the mercury taking a drop down to twelve below zero. It began its upward ascent Tuesday and continued almost all day. Though the winter has been mild, the ground is now frozen to the depth of four and one-half feet, the same distance as last winter. Jack Frost got in his usual licks and several water pipes are out of commission.
- Vina, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Taylor of South Mayfield, died unexpectedly last Wednesday evening of heart disease, age 19 years, 6 months and 18 days. She was about to retire and was sitting on the edge of the bed when she suddenly fell to the floor and expired before her mother could reach her side. Vina was a good, Christian girl and to know her was to love her. She will be greatly missed.
- There is a sentiment being agitated throughout the state in reference to the establishment of a juvenile court for the trial of young offenders. County Agent Smith, who has the unpleasant duty often of seeing youngsters who are not out of their knee breeches, tried in a court in company with criminals of all kinds is busily engaged circulating a petition for the establishment of such a court. A committee is now before the legislature and indications are that something will result from the movement.
- The Pere Marquette train service suffered severely Friday from the storm center and though the regular service was kept up, all trains were from one to three hours late. The afternoon train from the south, double headed and both engines were imbedded in a monster ice sack which had gradually climbed up the cow catcher in front until it enveloped the headlight and wound round the smokestack like a winding sheet.
- Charles H. Broadfoot and Miss Orma M. LaFontsee were married last Wednesday by Rev. Fr. Bauer at the priest's house in a very quiet affair witnessed only by the bridesmaid and the groomsman. The groom, who is one of the city's most popular young men, had intended to keep the happy affair a close secret but he hadn't taken into account the watchfulness of his close friends, Allen Smith and Duncan McLaughlin. While the surprise was disconcerting, it was none the less pleasant when the two men borrowed the coats of the carriage drivers, took their places and drove the bride and groom on a route far different from that scheduled.
- Ed Lautner, who attended the stewards' meeting in Bay City last week, has reported that no satisfactory arrangements could be made for the regular racing circuit meets this coming summer. Arrangements are now being made to have a fast meet here immediately following the races at Cadillac. Another big meet will be arranged later making the outlook more than bright for lovers of the sport.
- Mrs. Lotta Vanderlip, a resident of East Bay, is getting to be quite a violinist. She is taking lessons of Professor Horst of this place and has participated in several recitals throughout the past year.
- The Traverse City Elks have fixed the date of March 7th for their annual charity ball and it is a foregone conclusion that this will be one of the finest social events in the city and one which will net a handsome sum to be devoted to charitable events. Heretofore the expense of the charity ball has been paid from receipts and often the proceeds to be devoted to charity have been very meager.
- S. F. Saxton of Saxton Hardware Company is very much interested in an immense clay bed located on the property now being cleared of timber by the Kelley Lumber and Shingle Company. Many years ago in the vicinity of this land, there was a brick making plant which was abandoned when there was little brick to be used at that time. An expert from Indiana has tested it and pronounced it "potter's clay" of a high quality. Mr. Saxton has hopes of the ultimate establishment of an industry which will be of considerable importance to Traverse City.
- Willie Griffin, the young boy burglar, was arraigned in court last Thursday and the court is desirous of finding some suitable person who can act in the capacity of parole officer rather than send the youth to the reformatory. Judge Mayne will hold the case in abeyance awaiting someone who would take the boy and suggests that farm or even delivery work be considered suitable.
- Advice on deportment. In formal calls a gentleman asks to see all the ladies of the family.
- Medical advice of a century ago. Moon and star gazing are bad for delicate persons.
- Best buy of the week. Fancy Mackinaw Trout, 9 cents a pound, Elgin C. Lewis - The Cash Grocer.