Lake County Headline News in the Reed City Clarion
Compiled by Shanna Avery [email protected]
Aug. 6, 1886
Swept by flames the Village of Baldwin loses its business center in Baldwin Michigan August 2, at 3:00 this morning.
Telephones in Chase
Jul. 25, 1900
-This town will soon have telephone connections with the outside world, through the Michigan telephone company.
-Michigan telephone Company seems to mean business for besides having the poles on the ground and part of them set they also have a couple car loads of other supplies in the Freight House here.
Aug. 1, 1900
-Telephone company in town setting up poles nearly to Nirvana. Soon Chase will be saying hello to the outside world. Several of the Chase Boys are now employed by the the telephone Company.
Sep. 19, 1900
-The phone Company is now ready for business. The office is located at Barnes Store and works finely.
May 28, 1902
-Graduating Class: The following received Diplomas upon graduation from Chase School: Addie M. Thorton, Estella L. Field, Lena E. Nelson, Carrie E. Kadwell, W. Russel Gordon, Franklin Crager.
Feb. 3, 1904
It is said that about $30,000 was taken in at Lansing for lands sold in Lake County last week.
Mar. 27, 1907
The Lake County School Commissioner Fight
W. C. Giberson of Baldwin, was in town, Tuesday, on his way to the northern part of Lake County on his campaigning tour for the office of School Commissioner of that county. To a Clarion reporter he said things looked very bright for him in Lake County. Mr. Giberson has held a 1st. grade endorsed certificate in Lake County, has taught school seven years. Principal in the Baldwin school in 1898, 1899 and 1900 and was asked to come back into the school in 1902 and 1903 to straighten school out of a tangle. Mr. Giberson will not be in business if he is elected, but will give his entire time and attention to the office and to school work. He s a hustling young Republican, 28 years old, and has attended Alma college and the Ferris Institute at Big Rapids. The way it looks to people outside of Lake County, is for the voters to cast their votes for W. C. Giberson of Baldwin, for School Commissioner.
Oct. 2, 1907
The Wagon Automobile.
One of the greatest attractions of the Fair was the wagon automobile, made by Mr. Tolmy Hill of Forman, Lake County. It was the attraction and wonderment of all, on account of its crudeness in construction. Mr. Hill first conceived the idea of constructing something of this kind about a years ago, and he had never seen but one automobile, and did not examine that. He first secured a 3 horse marine engine made in Cleveland, Ohio. He then took his heavy one horse wagon, and arranged his engine and gasoline tanks onto it. The steering wheel was a freight car break wheel, the frame work is of two inch gas pipe and used as a water tank, with 2x4 joist as bracers to the whole concern. He uses an ice cream freezer for a smoke stack, while his lever is a stick cut from a jack pine tree. It generates its own electricity enough to run two 4 candle lights, besides electricity to run itself. While it is used as an automobile, it is also used as a wood sawing machine. Mr. Hill says on a good road he can make 15 miles an hour.
During the Fair Mr. Hill had a rushing passenger traffic business. He had the honor of giving Governor Fred M. Warner, Lieutenant Governor Patrick Kelley, Congressman Chas. E. Townsend, Denny Alward, Isaac Grant, "Ren." Barker and others a ride in this celebrated wagon automobile. In the construction of which Mr. Hill displayed as much mechanical and inventive ingenuity as is displayed on the finest automobile.
Mr. Hill now has a deal on to take his machine to Chicago in a few days.
Jul. 1, 1908
For Sheriff
George W. Bates, candidate for Sheriff from Pinora Township, was in town, Monday and Tuesday, looking after his campaign. Baldwin has come to know Mr. Bates quite well during the past three years in which he has represented his township as supervisor. All have found him conscientious and unassuming and he possesses the qualities that have won him many friends here who will aid him in his campaign. Mr. Bates is a successful farmer, a life-long Republican, but not a politician, this being the first request for any office.---Lake County Star.
Geo. Bates, supervisor of Pinora township, is a candidate for the nomination as sheriff on the Republican ticket in Lake County. Mr. Bates is a comparatively young man, of apparently strong, vigorous physique. He has been a life-long Republican and is prominent in his township and popular with his acquaintances in the county. Besides being supervisor of the township, he has been Justice of the Peace, three years: School Director, seven years: and Venerable Consul of the Woodmen for five years. He would be pleased to receive your support, and if he succeeds to the office of Sheriff will endeavor to serve the county well and faithfully. Luther Observer.
Aug. 12, 1908
HAWKINS VS. CHASE
Hawkins and Chase played a snappy game of baseball at Hawkins, Sunday, August 9th. The score was 11 to 4, in favor of Hawkins. Batteries---Oniel, W. Linderman, Smith, Crager. Umpire---Arthur Cook.
Sep. 30, 1908
Lake County Fair
Lake County's fourth annual fair will be held at Baldwin, Sept. 30th, Oct. 1st and 2d. Among the various sports will be a free vaudeville show, baseball games and balloon ascensions.
Reed City should send a large crowd to the Lake County Fair, tomorrow. Baldwin people turned out strong to the Tri-County Fair and Reed City people should show that we appreciate their attendance.
Oct. 14, 1908
A serious accident happened recently at the Clemenshaw crossing, one half mile east of town. Wm. Kadwell and wife were driving home from town, and when they came to the crossing an engine came from the east. In their position they did not notice the engine until within a few feet of the track. The team became unmanageable, ran away, throwing both Mr. Kadwell and wife into a fence corner, and the wagon on top of them. Mr. Kadwell had his thigh broken and otherwise injured; Mrs. Kadwell sustained an ugly gash across her forehead and a number of bruises on her body.
Nov. 25, 1908
House Warming at Hotel Warwick, Chase
A great social event took place at Chase, Saturday evening, the even being a house warming to Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Miller at Hotel Warwick. A host of their friends the number of about one hundred were present. Early in the evening the guests began to assemble and were ushered into the commodious double parlors on the second floor until they were crowded, the lower rooms also being filled. Z. Blood was appointed master of ceremonies. A program was adopted and it was carried out to the letter. Several selections were given by the orchestra. Mrs. Miller, the hostess, was then called to the organ and she gave a fine selection, her clear soprano voice sounding above the chords of the organ. Mrs. G. T. Field was next escorted to the organ and rendered a medley of her own writing in a very artistic style. Mrs. G. T. Fields is a finished musician and displays great talent.
After the musicale, Mrs. M. J. Samis of Hollister, Cal., was introduced. She gave the company a full half hour's talk on California, depicting it socially, financially and geographically. Her descriptions were very interesting from different standpoints.
The hostess then invited all to the dining room, where she had a fine supper prepared, and we soon realized that our hostess had spared no pains to have the banquet first-class. After all had partaken, the tables were removed and the young folks took possession for a dance; which was indulged in for a couple of hours. Then all biding Mr. and Mrs. Miller thanks, the crowd departed for their homes.
Jun. 23, 1909
REMARKABLE RECORD
Mail Clerk on Job Two Decades Without Vacation---Travels 875,000 Miles.
Charles K. Radcliffe, a united States mail clerk on the Pere Marquette railroad and who is 65 years old, has just completed a record which has the Osler theory "beaten to frazzle."
He has been running on the Pere Marquette (formerly the Detroit, Lansing & Northern) between Detroit and Big Rapids since May, 1889. During this time he has averaged about 140 miles travel for every working day, an aggregate of 43,000 miles each year, or 875,000 miles in all in the score of years he has been on the job. In all this time he has never been in a serious railroad wreck.
Mr. Radcliffe's record for efficiency is a high one, his average in the "case examinations" which are taken every year in the Detroit headquarters, being 99.24. In each of four examinations during his service he stood 100 per cent.
"I believe I am giving as good, if not better, service today than at any time in the last 20 years," said Mr. Radcliffe. "My memory is active, and I have become thoroughly experienced in every detail of the work."
Forty years ago Mr. Radcliffe was a newspaper man and in 1874 established the Lake County Star at Baldwin and combined the duties of publisher with those of express agent for fifteen years. He then entered the railway mail service. While editor in the "pine barens" of Michigan he accumulated some unique experiences. One of them was that of being hung in effigy by sympathizers of certain township officials whose malfeasance in office had been exposed by the Lake County Star. It is said that the sheriff of the county was among those who participated in the midnight stringing of the effigy. Radcliffe was afterward elected by the supervisors to the position of county superintendent of the poor, serving two terms.
Mr. Radcliffe also has a civil war record that any man might be proud of. He entered the service when he was only 17. He lives in Detroit, but is well known in this city.
Mar. 3, 1909
LUTHER HIGH SCHOOL BURNED
Drill Saved Pupils---One Hundred Children Marched in Good Order From Burning School House.
The high school building at Luther, burned Tuesday, Feb. 23rd, but owing to the fire drill, which was taught to the pupils a little over two years ago, all of them, numbering something over 100, were led in safety from the building by the teachers, who acted with the greatest coolness. All of the children were able to save their books and secure their wraps before leaving the building. There was no panic or confusion, and the building was vacated a little over a minute after the fire was discovered.
The children are being accommodated in the city hall and in vacant rooms about town, and there was a very short interval of interruption of studies. A new school will be built next Summer. The burned building was valued at $4,500, and was insured for $2,500. The fire caught from the hot air flues in which paper and dust had accumulated.
Aug. 25, 1909
A DAY'S OUTING
In the Wilds of Lake County
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Horner and family and their guests went for a picnic, Sunday, in the wilds of Lake County, on Mr. Horner's ranch, about 12 miles south-west of Reed City. They were accompanied by Miss Edna Tobias and her guest, Miss Stella Goodnough, of Ohio. Also Frank Horner of Grand Rapids, was with the party.
Sep. 8, 1909
LAKE COUNTY FAIR
At Baldwin Sept. 15th, 16th and 17th.
The Star says: President George Blass of the Lake County Fair, returned from Fremont, where he completed a contract with Manager Earle for two balloon ascensions to be made on Thursday and Friday afternoons. The aeronaut made two fine ascensions at the Reunion, working on the trapeze all the way up and down.
Contract was also closed for a mammoth merry-go-round and a forfeit is posted so there can be no question as to the children's fun this year. The program has been arranged adding a baby show this year, and the usual concessions have applied for space so there will be no lack of amusements. The baseball tournament will include the teams of Alderson, Branch, Carrs, Kirk and Chase and a good series is expected.
Oct. 13, 1909
SHIPPING TO SCOTLAND
J. H. McLean Loaded Two Cars of Ship Timber for Glasgow, Scotland.
Last week J. H. McLean, the veneer timber man, who is buying up all the timber in this section of the country for outside parties, loaded two cars at Chase with ship timber for the Huffman Bros., of Fort Wayne, Ind., for Glasgow, Scotland. From Chase they were billed to Baltimore, Md., where they were transferred to an ocean steamer for Glasgow. Besides these cars Mr. McLean is loading 10 other cars for the Huffman Bros. at Fort Wayne, Ind.
Jan. 5, 1910
-Mr. Blass of Baldwin, representing the pickle company, was in Chase offering with S. Sadler relative to securing a sufficient acreage to warrant them in building a salting station in Chase. Come along farmers, sign large contracts. Let us secure the salting station for our village
Feb. 16, 1910
Trouble in Lake County
When a man has to travel 25 miles to get a bottle of whiskey and camphor to rub his wife's lame back because he can do it cheaper than he can pay a doctor $3.00 to drive into the country to examine her and write a prescription that can't be filled at the local drug store, is there or isn't there something wrong with the law? This incident actually occurred in Lake County. Baldwin Star.
Jul. 20, 1910
BIG BARN RAISING
On the Farm of J. F. Spears, Last Saturday---Success Waits Upon Industry.
This truth presented itself to us last Saturday as we beheld 75 or more men and perhaps 25 matrons and daughters of the neighborhood assembled at the residence of J. F. Spears to assist in raising his capacious barn---large enough to hold 100 head of cattle, together with feed enough to winter them. Many words of praise were heard during the day for Mr. Pollaski for the splendid wall he built. Each came to lend a kindly hand to them we look upon so proudly as kind and generous neighbors. Coming to Lake County over 30 years ago, himself and young wife proceeded to hew for themselves a home in the wilderness. While they have been busy improving the farm, they have not neglected those
Finer portions of the mind and heart,
Kindred to something still diviner
Than mere language ca impart,
Graduating his four elder daughters from the district school, then four years each in the Reed City High School, their education was completed in the State Normal at Mt. Pleasant and other higher institutions of learning. Let me say unto others: "Go and do likewise."
Photographer Atherton was "Johnny on the spot" with his camera and took a fine photograph of the party and the frame work. You can secure all you want by calling at his gallery in Reed City.
Aug. 17, 1910
FOR CLERK AND REGISTER OF LAKE COUNTY
I hereby announce myself a candidate for the Republican nomination for County Clerk and Register of Deeds at the primaries Sept. 6th, and I pledge myself, if elected, to give to the department the same competent administration and scrupulous care it has received in the past eight years.
Thomas Heffernan.
Aug. 24, 1910
A TERRIBLE WIND STORM
Accompanied by Terrific Thunder, lightning and Rain---Considerable Damage Sustained.
About 9 o'clock Monday night this section of country was visited by a terrific wind storm, accompanied by thunder, lightning and rain, doing considerable damage to farm property.
It blew Joseph Ernest, Jr.'s, silo down, also tearing up plum and apple trees. Will Mitchell's silo was blown down from Peter Anderson's barn and Wm. Hoffmeyer's windmill was partly blown down. Geo. Rosencran's silo was blown down. Bushels and bushels of peaches were blown off Spencer Fredenberg's trees. Geo. Hammer's timber was blown down, also John Jewitt's timber and corn blown flat, as was Robert Gable's. Judge Grant came very near being blown out of his tent. Fred Morlock, who resides one mile north of Chase, met with the loss of his corn and fences being blown down. Report has it that Mike Gingrich's picnic grove is all blown flat.
Sep. 21, 1910
REED CITY WINS FROM BALDWIN
In the Two Game Series at Lake County Fair, Last Week.
The home baseball team played a series of two games with the Baldwin team at the Lake County fair, last Thursday and Friday, defeating them in both games. Thursday's game was won by a score of 8 to 1.
Batteries---Baldwin, Beatty and Beatty; Reed City, Kirby and Nevitt. Umpire---Davis.
Friday's game was won by a score of 1 to 0. Only one hit was made by each pitcher.
Batteries---Baldwin, Sherlock and Bufka; Reed City, Rinkus and Nevitt. Umpire---Davis.
Oct. 5, 1910
STRUCK BY LIGHTENING
Alex Cornell's Barn Burned to the Ground With Contents.
During a very mild rain storm, Monday morning at about six o'clock, Alex Cornell's barn, south-west of town, was struck by lightening. The barn with contents, hay grain, etc., was burned to the ground. Mr. Cornell succeeded in saving the stock that was in the barn. He had $1, 100 insurance on the barn and contents, and $300 on the stock. While engages in removing the stock from the barn, one of the horses kicked him on the right hand, injuring it so that Dr. Nolte was called to reduce the fracture.
Dec. 21, 1910
HEAVY FREIGHT TRAFFIC ON PERE MARQUETTE.
The Pere Marquette railroad is enjoying a heavy freight traffic this winter and Sunday was an unusually busy day. A double header freight train from Saginaw required an extra engine from here to get over the Chase hill, something rarely seen in this country that of three locomotives hauling a freight train.
Jan. 12, 1910
BIG TIMBER DEAL
G. A. Swanson has Purchased the Largest Tract of Timber in Lake County---Will Lumber it.
A deal has been consummated whereby G. A. Swanson came into possession of the Henry W. Carey timber, eight miles west and one mile north of Tustin, consisting of 440 acres, this being the largest tract of standing timber in Lake County. It is estimated that there is one thousand cords of bark and nearly five million feet of lumber, besides a large amount of wood. Mr. Swanson intends to begin peeling the bark next spring and make arrangements for doing the lumbering. The timber will be hauled to Keenan's on the M. &G. R. railroad. At that place Mr. Swanson will erect a sawmill---the mill he formerly had at Sutliff siding on the Osceola branch of the G. R. & I. railway---to cut the timber. The mill has a capacity of 20,000 feet of lumber a day. With peeling the bark, doing the lumbering and cutting the wood it will take about three years to complete the job. Tustin people can congratulate themselves that Mr. Swanson has purchased the timber for much benefit of this vicinity inasmuch as Mr. Swanson patronizes home merchants and hires local help in doing his lumbering.
Mr. Swanson is doing a considerable amount of lumbering this winter in local lots. In Highland Township he is having about a million feet of lumber cut and has several small jobs west of here.
Jan. 18, 1911
LUMBERMART TO SMALL VILLAGE
Rise and Fall of Village of Chase, Typical of Early Days
ONCE A PROSPEROUS TOWN
Lumber Cut out and Disastrous Fire Reduces Village to 300 Population.
The remarkable changes that take place in a lumbering town in the course of a few years can be seen in the marked degree in the village of Chase. Once a thriving, bustling town of 1500 inhabitants with a good system of waterworks and other improvements it now numbers about 300 souls. The lumber was all cut away about 21 years ago and two years later a disastrous fire almost wiped the town out. Farming had not been given much attention and poor crops for a number of seasons was also a discouraging factor for the unfortunate little village.
The development of northern Michigan the past 10 years has been beneficial to Chase, which is now quite a farmers' market. There are three general stores--J. F. Knevels, Charles Nelson and John F. Lehmen. C. E. Johnson has a drug store and Mrs. N. Nielsen has a confectionery store connected with the postoffice of which she is postmistress. A blacksmith shop and feed mill are also among the business places. There are two large potato warehouses and a creamery agency. Two rival buyers of logs are adding to the farmers' bank accounts.
C. E. Johnson, the druggist, was in Reed City, Wednesday.
Mrs. Crager, proprietor of the restaurant, was shopping in Reed City Friday.
F. E. Davis, the village blacksmith, was purchasing supplies in Reed City Thursday.
Dr. Field, J. F. Knevels and C. E. Johnson have been residents of the village for thirty years.
Mrs. Myron Crane is suffering from a nervous break down. Dr. Grant is attending her and reports that she is improving.
There are two churches--Methodist and Congregational. They do not have regular pastors but are supplied from time to time.
F. E. Davis is proprietor of the blacksmith shop. He came here from Edgetts last spring and has worked up a large business.
A large amount of farming land around Chase is being sold to Indiana and Ohio parties, who will move here in time for spring work.
Emory Smith, who resides 1 1/3 miles west of here, has just closed a sale of 400 acres of and near here to outside parties. The land will be held for speculating purposes.
Wm. Hoover has purchased the old grist mill. He will remodel it and install some new machinery for grinding feed. He will also manufacture potato crates.
Del Redson of Luther was in town Thursday. Mr. Redson sold his team, sleigh, wagon, harness and some farming implements to Frank Goldman of this place,
Chase has two physicians now. Dr. Grant of Chippewa is a new comer here. He has an office in the rear of Johnson's drug store, There is no sickness at present to speak of.
A local freight went east Wednesday night, the first since Saturday on account of the big storm. The local merchants are running short of supplies on account of belated shipments.
A great many logs are being hauled here for shipment. H. M. Lowell of Reed City is buying and most of his shipments go to Ludington. The King company of Holland also have a buyer here.
J. F. Lehman has traded his farm for the meat market and grocery business of Erwin Brockelbank. Mr. Lehman has traded his farm for the meat market about six weeks ago, and Mr. Brockelbank has moved on the farm.
A party of Pere Marquette officials, consisting of A. R. Dewees of Saginaw, Howard Streeter of Detroit, G. A. Chapman, T. Flaherty and E. Emmons of Saginaw, were in town Saturday on important railroad business.
C. E. Johnson, the druggist, and John F. Lehman, the meat market man, installed a lighting plant, made by the Ideal Light company of Reed City, about a month ago. It gives them excellent service and is a good light.
The farmers residing near here bring about 200 gallons of cream every week to town which is shipped by Thomas Petschel to the Grand Rapids Sanitary Milk Company. Two shipments per week are made in the summer.
Mont. Kadwell, residing 1 1/4 miles southeast of here, has 2,700 bushels of potatoes stored on his farm. He raised as high as 300 bushels to the acre. Several farmers have as high as 1200 bushels on hand and an average of 200 bushels to the acre was the rule.
Oliver station is getting to be a rival of Chase as a potato market. There are two warehouses there---C. D. Fransisco of Reed City and Frank Proctor of Hersey. Fred Pulaski purchases for Mr. Fransisco and Al. Kersey, proprietor of the general store, buys for Mr. Proctor.
The potato market is dull here as elsewhere, from 23 to 25 cents per bushel is being paid. There are about 12,000 bushels stored in the two warehouses here. Thomas Petschel buys for C. D. Fransisco of Reed City and A. M. Smith is the purchasing agent of Loveland & Heeman of Grand Rapids.
Mr. Latti of Elkhart, Ind., has purchased a section of land four miles northwest of here. He has cleared up forty acres and has let the contract to Dr. Field for stumping it. The doctor has a jumbs stump pulling machine with about 1000 feet of cable and can pull four stumps at a time with it. Mr. Field has some pictures of large stumps that have been pulled and they make an interesting exhibit. Mr. Latti will fence his land and clean it up for grazing purposes, as he is going into the stock raising business on a large scale. He has a force of men getting out timber for building barns.
Jan. 25, 1911
PORTABLE MILL AT HAWKINS
Watkins & Johnson Have Three Months' Lumber Cut.
Dell Watkins and Chas. F. Johnson have purchased the timber on the Eichenberg and Martha Bevier farms near Hawkins. The firm name is Watkins & Johnson. They have a splendid portable mill with a cutting capacity of 12,000 feet a day. As fast as they cut the lumber is being hauled to Horner's planing mill. The boys have about a three months' run.
Mar. 29, 1911
BIG ATTENDANCE AT PINORA CAUCUS
Contest for Supervisor and Clerk Draws out Largest Vote in Yeats
The Pinora Township Republican caucus was held Thursday afternoon at the Pinora Township hall and was one of the largest held in that township in years. Only one ticket is nominated in that township which makes the caucus nomination virtually an election. Out of a registration list of 105 voters 82 were present at the caucus. The contest for supervisor between James Gingrich and S. A. Johnson was exciting and the cause of a large attendance. The following ticket was placed in nomination: Supervisor: S. A. Johnson; Clerk: Stewart Bowman; Treasurer, Robert G. English; Highway Commissioner, Otis Compton; Justice of the Peace, George W. Culver; member board of review. James Murray; overseers of highways, first district, Perry Anderson; second district, George Peppler; third district, John Keller; constables: Hugh Saunders, Fred Morlock, Carl Johnson and Byron Young.
May 10, 1911
WRECK IN YARDS THURSDAY NIGHT
G. R. & I Train Runs Two Cars Off the Track on "Y."
In switching cars to the Pere Marquette road Thursday night, a G. R. & I. train ran two cars off the track on the "Y." Three section crews and the tool car from Baldwin were brought into service and the two cars were placed on the track without interruption to traffic.
Jun. 21, 1911
BARN LOST BY FIRE
Disinfection of Chicken Coop Causes Bad Fire Loss
In disinfecting a chicken coop by putting kerosene oil on the roosts and setting fire to it Monday afternoon, Mr. Dean Schooley was unconsciously the cause of the destruction of their hennery, barn and woodshed by flames. Their residence and also that of a neighbor also caught fire, but were saved by hard work.
In rescuing their livestock from the barn both Mr. and Mrs. Schooley were severely burned. Mr. Schooley suffered the worst from burns on his arms, and shoulders, while Mrs .Schooley was burned about the face. Dr. Foster was called and dressed their injuries and they are both recovering nicely. The Schooley farm is six miles southwest of town, near Hawkins.
Jul. 5, 1911
FARM RESIDENCE BURNS TO GROUND
George Marin Loses Home and Most of Contents by Fire Saturday.
The farm home of George Marin, four miles west of town, was burned to the ground Saturday afternoon. The fire caught in the roof and it is supposed was caused from an over heated chimney. Neighbors who discovered the fire helped to save most of the furniture. Mr. Marin carried $1,000 insurance in the W. R. Locke agency. The loss is placed at $3,000.
Jun. 14, 1911
SUDDEN DEATH OF A. J. BRADFORD
PRESIDENT OF BALDWIN VILLAGE AND OLD SOLDIER SUCCOMBS TO HEART FAILURE
Andrew J. Bradford, aged 69 years, president of Baldwin, died suddenly at his home in that Village on Tuesday of last week of heart failure. "Uncle Brad", as he was generally known by, was a hotel keeper and fishing guide for years. His steak and fish fries were famous and it was he who furnished the subject for the famous Pere Marquette angling picture of which more than 10,000 were sold. He moved to Baldwin in 1889 and held various offices up to the time of his death. Mr. Bradford was an old soldier and served with the Second Michigan Cavalry. Funeral services were held Friday. He leaves a wife and one son.
Jul. 26, 1911
BRAKEMAN KILLED
Clarence Edgual Victim of Accident on Local Freight.
The residents of Baldwin, and particularly railroad employees were shocked last week Tuesday to hear the news of the death of Clarence Edgual, brakeman on the local freight run between here and Traverse City.
While taking water at Interlochen, on the return trip here from Traverse City, the young man in uncoupling the train, stumbled on the rail, was precipitated forward across the tracks, and the heavy train of cars passed over his body, severing his body at the waist. Baldwin Star.
Aug. 2, 1911
SCOUTS IN CAMP
Enjoying a Week's Vacation at Wolf Lake, Near Baldwin.
The Reed City boy scouts in charge of Scoutmaster V. W. Montgomery, left Tuesday morning for Wolf Lake, seven miles north of Baldwin, where they will enjoy a week in camp. Mrs. Montgomery and the Misses Laura Taggart and Chrissie Barry accompanied the party which was composed of Scouts Louis Marzolf, Clarence Koehlein, Sidney Shank, Raymond Lather, Everett Crocker, Herbert Taggart, Francis Patterson, Donald Hammond, Russell Opdike, Aubrey Marzolf, Raymond Huntley and Louis Wood.
Aug. 9, 1911
BALDWIN REBEKAHS VISIT REED CITY LODGE
Initiated Two Candidates for Local Lodge Friday Afternoon.
On Friday afternoon of last week 33 members of Fern Leaf Rebekah lodge No. 255 of Baldwin came to Reed City to initiate two candidates for the local lodge. The visitors were escorted to the Woodman hall, where the initiatory work was conferred.
The Baldwin staff consists of 27 members and the work was given in a most pleasing manner, showing much hard work on the part of the participants and especially the captain, Mr. James. The visitors brought with them their robes and other paraphernalia and the work was highly enjoyed by the members of the local lodge. Baldwin has the honor of having the best degree staff in this section of the state.
After the exemplification of the work, the visitors were invited to the I. O. O. F. hall, where a sumptuous supper was served by the ladies. They all enjoyed a pleasant afternoon and returned home on the evening train.
Aug. 9, 1911
Youthful Traveler
Little George McLean, about 5 years old, of Chase boarded the steps of the vestibule of the parlor car of Tuesday afternoon's train which arrives here at 2:43, and when he crawled out at the depot it was hard to tell what his color was. He is of a happy disposition and afforded much amusement to a crowd of bystanders. Dr. Nolte took him in charge and sent him home on the evening train.
Sep. 6, 1911
Baldwin Couple Married
Alfred H. Beatty and Lillian E. Elliott of Baldwin, were married Saturday at the Congregational parsonage by the Rev. C. E. Taggart.
Oct. 25, 1911
NIRVANA WANTS DEPOT
Reed City Business Men Conferring with State Railroad Commission.
For a number of years Nirvana has been without a depot, on account of not very much freighting business for the M. P. railroad being handled there for the road. But recently there has settled in and around town a large delegation of farmers, who have bought up practically all of the farming lands. Among the number is Mr. Lata of Goshen, Ind. a well to do business man. It has no got to the point in which the people of Nirvana want a depot. They got the business men of Reed City interested in their behalf.
Today a delegation of our business men went to Nirvana, consisting of M. Fleischhauer, M. M. Callaghan, B. S. Pritchard, Stanley Sanford, Will Curtis, Abram Schack, L. Fitzpatrick, W. J. Cornell, A. C. Goehrend, Henry Schmidt, Homer Crocker and a number of others, to confer with the members of the state railroad commission in regard to this important matter. It is to be hoped Nirvana will be successful in securing her much coveted desire.
Nov. 15, 1911
RESIDENCE BURNED
Pepper Residence Occupied by Arthur Heilmann Destroyed Wednesday.
The residence of George Pepper in Pinora Township, Lake County, and occupied at the time by Arthur Heilmann, was burned to the ground last Wednesday forenoon, a complete loss, with no insurance. The household furniture was mostly saved by neighbors and the school children. THis is a bad loss for both Mr. Pepper and Mr. Heilmann.
Nov. 15, 1911
WRECK AT BALDWIN
Several Freight Cars off Track Saturday.
Several freight cars of an extra freight were derailed one mile east of Baldwin Saturday afternoon, but fortunately no one was injured. No. 3 passenger train, due here at 3:05 p. m., came back after reaching the wreck, the passengers and baggage being transferred to a train from Ludington. No. 3 laid over here till Sunday afternoon and then proceeded to Ludington.
Jan. 3, 1912
OPERATION PERFORMED ON NIRVANA SCHOOL TEACHER
Dr. R. D. Seidel performed a surgical operation upon J. Kantz, a school teacher of Nirvana, Wednesday, by removing his tonsils and adenoids. Kantz is improving slowly.
Jan. 3, 1912
SALTING STATION FOR CHASE
In response to the deep interest manifested by the farmers surrounding Chase, the J. H. Johnson Pickle Company has agreed to build a salting station there is the farmers will contract to raise 100 acres of cucumbers. The station planned will have a capacity of two or three times that of the initial year, as the company believes the results obtained the first year will subsequently bring a larger subscription. Lake County farmers realized from $100 to $200 per acre for cucumbers last year.
Jan. 16, 1912
FAMILY IN COLD AS HOUSE BURNS
MOTHER RECEIVES FROZEN FEET
PREACHER PLACES HIS COAT AROUND SHIVERING TOTS.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Daly at Baldwin caught fire from a defective chimney Friday morning and this family awakened only in time to escape with their lives. They were clad only in the night clothing when rushing from the building.
Mr. Daly and the two small children found refuge in the barn. Rev. George W. Kinney removed his coat and wrapped it around the children until clothing could be procured from friends, when they were taken to a neighbor's house.
When Mrs. Daly escaped from the house her feet were clad only in slippers and were frozen. The thermometer registered 36 degrees below zero. Money was raised to aid the stricken family.
Feb. 21, 1912
The Pere Marquette laid off most of the roundhouse crew at Baldwin last week in accordance with its policy to cut down expenses
Mar. 13, 1912
LAKE COUNTY RANCH
W. B. Evans of Scott, O., was in town Tuesday on his way to Chase to look over his ranch he has recently purchased two miles north and one mile west of that village. Mr. Evans purchased the whole of section 30, Pinora Township a, and will stock it with sheep and cattle about May 1. Mr. Evans farms on a large scale in Ohio, but will eventually transfer his interest to lake County possessions. He informs the Clarion that a number of farmers of his section are looking toward northern Michigan as a good place to locate.
May 8, 1912
FRUIT TREE DELIVERIES
To Martin Pfeifer, Isaac Grant and Others.
Martin Pfeifer, fruit tree agent for the Greening Nursery Co. at Monroe, has received and delivered a carload of all kinds and varieties of nursery stock to his various customers for this section of the country. Mr. Pfeifer will also ship a carload of beans from Luther and Orono to the John H. Allan Seed Co. and Sheboygan, Wis., next week.
Isaac Grant delivered nearly a car of fruit trees from the Greening Nursery Co. at Monroe last week.
Mont Kadwell also delivered a carload of nursery stock from the Monroe nursery here and at Chase.
May 8, 1912
NEW TELEPHONE LINE
The Chase Township Telephone Company, which has been organized for some time, are now stringing their wire and will soon be giving service through the Citizens Telephone company's exchange to the following subscribers: Irwin Brockelbank, Dr. G. T. Field of Chase, P. J. Huntsinger, John C. Miller, D. B. Voorheis, Parkhurst Goehrend ranch, Dr. C. L. Grant of Chase, Emory Smith, Chas. Keller, Richard Garbutt, Frank Mosteller, J. W. Hoover, sr., J. W. Hoover, jr., Geo. Kadwell, A. M. Kadwell, J. H. Knevels of Chase, E. J. Adams and Fred Miller. The officers are as follows: President J. Emory Smith; Secretary Geo. A. Kadwell, treasurer; Irwin Brockelbank.
May 22, 1912
PURCHASES PIANO
L. A. Keller of Chase Township, Lake County, agent for the celebrated King Piano Co. of Chicago, Ill., sold and delivered on of the above make of pianos Tuesday to Mr. and Mrs. John Blank, who reside north of the Samis School house, in Chase Township. L. A. is in the market with more of these fine pianos, for all who wish to purchase.
Jun. 26, 1912
Lake County to the Front
Only a Few Years ago was Called the Pine Barrons of Michigan
Dear Editor:-In the late nineties, W. W. Woods of Sturgis was buying cattle in the ideal spot for the farmer and rancher, accordingly, he acquired nearly a section of land near Chase. He got started nicely with a small heard of horses and cattle, when financial reverses came through misplaced confidence in supposed friends.
After the wreckage was cleared away about 1903, W. W. Woods & Sons determined to begin again, although they were at the bottom round of the ladder, financially poor, but rich in thrift, industry and business ability. A determination like General Grant to fight it out and win along this line, even if it takes all summer. Since then each year has been more successful than the last. Today they have just sold a pair of young mares, aged 4 and 5 years, one having a young colt by her side, for six hundred dollars.
These mares were right from the herd and never handled, only halter broken, and they have several more as good. These horses cost him actually nothing in the Summer, except looking them up occasionally and salting them. In open winters, they estimate it does not cost them over $2.00 a head to winter them. In severe winters the cost is more. Every day when the snow is not over a foot deep, the horses may be seen out pawing away the snow and eating the heavy grasses that grow here in such abundance.
Last year W. W. Woods & Sons raised 12 acres of ensilage corn, which, when green, was estimated to go 20 tons to the acre. I can mention several more farmers and ranchers in this neighborhood that are successful, and new ones are starting in every year. Why look West or South when, what only a few years ago was called the pine barrens of Michigan, offer such a reward? There are still a number of sections, unimproved, in Lake County, that may be purchased at a reasonable price. A few more years and the crop of butter, beef and horses that will be harvested annually from Lake County will be of much greater value than the pine ever was.
G. T. Field
Sep. 17, 1912
County Ticket
Ernest Nichoson, Judge of Probate 574
Emmett Burley, Sheriff 70
William Burnett, Sheriff 272
Vern Luce, Sheriff 42
Guy Wilgamott, Sheriff 229
Jas. M. Gingrich, Sheriff 149
John E. Smith, Treasurer 39
William Potter, Treasurer 381
Harley Bartlett, Clerk and Register of Deeds 634
Hal L. Cutler, Prosecuting Attorney 400
Ray Trucks, Prosecuting Attorney 370
Wilbur B. Pool, Circuit CCourt Com'r 585
Geo. H. Johnson, County Surveyor 579
There was one progressive ticket and one prohibition ticket cast in the county.
Jun. 24, 1914
STORM DOES GREAT DAMAGE
Section visited by rain, wind and electricity early this morning
CHASE STRUCK BY CYCLONE
Trees Uprooted, Stock Killed and Several Buildings are Blown Down
One of the most severe electrical and windstorms that has visited this section for some time passed over Chase, Olivers and Reed City about four o'clock this morning. The rain came down in torrents, doing great damage to crops, buildings were blown down and damaged and stock killed.
A cyclone struck Chase, blowing down the town hall, damaging the Macabee hall and blowing in the front of Peacock's store. The Congregational Church shed was demolished and carried away. The buildings on the Farrington farm, west of Chase, were all blown down with the exception of the house. The wind took Dell Wright's apple orchard and set it out across the road, besides breaking windows, blowing down trees and doing considerable other damage.
At Olivers it blew down H. E. Moseley's potato warehouse and badly damaged the roof of A. Kersey's store. A. Walcott's orchard was badly damaged.
The new bank barn of Peter Anderson Jr., one mile West of town, was blown down. This barn was raised just last week. Two head of young cattle belonging to Herman Giese, north of town, were killed by lightening. Ervin Upp's barn on Franklin Avenue was badly damaged, Trees were blown down in various places of the town.
A WORD IN FAVOR OF OUR HOME STATE
LAKE COUNTY AS A RESORT IN SUMMER---STOCK RAISING AND FRUIT GROWING
1914 article in the Reed City Clarion
Frequently the advantages and resources of other states is brought to our notice through the press. Every state in the union has its superior facilities in some particular over the other, as for instance Colorado, termed the "State of Sunshine," with its beautiful climate and health producing qualities, etc. Having spent much time in that state in the past nine years, I could not fail to see that the chances for the poor man or those in moderate circumstances were slim compared to that of Michigan.
Denver is a beautiful city to be sure, but only adapted to the pleasure seeker and millionaire and, I might say, sporting class. While on my journey west I overheard a gentleman say to a friend in the coach, that he had spent several thousand dollars traveling through the states, and to his mind not a state in the union held out the chance for the poor man or laborer that Michigan did. We would advise all who have farms or any paying business, with comfortable homes, to remain in their home state---Michigan.
And now a word for my own county---Lake---well named, being dotted here and there with its lakes of silver water, many of them offering great attractions for resorts. Its beautiful natural parks and trout streams, with game in abundance, in some parts the fox, grey and black, have been captured, the fur of which brings a large sum.
For a number of years past resorters have gradually become acquainted with its many attractions, and we hear of a party at Big Star Lake and various other camps, on the south of Baldwin, while on the north and about a mile east, on the banks of Little Star Lake, a new resort is in the process of construction, dividing the honors with its namesake at the south. The surrounding trees of varied foliage, beautiful wild flowers and plains in the distance, harmonizing in contrasting colors to make a scene sublime. Mr. West, residing nearby, has been called upon for a few seasons past by parties who frequent this lake side during their vacation, to furnish board and lodgings, and this years he decided to enlarge his home and add several modern improvements. He has also prepared several tents with cement floors for the comfort of his guests.
The fashionable resort cannot furnish the comfort and rest that this picturesque, unpretentious spot does. To the thoughtful lover of nature this place is an Eldeoradi,
Lake County has every facility for stock raising. Sheep and goats have been and are raised in large herds. There is no better place for those who wish to engage in turkey rising, geese and ducks also, as water which is so necessary to their welfare is plentiful and always accessible.
This county is noted for its fine fruit of luscious flavor, the cherries and peaches excelling in size of those of other states, apples, pears and berries of all kinds. The huckleberry crop has been abundant this year and is being shipped at this writing to different points all over the state.
We will mention that in traveling around from east to west, north to south, the living in this part is much less expensive than elsewhere, everything necessary to the table being furnished with very little cost. Lake County has good roads which are being improved every year, and you can traverse the county east, west, north or south by auto, train, or drive.
A word in regard to our adjoining county---Osceola. This county is settled by well-to-do and independent farmers who possess large, productive farms and stately homes. Reed City, the metropolis, literally the mother city of the two counties, keeps hand on all things requisite for farm and home.
Why spend your money traveling in quest of a better country? There is none better than our state and our counties. People do not get rich in a year or several years anywhere, unless they are fortunate enough to fall heir to an estate or great amount of money left them by will. If people would give up this idea of getting rich, not to let their aim be money alone, be satisfied to moderately comfortable, and take into consideration society, strive to make each other happy and bring about the millennium, which is not only proclaimed by Dr. Hill, speaker of the Chautauqua, but by all wise people.
Paul said: "Having food and rainment, therewith be content." I would say in conclusion: If you imagine that the inhabitants of Lake County are of large stature or giants, just send up spies and get a correct report before going up to possess the land.
S. L. B.