1875
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January 3, 1875
Will Carleton, the Michigan poet, is going to lecture at Traverse City.
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The new road between the head of Pine Lake and Boyne Falls is now open and all the travel goes that way.
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The postmaster received official notice Thursday, that the mail service between Petoskey and Charlevoix has been increased to six times per week commencing on Jan 1st. This gives us first class mail facilities, and is decidedly a big step out of the woods.
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January 17, 1875
School-In company with the District Board on Monday, we visited the village school. Under the tutor ship of Prof. Upright and Miss Sackett, we found a well taught and a well-disciplined school. Inasmuch as Prof. Upright has permanently located here, we hope our school authorities will secure his services for the summer term of school.
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Hard Times-It is useless to deny the solemn fact that we of the Pine Lake region are experiencing harder times than have ever fallen to our lot before. Indeed everything is stagnant. But a bright spark of hope lingers in our hearts, in the possible-yes, we may say probable-coming of succor in the shape of an appropriation for the improvement of our river. All our energies lie dormant-waiting for the welcome signal which shall lift us from despondency and give us all present happiness and future prosperity. If we are so fortunate as to receive governmental aid it will indeed be a turning point in the history of this locality. being inspired with confidence in the future, we shall no longer grope about us in a darkened room, but will unitedly stride ahead with new energy, the better appreciating our good luck because of our prolonged and indeed serious combat with hard times.
Friends and neighbors! The signs of the times indicate a change, and it must be for the better. We faintly discern, almost over our borders, the outlines of a harbinger of better times, and with open arms we shall welcome him! Cheer up!
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January 17, 1875
New Vessel-The schooner being constructed in this place by Campbell & See is the largest vessel of any character ever built here. She will be a fore and after, 50 feet long and will be out early in the spring. She will be called the W. A. Smith.
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January 24, 1875
Pine River Improvement -- Joint
Resolution
The following is the joint resolution introduced by Mr. Green asking Congress to aid in the improvement of Pine River and which passed the house last week:
Whereas, the commerce of Pine River, of Charlevoix county exceeds that of any of the harbors on Lake Michigan (excepting those of Grand Haven, Muskegon and Manistee), and is constantly increasing;
And Whereas, the navigation of said river has been impeded and rendered difficult by the existence and formation of bars at the mouth of Pine River;
And Whereas, the people of Charlevoix county have, by voluntary labor, private subscriptions, local taxations, and issue of bonds, expended upwards of twenty thousand dollars, in removing obstructions, dredging, and improving the navigation of said river;
And Whereas, the State Board of Control of Michigan in 1872, made an appropriation of twelve thousand five hundred dollars in State swamp lands in aid of the improvement of said Pine River and harbor;
And Whereas, By report recently made by Colonel Mansfield of the Engineer Corps, U. S. A., in charge of the harbor improvements of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, additional aid is necessary to protect and complete the work, already accomplished, and such engineer has reported in favor of the general government aiding the said improvement, therefore;
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Michigan, That the Congress of the United States be and that they are hereby requested to make such appropriation as may be necessary for completing and protecting such improvement and that our Senator in Congress be instructed and our Representatives requested to use all proper efforts to secure an appropriation for that purpose.
Resolved, that His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to transmit copies of the foregoing preamble and resolution to each of our Senators and Representatives in Congress.
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January 31, 1875
Passed-The Pine River Improvement resolution passed the Senate on the 20th.
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February 21, 1875
The water in the wells both here and at Petoskey, have frozen during the late cold snap, at a depth of thirty feet.
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February 21, 1875
By telegram we learn that A. G. Aldrich arrived at Grand Rapids at 12 o'clock p.m. on the 16th after having been ten days on the road.
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Nothing but local mail has been received at the Charlevoix postoffice for a period of ten days. Therefore, having received no papers since our last issue, we are unable to give our readers any late outside news.
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The Blockade-There has been but one train to Petoskey in two weeks and that at last accounts has not reached Grand Rapids, on its way back. No train is expected there before Monday, if indeed they get one then.
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February 28, 1875
The name of "Nelsonville," postoffice is to be changed to that of South Arm.
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Bishop Wagley, of Cross Village, while here Monday, in speaking of the rival village said that "The Almighty made Charlevoix and H. O. Rose and the Railroad Company made Petoskey." He thought the Almighty was ahead.
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March 14, 1875
The Indian Lands
Our readers were informed last week of the passage of the Indian Land Restoration bill, an event which has been anxiously looked for by the people of this section for the past three years. There are many, no doubt, desirous of taking advantage of this law who are not fully acquainted with its provisions.
The bill refers to the restoration to market of the lands set apart by treaty with the Ottawas and Chippewas in 1854. The treaty provided that each Indian then twenty-one years of age should receive eighty acres of land, and the balance not then disposed of should be restored to market. A bill for the restoration of the land to market was passed June 10th, 1872, but the discovery that some Indian patents were still wanting made the passage of this bill necessary. It contains a clause which provides that the remainder of said lands indisposed of and not valuable mainly for pine timber shall be subject to entry under the homestead laws for one year from the passage of this act.
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March 21, 1875
By virtue of the nomination of Hon. John S. Dixon, last fall, for the office of County Superintendent of Schools, we place his name in the ticket at the head of our editorial column, and bespeak for him the hearty support of the people of the county. It must be evident to all that none understand so well the educational requirements of a people as those who have had practical experience as educators. Mr. Dixon is a graduate of Oberlin college and was a teacher for seventeen consecutive years. Although we may have among us men equally as learned, we boldly assert that there is not a person within the county who is as well fitted for the position as Mr. Dixon. If the legislature should fail to abolish the Superintendence (as now seems likely) we hope to see him elected.
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The Charlevoix Debating Club are rapidly accumulating a library of books presented by friends of the Club. They have thirty volumes already.
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April 4, 1875
During the present month Mrs. Capt. Clifford of this village will join her husband at Camp Baker, Montana. She will have over a thousand miles steam-boating on the Missouri river.
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Henry Newman of this village, brings us two fully developed heads of cabbage which he took out from under the snow this spring, having grown from a plant since last fall. They were simply protected by boards on the sides and top. They are as fresh as any we ever tasted in October.
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April Fool-Through the cunning intrigue of our better half on the first of this month we used up an individual salt cellar full of white sugar to season our hash, and didn't know the difference until informed of the fact through the key hole of the pantry door. Is that any way to treat an orphan?
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Charlevoix Caucus-At the caucus held in this village on Wednesday evening the following gentlemen were nominated for township offices for the ensuing year: Supervisor, A. K. Dougherty; Clerk, Byron See; Treasurer, A. Buttars; School Inspector, A. Buttars; Supt. of Schools, J. S. Dixon; Highway Commissioner, W. C. Newman; Justice of the Peace (full term) A. Ross; Constables, H. Newman, W. S. Johnson, O. D. Mason.
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May 23, 1875
We understand that Hon. John Nicholls, who formerly managed the affairs of Geo. W. Esterly and Co., of this place, has been appointed Superintendent of the Furniture Company's works at Whitewater, Wis.
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May 23, 1875
Sam See, one of the owners of the schooner W. A. Smith formerly followed the occupation of house carpenter and several buildings stand in this village, as evidences of his skill in that direction. He has abandoned his old calling and gone sailing. He can't go aloft to furl top-sails as the sailor ought, and some one who knows says he has taken a ladder aboard so he can go aloft from the deck and not be compelled to climb the shrouds.
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The Charlevoix Sentinel entered upon its seventh year a few days ago. No paper ever worked more earnestly and faithfully for the development of the region in which it is published than the Sentinel has done. It deserves success and seems to be winning it.
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June 6, 1875
Bark peeling has commenced.
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Upper River-The work of digging the sand from the channel of the upper river is in successful progress and we shall soon have a uniform depth of eight feet of water therein.
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Two gentlemen from abroad have commenced fishing at this point and have erected buildings at the mouth of the river. They propose to stay here during the season.
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I. O. of M. B.-It is announced that the Independent Order of Moss Backs will have a public parade on the streets of Charlevoix July Fourth. A meeting of the society is called for tonight at the Town Hall.
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June 13, 1875
Charlevoix
A reporter for the Grand Rapids Democrat was one of the excursion party on Sunday last and the following is what he says:
Charlevoix was reached at half after 11 a.m. This town is sixteen miles from Petoskey. It is charmingly located on a peninsula formed between Pine Lake and Round Lake, at the mouth of the former. The surrounding scenery is romantic. The crystal water, the forests fading away in the dims distance, for a grand and ever to be remembered scene. One feels like returning again and yet again, to gaze upon this lovely vision. The hotels, especially the Fountain City House, Mr. Cooper, proprietor, are first class and charge $1.50 and $2.00 per day. Facilities for fishing are fine, and the fishing is most excellent. Mill Brook, one mile from the village is a good trout stream, while Pine Lake has any quantity of excellent fish, as has already been stated. The Jordan, Deer, and Boyne rivers and Intermediate Lake may be reached from this point by highway and boat. The town cannot be surpassed as a summer residence. It claims some 500 or more inhabitants, and boasts of a weekly newspaper, the Sentinel, which was founded by Willard A. Smith some years since. Mr. Smith is an agreeable and courteous gentleman, and we are indebted to him for many of the facts and figures given in this article. In this connection we would acknowledge the valuable information given us by Mr. Rose, editor of the big Rapids Magnet who first shed light of his pleasant countenance upon our party on our taking the steamer.
But to resume, etc., and go back to the excursionists. When we left them we had just reached Charlevoix. A few moments saw the party at the hotel, whence, after an introduction to Mr. Cooper, its proprietor, the best looking 200 pound devourer of speckled trout in the north woods, we took our course to a little tug close at hand on that beautiful little body of water known as Pine Lake.
The tug was soon occupied in all its compartments and the trip began. It lasted some two hours and was one of the delightful features of the whole excursion. Pine Lake is more properly two lakes, under one name, and connected by a channel some 400 feet long and 50 feet wide, cut through what was formerly a peninsula. This important work was completed about four years ago, up to which time there was no regular means of steamer communication between the two lakes.
Back again to Charlevoix at 2 o'clock and we found one of the nicest and best served dinners awaiting attention that ever caused the palpitation of the hungry man. Full justice was done the repast, and at its close every member of the party voted speckled trout the best eating in the world; Charlevoix the best town; the "Fountain City House" the best hotel, and Mr. Cooper the best landlord-everybody wasn't far from right either.
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June 20, 1875
Masonic-The following newly elected officers of Charlevoix Lodge No. 282, F. & A. M., were publicly installed on Thursday evening by Past Master, Hon. E. H. Green:
W. M. - A. Buttars
S. W. - W. A. Smith
J. W. - O. S. Washburn
Sec. - M. J. Stockman
Treas. - A. Fox
S. D. - L. W. Skinner
J. D. - George W. Miller
Stewards - A. R. Upright, A. McNeill
Chaplain - Rev. Geo. L. Cole
Tiler - N. A. Balch
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June 20, 1875
The people of Charlevoix will celebrate Monday, the 5th day of July in true Yankee style, minus the fire-crackers and sky-rockets. There will be the parade of the "Moss Backs," which, according to current rumors, will be equal to Barnum's Tipodrome-and the usual oration, grove exercises and basket picnic. And then tub racing, augur racing, wheel barrow racing, horse racing, greased pig, and a balloon ascension. A general good time is expected.
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July 11, 1875
Relics-A quantity of ancient Indian relics have been unearthed on the bank of the old river near this village, among which are flint and copper scalping knife and spear heads.
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July 25, 1875
From the Traverse City Progress: Friend Smith, of the Charlevoix Sentinel, has enlarged his paper and it is now one of the largest papers in the Grand Traverse Region, also one of the best. We truly think the journals in this region will compare favorably with those of any section of the country of the same extent in the State except of course the weeklies published in the large towns and cities.
Publishers in the old and thickly settled counties have no idea of the difficulties attending the publication of newspapers in newly settled countries and very small towns. It requires hard work and ingenuity to obtain sufficient local news of interest to fill the local columns without using matter which properly belongs to the editorial or general news department. Villages containing less than half a dozen business houses, no railroad connection with the outside world, are never very lively nor very productive of news, and consequently "ye local" in such places is compelled to "stretch out" his local matter instead of "cut down" and "leave out" matter, as is generally the case with those who publish in large towns.
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August 1, 1875
Death of Mrs. Celia Buttars
Mrs. Celia, wife of Archibald Buttars, of this place, died at Detroit, on Friday, the 16th of July, and was buried at Euclid, Ohio, near Cleveland on Monday, the 19th. She was the daughter of Elihu Moses and a sister of Mrs. M. J. Stockman, of this place.
She was born at the last named place, June 6th, 1843, and was, consequently 32 years of age at the time of her death.
Mrs. Buttars was attacked with a pulmonary disease during last winter, and failed rapidly, until her husband determined upon her removal to Detroit, which he accordingly did, and placed her under the care of an emminent physician of that place, who pronounced her ailment consumptive.
The change seemed to revive her, and Mr. Buttars returned home to his business. During the latter part of June however, the telegraph summoned him to her bedside where he remained until death tore her from his embrace.
Mrs. Buttars was an amiable and worthy lady, beloved by all who had the good fortune to know her, and doubly beloved by her family as mother and wife, and zealous helpmeet in the labors and struggle of her husband. Her happy smile and busy hand united in rendering their home pleasant, and an asylum where her husband, weary with the cares of business, always found quiet repose. What solemnity shrouds the thought than death has taken the crowning gem of that household! But the decrees of fate are inevitable. Our neighbor has lost an excellent and loving wife, little Essie has lost an affectionate mother, and Charlevoix has lost one of the brightest stars of its society. The deepest sympathy swells up from the hearts of this entire community, for the greatly bereaved husband, daughter, and many friends.
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August 15, 1875
Petoskey has a female barber.
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The Mission House at Mackinaw is a historic building in one of the oldest towns in the state. It was erected by the American Board of Missions in a early day for the education of the Indians who camped and fished on the Island of Mackinaw. It was built and remained a long time under the charge of Rev. Wm. Ferry, father of our distinguished Senator Thomas W. Ferry. Senator Ferry who was born there takes a great interest in the Island. It is mainly due to his energy that the government land on the Island was dedicated for the purpose of a National Park.
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August 22, 1875
Exchanged Residences-L. D. Bartholomew and Ray Peckham, both of this village, have exchanged residences. Mr. Bartholomew paying $500 difference in the trade. Mr. Bartholomew's residence is known as the old Liscomb place on State Street and the residence to which he will now remove is next door south of Carpenter and Bartholomew's store on Bridge Street.
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August 29, 1875
Petoskey has its houses numbered! Ha! ha! ho! ho!
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August 29, 1875
Charlevoix: We left home for Charlevoix by the steamer Van Raalte on Saturday last. The weather proved so boisterous that the boat laid over at Northport till Sunday morning. As we left Charlevoix at nine o'clock a.m. Monday, we had but little opportunity to look around town. It is evident even to a casual observer that the village is having a steady and healthy growth. It has not been rushing ahead, like some towns we know of to come to a sudden stop and then grow back for a series of years. "Slow and sure," is sage if it isn't brilliant or exciting.
The country about, which makes Charlevoix its business center, has good soil and is well-timbered. It is being gradually settled and developed, and will in due time, support a numerous population. Wood, lumber, tan bark, and potatoes are the chief articles of export at present.
Friend Smith, of the Sentinel is patiently working away. His paper is growing in usefulness and popularity, and , we trust, in profitableness to the proprietor.
When they get the harbor appropriation for which they have asked, and thus secure a wide and deep channel into Round Lake, admitting to it vessels and steamers of the largest class, the business and growth of the village may be expected to receive a new impetus.
We have before said that Charlevoix has the finest site for a town of any place on the shore, and we shall not go back on the assertion. -Herald.
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August 29, 1875
The Bridge: Our shipping has assumed proportions which demand the attention of our highway authorities to the miserable appliances provided for raising the bridge in this village for the passage of vessels. A force of six men is necessary to raise it very time a vessel passed through, when two should be able to do it easily. Our conveniences for accommodation of Commerce should be improved to keep pace with the increase of navigation.
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September 5, 1875
Butter is bringing 25 cents per pound and eggs 15 cents per dozen in Charlevoix market.
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Porter's Mill on Pine Lake is in complete order for grinding. They make a No. 1 flour. Send your grain.
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Our new attorney, J. Milo Eaton, returned Friday with a wife, and will soon be snugly settled down to house-keeping.
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September 12, 1875
There is a vigorous controversy going on in the columns of the Charlevoix Sentinel, in regard to the doings of the early Mormon residents of Northern Michigan. The combatants are Hon. John S. Dixon and one W. Watson, one of the "Saints" of Strang's former church. The last Sentinel contains a six column communication from Watson. He may continue to write till he fills a thousand columns, but he will never be able to convince the early settlers of the Traverse Region that Strang and his followers were honest and peaceful citizens. There may have been, and doubtless were, deluded men among them who were honest, but there were among them robbers and pirates, also, of whom Strang was chief.-Herald.
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Ignatius Petoskey, after whom the village of Petoskey was named, is of French and Indian parentage, and is now 88 years old. His wife is 81. They have been married 66 years. They have raised a family of 14 children, 10 of whom are still living, the oldest being 64, and the youngest 20 years of age.
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New Warehouse: A. Fox & Co., who have during the summer entirely rebuilt their dock have lately built a new warehouse thereon, of commodious proportions.
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September 19, 1875
Hon. E. H. Green's new residence, on Bridge street, is rapidly approaching completion, and promises to be an ornament to the village.
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Plurality of babies: "Name it in Gath; publish it in the streets of Ascalon." The first pair of twins for Charlevoix arrived at the residence of Archie McNeill, on Sunday morning. One is a girl and the other is also of the feminine gender. The aggregate weight was 12 pounds. Squalled about ten minutes, but since that time have been as docile as their papa. Archie can jump a sixteen rail fence without touching. Mother and little ones all doing well.
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September 26, 1875
Indian Patents: Rev. Mr. Betts, Indian agent of Michigan and Major John J. Knox of the Indian office at Washington, were here Friday distributing patents to the Indians for their lands and are a happy lot of aborigines.
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Rev. John P. Williams, who was appointed by the conference to the Charlevoix Indian Mission, is a full blooded Indian.
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October 3, 1875
CROSS VILLAGE
An Editorial Trip-The Village and the Convent
Saturday last a favorable opportunity presented itself to us to visit our excellent friend Capt. John Wagley, at Cross Village, in the Straits, and a prompt advantage of it was taken. Our surprise was great at beholding the extent and nature of the business here carried on, and the beauty and grandeur which nature everywhere presents. The village which was founded over one hundred years ago by the Indians, stands upon a high but level plateau overlooking the lake, and contains about 200 population, sixty of whom are whites. The view lakeward takes in the highway through which passes the entire floating commerce of the lakes. The lights at Skillagalee, Wagoschance and St. Helena are in plain view and at times the sight is said to be truly grand and impressive.
The great attraction at Cross Village, is the Convent of the Society of St. Francis, situated about three quarters of a mile from the village proper. It was established in 1855 by Father Weikamp, and the Society, and is a striking monument of what patient, persistent labor can perform.
Everything which presents itself in the way of buildings or woodwork was made by the hands of the members of the Superior. The main entrance leads us into the chapel, beautifully and tastily arranged and adorned, but of most peculiar interior construction.
The apartments where the members of the Society worship during services are separated from each other and the body of the chapel by a system of screens which entirely hide the occupants from the gaze of an outsider but affording a full view of the altar. The choir gallery is constructed upon the same principle. The good priest celebrated mass in the morning, and we had excellent opportunity to observe the mode of worship. Truly solemn and impressive are the mass ceremonies of the Catholic Church.
Father Weikamp conducted us through the various apartments of the large buildings and everywhere contentment, thrift, order and neatness were noticeable. The farm of the Convent embraces a clearing of about 100 acres and is perfectly worked, and within its boundaries not a stump or stone. As an illustration of the fertility of the soil, Father Weikamp informed us that from two and a half acres of land he raised this fall eleven hundred and fifty bushels of potatoes-or over four hundred and sixty bushels per acre.
An orchard bearing fruit trees is in close proximity to the Convent and level fields of ripe crops or grain stubble stretch out on the sides. A neat hospital has just been completed by the Society, which also contains a chapel and will soon be ready for occupancy. Near this hospital stands the tomb constructed by Father Weikamp which is to receive his mortal remains when his life of labor of love and worship is completed.
We entered the mausoleum with the pious old gentleman and gazed with awe and sincere reverence into the grave which will at no distant day receive his dust. St. Francis D'Assises, who lived in the 12th century, is the patron saint of the convent and his life size image stands within a glass enclosure over the main entrance to the chapel. A chime of three large bells are in the steeple which surmounts the main building, and in clear weather they can be distinctly heard seven miles.
Rev. Johannes Bernardus Weikamp, the Superior of the Convent, is a Prussian by birth and is 56 years of age. He was educated in Rome, and has traveled extensively through the Holy Land, and we saw many relics which he brought with him from Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. The good old priest treated us and ours with such market courtesy that we shall always remember him with a feeling of pleasure. We parted with him with an honest reverence for him and his work. May he keep above ground many years.
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October 31, 1875
Stover's Mill has commenced grinding and Mr. Stover is prepared to receive grain and turn out as good work as can be done elsewhere.
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November 7, 1875
The Van Raalte makes her last trip yesterday and today. We shall miss the jovial features and kind favors of Capt. Dodge, and we are cheered in the thought that early spring will bring him and his boat back again. Oh, by the way, A young Dodge has appeared in Detroit, which is more powerful than the needle to the Van Raalte compass. We don't blame the captain any for his haste to get there.
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The little schooner Ida May, owned by Timothy D. Smith, arrived in port yesterday morning, deeply laden with corn from the schooner ashore on Wagoshance.
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Mr. Carpenter has the three story addition to his store well under way, and will soon have it completed.
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November 14, 1875
Harbor Petition: At the Sentinel office may be found a petition to Congress asking for an appropriation of $50,000 to open Charlevoix Harbor. The preamble to the petition argues that "no appropriation by the General Government is more urgently needed or more amply justified by considerations of the public interest or the established policy of the government, than those which lessen the expense and perils of commerce. That a comparatively light outlay would render the mouth of the Pine River, in Charlevoix Co., one of the most useful and perfectly land locked harbors in the whole course of navigation through the Great Lakes." All of which is emphatically true. Let everybody sign it!
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