1872
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January 7, 1872
THE GROWTH OF OUR VILLAGE
Who among those who have known our village for the past six years can doubt the future growth and prosperity of Charlevoix? Six years ago what constituted the "burg" which now boasts of 450 inhabitants? The "boarding house" seemed to have been the "village," from the steps of which the limpid waters of Pine River could not be seen for the thick growth of cedar which stood between. Nothing which would entitle it to the name of "village" existed on the south side of the river. Pork and flour could be obtained at the "old store," and dry goods in limited quantities. The mail could be brought in a good sized overcoat pocket. The spring of 1869 the "Mammoth Store" opened. Since that time what a big change has been wrought. By the stumping and clearing of lots, and the building of fences our little settlement has assured shape, streets have darted in here and there, buildings have dotted the boundaries and a village of goodly appearance is now nestled in the quiet valley beside the great lake. Let us see what has been done since the Sentinel was planted here in 1869: The business houses are as follows: A. Buttars & Co., the "Little Mammoth Store;" Henry Morgan; C. B. Norris & Co.; and Geo. Keyes. The Residences built are as follows: The Mill Company, two houses; S. F. Mason, S. M. See, A. K. Dougherty, Henry Carr, Henry Newman, Geo. Keyes, A. Buttars, Byron See, the upright of L. Gebo, jewelry store and residence of S. S. Liscomb, M. J. Stockman and the publisher an office and residence. Also the handsome wagon shop of D. C. Nettleton, the addition to the mill, and other additions and improvements altogether constituting about two-thirds the present size of the village. The growth is not spasmodic, but is steady and will be permanent. Present indications are that the size of the village will increase this coming summer by a greater number of buildings than during any two previous seasons. We are gratified to thus note the rapid growth of our beautiful village. We predict for it a future importance second to none in Northern Michigan
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January 7, 1872
The mill commenced sawing on Monday.
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Old Sha-wan-da-sa, chief of the Susan Lake band of Indians passed to the happy hunting grounds on Thursday morning.
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January 14, 1872
On Monday last, Campbell's stages commenced making the trips through to the railroad in one day.
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February 11, 1872
Another Charlevoix-It may be interesting to know that there exists a village in France, near Versailles, called Charlevoix.
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February 18, 1872
On the 11th inst. at the residence of the bride's father, Hon. John S. Dixon of Charlevoix, by Rev. C. N. Coulter, Mr. David Nettleton to Miss Frances P. Dixon, both of Charlevoix County.
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River Improvement-Superintendent Nettleton requests us to state that work on the piers will be commenced on Monday, the 26th of February, and owing to circumstances which compel him to be absent until that time, Henry Morgan will give all necessary information and instruction. It becomes necessary for those persons who expect to pay the amount of their subscriptions in labor to be prompt, as the sugar season is approaching, which will be followed by spring work, when it will be extremely inconvenient, if not impossible to leave the farm. Mr. Nettleton informs us that he will proceed to construct the cribs in accordance with the plan adopted, and build the piers in a north-westerly direction. We all have faith in the skill and integrity of Mr. Nettleton, and we hope he may receive all the assistance that has been pledged.
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February 25, 1872
RIVER IMPROVEMENT
The Mass Meeting on the 27th, in attendance, enthusiasm, unity, good feeling and determination of purpose far surpassed the expectation of all! The school house was crowded to overflowing and every man present evidently came with a firm determination to do all in his power to carry out the scheme which is to bring us nearer to the active world.
After the formal organization of the meeting by the appointment of Robert Miller as Chairman and Willard A. Smith as secretary, Hon. John S. Dixon took the floor, and submitted a letter from Commissioner Haviland in regard to harbor appropriation which had not yet been considered by the Board of Control.
After several speeches the subscription paper was presented and fifty-seven persons agreed "to pay the sum set opposite their names toward deepening and widening the lower channel of Pine River, and securing the same by constructing the necessary piers and docks, in timber, labor, or money, by the first day of June next, under the care of the Charlevoix Harbor and River Improvement Company." F. L. Kiser of the firm of Geo. W. Esterly & Co., with the public spirit and liberality which has characterized him from the commencement, took stock to the amount of $500; Henry Morgan, $200; Alden Chamberlain, $100; John S. Dixon $100; A. Buttars, $50; John Steveson, $50; W. C. Newman, $50; and forty-nine others each $25, amounting in all to $2,275. About $500 more is expected.
A plan and accompanying estimates was submitted by Mr. Morgan. He proposed to project a pier 240 feet into the lake on the north side of the channel, the same to be composed of six cribs each 40 feet in length and 16 feet in width. As but very little drift is experienced from the south side, a pier of sufficient length to keep the channel straight is all that is deemed necessary. His estimates which only include one pier, sums up as follows:
| Total cost of timber | $370.56 |
| Framing and assembling | $370.56 |
| Cost of stone | $414.00 |
| Total | $1,155.12 |
RIVER IMPROVEMENT (cont.)
Dredging was not considered. Mr. Kiser presented a plan of the direction which the piers should take. He claimed that the prevailing heavy winds were from the northwest, and inasmuch as the channel was naturally protected from the west and southwest, a west by north course would be the safest and most practical. This plan must meet with unanimous sanction. We are confident, however, that the cooperation will accept only such plans as will be the best, most practical and the cheapest; and this done under the mechanical management of the Superintendent, David C. Nettleton, no time or means will be squandered.
We predict that before the present decade closes a harbor will be here open to maritime commerce second to none on Lake Michigan.
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February 25, 1872
H. W. Beach, Esq., of Antrim proposed, the coming spring, to concentrate the resources of about 700 maple trees in the manufacture of syrup, which he will seal up in airtight cans, and transport west, where he is confident he will realize fully $2.50 per gallon. Mr. Beach has, previous springs, made large quantities of sugar, which has been disposed of in the same way, bringing a high price. This shows that sugar making, when conducted in a business like manner, is the most profitable resource of the farm.
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March 3, 1872
Leap Year-The following from the old Saxon code may be of interest to the ladies of this village, and for their benefit we reproduce it: "Albeit, as often as leape-yeare dothe occurre, the woman holdeth prerogative over the menne in matter of courtshippes, love and matrimonie; so that when the ladye proposeth it shall not be lawful for the mane to say to her nae, but shall entertain her proposal in all gude courtesies."
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April 7, 1872
Death of Hon. Philo Beers
At twenty minutes past twelve o'clock on the morning of Wednesday last, Hon. Philo Beers of this village, departed this life, aged 73 years. For several years past Mr. Beers has suffered much rheumatism, which by its attack on the heart, has now caused his death. In his decease Charlevoix County has lost an efficient officer and a good citizen and the community will miss him as an officer and citizen. This aged veteran has gone to rest and may his rest be sweet. He was buried on Friday with honors, by the Masonic Fraternity, of which he has been a zealous member for over fifty years.
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April 14, 1872
The post office has been removed by the Deputy Postmaster Cooper to the Fountain City House until the appointment of a new Postmaster, which will occur soon.
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April 14, 1872
The carpenters will commence the three story addition to the Fountain City House next week. It will fill up almost the entire space between the present building and Geo. Keyes' store.
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April 21, 1872
Geo. P. Powell and Co.'s Newspaper directory gives Charlevoix as a place "on Green River, six miles from Lake Michigan." Please correct that Mr. Powell.
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The mass meeting on Saturday last declared unanimously in favor of David C. Nettleton for local commissioner for the Harbor Improvement.
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Honor Where Honor is Due-Perhaps to no man in the county are we [more] indebted for our success thus far in the harbor improvement than Henry Morgan, Esq. His experience, skill, and great energy have rendered him an invaluable assistant to the superintendent. Charlevoix needs more such men as Henry Morgan.
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May 12, 1872
At the drawing of prizes of the Detroit Commercial Advertiser in Detroit lately, Alden Chamberlain, of this village, held the number that drew the $250 gold watch.
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The mammoth upright of the Fountain City House is raised as we go to press. Mr. Cooper proposes to push it rapidly forward to completion and expects to occupy it by the 15th of June. When completed it will be the largest hotel north of Manistee. A public hall will constitute the entire third story.
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May 19, 1872
Pigeon Roost-Pigeons in countless numbers are nesting in the northwestern portion of Marion. The rookery is said to be a mile in width and three miles in length. We call the attention of all to the law relating to shooting these birds. Any person shooting pigeons within half a mile of their nesting place is subject to a heavy fine. We are astonished to learn that men of standing and intelligence should violate this law-and that on the Sabbath day.
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May 26, 1872
A pigeon-hunter with his nets, arrived here by propeller Empire State.
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May 26, 1872
On Monday the postoffice was removed to the premises of the publisher of this paper. A commodious addition to our office for its accommodation is just completed. We enter upon our new official duties as postmaster hoping to please the public and prove ourself worthy of the confidence of the government. While we shall aim to discharge our official duties faithfully, such duties will not in any way conflict with our other duties, editorial or official-as it is our intention to employ the necessary assistance to promptly and to the best of our ability discharge our duties in the several relations to the public.
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June 23, 1872
E. Carpenter, Esq. of Coral City, Wis., who is to erect a store here next fall, arrived on Thursday.
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A Chicago gentleman has two hundred dozens of live pigeons confined in coops in the rear of the Fountain City House. He is fattening them for market.
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Beaver Harbor-The marine reporter of the Detroit Tribune gives this description of Beaver Harbor: "This locality for many years well known as the Isle of the Latter Day Saints is probably one of the best harbors to be found between Buffalo and Chicago, being completely land-locked, when once inside, and in earlier times formed a shelter for passing vessels.
During the time of the Saints there was a sprightly village there and more or less traffic was carried on with vessels which came there. Latterly it is rarely visited, and its present inhabitants are only a few fishermen." How this will appear to the enterprising citizens of one of the greatest fish marts on the chain of lakes?
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The citizens of Charlevoix have at last made provisions for the erection of a school building which will be a credit to the village. A building to cost $4,000 will be commenced this summer and carried forward to completion as rapidly as provisions made will allow. The meeting on Saturday evening last voted to issue bonds to the amount of $1.00 payable March 1874, and to raise $1,000 the coming winter, by direct tax and the balance to be raised as needed, either by bonds or direct tax. It was the sentiment of the meeting that a building 35 x 60, two stories in height, with stone foundation be erected, the lower portion to be completed this fall for use next winter. Plans and specifications are to be prepared immediately. The committee appointed at a previous meeting to select lots reported a choice of Lots 7, 8, 9, 16, 17 and 18, of Block 10, the alley included. The site selected reaches from Mason to Clinton Streets and is the most suitable and pleasant location that could have been selected. If the provisions made and the sentiment expressed are carried out, Charlevoix will soon have a building surpassing any in Grand Traverse.
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July 7, 1872
Weather Capers-95 degrees in the shade on Monday; overcoats and gloves on Wednesday.
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July 7, 1872
The Engineer Corp of the G.R. & I.R.R. camped here on Tuesday. They have just completed the preliminary survey of the line from the head of Little Traverse Bay to the Straits of Mackinac.
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The Old Flag-The first sight that greeted our eyes on the morning of the Fourth was the National flags which floated from the staffs of the Fountain City House and Nettleton's Carriage Factory.
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July 28, 1872
Fox, Rose & Buttars-We note with pleasure the association of our friend A. Buttars, Esq. with Messrs. Fox and Rose, as an equal partner in the merchantile business heretofore carried on under the firm name of A. Buttars and Co. During the three years Mr. Buttars has done business in Charlevoix, he has gained many friends by his courteous and straight forward way of doing business. That he may be successful in this new venture is our earnest wish.
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August 4, 1872
Byron See, Esq. of this village, has leased the lower part of Chamberlain's building, and is in Milwaukee, purchasing a stock of groceries, etc. to fill it up. Mr. See has the timber out for a new residence on State street. Forward is the watchword.
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At the Annual Meeting of the stockholders of the Charlevoix Harbor and River Improvement Company held on Saturday evening, the following gentlemen were elected Directors of the Corporation for the ensuing year: Henry Morgan, Robert Miller, A. Buttars, S. M. See, D. C. Nettleton, J. S. Dixon, and O. S. Washburn.
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August 18, 1872
The Norwood mill, containing only two saws circular and upright sawed 19,000 feet of lumber one day last week.
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September 1, 1872
We call the attention of School District officers to the fact that they are required to post in three public places in the district in the month of August in each year, a copy of [the] law to compel children to attend school.
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September 1, 1872
The contract for the erection of the new school house has been let to Messr. S. M. See and D. C. Nettleton, of this village, who commence the work with a full force of hands on Monday morning. The building is to be 30 x 70 on good stone foundation, two stories in height, and surmounted by a neat belfry. The conditions of the contract require the entire completion of the building outside and one room inside for use next winter. The building will undoubtedly be completed next season.
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OUR GROWTH
Nowhere on the shores of Lake Michigan can be found a village of fairer promise than Charlevoix. As we look at the Charlevoix of four years ago, and that of today, mark its healthy growth, and contemplate what the resources of the region are to make it, we are thankful that our steps have been guided hither. Thus far this season the growth of the village has been remarkable in its extent and nature. The direct benefit of a portion of it will not be felt immediately, as four out of the many buildings are stores, which will not commence business in earnest until spring. The store of W. C. Newman is nearly completed and has the finest front in the village. Carpenter's is a substantial and roomy building and will be an ornament to the lower portion of Bridge street. Harry Newman's bakery, on the same street is under way, and , although small will be finished in neat style. The hardware store of Norris and Stockman, on the corner of Bridge street and "Hoop Skirt Alley," is rapidly approaching completion, and will be occupied next week. The Fountain City House, which was completed this summer, will compare with any House in Grand Traverse, and is gaining for our village a reputation among tourists equaling that of Mackinac. Besides those completed, several residences are in process of construction and others to be built this fall. The school building about to be commenced, will surpass anything of the kind in Grand Traverse. Messers. Fox, Rose, and Buttars are about to build another large warehouse on Round Lake and are contemplating the erection of another Mammoth store next season. The buildings erected this season will constitute full one-half of the village; and we predict a still greater growth next season.
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September 29, 1872
A Wise Step-A movement was initiated on Monday evening last which should have been thought of long ago. The Grant and Wilson Club appointed a committee to take active measures to secure and erect a liberty pole in the most conspicuous place in the village. A committee of ladies was also appointed to canvas for funds to purchase a flag. The Club wishes it understood that this is not a party matter. The flag and pole are to be the property of the village and are to be used on all public occasions.
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Our Public Works-With the appearance of autumn our public works are making rapid strides toward completion. The breakwater is beyond danger, the several piers having been surmounted with a superstructure at once strong and well appearing. As the work progresses, the contractor continues to load the pier with stone, which, with the strong iron bolts with which the superstructure is united, would be sufficient even now to protect the work against heavy sea or shoving ice. But the pier will be raised still higher and many cords of ballast still deposited. The school building is advancing beyond our expectations. It is enclosed, and the belfry surmounts the structure, the glittering weathervane being visible above other objects. A large force of men are constantly at work and we shall soon be able to abandon the backwoods concern in which our people have stifled themselves so long. The contractors, Messers. See and Nettleton, deserve great credit for the energy with which they have carried out the work.
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October 13, 1872
Robert Miller, Esq., is erecting a new blacksmith shop in the rear of Nettleton's wagon shop.
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October 20, 1872
The Drowning of F. L. Kiser
of This Place From the Minnie Warren
It is our painful duty to chronicle the untimely death of Frank L. Kiser, of the firm of Geo. W. Esterly and Co., on Thursday morning. He is supposed to have fallen overboard from the above named tug, somewhere between Norwood and Little Island, as he was last seen in that vicinity, but was not missed until they reached the river. Several of our citizens made up a party on Wednesday morning for a trip to Elk Rapids, Mr. Kiser being among the rest. The probable facts are that on their return, at the place spoken of, while nearly all on board were asleep he left the forecastle with the intention of relieving the engineer, and while making his way aft over the piles of wood which obstructed the narrow passage way, lost his balance and fell overboard. The occurrence has cast a gloom over the entire community as Mr. Kiser was universally esteemed. He was just in the prime of life. He leaves a widow and three children. The estimable lady receives the sympathy of all in her sore bereavement.
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The ladies appointed to raise money for a flag have been highly successful and we shall soon see the results of their labors.
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The School Board authorizes us to state that the old school building will be sold to the highest bidder on Saturday next. The proceeds will go into the fund for procuring seats for the new building.
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October 27, 1872
L. D. Bartholomew, Esq., the purchaser of the Liscomb property arrived last week and took possession. He is erecting a commodious addition. Mr. B. is interested in a nursery for the growing of fruit trees, and he tells us he will soon be in receipt of a large variety of all kinds. He will also take orders for spring delivery. We welcome Mr. B. among us and extend our well wishes.
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November 10, 1872
An effort has been put forth to secure a daily mail for Charlevoix.
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November 17, 1872
A teacher has been engaged for the winter term of the Charlevoix school.
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The Presbyterian Society of this place have secured the clerical services of Rev. Geo. W. Wood, late of Au Sable, who arrived lately with his family and household effects. He will preach at the school house at 7 P.M.
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November 24, 1872
School will commence at the new school building with J. M. Whitney as teacher.
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December 8, 1872
The Cribs-Through the courtesy of those interested, we give a summary of the extent and expense of the work done on the breakwater at the mouth of Pine River:
8134 linear feet of timber at 36¢, $2,2928.24; 772 1/2 cubic yards stone, at 2.50, $1,931.25; 3891 lbs. iron at 17¢, $661.47; total amount expended $5,520.96.
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December 15, 1872
Charlevoix School numbers about sixty pupils.
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Ladies Aid Society-A Society bearing this name was organized on Wednesday, and is officered as follows: President, Mrs. E. H. Green; Vice-President, Mrs. A. Buttars; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Geo. L. Cole. The next meeting at the Methodist Parsonage.
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December 22, 1872
It is expected that a through line of daily stages between Traverse City and Charlevoix will commence running soon.
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School-We called at the school on Monday and found an orderly lot of pupils, making intellectual headway under the efficient tutorship of Mr. J. M. Whitney.
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December 22, 1872
A Bell for Charlevoix-It appears that about fifty dollars has been raised toward a fund for the purchase of a bell for the new school building.
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Henry L. Miller, accompanied by Louis Macsaba, chief, left on Monday for Washington, as agent for the Indians of this reservation Mr. Miller goes with authority and his mission is to secure for the Indians the patents to their lands for which they have been so long waiting, and to which they are entitled.
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