1876
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January 17, 1876
The Good Templars will meet at the new Masonic Hall over Nettleton's wagon shop, next Friday evening.
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The Charlevoix Sentinel having discarded the old type on which it has heretofore been printed, and which has been in use from about the year one, comes to us as bright and fresh as a baby in a new frock.
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New Masonic Hall: The Masonic Fraternity, of this place has leased for a term of five years, the upper portion of D. C. Nettleton's wagon shop, and are fitting it up for their lodge room. They will enter it about the first of March, or sooner. The building is 20 by 31 in size, giving a fine little hall and a suit of ante rooms occupying eight feet of the length. The Fraternity proposes to fit it up in a neat and tasty manner, and the walls and ceiling are already being newly plastered and calsomined. The Good Templars will also occupy the room.
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Dramatic: The Young Folks' Dramatic Club, of this place, have leased the old store building of W. Clifford, on the south side of Round Lake, and are fitting it up for an entertainment Hall. On Saturday evening, Jan. 29th, they will reproduce "The Commercial College Graduate," and introduce the farce entitled "The Crooked Mouth Family." Robert Miller, Esq. is still manager.
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January 31, 1876
Terrible Accident:-It is our painful duty to record a distressing accident which occurred to our esteemed citizen, M. J. Stockman, Esq., on Saturday.
Bernard Burns, Esq. of Marion, was on that day canvassing our town, for a patent fire-kindler, for which he is agent. He was demonstrating the merits of the article with which it was saturated. In lighting it a drop of the liquid fire dropped into the can of benzine, directly over which he stood and it at once ignited.
He seized it excitedly, and in an effort to throw it out of doors, threw it directly in Mr. Stockman's face, and the latter gentleman was soon enveloped in flame. He ran out and plunged himself into a snowbank, and succeeded in extinguishing the fire, but not until it had caused sad havoc with him.
His face, neck and hands, were found to be burned in a terrible manner. Mr. Stockman is now in a fair way to recovery.
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Vessel Transfer: Capt. D. S. Way has exchanged his house and lot on Bridge street with Capt. Ben Campbell for his half interest in the schooner W. A. Smith. Capt. Way will sail her next season.
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Leap Year: Amid the clash and glorious clatter of the ushering in of the Centennial year, the important fact seems to have been overlooked that this is also leap year. Ladies of Charlevoix, assert your rights.
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February 21, 1876
Out Again: M. J. Stockman, who was severely burned two weeks ago, is out again upon the street.
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Big Load: One of F. J. Meech & Cos. teams lately hauled 1930 feet of maple logs a distance of four miles at one load.
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February 28, 1876
Dr. A Weiskopf, of the firm of Capt. P. Johnson, of Kenosha, Wis., arrived in town Friday. The firm has commenced harvesting a large quantity of ice from Round Lake for the Chicago market, and will store about 15,000 tons on the beach of Round Lake, having leased a lot of Nelson Ainslie for that purpose. The work is to be under the superintendence of a professional ice-cutter, who arrived on Saturday from Kenosha.
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Leap Year Party: The ladies of Charlevoix have organized a determined and systematic campaign in the direction of monopolizing a ball which is to take place on Tuesday, March 7th. The public generally are invited to attend, but the reversed order in inviting, escorting, gallanting, putting on overshoes, etc., is to be closely observed. In all things which relate to choosing partners the ladies are to "run the machine" irrespective of "race, color or previous condition of servitude." We sincerely hope the ladies will show our sex the courtesy and respect to which their dignity entitles them. Supper will be furnished at the Fountain City House. Bill $1.25 per couple, which we presume the ladies intend to pay.
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March 6, 1876
McGeagh's Mill-W. J. McGeagh has purchased the Acme grist mill and will put it up in his mill in Norwood township.
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Miss Ida Whitcomb, sister of Mrs. A. Fox of this place, returned last week from Racine, Wis., where she has been attending school.
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Ice-Capt. P. Johnson & Co., have been quite successful during the week in getting out ice and they have about 1,500 tons packed. The ice is cut with ice-plows in block two feet square, and drawn from the water to the ice-house on a slide by means of a line and block worked by a team of horses. The work is superintended by Mr. G. Webster and ice-cutter of sixteen years experience.
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April 17, 1876
The Charlevoix Band instruments have arrived.
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April 17, 1876
The past winter has furnished two events to Charlevoix which surpass in importance all other events in its history up to date. We allude to the designation of Charlevoix as a port, and Government Harbor.
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April 24, 1876
I .S. Webster, of this place has been re-appointed first mate of the anchor line propeller Japan, for the coming season.
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Personal-L. D. Hickey, Esq., of Coldwater, is spending a few days visiting his friends in this section. He was one of the original Mormon settlers in Beaver Island.
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The Township Board have ordered a township Library of 300 volumes and it is expected to arrive next week.
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November 14, 1875
Testimonials-We cannot do otherwise than adopt this method of recognizing the compliment embodied in the following resolution, which was adopted by the voters of Boyne Valley at their annual meeting on the third:
"Resolved, That a vote of thanks be tendered by the qualified voters of Boyne Valley to Willard A Smith of the Charlevoix Sentinel for the zeal manifested by him towards obtaining an appropriation from the general government for the improvement of Charlevoix Harbor."
We assure the electors of Boyne Valley that what we have done in the direction has been done with a modest desire to serve the interests of the people of the county.
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May 8, 1876
Moss Backs-The Independent Order of Moss Backs held a meeting on Saturday, and organized. They were preparing for a grand parade on the Fourth of July, which will exceed in magnificence that of last year. We shall expect to see the people of Charlevoix co-operate with them in celebrating the Centennial holiday as it should be.
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May 15, 1876
The Charlevoix Sentinel of the 25th inst. closes volume seven. We have always felt a fatherly interest in the Sentinel, and congratulate friend Smith on the success which has crowned his efforts. May he continue to prosper more and more as the years go on.-Herald.
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May 15, 1876
The Band-Prof. P. P. Winegar, an accomplished musician, has been secured to teach the Charlevoix Cornet Band, and that organization is now in active practice under his leadership. There is now no doubt that within a few months we shall have a brass band that will be a credit to our place. The people of the village have responded quite liberally to the call for funds to defray expenses, and parties will [be] given from time to time for the benefit of the band fund. The band proposes that in all calls to play, Charlevoix shall have the preference. The following are the officers of the band: President and Leader, E. Carpenter; Deputy Leader, W. A. Smith; Secretary and Treasurer, W. C. Newman; Drum Major, Robert Miller. The band consists of the following gentlemen: Bass Tuba, E. Carpenter; First E Flat, W. A. Smith; Second E Flat, W. C. Newman; first and second B Flat, John Ackert and Wm. M. Miller; First and Second Alto, Ben Campbell and O. D. Mason; Tenor, John Mason; Bass Drum and Cymbals, F. O. Fisher; Tenor Drum, J. Worthington.
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May 22, 1876
Three new instruments have been added to the Charlevoix Cornet Band, and will be played by the following gentlemen: Solo Alto, A. K. Dougherty; Baritone, Byron See; 2nd Tenor, M. J. Stockman. The band now numbers eleven instruments, besides the drums.
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The propeller Fountain City, with the ever popular Captain Gibson in command, arrived Friday evening.
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May 29, 1876
For the first time in the history of Charlevoix, our mail comes by steam. It comes by Van Raalte from Petoskey every day arriving here early in the day.
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A Mammoth Roost-It is now reported that there is an immense pigeon roost or nesting about two miles west of Clam Lake. The nesting is about three miles long, and any sportsman can find plenty of good shooting in its vicinity for miles around. One gentleman popped over 180 there the other day and he said it wasn't much a day for shooting either.
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June 5, 1876
The pigeon butchers are still reaping a bountiful harvest among the roosts in the north woods. There is a roost to the west and south of Traverse City, which is said to be nine miles in length, and from half a mile to a mile in width.
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June 19, 1876
The biggest nuisance we have in town at present is the cow bell brigade. The bells range in size from a small tea bell to the largest sized cow bell.
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The Fourth
The programme for the Fourth of July celebration at Charlevoix is out, and embraces a medley of attractions which cannot fail to draw a multitude from the surrounding country and adjacent villages. At day break the boom of the first gun will awaken us to the light of the Centennial Fourth, and at sunrise thirteen guns will greet the resplendent majesty of the solar orb as he appears above the eastern forests. The procession to the grove features, and the grove exercises will consist of an oration by Hon E. H. Green, and the history of Charlevoix County, by Hon. J. S. Dixon. Instrumental and vocal music will be interspersed. The main attraction of the [day] to sight seers will be the gorgeous and altogether fantastic display of the Moss Backs, which will take place at one o'clock. At 2:30 the races and games will begin, in connection with which there will be prizes from 50 cents to $10. In the evening a grand ball will be given for the benefit of the Charlevoix Cornet Band. Recognizing the historic importance of the day above all its predecessors, let our people and their neighbors, conjointly, celebrate the day in a befitting manner.
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July 10, 1876
The Fourth at Charlevoix-By far the largest crowd that ever congregated in Charlevoix, gathered here on the Fourth to celebrate the Centennial Birthday Anniversary. The weather was fine, and now, as we write, (Wednesday morning) a steady rain storm prevails suggesting the special favor of Providence. The procession at 10 o'clock made up of matrons, maidens and young girls, in appropriate costumes, representing the original thirteen and the newer States and Territories, and headed by the Charlevoix Cornet Band, presented a beautiful sight indeed. The exercises at the grove were a marked success. The oration by W. J. Tilden was a masterly extemporaneous effort, abounding in the eloquence characteristic of the speaker, and full of soul inspiring patriotic sentiment. The reading of the Declaration of Independence by Miss Martin, and Patrick Henry's oration by E. H. Green, was excellent. The attraction of the day was the Order of Moss Backs. An attempt to describe the display would only prove a failure. It was simply gorgeous. The full-rigged man-of-war, under the command of Capt. James Martin, and manned by four boys in naval costumes, call forth many compliments. The races closed the afternoon, and the ball in the evening wound up the most successful demonstration in the history of the place.
Thus we have closed the first centennary and entered upon the second.
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July 10, 1876
Massacre of Gen. Custer and his
command by the Indians
The particulars came of a most terrible battle with the Sioux Indians, in which Gen. Custer and five companies were outnumbered and slaughtered. Gen. Reno with seven companies was forced to retreat to the hills, where he held the Indians at bay until Gen. Gibbon came up, when the Indians fled. Capt. W. Clifford formerly of this place, commands a company under Gen. Gibbon.
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The troops at Mackinac expect orders to report for Indian service.
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"Tip" Miller has purchased the store building on the south side of Round Lake, of Mrs. Clifford, and will fit it up for a residence.
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Capt. Oscar Wilbur, formerly Mate on the Van Raalte is sailing the Clara Belle, Hannah, Lay & Co.'s new steamer. It is a very deserving promotion.
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July 17, 1876
From the Charlotte Republican:
CHARLEVOIX
A Short Sketch of a Beautiful Northern Town
Mr. Editor-Having spent a few days in Charlevoix, please allow me space in your valuable paper and I will give your readers some idea of the situation, business and prospects of this place in northern Michigan. Charlevoix is on the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan, at the head of Grand Traverse Bay, in Charlevoix County, in the part of Michigan known as the Grand Traverse Region. It is pleasantly located on the bank of Round Lake (a beautiful lake) and sheltered from the winds of Lake Michigan by a high bluff. There is one public house, one large lumber mill and several business houses dealing in general merchandise, two drug and one hardware store. Of the business men first, not least one editor, one doctor. (The only reason given me for not any more was that they had no use for any more) Two lawyers, considered a kind of necessary evil.
While there I became acquainted with nearly all the leading citizens and found them genial, enterprising and hopeful. Willard A. Smith, the editor, went there some years ago without a dollar to start with. He started a paper on credit and is now, not only the editor, but proprietor of the Charlevoix Sentinel, a paper about the size of your paper. Smith is also postmaster and telegraph operator. Largely through his influence with Congressmen Ferry and Hubbell was the government appropriation of $100,000 on their harbor procured. E. H. Green, attorney, was an early settler and is an honored citizen having been elected to represent that district in the legislature twice. John S. Dixon, County Superintendent of Schools and County Clerk, was the first settler there. He did own the village plat, and now owns a large farm adjacent to the village. Dixon can give many interesting accounts of privation, hardships and difficulties incident to his early settlement up there among the Indians and Mormons. He told me that years ago, when elected to Legislature, he walked all the way down to Lansing.
The future prospects of Charlevoix, already a port of entry, are very flattering, situated as it is in a very healthful region, and on Round Lake, which is considered by the best mariners to be the best harbor on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Round Lake is connected with Pine Lake by an artificial passage, so that large vessels go many miles inland, via Charlevoix, and annually large quantities of tan bark and wood and produce are shipped from the county to Chicago and other points. The lumber in that section is mostly hardwood. The land is productive of all crops except corn, and superior for wheat and potatoes.
G. W. Squire
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July 24, 1876
Reading Room-The Hayes and Wheeler Club of Charlevoix, have secured the vacant storeroom of W. C. Newman, and will open it to the public as a reading room. The meetings of the club will hereafter be held there.
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July 24, 1876
About sixty Charlevoix people of both sexes, both big and little, attended by the Charlevoix Cornet Band, had a picnic excursion to the head of South Arm on Wednesday afternoon last. The everlasting croquet sets were taken along, and between them and lunch baskets a very pleasant afternoon was put in. Why are not there picnic parties more frequent?
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A Tilden Club, was organized on Saturday evening at Fox's Hall and the following officers were elected: President, A. Fox; Vice-President, L. D. Bartholomew; Secretary, J. M. Clark; Treasurer, Nelson Ainslie; Grand Wind-Bag and Universal Button-holer, J. Milo Eaton. They have a membership of twenty-five including naturalized residents and residents of other states temporarily stopping here.
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July 31, 1876
Returned-Byron See, Esq., and lady, returned home from the Centennial, Friday, looking well.
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The Fountain City House has been crowded during the past two weeks with guests and more coming. A large party from various parts of Indiana returned home last week. Mr. Cooper is making his house a home for his guests, and they are always certain to come a second time.
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Excursion-Quite a crowd of Petoskey people were down here Sunday on an excursion, with the Van Raalte, attended by the Petoskey Brass Band which by the way, is a musical organization of which Petoskey may well be proud.
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Soldiers Discharges
Soldiers desiring to have (during this Centennial year) a permanent record made of their discharge from military service in the late War of the Rebellion, are requested to present the same at the County Clerk's office.
John S. Dixon
County Clerk
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