1893
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January 19, 1893
OUR CHURCHES
A Review of the History of the First
Congregational Church of Charlevoix
The work of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions in this field twenty or more years ago, should not be confounded with the origin of the present Congregational Society. Back almost as far as local history reaches, the Presbyterians had a mission here. The pastor in charge of the work was Rev. George W. Wood. He labored here about six years, when, for some cause unknown to the writer that denomination abandoned the work here; but, unquestionably from that early Christian movement sprang the present prosperous Congregational Church of Charlevoix.
Rev. Leroy Warren was then as he was for many years after, State superintendent of church extension, if we are correct in the title.
In September, 1882, "for the furtherance of the gospel in this place," the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix, was organized with the following membership: Mrs. P. S. Dixon, Mrs. Caroline E. Nicholls, E. M. Clark, Mrs. Luella Clark, Brice Suffield, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Suffield, Mrs. A. J. McLeod, and Mrs. Lawrence. On the 18th of that month a Congregational Council met at the M. E. Church with Rev. Leroy Warren as Moderator. The council consisted of the following members: Rev. Page F. McClelland, pastor of Northport church; Rev. James Davies, pastor of Banks church; E. B. Marshall, deacon from Banks church; Rev. W. O. Allen, pastor St. Ignace church; A. Livermore, delegate St. Ignace church; Rev. W. D. Seaver, pastor Traverse City Church.
The council, after the preliminary formalities of recognition and acceptance of the above named members, approved the enterprise, and the church was duly constituted. The evening services were held and the charge to the church was given by Rev. Leroy Warren.
At the first regular meeting of the Society held in November of the same year, eight members were added to the church rolls. The first deacons of the church were Elijah Hudson, Brice Suffield and E.M. Clark. Wm. Kanagy was the first clerk and deacon Clark the first treasurer.
On the 30th day of August, 1883, at a regular meeting of the Society, Rev. C. F. VanAuken was called to the pastorate. The call was accepted, and Mr. VanAuken entered upon his pastoral duties soon after. The records show that several business meetings were held at the school house during the winter and spring of 1883. The membership was largely increased during these months, and much interest manifested. At a meeting held on the following September, the purchase of the lot on the corner of State and Main streets was sanctioned, the price being $800. At this meeting the trustees were instructed to push forward the work of erecting a house of worship.
Under the energetic labors of the pastor, in the year 1884 the present fine structure was erected and the membership greatly increased. In September 1886 the pastor was voted a six months vacation, and the Rev. A. T. Waterman was called to the pulpit during that time. On the 6th of December, 1886, H. S. Harsha was elected clerk, which position he has since held.
In March, 1887, pastor VanAuken tendered his resignation which was reluctantly accepted and Mr. Waterman continued temporarily as pastor. On the 8th of August of the year, the Society extended a call to Rev. O. A. Downs. Mr. Downs accepted and entered upon the pastorate in October, and ministered to the spiritual wants of the church very acceptably until August 1889, when his resignation was tendered and accepted.
Immediately a call was extended to Rev. John S. Rood, which was accepted, and the new pastor entered upon his duties at once. He served the Society faithfully and creditably for two years, when being desirous of enlarging his power for usefulness in his chosen calling, he resigned to enter Chicago Theological Seminary for a three year course of study.
In the fall of 1891 Rev. W. H. McPherson, the present popular pastor, was called to the work, and under his indefatigable ministry of love and labor the society has prospered spiritually and temporally. The church roll bears names of 120 members, and the auxiliary societies of the church are prosperous and productive of beneficient results in Christian work.
Rev. W. H. McPherson is of Scottish birth and raising and was educated in "auld Scotia," having been graduated from Madras College in St. Andrews, a Scottish University town. Although his inclinations from that hour were toward the ministry, he engaged in business for several years in his native town, where, 14 years ago he was married to the "bonnie lassie" who so worthily shares his labors and his triumphs. Eleven years ago they came to America, locating first in Detroit, where he entered business. But there his love for evangelical work asserted itself and he took up Y. M. C. A. work with an energy born of his Scottish Presbyterian nature. After a time he removed to Flint, where as General Secretary, he continued in the same work. In 1889 he removed to Lansing, where as a licentiate, he became assistant to Rev. C. A. Beal, pastor of the First Congregational Church of the capitol city. Mr. McPherson believes that in his work with the scholarly and devoted pastor he was the recipient of greater intellectual and spiritual blessing than at any previous period in his life. During his residence in Lansing he was ordained and came to this work in 1891 as stated.
Although 40 years of age pastor Mac looks but 30. He is an enthusiast on the subject of physical culture as promotive of intellectual vigor, and his clear eye and elastic step give weight to his reasoning. He is an enlightened and progressive preacher, eloquent and earnest and popular with the church and public.
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January 5, 1893
The Congregational Church School elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Supt., Herschel Miller; Asst. Supt., John Burns; Sec'y, Mary Wood; Tres., Lillian Eaton; Librarian, Josie Chaloupka; Ass't. Librarian, H. S. Harsha; Chorister, Dr. Kanagy; Ass't. Chorister, Lovey Kissner; Organist, R. M. Kanagy.
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The Charlevoix Lumber Co. are fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Andrew Ross as foreman and filer in their mill. Mr. Ross enjoys the reputation of being one of the best hardwood mill men in northern Michigan, and one of the most reliable.
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The Beauvais Boat and Canoe Mfg. Co. are having steam heaters put in throughout their factory and offices. S. C. Despres, of Traverse City, is doing the work. The machinery for the factory is nearly all placed and will be ready to operate by the last of the week.
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January 26, 1893
Advices from Beaver Island are to the effect that the old "Strang House" was destroyed by fire about three weeks ago.
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January 26, 1893
The Chautauqua Circle had a very enjoyable social with Miss Edith Hawkins last Saturday evening. Several invited guests were present.
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Misses Clara Ainslie and Lovie Kissner gave a progressive perdo party to their friends at the home of Miss Ainslie Tuesday evening.
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February 2, 1893
A crying evil this winter in Charlevoix is a scarcity of wood. This is a strange circumstance when we consider that this is a "wooden country." Ruling prices for wood here are as high as in southern Michigan where there is not one tree to forty acres of them here. If this condition of affairs continues Charlevoix people will be compelled to turn to coal as their only relief. As we write it is almost impossible to buy a load of wood.
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March 23, 1893
An Old Timer
The genial old Jack Papinaw's name leads all the rest. You would not believe it to look at him but John Papinaw of this village, was one of the first white men to look out upon the landscape from the Lake Michigan bluffs and recognize the site of the future metropolis of the Pine Lake Region-Charlevoix. But he was.
He located on Beaver Island in 1849, remaining there one winter removing to Fox Island, where he lived two winters. In 1852 he came to "Pine River" in the employ of Alva Cable of Mackinaw, a pioneer fisherman of the Straits. The first roof that covered his head here was that of a shanty located where Lewis Grand Opera House now stands. It was built of balsam poles cut at the bayou. The only means of outside communication was by the small schooner Maria, which brought supplies from Mackinac and took back their fish. Tim Smith-our own Tim-was then fishing on the point two miles west of the river and used to holler to Jack across the bay when the wind was tight.
All this was before the Mormons came to these parts, but in 1853 Jack was in a scrap with those worthies when the late Louis Gebo was wounded by a bullet from the gun of a saint. Hon. Charles R. Wright the present venerable President of Harbor Springs, was the cooper of the Pine River fishing party. Jack says they [were] compelled to cut the cedar from the mouth of the river before they could get in with their small boats.
Mr. Papinaw is about 60 yrs. old, but he is as frisky as when he helped drive the Mormons from this shore, and he expects to live long enough to see the water-works well completed and Charlevoix a city.
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March 16, 1893
Capt. O. E. Wilbur, of this place, last week purchased from Hon. Perry Hannah, of Traverse City, the steamer City of Grand Rapids. Capt. Wilbur is unable to state what he will do with the boat, but may take her to Chicago for the World's Fair.
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March 30, 1893
The waterworks well is a gusher-that is, a moderate gusher. They are down something over 225 feet, and as we write the drill is in rock, from the fissures of which the present flow comes. It is thought that when the bottom of the rock stratum is reached, a better flow will follow. Superintendent Guard now favors the plan of building a reservoir, and thinks that the present well will be sufficient supply for at least two years. In the meantime he wants you to get in your applications for taps early so that when the busy season opens the work will not be blockaded.
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April 6, 1893
The following are the pupils at Hop-yard school whose standing and department has not fallen below 95: Mamie, Aggie and Josie Orlowski, 99; Prudence Arnold, 99; Zula Kopt, 99; Andrew Struthers, 97; Albert Arnold, 91.
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John Nicholls and wife expect to leave next week for Kingsbridge Devonshire, England, for a two months visit. Mr. Wm. Nicholls, of Wisconsin, joins them here. On the return Miss Honor Nicholls will accompany them to the World's Fair and Charlevoix.
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The steamer City of Grand Rapids will be brought here from Traverse City to fit out for the World's Fair trade. Capt. Franklin, who sailed her last season goes as mate with Capt. Wilbur.
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Patsy Flanigan goes as the wheelsman in the City of Charlevoix.
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April 13, 1893
Capt. Wm. Finucan, of the steamer City of Charlevoix, will soon be a permanent resident of Charlevoix. He has rented the O'Neill house, corner of State street and Clinton, and will bring his family here about May 1st.
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Yesterday, the Crouter store was leased for a term of years to Mr. F. N. Chapel, who will, May 1st, put in a full line of drugs. Mr. Chapel is a graduate of the Michigan University School of Pharmacy. Mrs. Chapel will be remembered as Miss Gage, who was formerly a teacher in our schools.
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April 20, 1893
F. A. Chapman, the Grand Rapids florist and landscape gardener, who has the contract to grade and decorate the grounds at the C. W. M. depot, arrived today, and in an interview he stated that active work will be commenced next Monday. The amount of money to be expended on the grounds will reach $3,000, and when completed Charlevoix will be in a condition to boast of having the finest.
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May 4, 1893
Capt. Wm. Taylor is clearing for the erection of a residence on Dixon Avenue.
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Mrs. Martha J. Ayers has the stone on the ground for the foundation for a brick building on her lower Bridge street lot.
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A duplicate of the easterly gale which drove the schooner Florence M. Smith ashore in South Manitou harbor, last Wednesday put the finishing touches on her destruction. She has been stripped and probably will be abandoned.
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May 25, 1893
At a meeting of the Charlevoix Driving Park Association last evening the following officers were elected: Pres., B. W. Miller; first Vice pres., Geo. Bates; second vice pres. Chester Denton; secretary, Harry Nicholls; treasurer, John Baker. Harry Nicholls and John Baker were elected new directors. Trustees, B. W. Miller, Harry Nicholls, Geo. Bates, Chester Denton, J. A. Gellick, Antoine Richards, John Baker, Will Stevens, A. J. McLeod, Geo. Crouter and Burns. Executive Committee, Will Stevens, J. A. Gellick and Antoine Richards.
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June 8, 1893
For the World's Fair: Mrs. J. A. Hawkins and Miss Edie, Miss Esther Buttars and Miss Blanche Bartholomew, Forrest Blanchard, M. J. Stockman, Henry Barth, Chas. See, John Baker, and Mrs. H. D. Wood, Bert Mason and wife and Mrs. George Weaver.
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June 15, 1893
Jos. R. Dixon is making a survey of the village for a new plat which will include all additions and make many needed corrections.
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They have a fine girl at the residence of Montie Lewis and the happy father is bragging again about the north side.
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July 6, 1893
Married-By the Rev. David Engle, of this place on Monday July 3rd, Mr. George S. Meggison and Miss Edith G. Phelps both of Charlevoix.
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July 20, 1893
Lindsay Park
All doubt as to what the railroad people intend to do with their Lindsay Park property (the Dixon farm) was dispelled Saturday, when General Passenger Agent Geo. DeHaven and his son-in-law, Mr. Bliss, the real estate agent of the company, arrived here in a special car to arrange for the preliminaries in the work contemplated when the property was purchased.
Engineer Dixon was intrusted with the work of staking out the streets, and Dixon avenue will be laid out and opened to Pine Lake. The other principal streets will also be opened and sidewalks built.
This work will be pushed vigorously, and on its completion the entire plat will be placed in the market and thoroughly advertised as a resort.
That Mr. DeHaven is in charge of this work, is a sufficient guaranty that lots on Lindsay Park will be made desirable, and that this fall will see a good start toward building.
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July 27, 1893
Time is not wasted when we turn our thoughts back to pioneer days and indulge in reveries; for only by glancing backward can we properly appreciate the present.
When from among the few remaining settlers one drops out, the faces all come up before us again-those gone and those remaining. Aunt Phoebe Thompson was the last one to join the majority and when we think of her now, the countenance of Uncle Medad rises up, and we are carried back to the beautiful summer evenings nearly a quarter of a century ago, when we wandered down the wooded shore which is now within the boundaries of the resort grounds, to the always hospitable home of Uncle Medad and Aunt Phoebe.
Those were the days when Uncle Philo Beers was king, and we all his faithful subjects. Hugh Miller, John S. Dixon, Amos Fox, Seth F. Mason and Wm. Laister were then here, and were the "knights of the Round Table," in the affairs of Charlevoix and "Old man Holland" and Robert Bedwin came down the lake in sailboats.
These are but a few of the old veterans left. Old Johnny Miller and Aunt Harriet still live on the old homestead at the head of Pine Lake. Dick Cooper is still the dean of the hotel people, Nelson Ainslie is still here to remind us of old stage days, and only the other day we met old Richard Vaughn with the weight of 83 years upon him.
Of course there are plenty of old settlers like Morris Stockman, Mell Thompson, Bert Brown, Ben Campbell, Jack Papinaw and Robert Miller, but they are young and frisky yet, and have not passed into the superannuated class.
One by one, however, the veterans are departing and a new generation is coming upon the stage of action. It does no harm to quicken our memories of these old landmarks; their day forms a contrast with the present which furnished cause for satisfaction and imparts livelier hopes for the future.
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August 24, 1893
Miss Celia Bridge of Whitewater, Wis., and Miss Gertrude Page of Whitewater and Miss Minnie Kiser of San Jose, Cal., are guests of Hon. John Nicholls.
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September 7, 1893
Ezra Meech, the rotund boniface of the Ingleside hotel, strides the streets with the air of a burgomaster. And why should he not? He has been entertaining a genuine German Count, in the person of Henry, Count Adelmann, of Adelmansfelden, Lord High Chamberlain to his Royal Highness, the Prince of Hohenzollern. The Count registered as "H. Ct. Adelmann." He dined and went north. He is a World's Fair Commissioner out on a lark, and is accompanied by an interpreter. He wants to kill a deer and called on State Game Warden Hampton to secure the privilege. He is willing to pay the fine but the deer he must have.
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September 21, 1893
Rev. J. W. Hallenbeck is the new M. E. pastor of the Charlevoix charge. He will arrive this week. Mr. Hallenbeck is a brother of Mrs. A. R. Upright, formerly of this place, and is a man of ability.
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School opened Monday morning with the following corps of teachers: D. F. Wilson, Supt.; Mary B. Chapin, principal; Allie Waters, 7th and 8th grades; Josie Peterson, 5th and 6th; Emma E. Smith, 4th; Beulah Moore, 3rd; Mary Potter, 2nd; Winnie Chapel, 1st.
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September 28, 1893
At the World's Fair this week: Hon. A. Buttars, A. L. Coulter and wife, John Monroe and wife, Dr. LeFevre and wife, J. W. Harris, Mrs. H. V. Rifenberg, Miss Lovey Kissner.
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Water at the Well-Yesterday afternoon, at a depth of 390 feet, the drill struck water at the water works well, and this morning we have a "gusher."
Pure, clear and cold water comes up at the rate of 80 gallons a minute, 4,800 gallons an hour, or 115,200 gallons in 24 hours.
The Charlevoix water-works are now supplied from two six-inch wells, with a supply of fully 7,500 gallons an hour.
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October 5, 1893
Rev. Father Gallagher, of St. James, was a caller here yesterday, on his way to Chicago by the City of Charlevoix.
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October 5, 1893
By the C. & W. M. excursion to Chicago yesterday: Geo. Carr and mother, Will Newman, Ethel Newman, Ward Ainslie, Harry Widdifield, Mrs. Bert Mason, B. W. Miller, Frank Chaloupka, Mrs. Chas. Gagnon, R. W. Elston and wife, W. B. Vosburg and wife, F. W. Mayne and wife, P. S. Brown.
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October 12, 1893
Last week Henry M. Enos purchased the Rifenberg flouring mill, and on Monday he took possession of the plant and is now in full control. The change is in itself a guaranty that the Charlevoix Roller Mills-as the concern will now be known-will be what it should be, a blessing to Charlevoix. There is no man in Charlevoix who possesses more friends than Enos. The people of Charlevoix know him and they know him to be a man of high character and the strictest integrity.
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The plasterers are working on the inside of the Catholic church and Jerome Heath is just completing a beautiful altar. The Catholic people hope to hold service there next Sabbath.
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October 26, 1893
The Charlevoix colony at Port Orange, Fla., this winter will consist of M. J. Stockman and wife, E. B. Carpenter, wife and daughter, L. N. McLean and family, B. W. Miller and family, Harrison Bedford and family, Chester Denton and family, James Huntington, C. Y. Cook and family, D. S. Way and family, Bernie Gellick, J. Monroe, Jr., and family, Dr. LeFevre and family, Horace Vannornum, L. D. Bartholomew, Mr. Ranger. Besides these there are several who talk seriously of going. Byron See and wife of Detroit, and Mrs. Van Pelt and daughter, of Norwood will spend the winter with the colony.
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November 2, 1893
Capt. Beattie has furnished his house, and is keep bachelors hall for the time being.
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Had you noticed that in this year, 1893, the months of January, April, July, October and December have each five Sundays, that both the first day and the last day of the year are on Sunday; and that the year has fifty-three Sundays? Get your calendar and look it up.
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November 16, 1893
Beauvais & Harris are building a dock on Pine Lake for the Chicago Resort Association. It is located on the south side of the railroad park, and of crib work, 125 feet long and 10 feet wide.
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November 16, 1893
The total enrollment in all school departments to date is 372. The class of '97 has been organized with a membership of 19. The following officers have been elected: President, Eber Kanagy; Secretary, Grace Emrey; Treasurer, May Guyles.
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November 23, 1893
Mrs. Horatio Gale, of Albion, is here visiting her daughter, Mrs. H. Lee Iddings.
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Baptist Matters
At the annual business meetings of the First Baptist Church of Charlevoix held on Monday evening Nov. 6, the following officers were elected: Mr. Stillman Parker, deacon for life; Mr. R. W. Kane and Mr. Wm. Poole, deacons for two years; E. Peaslie, clerk for one year; Mrs. Marcia Bovie, treasurer for one year; R. W. Kane, chairman of the Benevolent committee and Mrs. J. R. Mead and Mrs. Minerva Papineau, other members. Rev. M. E. Hayne, chairman of the music committee, with privilege of selecting his associates on the committee. Mrs. L. Guard and Mrs. Edward Stover, committee of janitor's salary.
Officers whose terms have not expired are as follows: D. S. Way and A. T. Washburn, deacons until 1894, R. W. Kane, Wm. Hulme, Sr., and A. T. Washburn, trustees until 1894.
At this meeting it was voted that it is the desire of the church to have a choir. Several other items of business were transacted.
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December 14, 1893
Crouter and Burns were last week awarded the contract of rebuilding the south approach to the Charlevoix bridge and are getting the materials ready for the work.
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The Y. M. C. A. rooms over G. W. Miller's store are open, and are supplied with the leading dailies and periodicals and provision is made for games and athletics. The young men of Charlevoix are cordially invited to spend their evenings there, and everything possible will be done to make the rooms pleasant for them. The formal opening will occur Friday evening.
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December 21, 1893
The C. L. S. will meet at the home of Miss Edith Hawkins, Friday evening, December 22. Program: Devotional, Rev. McPherson; Rome and making of modern Europe, Miss Lillian Eaton; Vocal solo, Miss Kate Smith; Italian Finances, Mrs. Kanagy; Recess; Outline of Economics, Miss Waters; Recitation, Miss Charlton; How to Study the Fine Arts, Mrs. Burns; Vocal Duet, Miss Kate Smith and Miss Winnie Bartholomew; Question Table, the Religions of the World and Questions of the Times. Roll call, Quotations from Bacon.
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