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January 12, 1873 A pew in a recently dedicated fashionable church in New York sold as high as $4,500. A whole church could be built for this sum in Charlevoix where it is needed. ____________________________ January 19, 1873 Traverse City is at present the terminus of the G.R. and I.R.R. as the regular trains go through to that point from Grand Rapids. The trip is made in about eight hours. ____________________________ January 25, 1873 Richard [Cooper], of the Fountain City House is having several small pleasure boats constructed for the use of his guests. Messers. Dougherty and Carr are the builders. ____________________________ Porter's Mill on Pine Lake, is in active operation and has a capacity for grinding eight bushels per hour. This mill is conveniently located and is a great convenience to the people on the lake. ____________________________ Norwood-We visited this hospitable and pleasant village on Monday traveling by a new and excellent road destitute of hills and more direct than the old one. Norwood people are indebted to Mr. Meech for the many improvements he has inaugurated and for the active life he has given to the business of the place. Everything about the store and yard denotes a combination of system and energy. ____________________________ February 2, 1873 Twenty-two degrees below zero last Tuesday. ____________________________ February 2, 1873 Cemetery Lots-At a special meeting of the Board of Health of the Township of Charlevoix, on the 29th inst., the action of October 14th, 1872 was amended, making the price of ordinary lots (8 x 15 feet) in the Township Cemetery $2.50 to residents and $5.00 to non-residents. ____________________________ March 16, 1873 Many of the contributors to the fund of the purchase of a flag, now propose, and rightfully, to transfer the sum raised to the bell fund. A few protest against the move. A moment's consideration of the matter will convince that few that a flag is only an ornament while a bell is an article which will prove itself of inestimable value to the school and village. Let us have the bell. ____________________________ It pleases us immensely to learn that those of favorites, Capts. Gibson and Penny will resume their positions on the Fountain City and Idaho on the opening of navigation. A large amount of money has been expended in refitting and improving the hull of the Fountain City and she will come out nearly as good as new. We have not learned definitely concerning the Mohawk and Oneida, but understand that Capt. Drake will come out on the latter. We should like to see the same old quartette at their bells the coming season. ____________________________ March 23, 1873 The mouth of Pine River, Charlevoix County, Mich. to be re-surveyed. We are happy to be able to state that we have assurances from our representatives at Washington that our river will be surveyed the coming season. Some time since we wrote Senator Ferry and representative Hubbell concerning the mixed situation of affairs, and praying in behalf of the people of the county, that the mistake be corrected. Thursday we received the following from Senator Ferry: U.S. Senate Chamber Dear Sir: In response to your favor concerning the survey of Pine River Harbor, I have to-day held an interview with the Chief of the Engineer Department. I am assured that under the appropriation he will be warranted in re-surveying your harbor so that you may have justice done in the matter. Yours truly, And by the same mail, making assurance doubly sure, we received the following from Senator Hubbell: Washington, March 12, 1873 Dear Sir: On my arrival here I found that Mr. Ferry had survey of harbor at Pine River in charge, and yesterday he informed me that a survey had been ordered. Yours truly, ____________________________ March 30, 1873 On Thursday we were handed a testimonial signed by eighty citizens of Charlevoix County, which we publish together with the letter of transmittal: W. A. Smith, Ed. Sentinel Dear Sir: Herewith I hand you a slight but deserved testimonial from the citizens of Charlevoix County to yourself; and permit me to say that it was not necessary to go outside of this village to obtain a signature, and most of them were obtained in less than ten hours. You may accept this as the unanimous feeling of the entire region. Respectfully, Charlevoix, March 22, 1873 Dear Sir: The undersigned, residents of Charlevoix County Mich., respectfully beg leave to tender you our sincere and heart-felt thanks for your fearless, energetic and well-directed efforts in behalf of the Pine River (Charlevoix, Mich.) harbor improvement; and beg that you will continue to move in this much needed work, until the object for which you are so faithfully striving shall have been accomplished. And that you will tender our thanks to and succeed in fully enlisting the sympathies of our representatives in Congress for us, is the earnest prayer of truly your friends: E. W. C. Newman, John S. Dixon, W. C. Newman, Amos Fox, A. Buttars, H. Morgan, D. C. Nettleton, R. Cooper, S. M. See, Byron See, and seventy others. In receiving this testimonial, we hand back to our friends our thanks and a pledge of continued and unremitting exertion. We shall convert the paper into a petition, and as our representatives read it they may by it judge of the sentiment of our people on the subject. ____________________________ April 6, 1873 Fox's Hall was crowded on Wednesday night and our people were furnished with a rare and varied entertainment by Mr. Whitney and his pupils. Miss Ainslie opened the entertainment with the "battle of Waterloo" instrumental; it was well executed. Song and chorus"Good Bye Maggie"sung by Miss Buttars excellently executed; chorus by Messrs. Buttars and Cole, and Misses Ainslie and Buttars. Essay by Miss Buttars"Intemperence"; logical and concise. "Rainbow Lesson" several Missesa catechismgood. "The Wedding Wine Cup," a short play with Miss Ainslie as the star; rendered with touching eloquence. The essay by Miss Vogel, "The United States and Europe," was masterly in composition and rendition. The "Woodbox" a mixture of everything, but more especially "hits" on all of us caused much mirth. There were also Charades and songs interspersed. Miss Buttars took the first prize in spelling and second going to Miss Ella Cooper. The exhibition was a marked success. ____________________________ May 4, 1873 Messrs. Fox, Rose and Buttars are building plank walks from their store to their docks and warehouses. ____________________________ The general appearance of the village is being much improved by the painting of the dwellings, the building of fences, and the setting out of shade trees and shrubbery. ____________________________ The propeller Idaho arrived from Chicago on Wednesday the 30th, bringing many needful articles for our merchants and the public, and a new "Globe" press and other materials for the Sentinel office. ____________________________ May 25, 1873 It cannot be considered untimely or premature for the people of the Pine Lake region to commence the earnest consideration of the opening of Pine River to navigation. In 1868 the government engineer made an examination of the river and adjacent coast for the purpose of reporting to the War Department the practicability and probable expense of making a harbor of refuge. Those conversant with harbor making the fact is patent that the construction of harbors of this nature demands an expenditure which is only warranted by the urgent necessity or safety of marine interests. Considering the near proximity of three first-class harbors the government deemed it inexpedient to establish a harbor of refuge here-and on wise grounds. The commerce of the region at that time was primitive almost to insignificance, and its agricultural development was in its infancy. Therefore no argument could be found on which to base an appeal for an appropriation. Our section was then comparatively unknown, and gave little promise of the rapid development which has since taken place. Therefore we consider the survey at that time injurious rather than beneficial to the cause. Too great haste resulted in placing our interests in an unfavorable light, and lodging in our way an obstacle which has not yet been overcome entirely. At the present time the situation of affairs is entirely different. Our people have become aware of the fact that systematic harbor improvement must soon take place. Our imports and exports have attained a prominence parallel with points which have received large endowments from the government. The state has acknowledged the justice of our demands, and rendered us a liberal assistance, which although not wholly realized, presents a showing which must favorably impress the government officer who will make the second examination. We think the reasons we enumerated are sufficiently plain and forcible to elicit a favorable report, which will, of course, be the stepping-stone to an appropriation of $25,000. We are confident that our hopes concerning this will be realized. Many places of far less importance in every respect have received large sums from the government, which have indirectly flowed into the coffers of the iron and lumber kings, whose financial influence was the principal agency in bringing about such appropriations. Let us cling with tenacity to the plow-handle, looking, not back, but forward, to the certain consummation of our hopes. The tedious delay has only the effect of engendering strength, and bringing the ball of improvement with greater velocity and power. ____________________________ May 25, 1873 Application will soon be made for a money order office at Charlevoix. ____________________________ Hon. E. H. Green is building a commodious law-office on his premises. This indicates an increasing practice. ____________________________ Charlevoix House-Louis Gebo has leased this house and has opened it to the public. Louis has a faculty of making himself agreeable in any business and his guests may expect genuine hospitality. ____________________________ June 1, 1873 School will commence in this village on Monday with Mrs. L. Whitmoyer as teacher. ____________________________ Hon. J. S. Dixon has received a communication from the Chief of Engineers at Washington, to the effect that Capt. Mansfield, in charge of the lake survey, has been ordered to make an examination of Pine River, Charlevoix County. ____________________________ June 15, 1873 Our village school numbers upwards of 64 scholars. ____________________________ Mosquitos-The editor occupies his spare moments in nailing pickets on a fence in front of his residence. He has been complimented on the alacrity with which he drives home the nail. It is entered in the picket, and a mosquito lights on his manly countenance. Two blows rapidly follow and the nail is out of sight. Then by one skillful maneuver, the blood-thirsty insect is launched into eternity. ____________________________ June 28, 1873 Commissioner Nettleton returned from Cheboygan on Saturday last, after having made a contract with Messers. Carkin and Stickney for the dredging of Pine River, and work will be commenced on or before July 10. The terms of the contract are such that it is confidently expected after careful estimate of our resources, and the present condition of the river, that before September 1, we shall have a depth of nine feet in the channel. Our people are rejoicing over the good results of the negotiations and are expectantly looking forward to the inauguration of the work. Charlevoix will soon be out of the woods. ____________________________ Fountain City House-Mine host Cooper recently escorted us through his capacious house from cellar to garret. He has lately converged his large third story hall into eight commodious sleeping apartments and has them furnished like the rest of his house in neat and comfortable style. Mr. Cooper informs us that his house has a capacity for the accommodation of one hundred guests. Rooms and board have been engaged for the trouting season by parties coming from all directions. This fact reminds us of the growing popularity of Charlevoix as a fashionable summer resort. Our scenery, healthful climate and excellent sporting facilities are giving Charlevoix a national notoriety. ____________________________ July 6, 1873 We shook off dull care on Saturday last and entered "Tim" Smith's fast sailing boat for a cruise to Beaver Island, after a six hour run. The harbor was filled with the small boats of the fishermen who came in from all quarters on this day and Sunday to dispose of their week's catch, and take home their supplies. Most of our readers are acquainted with the geographical position of Beaver Island, but we believe but few who have not visited it are acquainted with the nature and extent of its capacity. While it is without doubt the greatest fresh water fish mart in the United States, it has natural agricultural resources of no insignificant proportions, and which, if utilized, would make the Island far more than provide for home consumption. But the principal occupation is fishing, and upwards of 15,000 half-barrels of whitefish and trout are annually reported. The U. S. war steamer Michigan lay at anchor in the harbor, and we went alongside and sent our card to the Commander. After waiting a short time we were very courteously ushered on board by Sergeant C. H. Oates, of the Marines, who escorted us through every part of the vessel. The Michigan is the only regular naval vessel on the lakes. She carries eight brass guns, and 128 men including 18 marines. She is officered by a Regular Navy Commander and five Lieutenants; carries a Surgeon, Chaplain, and a multitude of petty officers. Cutlasses and boarding pikes meet the eye everywhere and shine like burnished gold and silver. Her guns glisten, when they are exposed to view like huge masses of polished gold. The discipline is of the most stringent nature. She is a three-masted iron steamer of rather ancient model but looks well in the water. We met one of the officers who was on board of her and had witnessed the murder of Strang at the dock in this same harbor nearly twenty years ago. Father Gallagher-We paid a visit to this Reverend Irish gentlemanthe Catholic priest of the Islandwhose genuine hospitality temporarily banished doctrinal prejudices. Father Gallagher has been located here about seven years, and is beloved by his parishioners, who submit all their grievances to him, which are decided by him with candor and justice. There is no jail and scarcely ever a law suit on the Island, unless it be among Protestantsfor the priest is the judge between man and man. His walks among his people attest his true and sincere piety. The Church of the Holy Cross is the principal seat of his labors, and is located about one mile from the harbor, in a beautiful and romantic spot. He has another pastorate, the Church of St. Ignatius, at the head of the Island. Father Gallagher is an intelligent clergyman, and very liberal in his ideas. During our stay at the Island we were entertained wherever we went in a sumptuous manner. If the idea exists that the Island is inhabited by heathenish boors, a visit thereto will dispel it. ____________________________ July 20, 1873 The Grand Traverse Herald, of last week says: "Of all the little towns scattered along the lake shore in the northern part of the lower peninsula, there is none combining in its situation more of the elements of beauty than Charlevoix. The crystal clearness of the rapid stream flowing through it; the mirror like beauty of Round Lake, with its terraced banks dotted with white dwellings of the embryo city; Pine Lake with its fringes of woodland, and its setting of gently rounded hills fading away in the distance, all combine to form a picture that cannot fail to charm one who has in his composition a particle of appreciation of the picturesque. Nor is Charlevoix without its natural advantages, regarded from an utilitarian standpoint. Its harbor only needs the improvement which the government has often extended to less promising harbors to make it one of the best on the lakes. Stretching away inland to an indefinite extent is an immense tract of excellent farming country, as yet sparsely settled, a large proportion of which must of necessity be tributary to the village. Both village and country exhibit evidences of steady and healthy growth. Many places can be found, no doubt, more attractive to those to whom money making is the chief aim in life, but, all things considered, we know of no place in this wild, northern region offering greater inducements to one who desires to make a pleasant home, in a pleasant country among an agreeable people where he can enjoy life as well as add to his worldly substance. If, however, this brief notice should tempt anyone to turn his steps in that direction, he should not forget that Charlevoix, in common with the other towns in this region, is only just out of the woods, and it lacks, and for years to come will lack, many things which our artificial civilization has taught us to regard as essential to enjoyment. Those who come to the Grand Traverse region to catch trout and have a good time, should extend their excursion to Charlevoix. All of which is vouched for by the assistant editor of the Herald, who has just returned from a visit to the attractive town." ____________________________ July 27, 1873 Charlevoix has never known the bustle and activity that now prevails on its streets and waters. The roar and rattle of the ponderous steam dredge, as it digs its way into Round Lake, the shrill whistle of the tugs, and the beautiful chime whistle of our lake steamer, and all the hurry and expectancy attendant on the transit from a dull inactivity to the dawn of a new era, is seen and heard on every hand. Everybody has taken a new supply of courage and energy, and our village begins to show the effects of it. Farewell the past, and welcome the new day. ____________________________ August 10, 1873 Contemplative: This afternoon a mass meeting of the people of the Lake region has been called by circulars to consider the propriety of opening the upper river to certain extent, and from the tone of conversation among the people we judge there is fair prospect of success. We hope that our people will not, in their eagerness delay the opening and protection of the lower river without which all improvements above will be in vain. The other convention is of the Board of Supervisors to discuss the bridge question. ____________________________ August 17, 1873 Tim Smith of this village and Ben Campbell, of Beaver Island have started out to search for a schooner that was sunk by collision with the propeller Milwaukee 16 years ago, for the discovery of which one thousand dollars has been offered. Tim is said to be the only person who knows her whereabouts. ____________________________ As will be seen by the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors, an appropriation of $1,000 was made for the opening of the upper river. The mass meeting held on Saturday pledged $360, and enough more will probably be raised to swell the amount to $500. The commissioners appointed by the Board will soon negotiate with Capt. Stickney for the dredging, and enough money will be reserved to construct suitable breakwaters at the head of the river. The work will undoubtedly be commenced within ten days. ____________________________ August 24, 1873 The dredge completed the lower river contract on Tuesday, and forthwith moved to the upper channel and commenced work, an arrangement having previously been entered into between the parties concerned for the dredging of a channel eight feet in depth. A foundation of logs and brush has been laid upon the shallow flat at Pine Lake, upon which the dirt taken from that portion of the river is deposited. The usual method of scowing will be resumed in the cut. At the Pine Lake channel bank it is the purpose of Mr. Nettleton to construct a timber crib. It is thought by competent judges that the plan adopted will keep the channel clear from drift. The work will be completed by the middle of the coming week. ____________________________ September 7, 1873 The carpenters are at work on the new school building. ____________________________ At the Annual School meeting held on Tuesday evening last, provision was made for the purchase of a bell for the school building, and it will be immediately procured. The meeting voted to have four months of school and two teachers the coming year. ____________________________ September 21, 1873 Amos Fox, Esq., of this village, narrowly escaped being drowned one night last week. In crossing the river on the temporary scow bridge, in the extreme darkness, he stepped off the up-stream side of the scow. Getting hold of the edge of the scow, however, and keeping up until his strength failing him, he was forced to let go and swim under the scow. He reached shore completely exhausted. He was discovered in this condition and assisted home. ____________________________ September 28, 1873 Wanted-A male teacher to conduct the Charlevoix school during a four months term the coming winter. ____________________________ October 5, 1873 Rev. Isaac Greensky, the native Indian preacher who has been sustained at the Susan Lake Mission by the Michigan M. E. conference, for the past seven years, has been appointed by the same body to the Mission at Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Superior, whither he has gone. Mr. Greensky has many friends among the white people here, who will long remember him as a zealous Christian worker, and an honest man. We wish him both temporal and spiritual prosperity in his new charge. ____________________________ October 12, 1873 Bell-Those in whose hands the matter has been placed, have sent an order to the foundry for a bell for our new school building. ____________________________ The Bridge Question Speculation is rife concerning the probabilities on this question, which must develop themselves into facts, one way or the other, on Monday next. A bridge we must have; this is undeniable. But whether, as past proceedings have seemed to dimly foretell, there will be a fatal division of the Board, when it comes to a vote for a county appropriation, is now the subject of the aforementioned speculation. There is in truth, but one township, in the county, that is not as vitally interested in the construction of a new bridge across Pine River as Charlevoix itself. The basis upon which rests the justice of the matter, is the fact that the preponderate consideration in the construction of a bridge is the free admission of carrying craft into Round Lake and Pine Lake. Down this stream and necessarily through this bridge must pass the surplus products of the whole lake region. By this navigable highway must come within our lines the commerce and trade which is to develop the greater portion of our county. It is argued that Charlevoix should bear the greater part of the burden. We answer that it must necessarily do so, because of its excess of taxable property. But we fail to see why Charlevoix township should be taxed disproportionately with the other townships for this object. Gentlemen, the gate which must be in good swinging condition, in order to let you out is of course, located on your border, and withal, in Charlevoix township; but it is more than justice for you to help keep the gate on its hinges. ____________________________ Capt. W. Clifford, U. S. A., and family arrived on Tuesday morning and will spend the winter here. ____________________________ The Annie-Capt. Jas. Mees, of this steamer, has resigned his command, and Capt. Louis Gebo succeeds him. ____________________________ Pigeons-The Lelanau Tribune says: Pigeons are nearly all gone from this section of the country. This season has been a prosperous one for those engaged in snaring them. Since July 1, upwards of 1,000 dozen have been caught by parties in this village. Of these Mr. A. Wrisley has caught about 700 dozen. He informs us that he has caught 12,000 dozen here and other places during the season. They bring from 75 cents to $1 per dozen at this place. The most of them are shipped to New York, where they bring from $2.50 to $3.50 per dozen. ____________________________ October 26, 1873 Why don't our pathmaster remove those stumps on Clinton street? ____________________________ The Railroad-A passenger train now runs regularly to Boyne Falls every Sunday, arriving there at 11 A.M. and returning in the afternoon. A passenger train will run through to Bear River next Sunday for the first time. ____________________________ Sidewalks-One by one our citizens are adopting new ideas of improvement, and our village is being rapidly beautified and enlarged. A step which we hope to see taken next, is the building of sidewalks. Our village is noted for its handsomely laid out streets, but is just as notorious for its sand and sawdust. With commendable pride, one of our citizens has set an example by building a sidewalk in front of his premises; let others follow his example. ____________________________ November 2, 1873 We notice that our faithful pathmaster took the hint we gave him last week and moved the stumps from Clinton street. ____________________________ November 9, 1873 The bell was raised to the steeple of the school house on Thursday and as we write is clanging out its clear tones on the evening air. ____________________________ A Mr. Boardman of Chicago, recently purchased 8,000 acres of land on Beaver Island. What he intends to do with it is the subject of considerable speculation among the Islanders. The land constitutes about one quarter of the entire Island, and was purchased at $2.25 per acre. ____________________________ Harrison Miller, keeper of the light at the head of Beaver Island, and Benjamin Campbell of Beaver Harbor, were in town a few days this week. They report that a large number of propellers are stopping at the harbor for both fuel and refuge. ____________________________ Capt. Falcon, the wrecker, assisted by Timothy Smith of this place, and Benjamin Campbell of Beaver Harbor, during the past summer, discovered the locality of the wrecks of the propeller Milwaukee and the schooner J. S. Tiffany, that collided four miles off Skillagalee late in the fall of 1857. The propeller was loaded with grain and the schooner with railroad iron. He succeeded in raising 200 tons of the cargo of the latter, out of 400 tons which she had on board. The anchors and chains were also secured and are now in Chicago. The anchors and chains of the propeller were also raised. Among the interesting relics obtained by Capt. Falcon is the lamp which swung at the masthead of the propeller on the night of the disaster, 16 years ago, and which was found hanging in its place, badly rusted, but still filled with oil, and retaining its wick. Capt. Falcon states that he will raise both vessels next season. The propeller lies in 18 fathoms and the schooner in 16 fathoms, of water. ____________________________ November 16, 1873 Our school bell was distinctly heard a distance of eight miles, one evening lately. ____________________________ The shrill blasts of winter and the smoke of buckwheat cakes loom up in the horizon. ____________________________ Our citizens should prepare to give thanks on the 27th inst., for Gen. Grant says so, and no doubt Gov. Bagley will second the motion by appointing the same day. ____________________________ November 23, 1873 J. A. Cameron has leased his fine new residence on Mason Street to Capt. Clifford, U. S. A., who is to spend the winter here. Mr. Cameron and family will spend the winter in Canada. ____________________________ November 23, 1873 Porter's Mill-We visited this grist and saw mill, which is located near the head of Pine Lake, on Monday last, for the first time and our surprise was not less than our satisfaction at finding so extensive, complete, and a well-managed mill. Mr. Porter located himself here about seven years ago, and having a good mill stream he at once set about building and putting in operation a saw-mill and subsequently putting in a small run of stone, he, in a manner, did the grinding for the Pine Lake people, until, finding that his facilities were inadequate to the demands of the region, he one year ago, enclosed a larger building, and put in a turbine wheel, a larger run of stone, a bolt, and a first-class smut machine. He is now situated so that all the wheat raised in the entire Pine Lake Region can be ground into flour of the first quality. The capacity of the mill is 100 bushels per day, but Mr. Porter thinks that the rapid increase in the wheat product will compel him to put in another run of stone in the spring. The mill is under management of Mr. P. K. Winters, a miller of experience. A railway connects the mill with a substantial dock and warehouse. Situated at a location convenient to both branches of the lake, this mill is most valuable to the farmers contingent to it, and is a consideration of great moment to those who contemplate a settlement in this region. The owner has shown remarkable enterprise and energy, deserves success, and, we doubt not, will meet with it in an abundant degree. ____________________________ December 14, 1873 Dangerous-Those upon whom devolves the duty of highway repairs are guilty of gross neglect in leaving the old bridge in a shape which imperils the life of man and beast. No obstruction is placed across it and a stranger entering town on a dark night would be certain to precipitate himself into the river. A narrow escape from such an accident occurred to a Cheboygan gentleman on Thursday night. Let the matter be attended to. ____________________________ Col. Mansfield's Report Just as we got to press we have been shown a copy of Col. Mansfield's report of this examination of Charlevoix Harbor. The expectations of our people concerning this report are fully realized. In a full yet concise manner he sets forth the situation of our river and harbor, correcting the errors of the former report, in a manner that must be eminently satisfactory to our people. He gives an accurate description of the Pine Lake country, and speaks of Charlevoix as the only natural outlet of the entire region. He recommends an immediate appropriation of $75,000 if the improvement is undertaken. C. M. Wells, his assistant, in a subjoined report, gives it as his opinion that "the improvement of the harbor will be easily accomplished." Col. Mansfield has reported justly and our benisons are upon him. |