Benzie County Leader – 6 May 1909 – Page 1 Copyright © 2006 Submitted by: Harold Saffron This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ********************************************* CEMENT DAM GOES OUT – Village of Thompsonville In Darkness – Water Supply Cut Short – Third Time Construction Has Been Swept Away. Heavy Loss To Tax Payers. Friday afternoon, April 30, about 3:00 o'clock, the new dam at Thompsonville was completely washed out, throwing the water works and electric lights out of commission. The dam was completed only six months ago at a cost of about$7,000, and was built of concrete. The cause of the accident is unknown, as ir was so recently constructed: but the rush of water was very great and it was unable to stand the strain. The dam will probably be rebuilt. We extend sympathy to our sister village. This is the third time within eight years that the dam has washed away, two men and a team were drowned about four years ago, when the second accident occurred. BIRTHDAY SURPRISE Through invitation of their daughter, Hazel, the Crescent club surprised Mr. and Mrs. Vean Barber Tuesday evening at Hotel Eagle, the members gathering during their absence. The event was to celebrate Mr. Barber's forty-second birthday and Mrs. Barber was not let into the secrete and was equally surprised, when they returned home and found the company had taken possession of the dining room. Progressive pedro was played and later Miss Hazel assisted by Miss Lucile Conklin served the guests with delicious ice cream and cake. It was a very successful affair as Mr. and Mrs. Barber were genuinely surprised and the evening was very enjoyably spent. The guests departed wishing Mr. Barber many more birthdays. ANOTHER NEW MEMBER Third degree work was done in the F. & A. M. lodge Wednesday evening. Past Grand Master F. E. Turrell, formerly of Michigan but now located in Chicago, was present and gave the lecture, and the members a good talk. Messrs. Ackerman, Hardy and Colans of Empire were present. Mr. Burton of New York City was also present and gave a very interesting talk, and described the elegant rooms of the lodge of which he is a member. After lodge adjournment the members went over to Hotel Eagle, where a nice luncheon was served. PEDRO PARTY Saturday evening Miss Ethel Clark entertained at her home sixteen of her young friends at progressive pedro. Miss Myrtle Redding won the greatest number of games, nine out of eleven. At 11:30 refreshments were served, after which the Misses Redding; McManus and Marshall, treated the company to some fine selections on the piano. After saying good night, the company departed declaring they had had a splendid time, all agreeing Miss Ethel is a splendid entertainer. SOUTH FRANKFORT Mr. and Mrs. Beswetheric and family are visiting at Mt. Pleasant this week. Harry Greenaway went to Owosso, Saturday, to attend a business meeting of Ann Arbor railway officials and employees. Will Blacklock has been firing on run 7 and 8 in place of Oakley Schafer, who has been visiting his father and sisters at this place. Miss Myrtle Luxford was on the sick list Monday and Tuesday, and compelled to be absent from school. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Sproul are the happy parents of a son, born April 26 at the home of Mrs. Sproul's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fritz, in Frankfort. Mrs. H. Bartlett has been quite ill with congestion of the lungs the past two weeks. A. E. Peterson went to Copemish, Monday, where he expects to woo the wiley trout for a week. Ova Phinisey is very sick with an attack of grip, which grieves her at this time especially, as she will be unable to write the eighth grade examination. The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Natzel is quite ill at present. Andrew Holden is fixing up his business place and preparing for the coming warm (expected) season. Pete Gudemoos of Platte was in town Saturday and Sunday renewing old acquaintances. Mrs. George Spence of Benzonia was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Matheson, Saturday until Monday. Chas. Luxford is having papering and painting done in his tenant houses and a general cleaning up gone through with on his own premises. NORTH HOMESTEAD Little George Allis, who has been quite sick for several days is better. A bell telephone has been put into the residences of Sydney Beecraft and Ralph Hooker, on the farmers line. Mrs. Elmer Wells attended the dinner party given by Mr. Saunders to his correspondents Saturday. MEETING OF CORRESPONDENTS – Goodly Number of Leader's "Pencil Pushers" Dined With Us. Notwithstanding the stormy, unseasonable weather, a goodly number of our esteemed correspondents braved the elements in response to printed invitations, and took dinner with ye editor and wife at Hotel Eagle, on Saturday, May 1. Twenty-one guests sat down to one of landlord Barber's best, and a number spoke words of praise for this well known hostelry, one remarking that few villages the size of Honor could surpass the service rendered upon this occasion. After doing due justice to the spread we had a heart to heart talk with our correspondents, regarding matters of mutual interest: a number of the guests also gave short talks. All expressed themselves as being very glad they attended, and said it would take a worse storm to keep them away on any similar occasion. After adjournment the guests were invited to see the presses in operation, as as well as being shown the manner in which their weekly contributions are put into type and the same returned to the printer's case, which was a novel sight to many. An early fall picnic was partially planned, to be held at Platte or Crystal lake. The above event was in honor of the close of volumn one of the Benzie County Leader, which has had an unusually successful first year, much credit of which is due to the faithfulness of our large corps of correspondents, hearty support of the business men of Honor, and the kindness and loyalty of the people of Benzie county. The occasion also celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Caledonia News by the writer, which continues to be a newsy local paper. The editor some months ago was presented with a copy of the Hampshire and Berkshire Chronicle printed at Springfield, Mass., and bears date of January 1, 1793 and is therefore 116 years old and is well preserved, very nearly every line being readable. It was a present from Mrs. F. A. Colvin, aged nearly eighty who is at the Masonic Home at Grand Rapids. Among other things it contains a communication to the house of representatives, signed by Alexander Hamilton, secretary of the Treasury, dated November 30, 1792. In those days the letter "f" was used for"s". PLATTE RIVER Have you heard the new phrase? If not, its "How do you like this weather?" Of course you know the answer. Herb LaGuire and wife, of Honor, spent Sunday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter LaGuire. Ernie Shoemaker has just completed his new house. The event was celebrated Friday night by a dance given in their honor. The Kent school is having a three days session this week, before the eighth grade examinations. PLATTE LAKE Johnny Thompson received a mounted mountain goat head last Friday. He killed the goat while in Montana last winter. It is a splendid specimen. The Platte Lake Athletic Club had a rousing meeting Saturday night, over thirty being present. Harry Reynolds is the champion wrestler so far. Everybody around this neck of the woods has the blues over the continued cold weather. The Platte Lake correspondent had a very enjoyable time at the dinner given by the Leader last Saturday. It was certainly fine, and the Leader correspondents are a bunch of fine looking people: at least everyone said so. HOMESTEAD C. J. Smith of Traverse City was in Homestead Monday evening and organized a Grange of twenty-one members. Officers were elected as follows: Worthy Master, Carl Palmer; Overseer, Fred Taylor; Lecturer, Mrs. Lydia Smith; Steward, Floyd Walkley; Assistant Steward, Edward Munshaw; Chaplain, William Reimer; Treasurer, Ralph Johnson; Secretary, Edgar Case; Gate Keeper, Lucius Smith; Ceres, Mrs. Mae Mertz; Pomona, Mrs. Bessie Walkley; Flora, Mrs. Grace Palmer; Assistant Lady Steward, Katherine Mertz; Insurance Director, Ralph Johnson. The name of the society will be Loyalty Grange. Considerable interest was shown and the outlook is good for several more members. The next meeting will be held two weeks from Monday night, May 17. The Literary society will give a social at the church on Friday evening of this week. Refreshments will consist of home made candy and warm pop-corn. Mrs. Olive Munshaw is home again, her school having closed Friday. Mrs. H. W. Johnson entertained her sister from the southern part of the state a few days last week. Following the unusual storm of last Thursday and Friday which was state wide, many song birds were frozen to death. BENNETT – SHORT, WEDDING -- Prominent Young Business Man Of Honor Weds One Of Saginaw's West Side, Most Popular Young Ladies – Will Return Soon. (Photos of each) A very pretty wedding took place at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. George W. Short, 915 South Harrison avenue, Saginaw, West Side, on Wednesday evening, May 5, when her daughter, Florence Catherine was united in marriage with Benjamin Gregor Bennett of this village, Rev. Dr. Rider of the M. E. church of that city officiating. The young couple were attended by Miss Tillie Short and Frank Short, sister and brother of the bride. "Lohengrins" wedding march was beautifully played by Edward Short, also brother of the bride. The bride was very charming in a gown of white French lawn carrying a beautiful shower of flowers. The home was elaborately and tastefully decorated with palms and cut flowers. Mrs. Bennett is a graduate of the Saginaw High school, a prominent worker in the Methodist church, its choir and Sunday school, being teacher of a large class of girls twelve to sixteen years of age. Several showers have been given in her honor, one by the O. E. S. Chapter of which she is conductress. About fifty relatives and friends were present at the ceremony including guests from Detroit, Jackson, Bay City and Brown City. The young couple were the recipients of many beautiful and useful gifts. After an elegant wedding supper, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett left for the southern part of the state on a short wedding trip, visiting among other places in Flint and Detroit, before coming to Honor early next week, where they will be "at home" after May 20. Mr. Bennett has been in our midst only three months, but in that short time has proven himself to be a hustling young business man, efficient funeral director and capable of taking care of a fine furniture business which has greatly increased under his management. He is a member of the F. & A.M. lodge and a fine fellow. The Leader extends congratulations and best wishes. BENDON Willie Jones of Coloma was visiting his brother, Austin and sister, Mrs. Henry Paterson last week. Hazel Allen is home, having finished her course of study at Petoskey. Harvey Strickler and sisters have moved to town. Mrs. Fred Knight has returned home from a visit to York State. Revival meetings are being held at the M. & E. church conducted by Rev. Charles Strait. Miss Lois Burke is attending school at Benzonia. Austin Jones left the fore part of the week to look for a new home. We hope he will say there is no place like Bendon and will return again. Grasshoppers have been seen already. Wonder if people are to be pestered with them again this year. S. D. Burke is having a new wall put under his house and making other good improvements. Charles McLain, Sr., has the wall all finished and has commenced his house. Howard and Lawrence Moreau left the fore part of the week for South Dakota to spend the summer. Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Landis baby is quite sick with a bad cold. Walter Harris is on the sick list. EDEN Mrs. Palmer who has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Frank Redding for some time, returned to her home in Michigan City, Ind., Monday. Mrs. Frank Benedict was to Wexford last week the guest of her sister, Mrs. Willis Southwick. Bert Ingersoll and family visited friends and relatives in Frankfort over Sunday. Ladies Aid will sew for Mrs. Benedict, Thursday at her home. WEST ALMIRA Mr. Goer of Traverse City was in our vicinity on Sunday. Frederick Wilson drove to Traverse City, Wednesday. Jas. Brayn is delivering trees in our vicinity. Ed. Brooke of Burdickville has been in our vicinity buying old rubber. Mrs. Laura Bates went to Traverse City on Tuesday to visit her daughter, Mrs. Archie Smith. Silas Gray is some better at this writing. It has been looking some like winter, as the ground was covered with snow the later part of last week. LAKE ANN C. A. Valleau has gone to Owosso to work. Mrs. Rankie and Miss Baxter have returned to their home in Maple City. Mrs. J. D. Bryan was a Traverse City caller, Wednesday. Miss Ella Slyfield of Frankfort was a Lake Ann caller last week. George Valleau has purchased a horse from Mr. Geddes of Frankfort. Mrs. John Fae and daughter were Traverse City callers, Monday. BLAINE Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Haines were guests of Luman Gorivan and wife, Sunday. The surprise party of Miss Martha Knudson was enjoyed by all. Mrs. Wallace Wallin is ill. Mrs. E. V. Johnson was a Bear Lake visitor Monday. Alonzo Cutler and George Putney returned last week from Oregon where they spent the winter. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jennings are the happy parents of a baby girl born April 25. Mrs. William Vooheis and Mrs. Mart King called on friends in this vicinity Monday afternoon. Mrs. William Frost is quit ill at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Graves. Mrs. Tillie Osgood is ill with la-grippe. Fred Knudson is working for E. V. Johnson. Miss Mary Openo closed a successful term of school in the Fredrickson district Friday with a picnic. JOYFIELD La grippe is the style of the day. John Love has sold a horse to Mr. Boon. Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Josie Allen's aunt from Manistee is visiting at the home of Mrs. John Frost. Mrs. Josie Allen and son and Susie Frost was visiting at Manistee last week. John Love has a new team. He has a span of white colts. We hope they will make him a nice team some day. Good luck to him. Mrs. R. J. Reed is mourning over the death of the old family cat whose name was Tippecanoe. Mrs. Stanley's eye does not improve very fast. A reception was held at the home of Mrs. Joy Monday evening in honor of Miss McSparling, the lady who has been here helping in the meetings. She started for her home Tuesday. HOMESTEAD TOWNSHIP MET – Board Decided To Put Down Well And Clean The Village. ----- Honor, April 30, 1909 Meeting of the township board of the township of Homestead. Meeting called to order by Chairman Rockwell. Members present: E. L. Rockwell, W. B. Covey, E. D. Main, and Frank Conklin. The minutes of last meeting were read and approved. Bond of W. B. Covey, druggist, was presented and read, with the Michigan Bonding and Surety Co., as sureties. A motion was made by Main and supported by Conklin that the bond of W. B. Covey be accepted. Motion carried. A motion was made by Covey and supported by Main that the Supervisor and Clerk be instructed to borrow $75.00 to be placed to the credit of the cemetery fund. Motion carried. The supervisors borrowed $75.00 of Benzie County Bank and gave note payable January 15, 1910, with interest at the rate of six per cent. Motion made by Main and supported by Covey that the board buy fencing and gates and instruct James Harwood , sexton, to look after the building of fences, grubbing and the necessary improvements on cemetery. Motion carried. Bill of O. A. Hobson for $2.75 was presented and allowed. There being no further business to become before the board, a motion was made to adjourn. Motion carried. Frank Conklin, Clerk. Honor, Michigan – 5 May, 1909 Meeting of the Township Board of the Township of Homestead. Members present: Rockwell, Main, Covey and Conklin. Meeting called to order by Chairman Rockwell. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Motion made by Main and supported by Covey that the township put down a two inch well with force pump and watering tank 3 feet by 8 feet outside measurements and 2 feet deep, with rounding bottom, with drain pipe to empty on north side of lot 56, in the village of Honor and that the township clerk be instructed to attend to the putting down of the well and building tank. Motion carried. Moved by Covey supported by Main that we adjourn to meet on Saturday, May 8, at 2 p.m. Motion carried. Frank Conklin, Clerk. Honor, Michigan – 5 May, 1909 Meeting of the Board of Health of the Township of Homestead. Members present: E. L. Rockwell, E. D. Main, W. B. Covey and Frank Conklin. Meeting called to order by Chairman, E. L. Rockwell. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The board proceeded to investigate the premises of Chas. Peck. Motion made by Covey and supported by Conklin, that the health officer be instructed to notify Chas. Peck to clear all filth and dead stock from his premises by 9:50 a.m. May 6, 1909. Motion carried. Motion made by Main and supported by Covey, that the health officer be allowed to professionally attend any contagious disease cases. Motion carried. Motion made by Main and supported by Covey, that the health officer be instructed to notify owners of lots 89 and 90 to drain off all stagnant water, drain to be built of four inch tile, and instruct the highway commissioner to do necessary filling in of alley along said property. Motion made by Covey and supported by Main: that the health officer be instructed to see that all property owners in the Township of Homestead clean up their premises and alleys at once and put them in a sanitary condition. Motion carried. Frank Conklin, Clerk. BENZIE COUNTY LEADER – 6 May 1909 – Page 1 1 Harold W. Saffron