125 YEARS AGO

St. Ignace News

December 23, 1884

While H. E. Westlake was sharpening skates at the rink yesterday forenoon, the emery wheel bursted and a piece of it struck him on the forehead, making a gash over an inch long and knocking him back in the corner. A new wheel was promptly purchased and the work goes on as formerly

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Yesterday a dark object was seen on the ice near Burnt Island, which was taken for a man. The excitement had just about reached fever heat when Michael Chambers viewed it through a powerful microscope and pronounced the object a small evergreen tree, which was fast in some floating ice. Before this everybody "was sure" it was a man.

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Editor Metcalf has changed the day of publication of the Free Press from Saturday to Tuesday.

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Yesterday morning broken ice had packed in the Straits for a mile and a half out, to a depth of three and a half feet.

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E. P. Foley went up the line yesterday morning to deliver holiday orders. He will visit Newberry, Dollarville, Seney and a number of camps before he returns.

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J. Coomer was down town yesterday with his snow plow. Our city fathers could not do better than to arrange with him to keep our streets clear of snow drifts during the winter.

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Our business men have got the idea that the M. C. R. R. is working against their interest and threaten to do all their business over the G. R. & I. R. R. unless there is a change. If one of them has business outside, he must go to Mackinaw City at night to catch a train the next morning, and must also stay over night there on the return trip. They think that some arrangement could be made whereby the Algomah could make an early trip across the straits from here every morning and save them the expense incurred by the delay at Mackinaw City.

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A dramatic club is to be organized at the Bay View House next Thursday evening. In a few weeks they present to the public a drama in four acts, entitled, "Foiled, or Struggled for Life or Liberty," which was founded on the late war and dedicated to the Wm. M. Fenton Post, No. 258, G. A. R. of St. Ignace. Ransom Metcalf, of the Free Press, will be stage manager.

125 YEARS AGO

St. Ignace News

December 26, 1884

Our merchants have not enjoyed a very extensive holiday trade this year so far. We hope the next week will show up better than the past.

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By direction of the New York Board of Health a squad of sanitary policemen visited the thirteen wholesale candy manufactories in that city on the 17th inst., where Dr. Cyrus Edson found poisonous colors in use, and seized all the yellow candy and all the sugar toys that were decorated with red, green or yellow. All the confiscated bonbons, weighing altogether more than two tons, were dumped at the offal dock, after they had been treated to a generous bath of carbolic acid. In one or two places manufacturers were found to have shipped the dangerous stuff to the country and thus to have got rid of it. In the others the colored candy was surrendered without protest, as it was understood that only in that way could the manufacturer avoid arrest. More than 6,000 boys were on the offal dock when the candy was loaded into the dump scows and made several attempts to steal the stuff. They fought and yelled and "rushed" the officers so hard that an alarm was sent to headquarters and twenty-five policemen came just in time to save the sanitary squad from being tossed into the North River.

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From Newberry: For some time past it has been talked and agitated to try and have a new county set off to be formed out of the counties of Mackinac and Chippewa. It now looks a good deal as if it was only an election dodge. True, some of the men of Newberry have spent time and money and done all in their power to push the matter, but it seems it has died out. . . .

The people are ready for it, not only the people of the township for McMillan, but the people of Chippewa County generally, for any reasonable minded person knows the inconvenient way we are situated at present. To do any business at our county seat, we have got to travel 55 miles down the R. R. line, and then 65 miles by stage, which is a very unpleasant excursion in winter time, and especially when it is 20 to 30 below zero and the wind blowing at the rate of 15 miles an hour. To make the round trip it takes not less than six days, and unless the person takes Henry Ward Beecher's theory to eat dried apples and drink soft water, it will cost him $25 to $30. The same an be said for the people of the west end of Mackinac County; Lakefield and Garfield. They are in the same position as we, and some times in more danger, having to travel along the shore.

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From Newberry: Rev.. E. S. Curry, who is always on hand with some kind act, has made arrangements with persons owning teams to give the children a free sleigh ride on Christmas day.

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L. O. Paquien, lumber inspector, of St. Helens, arrived this week to visit his parents. He leaves home again on Monday next.

90 YEARS AGO

The St. Ignace Enterprise

December 25, 1919

Eighty dressed pigs piled high on two sleighs arrived here Saturday and were placed in cold storage at the Swift's shop opposite the Enterprise office. This consignment finished up the season's output of the Allenville Park Farm of Swift Pasharnish, the whole consisting of 39 pigs raised in Mackinac County by any one man or firm in a single season, as well as being one of the finest lot of porkers ever on display anywhere. The butchering was done by Del Avery, an expert, and his work is shown on every carcas.

The pigs were scientifically fed from a formula said to produce the perfect porker. The feed consisted of 80 per cent shelled whole corn, 10 per cent tankage, a product of the packing houses consisting of meat scraps dried and ground into a fine meal, and 10 percent of Rosenboun's vitality hog feed, containing minerals necessary when added to the other feed to make the perfect pig. Certainly, the port hogs found great favor among those who have partaken thereof and each week has recorded increased calls for it.

The pigs are a sight to see and Mr. Swift will welcome you and will also be pleased to tell you all about the scientific methods of port raising if you desire to call.

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George Watson of Pickford, well known in the city, has brought serious charges against the township school board, and Prosecuting Attorney Green will take the matter up with the state department of education. Watson charges that deed for the land deeded for a school building and grounds by Frank H Taylor, president of the board, has never been recorded with the register of deeds and approved and that the original deed to this property is still in the name of a man who now resides in Detroit.

Other complaints registered by Mr. Watson as outlined in the Soo News are that the school officers have been letting contracts to themselves. In this connection he cites the fact that a member of the board was recently given a contract for 383 worth of wood by the board. He also declares that the board erected the new $20,000 school at Pickford without an authority from the people.

"The board seems to pay particular attention to the schools in Pickford and slight those in the outlying parts of the township," declared Mr. Watson. "The schools in some parts of the township are a disgrace being unsanitary and totally unfit for school purposes."

It is understood that the charges made by Mr. Watson are emphatically denied by members of the school board who are as follows: Frank H. Taylor, president; James R. Watson, secretary; S. G. Wilson, David Rye and William Stevenson.

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The "Old Folks" (a misnomer) Bunch have leased the dining room, club rooms and kitchen of the Masons and as soon as they are opened their sessions will be held there. The Bunch are having heaps of fun this winter an their parties are eagerly looked forward to by the entire membership. A hardwood floor is to be put in the dining room, which is also to be used as a dance hall.

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Leander Goudreau, night foreman of the switching crew, had a mighty close call from serious injury the other day. He was attempting to get on a box car, the ladder of which was covered with ice, when his feet slipped and he fell, striking against a coal schute near the round house. Fortunately the care was the last one in the line, else he would have lost a limb. One of his feet was injured, but he pluckily got at his work, although walking with a limp.

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State Game Warden John Baird has sent petitions to the various game wardens for circulation among the supervisors seeking an expressing as to what steps should be taken to preserve Michigan deer from utter destruction.

A number of the Upper Peninsula counties have already considered the matter and have expressed the opinion through their representatives that the season should be closed a or a term of years. It is expected that every county having deer within its limits will take action one way or the other. Mackinac County was the first to go on record for a closed, but the petition was acted upon too late by the public domains commission to become effective this year. However, there will be no open season in Mackinac county next year no matter what the other counties may do in the matter.

It is said that in case it is decided to close the entire upper peninsula, lower counties may be open.

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Wm. Massey, proprietor of the Massey House Brevort Lake, announces a masquerade dance on New Year's night, to which he extends a cordial invitation to the public.

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The next big event of local interest is the firemen's annual ball, which will usher in the New Year next Wednesday evening. It will be held in Cloverland hall with Simmon's five-piece orchestra furnishing the music. While the annual dance of the firemen has always proved a drawing card and one of the most pleasant social events of the season, the fire laddies say that nothing in the past will come up to their part next Wednesday night. They have made elaborate arrangements for entertaining a mammoth crowd and the entire town will be on hand to dance the old year out and the new year in. The tickets are being sold at $1.10, which includes the war tax and the privilege of taking your best girl.

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The supreme court of the United States handed down a decision last week that held the war prohibition act valid, set at rest the question as to the likelihood of liquor being sold before the federal amendment goes into effect and knocks into a cocked hat the hopes of a lot of speculators in whiskey to make a big cleaning. These speculators bought whiskey when it was cheap and placed it in bond, the duty to be paid when it was removed. Prices have been increasing at such a rate that a barrel of whiskey that formerly cost about $80 is now worth $800 if it could be sold. The decision makes it impossible to sell it in this country.

The large owners of whiskey in bond have decided to ship it out of the country, probably to Cuba, to be held until sold in foreign countries.

From Epoufette: The factory up on the Pauquin will soon be in operation again, which will help some.

Part of the Cut River dock, which was owned by the Hardly Able Co., has gone to the Canadian side.

The Acme Truck Co. of Cadillac has received an order for a six-ton truck, the Ford and dodge being too small to haul to market the chickens and the geese raised on the Avery and Clark farm.

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From Allenville: Frank Jenks, the Armour meat man, spent a couple of days in town this week. Frank has worked up such a large trade here that he finds it necessary to take two days instead of one as formerly in transacting his Allenville business.

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From Allenville: Henry Litzner, our popular school teacher, gave his pupils and friends of the school a treat Monday evening with a Christmas tree and exercises in the hall. The children received all the candy, nuts and oranges they could eat and there was an interesting program b the children. Mr. Litzner gave an address at the close of the exercises in which he told of the suffering children in Armenia. It was so effective that a collection taken up for the little ones brought $10 into the fund. After the departure of the little ones for their homes, the old folks cleaned up the hall and enjoyed an old fashioned dance. It was one of the most pleasant evenings spent by young and old in a long time.

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From Hendricks Quarry (delayed): A number of the children here have been ill with the chickenpox, but all are well again.

Mr. Wm. Cochrane met with an accident last week when he was thrown against the motor in the Carbide plant. His arm was bruised and his face badly cut. Had the motor been working the accident would have been more serious.

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Capt. Alex Cunning brought the wrecking tug Favorite into her home port Tuesday evening, where she will be laid up for the winter. When the tug left for a wrecking job at Windsor recently it was with the understanding that she would not return until spring, and the fact that she is now at port and will winter her is pleasing to the many friends of Capt. Cunning and crew.

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The Enterprise desires to extend the wish that every resident of Mackinac county may enjoy a hearty merry, joyous Christmas and that the New Year will be filled with prosperity and happiness for one and all.

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From Mackinac Island: The first Community Sing took place Sunday evening. A large and enthusiastic audience attended. James Doud, Jr., sang the solo parts to "The Long, Long Trail" and "I Am Forever Blowing Bubbles."

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There is talk of another moving picture house opening in St. Ignace in the near future.

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Editor's Note: Are you in possession of old volumes of St. Ignace newspapers? Many have been lost over the years. We do not have any 1920 issues of the St. Ignace Enterprise, for example. Anyone who would like to loan their bound volumes for the Looking Back column are invited to call The St. Ignace News at 643-9150. You can have them back.

50 YEARS AGO

The Republican-News

and St. Ignace Enterprise

December 24, 1959

The high school girls' choir of 47 voices will sing a program of carols preceding the 122nd Midnight Mass celebrated in St. Ignatius church.

The Rev. Father Bernard A. Karol announced the traditional program this week, which is unique in that the carol service at 11:30 tonight, Thursday, opens the Christmas Eve observance, a program that originated in St. Ignace many years ago. The colorful and inspiring caroling precedes the solemn liturgical celebration of Mass early Christmas morning.

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Lawrence A. Rubin, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority, spoke to members of the St. Ignace Lions Club Monday night on the theme, "Advertising and the Tourist Business."

Rubin's talk largely concerned the business of "getting people into the upper peninsula." He related the formation of the newly-organized Upper Michigan Tourist association which is designed to promote the tourist business.

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Nearly 75 acres of highway department excess property located near the Mackinac Bridge will be turned over to the conservation department for development s a state park, according to Highway Commissioner J. C. Mackie.

Sale of the land to the conservation department of $3,000 was approved last week by the state administrative board.

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The Jack Bowcamp home was moved a few weeks ago and last week they moved his garage. His new location is on the lots next to where he used to live. The new cloverleaf at Castle Rock is now beginning to show up.

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Christmas Eve, 1959, holds a special significance for the people called "Methodist" for it brings not only the celebration of Birth Day of the Savior, but marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Methodist church.

The Methodist church of St. Ignace is the outgrowth of a Sunday school class started by Mrs. Eli Chamberlain with children of parents who operated a saw mill. The church was formally organized in 1881 by Rev. John Vipered. The congregation is currently engaged in erecting a new house of worship. Rev. Carl E. Oswald is the pastor.

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The Les Cheneaux Chamber of Commerce has again announced that they are going to offer pries for the bet decorated residence and business places.

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Historic Fort Michilimackinac will be restored to its original state under $500,000 in bond issues planned by the Mackinac Island State Park commission.

"With luck, we'll have the whole project completed in two or three years," said Dr. Eugene T. Petersen, the commission's director of historical projects. "We are hopeful that it will rival the Mackinac bridge as a tourist attraction."

A similar project, began two years ago and using the same bonding plan, financed restoration of Fort Mackinac on nearby Mackinac Island.

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Mackinac Conservation club members at their December meeting expressed doubt concerning the advantage of the open season on does in the Pine and Black River areas this year.

In discussing the special doe permit question, most were careful not to conclude that the season was harmful to the deer herd, but they all expressed some fear that if doe permits are issued annually, the kill would be too high.

Frank Ahlich, former conservation officer, said the deer kill near Trout Lake revealed many yearlings taken by hunters with any-deer permits, indicating that the hunters took the first deer to come along, preferring not to wait for a buck. He said there were fewer deer in the area than in years past and that hunters were complaining about the special permit.

The club agreed to keep close watch on deer yards this winter to check starvation loses.

30 YEARS AGO

The St. Ignace News

December 27, 1979

St. Ignace City government operations were in turmoil at this time last year, but in a year's time the city is back on an even keel and City Manager F. Bruce Wood hopes St. Ignace can progress in several areas in the coming 12 months.

When Wood began as City Manager of St. Ignace the day after Christmas last year, he entered a position that was vacated three months earlier with the untimely death of former City Manager Jack Goll.

Wood also began the job when the City Council had turned down bids for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant and system exceeding $16 million, while only a month earlier was estimated at about $10 million, when the city had just purchased the water system from the Edison Sault Electric Company for $360,000, when a new computer was delivered and operations for it had to be set up, and when the 1979 budget had to be prepared and presented to the public.

Wood said a lot has been accomplished in smoothing out the city's operation in the past year because everyone pulled together for the benefit of the city.

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Icy roads when you want to scrape, wet roads when you don't have time to work on developing chuckholes, and beavers these are problems that plague the Mackinac County Road Commission all fall.

Now, as snow falls, General Manager D. J. Goudreau hopes that the 28 trucks and 26 men will be able to tangle adequately with snowplowing.

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St. Ignace should capitalize on its natural beauty and should provide attractions to keep the tourist in St. Ignace."

Those are two of the ideas for tourist promotion of Tim Harrington, the promotion chairman of the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce.

"The economy," he said, "has everybody shook up, and it has an effect on our planning. I think it is vital we start promoting the area. The gas situation will change people's travel plans. We want to adapt our planning to what the tourist is likely to do.

His three point program for St. Ignace is:

1. Our chamber should work toward a regional chamber.

2. St. Ignace should capitalize on its natural beauty, developing the waterfront and perhaps putting in a boulevard.

3. St. Ignace should develop attractions in the waterfront area, such as water shows.

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Newton Township has been granted permission by Portage Township to remove the Dan McLean monument from Curtis to Gould City. The monument, which is located at the intersection of H-33 and West Curtis Road, will be moved to the new recreational site immediately south of Gould City as soon as arrangements are completed with the Mackinac County Road Commission. Dan McLean, who was the first chairman of the Mackinac Road Commission, was a resident of Gould City and lived in what is now the Ron Clark residence.

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From Mackinac Island: A live band has been employed for the New Year's Eve party at the Community Hall which the Lions and Firemen [host] under Bill Smith and Ron Cowell's planning.

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The Federal Appeals Courts (Cincinnati) issued an order November 29 which temporarily bans gill net fishing until the appeals court can rule on the merits of the Attorney General's appeal, prompts Attorney General Frank J. Kelley to point out the court's comment that "there is a strong possibility that fisheries, fish supplies and spawning grounds . . . will be irreparably damaged or destroyed by continued intensive gill net fishing."

30 YEARS AGO

The Weekly Wave

December 27, 1979

Clark Township's Volunteer Ambulance Corps logged 6,418 miles for the six-month period ending November 1, making a total of 58 trips to assist sick and injured persons within the township. The 26-member emergency medical corps, which is led by Captain Charles Paquin, kept pace with new state laws and new life saving techniques with a total of 390 hours of continuous training.