Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-06-15
Village Improvement.


state of prosperity which has for years past been
so observable in most parts of the county. 1t
is true, we witness no very large accessons
to our population, and no very extensive build
ing operations in our midst. There is in fact
nothing like an undue excitement in any branch
ofbusiness Yet it is very obvious there is an up
ward tendency in the appearance of things that
contrasts quite favorably with the inactivity of
usually large, and is constantly increasing. The
boats are well patronized, and our public houses
are thronged with strangers. Trade is active,
and every branch of industry pursued within
our precincts is in prosperous condition. La
Dor is in dem and and the laborer receives a fair
compensation. All are full of hope and follow
their respective avocations with strong assn
RANGES of success.
Besides important influences from abroad ia
vorable to our rapid progress, there are some in
dcations ut home, that we have entered upon a
period to be distinguished by improvements Of
a local nature that will cause considerable in
crease in our population, business, and wealth
We notice several works in state of forward
ness that taken together promise much for the fu-
ture good character, and neat appearance, as well
as for the mercantile importance of the place
The Hollanders among us, with spirit Of en-
terprise worth copying, are completing a large
and commodious house of public worship, which
will, in consequence Of its pleasant location and
fine proportions, form one of the most agreea-
bic objects that can be found to relieve the eve
amid the bleak scenery that now fills the vision
of our villagers.
On the margin of the river FERRY g. SoNs
are building an excellent dock extending from
the slip at the ferry to MARTINS dock This
will contribute very materially to the convent
ence of the shipping interest, and will complete
a continuous line of good dock along the water
through the whole of the most commercial por-
ton Of the village
A substantial bridge is also being built on the
site of the old sawdust road We are well
pleased at the progress now being made with
this work. Yet we can but regret that our
townsmen have chosen to draw from experience
conclusion which the peculiar position we &C.
cupy should twelve months since have suggest
ed to their understandings. Nothing is to be
gained in these stirring times by inaction. 1t
was fatal stroke of policy that delayed until
the present season the commencement of work
of such vital Importance to our business pros
perity. Ithas already caused a loss to our town
which more than equals in amount the whole
expenditure necessary to accomplish the pres
ent undertaking. Our enterprisng neighbors
are now reaping the profits of considerable
trade that should be enriching our own mer.
chants.
Until quite recently the pursuit of wealth in
the channels of commercial and manufacturing
industry seems to have engaged all the energies
of meD's nature. But now spirit, commonly
deemed less utiltarian in its character, has be-
gun to be manifested among many of our citi-
zens, who have with wise forecast, improved
the late season for transplanting in manner
that bids fair to add much in due time to the
comfort and beauty Of their homes. We trust
the next opportunity for operations of this ma
ture will be improved on a still more liberal
scale little time, or money, expended on the
part of each householder, in systematic effort
to improve our village in this respect would
ultimately prove the most profitable expenditure
that could be made. With the appliance of
little art Grand Haven might be made pleas
ant place of residence. Its location is good,
and its climate, equalized in temperature by the
lake breezes, is remarkably salubrious. Its
prospects for the future were never more flat
tering, and if its citizens will be true to their
own interests in improving the natural advanta-
ges which they possess, and in securing the
benefits which will accrue to this neighborhood
from the increasing commerce of the lakes, the
rapid settlement of the country inland, and the
railroad facilities that will soon be afforded, it
will most assuredly rise to considerable degree
of Importance.
~" Our citizens were much disappointed in
of Mr.. PHILBRIcK's failure to give
his second concert on Thursday evening accord
ing TO appointment. The arrangements for get