Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1885-06-24
A Visit to Athena.

The editor of the Bay City Daily
World recently visited this city, and
after describing his trip up, he took n
journey about town, and records his
impression as follows:
1--WE go to all points of interest in this
railroadless but no less enterprising city,
ton and beauty. Many fine residences with
tastefully laid out and we'll kept lawns,
meet the eve, while the we'll graded streets,
bordered by lines of shade trees, are a
pleasant surprise. We notice the beautiful
stone church belonging to the Episcopal So
ciety, the larger and more improving cdifce
of the Catholic congregation, the fine brick
house of worship Of the Methodist society,
and the neat structure in which the Baptist
people worship and welcome the stranger
within its gates. There are also 4 number
of other church buildings in the city, that
Of the Congregationalists being specially
noticeable for its neat and tasteful finish and
furnishing. We are shown the county
court house and passing rapidly through
it, are impressed with the convenience Of
every Office within its walls and particular
ly the excellent arrangement Of the court
room. In fact the exterior and interior are
models from which many a more preten-
tious city might proftably copy. The prin-
cipal industry of the city is numbering, and
a number Of excellent mills give employ
ment to a small army of laborers. Ship
ping of this commodity has been brisk this
season and prices have ranged at figures
quite acceptable to nearly all interested.
The fishing industry also employs a large
number of men and forms the second i'm
portant place in the wealth producing oc-
cupation Of the people. Here is also locat-
ed one Of the fish hatcheries of the United
States, established three years since, and
which has proved decided success. Dur
ing the winter months, when of necessity
navigation is closed, some Of the people in
dulge in talk Of railroad connection with
the outside world, and several roads have
already been bullion paper but we are
informed that in the way of necessary sup
plies, and even many of the luxuries Of
living, any bill of groceries, provisions,
dry goods, clothing or hardware made by
towns with railroad facilities can be dupli-
Gated on this ice bound shore, while many
citizens claim that road would be posi-
tive detriment. Many an object meets our
eye worthy Of mention, which space forbids
ut this time, but one we must not omit, for
out few miles from the city, over pleas
ant road and you find as delightful a spot
for summer resort as the most exacting
could wish, and your trip is not complete
until you have spent at least one day at
Long Lake, where, having enjoyed one day,
il your time is your own, week will be
only too short Alpena by the persistent
push and enterprise of its citizens is con-
stantly progressing, and, with the rapid inn
provement of the outlying country, will
soon become one Of the important cities Of
the State. Excellent water works and an
efficient FIRE department, electric lights, and
fine police force conducc to the protec-
ton Of its citizens and property, and render
Alpena place where all the comforts and
Injuries Of life may be enjoyed in fullest
measures"