The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-10-03
HISTORIC PUT IN BAY.
And Adjoining Islands,

For the benefit of our readers who have new
er visited these famous resorts, we subjoin some
facts of general interest concerning the historic
group, for which we are indebted to the kind
ness of Mr.. A. H. WHITE, of this city, who in
company with his nephew,W. H. BARD. also of
RaYenna, recently made trip to these Islands
The first island in the Group of which Put In
Bay is member is Kelleys Island on the left
and middle, and Pelee on the right, after which
appears Put In Bay, Middle and North Bass.
On entering the Bay, Gibraltar Island appears
to the right. This island was the one selected
by Commodore Perry for his lookout or point
of observation, and it was from this lofty eleva-
ton, overtowering the surrounding islands, that
he first sighted the British. on the morning of
September 10th, 1873. Among others of the
group is Ballast Island, SO named from the fact
that Perry obtained from it his supply of ship
ballast. Another member of the group is Mouse
Island, now belonging to the estate of ex- Pres
ident Rutherford B. Hayes. The Island of
Gibraltar is owned by Jay Cook. the Phil
adelphia millionaire, who uses it as Summer
residence.
Some years ago the people of Put In Bay, in
grateful remembrance and appreciation of the
service rendered by Perry in his memorable
battle with the English Squadron, commenced
the work of erecting a suitable monument in
honor of the hero whose name is enshrined in
the hearts of Americans. They progressed SO
far as to lay the base of the proposed monu-
ment, but never proceeded farther, owing to
lack of funds. On acquiring possession of the
island Mr.. Cook erected a monument about IL
feet in height, of the nations hero. On this
same island, a few feet from the monument, is
that point by Perry, TO use in case of emergen-
cy. One of the wheels is entirely gone except
the tire and box, the axle resting on an impro-
vised horse, or wooden support.
A few feet from the Put In Bay landing is
large willow tree of venerable appearance, wan
ing in the decay of old age, supposed to have
been planted there by Perry or by his COM
mands, to mark the burying place of a portion
of his men who died from their wounds received
in the fearful contest. A number of British
soldiers also commingle theft dust with that
of those against whom they fought. Further
down the Island is spot where more of Perry's
men lie buried.
Put In Bay is about 90 miles from Cleveland
40 to 50 from Detroit. and about 24 miles from
Sandusky.
Kelley's Island has about 1000 inhabitants,
Put In Bay about 900, Middle Bass about 900,
North Bass about 200, while the rest of the
islands, excepting Pelee, the largest of the group,
which has population of about 300, have little
or no population. This last mentioned island
is under Canadian or British dominion, which
fact accounts for its lack of development and
Improvements, what few of the latter it has be-
ing the work of Americans.
The majority of the residents of these islands
are Germans. their business being almost exclu-
sively grape growing and making wine, of which
they consume large quantities themselves. Their
chief pursuits in the Winter time are wine drink
ing, playing cards, dancing, and having good |
time in general. There are periods when these
people are shut il, from physical contact with
the rest of the world for period of weeks at |
time. A cable running from Sandusky gives |
them telegraphic communication with the out
side world. The entire group of islands may |
be designated as wine and beer emporium.
Churches are few and far between, but wine
is as plentiful water and free as air-it you
pay for it. In this connection it may not be
out of place to say that there is but one brand |
of wine made that is free from adulteration and |
that is Sour Catawba. All others must of ne
cessity be "chansed" more or less, in order to
make the different varieties but not necessarily
with anything injurious to health. Sugar, water
and spirits the articles usually used for that
purpose. This Sour Wine is the basis for Port
Wine, and indeed all other varieties, the othe.
ingredients or aduterations being added as
above mentioned, to produce any particular
brand. An acre of grapes will yield ordinarily
300 gallons of wine, which usually sells from so
to IS cents per gallon.
The people of these islands are, as might be
expected, well to do and independent many
arge fortunes having been made from the busi.
ness, which is nearly always highly profitable.
A very superior line of steamers ply daily be-
ween the Islands and Toledo, Detroit, Sandus-
<y and Cleveland.
On Kelley's Island a large formation of lime
tone, composed in the main of fossil aggrega-
ions, cover its northwest portion, which is about
~ miles in length by in width, The best
ime in the market comes from this island, it
being regarded universally as standard In
addition to the business of the lime kiln indus
ry, large quantities of the stone are shipped for
building purposes.
In Sandusky Bay, about five miles north of
he city of Sandusky, and in the neighborhood