Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-12-06
Good Work Accomplished.
The Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Society.

Very few people In this state are
aware of the work being done by the
Michigan Pioneer and Historical Socie.
ty, and there are many who do not even
know that such an organization even
exists The following circular letter
pretty thoroughly defines the aims aud
purposes of the society and we publish
it for the benefit of our readers:
"The Michigan Pioneer Society was
organized in 1874 with membership of
%; inlSSS the name was changed to
Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society
in 1875 the Legislature appropriated
$500 forpublishing the records and his
tory thus gathered
"In the early days the attendance was
almost entirely confined 10 the more
thickly settled southern counties, al
| though strong efforts were made TO oh
tain the history of all sections. Tho
membership book shows the names of
men foremost IN Michigan's service and
honor. The autographs of ten former
Governors of Michigan, Judges,
Supreme Justices, Generals, u. ). Sen
ators and men of finance will become
more and more valuable as time rolls on.
An annual meeting is held inJune,
when reports from the different counties
are given, historic papers are read, and
these. together, make yearly volume.
These books, which number 20, are con
81 Tered very valuable and are free TO
schoo' Libraries and oranges.
"With tate so resourceful within
its own borders. and with so many inn
pOrtant and varied interests, il needs
the cooperation of each county TO pro-
perry collect this history. Had
museum received attention from the in
ception Of the Society, we should now
have an exhibition illustrative of social,
domestic and industrial life that would
have been no Insignificant Pan Mich
igan of itself Ii is not too late TO be.
gin now; and if all will assist we can
soon have display worthy the reputa-
ton of our great state.
cit Is To be regretted that we have no
display of minerals, no collection Of
woods, from each of which so much Of
our wealth has been derived; no Indian
relics or implements pertaining TO these
people, whose legends and story pay
such an important part in the history of
our early settlements. There could be
no better object essen in the evolution
and progress of our state than such an
exhibition.
'Our interests are interviewer with
the schools OF our state, through our
books and so much must depend on the
teachers TO enforce the lessons of the
debt we owe these brave men and loyal
women who bore the hardships of
pioneer life aud secured for us the COM
forts, SO common, as too often, not to
awaken in the pampered youths of to-
day either appreciation or gratitude.
Through Prof. Fall, arrangements
are being made for Il thorough coopera-
tion with teachers and schools for fu
ture work. The gulf is too great between
the childhood of today and the age and
heroism possessed by these early settlers.
1.-The distance of the Upper Peninsula
will ever preclude large attendance at
our meetings. so, if branch societies
cou 4 be organized, which would send "a
delegate To report, the work could be-
better carried on. Historic records and
relics should be sent 10 the Michigan
Pioneer and Historical Society, which
is recognized by the state as the proper
custodian.
ave greatly desire all Interested,
active vice president in each county,
who will report at the regular June
meetings. Local pride in seeing ones
own section properly represented should
inspire complete reports II each local
society and grange would kindly send
us their pioneer aud historical papers,
by preserving and publishing them, we
might derive mutual benefits. County
societies. if they have a library. are, by
the laws of the state, entitled TO set OF
our books.
AT the annual meetings of the soci-
ETY. N has been very noticeable that tine
older members are more and more kept
at home by the ever increasing infirmi
ties due TO their age, or else have passed
from our midst forever, and in order TO
bring new recruits 10 our depleted ranks
it was considered wise TO write the lead
ing men OF the state asking to join the
society aud invite others to do so, 70 put
Us in correspondence with local societies
| and oranges, and 20 urge the newspapers
/ To notice our aims and help extend our
/ interest aud influence.
Each vice president whose name APP
| pears in volume ~ was written. asking
/ him to send Us notice of his Willingness
to serve another year, or where this was
! impossible, suggest some one TO aid him
or supply his place. Not all these officers
\ responded. 1Dcrt were seven deaths
reported. Over 300 letters have been
! sent out. Fifteen new members have
been added including the Governor
| Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of state
State Treasurer. Attorney General, Su
perintendent of Public instruction, a
Chief Justice, FIVE Congressman, two or
three representatives., aud several infiu
entail citizens, with some five or six
more pledged
Eleven new vice presidents have been
secured. with many counties TO hear
| from
1--WE are fortunate, through the court
esy and thoughtfulness Of Mr.. McCoy,
in having our room placed under the
care of the superintendent of the build
ing The Board of State Auditors have
been very considerable, and great thanks
are their due.
"All the preliminary steps have been
taken. aud next year will see the Socie
tvs books open for membership to all
worthy citizens of Michigan
I'VE have received the promise of a