davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

gone over and presents an appearance at
once attractive. The neat, tidy and
home-like appearance of everything in
the building speaks for the Judgment
of the men who selected the present
superintendent Mr.. H. Montague.
Mr.. Montague is a born executive, an
excellent disciplinarian and one who
has the faculty of having his every order
complied with. vet retaining at all times
not only the respect but the love of those
he governs. In>speaking of the selec-
tion Of Mr.. Montague by the Masonic
Home Board 10 assume the management
in Alma. The Grand Rapids Herald of
October 30 said, "The management of
such home is a big task The building
requires q round dozen of caretakers.
In the supervision Of the home, in the
administration of its affairs, lies a big
job, and there was needed big man to
handle it. SO it was that the board.
casting over the list of possibilities, hit
upon Herbert Montague of Traverse
City, and refused TO take no for an an
swer. Mr.. Montague is one of the big
Masons of the state, and was one OF the
big business men of Traverse City for
years. He tied up to Hannah, Lay q
Company, who practically owned the
town, and ran everything from depart
ment store tC a steamboat line, when a
boy in 1872, and continued with them "a
years, being secretary, treasurer and
general manager for the last l6 years.
He was for four years worshipful mas
ter of Traverse City lodge, No 222, a
deputy grand master in 1907, and grand
master year later He was a member
of the finance committee of the grand
lodge for % years. There was really no
reason why he should take the job Of
superintendent. He had retired from
business, and was enjoying lite after
years of hard work Yet, on the other
hand, there was really no reason why he
shouldn't take it. His very freedom
from business gave him liberty to accept
the position. "There really wasn't any
reason why | shouldn't help the boys
out" he said in explanation, and when
their demands became insistent, he con-
sented to talk the matter over with Mrs.
Montague. The result of it all was that
they decided to leave their splendid
home in Traverse City to take the re.
sponsibilities and burdens of superintend.
ing the Masonic home, because the
boys had treated me so fine in the past,
I couldn't turn them down."
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
He LIVES 70 TELL H.
Fred Llgnian Game Near Drowning
In Pine River Sunday
WAS IN WATER 40 MINUTES
Cries for Help Heard Blocks Away-Homer
Dunham First TO the reissue

Fred. Lignian head bookkeeper at
the Alma Manufacturing Co.'S plant,
and one OF the most popular young
men in the city came near meeting
death in the waters of Pine river last
Sunday forenoon Fred is the owner
OF a pair of dogs and thought to give
them a little recreation, he started
with them towards the river taking
with him pair Of skates for use
along the shore OF the pond. Mr..
Lignian was nearly opposite the ba-
YOU just east of Turek's woods when
he noticed his dogs had crossed the
river and was in the woods on the
south bank. Repeated whistling and
calling failed TO cause them to return
so Mr. Lignian carefully watching
the thickness Of the ice thought he
would be able to cross the stream at
the point used for that purpose by the
dogs. Owing to the high water Fred
failed TO locate the channel and think
ing he lad passed over the dangerous
strip was feeling confident of reach
ing the south shore only about three
rods away when without warning he
felt the ice give way from beneath
him. With presence OF mind he
threw himself forward on his stomach
thinking he might in that way save
himself from an entire immersion, in
so doing his body sank into the water
but he grabbed the ice on the south
SHE OF the break and commenced
breaking ice toward the south shore
This he succeeded in doing for a dis
tance of six or eight feet when he
came to ice too thick to break, by
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Christmas cantata, Santa Claus
in Japan, given by the Presbyterian
Sunday school last Saturday evening
was one of the best ever given in
Alma The decorations were un-
usually good, Christmas and japanese
features both being used TO good ad-
vantage. The different parts taken
by members of the Sunday school
attired in costumes were given in a
pleasing and effective manner. In the
cantata two American children, Bobby
and Priscilla taken by L e d
Kress and Alta Parr, visit Japan and
find that Santa Claus is a stranger to
the Japanese children and so invite
him to help celebrate Christmas in
the Flowery kingdom; Santa Claus ac-
cepts the invitation and his first visit
proves a great success. With solos,
duets, choruses and animated dia-
logues the program was one which
reflected a great deal Of credit on the
directing workers as we'll as on those
taking part The characters were as
follows:
Santa Claus-H. c. Moore.
Cherry ACKNOWLEDGMENT Moore
Hi-Spy-Frank Notes.-The.
My-My-Lee Sharrar.
-Me-Harold Moore.
Pear lossom-Helen McConkey.
Red Lantern abez Cowles.
Peach Blossom-Selma Kermon.
Fairies - Esther Rhodes, Carolyn
Melchers, Rodsev Graham, Carl
Wood.
Two especially easing songs were
the Fan and S-.-en songs, given by
nine girls, fou, tuns and nine screens,
and the Land OF Flowers, by four
girls representing cherry blossoms
and four as cnrysanthemums.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

this time. Benumbed with the icy
water and weighted down with heavy
wearing apparel he was unable to
assist himself farther and he began to
cry Justify for help. His calls were
heard by Homer Dunham who lives
on Maple avenue who started on a
run for the river, grabbing piece Of
rope and board he reached Mr.. Lig-
naier in time TO throw him the end
of the rope and shove the board to
him, when Win Wilson who had
heard the calls for help together with
others arrived on the scene By this
time Fred was commencing to stiffen
and could neither open nor close his
hands, but the board thrown to him
had a Lail protruding through and
upon this he laid his arm the nail
holding to his clothing, boat was
showed out to the opening in the ice
and after thirty minutes in the water
Mr.. Lignian was drawn into the
boat and taken ashore. He was i'm
mediately taken to his home on Grant
avenue where DR. Lamb had preced-
ed him and was given the best Of
care. 1t was a close call and one
that Fred would not repeat under any
condition.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
TAX TINE NOW WITH U.s.
City Treasurer ]. ". Glass Now Rak.
Ing In the ShekleS
SUGAR CO. HEAVIEST TAXPAYER
SIxty.Eighi Citizens Pay Taxes In Excess Of
$4,000 Each

Tax time and Christmas are part
of December, fact known to most
of our citizens by their depleted
pocket books However, City Treas
urer Glass reports taxes as being
paid promptly and collections already
made this early in the period are up
to the average of any previous year
in the history of the city A fact
that speaks we'll for the prosperity
of our citizens. The total tax roll in
the hands of the treasurer totals
$50, ,O31.39, OF which amount the Mich
igan Sugar Co. will be called upon
to pay S11,75311, or more than one
fifth of the total assessed against the
city as a whole The Alma Manufac-
turing Co. are the second heaviest
tax payers in Alma and are followed
by the Alma Grain and Lumber Co.
The Central Michigan Produce Co.,
A. w Wright, ]. II. Lancashire &
Co, Francis King, Mr. A. w. Wright,
NJ. Pollasky; ;Horr q Gibbs, Alma
Realty Co., and Little Giant Hay
Press Co, all of whom pay i'll excess
of $500 in taxes.
The First State Bank contributes
S1.545 as their portion of the total tax
paid, while the Alma State Savings
Bank swels the amount by $1,OS4.
A review OF the tax rolls of the
four wards of the city discloses the
fact that there are 6s tax payers in
Alma who pay in excess OF 500 each,
and that Of the total state and county
tax assessed in Gratiot county the
citizens of Alma pay one-tenth.
Taxes can be paid up to and in
cluding January 9th without any col
lection fee, after that date four per
cent will be added.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
ITEMS FROM THE MASONIC
HOME.

c. II. Keyes, of Grand Rapids, who
has been seriously i'll of valvular
heart disease, is recovering.
Bros. Shaw, a farmer and business
man of Williamston and Peter Vree-
land, butcher, farmer and farmer
justice of the peace. of Brighton, have
entered the home, the only benehci-
aries received since the home was re-
moved to Alma.
The reception and dedication OF the
splendid Masonic home III Alma, the
gift of A. w. Wright, whom we love
and honor, will probably. take place
the fourth Monday in May The
Grand Lodge of f. & A. NJ. will hold
their annual session commencing the
following day in Detroit, and repre-
sentatives of the state lodges will be
present at the dedicatory exercises,
before going to Detroit
r. V. Macarthur, former superin-
tendent of the Masonic home of
Grand Rapids, pleasantly spent Sun
day with the brothers and sisters
Mr.. Macarthur has bought the brick
from the old Masonic home, which
was burned less than two years ago,
OF the Grand Lodge, and will build
three bungaloes opposite the street
from the home farm.
Capt. Noah II. Dbble, of Union
lodge, No. B. Detroit is the oldest in
years of any brother now in the
home. In November he attained the
age OF 90 years He is a hale old
gentleman, we'll preserved, and he
has apparently no thoughts OF dying
For many years he was the com
mander of a vessel which piled the
waters OF the lakes. Becoming dis
satisfied he settled upon a farm in
Missouri, and followed agricultural
pursuits for thirty years. All hope
to pass many more years with Bro.
Dibble.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
10 CHANGE ITS NAME
Movement Started to Change Name of
Michigan Agricultural College

The Record office is in receipt OF
the following item from one of the
student body OF NJ \. c. The item
is self-explanatory:
Michigan boasts of three state in
stitutions given over to higher learn
ing and these are University of
Michigan, Michigan College of Mines,
and Michigan Agricultural College.
There have been and should be dis
cussion about the merits and an un-
derstanding OF the functions of each.
With this in view the following is
put into print
There was started just recently 4
movement among the students at the
Michigan Agricultural College at East
Lansing, the object Of which is to
have the official name of the institu-
ton changed Naturally erroneous
ideas regarding this movement have
arisen and Misrepresentation have
been made. Hence as a member of
that college, | desire to state the sit
uation as it exists and therefore will
put the question as it is put by the
student association which is backing
the movement.
"At the present time there are 1899
students enrolled at the institution,
and out of that number 54s are study
ing agriculture as against 741 who are
taking the four other courses offered;
Engineering, Forestry, Veterinary
Science and Home Economics. 1t
seems to great many, in this major
ity, that the name Michigan Agricul-
tural College does not correctly inn
ply the true conditions. 1t makes
engineers, doctors in veterinary
science and foresters, as we'll as the
women from the home economics de-
partment, graduates Of an agricul-
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

tural school. Is that fair TO those
who are 1913 more in number and Is
per cent more than half the school?
"The proposed action is TO obtain
a change in name which will be fair
to all and which will convey to an
outsider some idea of the fact that
five distinct divisions are maintained
at this school or at least not lead
him to believe that it is an agricul-
tural school and that alone.
The name Michigan State College
has been suggested. That name
would rightly call the institution by
what it is-a state college supported
by the state and offering education
to the states young women and
young men"
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
N. T. SUNDAY SCHOOL
Elect Officers Fer l9l2-Cafl Wash
burn Superintendent

The Sunday S chool Board of the
Methodist Sunday school met last
Wednesday evening in the pastor :
study of the church for the annual
election Of officers which resulted a
follow,
Superintendent. Carl Washburn.
1st Assistant. Prot McCurdy.
2nd Assistant, Merrill Stucky.
Supt Jun Dept Miss Blanche Lei
senring.
Supt Prim. Dept, Miss Eta Hearn.
Asst Prim Dept. Marcella Adams
Supt Home Dep Mrs. Ellen Knight
Supt->of Cradle Roll, Miss Edith
Hooper
Supt OF Missionary Dept, Mrs. H.
NJ. Duuham
Secretary, Dallas Brock.
Assistant Secretaries, Lester Fish
beck and Donald Smith
Treasurer, Miss Marcella Adams>
Chori ter, Allen Bergy.
Asst Chorister, Floyd Smith
Organist, Miss Alberta Dunham.
Asst Organist, Mrs Ezra Smith.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
ARCADIA GRANGE.

Arcadia Grange met,in regular ses-
sion Saturday, December 80. Meet
ing called to order by Worthy Master
Hubbell Business session followed.
1t was decided to have the installa-
tion of new officers at the next meet
ing, January 9th. Brother Howe of
North Star Grange is to act as in
stalling officer. Oyster soup for the
feed. All friends are invited. The
Grange also will hold a social Fri
day, December % at the hail. every
one invited. Meeting turned over to
the Worthy Lecturer. Discussion:
(Which requires the most brains, to
earn a dollar or to save dollar?"
Penny march. Meeting closed in
form.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
BUTTER IS TOO HIGH
Poorer Classes Cannot Afford to Buy
II AT Present Prices
.OLE0 TAX IS 900 N Ed
II is Probable Action Will Be Taken After
Holiday ReCeSs-Law Aids Butter Trust

The members Of congress from the
dairy states have just about given up
hope of preserving the 10-cent tax on
oleomargarine. Various causes hive
contributed to this situation, but the
main one is the cost of living prob
lem. With the best butter reaching
as high as so cents a pound in the big
cities the demand for relief is so
strenuous as TO command attention
from all members OF congress whose
constituencies are not directly inter-
ested in the butter business.
In addition to this the members
from the cotton states have a vital
concern in the market for cotton seed
oil, a product entering largely into
the manufacture OF oleomargarine.
The members from the cities and
from the manufacturing districts,
added TO those from the south, form
so large a majority that the dairy
members see little if any hope of pre-
venting actibn in favor of oleomar-
garine at this session of congress.
The proposition most favored by the
majority is the reduction Of the tax
from 10 cents to 2.
1t is maintained by some members
of congress that the prosecutions for
the last eight or ten years served no
purpose except to drive the cost of
butter up TO a point where no poor
man is able to buy any These MEM
bers hold that the present oleomar-
garine law is a great and fragrant
outrage, working benefit to nobody
but the butter trust, and should not
have been passed. They say that even
the farmers, for whom the oleomar-
garine law was intended as a conces-
sion, receive only small share OF
the very large profits the law has in
jected into the butter business.
They also claim that under this
law the butter trust has been built
up into one of the most complete
monopolies in the United States and
that at the present time the price of
butter is dictated from a central point
and runs practically the same through
out the country
Along with this comes the old ar
gument about the wholesomeness of
oleomargarine. 1t is stated that if
congress demands it some of the
members who favor the repeal of the
oleomargarine law will bring forward
ample evidence that no oleomargarine
that is not made from entirely unim-
peachable ingredients can find any
kind of a market in this country.
Against this the dairy members will
urge the contrary argument.-Press
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

With the church and a Christ
mas tree beautifully decorated, the
Baptist Sunday school presented the
following program Saturday evening
to good sized audience.
Opening chorus-"Christmas Bells, -
School
The Lords Prayer, given in concert.
Responsive Scripture reading.
Singing-"Bright Wreaths OF Holly"
School.
Address Of Welcome-Veral Ohm
stead.
Recitation-"Who is it, Irene Root.
Music-"Hushaby,' Primary Dept.
Exercise - Goodwill and Peace"
Primary Dept.
Exercise - BELLS OF Christmas, 50
Primary Dept
Dialogue = Helping Santa Claus, -
intermediate Dept
Singing-"Tidings OF Joy and Peace
School.
Address-Rev. ]. w Priest.
Offering, Benefit OF Home for Mis-
sionaries.
Picking the fruit and distribution
OF gifts from the tree, everyone
present receiving a gift
Benediction, Pastor, Rev. J. w.
Priest.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
CHRISTMAS 1912.

The business men of Alma without
exception report Christmas trade dur
ing the past two weeks the best in the
history of the city. One Record ad-
vertiser who for over quarter of a
century has been in active business
on Superior street, reports last week
the banner week in his entire bust
ness experience. Alma is certainly
located in the garden spot of Michi-
gan, and her business men have rea-
son to be grateful that their business
judgment ~dvised them to cast their
lot within the corporate limits Of the
metropolis OF Gratiot county.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
CHRISTMAS At THE MICHIGAN MASONIC HONE.
Members of Alma Lodge F. & A. M Joined With Superin-
tendent Montague In Making Their First Christmas
In Alma One Long to Be Remembered
BY These Housed in the Home

The exercises at the Masonic Home in
this city Christmas afternoon were full
of interest to the 400 or more invited
guests present as well as those who make
il their home. The exercises which
commenced shortly after 4 O'Clock con-
sisted of vocal and instrumental solos
and recitations, followed by the unload.
ing of generously filled tree which con-
tanned a gift for each and every inmate
of the home. 1t was well toward six
o'clock when the company dispersed
and the aged Masons were alone with
their gifts, and the opportunity afforded
them TO express to each other how
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
NEW DEPOT AT OWOSSO.

The Grand Trunk Railway company
has purchased Of the Reliance Motor
Truck company a lot at the corner of
Main and Washington streets, where
the new Detroit, Grand Haven & Mil
waukee depot will be built soon. The
Michigan Central Railroad company
has begun excavation for its new
depot and the Ann Arbor railroad has
advertised for bids for a new depot
and office building here to cost
$4,000.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

Tuesday morning, at about nine
o'clock, while speaking to A. s.
Mcintyre in the post office, David
Rounds, for fifty years a resident of
Gratiot county, sank suddenly to the
floor and passed away without a
struggle. DR.. Wheeler was imme-
diately called, but he declared that
Mr. Rounds had expired even while
falling. For two years he had been
subject to attacks OF heart failure,
and it was a result of one of these
attacks that the end came. Mr..
Rounds came TO Lafayette township
fifty years ago, and resided on his
farm there until 1905, when because
Of failing health, he removed to his
residence in the north part OF this
city. At the time OF his death he was
nearly seventy-six years of age He
leaves wife and two stepsons, one
of whom resides in Jackson and the
other in Missouri, and large num-
Der OF friends, by whom he was
highly respected.-St Louis Inde-
pendent.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
DR.. WALKER.

DR. w. {. Walker, Detroit's well
know and successful specialist who
has large practice in this county
where he has made regular visits
for the past sixteen years will be at
the Wright House, Alma, on Friday,
January Is. In the treatment of
chronic diseases, DR.. Walkers success
is we'll known. If ailing. see him
when he comes. No charge is made
for consultation on day OF visit at
Wright House, IAN 5.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

The High school students and
friends were treated to an unique
program in the High school chapel,
Friday morning, which was rendered
largely by the schools own members.
It consisted mostly of songs and re-
citations all of which were exception
ally good Among so~c OF the mu-
sical entertainments afforded was a
piano solo excellenJly PLACED by
Miss Ruth Bennett, piano duet by
the Misses Helen and Marie Doane
and songs by Miss McGraham.
teacher OF music and drawing in the
public schools. the Girls Glee Club
and the High School Chorus. In the
way Of recitations, Messrs. Donald
Smith, Dick Rockwell, Dale Callihan,
and Misses Mary Stitt md Bernice
Sweet rendered excellent selections.
\ rather novel part of The program
consisted in the recitations of Mr..
Donald Smith and Miss Bernice
Sweet. Mr. Smith recited a selection
in German, which as an English
translation was afterwards sung by
the Girls Glee Club. The same was
true of Miss Sweet, a selection was
given by her which was next sung
by Miss McGraham. The program
as whole was excellently given and
contained variety that was pleasing
from start TO finish.
Christmas Day at the home of Mrs.
L. c. Mallory, two miles north of
Elwell, occurred the annual reunion
of the Mallory family, the entire
family was present with the excep-
ton of three grandsons living in
Idaho. After a sumptuous turkey
dinner prepared by Miss Anna NAL
lory, the guests spent the afternoon
in visiting and a general good time
the presenting of Christmas
gifts, Those present were Mr.. and
Mrs w. c. Mallory and family. Mr..
and Mrs. r. G. Mallory and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed. A. Mallory, Mr..
and Mrs H. L. Rockwell and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles d. Johnson
and daughter and Morris and Miss
Anna Mallory.
German Lutheran service at the U.
B. church on New Years Day at two
o'clock p. m. Ad, Sauer, pastor.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
SOON HAVE MORE CARS
Ann AfbOr Is Busy With Five New Mot
or CafS-Will Give Hourly Service

The Ann Arbor railroad has placed
orders for FIVE more gasoline motor
cars and these will be delivered at an
early date, perhaps sometime in Jan
uary, according to a report received
last week With this addition to their
motor service the company expects
TO give hourly service between Cad
lilac and Toledo and during the sum
mer months this service is to extend
to Frankfort, the northern terminal
Of the road.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

thoroughly they had enjoyed the exer-
cises of the afternoon.
This was the first opportunity that
many of our citizens had had to inspect
the building since il became the proper.
ty of the Grand Lodge Of Masons and
many were the expressions of surprise as
this or that change and Improvement
was noted The interior Of the building
rom cellar to garnet has been thoroughly
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
EARLY CLOSING

To Our Customers Take notice, on
and after Monday, January lst, we will
close our stores at o'clock p. III every
night in the week, Saturday and sugar
beet pay days excepted.
THE CAPLE HARDWARE Co.
SMITH q CARR.
OTTO SANDERHOFF.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28
ANNUAL MEETING.

The regular annual meeting OF the
stockholders of the First State Bank
OF Alma, Mich, for the election of
Directors will be held at the Bank,
Tuesday, January Q, 1912.
Polls will be open at ten O'Clock
a. m, and close at 1870 a. m.
Alma, Mich, Dec. 2s. 1911.
CARL II. WASHBURN,
Cashier.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

The dances which the Alma or
chestra are giving occasionally in the
Woodmen hall are proving popular
with the young people For the
Christmas dance the hall was taste
fully decorated, unusually good music
was furnished by the orchestsa and
about thirty couples enjoyed the even
ing's pleasure.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-12-28

Lovers of the fnny tribe cast long
ing eyes at w A. Bahlke Tuesday
morning as he walked down the street
carrying sixteen pound steel head
trout which he received from d. P.
Castor, of Everson. Wash The FISH
was taken from the Columbia river
and reached Alma in the best Of con-
dition.