davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
CITY CHRISTMAS
TREE IS BASED ON
VERY OLD LEGEND

Many beautiful legends are connect
ed with such a municipal Christmas
tree as it is proposed to have in this
city
According TO an old German tradi-
ton, st. Wilfred gets the credit of
transforming the tree worship of the
savage Teutons to a Christmas cere-
mony. 1t was about the year 725 that
he led party Of priests into central
Germany for the conversion of the
worshipers OF the god Thor Prince
Gregor, the grandson of king, was
with him, having been intrusted TO his
care by the abbcss OF the cloister
Phazel On Christmas eve they were
fighting their way through the snow
Of the forest when they came upon the
heather tribe at Geismar. They were
assembled under the thunder oak,
symbolic Of the power OF Thor, and
were prepared TO offer up sacrifice.
The white haired priest OF the hea-
thens had chosen the young son of the
chief, as the fairtst possession OF the
tribe, and he was TO be offered, for the
god was very angry and needed the
utmost atonement.
AS the venerable priest raised his
stone hatchet on high and brought ii
down TO kill the boy, who was ready
and prepared for the stroke, Wilfred
appeared and wi.rded off the blow with
his staff. The people were gratifed at
his saving their favorite and allowed
his speech. and he gave them the
creed Of the Christians. Then he and
Prince Gregor took their axes and cut
down the thunder oak. AS it was
ready to fall the lightning came and
split il i'm many parts, and it fell asun-
der. The waiting tribe then beheld i'm
its place a slender fir tree, green and
sparkling and odorous Wilfred bade
the trbesmen TO bear this tree TO the
hall of Grundhar, the chieftain, TO
there assemble about IL and make
merry. About this first Christmas
tree the wild men OF the woods first
heard the tale OF the shepherd boy
and the fields OF Judah, and 1t gripped
their sturdy hearts. Fhe xribes be-
came Christian and ever after used
the fir tree as a token Of the day Of
Christ's birth.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
FINE PROGRAM AND
CHRISTMAS TREE At
kemp School FRIDAY

The Christmas tree and program at
the Kemp school Friday evening. Dec
is were q great success. The build
ing vas crowded TO its utmost capac-
ity The school room was very tastily
decorated with greens. paper cuttings
and black board sketches drawn by
Ida Ilonson.
The program consisting of music,
rccitations, dialogues, drills and
tableau was one Of the finest given at
the school. The "Topsy Turvy" drill
by eight children was the success of
the evening. Everyone was amazed
at how deftly il was done. Much
praise was given Edward LauX for the
clever way in which he played his
many parts. A Christmas reading
which gave the neighborhood gossip
afforded much laughter among those
not mentioned in it. Santa Claus ap-
peared much to the amusement of the
children and introduced the Christmas
tree which was loaded with gifts.
The pupils gift to their teacher,
Miss Helen Courneya was beautiful
ivory clock
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
FARMERS SOCIAL BAND
ELECTED OFFICERS

The members Of the Farmers Social
band met at the farm home of Ross
well Bliss last Wednesday. December
16 for a thoroughly enjoyable meet
ing. 4 bounteous chicken pie dinner
was served with a host Of choice
viands. AS this was the annual meet
ing officers for the coming year were
elected. They are: President, Ros-
well Bliss; first vice-president, Harley
Wright; second vice. president, Laura
Chickering; secretary. Mrs. Henry
Skellenger; treasurer, Mrs. Chattie
CroZier, reelected.
In the afternoon a very enjoyable
program was given. including recita-
tions, vocal and instrumental music.
Bert Harris rendered some numbers
on his violin and also sang. The mu-
sic stirred up SO much enthusiasm
that one of the members rose to his
feet and danced the old familiar
dances Of his boyhood.
The next meeting OF the band will
be held at Sunnyside, the farm home
of Mr.. and Mrs. Henry Skellenger, on
January 20.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
$3.50 BOARD BILL COST
A. E. LAME NAN SA4. go

After many weeks OF detective work
Nightwatchman Granger succeeded in
locating in Benzie county A. r.. Lamp
man, who had jumped a $4.60 board
bill which Kim King had against him.
Gaining possession Of warrant
Granger made a trip TO that far north
ern county, took possession Of his man
and returned to the local halls Of JUS
tice. When arraigned in A. i. Spen-
GERS court Lampman pleaded guilty
and was placed on probation for two
years. In addition TO the mandatory
terms Of the probation Lampman is
required to pay King the amount of
the bill within ninety days and also
pay the probation officer forty dollars
at the rate OF two dollars per month.
The latter figure is 20 reimburse the
county for the expense Of bringing the
fugitive to Justice. Lampman cannot
leave the county within the probation
period.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
HE LIKES HOME SECTION
OF HIS STATE THE BEST

Mr. and Mrs. s. .. Osborne, parents
Of Superintendent Morley II. Osborne,
visited here few Gays last week. Mr..
and Mrs. Osborne live near Omer,
Aranac county. on a farm. They with
their son Morley, own 240 acres of land
almost bordering on Saginaw bay.
The farm Is stocked with a good
herd of cattle, most Of which are Hol-
stems. A strain Of thoroughbred Hoi-
stems has been started on the farm
ana the entire acreage will be given
over TO them in the future.
Mr.. Osborne is an enthusiastic mem
ber OF the grange and was in fact
making the return trip from the state
meeting at kalamazoo, when he stop
ped of Tor the visit here. He has 1875
fruit trees, one and one-half acres of
strawberries and half an acre of black
berries. He also raises lots Of beans
and corn.
Mr.. Osborne was very favorably inn
pressed with the city and the country
surrounding Belding. After travelling
through all parts OF the state, how
ever, he says that il only makes him
proudcr Of his own section of the state
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
ANNUAL SCHOOL
OFFICERS MEETING
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 80

The annual School Officers Meeting
for Ionia county will be held in the
City Han. IOnia on Wednesday. Dec
ember30, commencing at ten o'clock.
The meeting Will be in charge Of
Hon. Geo. \. Otwell Assistant State
superintendent Of Public Instruction.
Topics of general interest TO schools
and school officers viii be discussed.
Important phases Of the school laws
Will receive attention. Come prepar-
cd TO ask any questions of interest to
your district.
The law states that the Director or
his representative from the other
members OF the Board viii receive
two dollars per day and actual ex-
Teuses for attending this meeting
such sum TO be paid from the general
fund Of he district. We desire every
district TO be represented by as many
members OF the Boards and other per-
sons as possible.
HARVEY III. LOWREY,
County Commissioner of Schools.
=. S.--The Director or Secretary
will kindly notify the other members
Of the Board Of this meeting.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
RATE INCREASE WAS
misunderstood

Since hundreds Of letters have been
flooding the offices of General Pas
senger Agent. w. II. Wolfenden of the
Pere Marquette. relative to the pas
senger rate increase Mr. Wolfenden
Mas given out some Information:
Letters just received from our Dis
trict Passenger Agents and some of the
local Agents would indicate that the
public have misunderstood the appli-
cation Of the recent increase in inter-
state passenger rates.
The impression seems to have got
ten abroad that all passenger rates
have been increased to "a cents per
mile. This is not so. The new in
creased rates apply only where pas
senger is travelling from a point in one
state to a point in another state.
Where the travel is wholly within
the state Of Michigan. passenger fares
are still constructed on the two cents
a-mile basis"
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
THOMAS BRACKEN IR.
WILL HAVHSROCERY

Thomas Bracken, Jr., has purchased
the grocery stock Of RI. a. Smith and
will continue the Riverside Store in
the future. Mr. Bracken closed the
deal last week and began immediate
ly TO reconstruct the store room TO ac-
commodate his needs. A second floor
has been laid in the room and the
counters have been rearranged.
Mr.. Bracken Will open the store
with a complete stock Of groceries Of
all kinds. lie will deliver to all parts
Of the city and cater to the best trade
of the city He will undoubtedly
make good success of the new busi-
ness.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
BELONGS FIRST
MUNICIPAL TREE
IS NEARLY READY
OPENING PROGRAM WILL BE
GIVEN ON THURSDAY
EVENING

The Municipal Christmas tree was
placed in the street in front Of the
Post Office Monday evening. 1t stands
twenty-five feet high and Is seventeen
feet across at the height OF eight feet.
From this place it tapcrs very
symmetrically to the top.
The tree has been equipped with a.
series Of lights that will illuminate it
from top to bottom and on all sides.
The lighting system was secured from
the committee in charge OF the NUM-
cipal tree at Grand Rapids, and was
used on the tree there last year Grand
Rapids will not have a tree this year.
which fact made il possible for the
local committee to secure the trim
mings.
The program committee met Mon
day night and arranged the program
for the tree. The committee
decided TO have programs on two
evenings only. The first program on
Thursday Christmas Eve, will consist
of selections by the band and choruses
by the school children. The tree will
be Illuminated at that time. The
second program will be given on
Christmas night and viii be given by
the church choirs, assisted by the
school children. Christmas carols
viii also be sung on this evening. The
programs will both begin at eight
o'clock
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
FARMERS HEAR THO
EXCELLENT TALKS
B. FRUIT EXPERTS
A. n. BROWN AND OSCAR BRA
MAN TELL OF ENPEItIENCIls
IN HORTICULTURE

Enthusiastic talks were given De-
fore the farmers and fruit growers at
the Grange Eair in the' city hall last
Thursday afternoon by oscar Braman
and A. n. Brown.
Mr.. Brown. who is an expert on
spraying and spray materials, based
his remarks on this subject. lie said
in part: Have you people noticed
the difference i'm the attitude of the
business men, the bankers. and the
manufacturers in the last few years re-
garding agriculture and fruit raising?
True they value the manufacturing
plants and the various industries but
they are beginning % realize that no
country can thrive without the farm
ers
The bankers OF this country are
donating literally OF their money and
time, too, to assist in the fights against
the pests of farm and orchard a
banker is never prOudcr these days
Ithan when he has big display of
prize winning farm products in his
window. The time is past when he
contents himself with staying behind
the bars Of the iron cage He used to
stay there you know. He held him
self aloof from the main body Of peo-
pie. But today he is out in the lobby
Of the bank whore all Of the people
can meet him lie is taking an inter
est in their work and meets them ON
the level The banker and merchant
are realizing that the farmers money
is necessary.
Now here is something to consider.
and that quite seriously DO you
know that with all Of our agricultural
4
ming at the expense of the government
in the past twenty-five years, the
average yield of farm products has
not been increased in one single in
stance? This is a fact.
What is the significance Of the
situation? Simply this the infor-
nation obtained by these schools and
experiment stations has not been ap-
piled by the farmers generally Now
by careful selection of seed potatoes,
care in preparing the ground and cul-
tivating the crop farmers in certain
sections have actually increased the
yield in that community by nineteen
bushels per acre. 1t can be done in
other communities az well.
There is getting to be more depend
ence upon one another, now than there
was in the past. Some one says, why
does scale and scab bother worse now
than it did years ago? Here is the an
swer. The more thickly populated
community is the more danger you
have from smallpox when it breaks
out. The same in true in regard to fun
gus diseases OF plants and trees. Your
orchards are closer together. Hence we
are more dependent
Continued on Page p
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
GIFTS OF CLOTHING,
FUEL, PROVISIONS
AID MONEY NEEDED

An earnest effort is being made by
The investigation committee OF the
Christmas charity society Of the
churches to ascertain all the cases Of
need in the city in time to hand a
complete list TO the assignment COM
mittee Wednesday morning. The com
mittee will appreciate the favor, how
ever, if parties knowing of any cases
Of extreme need Will report condi-
tions at the council rooms Wednesday.
II anyone is unable to come to the
rooms the matter can he reported to
Mrs. Mae Barnes or Mrs. Milan Dem
crest by phone. The telephone at the.
city clerks Office viii be available for
that purpose.
The soliciting committee will also
welcome the report of any articles of
food. canned gods. or money that will
be contributed.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
C0NGREGATI0NALISTS'
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

A beautiful Christmas program is
planned by the Congregational church
and will be given at the church We'd
nesday evening a complete program
is not available The feature OF the
evening will be the coming Of Mr.. and
Mrs. Santa Claus down chimney.
They will bring with them a complete
assortment OF presents for the chill
dren. The program will have the
usual amount OF recitations and songs.
one of the songs, THE Star I'm the
East" will be sung while a large star
is projected upon the wall. The whole
program will be interesting and in
structive.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23

4 CHRISTMAS ACRosTIC

I. 4 CHRISTMAS ACROSTIC
( THRIsTMAs hath a darkness
I ~ Brighter than the blazing
! noon;
Christmas hath chilliness
J Warmer than the heart Of June.
Z Christmas hath a beauty
! Luyelief than the world can
show. Christina Rossetti.
! T-GEAP on more wood, The
!. 1 4 wind is chill
. But. let it whistle as it viii.
Wen keep our Christmas merry
/. still. Waiter Scott.
DING out We crystal spheres!
: IN once bless our human
. ears,
If ye have power To touch our
senses so,
. And let your silver chime move
in melodious time,
And let the bass of heavens
deep organ blow,
: And with your ninefold harmony
make up fun consort
. TO the angelic symphony.
; John Milton.
ET is the Christmas time,
; 9And up and down twixt
. heaven and earth
; In glorious grief and solemn
mirth
The shining angels climb.
D NJ Mulock Craik.
o HEpHERDS at the grange,
- Where tho Babe was born,
Sang with many a change
Christmas carols uutil morn.
Henry W. Longfeiiow.
THE star which they saw in
Went before them till it
came and
stood over where the young :
Child was.
Matthew,
NEERRY CHRISTMAS, hear
w them say
AS the east is growing
lighter.
May the JOY of Christmas day
Make your whole year glad
der, brighter.
Margaret Deland .
A GAIN ut Christmas did We .
"A weave
The holly round the Christ .
mas hearth.
Alfred Tennyson.
@ ING the song of great jog :
- that the angels began,
Sing Of glory TO God and of
good Will to man.
John G.. Whittier .
4.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
LlNDQUIsT WOULD
COMPEL TRAINING
IN MILITARY TACTICS

Compulsory military training in the
United States is favored by Repre-
sentative Lindquist Of Michigan, who
believes that every American should
have military training Of at least one
month in FIVE years. In an interview
he said:
There is no denying the need of
more efficient army, but the increase
in the number Of enlisted men does not
seem TO me the most essential, but /
am heartily in favor Of the military
camp idea, and would give il my hon
est support. Military camps should
be established throughout our country,
ia charge of regular army officers, and
all men, regardless Of their vocation
in life, should be required TO go into
camps for at least one month in every
five years. These camps should be
conducted along educational lines: be-
sides learning the fundamentals Of
military life by going through the reg
ular army routine. there should be
educational and recreational features
which would make il in the
nature of compulsory vacation for
thousands of our citizens who today
do not realize its value.
''In case of war every American citi-
zen would have "A working knowledge
and an intelligent and efficient army
could be put in the field at mo-
ment's notice, and this with very little
expense to the government, and with
out establishing an expensive and un-
necessary standing army. This seems
to me more in keeping with the spirit
Of our forefathers, who established
this government of the people in or
der TO become free from the burden of
and autocratic control."--
Evening Star.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
SMALL BLAZE IN PLANT
OF LOWELL {. [. P.C0.

Fire which is supposed to have orig
mated from broken wire in the base
ment started in the plant Of the Lowell
Electric Light and Power company
three miles south of Smyrna Sunday
night about 1890. Tom Morris was
in charge Of the plant at the time. He
notified the neighbors They turned
out in a body and put out the flames
The damage to the building was
slight. The flames burned through
the wall on the side where the fire
started and destroyed some Of the
studding Of the building.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
GRANGE FAIR WAS
VERY SUCCESSFUL
LIST OF WINNINGS
FORTY-TEVO EXHIBITORS Snow
ONE HUNDRED AND NINE
EXHIBITS

The first annual Grange Fair closed
Friday night after n very successful
showing. The farmers took lively
interest in the fair and patronized il
literally. Scores Of city people also
visited the exhibit and complimented
the excellent displays. In all there
were fortytwo exhibitors and one
hundred and nine exhibits. The pre-
miums We're all given promptly.
The farmers are enthusiastic over
the success Of the fair and are max
ing preparations for much better
show next year.
A complete list Of the winnings at
the show just closed follow:
Best bushel Of apples, any kind
First,M j.. Kinds; second. j.. T..
Chickering; third, Fred hummer.
Best collection apples-First, Clin-
ton Green; second, E. T.. Chicllering;
third Q. A. hummer.
Best plate apples-First, Clinton
Green; second, Il. i. Chickering;
third Fred hummer.
Best one-half bushel early potatoes
First, @. A. hummer; second, Maui
rice Nash.
Best bushel late potatoes-First, O.
a. Nummcr; second, VIM. Krick;
third, Maurice Nash.
Best ten ears yellow dent corn
First, Fred hummer; second, w. ID.
Pond; third, VIM. Krlcll
Best ten ears white or white cap
dent. d. Strain.
Best peck popcorn-First, w. d.
Pond; second. George Farthing; third,
Fred hummer.
Best peck field beans-First, ]. u.
Strain; second Fred hummer.
Best collection garden truck-First.
Mrs. Charles johnson; second, Miss
Ida hummer.
Heaviest pumpkin-First, w. l..
Hoover; second, Mrs. Chas. Johnson.
Tallest sunflower stalk-First, Clar-
ence Chickering; second, Otto Hoyt.
Largest squash--First, Mrs. Charles
Johnson.
Canned Fruit and Jellies
Best four cans fruit-First. Mrs. w.
B. Travis; second. Mrs. .. a. Mum
mer
Best collection jellies First, Mrs
Il. w. 4dtle; second, Mrs. L. +. Tuttle.
Best collection pickles-E'irst. Mrs.
w. e. Travis; second, Mrs. .. \.
hummer.
Baked Goods
Best loaf salt rising bread-I'irst,
Verne Sprague.
Best loaf white breai-First, Mrs.
James Cramer: second, Mrs. Charles
johnson.
Best loaf brown bread-F'irst, Mrs.
Millard Gieser; second, Miss Agnes
Hall.
Best First Helen lap
ham, second, Mrs. I1. II. Cook.
Best loaf cake-First, Mrs. William
<rick; second, Mrs. Chas. Johnson.
Best layer cake-First, Mrs. VIM.
Krick; second, Mrs. Chas. Johnson.
Best apple pie-First, Miss jose
Dhine Faftey; second, Mrs. l. l.. Hub
bell.
Best pie, any kind-First, Mrs. ]. l..
second, Mrs. Geo. Bignell.
Best cookies-First, Mrs. o. A.
hummer; second, Mrs. Il. Il. Cook.
Best pound butter-First, Mrs. II.
=. Miller; second, Mrs. NJ. f.. Kinds.
Best two cards honey-First, Jud
w. King; second. William Krick.
Greatest number entries-First, !
Mrs Charles Johnson; second, VIM
Srick.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
ROY HATTOM SPOKE
TO MEN At BANQUET

h1huact was served 10 the mem
bgls oi the Mems bible class of the
Methodist Sunday school i'm the dining
room OF the church Saturday evening
ly the wives OF the class members.
Each member OF the class was per-
Mlttcd 10 invite one gentleman friend
many Of the members were unable to
attend, but forty-siN men sat down TO
tae bountcous supper. The ladies'
served it in a very efficient manner.
At the conclusion of the supper the
men were addressed by c. Roy Hat
ton of Grand Rapids. Mr. Hatton
made the keynote Of his address "Or-
ganizatiOn." lie made very clear the
need of Organization in dealing with
organizations. In his opinion an in
dividual could not successfully cope
with an organization because the in
dividual is not the same size as the
organization. To illustrate his idea
Mr.. Hatton referred TO the Anti-Saloon
League as an organization OF all Of the
temperance forces in the country
against the liquor traffic itself an or
gauization, and showed that only by
such an organization could the people
hope to accomplish anything definite
against the liquor industry OF the
country
Mr.. IIatton then discussed the need
of individual work in other lines OF
endeavor For instance, he said that
IL the men of the church or Of the
Sunday school expected to win men to
the church they must go after them
as men and in a brotherly manner and
not as am organization.
William Skopec and Henry Skellen-
ger furnished the music Of the even
ing The former played several pieces
on his c0ncertina.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23

T. w. Peck has "A new sewing ma
chine in his repair department. The
new mechanical stitcher possesses
many improvements over the old ma
chine. One of the improvements is an
appliance TO regulate the depth of the
stitch on the welt OF the shoe sole. The
length of the stitch is also easily reg
ulated to accommodate the thickness
and size Of the sole.
The new machine greatly facilitates
the work In the repair department Of
the store.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
DOLLAR CHRISTMAS
FUND MONEY SENT
To NEEDY BELGIANS

The total sum sent to the aid Of the
stricken Belgians as Belongs contri-
button 10 the Dollar Christmas Fund
was $124.50. This is SO more than
was Acknowledged in the Banner last
wcfk, dollar contributions having been
fie by Mrs. G. a. Godfrey and A. w.
~ yton after the Banner went to press
last week. inadvertently the name of
the Belding Hardware Co, appeared
twice last week in the list OF contrib
utors and the Belding Lumber Com
pany was omitted entirely.
A receipt for the s124.50 sent 10 the
fund headquarters in New York City
will be printed in the Banner as soon
as received here.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
LIST OF JUVENILE
BOOKS FOR THE
BELOING LIBRARY

on another page OF this weeks Ban
ner will be found list of the Juvenile
books selected by the committee for
the new library. AS fast as the other
lists are. completed they will be print
ed in the Banner.
IL is not the purpose of the board TO
issue catalogue OF the books in the
library at the present time. People
who wish TO have a complete list
should clip this and the future lists
out of the Banner and save them for
future reference
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-12-23
DR.. F. D. HARRISON
WILL BE BACK DEC. 81

Lr. r. -. Harrison writes the Ban
ner from Chicago that he is taking
post graduate work in the ear, nose
and throat work at the Chicago Col
lege of Osteopathy and that he will
not return to Belding until December
81 when his office will be open again.