davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
ENROLMENT MUCH
LARGER THAN LAST
YEAR IN SCHOOL
TOTAL INCREASE Is ONE HUN
DRIED AND FIFTY
NINE
LARGE INCREASE Is IN
HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION
Evelyn Sprague Has Been Hired
As Assistant Mathematics
Teacher

The city schools have now been in
session over a week. The enrolment
is considerably larger than last year.
Although several rows of seats had
been placed in the rooms prior to the
opening of school, in anticipation of
the increased enrolment, three dozen
extra seats were also ordered and have
been placed in the assembly room. Ex-
ira seating capacity has also been de-
manded in the other departments of
the school.
The total enrolment last year at the
close of the first week of school was
$50. This year at the close of the first
week it was 857. Sixty of the stud
ents this year are classed as non-re-
sidents against thirty-eight, the non
resident entry for last year. In the
high school last year there were 73
boys enrolled, while this year there is
81. The high school contained "A
girls a year ago and now has one hun
dred and ten. In all the grades and
the high school combined there are 800
boys and AT girls.
There is apparently only one thing
wrong with the tone of the statistics
as given above. That is in the num-
ber of boys enrolled. One would ma
turely ask why the boys are in the
minority, especially in the high school.
Why has not this part of the enroll
ment increased with that of the girls =?
Where are the boys? Many of them
may be out on the farms yet, and ex-
pecting to enter later, but it hardly
seems probable.
One nice thing about the new desks
that have been placed in the rooms
is the fact that they are adjustable.
That is, the desk proper can be rails
ed or lowered to suit the need of the
student without interfering with the
seat in front of it.Or the distance be-
tween the seat and the floor may be in
creased or decreased without affecting
the desk to which it is connected.
Either part of the desk may be chang
ed without affecting the other
The grade students, formerly locat-
ed in the northwest lower room of the
old building at the central school, have
ben transferred TO the southeast room
on the same floor. While this room is
not as large as the one formerly used,
the children are given muct better air
and other more sanitary surround
ings.
Although the Board of Education
had secured theservices of an addi-
tional teaching force before the open
ing of school in order to take care of
the anticipated increase in enrolment,
this addition was not sufficient and an
other teacher, Miss Evelyn Sprague of
Vermontville was hired this week She
will teach mathematics and will begin
her work this week.
The increase in all departments is
very gratifying. 1t is an evidence
that the parents and students of the
community are appreciating the adj
vantages offered to them by the public
schools Of the district.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
COUNCIL ORDERED
ELECTRIC LIGHT
CABLES PLACED
WIRES TO BE STRETCHED FOR
PLACING OF BOULEVARD
LIGHT POLES
PAVING NARROWED TO
40FT. FROM PEARL ST
Shawley Drain Petition Referred To
Committee On
Sewers

At the council meeting last Friday
evening sidewalk grade was ac-
cepted and approved, and a sidewalk
will be laid between Washington and
Liberty streets on Ionia street. The
councils action followed the receipt Of
a petition from w. p. Hetherington
and Joe Isbell, representing a major
ity of the property owners along the
proposed Improvement.
A petition was received from Err
nest Shawley and others Of his neigh
borhod asking for an underground
drain for the marsh in the vicinity of
the Shawley home. A suggestion was
made that the drain be made to enter
Kenwood avenue sewer or some other
suitable point. By the petition the
signers agreed to pay the portion of
the cost of such improvement as that
body thought just. The matter was
referred to the committee on sewers.
The committee has investigated the
grounds and the claims made that it
was in an unsanitary condition at pre-
sent but the committee will not report
until next melting.
The petition of Elmer E. Fales, ask
ing for a sidewalk grade along the
north side of his property on Depot
street which was referred to the COM
mittee on sidewalks at last meeting,
was favorably reported on Monday
night and the petition granted.
The light committee was authoriz-
ed to purchase and have laid the nee
essary electric light cables for light
ing the paved section of the business
streets with boulevard lights after the
paving is done.
A favorable vote was taken for dim
ishing the width of the Main street
paving from fifty to forty feet, be-
tween Pearl and Broas streets.
An order was issued for moving the
fire hydrants now located in the edge
of the street along the section to be
paved farther in toward the property
line and inside the curb line.
Except the allowing of the city
and waterworks bills no other busi-
ness was transacted at the meeting.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
DELIGHTFUL AND
INSTRUCTIVE TRIP
INTO THE SOUTH
MR.. AND MRS. VIM. II: WILSON
VISITED VICKSBURG-SAW
COTTON GINNED

Mr.. and Mrs. William H. Wilson
have returned from 3,000-mile trip
in the south. They stopped in Chica-
go, going from there to New Orleans,
where they saw much Of interest, in
cluding Lake Ponchartrain and the
old Spanish fort, which was erected
in 10.
In Vicksburg, Mississippi they
drove through the national park
which was the battlefield during the
siege of Vicksburg. The park has
magnificent natural scenery and con-
tains some of the most splendid
monuments in the world. Tablets
mark the lines of trenches and the
positions of various regiments. A can
non marks the spot where Pemberton
surrendered to Grant July 4, 1868.
The National cemetery is only sec
ond in size to Arlington cemetery and
contains the remains of 1900 union
soldiers.
Mr.. and Mrs. Wilson spent a week
on the 1,000-acre plantation Of II.
Clay Tallman in Mer Rouge, La. Cot
ton picking had begun so they were
able to follow it from field to gin and
see il baled for shipment.
The weather was cool enough to be
delightful most of the time.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
HENPECKED HENRY Is
ATTRACTION SEPT. IA

Halton Powell's famous musical
comedy, "Henpecked Henry" is the
next attraction at the Belding Opera
House, being announced to come on
Tuesday, September IA.
This grandest of all fun and girly
shows comes here with the endorse
ment of all lovers of good, clean
amusement in the larger cities and
the smaller cities with degree of
success unrivaled by other attractions
of a like nature. 1t has been pro-
claimed the funniest show on earth
and there has been no real rival for
the title. What is more amusing
than the henpecked man of the stage? T?
What catches the attention of the
men to greater extent, amuses the
ladies more or more strongly appeals
to the risibilities of the young folks
There is a joy in the troubles of the
bossed man of the house which other
stage characters do not provoke. In
"Henpecked Henry" Halton Powell
has created character that will long
live in stage history, for it is the
most comic creation of musical
comedy. No expense has been spar
ed in the organization of this seasons
company and satisfaction is guaran-
teed all who invest in this seasons
fun event.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
SLIGHTLY INJURED IN
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT
Walter Bliss, Detained in Peru. Ind
iana-Awaiting Re-
pairs Vi,

Rev. w. A. Bliss received word last
Thursday evening while at prayer
meeting that his son, Walter, of Kala-
mazoo was laid up in a hospital at
Peru, Indiana, following an automo-
bile accident. Mr.. Bliss promptly
went to the telephone and got into
communication with parties who
could give his information and was
informed that the sons condition was
not as bad as first reports indicated.
Young Siss was indeed in Peru, but
was only waiting until his clothing,
which had been torn and dirt begrim-
med, was cleaned and repaired. A
few minor scratches about the face
and limbs were the only injuries he
received. His companion sustained
some broken ribs and several cuts
and scratches.
Mr.. Bliss and companion had been
to Kokomo, Indiana to get new
Haynes automobile as demonstrator.
When they neared Peru something
about the steering gear broke and let
them into a ditch.
Mr.. Bliss resigned from his office
with the city service commission of
Kalamazoo a few weeks ago to be-
come assistant sales manager of the
Michigan district for the Haynes
He is now in Kalamazoo
and has written home to his parents
here stating that he is fully recovered
from the accident.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
LOCALS WALL0PED THEIR
CHAMPIONS IN LAST GAME
Wrangle On Umpire Decision Was
A Bad Feature of the
Encounter

Last Wednesdays game closed the
five game series with st. Johns. The
locals defeated their would be Cham
ions" in a fast game TO 2. The
Saints came over from their city with
Haunting ribbons, on which were
printed champions" pined to their
caps and coats. Jubilant over their
victory, due to an unfavorable con-
tract between themselves and the
local management, they went to the
grounds with the air of lords. They
were soon to meet disaster, however,
and battled to the finish to maintain
their dignity.
Bissonette held steady all the time,
placing the horsehide over the pan for
six strikeouts. Three of them were
IN one inning. He had a way of work
ing out of hole that won for him the
admiration of the crowd. Not one of
the Belding crew failed to show good
form. Two bingles that threatened
to be costly were the only errors to
properly be charged against the
whole team. Ireland, Maurer and
Bailey each got -baggers.
Considerable wrangling resulted
because of Umpire Stringham's de-
cision, when a st. Johns runner inter-
ferred with fielding the ball between
second and third. They had run two
men in, when the decision put one
Continued on Page Four
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
YPSILANTI RECORD
STARTED LAST WEEK

The first issue of the Ypsilanti Re-
cord, published at Ypsilanti, Michi-
gan, by Jesse K Coates and Ford
Hicks, made it's appearance last
Thursday, September, 2. The Messrs.
Coates and Hicks were formerly iden-
titled with the Banner, as part own
ers, leaving in March.
Mr.. Coates is the president of the
new Ypsilanti Record Publishing Co.,
and Mr.. Hicks is editor The first is
sue Of the Record is very attractive
and well made up. 1t is patterned
much after the Banner and contains
a liberal advertising patronage. The
Ysilanti merchants and residents gen.
orally may well be proud Of the new
paper and the good interests to which
it will be devoted. Both Mr.. Coates
and Mr.. Hicks are live and wide-
awake newspaper men and will give
people Of Ypsilanti and vicinity an ex-
cellent paper.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
FOR SALE AD SOLD OVER
$45 WORTH OF GOODS

f. M. Parney believes in advertis-
ing in the want column of the Ban
ner. A short time ago he inserted an
advertisement for one week costing
only 10 cents, announcing the fact
that he had raspberries for sale. AS
a direct result, Mr.. Parney states that
he sold between forty-five and fifty
dollars worth of berries. He is sure
that the small cost was nothing COM
pared with the time he would have
consumed and taken from other work
in running from place to place pick
ing up orders in the old way.
This is only another of the many
instances, related to us of the almost
phenomenal success our subscribers
are having from ads. in the want
column. Then Mr.. Parney's saving is
not only saving in the deal. The
scores of his customers who had their
wants filled by the adv. also saved
much time, that might otherwise have
been spent in hunting for berries. Ev-
eryone connected with the advertis-
ing were winners. You can win too
by using the Want column of the Ban
ner.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
CARRIERS
HELD SEM|-ANNUAL
MEETING MONDAY
NEXT MEETING OF ASSOCIA-
TION WILL BE IN BELDING
FEB. %, 1915

The semi-annual convention of the
Ionia County Association of Rural
Letter Carriers was held in Ionia on
Monday. Because of the rain the meet
ing, which was to have been in River
Side Park, was held in the X. Of P.
hall. A good bunch of carriers and
their families turned out. Mr.. and
Mrs. A. NJ. Eaves and Mr. and Mrs.
Bert Rowley attended from Belding.
Others had intended to go but remain
ed at home because of the bad wealth
er.
An unusually good program was
rendered during the day. The well
come address of Harvey f. Kidder of
Ionia was especially complimented.
Vocal and instrumental music, ad-
dresses and readings made up the
program of the day, A. NJ. Eaves
giving one Of the readings.
At the business session of the con-
vention Thomas Jackson of Muir was
elected president for the coming
year. Carl Hunt of Clarksville was
made vice-president and c. H. Hall of
Lyons secretary-t Ernest
Leach of Orleans, William Ribinson
of Saranac and A. NJ. Eaves of Beld-
ing were appointed a committee on
program for next meeting.
The next semi-annual meeting will
be held in Belding February %, 1916.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
JESSE ALTENBURG WAS
RECALLED BY CENTRALS
Laid Up With Sprained Ankle But
Expects to See Some
Big Games

Jess Altenburg, the former Michi-
gan state league player who was ship
ped to the Youngstown club under
optional agreement by the Pittsburg
club this year, has been recalled along
with Signlin, McAuley, Wagner and
Hill. ali of whom were among the
Centrals best players this season.
Belding boy is laid up with a sprained
ficiently to get into a few games be-
fore the National league season closes.
Altenburg was the fastest man in the
league getting down to first base this
season and showed great promise.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
BELD|NG MERCHANTS
OFFERING GOODS At
SPECIAL PRICES
WENT ON TRADE EXTENSION
TRIP INTO SURROUND
ING COUNTRY
BELDING TO BE BEST
OF TRADING CENTERS
Twenty-seven Business Houses Will
Make Special Saturday
Prices

Beginning this Saturday, twenty
seven of the business men of Belding
will give special prices on certain ar
ticles each Saturday for a series of
weeks. These articles of merchan-
disc will be things that every home
needs and must have. The things to
be sold at special prices on Saturday
and the merchants selling them will
be found in the respective advertise
ments of these merchants each week.
The same merchant will not give
a special price on the same article
more than once. Neither will the
specially priced articles in the diff er-
ent stores be duplicated by another
merchant the same week. Each mcr-
chant will change his special Satur-
day offering each week.
You will find the big list of specials
in full page adv. this weef; on page
nine. You should read every word of
the big adv. and prepare to take ad-
vantage of the excellent chance to
supply your wants from this list of
specials next Saturday. The follow
ing week another list of specials will
be given by the different merchants
in their respective advs.
To augment the advertising done
in the newspapers the merchants rep
resented in the Especial section made
junket trips through the surrounding
country on Wednesday and Thursday
and visited with the farmers in their
dooryards. At the same time they dis
tributed large hand bills, reproduc-
tions of the page advs. and invited
the farmers to come to Belding and
help in the effort to make this COM
munity a Ligger and better place IL
which to live Merchandise can be
purchased in Belding just as cheaply
as in any other city, and the money
spent with the local merchants will
be returned through the proper chan
nels to the local community for its
permanent betterment.
With public improvements rapidly
being made in this city and combined
with the get together movement that
is pervading the community Belding
will fast become the best trading CEN
ter in western Michigan. Every
merchant is anxious to please his
customers and will extend every
courtesy and will transact his busi-
ness in the very best Of order While
the merchants's list each week spec
tally priced articles in the special
advs, yet, these are not the only ar
ticles on which excellent prices will
be made. You should not fail to look
over the merchants regular adv. in
the other sections of the Banner this
and every other week Many choice
pieces of merchandise will be listed in
the regular advs. at attractive prices
too.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
WARREN
ASKS FOR DAMAGES
FROM AUTHORITIES
CLAIMS SHE WAS TAKEN INTO
CUSTODY WITHOUT CHANCE
TO DRESS
FRED |. WARNER Is HER
COUNSEL IN THE CASE
Case Against Montcalm County Off
icals Being Tried in
Stanton

Through her attorney, Fred L. War
ner, Miss Estelle Warren has begun
suit against John f. Taylor of Eure-
ka and I. B. Winters of Greenville for
damages in the sum of seven thousand
dollars. She placed her claim against
Mr. Taylor at $4,000 and against Mr..
Winters at $4,000.
A few weeks ago it is charged by
Miss Warren that she was arrested by
Mr.. Winters, deputy sheriff, who
came to her home at night and fore
IDLY took her to Stanton, landing her
in JAIL not giving her time to dress
herself respectfully. She claims that
Winters had no warrant or legal pap
ers of any kind, which would give him
the right to take her into custody.
Miss Warren leased her farm to
Fred Miller about year ago and he
moved into part of the house, Miss
Warren retaining a room or two for
her own use as home. Some mis-
understanding arose between them
and the Millers claimed they were
fearful lest Miss Warren would be-
come insane and do damage to them
or their stock and on complaint and
application of Mr.. Miller, Supervisor
King of Eureka and Mr.. Taylor made
to the judge of probate of Montcalm
county to inquire into and investigate
the case, she was taken there by De-
putty Sheriff Winters.
At the hearing held in Stanton
three weeks ago several witnesses
were sworn, among them four physi-
clans and the case was dropped, the
Judge being unable to decide according
to the evidence that she was insane.
Miss Warren has also brought suit
for damages against Fred Miller in
the circuit court for Ionia county,
claiming $4,000.
1t is expected that the several cases
will be tried out in the courts of Ionia
and Montcalm counties in December.
Attorney Charles B. Rarden of
Greenville will defend the case at
Stanton and Frank c. Miller has been
retained to defend the case brought
in Ionia county.
Miss Warren is the daughter of the
late Stephen Warren and she owns the
old farm which he left at his death.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
b. B. and l. Stock No. 40 Matured

Series No. 40 of the Belding Build
ing and Loan association stock matur-
ed on the first Of September and the
holders of the shares are congratulate
ing themselves that they invested in
that series when it was opened for in
vestment about ten years ago. There
were twenty-three shares in the series
the stock being held by the following
persons: Ida Cathcart, z shares;
Glenn Tower, 5 shares; A. J. Rumm-
Ter, shares; Fred Clanchy, 6 shares.
Secretary George +. Wagner in
forms the Banner that series No. 85
was opened recently and that there
is a few more shares left for takers.
The association is certainly one of
the best and safest places for invest
ment either for placing money or
for securing home by paying for it
on the installment plan.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
HARRY FLETCHER
AND MISS HAZEL
BR|CKER MARRIED
CEREMONY PERFORMED AT
BRfCKER HOME THURS
DAY-QUIET WEDDING

The home of Postmaster and Mrs.
w. F. Bricker on South Bridge stret
was the scene of beautiful wedding
ceremony last Thursday afternoon at
three o'clock, when their daughter,
Hazel, was given in marriage to Har-
rison l.. Fletcher. The ceremony was
performed by Rev. A. j. Blair, pastor
of the Congregational church, in the
presence of only the immediate rela-
tives. The abridged ring service was
used.
The wedding couple were attended
by Claude Johnson and Miss Ora
Butcher, both of Grand Rapids. Fol-
lowing the ceremony light luncheon
of ice cream and cake was served, in
charge of Miss Lucille Bricker and
Miss Arda Yost. The rooms were
tastefully decorated with goldenglow.
Soon after the ceremony Mr.. and
Mrs. Fletcher left for Long Lake,
where they remained over Sunday.
Late Thursday evening they We're Wis
tied by five automobile loads of Beld-
ing friends, who helped make the
close of the eventful day one long to
be remembered. The guests were SER
we'd TO sandwiches and coffee.
Mr.. and Mrs. Fletcher will reside
at 1T East Congress street, where
they have their new home all fur
nished. Mr.. Fletcher is linotype
operator in the Banner office, where
he has worked the past three years.
He is very favorably known in Beld-
ing and in other cities where he has
lived. Mrs. Fletcher has been in
charge of Bpicker's bazaar for many
months and has wide circle of ac-
quaintances in Belding and surround
ing country Mr.. and Mrs. Fletcher's
scores of friends, and among them the
Banner, wish and bespeak for them
a long and happy welded life.
George n. Fletcher and the Misses
Sadie and Mary Fletcher, father and
sisters of the groom, all of Flint, and
Mr.. and Mrs. Nicholas Mehney of
Cooks Corners, grandparents of the
bride, were the only relatives present
at the wedding from out of the city.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
WILL GIVE FAREWELL TO
Mr.. AND MRS. T.W. PECK

A farewell party will be held in
the parlors of the Central Methodist
church this Wednesday evening for
Mr.. and Mrs. T. w. Peck, who are
soon to leave Belding to engage in
other activities. Mr.. Peck has been
a prominent worker in the church
here and is known and liked by every
member of the church and Sunday
school. For the past two years he
has been the superintendent of the
Sunday school, now being replaced by
Frank II. Hudson. In that time the
school has grown in number of stud
ents and pupils, also as a power for
good in the church and community.
1t is with the deepest regrets that
the members Of the church will bid
Mr.. and Mrs. Peck goodbye this even
ing. While Mrs. Peck is not so well
known as her husband, she has made
for herself a warm spot in the hearts
Of all the people of the church.
A short program will be given and
light refreshments served.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
DOG LOST HIS COLLAR
TOLD PASSING FRIEND
John Denton Was Impressed at Ac-
tions of Canine Friend

John Denton is fully convinced that
some dogs know whole lot and pos
sess reasoning faculties. He was COM
ing down town Saturday morning
when a strange dog ran up to him
to him to follow. Denton finally con-
cluded to follow the animal which led
him back a block or two and into
growth of weeds at the side of the
walk. The dog picked up his collar
and flirted it around in front of Mr..
Denton, evidently asking him to strap
it to his neck again.
The collar was adjusted by Mr.. Den
ton and the dog in appreciation of the
favor kissed his hand with several
licks and bounded away.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
Portland Retains Industry

industry. The Ramsey-Alton Com
pany has been re-organized and the
plant which was idle for several
months has been re-opened. The cap
been fixed at 100000 The officers
are: President, Robert Ramsey; vice
president, DR.. Alton; secretary and
G. Dudley, Grand Rapids; George
Nichols, Ionia; DR.. Alton, Robert
Ramsey and B. d. Smith, Portland.
The plant was recently purchased
at receivers sale by w. H. Heath,
cashier of the State Savings Bank
of Ionia.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-09-08
LaChance-LaCr0ss

The marriage Of Mr.. Euclid G. La
Chance Of Flint and Miss Agnes La
Cross of this city took place at the
Baptist parsonage Sunday evening,
September 5.
Rev. w. A. Bliss performed the cere-
mony at 8 o'clock, while Mr.. Arthur
Noble and Miss Agnes Beskey stood
up with the couple as groomsman and
bridesmaid.
Mr.. and Mrs. La Chance will make
their home in Flint.