davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-05-06
Ernest F. Stoit.

The death of Ernest F. Stoit occur
red yesterday afternoon at $50 a,
his home. 1919 Tenth avenue. He had
been ailing several years with a COM
plication Of diseases.
He was born in Rock Island May
6. 1894, and had he lived until today
he would have celebrated his 22nd
birthday. Mr.. Stoit received his edu-
cation in the German parochial school
of this city He was member of the
German Lutheran church. Besides
his mother, Mrs. William Stoit, he
leaves four sisters. Mrs, Elsie knight,
Chicago: Mrs. Louise Barnes, Rock
Island: Mrs Marie Griffin, Moline, and
Miss Alvina Stoit, at home.
Funeral services will be held at 1:3o
Monday afternoon at the home and at
. o'clock at the German Lutheran
church, Rev Phi. Wilhelm officiating.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
PAVING WORK HALTED
BIG MIXER BROKEN

Work on the paving of Bridge
street has been delayed the past few
days by the non-arrival of brick and
the breaking Of the big concrete mix
er. A small mixer was placed in
commission Tuesday morning and the
concrete work on the south end COM
pleted. The mixer was started at the
railroad tracks on North Bridge street
this Wednesday morning and will
work north. 1t is expected that a
new mixer will arrive from Grand
Rapids Thursday morning TO relieve
the one now being used.
South Bridge street is now open for
traffic as far as Washington street
crossing. The brick work is COM
pleted as far as Liberty street but the
filling is not yet sufficiently dry to
permit of the extra block being open
ed
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
M0NTCALM ORGANIZED
FOR DRY CAMPAIGN

At a banquet held in the Phelps
house in Greenville last Friday the
United Dry Campaign organization
of Montcalm county was organized.
All the ministers, editors and some
business men of the county as well as
farmers are in the organization.
Mayor Fred f. Ranney gave a well
come address and Rev. st. Clair Par
sons was toastmaster. Jason E..
Hammond Of Grand Rapids and Roy
Hatton Of Lansing were present and
both gave addresses along the line of
statewide prohibition. Ambrose J.
Wyrick entertained with a number
of selections. assisted by Miss Ber-
nice Osmun at the piano.
Rev. st. Clair Parsons was elected
president; Rev. G.. f Stone, vice
president and Rev. w. b. Jarman,
secretary. The organization will take
a prominent part in the dry campaign
this fall
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
FACTORY EMPLOYEES
OBSERVE LABOR DAY

Labor day was made a most joyous
event by the employees of the local
industries. A ball game, which fell
little short of being equal to the ones
staged by the city team the past
season, was one of the features of
the afternoon. The team from the
Grand Rapids Brass company was
pitted against the team from the
Belding-Hal company. 1t was only
by hard and steady fighting that
the former team was able to grab
off the honors to A.
Other features of interest were the
tug-of-war, the three-legged race,
jumping, etc. A large crowd was out
to witness the events and participate
in the sports. Much of the credit
for putting on the successful days
sports is due Edwy Webster. He as
sumed charge of the whole affair
early the week previous and pushed
every branch Of the celebration to a
successful elimination.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
N|GHTWATCH PLATT
CONF|SCATES SOME
BOOZE, ARREST MADE

Nightwatchman Jason Platt has
several cases of beer and bottle Of
whiskey under lock and key which he
confscated Thursday night and will
be the custodian of it until the case is
settled. Mr.. Platt says he has had
many complaints lately that liquors
were being brought into the city
and dealt out contrary to the local
option law, from Lowell and Grand
Rapids and he made up his mind to
keep tab on the business, round it up
and if possible put stop to it.
Last Thursday night long after the
midnight hour, an automobile drove
up to the entrance of Orville Backus'
barber shop on Main street and un-
loaded the goods. Platt's eagle eye
was open and an hour later he had a
wheelbarrow load in transit to -the
city hall. The next day he made a
trip to Ionia and Prosecuting Attor-
ney III. C.. Hall had Justice A. l..
Spencer issue a warrant under the
local option and liquor seizure act.
Tuesday morning Mr.. Backus appear
ed before the court in company with
Deputy Sheriff Murray waived exam
ination and was bound over to the
circuit court for trial. 1t is claimed
that Mr.. Backus got it for his own
use and intended TO take it to his
home.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
SCHOOLS OPEN WITH
HEAVY ENROLMENT
TUESDAY MORNING
SEATING CAPACITY IN ADE
QUATE IN SOME OF THE
ROOM-ENROLLMENTS

School opened Tuesday morning
with heavy enrolment. All teach
ers were here in time to start the
years work except Miss Van Doren.
She resigned a week before the be-
ginning of school to take another
place. Upon the doctors recommend
alton L. L. Roberts, who was con-
tracted to teach science, resigned and
his place was taken by Miss Sylvia
Eaton. Miss Eaton was the former
science teacher, but was not intending
to teach this year. Her return to a
place on the faculty, however, was
very pleasing to the board of educa-
ton, the students and the other
members of the teaching force.
Enrollments in the second ward
were heavier than at any previous
school opening. In the kindergarten
ffty-one children entered Monday. In
the second grade fifty-one children
came and the seating capacity of the
rooms was wholly inadequate. In the
first grade a small margin was shown
in the seating Of thirty-two pupils,
which will probably be sufficient for
the needs of this grade the first SEM
ester.
At the Ellis school Miss Mount had
an enrolment of fifteen in the fourth
grade, Miss Radcliffe forty-two in
the second, Miss Ager thirty-five In
the first and Mrs. Ellery twenty-nine
in the kindergarten.
In the departmental school at the
Central it was impossible to get the
enrolment except from Miss Willett
who has fifty-nine in the sixth grade;
Miss Helmick in the third ward
building has seventy-fve and Miss De
Pore twenty-four.
In the high school the first days
entry was one hundred and sixty-sev-
en-. Others are coming in this de-
partment as well as in all others. AS
a complete enrolment could not be
obtained at this time it is impossible
to give the whole number of students
entering.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
BOULEVARD LIGHTS
GRACE BELDING
BUSINESS STREETS
CURRENT WAS TURNED ON FRI
DAY NIGHT-MANY IMPROVE
MENTS TO CITY.

Friday night residents of Belding
witnessed the first turning on Of the
boulevard lights. Not a person, who
noticed the Improvement, failed to
make favorable comment on the
metropolitan appearance the lights
gave the city. From one end of the
paved section of Main street to the
other the single illuminated globes
shed their radiance across the street.
Their light made of Main street a real
white way.
In placing the new poles Belding
has taken another step in advance of
the surrounding cities. The single
light poles are the most up-to-date
lighting features purchasable. The
new improvement is another evidence
that when this city does a thing it is
done right.
Belding has made wonderful adj
vances in its appearance in the past
three years. Only that long ago a
complete network of poles obstructed
the view down Main street and the
other business streets. In stead of
the smooth, permanent pavement an
innumerable conglomeration of chuck
holes, stones, sandy spots and uneven
cross walks GREETED the eyes of all
comers to the city. Instead of the
boulevard lighting system single arc
lights at the street intersections,
shared their uneven light with the
window lamps of the stores in feeble
attempt to cheer the night traveller
along the paths of the unwholesome
streets. Contrasted with the former
earth and gravel paths of Bridge
street will soon be seen a long level
stretch of brick pavement extending
from one end Of the city to the other
inviting the rural population and
travellers generally to the business
center Of the city to partake of our
hospitality. Every resident of the
city should feel pride in the fact
that he is permitted to live in so
prosperous and hustling community.
He should let no opportunity pass to
acquaint the visitors with the parti-
cular advantages of Belding, and thus
advertise the town in every way pos
sible. Let everyone boost for Beld-
ing and Belding will be boosted and in
turn will boost its citizens.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Ionin Court Proceedings

An order discharging., mortgage
has been made in the circuit court
on the application of Frank J. Badg-
ley.
In the circuit court Saturday tes-
timonv was taken in the cases of
Rosa Hoyt against Donald Hoyt, and
James II. Lucas against Charles Lu-
cas-.
In the absence of Prosecutor Hall,
who is away on his vacation. Judge
Davis appointed j. Clyde Watt to act
for the county in the Conrath case
now pending.
At session of the circuit court
Saturday Judge Davis rendered a
Judgment for S539.0S in the case of
Benz. F. Covert as administrator of
the estate Of Matilda Paustle against
f. +. Slye.
The prosecution of Louis Conrath
on charge of stealing automobile
parts from Frank Heth was opened
this afternoon before Justice Murphy.
Clyde Watt of Saranac is conducting
the prosecution in the absence of III.
G. Hall. Glenn Mathews is defend
ing the respondent.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Antnmnhile Was Sold

The old automobile belonging to the
Belding Basket company and which
has been in cold storage for several
years has finally been sold by Mr..
Chapple and the proceeds placed in
the treasury Of the company to be
drawn on in the due course of busi-
ness where necessary.
When the machine was purchased
ten or twelve years ago it was then
one Of the best on the market and
the price paid was a good round one,
but time and progress has intervened
and put it out of date and in the back
number class. 0rton Webster, the
junk man, purchased it for fifteen
dollars cash in hand and what parts
of it that do not go in the junk will
be rejuvenated and put into COM
mission again.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
HOW HATH THE
MIGHTY FALLEN

John Cusser, champion QUOT pitch
er of the world, went down in defeat
before Frank Hamman at a place
called Orleans between Detroit and
Saginaw. At the present writing
John is under the doctors care but
still thinks he can again win the belt.
The next contest will take place at
Belding, Michigan, which is located
between Grand Rapids and Saginaw
on the Pere Marquette railroad. The
date will be announced as soon as
John recuperates.
If Cusser looses this time he must
forever after hold his peace.
Submitted.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
HAIL & STORM COMPANY
SUE FOR PREMIUMS DUE

Undoubtedly Justice A. L. Spen-
GERS court will be taxed to its capac-
ity house on the seventh and eighth
days of this month as suit has been
begun against thirty or forty policy
holders in the Michigan Mutual Hail
and Storm Insurance company and
the writ OF summons is returnable on
those days.
An agent of the company was in
the city recently and started the
suits to recover from each the prem
iums due which vary from one dollar
ii six dollars. The most of the de-
PENDANTS are farmers living in Orange
and the south part of the county.
Deputy Sheriff Chas. Murray was
out two days last week and served
the papers on all who had not died or
moved away.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
FARM ERS' PICNIC
BIG EVENT...FOUR
HUNDRED ATTENDED
BALL GAME BETWEEN BUSI-
NESS MEN AND FARMERS
CAUSED EXCITEMENT

Conservative estimates place the
number of people attending the big
picnic rendered to the Belding board
of commerce members and their fam
ilies at the home of Mrs. 0. A. Num-
mer, Thursday, by the members of
the Belding Grange and the East and
West Otisco Farmers clubs, at four
hundred. A grand self-served din
ner was spread on the lawn near the
house and none left the tables hun
CRY.
In the open field to the west of the
hummer home over fifty automobiles
were parked during the day. Not
all of them had been driven there by
Belding people, but many of the
farmers came in their cars to assist
in making the day an enjoyable one.
The picnickers began to gather at
the farm home about ten o'clock and
it was we'll past twelve-thirty before
all of them arrived. The early arri-
walls exchanged greetings and then
the men began the sport activities of
the day. A preliminary ball game
was played in order to get the city
and farmer teams lined up for the
real tussle of the afternoon.
At one-thirty the ball game was
called. Men, women and children
tramped out into the stubble field
and began to settle for the sport. The
ladies were provided with chairs and
cushions. In the city team lineup
Brinton l.. Hall as right field headed
the battling line. G.. +. Wortley was
stationed in left; Earl Wilson in cen
ter; X. c. Gunsolus on first; Geo
Crawford on second; w. S. Lambert
son at third; w. l.. Cusser at short;
Walter Ireland on the mound and
Henrys Gildemeister presided behind
the bat. In the farmers lineup c.
Chickering headed the list in the bat
ting line and played behind the bat.
Louie Emmons was on the mound
d. Sewers atNfirst base; John Reeves
at short; Fred hummer on second
base; Don Cooper on third; r. Tut
tie in center field; Herb Ross in left
field and l.. jerks in right field.
Belding took the outs and before
the end of the inning had allowed the
farmers to squeeze in two runs. Un-
daunted by the lead Belding came up
big and strong by advancing Brinton
F. Hall to the plate with the little
stick. He clouted the apple far over
right field and was resting on second
station when it got back to the box
Hall stole third when Wortley wait
ed out at the plate and sprinted
home after Wilson was out on a long
drive to deep center. Wortley went
to third when Gunsolus sprinted
Continued on Page Four)
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
BRASS COMPANY MAKES
REFRIGERATOR SHELVES

The local branch Of the Grand Rap
ids Brass company began manufact-
uring a new commodity last week.
The new output is wire shelving for
refrigerator. For several months
the new department has been contem-
plated and machinery has been ar
irving for several weeks.
The new product marks the first
expansion of the brass company to
other lines than brass. The COM
pany's speciality has always been re-
frigerator hardware, and as the shelv-
ing is part of refrigerators, the extra
department is added to take care of
the full requirements.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
GRATIAN MASONS TO
ERECT NEW BUILDING

The Gfattan Masonic fraternity
which suffered the loss of its build
ing and lodge equipment in the fire
a couple of months ago, has decid-
ed to rebuild and hold regular COM
munications again. The site which
was owned by E. l.. Brooks, has been
donated by him to the Masonic order
and work has already been commenc-
ed in the erection Of a fine building
somewhat larger than the old one. 1t
will be built, both the upper and low
er floors, expressly for lodge pur-
poses and when completed will be a
very commodious and convenient one
for their use. The lower floor will
be used for reception and banquet
purposes and an inside stairway will
lead to the lodge room above. The
building is estimated TO cost between
$4,000 or $1,000. An insurance of
about eight hundred dollars was re-
ceived from the insurance companies
and with this amount as a starter the
brethren will endeavor to raise the
balance by subscription which fund
has already been literally support
ed. The committee which has the
raising of the money in hand hopes
for a generous response to their ap-
peal from the membership.
Grattan lodge is one of the old
est and best known in this part Of
Michigan. 1t has had many notable
gatherings in the old building and its
reputation for extending a welcome
hand to all visitors in a most cordial
way is known throughout the
state 1t is hoped the membership
will be successful in their efforts to
rebuild and get into the Masonic
work again with greater enthusiasm
than ever
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
BARTO SCHOOL HELD
REUNION AUGUST 81
WILL BE ANNUAL FEATURE IN
THE FUTURE-R. b. DAVIS
is PRESIDENT

On Thursday, August 81 was held
the first annual reunion OF the teach
ers. pupils and families of the Barto
school, 1t proved to be one of the
most enjoyable picnics ever held IN
Kent or any other county.
The beginning of the Barto school
dates back to 1886 when the first set
tiers began to move there, and a
school was needed. At this time In
dians filled the woods and scared the
children. A little log house was first
built and later another and larger
house of lumber was erected and that
has now been replaced by beautiful
brick building. The present struc-
ture is up-to-date, is furnace heated
and has all the appliances of a mod
efn school
One of the features Of last Thurs
day was an old slab seat from the
first log house which has been kept
by Hosmer Andrews, one of the "old
BOYS" who still lives in the district.
Mrs. Stephen Rennells went TO school
there over seventy years ago, and
she with children. grandchildren and
greatgrandchildren four generations,
who have all been pupils there, were
all present to enjoy the day.
AL PAOS 0AA StfN--
after most sumptuous dinner at
which over $50 were served. Sew
eral short talks were given by former
papils and teachers, also letter was
read from one of the old teachers
Mrs. Mary Cotton, of Rockford. who
Is eighty-six years old. Mrs. Esther
Williams of Ionia, one of the first
teachers was there and "called the
roll" Mrs. Eta Grey of Florida
gave a short talk and told of teach
er who used round potato and small
dinner pail to demonstrate the re-
lation of the sun and earth.
The reunion was made an annual
affair. r. B. Davis, who was the
promoter of the reunion, was chosen
president; Christian Kropf, secretary
and John Andrews, treasurer.
Those from Belding were: Mrs.
Dan Skellenger, Mrs. Will Bliss, Mrs.
John Denton. c. f. Francisco and
Mrs. Chas. Krum of Grand Rapids,
who are at Wabasis lake for the
summer; G.. l.. Brown. Mrs. s. S.
Showers and Mrs. +. NJ. Parney.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Don't Stop the Banner

In making remittance for his past
due subscription account p. l.. Bly,
stone makes the following statement
"Here is the price for the Banner
until January 1, 1918. Don't stop the
paper" Mr.. Blystone lives at Cam
bridge Springs, Pennsylvania. He
appreciates the Banner and the work
il is doing. He also sees the advan-
tage given him to extend his sub
scription at the present price and has
grasped the opportunity to save him.
self some money. Every other sub
scriber can do likewise.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Will Cook in GreenyiIle

Ray Mcconnell has gone to Green
vile to take the position of chef in the
Winter Inn Landlord III. G. Mills
was in the city last week to confer
with him and his visit resulted in Sc
curing his services. The services of
Mrs. Mcconnell have also been secur-
ed and she will go there to assist him
in a couple of weeks after first visit
ing her parents in Lakeview.
acMr. and Mrs. Mcconnell are both
fine cooks and Mr.. Mills is fortunate
in securing them. maE. 10f1Ae
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Hiking Il From Detroit.

L. ID. Atherton of Detroit, young
man who is out for a hike through
the country for health and exercise,
was in the city Tuesday. He wears
the uniform of a scout and carries his
camp equippage in a roll on his back.
He says he stops wherever, night
overtakes him and enjoying the uni
que experience very much. He has
been working in the Ford automobile
factory, where his health became i'm
paired. He went from here to Green
vile and will walk back to Detroit
making about fifteen miles a day.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
G. w. French & Son

On another page Will be found the
advertisement of G.. w. French & Son,
jewellers, opticians and music dealers.
who have leased a portion of the r.
II. Waldo store and will open there
Friday of this week.
Twenty years ago Mr.. French was
in business here in the jewelry and
optical line removing from here to
sIonia.
Besides his optical parlor he will
have a line of pianos, player pianos
and talking machines.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
SERVED BIG FISH
AT WABASIS CLUB

The fishing at Wabasis lake has
been excellent for the last week es-
pecially for the resorters at the Wab-
asis club grounds and fine catches of
bass, pickerel, blue gills and bull
heads have been reported.
There were nearly a hundred din
ners at the club house last Sunday
and besides roast pork and gravy they
had fish on the menu.
Walter Lambertson furnished a
pickerel that weighed about fifteen
pounds, which he caught while troll
ing. Mr.. and Mrs. VIM. Main, the
chefs, served the dinner in first-class
style.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Things That Look
Very Queer To Me

In last weeks issue Of the Ban
ner it spoke of two of the Belding
fishermen going to Tallman lake
and made mention Of the catch Of
fish, which was only three, and
showed a picture of the same. 1t
also stated the fish were lost
from the running board of the ma
chine on the return trip.
Now Cook and Conant would
like to know how they could get an
exact picture of those fish unless
they saw them.
The writer does not wish to cast
any reflections on the character of
the Judge" or Mr.. Langston but
there are several persons who are
ready to testify that they smelled
fish frying in passing Judge Lap
hams house the next day.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Has Resigned Position

position with Charles s. Foster and
intends later to go into the undertake
ing business for himself. He has sold
his house and lot 10 Francis Singer
land, who will take possession as soon
as it is vacated.
Mr.. Fitzjohn, who has been with
Mr.. Foster nearly year. has been an
excellent citizen of this city for a good
many years and he and his family
have many friends here. He is con-
sidering several offers from outside
parties but as yet is undecided as to
where he will go.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
Grattan Grange

Grattan Grange met last Thursday
evening with forty-six members pres
emf As this is fair time the majority
favored postponing the next meeting
for four weeks, when a miscellaneous
supper with plenty of pumpkin pie
and doughnuts will be served. The
lecturer wishes each member to re-
member some incident or particular
ly striking thing they saw at the
fairs and mention it at roll call. The
rest of the program is as follows:
Song-By school children from the
knapsack.
Paper-"What is, Boy Worth,
Orley Emmons.
Reading-"Uncle David and Col
lege," Margie Carpenter
Music-Mrs. Ray Smith.
iscussion-"What Do You Think
of Consolidated Schools" led by Earl
Nash.
Song-Mildred Bookey.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
BALL Game Is Scheduled

Secretary Gunsolus of the board of
commerce is responsible for ball
game this Wednesday afternoon be-
tween the north side business men and
the south side business men. The
game is scheduled to be played on the
vacant lots Immediately west of the
Belrockton beginning at four o'clock.
The game is to be played with an in
door ball and bat and will probably
eclipse the one staged last Thursday
between the Belding business men and
the farmers at the big picnic.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-09-06
School of instruction

Belding Masons as well as those
from Grattan and Trufant have been
summoned to Greenville the evening
of September IL to attend school
of instruction. No doubt a goodly
number will attend from each lodge
and a good time be assured. Green
vile lodge is scheduled to work the
NM degree.
AS work in the lodges has been
practically suspended through the
hot weather the school of instruction
coming at the opening Of the fall
season will undoubtedly /stimulate a
large attendance.