davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
COMMON COUNCIL VOTE
TO TRANSFER MONEY

After the reports of the various Of
ficers of the city had been given to
the council at its meeting Friday
night the mayor called for report
of the building committee. The latter
report showed that the committee had
received bids on the work of repairing
the living rooms of the city hall and
that the lowest bid, $46.98 by Wort
ley & French, had been accepted and
also that the work had been complet-
ed. The committee also reported that
it had let the work of installing the
light fixtures to the Citizens Light
company for $9.45. The report of
the committee was accepted.
An affirmative vote was taken to
tranfer the balance of $1635.18 left
in paving district "a" to the sinking
fund. this amount being that raised
in excess of the actual cost of doing
the work.
A vote was also taken, an affirma-
tive vote resulting, to reimburse the
board of commerce $38.40 for money
advanced by the board to the city
band for the purchase of a drum, mu-
sic. etc. The mayor was instructed
to appoint a committee of three To
take an inventory of the equipment
used by the band, which belonged to
the city.
No other business appeared at Fri
day evenings meeting except the al
lowing of the regular city and water
works bills.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
TALKS ON THRIFT
WILL Be PRINTED
in THE BANNER
THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNI-
vERSARY OF THE SAVINGS
BANK IN THE u. s.

Almost everyone knows that the
year 1916 was designated as Thrift
Year" by the banks of the country,
before the present year had its be-
ginning. The banks did this first, be-
cause this is the one hundredth an
niversary of Savings Banks in the
United States; then, too, the men who
officer them all over the country were
convinced that the American people
were getting too lax in spending
money. They saw in the idea a large
opportunity of helping their deposit
ors to better business practices.
Augmenting the thrift idea the
Banner has secured series of articles
on Thrift" They will be run from
week to week under special head
Each article is full of good, sane
logical thoughts and will be worth
anyone's time to read. You will find
the Thrift" talk this week in another
column entitled, "Mary's Kitchen
Sink" Read ii sure.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
ANNOUNCEME AND
APRON SHOWER

The home Of Mr.. and Mrs. Chas.
Foster was the scene of very pleas
ing luncheon last Thursday night
when an apron shower and an an
nouncement party was given in hon
or Of Miss Florence Fisher, who is
soon to become the bride of Mr.. Paul
Youngs of Leslie, Mich.
The table which provided seats for
twelve Of the young lady friends of
Miss Fisher, was tastefully arranged
for the occasion, ribbons attached to
the chandeliers over the center Of the
table ran TO each goblet on which was
perched a beautiful blue bird in whose
bill was a card with the name Of the
young lady entitled to the seat. Miss
Fisher being the guest Of Honor also
found at her plate a beautiful bunch
Of violets Much merriment was had
over the game entitled "A Seaside
Romance" in which Miss Florence
Washburn won out in the contest.
The bride-to-be was showered with
plenty Of fine aprons and in a unique
way it was brought about that she
had to read the announcement of the
coming event.
The Misses Esther Pinkham and
Margaret Cusser assisted Mrs. Fos-
ter in serving.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
LADS TOOK CHILLY
MORNING BATH

The boating season on the river
opened up last Sunday, but although
the day was sunshiny and pleasant,
the air was brisk and cool and the
water colder, as couple of young
men from Greenville, factory hands,
have cause to remember.
Two canoes set out from Smiths
livery for trip up the river. When
opposite the park one of them took a
sudden fiop-over and both lads were
thrown into the chilly stream. One
of them could swim, but the other
could not and attempted to cling to
the boat, which rolled over as fast
as he caught it. The boys in the other
canoe came to the rescue and dragged
them ashore, hanging to each end OF
the boat.
The boys said they were not ex'
perienced boatmen.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
BRASS COMPANY
IS BUILDING A
NEW ADDITION
WORK BEGUN ON 80x50-FOOT
BUILDING THIS WEEK-A
NEW DEPARTMENT

The Grand Rapids Brass company's
plant in this city is expanding after
two months operations. Work was
begun this Wednesday morning on
large addition to the plant.
The new addition will be eighty
by fifty feet and will be built Of
brick. The same construction and
material as was used in the present
building will be used in the new. The
floor of the entire new building Will
be of concrete.
The new room will be used as a
foundry. 1t is being built onto the
north end of the present foundry
room. Another battery of furnaces
will be installed and also full equip
ment in the way of moulding ma
chimes and their essential compile
ments. 1t is expected that the new
structure will be finished within sixty
days.
The company is also laying plans
for opening, new department for
making wire shelving for refrigera-
tors. In fact the new department
will be started as soon as the neces-
sary machinery arrives. This Will
mean the addition of another force OF
men and is also a new department for
the company. Nothing of this ma
ture has been made before.
The weekly payroll of the. brass
company is steadily increasing. II
is getting to be one of hustling en-
terprises Of the city. Shipments are
being made daily and with work being
done in four different foundries the
Grand Rapids factory is unable tc
keep up with the orders.
Work in the local machine, plating
vet because all Of the foundries are
unable to keep the machine rooms o.
the Grand Rapids plant going. Al
soon as the present addition is com
pleted the local foundry will be able
to supply the plant here with plenty
of material for machining, plating
ETC., and also make substantial ship
ments to the Grand Rapids plant.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
F6tty-First Annual Convention

The forty-first annual convention
of the fifth district w C. T. u. will
convene at Holland, Mich, April 26
and q, beginning Wednesday at 10
a. m.
There will be many splendid fea-
lures this year among which will be
the address of the national president
of the Woman's Christian Temper
ance Union, Miss Anna A. Gordon of
Evanston, ILL.,, also a gold medal
contest. Extensive arrangements are
being made by the people of Holland,
the young people of the college and
the children Of their numerous l.. T.
LIS for the entertainment of the
delegates and demonstrations of in
terest to be given during the ses-
sions.
Every union is urged to send its
full delegation and -bring complete
reports of the work accomplished
send dues on all members. Remem-
ber the date-April 26 and 81 at
Holland
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
BELD|NG HIGH TEAM
TO PLAY IONA HERE
IN OPENING GAME

Although the continued cold wealth
er of last week hindered somewhat
the baseball practice, the local high
school squad has been taking short
workouts every night With but one
or two exceptions every man in the
tryout will have to hustle to win a
berth on the regular squad. Francis
co and Huntley are showing good
form as hurlers. McNitt, Jersey and
Lambertson are fighting it out be-
hind the bat. Captain Soules, Moon,
Benson, Klock, Demo and Hudnutt
are making it lively for each other in
the infield, while c. Altenburg, Hall,
Insley, Noddins, G. Lambertson and
Brown are all looking for outfield
positions. Coach Reed is having his
hands full in getting a line on the
men before the opening game which
will take place next Saturday after
noon at Leonard Park with Ionia high
as opponents. The local team will be
arrayed in their new uniforms. With
the 'pep" the boys are showing at
the present time, it looks as though
the Ionia fans will have their hands
full if they go home with the game
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
STUDENTS GAVE RECITAL
LAST FRIDAY NIGHT

The pupils Of Miss Eva Engel gave
a recital in the Methodist church last
Friday evening. The parents of the
pupils and also many of their friends
attended. Miss Beulah Guild expect
ed to assist Miss Engel, but was un-
able to get back from Detroit in time.
The students showed much ability
in their work. The smaller ones,
while not so confident Of the finger
ing, nevertheless showed knowledge
of the piano which is gained only by
studying under a skilled teacher. Miss
Engel has had class here each year
for many years and has given a re-
cital each year. The recitals instill
confidence in the pupils to a marked
degree.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
SCHOOL BOARD
WILL HOLD SPECIAL
MEETING VERY SOON
TO CONSIDER THE BUILDING
SITUATION-MAY CALL SPEC
IAL MEETING OF DISTRICT

The regular monthly meeting of
the Board of Education was held
last Wednesday evening. Most of the
time was taken up in considering the
teachers for the coming year. At an
earlier meeting, two weeks previous,
the board had made out and submit
ted contracts to the teachers.
Not all of them had returned an
answer at the time of Wednesday
nights meeting. Among those who
viii remain for next year are: Supt.
}. A. Langston, F. l.. Bailey, A. J.
Reed, Grace Travis, Kate Mcdonald.
Flora Willet, Sarah Hopwood and
Fairy Mount. Miss Mount was elect
ed principal of the Ellis school. upon
Miss Josephine Kelley's resignation.
MISS Sylvia Eaton expects to attend
school next year and consequently de-
ciined her position another year. Miss
Gertrude Wilson was granted a years
leave of absence, because of her
health. The board has several teach
ers to hear from yet.
The board instructed Supt. Lang
ston to prepare full and complete
data relative to the congested condi-
ton of the buildings in the second
ward and also at the Central build
ings. A special meeting of the board
will be called in another week
to consider the advisabilitv of
calling a special meeting of the
school district to consider the
school house proposition. if bound
advisable the board will call a meet
ing of the district to consider the
matter at once. To wait until the an
nuai meeting to present the situation
might interfere with carrying out of
adopted plans before time for opening
the schools next fall.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
HARRY STRONG GIVEN
FAREWELL SURPRISE

About one hundred and fifty trlenas mas
attended the farewell surprise on Mr.
and Mrs. Harry E. Strong. which was was
held held at Maccabee and Cleaner han
Tuesdav evening. Many were there
before Mr.. and Mrs. Strong, and as as
they entered the room, all greeteu
them with cry of surprise and surely
their looks and actions told plaihiy
how much they were surprised.
After portion of the evening spehII
in visiting, a fine program was wen
rendered. among which was Joviafs
biography read by Clark Palmer OIL
Mr. and Mrs. Strong, dating back 70
their childhood days. The last num-
her on the program was the presenta-
tion of a beautiful set of silver soup
spoons by F. t. Flanagan IN penali
Of the company, to which Mr.. ana %
Mrs. Strong responded with thanks.
Fine refreshments were served CON
sisting of ice cream, cake and wafers;
While all regret losing such good ana
kind neighbors as Mr.. and Mrs.
Strong. all join in wishing them tne
hest Of luck, health and happiness IN
their new home and work in Detroit.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
TEACHERS INSTITUTE
AT IONA SATURDAY

An institute of the Ionia county
teachers will be held in Ionia at the
court house this week Saturday.
April 15. The instructor for the day
will be Lucy A. Sloan of Mt. Pleas
ant, and sessions will be in charge
OF Harvey H. Lowrey, county school
commissioner. Following is the pro-
gram of the meeting:
ForenoOn-(Begin at 9:3O)
Music. .......... Emma A. Rice
How to Obtain the Greatest Re-
suits In Primary Reading.
....... Marion Dunning, Orleans
Discussion .Addie M. David. Saranac
Lucille SeIlors Briggs, Ionia.
Mary s. Briggs, Ionia.
Music
American Literature for Ameri-
..n cans" Lucy A. Sloan, Mt. Pleasant
PLAY" "............C F. Angell
Election of Officers
Afternoon
Music
PREPARATION of Eighth Graders for
County Examinations.
....... Geo. w. Hart, Ionia
Discussion. :. "A. Z. Fortune. Ionia
J. Calvin Limbaugh, Orleans
Margaret McDermott, Belding.
How Best to Prepare the Country
Pupil for High School,.
Supt. L. p. Ettinger, Saranac
Discussion. .Supt. J. A. Langston
Belding
Music
professional Training for Teach
ers". ........... Mabel C. Conklin
Prin. County Normal
"The Birds of Killingworth"
.................. Lucy A. Sloan
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
CLYDE A. KNAPP
NOW HEAD OF CITY
AFFAIRS AS MAYOR
OLD COUNCIL ADJOURNED AND
NEW ONE BEGAN WORK
MONDAY NIGHT

The final meeting of the old council
was held Monday evening Mayor
nro tenn Olds called the body to or
der. An ordinance was received ana
accepted permitting H. S. Forman TO
connect sewers from Lot No. "a OF
Broas' second addition TO the sewer IN
subdivision No. 2 of sewer district
No. 3. upon payment of $23.3l. Mr..
Forman. or his heirs, also agree when
q regular sewer district is created IN
his section, to sign the petition and
also pay to the city any addltlonai
assessment which might be MADE TO
cover the cost of a sewer In the dls-
trict. Should the cost of the sewer
ha less than $23.13 Mr.. Forman is TO
reimburse with. the difference between
the actual cost and the above hgure.
An affirmative vote was taken 10
rive the G.. A. r. $500 for use
in meeting the expenses OF decoration
i II. Totten's resignation as a
member of the water board TO take
effect Immediately, was accepted. Inc
council then adjourned sine diem
Relieving the adjournment OF the
old council incoming Mayor Clyde A
Knann called the new council to or
der. Mayor Knapp appointed nS .nS
following committees: Ways ano
Means-Crawford, Sayles, Barker
Cla;ms-Brown, Totten, McCue; Pur'
chas;ng-Barker, Sayles, McCue
Street oSayles, Barker Crawford
rdinances-Totten, Brown, McCue
Sewer-Crawford, Brown, Iotten
Health-McCue, Sayles, Barker
Cemetery-Totten, McCue, Brown
Lights-Barker, Crawford, Sayles
Buildings-Barker, Brown, Iotteh
Mayor pro tenn, Brown, ara,
a motion was made and carrie. carrie,
empowering the street comI,sS,oho' M Iasn n,
n.ved streets clean. The council ther
ppdiourned p until next Thursday even even
nu ;ng at 7:3O. The special meeting wa
called to begin the preliminary worl rl
on the paving proposition for norti
and south Bridge street.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
COLONEL R0WLEY
Is 88 YEARS OLD

Col. A. Rowley Of Grand Rapids ar
rived Friday to spend a few days
visiting with his sons l.. A.. and Den
Rowley. Mr.. Rowley, who is elgnty,,
eight years old, is not In very good
health. He was a resident OF C0ok
Corners in the early days and follow
ed the occupation of painting and dec
Grating. Very few men could sur
pass him in welding the brush IN his
younger days. -,
Twenty-Five years ago he was the
correspondent for the Banner from
the Corners and dished. up lot OF
GOOD news from that vicinity.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
B. C. CURTIS MADE
CHAIRMAN OF BOARD

The board Of supervisors met in
lonia Monday to organize as a work
ing body. b. c. Curtis of the third
ward, this city, was made chairman
of the board. This is the third time
since Belding became an Incorporated
city, that the Craftsmanship has been
allotted to one Of the local supetvis-
ors.
According to the new law the SUI
pervisors are expected to collect the
dog tax in their various districts. The
matter was brought up in the board
meeting Monday. The law does not
provide for bond in this case, but
it does provide in every case where
public money is handled, that the of
ficer shall give bond. For this reason
the board decided to assess the dog
tax, just as has formerly been done.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
GASOLINE EXPLODED
Ed TRAIL BURNED;
CONDITION SERIOUS
GASOLINE CAN WAS MISTAKEN
FOR KEROSENE WHEN BUILD
ING FIRE

Edward Trail was the victim of a
very serious accident Wednesday
which may yet prove fatal.
He went into the basement Of his
home to fix the furnace fire and ind
ing it as he supposed, nearly out he
concluded to throw on some Kerosene
oil as he had frequently done before,
but evidently by mistake got hold of
the gasoline can. An explosion inn
mediately followed in the furnace and
a second explosion also, blowing the
top off the can which he was still
holding. Mr.. Trail was very badly
burned about the face, neck and
hands, and his coat was set on fire,
also.
Mrs. Trail, who was up, but only
partly dressed, heard the commotion
and also Mr.. Trails cries for help,
ran to his assistance, finding him in
the dining room, where he was in
flames, calling for her to save him
if possible. She managed to get his
coat off and throw it out of doors.
Her screams for help and also Mr..
Trails outcry attracted the attention
of Mrs. Emma Brown and w. j.
Clarke, who were passing on the
street. and with their assistance and
the help of neighbors, who quickly
gathered, he was saved from being
burned to death DR.. Dutt was sum-
moned and found his condition very
serious. Mr.. Trail had gloves on, but
they caught FIRE burning his right
hand severely. The explosion and
his cries for help were heard by sew
eral of the neighbors. He is about
eighty years old and if he has inhaled
some Of the flame it is considered that
there is but little chance for his re-
covery.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
Republican Caucuses

The republican city caucuses for
electing delegates to the county con-
vention will be held Monday night,
April II at 1880 o'clock.
The first ward will be held at Chas.
Browns store; the second ward at
Ames & Unger's garage and the third
ward in the city hall.
There are six delegates from each
ward to be elected and the county con-
vention will be held Tuesday, April
10, in Ionia at ! 80 o'clock p. m.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
New Manager for Hotel Phelps

Earl SIawson and James Stafford
of Greenville were in the city Sunday.
Mr.. Stafford is the new proprietor of
Hotel Phelps, having succeeded Mr..
Albertson a few weeks ago. He was
for thirty years the proprietor of the
Park Hotel at st. Louis, and has
wide acquaintance with the travelling
public, knowing exactly how to run a
first-class house.
Messrs. Ranney and Slawson, the
owners of that popular hostelry, are
fortunate in securing Mr.. Stafford as
its manager.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
LOU CURTIS IN BUS
INESS FOR HIMSELF

From the Pullman, (Washington)
Herald we note that Lou M. Curtis
has launched out into business for
himself, having purchased a variety
store, which had been established
there for long time and intends to
enlarge the business in several diff
ferent departments. Mr.. Curtis has
been the manager of the dry goods
department of a large mercantile
establishment in Pullman for the past
six years. The news Of his venture
is very pleasing to his parents here,
Mr.. and Mrs. Barney c. Curtis.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
Told of European War

There were nearly fifty-eight in at
tendance at the brotherhood meeting
and banquet Tuesday night at the
Congregational church. Chas. E. Be-
deaux of Grand Rapids gave very
interesting address. He is French
man, born in Paris, but says he is
thoroughly American. Mr.. Bedeaux
is highly educated along engineering
lines and when the war broke out con-
cluded to fight for his country. He
went into the trenches and experienc-
ed the terrible hardships being en-
dured there. A shell from the enemy
burst, killing his comrade and wound
ing him, after which he was dis
charged from service. The next meet
ing of the brotherhood in May will in
clude the ladies with a picnic supper
and program by local talent.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
HORACE FORD
PASSED AWAY

Horace Ford, SO years old, resi-
dent of Grattan township practically
all his life, died Sunday morning at
the home Of his daughter, Mrs. Alon-
20 Conrad near Smyrna. Besides
Mrs. Conrad he is survived by anoth-
er daughter. Mrs. Della Rich of How
ard City. Funeral services were held
Wednesday afternoon at Mrs. Con-
RAIDS home and were under the aus
pices of the Masonic order of Grat-
tan. A very large number of his old
neighbors and friends assembled to
pay their respects to the deceased.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
PAPER SP00LS WANTED
FOR SP00LING COTTON

The local branch Of the Grand Rap
ids Paper Box company is being urg-
ed by the Richardson Silk company
to begin the manufacture Of the paper
spools used in winding the cotton
goods. To do the work effectively
would necessitate the adding Of sew
eral expensive machines and the em-
ploying of another force of help.
Geo. M. Snyder, president of the
company, was here this week look
ing into the matter to see whether or
not the business would be a good one
for his company to take up. A de-
cision will be reached in the near fu-
ture.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
JESS ALTENBURG
IN CENTRAL LEAGUE

Announcement has been made in
baseball league circles that the Pitts
burg National league club have re-
leased Outfielder Jess Altenburg and
Infelder Bernard Cleveland to the
Wheeling club of the Central league.
In each case the option clause was
exercised.
Mr.. Altenburg has been doing excel
lent work and it is understood that
the central league paid good round
price for the tranfer.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
Marriage Licenses

Frank r. Smith, 10, Ionia; Nora J.
Christensen, 18, Ionia.
John White, "a, Lyons; Lizzie Bad
er, 1S, Palo.
Walter f. Decker, 30, Lake Odessa T;
Ruth p. Manning, 18, Ronald.
Alfred V. Horrocks, 81, Ionia; Irma
Z. Martin, 81, Ronald.
VIM. Lemke, %, Ionia; Myrtle F.
Magee, Is, Ionia.
Writ Rhodes, %, Grattan; Mabel
M. Hively, is, Ionia.
Nelson f. jerks, Sc, Moncalm;
Lydia Moore, so, Belding.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
Oratorical Contest Here

The annual Oratorical and Declama-
tory contest of the first sub-district
of the third district, will be held in
Belding Friday e vening, April .21.
Supt. Langston, who is chairman of
the sub-district has already received
several enrollments. This sub-district
consists of Ionia, Kent and Montcalm
counties. The winner of the sub-dis-
trict contest here will go to the dis
trict contest to be held soon after.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
Old Veteran Was Here

Alvin Watson was in the city Sat
urday to make his sister, Mrs. c. G..
O'Bryon a short visit. He is eighty
one years old, veteran of the Civil
war. and was a member of the First
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics.
He went through the struggle with
out any serious mishap, but came
near being taken prisoner. He is
comfortably cared for in the Sold
iers' home and makes occasional
visits to relatives.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
Gave Farewell Party

The Mothers Class Of the M. u.
Sunday school met at the home Of
Mrs. +. A. Thorne Monday after
noon for a farewell party in honor Of
Mrs. Edgar Pike, who leaves soon to
live in Detroit. 1t was in the nature
of a thimble party. A Bohemian
lunch of fruit, candies, waters and tea
was served. All members Of the class
could not attend. but the best wishes
of all go with Mrs. Pike and family.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1916-04-12
L. r. NJ. s. Meeting

On Saturday afternoon Of last
week the l.. F. M. S. Of the M. f.
Church met with Mrs. Geo. Fricke on
South Bridge street. An interesting
program was given. The main fea-
ture of which was song given by
Mrs. Fricke's neice, Miss Marguerite
Thornton, who was dressed to rep
resent an Indian maiden and gave the
song so well as to be obliged. to re-
spond to an encore. Refreshments
were served and a good time enjoyed
by all.