davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
NATIONAL PAY UP
WEEK WILL HELP
ALL WHO HELP
EVERY BUSINESS MAN IN CITY
HAS PLEDGED TO SUPPORT
THE PROJECT
(By X. C. Gunsolus) J

The thing that strikes every man
when he sits down to consider it, is
how neutrality-suspicious. we are upon
each other. No one class can gain
at the expense of all the other classes.
This is fact that has been strikingly
emphasized during the mighty war
in Europe. There every nation has
found it necessary to run every ac-
tivity having even the remotest con-
nection on highly efficiency basis.
In our own country the factories
could not run without markets for
their goods and if the factories didn't
run the farmer couldn't make money
for there would be no market for his
surplus product. AS the farmer
prospers the entire nation prospers.
So too as the commercial interests of
the country prosper the farmer pros
pers.
After all we look to each other for
our living and if we can throw into
the channels of business the millions
Of dollars we all owe each other so
that we can again use these dollars
to buy more things we need every
man who is supplying a real need will
prosper.
This is the object Of NATIONAL
PAY-UP WEEK, February 10Th to
"a. You can help and you can be
helped if you will participate in the
Pay-Up Week campaign. Every
business man in our town has pledged
himself to pay all of his bills he can
at this time. Now let's all work to-
gether LET'S PASS PROSPERITY
AROUND.
Don't make any mistake in the
plan. The idea isn't that you must
pay me but the idea is that we will
pay each other. If we all take ii
upon ourselves to start the ball roll
ing we can have a real Pay-Up Week
here If we sit back and wait for the
other fellow to pay up it will not be
as great a success as it should be.
This movement has been taken up
in our city upon the recommendation
of hundreds of towns and cities which
have engaged in the previous National
Pay-Up Weeks. 1t is to be truly ma
tional in scope as thousands of com
munities in every section of the Unit
ed States from one coast TO the other
from the north line to the Gulf OF
Mexico, will take part in it.
During this week, the energies OF
millions of people will be centerec
upon the passing of the busy dollars
around, cleaning up old debts. Start
ing in new prosperity will certainly
result from tt.
The travelling dollar is the dollar
that is doing its duty. Let's keer
the dollars travelling during Nationa
Pay-Up Week, then the rich, the poor
and the needy will benefit and Ma,
tional Pay-Up Week will be the best
idea that has come to our city fol
many a day.
PAY AND PROSPERl
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
FRANK SkOPEC
ORLEANS FARM N Err
D|EO LAST WEEK

The death Of Frank Skopec oc-
Cured at the home of his mother and
brother, William Skopec, last We'd
nesday night. He had been feeling
badly for some time although he
kept busy about his work on the
farm as long as. he was able He
was finally taken down to his bed and
the end came peacefully.
Mr. Skopec was born in Paririe du
Chine, Wisconsin and at the time of
his death was forty years old. He
came here about thirteen years ago
and has lived with his mother and
brother on the farm near Kiddville.
Besides his mother, Mrs. Anna Sko-
pee, he leaves five brothers and one
sister-James Skopec, John Skopec4
Joseph Skopec and Michael Skopec of
Chicago, VIM. Skopec of this city and
Mrs. John Wacha Of this city.
The brothers were all present al
the funeral, which was held in this
city Saturday morning in st. Joseph'a
Catholic church, Rev. FIR. ]. M. Zind-
Ter officiating, and the burial tool
place in the Catholic cemetery.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
DETROIT COUPLE WERE
MARRIED IN THIS CITY

Miss Hildegarde Wetzler and Theo-
dore Heimbuch, both Of Detroit, were
united in the bonds of holy matri-
mony, Tuesday morning, January 80
at eight o'clock at st. Joseph's Catho-
lie church. Rev. j. NJ. Zindler Off
ciated and Miss Agnes Jonas and Ar
thur Dehn Of this city attended the
bridal pair at the altar.
After the ceremony wedding
breakfast was served to the party at
the rectory residence on Bridge
street. The bride is a niece Of FIR.
Zindler. A sumptuous dinner was
also served to the party at 500 p. m,
one feature being the brides cake,
which was made by the City Bakery.
Mr.. and Mrs. Heimbuch will visit
their uncle for few days before re
turning home to Detroit.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
LEE LUSCOM BE SUFFER-
ED SERIOUS ACCIDENT

Lee Luscombe had very narrow
escape one day last week from what
might have been a more serious ac-
cident, and it was bad enough as it
was.
He was working for the Belding
Coal & Ice company at the Cannon
pond and in some way his left arm
was drawn into the belt and the pull
ley of the machinery, which hoists the
ice, and it was with great difficulty
that he was extricated before being
wound about the shaft and thrown
violently over the gearing. He suf-
fered a compound fracture of the
bones of the arms as was discovered
by DIR. G.. A. Stanton, who was call
ed to attend him and who reduced the
fracture. Lee is the son of Frank
Luscombe and considers himself very
fortunate to get out of the accident
with his life.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
OLD DEXTER HOUSE
TO BE REM0DELED

The old Dexter House at Ionia will
be made over into an apartment
house. H. f. Voelker and j. !. Will
liston purchased the historic old build
ing of Benton Babcock last week.
An absolute cleaning up and fumi-
gation( re-papering and painting are
planned on as well as changes in the
rooms. 1t is planned to make the
first floor into flats and to have both
sets of apartments and single rooms
above. furnished and unfurnished.
The plumbing system is to be entirely
changed, electric Lights and steam
will be used. The new owners will
put capable and experienced couple
in charge of the new building and
think they can make the building sup
ply long-felt want of small homes
in the city.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
ORA C0ND0N Is OWNER
OF TALKING MACHINE
(By X. C. Gunsolus)

The Pathe talking machine given
away by the merchants Of Belding at
tracted one of the largest crowds
ever assembled for a similar drawing.
Shortly after the noon hour people
began to gather around the desig-
mated corner and practically every
holder Of tickets was on hand at three
o'clock. On the stroke of the hour
the box was opened by Secretary
Gunsolus of the Board of Commerce
and little Miss Caroline French drew
out the first ticket which was listed
on the board by r. III. Hall. After
a reasonable length of time it was
found that no one in the crowd had
the corresponding number so the box
was given another whirl and Miss
French drew out stub No. 1866.
This ticket was given by the Jensen
& Wheeler Department store. Almost
Immediately Mrs. Ora Condon's hand
went up claiming that she had the
other part of the ticket and after
considerable time and searching in
usual feminine manner with apollo
gies TO Mrs. Condon) it was found
that the stub drawn and her ticket
corresponded exactly. Mrs. Condor
Is surely to be congratulated on her
good luck and will undoubtedly con-
tinue as in the past TO be a loyal
booster for Belding merchants and
the goods they sell.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
IRVING DEM0REST
INJURED IN ACCIDENT

Word has been received here that
Irving Qemorest, who is in the en-
ploy of the city of Detroit in the cleo
trical department, was seriously in
jured one day last week when
street car struck the automobile in
which he was riding.
Mr.. Demorest received injuries
about the face of such serious ma
ture that he was Immediately taken
to a hospital for treatment. His
mother, Mrs. Agnes Demorest, who
is spending the winter with her son,
writes friends here that he is get
ting along nicely and they have hopes
Of his recovery soon from the unfor-
tunate accident.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
GOOOFELLOWSH|P
CLUB HELD ANNUAL
BANQUET FRIDAY
GUY ID. WETER WAS MADE
PRESIDENT AT THE BUSI-
NESS SESSION

The twenty-fourth anniversary of
the organization of the Goodfellow--
ship club occurred last Friday and
the banquet was held at Hotel Beld-
ing in the afternoon.
The club was organized in 1893 and
for several years the meetings We're
held annually at the residence OF the
members, but the membership finally
outgrew the accommodations or
private residence, owing to its pop
ularity and Hotel Belding was decid-
ed on about twelve years ago as the
proper place for the meetings.
Because of sickness quite number
of the members were unable to at
tend this year, but there was fine
representation of the club present and
the occasion was most enjoyable
one.
"A business meeting in the parlors
of the hotel was called by President
VIM. r. Ward, and in the absence OF
his wife, who is secretary, Mrs. Platt
Rowland read the record and officiated
as secretary pro TEN.
The report of treasurer, Willard &.
Spicer, showed a deficit of $1.25.
Mementos of deceased members
who had passed away during the year
were read-John A. Lessiter by Mrs.
Platt Rowland; Mrs. Milan Richmond
by Mrs. Ralph Belding; Mrs. Mary
Werner by Mrs. Mark Brown, and
Elmer E. jerks by Mrs. Z. L. Brooks
The following were elected to
membership: Mr.. and Mrs. Wilbur
Whitney and Mr.. and Mrs. A. f. Dorr
The election of officers resulted in
the choice of Guy ID. Weter for presl-
dent; Ed. l.. Brooks, vice-presidenti
Mrs. Guy ID. Weter, secretary, and
w. C. Spicer treasurer
After a program Of music and song
the banquet was served. The Misses
Selma and Velma Little with violins
and Miss Ola Little accompanying. al
the piano, rendered two fine selec,
tions. The young ladies handled
their violins in very skillful manner
Miss Marguerite Lamb favored the
company with a vocal solo, "Mothei
O. Nine" and also responded to al
encore in her usual graceful anC
pleasing way. Selections from tn,
Victrola added TO the program which
was a very interesting feature OF tn
day.
It took an hour and half for tn,
fiftv-eight guests TO get through
with the fine banquet served in thu
dining room. The tables bore fin'
decorations Of carnations and smilax
and the menu from the first to thu
last course, was superb.
A couple Of hours were spent il
social greetings, after the feast ant
Johnny Smith, the blind pianist, from
Ionia, who happened to be stoppini
at the hotel favored the compan.
with piano music and song.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
w. E. LITTLE OPENS
REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

w. Ernest Little has launched into
the real estate business again in Beld-
ing. After February he will be To-
Gated in the Commercial Bank with
Mr.. Sandell and Mr.. Wilder. Mr..
Little will have charge of the out
side work connected with farm and
city property, and also will handle
some of the insurance work.
Mr.. Little is well-known in Beld-
ing. He was formerly associated
with the George +. Wagner agency
and while there became well acquaint-
ed with local real estate conditions.
The addition of real estate de-
partment to the business at Sandell's
Bank will undoubtedly stimulate
business and will permit investors to
transact all business in one place.
Mr.. Little will make a good sue
cess in the business.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
viii Entertain Club

The city members Of the East Otis
co Farmers club will entertain the
rural members in the city hall next
Thursday, February 8. A good din
ner viii be served and fine program
given. The main features of the
program are to be exceptionally
ised our informant not to tell. Every
member of the club will miss some
thing if he or she does not attend the
meeting. ~
The city members aae: Frank
O'Bryon, w. l.. Covert, Harry Lamb,
X. C. Gunsolus, w. l.. Cusser, M. L..
Willoughby, E. c. Lloyd and their
wives.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
MEMS CLASS ELECT
OFFICERS FOR YEAR

The annual meeting and election of
officers. of the Mems Bible class of
the Methodist church was held at the
home of G.. +. Holcomb last Monday
evening. Following the business ses-
sion a program Of songs, readings
and other features were given. Twen-
ty-five people were present and all
had a most enjoyable time. Officers
were elected as follows: President,
0. M. Ayers; vice-president, Byron
Moore; secretary, Frank +. Conant;
treasurer, William Malone; teacher,
II. ID. Vert.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
BibIe class Vel Attended

In the Sunday school at the Con-
gregational church last Sunday there
was large number of members of
the Bible classes of the Baptist
Sunday school and also of the
Church of Christ as visitors in the
Bible class Of which Henry Upholt
is teacher.
The topic was "The Attitude Of the
Church Toward Capital and Labor"
and Mr.. Upholt in his remarks
brought out many good thoughts and
suggestions regarding il. There was
but little time for discussion bat the
trend of thought led to the idea that
the influence of Christianity and the
living of the Christ life was the pot
ent power to eventually solve the
problems. The question will be fur
ther discussed at the meeting Of the
class Sunday and another subject al
so taken up.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
: Soldier Back From Texas

ROLAND Towle of Stanton was in
the city Tuesday, the guest of T. II.
Steere. He is just back from Texas
with his regiment and still wears the
regulation uniform. Mr.. Towle will
report again to Fort Wayne, Detroit.
Mr.. Towle was stationed at FL Paso
and frequently went across the bor-
der into Mexico, but was generally
careful to wear civilian garb as the
Mexican soldiers did not like the Unit
ed States uniform any too well. Mr..
Towle said he enjoyed the experience
he had there very much.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
BELDING GRANGE
EXCELLENT MEETING

In spite of the deep snowdrifts and
bad roads over thirty faithful Gran
gers met last Saturday. After a
most excellent dinner the meeting was
called to order by Master Fred
Thompson, through whose untirhg
efforts the Grange has doubled its
membership the past year.
4 At the next meeting, February 10
nineteen new members will be initial
ed in the first degree. The following
program will be rendered: Music,
Grange; reading, Mrs. John Kohn /;
paper, Farm Accounting" G.. w. Pei
lett; paper, "The Tonnage Bill y
Clyde Beach; current events, Berthold
Chickering; music.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
ORLEANS FARMERS
INSTITUTE WILL BE
HELD FEBRUARY 8.
LIVE FARM TOPICS WILL BE
DISCUSSED. PROGRAM
LASTS ALL DAY

A farmers institute will be held at
Orleans next Thursday. The ses-
sions will be open at ten o'clock in
the morning. s. c. Robinson of Burt
(Mich.) will talk on the subject,
"Sweet Clover, Alfalfa and Soy
Beans" at this time. Following his
talk Edward Woodbridge and Jerry
Spaulding will lead in the discussion
of the topic. The morning session
will close with a reading by Mrs.
Fred Howe.
Dinner will be served by the farmer
club ladies.
In the afternoon j. M. York will
open the meeting with a question box
at one o'clock. This will be follow
ed by an instrumental duet S. c..
Robinson will discuss eliminating
Some, of the Risks in Farming" and
j. ID. Strain and F. Flanagan will
discuss the topic. Mrs. r. V. Bird
sail will have a paper on "The Train
ing of Children" The afternoon
program will also include a recitation
by Mrs. George Thayer and solo by
Guy Glazier.
The evening program opening at
seven-thirty will consist Of duet by
Hattybelle Bleason and Garlic May
Wilkinson, recitation by Mrs. Flana-
gan, address, Wealth from Waste"
by c. S. Robinson, "The Boy and Girl
Of the Farm" Rev. R. V. Birdsall and
music by Mrs. Clarke Palmer.
The whole program of the day is
planned for a most useful and inter-
esting discussion of vital farm topics.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31

Mr.. and Mrs. George Gotta and
Mrs. Clarence Hoyt went to Big Rap
ids Monday to attend the funeral,
which was held Tuesday, of Mason
Norton, father Of Mrs. Gotta and Mrs.
Hoyt.
Mr.. Norton was seventy-six years
old and was an old resident Of Me-
costa county, having moved from his
farm to Big Rapids to reside, after
retiring from farm life.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
ALL PUBLIC SPIRITED
CITIZENS SHOULD READ

An interesting feature connected
with the recent "leak" at Washing
ton is brought out in the editorial
column OF the Banner this week. Ev-
cry businessman and factory mana
ger should read it. Civic officers
could probably profit by reading the
editorial too. it would undoubtedly
help Belding and community to have
the citizens of the community view in
its proper light the subject treated in
the article Read it for profit.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
Will Return Home

Harry Bigham of Boise, Idaho left
for his home Saturday. He had been
to New York to purchase goods for
the firm he is connected with in that
western city as general manager, and
stopped off here for few days visit
with his wife and her parents, Mr..
and Mrs. W. c. Spicer.
Mrs. Bigham will leave for home
the latter part of the week and her
sister, Miss Edith Spicer, will accom-
pany her.
Mr.. Bigham states that business
conditions in the territory where they
operate, is excellent.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
Y. NJ. G. A. Group Meeting

Mr.. Hockstad's Y. NJ. G. "A. group
met at the high school Tuesday night.
The proposition, "Should Compulsory
Military Training Be Adopted in the
High Schools" was debated. The af-
firmative, led by Clarence Altenburg.
defeated the negative led by Edward
Johnson. Lester Jersey and Marion
Steele asted as judges. So much in
terest and ability was shown in the
debate that the group will have an
other one in the future
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
Elect Officers

The ladies Of st. Joseph's church
met at the home of Mrs. Ben Friedly
on Wednesday, January "a for cleo
tion of officers. The staff for the
new year are: President, Mrs. d. M.
Hogan; first vice-president, Mrs.
Frank Klock; second vice-president,
Mrs. JAS. Gore; secretary. Mrs. C. G..
DAILY, and treasurer, Mrs. Alfred
Jonas.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31

An inspirational institute for teach
ers of Ionia county will be held in
Ionia Central school building Febru-
ary 6 and z. The instructors are
Supt. +. G. Warriner Of Saginaw and
Hon. o. t. Corsen Of Columbus, Ohio.
A good program has been provided
and every teacher is urged to attend
the two-day session.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
w. F. Wilder Passed Aaway

"A message was received from
Washington, d. c., Monday by VIM.
A. Wilder, that his uncle, w. F. Will
der, had died at his home there.
The deceased was eighty-five years
old. He and his wife will be re-
membered by many of the older resi-
dents here as having lived in this city
for some time about eighteen years
ago, making Hotel Belding their
home, where they made many friends.
Later they went to California and
were living in San Francisco at the
time Of the earthquake. Mr.. Wilder
took up his residence in Washington
several years ago and will be buried
in the National cemetery. He was
in the Civil war, member Of the
46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry and
came out of the struggle with the
commission Of a captain. He is also
an uncle Of Mrs. Nellie Ireland.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31

The soft weather of Monday and
Tuesday settled the snow very rapid
ly but there is till good bottom for
sleighing.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31
vERN DIVINE WILL
GO TO NEW YORK

Vern Divine, who has been operat-
ing the Reporter Service Bureau, an
advertising concern in Chicago, will
and become general manager of the
bureau in that city.
In the past two or three years since
going to Chicago he has built up an
extensive business and the New York
end will offer him larger opportuni-
ties to extend the business.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31

Miss Doris Mulholland has return
ed from Trufant, where she has been
for week.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31

r. & A. NJ. Communication
Regular communication of Belding
Lodge No. 355 r. & A. M. Monday
evening, February 5.
Fred Rogers, w. M.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31

A ninety-six per cent car
culation in Belding and
trade territory
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-01-31

The circulation Books
Of the Banner are open to
inspection at Any Time.
The weekly Iberian., 1917-05-12
RED CROSS NOTES.

Since our last issue many new
members have been added to our
roll. Many more are needed TO
carry out the work Of the Amer
can Red Cross. We would ask
those members who have not yet
sent in their dues to do this as
soon as possible, for we want to
make another remittance to Wash
iDgton. The sooner we send In
500 paid names the sooner we will
get our Charter.
Mrs. ID. A. Dimltry No. 435
West Main st. Ia Onr treasurer.
Mr.. John Taylor at his drug store
and Mr.. Maurice b. Lemaire at
the Estorge Drug Co., will both
receive dues and give an official
receipt to those people, who find
1t more convenient to leave their
dues at either place.
We are getting ready for mem
bership drive at an early date, 80
why not get on the honor roll be.
fore we solicit you. A meeting is
called for May 18th at the Elks
home at 4:30 2. M. for volunteers
TO assist the mem bership commit
tee, in this work. 1t is very I'm.
pOrtant that our members respond
like good soldiers TO this call. If
you can't come yourself to this
meeting send your name by some
one who will come.
We need 500 members and we
need them now. We can't get
them without your help.
Many Of us heard Lieut.. Glib
ney's lecture Of the intense suffer.
ing in the war zone In France,
where he saw actual service In
Red Cross work in the front
trenches. Our boys will suffer
the same way unless you give
your assistance to this Red Cross
work or preparedness, to be ready
when the time comes to meet this
condition among our own Ameri.
can soldiers. Iberians won't you
answer the call for members and
S1.0O dues for a year. Think Of
those mothers, who have given
their sons for the honor of your
county and mine, and the little
sacrifices you may have to make
to join this great work will seem
as naught, when you have your
sons at home enjoying all the
comforts and love you can bestow
upon them. Let us be ready
through the Red Gross when their
time comes to 60 to be prepared to
take care Of them as American sol.
diers should be taken care Of.
T.. 3. o.