davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
BELONG BROTHERS
HEAD STILL LOVES
MOTORCYCL|N G
SUNDAY HERALD TELLS OF
SPORT LIFE OF M. Nj. BELDING
JR.; AN OLD BICYCLIST

Last Sundays issue of the Grand
Rapids Herald contained an inter
esting account of M. NJ. Belding, Jr.'s
love for motorcycling. 1t is of spec
ial interest to Belding people because
he is manager of the Belding Bros. &
Company's industrial interests here.
Because of its local interest we re-
print the article.
although actively interested on
the boards of various corporations,
M. M. Belding, Jr., president Of Beld-
ing Bros. company, finds time to ride
his daily bit on his motorcycle. Mr..
Belongs enthusiasm for the two
wheeled sport dates back to 1881,
when he started riding one of the old
52-inch "roadsters," or high-wheeled
safety bicycles. He piled up a re-
cord of 10000 miles before the mod
ern style bike came into existence
and then he switched his allegiance
to the mount that carried its rider
closer to the ground and with much
less effort.
.Mr. Belding is one of the charter
members of the League of American
Wheelmen and for three years was
New York state chitl COUNSEL. He
began riding motorcycles in 1912 and
his motorcycle mileage approximates
that of the old roadster.
"The riding suit worn by this mill
lionaire sportsman has unique his
torical interest. 1t is made of the old
L. A. w. official color and weave, and
it is said that Mr.. Belding bought
the last bolt of this material from
Browning, King & company, who, in
the early days, were the official
clothiers to the l.. A. w.
"Mr. Belongs garage contains, be-
side his motorcycle, a touring car, a
limousine and two roadster types of
automobile, so it can be seen that his
motorcycle enthusiasm comes purely
from the love of the sport and his
spirit of independence. He has a
membership in the old Boston Bicycle
club, the first club of wheelmen or
ganized in America, in 1879, besides
numerous other athletic clubs in the
east"
Local citizens familiar with Mr..
Belongs recreation sports state that
he is becoming more ardent in his
daily exercises and especially in his
motorcycle trips.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
SELLING CIGARETTES
INVOLVES GREAT RISK
It's Crime for Anyone Under Twen-
ty-One to Smoke Them on Streets
or i'm Public Places

Many merchants have been sur
prised to learn the provisions Of the
cigarette law. They have thought
the age at which they could be pur-
chased was 18 years instead of 21.
The fact that it is also crime for
anyone under 21 years Of age to
smoke them in any public place or on
the streets and alleys, is also surpris-
ing to many, as well as the section
which makes the party liable who
allows a minor to use cigarettes on
his premises,
Futher, one of the leading lawyers
of Western Michigan informs the
writer that under the common law
any father who found his son had ac-
quired the cigarette habit could sue
a merchant or proprietor of cigar
store or pool room for damages and
collect if he could prove that such a
person sold cigarettes to his son.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION HAD
|ON|A MEETING
A. ]. REED, LESTER JERSEY
AND CLARENCE ALTENBURG
REPRESENT LOCAL SCHOOL

The annual meeting of the lonia
County Athletic association was held
last Saturday at Ionia in the super
visors' room at the court house. Each
school in the county was represented
by three members, two students and
a faculty member. Lester Jersey,
Clarence Altenburg and A. j. Reed
represented Belding High school.
The usual business was transacted
which consisted of arranging the
spring base ball schedule and deter
mining the list of field and track
events at the annual field meet,
which was decided to be held at the
Ionia Fair grounds on Saturday, June
2.
Article /. Section /. OF the con-
stitution regarding eligibility rules
was discussed and some minor
changes were made in same. The
question of the association controll-
ing the foot ball schedule each year
within the county was brought up,
but nothing more definite than a
committee being appointed to look in
to the matter being done.
Beldina High expects to have
strong base ball and track teams in
the spring, and are already laying
plans for a successful season. A. j.
Reed will have charge of the base
ball and f. l.. Bailey will handle the
track squad. 1t is planned to attend
at least one of the inter- scholastic
meets held under the auspices of
someone of the State colleges. The
base ball season opens Saturday,
April Ia, when Ionia High plays here.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
CHURCH OF CHRIST
EXTENDS CALL TO
PASTOR c. N. PEASE
CHURCH HAS PROSPERED UN-
DER HIS LEADERSHIP. BUILD
ING is IMPROVED

Members of the Church of Christ
voted unanimously, at a recent meet
ing to retain Rev. and Mrs. Chas. M.
Pease with them for another year at
an increase in salary. They have al
ready been with the local church
three years.
Rev. and Mrs. Pease are earnest
Christian workers and their untiring
influence is shown by the prosperous
condition of the church, the faithful
ness of it's members, and the respect
felt for them among the people out
side their immediate church.
During the three years Rev. and
Mrs. Pease have been in Belding the
church has almost doubled its men,
bership. All branches Of church
work have been brought to a better
working condition. The building and
equipment have been improved and
recently a piano and stereopticon
have been added. The latter is es-
pecially helpful in the evening SER
vices.
Rev. Pease has had several calls in
the past few months, which came un-
solicited, and with better salary Of
ferings from churches of larger
places. He felt, however, that the
local society needed him and accept
the call for the fourth year.
Rev. and Mrs. Pease are now in
Traverse City taking a months yaca-
ton. While there he will take treat
ments for his throat. 1t has bother
ed his for many months. During his
absence the pulpit here will be sup
piled from week to week.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
SONS AND DAUGHTERS
T0.ENTERTAIN G. A. R.

The Sons and the Daughters of
Veterans will observe Lincoln's and
Washington's birthdays with fit
ting program at the G. A. R. hall
Saturday, February II. A big dinner
will be served at noon. The members
of the G.. A. R. and the w. r. c. will
be invited and will be the special
guests of the two orders for the day.
The programs given at these annual
affairs are always patriotic, good and
instill the love of our country more
deeply into the hearts Of those who
attend. The patriotic orders are do
ing much to foster due respect and
honor to our country, in their vari-
Gus exercises. Every member should
arrange to attend this patriotic
meeting.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Gave Pastor Vacation

Rev. Chas. M. Pease and wife left
Tuesday for Traverse City to remain
three or four weeks. While there Mr..
Pease will take special treatment for
his throat He has had considerable
trouble with his throat for the past
several months and felt obliged to
give up his work.
The latter part Of last December
he handed the church a resignation
to take effect March l. The church
did not wish to accept, so granted
Mr.. Pease a leave of absence that
he might take throat treatments.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
PHONE PATRONS
HAMPER SERVICE
WITH FIRE CALLS
EVERY SIGNAL ON SWITCH
BOARD is THROWN WHEN
FIRE ALARM SOUNDS
(By K. c. Gunsolusl


AT the recent meeting of the COM
mittee appointed by President r. H.
Hall of the Belding Board of Com
merce one fact regarding the tele-
prone service was brought out that
should prove interesting to all Of the
citizens of Belding, who have tele-
phones in their homes.
Mr.. Tarte, general manager of the
Citizens Telephone company, explain
ed that when our fire whistle blows
everybody naturally wants to know
where the fire is and it seems they
all manage to get to the phone at
about the same time to inquire of
central. The result is that practical
ly all the signals on the board in the
telephone Office show up and it is an
impossibility for the operators to tell
everybody at the same time and as
a result the phone service is great
ly hampered for ten or fifteen min
utes after the fire whistle blows.
If it should happen that another
fire in different part of town should
break out it would be almost impos-
sible to get line to notify central of
the fact, or, if anyone should be in
immediate need of a doctor it would
be impossible to get in touch with
one over the phone, so it can be read
lily seen that while these situations
are not probable they are entirely
possible and would necessarily work
injury to somebody.
If the telephone subscribers will
bear these facts in mind it will do
just so much toward improving the
service and as an absolutely safety
first measure should be indulged in
by all of us.
Will YOU bear this in mind the
next time the fire whistle blows in
Reldinp2
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
SIight Bruise Caused Trouble

John l.. Reynolds was Obliged to
submit to an operation last Saturday
in the city hospital, relieving him Of
one of his fingers. One cold night,
several weeks ago, he got up from
his bed to obtain more covering and
in some manner one of his hands
the woven-wire springs on on which he
was sleeping and caused slight
bruise. Recently the injury began
giving him serious trouble and DIR,
Little found that blood poisoning had
developed to such an extent that the
finger would have to be amputated.
The operation was successfully
performed by DR.. Little, assisted by
DIR. Pinkham. Mr.. Reynolds was ta-
ken to his home Monday.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
COMMERCE BOARD
MEMBERS DISCUSS
NEW DEPOT AGAIN
PLAN FOR PAVING DEPOT ST.,
TO CONFORM WITH CO.'S NEW
IMPROVEMENT

Upward of sixty men attended an
interesting meeting of the board of
commerce Tuesday noon when the
semi-monthly luncheon was held in
the city hall. The particular topic
of interest was the discussion of the
contemplated improvement of the
local depot and the paving of Depot
street. Chas. S. Sheldon, bridge en-
gineer, and A. r. Devices, division
engineer, of the Pere Marquette rail-
road company, were present and talk
ed relative to the company's contem-
plated improvements within the city.
Mr.. Sheldon stated that it was the
plan of the company to raise the
grade of the tracks within the vicin-
ity of the river bridge east of the
depot. A new bridge is practically
assured to replace to old one. 1t will
probably be of wood construction and
its west end will likely be shifted to
the north to conform with the main
tracks when Strengthened near the
depot. 1t is the company's present
intention to shift the main tracks to
the north about twenty feet at the
depot, thus eliminating the reverse
curve and making it straight from the
stockyards to the river east of Bridge
street.
The engineers are trying to work
out a plan whereby the depot will
occupy the center of the lot, midway
between Bridge and Pleasant streets.
1t will be about twenty feet from the
main tracks and will have ample
waiting rooms for men and women
with connections to the baggage
room. On the south side of the
building they plan a covered ap-
proach extending to the street line,
so that travellers can alight from We
hicles during stormy weather, with
out being exposed. They favor some
parking and beauty spots at the ends
of the depot building.
Discussion of the best plan for lay
ing out the Depot street paving were
discussed with its relation to the rail-
road company's contemplated i'm
provements. 1t was common opinion
of the men present that the paving
should come up flush with the rail-
road company's property on the
north side of the street. This was
favored by the engineers. On the
south side opinion was divided as to
the best plan of construction. The
Weter-Wise company prefer not to
have sidewalk along their building,
which is set flush with the street. A
sidewalk would be inconvenient for
people driving to the side door. Mr..
Hetherington thought a sidewalk
woud be preferable along the hotel
property, especially if building
should be, constructed there at some
future time facing depot street. To
precipiate the discussion President r.
H. Hall was authorized by the board
to appoint committee Of five to con-
fer with Messrs. Devices and Sheldon
and work out desirable plan. Mr..
Hall appointed w. p. Hetherington,
A. f. Weter, G.. A. Knapp, Geo. G..
Crawford and himself.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Entertained Young People

A party of about twenty-five young
people were entertained at the AL
fred Jonas home on Thursday even
ing Of last week.
The evening was spent with music
and progressive pedro. Carl Ritter
storf received book as first prize,
while Albert Honson was consoled
with the BOBBY. Light refreshments
were served after which the guests
departed.
The party was composed of the
members of st. Joseph's choir and a
few friends.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Green BUYS CaIIow House

Mayor Fred w. Green of Ionia has
purchased the Callow House in that
city and will convert it into ladies'
rooming house. The Callow House
is located near the Ypsilanti Reed
Furniture plant, of which Mr.. Green
is the head, and the change will be
accepted with favor by the women
who work in the factory. The clos
ing of the Callow House will leave
only one hotel in Ionia, the Brown
Williston.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
E. J. KNAPP & COMPANY
PURCHASE PROPERTY

Luther Berry was in Lansing last
Friday and closed a deal with the
Keokuk Pickle company for a strip of
land off the latter's company's tract,
which adjoins the E. J. Knapp &
company's property in this city.
This purchase will give the Knapp
company an opportunity Of having
good driveway, and also enlarging
their plant when necessary.
Mr.. Berry took occasion to take a
look at the Legislature while there
and was much interested in seeing the
lawmakers of the state at work.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Amos j. Corey Victim of Pneumonia

Amos J. Corey, aged sixty-nine
years, died at his home, 925 South
Franklin street, Greenville, Tuesday
night, January 80, from pneumonia.
Mr.. Corey was substitute r. F. d.
carrier and made his last trip Mon
day, January %. He was an old
soldier and member of the G. A. R.
He is survived by widow who will
deeply mourn her sudden loss.
The deceased was former resident
of this city in its early days and had
many friends here.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
LOCAL CAMP FIRE GIRLS
ENTERTAIN OTHER CAMPS
Party Was Held in the City Hall
Monday Evening. Refreshments
Were Served Following Games

The Silk City Campfire Girls enter
tanned the WabaSis and Shituka
camps last Monday evening in the
city hall auditorium
Games were played which everyone
enjoyed. After the games light re-
freshments were served by the Silk
City girls, consisting of hot choco-
late and waters.
AS the party was breaking up the
Wabasis and Shituka camps gave a
yell of the hostess camp, which ex-
pressed their appreciation of the good
time enioyed. -
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
GOOD GENERAL STOCK
FOR SALE AT SHILOH

w. B. Connor of Shiloh is selling
out his stock Of general merchandise.
He is Offering shoes, rubbers, hard
ware, drugs and everything usually
carried in a general stock Except dry
goods and groceries) at big price re-
ductions. Mr.. Connor offers his whole
stock including the building for sale.
In another column Of the Banner you
will find the advertisement Of Mr..
Connor's store. Don't fail to read it
and profit by purchasing during this
sale.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
In Honor of Lincoln
Nation S Litany

After the eyes that looked the lips that spake
Here, from the shadows of impending death,
Those words of solemn breath,
What voice may fifty break
The silence, doubly hallowed left by him?
We can but bow the head, with eyes grown dim,
And, a nations litany, repeat
The phrase his martyrdom hath made complete,
Noble then but more sadly sweet;
"Let u.s. the living, rather dedicate
Ourselves to the unfinished work which they
Thus far advanced nobly on its way,
And the periled state
Let us, upon this field, where they, the brave
Their last full measure of devotion gave
Highly resolve they have not died in vain!-
That, under God, the nations later birth
Of freedom, and the peoples gain
OF their own sovereignty, shall never
And perish from the circle of the earthp'
From such a perfect text, shall song aspire
To light her faded fire,
And into wandering music turn
It's virtue, simple, sorrowfu and stern?
His voice all elegies anticipated;
For, whatsoe'er the strain,
We hear that refrain:
I'VE consecrate to them, the consecrated. .Sc ScaT
-Bayard Taylor.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Wright Likes Florida

Winfield Wright, who went to Dade
City, Florida, a few weeks ago,
writes his son, James Wright, of this
city that it is fine place in which
to live. All garden vegetables are
ready to eat; also strawberries. The
farmers have their corn ground plow-
ed and will plant about March 1. All
kinds of fruit, but apples are raised
there. Some Of the trees are in
bloom now. Winfield says he seldom
has to wear . coat
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
He Saw His Shadow

Last Friday was "ground-hog day."
Some people with foreign persua-
sion believe it was last Thursday. But
all are united in the fact that on eth
err day the little critter could see his
shadow if he came out almost any
time between sunrise and sunset.
Many Of the sages, however, prophesy
that the ground hogs version Of fu-
ture weather is unsound the present
year. They assert that winter, real
winter, is near its close-that the
break will come late this month and
not continue the proverbial six weeks
allotted to it by the little winter
slumberer. Let's hope the old sages
are right this year.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Excellent Papers Printed

Two weeks ago the Banner printed
an excellent paper, read by Mrs. w.
Ladies Literary Exchange club. Last
of Foods" prepared by Mrs. L. Hook
print the third article "The Physi-
illogical Value of Foods" prepared
and read by Mrs. Clellie Hoover.
These papers show the great work
being done by the local club to de-
velop good living in Belding.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Sells Pianos Direct

Chas. A. Wagner has secured the
agency for the McPhail piano in this
territory. Mr.. Wagner is well qua
lifted to give local buyers the very
best in pianos. He is piano tuner
and has had much experience. He
will sell direct from the factory,
eliminating all other expenses: Mr..
Wagner has an announcement in the
Banner this week telling of his sales
proposition. 1t will interest every
prospective purchaser. Read his an
nouncement.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07

VIM. Joiner who went to the hos
pital three weeks ago for treatment
of blood poisoning resulting from a
silver which had penetrated his Sec
ond finger, was obliged to submit to
its amputation Tuesday. DR.. Bower
Of Greenville performed the opera
tion.
The amputation was necessary in
order to save Mr.. Joiner's hand. The
patient Is getting along veryR COM
foftably.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Sold Hogs for 11Kc a Pound

Byron F. Brown is well pleased
with the price he received for some
hogs Tuesday. They were sold to
w. c. Spicer for 111sc pound live
weight. Four of them netted Mr..
Brown almost $110. After the pork
offered Mr.. Brown 15c pound if he
would dress them.
When the check was written Mr..
Spicer stated that 111ac was the
highest price he had ever paid for
live hogs, and he hoped for the sake
of the consumer, that he would never
be compelled to pay it again.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Union Mems PRAYER Meeting

There will be a union Mems prayer
meeting at the city hall next We'd
nesday, February IA. These meetings
are being held in preparation for the
coming union revival to be held in
the opera house beginning February
25. All men are urged to come out
to the meetings.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Farmers Institute is Thursday

A most interesting farmers in
week Thursday. The full announce
ment was in the Banner last week.
Every farmer within distance of Or
leans should attend this most useful
meeting.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Go to Church Sunday

A special sermon Tor the boys and
young men will be preached Sunday
night by Rev. Doty at the Methodist
church A large crowd is expected.
The three Y. M. C. A. groups will be
present and representative of each
group will give a short talk on the
work his group is carrying on.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07

If you want clean, cozy place to
read or rest. come to the Baraca
reading rooms in the basement of the
Methodist church. Open from 7:45
d. m, to $3.50 d. m, eve.y evening in
the week, except Saturday evening". -
Young mems prayer meeting held
on Tuesday evening. All are well
come.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Old-Time Friends Are Well

scription for another year, Miss Mae
Ellis writes from Fowler, Colorado
that she and her mother, Mrs. c. ID.
Ellis, are well and recently returned
from a months visit in Pueblo With
relatives and friends.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
Banns Published

The banns of holy matrimony were
published for the first time on Sun
day between Miss Rose Goodroe of
this city and Eugene Herbert Of
Flint.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
PROGRAM is COMPLETE

The Woman's Foreign Missionary
society of the M. +. church will be
held at the home of Miss Carrie
Holmes, TIC Broas street, Saturday,
Febraury 10, at 2:30 o'clock.
The program will be as follows:
Singing Observation-Disclosures.
TdyeT
Reading of Scripture ...St. John 10
Reports Of secretary, treasurer and
corresponding secretary.
Ten question on works of w. F. M.
BY the class
Heart queries. . Mrs. L. H. Weeks
Love Story of a Great Missionary
...............M Mrs. o.. M. Ayers
Christ's Work Around the World
three reasons
First. ...........M Mrs. F. Converse
Second. d..............M Mrs. f. Davis
Third d...........M Miss Carrie Holmes
Benediction. BY the class
ITO listen to our Fathers voice
today
To find his will and as l find, obey
To come and go, still walking in his
way
Today"
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07

Mrs. EIizaneth Nortnway, X seventy
died at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Lewis Tuttle, Sunday morning.
Funeral services were held this We'd
nesday at 1890, at her late home,
in charge of Rev. A. j. Blair. Mr..
and Mrs. Roy Simmons sang. Mrs.
Northway was the mother of Mrs.
f. j. Knapp of this city. Further
details will be given next week.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07

The Celrite Grocery has full list
of groceries offered in the stores ad-
vertisement this week. Look through
the list and see what you can buy
there to advantage.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07

The Belding Grange will meet Sat-
urday at the Oddfellow hall. Business
meeting 1890 a. m. Candidates are
requested to be at the hall at 1900
sharp.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07

The entertainment and music COM
mittees of the Washington club are
arranging their programs for the an
nual meeting and banquet which will
be held in Hotel Belding on the
twenty-second of the month Wash
ington's Birthday. =
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-02-07

An ideal newspaper and q
paper with ideals. It's for
and read by all classes.