davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
COMMERCE BOARD
CO-OPERATES--FUEL
SITUATION IS BAD
MEETING OF BOARD MEMBERS
HELD TUESDAY. WILL TAKE
CENSUS OF CITY SUPPLY

The fuel situation in the city Is be-
coming so serious that in order to
tackle the problem in a systematic
way and If possible keep business
moving and provide warmth for our
citizens, special meeting of the
board of commerce was held Tuesday
at which all the coal and wood dealers
were present.
The matter was discussed at length
all agreeing that the outlook was a
serious one and that it was incum-
bent on every householder to be care
full in the use Of fuel.
The dealers are meeting the situa-
ton as best they can and are taking
care of their customers in the city
when it is possible to get shipments.
Several of the dealers are making an
effort to get wood, both green and
dry, to meet the emergency ,and it is
suggested that our citizens save their
coal and make it go as far as pos
sible by using wood. 1t is said that
green wood thrown on coal fire will
burn well.
James Meginley and F. A. Puffer
were appointed to make a canvas of
every house in the city and investi-
gate the coal and wood bins in order
TO get correct estimate of the fuel
condition.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
[By the Governor of Michiganl

(By the Governor of Michigan)
To the People of Michigan:
1t is a privilege to call your atten-
tion to the Christmas Membership
campaign inaugurated by the Red
Cross.
We are all familiar with the splens
did work of this wonderful organiza-
ton and it is therefore not needful at
this time to dwell at length upon it.
Whether through relief extended to
the victims of calamity or disaster, or
to the sufferers from the horrors of
war in the devastated countries of
Europe, or to the dependent loved
ones of soldiers who have gone forth
to fight for our country, or to our
boys in training camps both there and
overseas and in the trenches at the
front, its merciful administrations are
everywhere manifest.
Its appeal is universal and comes
to each one of US, it matters not what
our race, creed or condition. 1t was
a happy thought that suggested the
idea of combining the spirit of the
Red Cross with that of Christmas.
Both involve service and sacrifice,
helpfulness and humanity. Let us
make this Red Cross Christmas.
There are five million members of
the Red Cross in our country-it
needs fifteen million to carry on its
work. Michigan has a proud place in
Red Cross activities, having five hun
dred thousand members. We should
have at least three-quarters of a mil
lion, and eventually a million MEM
bers.
Therefore, I. Albert f. Sleeper.
Governor of Michigan, hereby set
aside the period from December six
teenth to December twenty-fourth, in
elusive, for the purposes of the Red
Cross Christmas Membership Cam
paign, and call up on all our people TO
lend their assistance thereto by be-
coming members or renewing their
memberships and by enrolling others
in the organization.
| wish to call especial attention to
the Red Cross Christmas Ceremony
on the evening before Christmas. 1t
is to be hoped that, between the hours
of seven-thirty o'clock and nine
o'clock thereof, Red Cross Christmas
Candles will burn in the windows.
that the bells in the churches NAV
chime the half hours, and Christmas
Carols may be sung in the streets and
public places throughout the state
the whole fitting close of the Christ
mas Membership Campaign and an
propriate to the Christmas time: and
| request the Mayors of all incor-
porated cities in Michigan TO make
like proclamations to their people.
Given under my hand at Lansing.
Micrigan, this tenth day of December
nineteen hundxad seventeen.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
BELDING MACHINE CO.
is DOING BUSINESS

The Belding Machine company or
ganized recently is now in active
operation and doing business in the
factory building of the Grand Rapids
Brass company.
New machinery has b en- added to
the equipment and the capacity for
turning out good work promptly is
thereby made possible.
The shop is doing considerable local
work and recently Mr.. Upholt landed
a good sized order from the Howell
Electrical company for finishing,
which they are engaged in filling.
Mr.. Upholt says they are in shape
to do repair work for the farmers
whose tools and farm machinery are
in need of being fixed up. The Beld-
ing Machine company is fast grow
ing into one of the important indus
tries Of the city.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
MILK BOTTLE CAUSED
CHILLY EXPERIENCE

Sam Edgar of Lakeview, we'll
known in Belding, certainly had a
chilly experience one of the coldest
mornings of last week. He was alone
in the house and got out of bed attir-
ed only in pajamas and slippers, to
set the milk bottle out on the porch,
and when he started to go in the
house found he had accidentally lock-
ed himself out with the night lock-
He had to hike to a neighbor's for
ladder and assistance to pry open
an upper window, while the wintry
winds played tag with his nightie.
Sam probably wished that spring
locks were in hotter place than on
his front porch.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
VERL OBERLIN MEETS
AN UNTIMELY DEATH

A very distressing accident which
cost the life of a bright and active
school boy occurred shortly after
noon Monday when Verl Oberlin was
run over by one of the Belding Deli
very trucks driven by Lawrence Gep-
hart.
Verl and his sister, Vera, were GO
ing home from school and when near
the city hospital he saw the truck
coming down the street and attempt
ed to run across ahead of it but evil
IDENTIFY fearing he could not get across,
suddenly stopped and slipped further
into the road, where one of the front
wheels struck him passing over his
stomach below the chest.
Mr.. Gephart, who was driving, stop
ped the truck Immediately before the
rear wheel reached the unfortunate
lad. 1t was at first thought that the
boy was not badly injured, but he was
assisted to the hospital at once where
DIR. Pinkham and the nurse took him
in charge. No external bruises ap-
peared, but later developments show
ed that he was badly injured internal
ly. Twenty-four hours later, during
the most of which time he was con-
scious, although suffering consider
able pain, he passed away.
Verl told the nurses that Mr.. Cep-
hart was in no way to blame for the
accident and that if he had not slip
ped down at the time the accident
would not have happened. His little
sister hastened home and informed
her parents.
The lad is the son of Mr.. and Mrs.
Charles Oberlin, residing on Morton
avenue. was fifteen years of age, and
in the seventh grade and much loved
by his teachers and schoolmates for
his many manly qualities.
His death in such manner is a
pathetic one and very sad blow to
his parents and relatives. The re-
mains will be taken to Blanchard, the
former. home of his parents, Thurs
day, and the funeral will be held Fri
day.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
INFORMAL EVENING
TO BE HELD FRIDAY

Ada l.. Harrington, who is a spec
ial teacher of voice in Belding each
Friday, will give an informal evening
of music at the city hall auditorium
next Friday evening. Relatives and
friends Of her students are asked to
attend. AS this is the first appear
ance of many Of the pupils a general
invitation has not been extended.
Mrs. Harrington plans her regular
recital for some date in March. List
ed among her present pupils are:
Gladys Cook, Louise Hardingl Lo-
retta Andres, Avis Partridge, Alfredo
Wells, Lillian Harrington, Zada
Moore, Carolyn Smith, Julia Travis,
Ellen Blair, Glenna Cook, Mrs. Lena
Aelick, Mrs. Winifred De Vleiger and
Donald Cook.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
COUNTY SCHOOLS "Y'
FUND is BEING PAID

Following is the financial state
ment of the Army and Navy Y. M. C.
A. fund contributed by the schools of
1onia county:
Paid to Mr.. Templeton, treas
urer for the county. 1901 .23
Riker school, Orange town.
ship, paid to Mr.. Templeton
in addition to this amount. 1900
There are several districts to report
yet, including SCOTS from Ware
district, Boston township.
.
Corrections to the amounts given
by the papers: District 5, Ionia town.
ship, contributed rs cents more, max
ing their total 1881. District 8, fr.,
lonia township, contributed 80 cents
more, making their total $500. Dis
trict No. 5, Sebewa township, Vera o.
Schneider, teacher, contributed $500.
Saranac schools turned in $59.34.
(They are reported to have turned in
s60.74.)
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
PUBLIC MEETING AT
kEENE GRANGE FRIDAY

C. w. Michael of Bay City will be
the principal speaker at the Keene
Grange hall next Friday evening, De-
cember 81, when the farmers and all
others interested gather there to hear
him tell about the advantages to them
of cooperative buying and selling. Ev-
eryone within driving distance of the
hall are invited to attend the meet
ing and hear Mr.. Michael.
During the evening an effort will
probably be made to organize a CO.
operative association looking to the
betterment of the district.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
TAX MAN
COMING TO COUNTY
JANUARY SECOND
If YOU ARE SUBJECT TO IN
COME TAX YOU MUST SEE
HIM. EVERYONE MUST PAY

In acommunication received by the
Banner. Collector of Internal Revenue
Emanuel j. Doyle of Grand Rapids
announced that federal income tax
officer will be sent into this county
on dates and places as follows:
Ionia Courthouse January 2 to jan
urav 23. 1918.
He will be at these places between
the dates above mentioned every day
ready and willing to help persons
subject to the income tax make out
their returns without any cost to
them for his services.
How many income taxpayers will
there be in Ionia County If you can
guess how many married persons liv-
ing with wife or husband will have
net incomes of $4,000 or over and how
many unmarried persons will have
net incomes Of $1,000 or over this
year. then you know. The collector
of internal revenue estimates that
there will be 1000 taxpayers in this
county. 'e-s-ti
Returns of income for the year
1917 must be made on forms provided,
for the purpose before March 1913.
Because good many people don't
understand the law won't know how
to make out their returns, the gov
ernment is sending in this expert to
do it for them. But the duty is on
the taxpayer to make himself known
to the government. If he doesn't
make return as required before March
| he may have to pay a penalty rang
ing from $40 to $1,000, pay fine or go
to Jail. So if you don't want to take
chances on going to Jail, you better
call on the income tax man. If you
are not sure about being subject to
the tax. better ask him and make
sure. Whether you see the income
tax man or not. you must make re-
turn if subject to tax. SJsE.
Of course, persons resident in bth-
er counties may. if they want TO,
come and see the income tax man
when in this county.
The collector suggests that every
body start figuring up now his in
come and expenses so as to be ready
with the figures when the expert ar
rives. Expenses, however, don't mean
family expenses. money used to pay
off the principal of debt, new ma
chinery. buildings, or anything like
that. They mean what you spend in
making your money-interest, taxes
paid, hired help, amount paid for
goods sold, seed, stock bought for
feeding. rent t<f,ept for your dwell
ing), etc. Income includes about ev-
cry dollar you Get.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
SCHOOLS CLOSE
UNTIL JANUARY
FOURTEENTH PLAN
SHORTAGE OF FUEL NECESSI-
TATES CHANGE OF SCHEDULE
NO SPRING VACATION

The board of education decided at a
special meeting Tuesday to close the
local schools next Friday afternoon
for three weeks. They will not be
opened until Monday, January Ia. The
spring vacation will be taken up, the
schools running straight through to
the end of the season after being re-
sumed in January.
The change in schedule was made
to aid in supplying coal to the fam
lilies of the city who are short of fuel.
During the past few months several
cars of coal intended for the schools
have been diverted to the homes of
the city instead. 1t is hoped the fuel
situation will be easier before the
schools are opened again.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
HOUSEWIVES SAVE BY
CAREFUL READING NOW
Fresher, Seasonable, Grocery Stocks
Assured. Actual Tests Show
25 Per Cent Saving

Statistics compiled in many cities
show that the people of all classes are
reading and studying advertisements
in newspapers closer now than ever
before. Thousands of housewives,
who have not formerly been compell-
ed to skimp in their expenditures, are
the stores, from which they buy
goods, every time opportunity is Of
fered. The price of everything they
buy has increased to such an extent
that they deem it part Of good judg-
ment to plan and compute the cost of
every purchase.
In Flint, few weeks ago, a test
was made on grocery advertisements
and careful housewives were found to
save 20 to 25 per cent on their week.
ly purchases by reading the grocery
advertisements and buying what
was offered and in quantities as
specified. Almost every grocer in
Flint is advertising in the newspaper
and with good results to themselves
as well as to their customers. Their
stocks are kept moving by telling the
people through advertisements what
they have just received from whole
salers for the consumers use. They
are able to buy better because stocks
move more quickly, hence turning
them cash returns. They make as
much or more profit and still give the
purchaser better price. Hence ev-
eryone is benefited. The merchants
of Flint would not think of going back
to the non-advertising method of do
ing business.
Advertised goods are cheapest, be-
cause they are sold in larger quanti-
ties and manufacturing cost is less.
They are dependable, because the
makers and sellers will stand back of
public statements made of their pro-
ducts. The consumer has a written
guarantee of the satisfaction of ev-
ery purchase made through advertis-
ing.
The people of Belding and vicinity
will continue to read advertisements
cf their local merchants closer and
closer each week. They are buying
intelligently. This truth applies not
only to groceries, but clothing, shoes
end all other things used by any mem
ber of the family. The purchaser at
every home will save from 81 to S5
weekly on the family purchases by
careful buying. Isn't it worth while?
In renewing his subscription to the
Banner, Mark McNitt. writes from
LaPorte, Texas, where he resides.
that he would be pleased to see any of
his old Belding friends who may visit
the Texas training camps this winter.
- -
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
HARRY HOLMES WILL
SERVE UNITED STATES

Harry Holmes who has been taking
a course of study in literary medics
in the University at Ann Arbor for
the past three years is home with his
mother, Mrs. Martha Sweatland, for
a visit through the holidays.
Harry, who graduated with the B.
H. S. class of 1915 and then went to
Ann Arbor, recently decided to get
into the service of Uncle Sam and has
made application for a place in the
aviation corps. He is awaiting the
acceptance of the above and will
leave for training camp as soon as
orders are received for him to report.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
100 % EFFICIENT
FOR RED CROSS IN
BElO|NG.-HAL
EMPLOYEES OF FACTORIES HELD
MEETINGS IN SHOPS. FIRST 100
PER CENT EFFICIENT PLANT

Both factory "a" and factory "B"
of the Belding- g-Hall company came
through clear for 100 per cent eff
cient in the Red Cross membership
drive this Wednesday. Every en-
ployee of the two factories paid his
money and became booster for the
cause. The meeting was held in the
factories this afternoon and without
persuasion the pledges were given.
This is the first instance in Beld-
ing where the factory workers have
come forward to man and supported
the Red Cross. The drive in the Unit
ed States will last until Christmas.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
Retake Former Name

As the result of contest of Mrs.
T. Ray. Norton's Sunday school class,
formerly known as the Emma Brown
cless, a most enjoyable time was had
by all when the losing side, the
greens, entertained the winning side,
the pinks. New officers were elected
for the ensuing year and the class
took back their old name-"The Sun
shine Band" and adopted as their
class song, Brighten the Corner
Where You Are" After a very pleas
ant social evening the daintiest of
refreshments were served.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
Packed Christmas Barrel

At the close OF the Thursday even
ing prayer meeting last week the mis-
sionary society of the Congregational
church packed their Christmas mis-.
sionary barrel with comfortable cloth
ing for the winter months, a new
comfortable, few books, nuts, etc.,
to gladden. the hearts of the children
and good cheer for all to whom il
may go. This is an annual event
with the society and last year they
sent two barrels during the cold
months, not to one family, but to a
community where it is distributed as
the needs arise.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
A Big Man in the City

Col. Macks Willard was in the city
last Friday. He is from Kansas and
claims to be brother Of the famous
pagiiist, Jess Willard.
The "kernel" is a striking figure.
He is seven feet tall, weighs three
hundred pounds, and is said to be
the largest and best proportioned
man in the United States. He at
tracted considerable attention at
Hotel Belding where he was stopping
Mr.. Willard was here to sign up
with Eugene Warner as an attraction
at the Star theater, December 20.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19

Rev. John A. Koelzer went to Beld-
ing. Friday afternoon, spending the
night with Rev. John A. Klich, the
new pastor of the Catholic church in
that city. FIR. Klich came from De-
troit and was associated with the late
FIR. Hutter in ST. Anthony's parish,
where FIR. Koelzer was also assistant
before being assibned to Portland
Portland Review. Rev. FIR. Koelzer
was here when the farewell was given
to Rev. FIR. j. M. Zindler, a few weeks
ago and made a fine address on that
occasion.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
SUPREME COURT UP
HOLDS DRY STATUTE

With a decision upholding the Ida
ho prohibition law the supreme court
last week gave an opinion which may
be one of the most far-reaching vic
tories for "bone-dry" prohibition yet
recorded
1t was held that a citizen has no
constitutional right to possess liquors
for his personal use if state wishes
to forbid it.
Justice McReynolds, who gave the
courts opinion, held that state "has
power absolutely to prohibit manufac-
ture, gift, purchase, sale or transpor-
tation of intoxicating liquors within
its borders without violating the con-
stitution."
1--WE further think" he added, at
clearly follows from our numerous de-
cisions upholding prohibition legisla-
tion that the right to hold intoxicat-
ing liquors for personal use is not one
of those fundamental privileges of a
citizen of the United States which no
state may abridge. A contrary view
would be incompatible with the un-
doubted power to prevent manufac-
ture, gift, sale, purchase or transpor-
tation of such articles-the only fea-
sible ways of getting them. An as
sured right of possession would nee
essarily imply some adequate method
to obtain not subject to destruction at
the will of the state"
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
SMYRNA IN LINE
FOR RED CROSS

A meeting in the interest of the
Red Cross will be held at the Mac
cabee ahll in the village of Smyrna
Saturday evening, December %. The
big drive for million more members
is on and the patriotic citizens of
Smyrna and surrounding country will
gather at this meeting to give it a
big boost. A number of speakers
from Ionia will be present and every
one is urgently asked to be there. Let
everybody attendl
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19

week w Tor surgical t dressings, Isl 4C;. bod roIr
quarters Monday and received in
these important dressings.
nobly and several classes met during
the week and accomplished much
ish the order.
Another special order is called for
next week and we know everyone will
respond.
Another fine shipment of the much
needed knitted goods went this week
consisting of twenty-one helmets;
twenty-six sweaters and many pairs
of socks and wristlets.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
HELM the Armenian Chidlren

At the Congregational Sunday
school on Sunday last, after an in
teresting talk to the children by Mrs
Upholt, the school unanimously voted
TO dispense with the candy at their
Christmas exercises and to have the
money thus saved and an additional
collection sent to the suffering Ar
menian children. The primary men,
bers Of the school were very much
interested and especially enthusiastic
in the work.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
CARSON CITY PASTOR
WEDS MISS WRIGHT

Miss Helen Wright, former teacher
in the high school here, was united ir
marriage to Rev. w. M. Hurd, pastor
OF the M. +. church at Carson City
The wedding took place in Lyons
at the close of the service in the M. f
church Sunday evening. The local
pastor performed the ceremony.
The bride has many friends here
Mr.. and Mrs. Hurd will reside in
Carson City.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
When His Whip Goes
Crack

way;
- His prancing -steeds are
near.
We hear the sound of the silver
bells;
His sleigh is almost here.
A load Of gifts is stored for all
Securely in his pack,
For he travels like the lightning
When his whip goes crack!
SO hang your stockings. large and
small,
Convenient in row,
For they will look so tempting
when
They're filled from top to toe.
Our generous saint will never fail:
He has curious knack
Of giving right good measure
When his whip goes crack!
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
The Wonderful House
Where Santa Claus
Dwells

w aplOs.s sss tSEs Ss' raassrfsl l5as It
Z Where Santa Claus makes his
home,
The magic shops and buildings
grand
Filled with toys from cellar to
dome;
Where busy thousands work day
and night
Making the pretty things Santa
Claus gives,
Weaving into each gift their Joy
and delight.
In the beautiful home where
Santa Claus lives?
Over fields of ice, over hills of
snow,
Is the wonderful home where
Santa Claus dwells;
Where love brightens life with its
eternal glow
And the blessed song of Christ
mas bells.
"A. Bart Horton in Cincinnati
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
WAS A SUCCESS

The Christmas pageant as present
ed by the young people of the Con-
gregational society and Sunday school
Monday evening was most beautifully
given and well worth the repeating
from their last years work.
As sacred pageant it is of hign
order and each one taking part enter
ed into the spirit intended by the au-
thor, making the whole production
very impressive. Those having the
work in charge deserve great credit
for the success of the evening.
The primary members of the Subj
day school will hold their Christmas
exercises at the church Sunday after
noon at five o'clock.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19

Palmer Bros. made shipment of
six fine young Percherons from their
stock farm to jamestown, North Da-
kota Saturday.
The horses were placed in box cars
ftted up specially for their comfort
for the long trip and on their ar
rival in jamestown will be distributed
among the farmers who have pur-
chased them.
The Palmer Bros, Percherons have
gained a wide reputation in the west
and they are quickly disposed Of.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19
/. O. O. F. and Rebekah Notice

L. U. y. r. and heDekan NOtIce
There will be grand party on New
New Years eve, December 81. All
members and their families are re-
quested to come and watch the old
year out and the new year in There
will be an entertainment and refresh
ments will be served at midnight.
(Committee):
j. c. Sager.
Jay Hansen.
Charles Williams.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-12-19

Williams Simons, who enlisted last
week to go into the aviation corps,
writes his parents that he passed the
examination and will soon get into the
work of training.