davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
COMMERCE BOARD
HELD BIG BANQUET
VARDAMAN SPOKE
URGED MEN OF CITY AND COUN-
TRY TO GET ACQUAINTED FOR
BETTERMENT OF ALL

Members of the board of COM
merce were served with an excellent
supper in the auditorium of the city
hall last Friday night when one hun
dred and twenty-five men of the city
gathered for an educational meeting.
The men were we'll and quickly serv-
ed with a substantial and appetizing
meal. At the conclusion Of the ban
quet tiny flags were rained down on
the men from the bunting and flag
decorations overhead. Appropriate
flag pins, previously placed at each
plate, soon were brought into service
to pin the colors onto coat lapels.
The post prandial speaker was
Ben r. Vardaman of Des Moines,
Iowa, a speaker of national reputation
as beacon light in community build
ing and betterment. He is now
president of the National Community
Betterment association, and associate
editor of the Merchants Trade Jour-
nal. Vardaman was limited to a
thirty minute talk, but in that time
outlined some business principles vi
tai to the success and growth of this
particular community. His talk
should stir the lifeblood of every
patriotic citizen of this section. Great
er action for cooperation and develop
ment of local resources and advan-
tages should be a consequence of lis
tening to such talk.
Later at the opera house Mr.. Var
daman talked for an hour TO mixed
audience on community building and
Improvement. The basic thought Of
his opera house address was that
rural and city dweller should get ac-
quainted, mingle one with the othre
and work for a common end. Make
the community a fit place for the
young people to live and start a home
in. Better the community by local
improvement. He said if everyone
should send their dollars out of town
the community would soon become
stagnant, farm and city property
values would decrease UNNECESSARILY
and the children would invariably fol-
low the dollars to the cities and live
lives of misconceptions. Finally the
communities would die of dry rot.
The speaker gave many choice,
clear and pointed illustrations where
communities had worked together ard
wonderful advancement had been
made. Walls between cities and
rural sections had been broken down
and the slogan of one city, "Get Ac-
quainted With Your Neighbor, You
Might Like Him." had transformed
one fossilized community into one of
the livest sections of the country.
This was Trenton, Missouri, where
formerly the city was said to have a
5000 population but now it is twenty
miles across" although the city itself
has really increased but little. The
idea is that farmers and city dwellers
are working hand in hand for better
roads, better churches, better schools,
and better ideals of every kind.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
HUNTER WAS SHOT
BY A COMPANION.
CHARGE IN LEG
ID. McROBERTS VICTIM OF ACCI-
DENT WHEN DWIGHT JOHN
SONS GUN WAS FIRED

ID. McRoberts is at the home of
Chas. Barton suffering from badly
lacerated thigh, caused by being ac-
cidentally shot by Dwight Johnson
last Sunday. The whole charge from
shotgun shell entered the mans
body and lodged. The shell was filed
with steel shot and this fact makes
the wound less dangerous.
McRoberts, johnson and two other
men were hunting near Gowen Sun
day. The game was running slow
and when a rabbit jumped from be-
hind a stump McRoberts was circling
he quickly grabbed it in his hand. 1t
wiggled loose and started to run.
Johnson, who was to the rear Of Nc
Roberts, cooked his gun for a shot at
the fleeing animal, when one of the
barrels was accidentally discharged,
the load entering McRoberts' leg. The
two riens were abbut twenty feet
apart at the time, aid the shot had
just begun to spread.
The wounded man was brought to
Greenville where physician painted
the wound with iodine. He then was
brought to Belding. 1t is expected
that he will get along all right if in.
fection can be kept from the wound.
McRoberts is about thirty years old
and is married He has lived in Beld-
ing only a short time. He formerly
lived near Greenville.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
ARTIFICIAL ICE
MORE SANITARY
FOR CONSUMER
HEALTH OFFICER LITTLE HAS
RECEIVED DATA RELATIVE TO
COST OF ICE PLANT HERE

Health Officer Z. w. Little has had
some communication with outside
firms relative to the cost of artificial
ice for Belding. He has data show
ing that a good plant with sufficient
capacity to supply Belding, can be
built here at an approximate cost of
$4,000 to $4,000, depending upon the
cost Of power, etc.
A firm from outside the city and
yet near enough to deliver ice to Beld-
ing on a cheap freight rate and with
dispatch names price of $500 a
ton for ice f. o. b. its plant. DIR. Little
believes that the ice can be delivered
to Belding consumers at reasonable
figure and with complete satisfaction
to them. He states that artificial ice
is all made from distilled water and
hence is much more sanitary than
any natural ice it is possible to OBJ
tain. He classes snow and slush ice
as unsanitary and dangerous to the
health of users. He is interested,
along with many other citizens, in
procuring the best and most health
full supply of ice for Belding it is
possibls TO obtain.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
LOCAL MASONS
To HOLD A SCHOOL
OF INSTRUCTION
GRATrAN AND GREENVILLE
LODGES WILL COME HERE
NEXT MONDAY NIGHT

Belding Lodge No. 355 F. & A. M.
will have its first big event of the
season next Monday night, October
%, when a lodge Of instruction will
be held under the direction of Grand
Lecturer Frank o. Gilbert of Bay
City. The Masonic lodges from Graf
tan and Greenville have also been
ordered to appear at the communica-
tion on the same evening.
A good supper is being prepared by
the local Masons for the event. The
banquet will be served at $3.50 sharp.
Unusual interest is being attached to
the feast, because of the contemplate
ed rabbit hunt next Saturday to sup
ply the meat for the occasion. The
members, who are hunters, have been
divided into groups and headed with
captains of tried and true ability.
Each captain has guaranteed his full
quota of game for the feast.
Following the supper Belding
lodge will work the third degree and
receive instruction in the work from
Mr.. Gilbert. Word has been received
that good delegations from Lowell
and Saranac will also attend the COM
munication.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
LEWIS DARROW IS
IN AERO SQUAD At
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
WRITES LETTER TO RELATIVES
TELLING OF LIFE THERE.
MEN LIKE WORK

Lewis Darrow, SON of Martin Dar-
row of Johnson City, New York and
a Nephew of Mr.. and Mrs. James
Darfow, has written a nice letter to
his uncle and aunt here. Young Dar-
row is in the 18th Aero Squdron at
South San Antonio, Texas. Here is
what he writes to his relatives in
Belding:
October 3, 1917.
18th Aero Squadron,
Kelly Field,
South San Antonia, Texas,
Dear Uncle and Family received
your card and was pleased to hear
from you. i passed you somewhere
when ! was on my way to Texas.
There were three hundred Of us. We
made the trip from New York City
in four days and three nights, riding
in Pullman sleepers and we altogeth-
er a very nice trip. 1t was seven
weeks yesterday since we landed ip
Texas.
Texas isn't half bad place, but
liked Broome county, New York
better. There is no place like tin
my estimation. Camp Kelly, where
| am stationed, is only seven miles
from San Antonio. We go down to
the city every time we can get the
chance 1t is quite an interesting
place.
The 18th has been quartered in
tents, until yesterday we moved into
the wooden barracks-electric lights,
mess hall and other accommodations.
like the service fairly. well and am
beginning to get pretty good esti-
nation of what it is like. We haven't
had to work very hard yet and they
let us play ball and have all sorts of
recreations, in fact, they encourage
them. So we have good time. BY
the way the fellows act and enjoy
themselves one would think that we
were on a summers vacation trip.
Would like to here from you again,
Your nephew,
Lewis Darrow.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
HARRY CONANT TAKES
MARY STULTZ AS BRIDE
Rev. p. X. Norton Ofiiciated--Orches-
ira Members Give Benedict Mem
ber Rousing Home Reception

A very pretty wedding took place
last Wednesday evening at eight
o'clock at the home of Mr.. and Mrs.
Milo Peterson, Morton avenue, when
Miss Mary Stultz, youngest daughter
of Mrs. NJ. T.. Stultz Of Oakfield, and
Mr.. Harry Conant, one of the popular
young men of our city, were united
in marriage by Rev. p. r. Norton of
the Nj. +. church.
The home was prettily decorated
with autumn leaves and at the ap-
pointed time Mr. and Mrs. Milo Pet
erson attended the happy couple to
the altar, where the ceremony was
witnessed by only the immediate
relatives. The bride was gowned in
white organdie.
After the ceremony dainty lunch
con was served, after which Mr.. and
Mrs. Conant accompanied by some of
those present went to their newly
furnished home on Ann street. At a
late hour the members of the M. f..
orchestra came to pay their respects
TO the newlyweds. They showered
them with all kinds of foods and vege-
tables to lower the high-cost-of-liv-
ing. Many fine selections of music
were rendered by the guests before
their departure.
Mr.. and Mrs. Conant will be at
home to their friends at 414 Ann
street of this city. The best wishes
of many friends are extended to them.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
REV. AND MRS. NORTON
GIVEN FINE RECEPTION
Gathering Was Largely Attended
New Pastor and Wife Made to Feel
at Home Here

Friday evening a largely attended
reception was given to Rev. and Mrs.
p. Ray Norton in the parlors of the
Methodist Episcopal church. 1t was
a delightfully."- informal affair and
gave evidence of the fine feeling exist
ing between the churches of the city,
several members of other congrega-
tions being present.
After the introductions to Rev. and
Mrs. Norton an informal program
was given. Vocal and instrumental
selections were features of the pro-
gram, and the orchestra selections
were highly complimented. Rev.
Norton spoke briefly following a
hearty welcome, and told of his de-
sire to make the local church a power
for good in Belding.
Refreshments of coffee and dough-
nuts wer served in the church dining
rooms at the close.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
Announcement

The local orchestra WIZ give
Halloween. dance at Crawford's hall
October 81.
Local dance lovers will be pleased
to learn that Hale's orchestra will
give big special Halloween and con-
fetti dancing party on Wednesday,
evening, October 81, at Crawford's
hall, Belding. This will be the big
fun dance of the season and among
the many new features will be two
barrels of confetti: also $4,000 yards
of serpentine, which is more fun than
confetti. These will be passed out
free to the dancers. The hall will be
beautifully decorated and light fur
nished by dozens of Japanese Ian
terms An invitation is extended to
all. Five hours of solid run Is guar
anteend to all. Everybody turn ont
and give the local orchestra q boost.
advertisement.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
BURGLAR ATTACKED
0. SLAYT0N WITH AXE

Albert and Russell Slayton of Graf
tan received telegram Tuesday that
Otto w. Slayton and his wife, who
are residing in Wayne, were attack
ed in their home at 2:30 o'clock Tues
day morning by an unidentified
man who entered and struck them
with an axe.> No details of the
tragedy have been learned, except
that Mr.. Slayton is in the hospital at
Eloise in a critical condition. 1t is
supposed, however, the intruder was
a burglar and put up a fight when
caught.
The children were unharmed, but
Mrs. Slayton was injured in the fight
with the man. Albert and Russell
left Immediately for Wayne on re-
ceiving the message. Otto is we'll
known here. He was q graduate Of
the Belding schools.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
PHIL JAKEWAY WEDS
A KALAMAZOO GIRL

The announcements of the marriage
of Philip E. Jakeway and Miss Helen
Staff of Kalamazoo, have been receiv-
ed by friends in this city. The we'd
ding took place September Is in ST.
Joseph's church of that city, Rev. FIR.
O'Brien performing the ceremony.
"Phil" will be remembered as a
graduate of the class of '16 of b. II.
S, He is employed by the Michigan
Railway company in Kalamazoo at
present and likes his work very much.
The bridal pair were entertained
recently at the home of Mr.. Jakeway's
sister, MrfeSsoaiarn Ward. Other
guests e.fe receiNccasion were: Asa
Jakew, The cottofF hter. Florence. of
Mose,y, the Debit ars. Geo. Whitten
of He IS per pol Kittie Lessiter.
r Mt. = pf95keEay are at home
to M \v,<ss at iS5 Academy
strsS q Zoo, Mich.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
MRS. F. P. HAMMAN
GETS NICE LETTER
FROM GRANDSON
BEN LONGAN TELLS OF LIFE AT
CAMP McARTHUR. DESCRIBES
ACTIVITIES IN CAMP
Camp Macarthur,
October 8, 1917.


Dear Mother:
Yours received but have been SO
busy that could hardly find the time
to sleep. Today we had the first real
Michigan day since we have been here.
The people around here say it is the
starting of the rainy season which
takes the place of our winter and |
suppose we will have to spend some
of our spare time now cleaning shoes
for the clay down here is just like
glue when it gets wet. This week
we have. been getting bayonet drill
most of the time and we all go at it
as fierce as the picture | sent yol
shows.
We have reveille at $50 in the
morning; eat a t6:30; start on a hike
at 700; get back at 500: police the
camp from 500 till 900, then drill
from 900 till 11:30, and eat at 1900;
go to school from 100 till 200, and
from 200 till 4:30 we do squads right
again, and from 80 till 5:35 which
is retreat we clean up ourselves and
our quarters. So you see we keep
busy. | will now tell you what re-
treat is. At $3.50 we line up in the
company street in company forma-
ton and stand at present arms while
tuC ICkifucHJdi tOiOlS dIS Dclflk lOW-
cred and the band plays "The Star
Spangled Banner" and a soldier who
does not stand at salute and is caught
is court martialed. Oh. yes. i want
to tell you Of our Sunday dinner we
had roast chicken, mashed potatoes,
brown gravy, celery, pie, bread. but
ter and coffee, so you see that hard
tack stuff you hear about is all
"bunk." In a week or two we will
have winter quarters and then things
will begin to look home-like around
here. though things are kind of torn
up changing the regiments around
for part of the 31st Michigan was
put in with us and the other part
goes in with the 33rd, which are still
in Michigan. Well, we are all set
now but everybody is 'beefing" for
fear we will never see any actual SER
vice. The officers are even betting
at odds that we won't but they don't
know any more about it than we do.
Well, guess l will close now and roll
in for that $50 don't seem very far
away. Your son, Ben.
Co. X. 126 Infantry, N. G., Camp Nc
Arthur, Texas.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
WARREN |. BERRY
WRITES A LETTER
TO GRANDFATHER
IS A RECRUIT IN 20TH REGI-
MENT FOREST ENGINEERS
WILL GO TO FRANCE
Washington, d. c., Oct. A, 1917.

Washington, d. c., Oct. A, 1917.
Dear Grandfather:
1t has been a long time since
wrote you, but will try and make it
up now.
Well, grandfather, you were one of
the boys" that saved our nation dur
ing the Civil war; so l am to be one
of the boys that are going to saverit
now. AS l think back at you and my
great-uncles who made such great
sacrifices for the grand old flag, feel
proud of the fact that / have enlisted
and have the chance to serve now
Grandfather, the "boys" have the
same enthusiasm row as they must
have had then. We are@ going to
bring back old glory without stain,
or die trying.
| am in the goth Regiment of En-
gineers (Forest). Just experienced
lumberjacks or men trained in that
line can enlist. 1t is to be made up
of just volunteers; no drafts what
ever. Our work will be to go into the
French forests and furnish timber
products for the army.
i myself have enlisted as q mechan-
ic and have reason TO believe / will
get such work, but we cannot tell for
sure until we get across. We are
mobilizing at camp here in Wash
ington, ID. c.
We have nice camp here and have
fine officers. That is one thing/about
our regiment. Our officers are to be
men of numbering experience. | be-
lieve that they will all be men who
know how to handle men and do it
right. The military discipline is
little hard at times in some ways but
| like it nevertheless. We have quite
comfortable beds and very good food.
A great deal better than / expected
to get in France. The government is
having a hard time equipping us, but
they are doing their best and better
than any other country now in the
war, so we have no kick, although
some fellows do.
/ haven't had time to see what the
city of Washington looks like, but
hope to before leave. AS near as l
can find out we will go to France
sometime between October 20 and 80.
Well, grandpa, this is about all war
talk, but that is all there is on my
mind and all / hear. Will close now.
y Here's to Old Glory"
Your grandson,
Warren l.. Berry.
Company A. Goth Engineers (Forest)
American University, Wash, ID. c.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
LODGE
REWARDED BY ITS
EFFORT IN PLAY
SEVENTY FIVE DOLLARS is RE-
CEIVED FOR BENEFIT OF WAR
FUND BEING RAISED

The Knights of Pythias cleared ap-
proximately S75 from the production
of the play, "The Elopers' at the
opera house last week Wednesday and
Thursday nights. The receipts from
the engagement were used to swell a
certain war fund the Pythian lodge
is raising.
The play was a light comedy fill
ed with musical numbers. The lead
ing parts in the plot were taken by
Ethel Jersey, Celia Crowell, Norman
Johnson and Chauncey Chase. Will
bur Brown, posing as Willie Hicks,
the four-year-ol son Of Hiram and
Samanthy Hicks, was much in evil
dence all during the play. His
trusty rival for popular favor was
Policeman Glenn Brown. This pair
appeared at most opportune times to
cause laughter and fun for the audi
ence.
Hazel Sturges, and her girl asso-
ciates, evoked much applause by their
singing, 80, You Wonder Child" ac-
companied by marches and dancing.
The play was not void of patriotism,
many of the songs being Of patri-
otic trend. Art Strong was the hit
of the evenings, when singing in his
most exquisite voice the song, "You
Can't Tell the Mothers" Goodbye
Girls" sung by Mr.. Kerr, was appre-
ciated by everyone and received an
encore applause.
Altogether the play was success.
The second nights engagement was
much better than the first, but the
rain of the afternoon prevented
many people from attending. F. A..
Ogden is deserving of much credit for
the success of the event. The Pythian
Sisters who helped also were deserv-
ing of praise.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
NEW IDEA CLUB
LADIES BANQUET
THEIR HUSBANDS
TWENTY-ON COUPLE ENJOY
FEAST AND IDEAL EVENING
AT HOTEL BELDING

The ladies of the New Idea club en-
tertained their husbands at banquet
at Hotel Belding Tuesday evening,
the occasion being an annual affair
with the club. Twenty-one couples
attended The table decorations were
purple and white, the color scheme be-
ing cards and menus were used to
complete the aesthetic portion of the
dinner hour.
Following the banquet, in which the
hostelry management portrayed the
usual skill, the guests repaired to the
parlors, where five hundred was play
ed. Mrs. A. j. Rummler received the
single prize offered, large bunch of
chrysanthemums. A. M. Hall furnish
ed the guests with some choice music,
the final selection being the "Star
Spangled Banner"
The New Idea club was organized
FIVE years ago. It's membership now
numbers twenty-four. Mrs. c. A..
Knapp is president of the club. At
Tuesdays banquet three of the men,
bers were sick and not able to at
tend. Those who enjoyed the even
ing were: Mr.. and Mrs. c. A. Knapp,
Mr.. and Mrs. V. r. Brown, Mr.. and
Mrs. A. M. Hall, Mr.. and Mrs. GAE.
Wortley, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Spen-
Ger, Mr.. and Mrs. M. L. Willoughby,
Mr.. and Mrs. b. l.. Strunk. Mr.. and
Mrs. J.. B. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. o. N.
Wilton, Mr. and Mrs. A. j. Rummler,
Mr.. and Mrs. f. d. French, Mr.. and
Mrs. Fred L. Warner, Mr.. and Mrs.
s. III. Wilson, Mr.. and Mrs. F. r.
Kemp, Mr.. and Mrs. l.. A. Leonard,
Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Dimmick, Mr..
and Mrs. Elwood Rockefeller, Mr.. and
Mrs. Chas. s. Foster, Mr.. and Mrs.
Frank O'Bryon, Mr.. and Mrs. Fred
Rodgers.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
Board Will Adjourn

The board Of supervisors are on the
last week of the October session.
They will close their work this week.
The members of the board from this
city--John w. Moore of the first
ward; Barney c. Curtis of the third
ward, and w. B. Travis Of the second
ward, together with Supervisor Frank
Davis Of Otisco have driven to Ionia
every morning, returning home at
night.
At their recent visit for inspection
of the county farm and buildings
they brought home much praise for
the systematic way the business there
is managed by s. F. Gates, the farm
manager. They found everything
about the place in an orderly and tip
top shape. They think Mr.. Gates is
the right man, for the place.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
RURAL SCHOOL LOYAL
TO PROCLAMATION

A patriotic rally was held at the
schoolhouse of Eureka, District No.
4, Monday evening, October Is,
in accordance to the proclamation by
Governor Sleeper. Over fifty people
were present. The school children
furnished fine program; also patri-
otic speaking by Byron Brown, G. M.
Loomis and j. G. Taylor. If the g.
900 schools in the state Of Michigan
have shown the same patriotism that
was displayed there by the program
and speaking, it would show the peo-
pie Of the world that the people of
Michigan are behind the president of
the United States.
Ambrose Allchin.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17

Mrs. Daniel Cameron went to
Grand Rapids Tuesday to attend the
wedding Of her brother, A. o. Bush.
This will be the second time she has
attended his wedding, the first being
fifty years ago when he and his first
wife were married. She died several
years ago. Mr.. Bush is now sixty
eight years old.
Mrs. Cameron will remain with Mr..
and Mrs. Bush few days after the
wedding.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17

Miss Susie johnson of Lansing was
here this week calling on friends. She
was at one time a weaver in the
White mill and made many friends
while here, who deeply regret that
she has decided to remain in Lans-
ing She will return to that city on
Thursday.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17
Will Get Monkey

Elmer Z. Cook has arranged to get
a monkey to add to the collection of
animals at Cook park. He will make
the trip after him Thursday. The
missing link" is being procured
near Lansing.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17

Hereafter no child under Ia may
be employed in any factory, mill,
workshop or cannery in the United
States whose products are to be ship
and vear. aay n factores Teser
not be longer than eight hours /, and
they may not be employed between
z a. m. and 6 p. m, according to a
new law which went into effect Sep
tember /.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17

Fristoe e Divine have a special
straight talk to business men in their
advertisement this week. It is talk
that everyone should read for his own
benefit. There is something reason
able and very true for you to consider
in the thoughts expressed.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1917-10-17

Mrs. s. K. Dean of Barryton came
Monday to visit relatives in this city.