davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
MAY BE GRANTED
PATENT ON WHEEL

Frank ]. Luck is feeling pretty
frisky these cold days on account of
the good news he received from Wash
ington that the patent office depart
ment had reported favorably on al
lowing him patent on his water
wheel which he has invented and been
working on for the past year or more
There are only few more prelimin-
aries to overcome when the patent will
be issued giving him the sole right
to control the water wheel rights. of
the Luck type.
Mr.. Luck claims that it will rev.
olutionize and solve the problem of
cheap and effective power for driving
machinery of all kinds and especially
for the farmer whose farm lies con-
tiguous to river. His invention
takes its power from the natural flow
of the current of the creek or river
into which it is submerged and made
fast where the current passes over it
causing it to revolve.
Frank has had many letters com
plimenting him on his invention.
Should it prove success there will be
millions in it.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
CHAS. MCCARTHY
TELLS OF FRENCH
FIGHT At FRONT
LETTER IN DIMONDALE NEWS
RECEIEVD BY c. A. HART DE-
SCRIBES FRONT LINES

From letters received from Charles
Mccarthy, published in the Dimon-
dale News by c. A. Hart, r. +. ID. 2,
we clip the following. He is now in
France and has been since last March
in active service at the front.
From his letter Of May 10Th he
says: -,
dinner after several hours Of service
when five of us were serdered out, we
were busy until twelve o'clock at
night. The captain told me to report
to his Office upon my return. He sent
me to a quaint little ITench farm
house to sleep. An old lady, whose
husband had been killed and whose
son was at the front, rented rooms to
tired soldiers for her support. / had
fine sleep in a real bed-the first
time since leaving Paris. She gave
me an omelette, coffee, bread and jam
for breakfast. While eating the regi-
mental band came up the road play
ing the Marseilles, fresh troops were
going to the front. The old lady ran
TO the door with her torn flag and
waved it, chanting a prayer from her
prayerbook as they marched by"
After two weeks of service he
writes on June 10th: ''It was pref
ty tired and weary lot of men, say
men, because they have proved them
selves such, who stole out of the front
line of trenches just as dawn ap-
preached, like a thief in the night we
departed, one car at time, so as not
to attract the attention of the enemy
either in aeroplanes or perhaps in tho
trees. | am glad for all our sakes,
but more glad for the sake of the poor
fellows who have spent two weeks in
the trenches and at the artillery bat
teries. They were all glad to be re-
lieved, there was no expression of
joy, for after the realization of the
cost of human life and suffering that
has been spent there was no occasion
for joy.
Extract from letter of July z, 1917:
"We have been right on the scene,
have been in the trenches and up to
the batteries, and in certain places
we could see the German trenches.
you should have seen what / did and
heard what i did the night of the 3rd
and 4th. 1t seemed as if all the fire.
works and noise of the world had set
tied in that one spot, it was just a
case of attack and counter attack all
the time. / have seen the infantry in
strenuous action in the trenches so
close that hand bombs were used. /
have seen the result of what liquid
gas and liquid shells accomplish, all
the time these things were in pro-
gress the .aeroplanes were active.
shooting their meteoric air gas and
dropping their bombs. If | figured
the number of hours i slept and how
and when / slept you could imagine
we would be all in, but strange as it
is feel fine, but have seen the COM
ing and going of many days when my
eyes were tired of viewing the misery
and suffering around me. Our first
days were terrible. The trenches
were mud puddles,. and you could not
recognize the men,"
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
GEORGE WESTCOTT DIES
IN GRAND RAPIDS

Mrs. Charles Murray received word
Wednesday of the death Of her broth
er, George Westcott, in Grand Rapids,
who died of pneumonia, aged forty
two years.
Mr.. Westcott was former resident
here and after his marriage the fam
lily moved to Grand Rapids where he
has been employed in the Macy fac
tody. Recently he contracted a cold
which developed into pneumonia.
The remains of the deceased will be
brought here for burial by the side of
his father. He was at one time a
member of the Silk City Lodge of
Oddfellows, but transferred his mem
bership to Grand Rapids. The broth
ers there assisted the family in TAX
ing care of him during his sickness.
Mr.. Westcott leaves two children by
his first wife and also two by his
second wife. He attended the funeral
of his father when the remains were
brought here from Detroit after the
fatal accident.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
REVISION
WILL Be SUBMITTED
TO VOTERS IN APRIL
CHARTER COMMISSION, WILL
ALSO BE ELECTED TO REVISE
PRESENT CHARTER

The question of charter revision
for the City of Belding will be placed
before the voters at the April election.
This was decided by an Affirmative
vote of the common council at its
meeting last Friday night.
Many defects have developed in the
present charter as shown by its oper-
alton since the city was Incorporated.
1t has been impossible many times to
accomplish certain things vital to the
city's needs. Only general revision
and adoption of a revised charter will
eliminate the difficulties.
At the same election a commission
composed of seven voters will be elect
ed. One will be chosen from each Of
the three wards of the city and four
at large. 1t will be the commissions
duty to revise the present charter TO
conform with modern demands and
submit the revised instrument TO a
vote Of the people for adoption at the
coming fall election.
In the event the measure to revise
the charter fails to carry at the April
election, the commission, if elected,
will become void and consequently will
not revise the charter.
Since the charter revision is most
important measure in the city's fu-
ture welfare certain phases will be
treated in the Banner between now
and the April election. In addition
to articles now promised we will well
come contributions from anyone in
terested on any phase of the present
charter. We believe there should be
many parts of it brought up for con-
sideration and we will welcome a dis
cussion. Contributions will be print
ed in special department if interest
seems to demand it.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
"AGGIE" COOK PARK BEAR
WAKES FROM SLUMBER
After Slumber Lasting Eight and
One Half Weeks She Aired in
the Open Today

This Wednesday mornings sun and
milder temperature was too strong
for "Aggie" the pet bear at Cook
Park. After eight and one-half weeks
of slumber in her nest in the ground
"Aggie" revived from her long sleep
today and came out to view the big
world again. Elmer Cook dug the
snow away frorp>the entrance of Gag
gie's" den and allowed the gentle
breezes to blow into the nest Within
about fifteen minutes the occupant be-
gan to stretch, shiver and yawn. Her
eyes blinked Internationally and be-
fore many miuHieS became accustom-
sd to the glaring light. Before long
'.Aggiey slowly dragged herself out
of the warm nest and stalked out in
to the open.
"Aggie's" first nourishment was
fresh air. She was offered some wa
ter to drink, but refused it. Unwill-
ing to eat. she shivered and blinked at
the sun. Soon she became hungry
and begged for food. She is gaunt
but not poor. She began her long
nap eight weeks ago last Saturday.
More interest was attached to her
waking than to any local event in
weeks.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
NO WIPING, LESS BREAKAGE
WITH THIS DISH STRAINER

Perhaps no time spent in house
work is more begrudged by the
housekeeper than that spent in
washing and wiping dishes. A
A dish strainer not only saves time
and labor but it does away with the
-too-often insanitary dish towel. By
keeping the dishes separate rather
than in pile it should also reduce
breakage.
A most satisfactory dish strain
er, illustrated above, can be made
by using an ordinary bread or bis
cuit pan and racks made of soft
No. IL or IA wire. By using a pair
If pliers the wire can be bent into
the proper shape for forming the
racks. The racks fit into the pan
and hold the dishes out Of the wa
ter. The compartment for silver
is made of poultry netting. This
compartment could be made of
screen wire, or a tin can with holes
in the bottom might be used.
After the dishes are washed they
are stacked in the racks and scald-
ed with hot rinsing water. The
an catches the drip, and the dishes
soon dry clean and lintless. If the
strainer is used on the drain board
IF sink a small hole can be made
in the pan and the drip drained
Immediately into the sink. The
wire racks can easily be removed
30 that the pan can be used for 9TH
er purposes.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06

sandwich filings other than meat are
easy to secure. Here are a few sug-
gestions for sandwich filings: Chop
ped hard-boiled egg mixed with salad
dressings; peanut butter; cottage or
cream cheese; chopped dates and
nuts. All are good and the children
will like them as well as meat.
For the wheatless day the sand
wiches are more of a problem, but
toasted corn mullins, rye bread, oat-
meal bread, or oatmeal or corn waters
can take the place of the bread made
of wheat only. The filings can be
anything usually used.
A sweet such as chopped fruits and
nuts pressed and cut in cubes or
slices, piece of chocolate, or oatmeal
cookies, will find favor with the chill
dren in place of the cooky or cake
made from wheat flour.
Sandwiches, fruit, and a sweet make
good lunch, especially if supple
mented by cup of hot cocoa or soup
made at school and containing some
milk. Or the lunch brought from
home may be even simpler-plain
bread and an apple or other fruit are
enough if the hot dish prepared at
school is hearty one.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
WILLIAM G. LITTLE
TAKEN BY DEATH
THURSDAY NIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES HELD AT
LATE HOME SUNDAY AFTER
NOON. LONG A RESIDENT

The city was surprised Friday
morning to learn of the sudden death
of w. G. Little, familiar parsonage
to everyone. He was bringing wood
up some stairs when his life fitted.
The funeral services were held at
his late home, 116 East Washington
ST., Sunday afternoon at two o'clock.
Rev. III. s. Ellis of the Ashley churcL
delivered to the family and friends a
message of comfort. Mrs. Bernie
Strunk and Mrs. /. l.. Hubbell sang
three beautiful selections-"Beaut
Isle of Somewhere" Sometime,
Somewhere and Saved by Grace"
favorite of the deceased. Many
beautiful flowers banked the casket.
William Gershorn Little was born in
Monroe County, near Rochester, N.
Y, in the year 1910. After the death
of his father in 1854, his mother,
younger brother, and he came to
Michigan, where they settled upon
tract of land in Cannon township,
Kent county. William Little and Mary
Aylesworth were married in 1868.
They made their home on a farm ad-
joining the Little homestead until elev-
en- years ago, when they came to Beld-
ing to reside near their son, DR.. K. w.
Little.
Mr.. Little, accompanied by his
Scotch collie, Joe, was a familiar fig
ure on the streets of the city. His
friends commend his whole-hearted-
ness and willingness to do for others.
Especially faithful has he been in car
ing for his invalid wife. The end
came while he was finishing the days
work, bringing wood for the mornings
use. His sudden death was a severe
shock to his family and friends.
Mr.. Little lived to be seventy-seven
years of age. Yet he is survived by
sister, who is eighty-five, and a
brother, who is eighty-seven. A
younger brother, Charles, was killed
years ago.
Those surviving are his wife, Mary
Aylesworth Little; his four children,
Clara A. johnson and Willis A. Little
of Albion; DR.. f. w. Little and Eva A.
Miller of Belding; sister, Mrs. Ellen
Hinchey of Rochester, N. Y; and
brother, Albert Little Of Flint.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
EDWIN BAILEY WRITES
TO MOTHER FROM WACO

The following letter was received
last week bv Mrs. w. III. Shaw from
her SON in Waco:A
Waco, Texas,
January 27, 1918.
Dear Mother:
Just few lines this evening TO let
you know that / am well and still in
Waco. / expected to be gone by this
time, but haven't. / don't know why.
Most everybody else has left--the
125th, 126th and 127th, infantry, the
engineers, ammunition trains, signal
corps and division headquarters are
all gone. We are all PACKED ready to
go at about five hours notice and we
are the next to go. There Is some
talk, however, that we will be here
for two months yet, but nobody knows,
not even the general.
Until today we were running around
in our shirt sleeves and sweating. To-
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
RUNAWAY HORSE
CAUGHT BY WOMAN
UNUSUAL FEAT
MRS. ID. o. THOMPSON LEAVES
SEWING MACHINE TO STOP
WILD HORSE IN STREET

An unusual incident occurred in
front of d. o. Thompson's home last
Monday when Mrs. Thompson ran into
the street and succeeded in stopping
a runaway horse. She was sitting at
a window sewing on a machine when
she saw the wild horse coming. I'm
mediately she jumped from her chair
and hurried to the street in time to
catch the animal.
The horse was attached to the de-
livery sleigh from the Cranmer groc-
cry on East Harrison-st 1t had not
been driven for several days and as
Monday was severely cold it was un-
usually spirited. Luckily nothing
about the vehicle, horse or Mrs.
Thompson was injured. She held on
to the animal until the owner recover
ed it. The feat is one that only few
men would have accomplished.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
WATER WORKS BONDS
OFFERED TO CITY,,
ATTRACTIVE PRICE
is CONSIDERING PUR-
CHASE WITH MONEY FROM
SINKING FUND

The City of Belding has an oppor-
tunity of buying block Of the water
works bonds, now outstanding, at an
attractive figure and the matter is be-
ing seriously considered. 1t is be-
lieved about $4,000 of the bonds can
be purchased with money taken from
the sinking fund of the city. The
matter was referred to the ways and
means committee of the council at it's
last meeting for consideration.
The bonds offered for sale to the
city are being marketed by We'll Roth
& Co., Of Cincinnati. They are drawn
to mature in August, 1885 with a
1925 option. The price named is 88
43-100 thus yielding the purchaser
around five per cent.
Should the ways and means COM
mittee find available money in the
sinking fund the purchase will prob
ably be made.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
BACKBONE BROKEN
COLD WEATHER GAVE
WAY TO OLD SOL
SNOW EVEN MELTED ALONG
STREETS ONCE MORE. RELIEF.
SMILES BROUGHT OUT

Many smile was seen fitting over
the countenances of pedestrians this
Wednesday morning as they greeted
each other, all because of the decided
break in the backbone of the cold snap
that has gripped the country in an
icy grasp for the past two or three
weeks. 1t was the brightest and
warmest day in five or six weeks.
Great was the @urprise of everyone
when they awoke this morning to find
that the temperature was above freez-
ing. Street Commissioner James Me-
ginley and his helpers began clearing
the snow away from the curbing along
the business streets to permit the
melting water entering the sewers.
1t was comforting TO see the pavement
again, after being covered with drifts.
The condition of the business
streets was greatly improved Monday
when the business men gathered and
loaded the snowdrifts, shoveled from
the sidewalks, onto the sleighs. Be-
fore night the streets were cleared of
all large drifts. The move had been
contemplated for several days and re-
gardless of the cold wind the work
was enjoyed.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
SELLING CIGARETTES
INVOLVES GREAT RISK
It's a Crime for Anyone Under Twen,
ty-One to Smoke Them on Streets
or in Public Places

Many merchants have been surpris-
ed to learn the provisions of the Gig
arctic law. They have thought the
age at which they could be purchased
was 1S years instead of 81. The fact
that it is also crime for anyone un-
der 21 years of age to smoke them in
any public place or on the streets and
alleys, is also surprising to many, as
we'll as the section which makes the
party liable who allows a minor to use
cigarettes on his premises.
of Western Michigan informs the
writer that under the common law any
father who found his son had acquired
the cigarette habit could sue mer-
chant or proprietor of cigar store or
poolroom for damages and collect if
he could prove that such person sold
cigarettes to his son.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
GRATTAN GRANGE HOLDS
DAY TIME MEETINGS

Owing to the January jinx of sew
ere weather and bad roads Grattan
Grange held its last meeting in the
day time. over sixty enjoying the din
ner at noon and the afternoon ses-
sion. Ye lecturer got up and found
the coal-less fire out so decided to
keep the home fires burning" so no
program was announced.
As it looks as if February would be
cold too, day time meetings will be
continued for the present. The next
one is Thursday, February IA. An
emergency program will be given. A
call for volunteers and the ladies will
do most of the talking on SHOW / Do
Without Sugar"
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06

The war is teaching us the joy of
service for our fellow beings. The
JOY in feeling that we are not leaving
anything undone towards giving a lit
tie comfort to the boys over there.
Many are attending the sewing
classes faithfully and a few are not.
Will the Monday class please come
earlier in the afternoon-(Come and
stay all day)--as we have to close a
little earlier on account of the Father
and Son banquet in the evening.
The knitters of the Red Cross are
doing wonderful work. Since the
middle of November our members
have knit 127 sweaters, lit helmets,
106 pairs of socks, SO scarfs, Sc pairs
of wristlets and two trench caps. Be-
fore we had received our large supply
of yarn we had knit 36 pairs of socks
in October. We need one more ma
chine-will some one please loan us
one for awhile. VI
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
STOCK IN BUILDING
AND LOAN NATURES

More Bedding Building and Loan
stock matured February 1, and the
thirty-six shares representing thirty
six hundred dollars have been paid to
the shareholders by Secretary George
E. Wagner.
A check for these amounts at this
time with fuel shortage and the high
cost of living staring one in the face
ought to bring out the smile which
won't come off,
Henry 5o Leonard Leo Rrhd held of twenty
dena, California, ten shares, $1,000;
and Gladys Ellis Dutt of Alma, six
shares, $500. Series No. 95 is now
open for subscribers.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
LEWIS STONE WRITES
FROM CAMP DIX
Camp Dix,
January 81, 1918.


Editor Banner:
As l have few spare moments
will write line to let the people in
Belding who sent me the papers know
that received them o. k. and it was a
great pleasure to me to read the Ban
ner and ! was greatly interested in
the letters from other Belding boys
who are in the army.
We are now quarantinedNin with the
measles and can not leave the bar
racks and it sure is some lonesome
around Camp Dix. We have about
five inches Of snow now and we all
hope that it won't last long for it is
hard work to drill in the snow. We
drill about six hours a day and take a
hike of eight to fifteen miles four
times a week when we are not under
quarantine, so it makes it quite hard
for US to stay inside all the time.
AS it is almost bedtime will bring
this letter to close and hope to get
another paper from Belding soon.
Lewis B. Stone,
Co. c., 26th Engineers, Camp Dix, N.
Jersey.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
ROYAL Neighbors Elect

At the last regular meeting of the
Royal Neighbors Of America, Camp
425 the following officers were INSTALL
ed by Mrs. Chas. Coon as installing
officer: Oracle, Mrs. Walter Emery;
vice oracle, Mrs. Chas. Jensen; chan
cellor, Mrs. Ed King; recorder, Mrs.
f. f. Cook; receiver, Mrs. Lem. Tow
err; inner sentinel, Mrs. Florence
West; outer sentinel, Mrs. James Cav
erley; manager, three years, Mrs. K.
Kempher; physician, DR.. Marjorie M.
Orr.
After the business of the evening
was finished light refreshments were
served and small program was en-
joyed. rt,
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06

China is broken in the refrigerator
by placing heavier dishes on it.
Liquids are spilled on rugs or pol
ished surfaces because the container
was too full.
Contents of saucepans boil over on
the stove or in the oven because al
lowance was not made for the expan-
sion of liquids when heated.
Burned food will clog burners of
gas and oil stoves and lessen effici-
ency.
Many rugs are torn because they
were held firmly by the edge during
severe shaking.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
HAS INVENTED DEATH
DEALING MOUSE TRAP

p. ID. Wertz of this city is possess
sed of an inventive genius that very
few men are favored with. His lat
est invention and one which undoubt-
edly will bring him fame and fortune
when once on the market is a mouse
trap, the like of which has never been
brought out to rid the premises of
those who are afflicted with these
pests.
The trap is so arranged that while
the rodent is smelling for the cheese
bait the animal touches a spring re-
leasing a small bullet-headed lever
which hits the mouse square on the
side of his head knocking him galley
west" and dealing him a certain
death blow. The lever rebounds and
sets the trap again for another knock
out. Rats are served in like manner
and if one comes shifting around he
too gets a side-winder that puts him
to sleep at once. 1t is certainly one
of the most unique rat and mouse
traps ever patented.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
SAVE A LITTLE SUGAR TO-DAY
/. Less In The Coffee Cup

OVERWHELMING coffee, tea, and
other table beverages is a common
habit and means needless use of
sugar. Often much Of the sugar
thus used is not dissolved and re-
mains in the bottom of the cup to
oe thrown away. Thousands of
Americans waste sugar in this
thoughtless manner every day. In
the aggregate it is a large waste
and should be eliminated. Try
cutting your allowance to one tea
spoonful or one average cube of
sugar to the cup. This amount, if
entirely dissolved, will satisfy most
tastes.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06

The glazing of porcelain and enam-
eled sinks, tubs, and wash bowls is
scratched and broken by cleaning with
too coarse cleaning materials.
Finish of furniture is likely to be
marred by placing hot dishes, medi-
cine bottles, and by spilling liquids
on it.
Furniture cracks and parts become
loose because the oil bath and rub are
not applied regularly.
Vanished and oiled woodwork is in
jured by washing with soap.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
: New Plumber at Ireland's

The T. Frank Ireland Hardware
company are fortunate in securing the
services of Peter Belem of Grand
Rapids to take charge of their plumb
ing department. Mr.. Belem is from
Grand Rapids, where he has been con-
nected with one, of the best concerns
in that city and is an expert in the
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-06
Wheatless, Meatless Lunches

Wheat and meat can be saved in
thousands of lunches carried each
morning to school by the children of
this nation. There is no need to de-
crease the energy value of nourish-
ment of these lunches, but in addition
to saving wheat and meat it is pos
sible with the various substitutes to
give a pleasing variety to the noon
meal at School.
Since whatever meat brought from
home is usually in the form of sand
wiches, the problem of the meatless
lunch is not hard, for so many good