davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
GOT THE MONEY
AND LEFT TOWN
Ii is Understood that Numerous
Checks Were Passed on
Business Men.

Raffles. Jack Daw, and all those
other mssterful confidence men of
fiction, did not have much on GER
tain Charles Darragh, if all reports
are true, and might even be able TO
learn few tricks of the trade from
this former Almaite, who is now
seeking a warmer climate"
The smooth, clever Mr.. Darragh,
well know about the city, had charge
of the concessions at the Gratiot club,
and also received a certain amount
for keeping the club rooms neat, clean
and attractive; these money gather
ing corners having been secured by
him at the time of the opening Of the
club a few months ago. He had been
in Alma for about year previous,
mixed well and made a good fellow
of himself, generally-getting in
right so to speak.
Then recently he decided evidently
that things were running too smooth
ly in Alma, and feeling that the city
needed little stirring up, it is said
that Mr.. Darragh proceeded to stir
them up in good style. 1t is said that
the method used TO create excitement
was 10 issue checks. calling for Ger
tain amounts, usually in the neigh
borhood of twenty dollars, and then
getting them cashed around the bust
ness district.
Not having been seen around Alma
of late. il is understood that Mr..
Darragh left on hurried business
nall for other parts Of the globe,
neglecting in his hurry to even leave
word as TO when he expected to re-
turn.
The business institutions which
cashed the checks are said to still
have them. as the account credited to
Mr.. Darragh at the bank was in
such shape, that the bank officials
did not care 10 cash them.
1t has been said that several busi-
ness places had extended consider
able credit to Mr.. Darragh. and in
his hurry to leave the city, he even
forgot to pay these bills.
SO far as known no action has been
taken against Darragh by any of
the business men, but it is under
stood that a warrant will be asked
for by at least one Of the business
men Of the city, who feels that it is
time that the business men Of Alma
cease to be good prey for those who
have no intention of making good on
checks which they write.
1t is not known definitely how
many business men received Oar
ragh's blue checks, but it is esti-
mated that he took from two to four
hundred dollars out of the city with
him, that the business places could
have used to far better advantage.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08

Construction will be started about
the middle of the present summer on
new theatre, which is 10 be con-
structed on the Montigel property
just TO the west Of the city hall, which
was purchased early in the year by
Esseltyn & Murphy, engineers Of De-
troit, and it is expected that the new
theatre Will be ready TO open about
! October l.
The new theatre is TO be 90 feet In
width and 1872 feet in length, and will
seat 800 people. 1t will be of mod
ern construction to the last detail
and is 10 have the beautiful stucco
finish, which will make the structure
one of the most attractive in the city
1t will be equipped with every
modern appliance that is needed to
make an up-to-date, modern theatre,
including fully equipped stage,
large enough for the proper presenta-
tion Of high-class stage attractions
which viii be brought to this city
from time to time.
The theatre is TO be heated by warm
air. which will be forced into the
building by blowers, which viii send
the pure outside air into the
theatre over steam coils, whihc will
heat it to the required temperature.
The same method Will be used during
the summer months to cool and prop
erly ventilate the show house.
The basement of the theatre is to
be used for the heating plant, coal
rooms, and that portion directly un-
der the stage will be used for the
dressing rooms.
The new theatre, which will be
owned by Esseltyn & Murphy Of De
troit, will be under the management
of c. A. Miller, whose capabilities in
this work are most favorably known
to the public.
In an interview this morning Mr..
Miller stated that the policy of the
new theatre had not been definitely
decided upon as yet. but that it was
very probable that there would be a
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
WANTED MORE
Alma Yank Knocked Out Twice Came
Back for More of It,

fhe following story from the May
D, 1919, issue of The Grand Rapids
Herald, regarding the desire to fight
that one Alma Yank had developed
will prove of interest here;
The desire to fight was highly de
veloped in II. b. Grant of Alma,
Mich, wounded while serving as gun
ner with the 9th battery, Canadian
Field Artillery, and Sunday visitor
at the Union station Red Cross can
teen.
When the war broke out Grant was
patrolling the border with United
States cavalry. That was in 1914. He
promptly enlisted in the Royal Fly
ing corps in Canada. In this service
he distinguished himself by crash
ing" his plane on his first solo flight
and was rewarded with discharge
after surgeons had patched him up
during six months stay in hospital.
Undeterred, he enlisted immediate
| ly in the Canadian Field Artillery.
He fought in the first, second and
third battles of the Ipres, Mons,
Arras. Vimy Ridge and other en-
counters, historic in the long years
of war.
At Passchandaele he was struck by
shrapnel in the left shoulder, and
machine gun bullets passed through
both legs His left arm is still use
less. He was gassed, and his right
hand is still scared.
But when | heard the Americans
were coming in-I always wanted to
fight with them anyway applied
and signed a raft Of papers and
things in the hospital But that was
the last | heard of it, Funny how
they will hold man up, amt it?'
Workers at the canteen believed he
was one Of the brightest young men
who have visited there. But they did
think too. that the American Expedi-
tionary forces had done right in leav-
ing him in the hospital.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
CLEAN Up DAY
Annual College Cleanup Day Was
Held Last Friday.

This last Friday was cleanup day
a. Alma college and now the campus
Of the Presbyterian institution is rid
of all Of the accumulations Of the
winter. and the rains making the
grass fresh and green, it is taking on
most attractive look.
Not only was the campus gone
over, out where it would show TO the
passersby, but the wagon loads Of
tin cans from the picnic parties, were
removed from the Jungle" so that
in the future those who soiourn there
for few hours pleasure at picnics,
will not be forced 20 find a resting
place or the top Of can, or a pile
Of them
The German dummies that had ex-
cited the anger Of the members of
the S. A. r c. only few months
ago, when bayonet drill was held,
have all disappeared. and the trench
es that were dug with hours of labor
that racked the backs of the budding
soldiers, were filled in.
The last trace and vestige Of war
has disappeared from Alma college,
and with its cleanup, it is again on
"a peace basis
NJ -
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08

complete vaudeville program at least
once each week He stated that the
prices at the new theatre would be
the same as at the Idlehour at pres
ent except for vaudeville and other
special attractions.
The same policy will be followed as
that which has made the Idlehour
theatre such a success under the man
agement of Mr.. and Mrs. c. A. Miller
in regard to the class of attractions
which will be shown.
Two points were brought out in re
gard to theatres by Mr.. Miller this
morning, which are well worthy of
the serious consideration of theatre
goers, who desire TO see the best at
fractions that it is possible to pro-
cure. The first of these is the fact
that the more liberal the patronage
at "A theatre the more money il is pos
sible to spend in securing for the pat
rons. the very best attractions that
are 10 be obtained, fact that is self
evident The second point is the fact
that people should attend a theatre
on the reputation Of the theatre, rath
er than because of the title of any
picture or show as a poor title is
very often given to wonderful at
traction. that is highly pleasing 70
those who have the pleasure of see
ing IT, Theatres that desire the best
to be obtained 90 little on titles, If
the attractions are of the right kind.
Since the closing Of Wright opera
house a year and half ago, the need
of theatre here has been great, and
the fact that new one is 70 be con-
structed with almost twice the seat
ing capaciy Of Wright opera house
is certain to cause a great deal OF
satisfaction among local theatre
goers, who in the very near future
will have the opportunity Of seeing
high class vaudeville attractions, as
well as to be certain that they will
also be able to see the highest grade
moving pictures that are TO be OBJ
tained.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
ATTENDANCE At
MEETING SMALL
Very Few Were Present AT Mass
Meeting Held at School
House Tuesday.
GOOD ROADS ARE URGED
Alma Grain x Lumber Company
Matter is to be Dropped Because
of Lack of Interest.

The public mass meeting held at
the high school Tuesday evening for
the purpose of bringing TO close the
Alma Grain & Lumber company prop
osition, and to take some definite
steps towards the Improvement of
the roads west Of Alma, proved TO be
a very slim affair, Notwithstanding
the fact that both matters were of
vital Importance
IL had been expected that many
business men would be out at the
meeting, as both propositions were
important 10 them, in making Alma
a better market center In spite of
this not merchant or professional
man was present, a fact which does
not speak very highly for the enter
prising city which Alma claims to be.
Several farmers from near the city
were present, and in spite of the small
attendance, very interesting meet
ing was held.
The proposition TO take over the
Alma Grain a. Lumber company,
which has been under the supervision
Of Henry II. Soule, has been practi-
cally dropped by the Board of Trade,
as result Of the lack of encourage
ment in this matter. The Board Of
Trade will probably surrender the
option on the property to the Alma
Grain 4 Lumber company as the plan
outlined by the company does not ap-
pear TO meet with approval. AS no
other feasable plan has been pro-
posed, it is believed that it is now a
thing of the past.
The good roads matter was taken
up, after the other matter had gone
by the boards w NJ Bryant, field
secretary of the Michigan Good Roads
association, was called upon for a
short address. II was the sense Of
the meeting that the only relief for
Gratiot county, and the only method
by which federal aid could be secured
was to go before the supervisors Of
the county and ask for "a special elec
ton, so that the county road system
may be adopted
c. +. Brown. chairman Of the meet
ing, by motion, was instructed TO
appoint a committee Of three TO con-
fer with other places in the county,
and arrange for big county mass
meeting TO be held in Ithaca in the
near future, at which time represent
atives of the road commission and
the good roads association will be
present to put the matter before the
people.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
ODDFELLOWS MET
HERE TUESDAY
Annual Meeting of Gratiot Co.
!. o. o. r. Association Held
in Alma.
ALMA MAN IS PRESIDENT
Grand Lodge Officers Present and Aid
in Comforting Degrees on
Candidates.

Tuesday, May Is, saw one of the
largest gatherings of the !. o. O. +.
lodges in the history of the county at
Alma for the Oddfellow Rally Day,
as the Tooth anniversary Of the lodge
is known and for the annual meeting
of the Gratiot County |. o. o. As
sociation.
The Alma lodge was host during
the day, and extended its usual well
come 10 the visiting lodges of the
county Those represented at the all
day association meeting and rally
were the Vestaburg. Elwell, St.
Louis, Ithaca, North Star, Ashley,
Bannister, Sumner, Pompeii, Perrin
ton, Middleton, New Haven, Brecken-
ridge and Wheeler lodges.
In addition 10 the rally and as
sociation programs the lodges were
favored by the annual visit of the
grand lodge officers, Grand Master
Harland and Grand Secretary Rogers
being present at the three sessions
which were held, and in the evening
they aided in comforting Of the Grand
Lodge and Past Grand degrees.
The days events were started with
the address Of welcome by Rev. Duff
fey, with the response BY Newton
Burns of St. Louis. A business ses-
sion followed.
In the afternoon addresses were
given by Grand Secretary Rogers and
Grand Master Harland, which held
the close attention Of the many lodge
members Of the county and others
who were present.
The complete program for the en-
tire day was as follows:
1000 a. m, /. O. o. F. and Re
bekahs
Opening song, America"
Invocation, Rev. J. W. Priest
Address of Welcome, Rev. Duffey
Music
Response, Newton Burns
Roll call of lodges
Business session
200 p. m, l. o. o. r. and Rebek
abs
Music, Miller's Orchestra
Address, Grand Secretary Rogers
Piano Solo, Mrs. Miller
Address, Grand Master Harland
Music, Miller's Orchestra
500 p. m, l. o. .. F.
Opening
Conferring of Grand Lodge and
Past Grand Degrees
Reading Of the Secret Journal
Question Box and Discussion
Closing
500 p. m. Rebekahs
The members Of the Rebekah lodg
es present carried out their complete
program at this meeting of the as
sociation.
When the election Of officers for
the Gratiot County l. O. O. +. asso-
citation was held George H. Smith of
this city was elected president of the
association. Newton Burns of St.
Louis was elected as vice president,
Mrs. n f. Saad of Alma as secretary
and B. F. Lane of st. Louis as treas
urer.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
VICTORY LOAN
ENDS SATURDAY
Gratiot County il Still 100000
Short Of the Quota Which
Was Assigned.
GREATER EFFORTS ARE URGED
Expected that Alma Quota Will BE
Doubled W hen Campaign is
Brought to Close.

With two days left Of the Victory
Loan campaign in Gratiot county,
nearly $4,000 is still needed 70 put
the county over the top with it's
quota Of SOP, 100, and the present IN
dcations are that unless there is
whirlwind finish to the campaign that
the county will fail for the third
time in five campaigns to achieve the
goal which has been set
Active canvassers for the Victory
Loan were out under way IN Alma
this week and a number of subscrip-
tions to the loan are coming in, but
not in the numbers which had been
hoped for, and il is doubtful If in the
closing days, Alma subscribes an
other $50, 900 to the Victory notes. II
is certain, however. that when the
campaign comes TO an end Saturday
night, that Alma will have more
than doubled her quota.
Other portions Of the county are
also showing renewed, or else an
increased activity in the final days Of
the campaign and II is certain that
some splendid results are coming
from those sections of the county.
Some parts of the county are fall
ing far below their quotas, these be-
ing for the greater part townships,
which have no community centers of
any size, and it is now being regarded
as very improbable that they will
reach their quotas. The county com
mittee is urging that the most active
solicitation be waged in every sec
ton Of the county. however, during
Friday and Saturday, in the effort to
boost the amount subscribed in
every town and city. in order that
the county may reach the desired
goal.
The aeroplanes, which were 70
have been in the county during the
final days of the loan, have been
held up, bad weather keeping them
from starting out on their scheduled
route last week, so that they will
not be in Gratiot this week to aid
in the campaign 1t IS expected,
that am aeroplane or two will be IN
Continued on page eight
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
GERMANS GET
PEACE TREATY
Military Power of Nation is
Broken by Clauses that IL
Contains.
PREPARATION MUST Be MADE
Delegates of Twenty Seven Nations
Present When Rantzau is Given
Treaty.

On the fourth anniversary of the
sinking of the Lusitania, May Z, the
peace treaty, which will bring a for
nal end 10 the great world war, was
handed 10 the German delegates at
Versailles
When the treaty of peace was for
mally presented TO the German dele
gates to the peace conference, the del
egates of twenty-seven nations,
which had declared war on the Ger
man empire, were present.
Count Won Brockdorf- -Rantzau, in
his reply to Clemenceau's address, ad-
mitted some of the wrongs done by
Germany, and admitted that the pow
CT of Germany had been broken. He
also demanded that peace be made
on Wilson's fourteen points. In his
address he also pledged that Ger
many would right the wrong done to
Belgium.
During the day by cable President
Wilson also summoned congress for
g special session 10 be called on May
l9.
Among the outstanding features OF
the peace treaty which Germany is
called upon 70 sign are the following
Observation-Disclosures 10 be
restored TO France, Saar basin inter
nationalized temporarily and Danzig
permanently. Luxemburg TO be set
free from German customs union, all
concessions of territory in China 70
be renounced and Shanting ceded TO
Japan, German troops 70 evacuate
Schleswig- -Holstein north of the Kiel
canal within ten days after peace.
Military-Germany TO be restricted
TO an army Of 100000 men, including
officers; expectation, importation and
nearly all production Of war material
denied Germany; forts within area of
80 lnlometers of the Rhine 10 be de-
mohshed; allied occupation until re-
parations are made and obligations
are fulfilled.
Naval-German navy restricted to
six battleships, six light cruisers, II
torpedo boats, no submarines and a
naval personnel of not over 10000
Other warships 10 be surrendered or
destroyed Germanys fourteen sub
marine cables TO be turned over;
Helgoland TO be demolished, Keil ca
nal opened to all, and no Greman
forts 70 be constructed on the Baltic.
Reparations-Germany must reim-
burse for all civilian damages and
make initial payment Of 20,O0O,0OO,-
600 marks; damage 70 shipping must
be reimbursed, ton for ton by cessions
of merchant ships and steamers
Germany must devote her economic
resources TO the rebuilding Of devas-
tated regions; Germany must take on
all pre-war obligations; Allied and
association nationals to be permitted
freedom of transit in Germany: ex-
kaiser 10 be tried for crimes, as well
as other German nationals; with
Holland to turn over the former and
Germany the latter; all treaties with
Bolshevik Russia and treaty of Buch-
Arrest to BE- obrogated; German prison
ers of war to be- repatriated, but
Allies to hold officers as hostages foI
Germans accused of crimes; Germany
TO accept principle of League Of Ma
tions. but not given membership.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
LEAGUE OF NATIONS

The discussion Of the League Of
Nations, planned by the Presbyterian
Brotherhood and originally set for
last Friday, is now scheduled TO be
held on Tuesday evening. May lS, at
500 o'clock in the Presbyterian
church. William A. Bahlke and FIR.
p. A. OToole are to speak. Every
one is invited TO be present and hear
the discussion.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
SOLDIERS AND SAILORS OF
GRATIOT COUNTY

That slackers on the Victory
Loan may be known and others
deferred from selfish refusal 10
subscribe TO the Victory Loan
Bonds. the following names are
published:
G. p. Kolchak
Charles z. Omsk
II. G. l.. Won Stengel
There is no desire TO publish
the names Of those not pur-
chasing bonds. but those who
have means must be convinced
that IL is their duty.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
CLEAN. SAFE. AND SANE

Clean food, properly cooked at a
reasonable price is what makes the
European Cafe popular.-77-tf-c.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08

Saturday is the last day 70 make
1870 payment on Victory Bonds.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
SUMMER SCHOOL

It is understood that the annual
summer Bible school at Alma college
this year will be held from Wednes-
day, July 8, to Wednesday, July l6.
The program for the summer school
is not yet ready for announcement,
but il is certain that it will be much
better than ever before. II is expect
ed that the program will be complet-
ed and ready for announcement with
in the next two or three weeks.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08

Saturday is the last day TO make
1870 payment on Victory Bonds.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08

Best candies DeLuxe.-77-tf-c
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1919-05-08
LAWRENCE MONTIGEL
WRITES FROM FRANCE
Interesting Letter from Alma
Boy Still in France Tells
of His Experiences.

The following letter from Law
renee Montigel of this city, who is
with the American troops in France,
will prove Of great interest to readers
of The Alma Record:
The Salvation Army
with the
American Troops in France.
Embarkation Camp No. 2,
Bordeaux. France,
April 10, 1919
New Britain herald., 1919-06-11
ARMY BOXING BOARD
 ID GOVERN BIG BOUT


Continued from Eighth Page)
New Britain herald., 1919-06-11

as to make a view of the traffic to the rear of the truck impossible. Par parian promised to secure a mirror and have it alta ched before driving again.
 Tony Torello. a New Haven autoist, drove a truck to New Britain yester- day and was arrested for his failure to have a mirror or reflector attached to the car. He was taken to the police station and released upon his promise to appear today. but when called this morning did not respond. He will be brought into court tomorrow morning.
 Two 12-year-old boys were in chambers today for the theft of a. hi- cycle valued at $10. having been ar rested yesterday afternoon by Officer William Hayes. They were lectured and allowed 10 go on probation.
New Britain herald., 1919-06-11
GARDEN PESTS ARE
 NUMEROUS THIS YEAR
Superintendent Holmquist of Cham Der of Commerce Committee
 Issues Instructions

Due to the mild winter attention must be given earlier this year to in sect pests in home gardens and Super intendent A. HolmQuist of the cham ber of commerce gardens committee has issued instructions to those hold ing gardens through the chamber. The Black Flea Beetle and the Colorado potato bug are the two principal gar den pests.
 Information is given below in ref erence to the Black Flea Beetle and the Colorado Potato Beetle, the two insects doing the most damage at the present time. The Flea Beetle is small black bug about 1-16-in. long. When disturbed it will quickly jump and disappear. They eat the leaves of potatoes and tomatoes and some times those of cucuTnbers and re- lated plants. Their work gives the leaf the appearance of being shot full of small holes. The first genera tiC<l is raised on weeds in the garden. There are or broods in a season. For control spray thoroughly with arsenate of lead (paste) at the rate of one level tablespoonful ia to one
New Britain herald., 1919-06-11
MINSTREL SHOW AT
 SOCIETY MEETING
Degree Team Performers to Entertain at Meeting of Ladies Auxil-
 iary, \. Q. H.

At the regular meeting of the Ladies Auxiliary. A. c. H. to be held Friday evening, the degree team min strel troupe will furnish an entertain ment. This minstrel is composed of members of the crack degree team, and in addition to entertaining in New Britain will go to Bristol, Thompson vile and other parts ot the state to put on an entertainment. The pro gram for Friday night is as follows;
 Opening Chorus: Parody on Wear in O the Green" "Johnny's in Town" and Mickey" Entire Chorus
 Mary" Miss Winifred Corcoran.
 "Tackin' Elm Down." Miss Irene Sullivan.
 "Eoy of Mine" Miss Rose McNa- may.
 "Ja Da," Miss Katherine OLeary.
 Don't Cry. Frenchy, Don't Try,' Miss Anna O'Keefe.
 "Oh, Boy" Miss Irene 1goe.
 When It's Moonlight Down in Dixie,' Misses Ruth 1goe and Irene Sullivan.
 Dance Grish Jig), Misses Winifred and Margaret Corcoran.
 How Are You Going to Wet Your Whistler" Miss Betty Fitzgerald.
 ''Dorine of Dublin," Miss Margaret Dorsey.
 Closing Chorus: Hitting the Trail" You'll Find Old Dixieland in France" and Just Wait and See" Entire Chorus.
 The interloCutor is Mrs. Michael McCrann and the end-men are Misses Betty Fitzgerald, Katherine O'Leary, Ruth Igoe and Irene Sullivan.