davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
INVESTIGATING MATTER
Gas Company Proposition Up Before
the Commission Again Tuesday.

The proposition put before the city
commission a week ago by II. b.
Wagner, manager of the Gratiot
County Gas company, TO secure to
the company guaranteed return of
seven per cent so that it can borrow
funds with which to better its service
and increase its capacity, was before
the commission again Tuesday even
ing for long discussion, but no ac-
tion was taken in the matter pending
an investigation Of the companys
balance sheets, etc, by William f.
Reynolds, city manager.
There seems TO be an undercurrent
among the members of the commits
sion that if the condition of the COM
pany is such as claimed for it, it
should be afforded the relief that is
really needed, because to some extent
at least public utility that can meet
the requirements, is one of the de-
mands of a progressive rapidly grow
ing city.
Manager Reynolds is studying the
matter closely and it is expected that
his findings will soon be laid before
the city commission, when action is
expected to be taken in regard to
the desires Of the company.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
INCREASE CAPITAL
Alma State Savings Bank Has Added
To Its Capital.

The annual meeting of stockhold-
ers of the Alma State Savings Bank
was held in the directors rooms on
January 13 and resulted in the in
creasing of the stock from $4,000 to
$4,000.
The proceedings of this meeting
are Of more than usual interest to
our citizens. Mrs. Mary c. Bahlke
was chosen director in place of DIR.
Bagley, whose absence from the city
has disqualified him from service, but
otherwise the old board was re-elect-
ed. Resolutions commendatory Of
DR.. Bagley's faithful service as
director since the organization Of the
bank in 1901 were adopted. This is
the first time in the history Of banks
in this part of the State, if not in
the State, that a woman has been
elected a bank director The stock
holders seem to think that women
are now coming into their own and
if this is to be accepted as true, GER
tainly no one of higher standing in
this community could have selected
lIldH hTS. DdIllhe lOI lnt HolOI IuuS
conferred upon her. Alma is always
bound TO respond to the demands of
the times.
The capital stock of the bank was
increased from forty thousand dollars
($4O OO0.00) to fifty thousand dollars
$3.50 000.00C The review of the
growth of this institution during the
past year was marked and reflects
great credit upon the management.
It has been found necessary to
again increase the facilities of the
institution, for the convenience of
the general public and the operating
force Of the bank. The new vault
will be built, extending across the
entire south end of the banking room
where the directors and storage
rooms are now located, the book
keeping department will be moved to
the second floor of the building over
the bank, to be reached by an in
side stairway. The old vault will be
torn down, the lobby will be en-
larged and two additional windows
will be installed in the fixtures so as
to more fully segregate and simplify
the work. Those improvements will
be undertaken at once.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
WILL CONSTRUCT
A NEW BUILDING
G. V. Wright Has Purchased
Masonic Lot on State Street
and Will Build.
WILL ERECT FUNERAL HOME
Structure Is to BE Two Stories and
Basement in Height and
lix60 Feet.

Announcement was made this
morning of the purchase of the Ma
sonic lot on State street by c. Vernon
Wright, we'll known furniture dealer
and funeral director, and the. con-
struction, in the very near future, of
a modern two story combined resi-
dence and funeral home on the site.
Not only will the building, which
will be Al by go feet, two stories and
basement in height, be used for a
funeral home and residence, but will
also contain a chapel for the holding
of funeral services. The building is
to be constructed Of brick and con-
crete and will give to Alma the most
modern establishment of the kind in
this section of the state.
In making the announcement this
morning, Mr. Wright stated, that it
was his intention of retaining the
present location in the Merchants
block for his furniture store.
The plans for the building call for
the main office, private office, a
chapel, and also the living rooms of
the residence on the first floor of the
structure.
On the second floor will be located
a room for casket display, and two
slumber rooms for the receiving of
embalmed bodies. The sleeping rooms
Of the residence portion of the build
ing will also be located on the second
floor.
The basement will contain modern
vapor heating plant, and fuel bunkers,
a first class casket trimming room
and the embalming room.
The plans call for an elevator,
which will connect the two floors and
the basement Of the building.
In making the announcement Of his
intention TO construct modern fun
eral home it was pointed out that the
growth Of his combined business in
the present location had been such
that the present quarters were toe
small to permit continuance of both
the furniture business and the under
taking business in the one location.
1t was also stated that between S2O.-
600 and $4,000 would probably be ex-
pended in the construction of the
modern building, which Mr.. Wright
expects to have here i'm the near fu-
ture
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
SlEG PROMOTED
+. T.. Sieg Is Made Assistant to the
General Sales Manager.

Announcement was made about a
week ago that Z. E. Sieg of this city,
has been appointed as assistant to
Thomas NJ. House, general sales man.
ager of the Republic Motor Truck
Co. Inc
In making the appointment Mr..
House followed his policy Of building
his organization of men with exper-
ience with the conditions and dealer
organization of the Republic Com
pany.
Mr.. Sieg has been with the Repub-
lie Company practically since it
started, has occupied many positions
during his connection with the COM
pany, and in accepting his present
position vacates the offices Of Credit
manager.
w. r. Tomlin who was formerly
Mr.. Sieg's assistant in the Credit de-
partment was advanced to the posi-
tion of credit manager.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
WORK TO START IN SPRING
Desirability of Municipal Hos
pital is Receiving Attention
of City Commission.

Indications are beginning to point
towards 1920 as being year that
will be marked by wonderful progress
in municipal affairs in the City of
Alma, which should prove wonder
full aid in stimulating the growth of
the community in the future, a
growth that should continue in the
next few years as rapidly as the
growth that Alma has experienced
within the last few years.
The first big indication of these i'm
provements was given this week
when the city commission gave Will
nam Z. Reynolds, city manager, power
to ask for bids for thousands of dol
lars worth of sewer construction in
Alma this spring.
This work had been contemplated
for some few years past, and bond
issue had been voted for the work,
but because of the war and the ne
cessity of making some changes to
meet the requirements of the state
board of health, the work was held
up. An o. k. was given to the work
about week ago by the state board
of health, showing that City Manager
Reynolds had complied with all of the
desires of the state.
Bids for the sewer construction are
to be received on February 2, and
will cover approximately $4,000 feet
Of eight inch sewer construction. One
hundred and sixteen manholes are al
SO to be built in connection with the
work.
A municipal hospital is also being
given some discussion, although plans
for such a proposition are far from
worked out. 1t is known that DR.. l..
n. Brainerd Ama's veteran surgeon,
is willing to sell his hospital and
equipment 90 the city on very reason
able terms, and the city officials are
looking into the matter with a view
Of ascertaining the desirability of
acquiring the hospital.
In an interview yesterday DR.. T. j.
Carney who also conducts a private
hospital here, stated that he favored
such a plan. as do other physicians of
the city This week he purchased the
old Abbott property at the corner of
Wood, or,n and Downey streets for a
hospital, as his lease on the Shepard
place on South Woodwork avenue is
about to expire, but said that this
had been done in order that he might
protect himself. He stated that he
could not see why d municipal hospit-
al could not be made TO be a paying
proposition.
If, after due investigation, the city
officials find that it would be desirable
for Alma to acquire the hospital, it
is very probable that local people will
be asked to pass upon the matter at
a special election to bond for the
money needed to purchase the hos
pital and equipment.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
ORATORICAL CONTESTS
Freshmen at College Win Both Mems
and Women's Contests.

The mems and women's oratorical
contests at Alma college this year,
to chose representatives TO represent
the institution at the Michigan Inter
collegiate Oratorical contest to be
held in March, had an unusual ending
this year, freshmen winning both
contests, and defeating the winners
of these contests year ago.
Miss Alberta Bowman of this city,
former high school orator, won the
woman's contest with the grafton,
Education a Means Of Americana
ation," defeating Miss Blanche Mash
in of Chicago, winner of the honors
last year. Miss Mashin took second
place with the grafton, The Voice of
Freedom"
J. Thomas Dasef of Stanton, with
the oration, "The Marks of a Man."
was given first in the mems contest
held Tuesday evening. Lyle De Barn
hart of Berrien Springs, Alma's repre-
sentative Of a year ago, was given
second place with the grafton, "The
Return of the Mayhower.
Professor Cornelius, Superintendent
of Schools Kelder, Rev. Gelston, c. H..
Goggin, and Miss Carroll were the
Judges in the women's contest. The
judges for the mems contest were DR..
Brokenshire, Supt. j. w. Kelder, Rev
Gelston, c. II. Goggin. and Miss Car
roll.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
S. S. "City of Alma"
Modern Type of Ship
Months of Time Saved Construction of Fabricated Ship;
Plates Being Rolled to Proper Contour
at Mills and Punched.

Under this plan, plates are received
ready for erection, although at the
Hartman yard an extensive shop is
maintained to take care of special
plates and to bend the channels form
ing the side frames.
The vessels building at this yard
are carriers of 5000 to 5000 dead
over all of Az ft., beam of "a f. and
loaded draft Of % #. These are
ships known as the 5000 ton class.
Each is equipped with a reduction
gear turbine of 1000 horsepower and
battery of three boilers. The ships
embody the very latest ideas in de-
sign and construction. The quarters
for both officers and crew are es-
pecial commodious and convenient, the
heating, lighting and sanitary fea-
lures being in harmony with the lat
est and most approved practice. In
their accommodations for the crews,
these ships, in common with with all
others which have been built for the
u. S. Shipping Board, offer a vast
improvement over those construct
ed before the war and are quite pala-
tial in comparison with the quarters
provided by many Of the older ships
flying foreign flags.
However. the greatest departure
Of these ships from standard prac-
tice lies in the fact that their boilers
are equipped to burn oil instead of
coal, although they are readily con-
vertible into the coal burning type
should it ever be desired to make the
change. This was another wartime
departure aimed to increase the car
rying capacity Of the ships and at the
same time decrease the time usually
required to refuel, oil being taken
aboard much more quickly and con
veniently than coal. The oil is stored
in water-tight compartments forming
the bottom Of the ship and ordinar-
ily filed with water for ballast pur-
poses. The usual coal bunker space
is thus available for cargo storage
Although this was wartime
measure. so successful has il turned
out i'm practice that the oil-burning
ship undoubtedly will largely replace
the coal burner Oi fueling stations
have been or are being rapidly es-
tablshed in all portions of the world
so that it is possible for a ship Of
tAis type to go practically anywhere
For instance, the s. s "Costigan."
built at the Hartman yard, and now
operated by the Independent Steam
ship Corporation of New York, left
recently on a round-the-world voyage,
via the Panama Canal.
Mayor Charles r. Murphy and Mr.
Charles c. Rhodes of this city, who
were present at the launching, were
informed that the official blue prints
of the vessel. and the official govern
ment photographs Of the ship would
be sent to the city, and it is expected
that they will be on display in the
library room of the city hall, when
they are received 1t is expected that
it will be about month before the
pictures are ready for exhibition
here
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
Municipal Work
To Be Extensive
City Preparing for the Additional Construction of $4,000
Feet of Eight-Inch Sewer Mains and Manhoes
to Present System
ANNUAL MEETING
First State Bank Stockholders Held
Session Last Week.

The annual meeting of the First
State Bank was held January 13 in
the directors room of the bank, 4SS
of the 500 shares being represented
at the meeting, which brought out
some interesting facts regarding the
growth of the institution and some
of the plans of the bank officials for
the future.
That the stockholders of the bank
are entirely satisfied with the con-
dition of the affairs of the institution
is made evident from the fact that
the same board of directors was re-
elected. The board members are l..
A. Sharp, Francis King, Perley M.
Smith, Henry II. Soule, Charles G..
Rhodes, Charles o. Ward and Carl
II. Washbun.
The report of the business affairs
of the institution is of considerable
interest as it shows continuation
of the growth of the bank, which
naturally indicates a similar condi-
tion for the city and surrounding
territory. In addition to paying its
regular dividend last year, and bank
paid about 100000 as interest to
the depositors of the institution.
Comparative statements of the past
few years shows that the bank has
been enjoying a fine growth, the re-
sources having increased from $52S,-
31514 in 1915 to S1,590,3l4.09 at the
close of the year 1919. The record of
the bank in the Liberty Loans was
also given and indicated that this
bank had placed S815,000 worth of
the government securities in all, or
about one-third of the total bonds
purchased in the entire county. During
the past year four new nests of safe
ty deposit boxes have been installed,
that better service might be rendered
TO the patrons Of the bank.
Included among the achievements
Of the bank during the past year has
been the increasing Of the capital
stock and the surplus from $4,000
each to 100000 each, the additional
fund being needed because of the de-
mands being made on the bank, by
It's wonderful growth.
A separate savings department has
already been opened, which is one
of the things. which the bank has
been planning under the remodeling
and charging Of the banking home
Plans, which are still being worked
et contemplate the doubling of the
working capacity Of the office as soon
as weather conditions will permit
At the beginning of the present
year a new member was added to
the force Of the bank, Clifford Cum
mings, who recently returped from
the service, having accepted a posi-
,ion there.
Following the meeting of the stock
holders, the directors met and elected
officers as follows: president. Lester
A. Sharp; vice president, Francis
King; cashier, Carl H. Washburn
assistant cashiers, John S. Knoertzer
Francis o. Parker and William Nc
Fadden; teller, Albert Dumas
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
PAINTING or WRIGHT
GIVEN TO COLLEGE
Beautiful Picture Was Unveiled
at Appropriate Exercises
Held Tuesday A. NJ.

Tuesday forenoon in the chapel Of
Alma college, at a simple, but none
the less impressive service, a large
painting of the late Ammi w.
Wright, one of the founders of the
institution, and the greatest bene-
factor in Alma's history, was un-
yelled, by DR.. j. T. Ewing, senior
member of the faculty.
The chapel was we'll crowded for
the exercises, practically every stud
ent Of the institution, the faculty
members. members of the board Of
trustees, and numerous friends Of
the college, who lVe in Alma being
present.
Following the opening song Of the
service, and the invocation by Rev.
Louis Brooks of Howell, member Of
the board of trustees, President II.
NJ. Crooks told of the way in which it
happened that Mrs. j. II. Lancashire,
daughter of the benefactor of the
college, had come to make the splend-
id gift TO the institution He stated
that the picture is production of
"a painting in the dining room of the
Lancashire home in New York City,
and that the figure in the painting is
just q of an inch larger than the
one which is in the home Of the
doner The gift is a painting by /.
NJ. Gaugengigl of Boston, Mass, and
it is understood 10 be valued at over
50 900, although this latter PROPOSE
ton was not made public.
President H. NJ. Crooks called upon
Lester A. Sharp, an associate with
Mr.. Wright for many years, for a
short address in regard to the bene-
factor of this institution, and he paid
a glowing tribute to the memory Of
the man, who had done so much in
aiding Michigan Presbyterians in
founding a college, and in making
Alma a worth while community.
Hastily Mr.. Sharp slipped over the
years of Mr. Wright's business ca
reer, bringing out some of the great
enterprises which he had made pos
sible, his success in numbering. in
railroads, in merchantile enterprises,
etc, to bring out the keen business
judgment that was displayed, the
clear judgment that he had for
weighing men, whom he used as his
lieutenants in business affairs, the
way that he guarded his good name,
his kindness, and his philanthropy.
DR.. James NJ. Barkley, chairman
of the board Of trustees Of the col
lege was then called upon for a
short address. He stated that the
gift TO the college was a display of
affection for the institution for which
Mr.. Wright had done so much.
He spoke Of the efforts that were
being made to secure funds, notably
for a science hall for the college,
funds which are being sought
not only in Michigan but in all parts
of the country. He stated that
Michigan, fortieth among the states
in education must do something
through its people for educational in
stitutions before sought for aid from
the outside would be available.
In closing his address he called at
tention TO the great demand that
there was in the world today for
trained men and women, to regener-
ate tho world, and that il was in
cumbrant on the youth of America
TO answer this call for regeneration
This was followed by the unveiling
of the painting by DR.. j. T. Ewing,
after which the exercises were closed
by a prayer by Rev. Barkley.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
TRUSTEES Of ALMA
COLLEGE MET HERE
Student Control Was Adopted (;
Tuition and Room Rents
Raised at Meeting.

The midyear meeting of the Board
of Trustees of Alma college was held
Tuesday in the presidents office in
the administration building, the most
important features of which were
the granting of a ten per cent in
crease in salaries to the instructors
in the institution and raising of
tuition fees.
Last year the trustees gave the
instructors an increase of twenty per
cent in salaries, and the total in
crease, which has been granted to
them since 1916 is reported by Presi-
dent II. NJ. Crooks TO be approximate
ly forty-fve per cent.
The trustees also voted TO increase
the tuition $4,000 per year, effective
next September This will make the
tuition at the college $4,000 per year
II was also voted to increase the
room rent $500 per year. 1t was
felt that these raises must be made,
because of existing nigh prices,
which the college also is forced to
contend with.
The student-faculty plan Of self
government in campus activities,
which had been recommended to the
trustees for their consideration by
the faculty and was given a thought
full consideration. The trustees fin
ally adopted the plan for student con-
troll in these activities, with trial
period of two years, at which time
report as TO the results is to be sub
mitted to the trustees upon which a
decision as TO the permanency of the
Professor Kendall Brooks of Mt
The trustees also approved of the
plans for the joint publicity and fin
ancial campaign in 1920, in which
Adrian, Albion, Hillsdale, Hope, Kal-
,amazoo and Alma colleges are to
take part. BY their action Tuesday
Alma college becomes the first to
approve Of the plan. The trustees
appointed President H. NJ. Crooks of
the college and Professor Lyman of
Ypsiianri Normal, trustee of the
college, as the Alma representatives
on the inter-college committee.
The resignation Of John F. Seeley
of Caro- and Rev. Daniel Stalker Of
Calumet as trustees were accepted.
The former has been in i'll health for
sometime, while the latter has moved
from Calumet and out Of the state
The resignation OF c. B. Chatfield
of Bay City, treasurer Of the college
since 1911, was also accepted, but he
is to continue the duties until new
treasurer is secured. There is no
decision yet as to who may be ap-
pointed and il may be some few
months yet, before Mr.. Chatfield is
relieved Of the duties.
The officers of the Board of Trust
ees were elected at the Tuesday
meeting as follows: chairman, DR..
James Barkley of Detroit; vice chair
man, Francis King Of Alma; secre-
tary and assistant treasurer, Albert
P. Cook of Alma; treasurer, c. b.
Chatfield Of Bay City.
The trustees who attended the ses-
sion were j. W. S. Pierson of Slant
on, Rev. Louis Brooks of Mason.
Professor Kendall Brook of Mt.
Pleasant, NJ. w. Tanner of Saginaw,
c. B. Chatfeld of Bay City, w. o.
Hughhart, Jr. of Grand Rapids, DR..
James NJ. Barkley Of Detroit and
Francis King and Lester A. Sharp of
this city.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
FIRE SUNDAY

The fire department was called to
the home of c. G.. Falor on East Su-
perior street Sunday evening, where a
blaze had started in the basement
from some unknown cause, By the
time the department arrived on the
scene, the fire had gained a good
headway, going up through the par
titions into the attic. IL required
some little time to extinguish the
flames, with q damage to the house
and furniture, which is estimated at
~, 200.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1920-01-22
SEEKS ELECTRIC SERVICE

A petition, said to have been signed
by a large number Of residents of
Harrison has been sent to the Cen
trail Michigan Light & Power COM
pany of this city, asking for an extern
sion Of the company's electric lines
to that place.
Harrison has municipal plant,
which is furnishing both light and
water TO the Clare county community,
but judging from the petition sent to
the local concern, the municipal plant
is not a paying proposition.