Pioneer recollections
Subtitle: semi-historic side lights on the early days of Lansing
By: by Daniel S. Mevis (Uncle Dan)
Publisher: Robert Smith printing company
Published: 1911
Place of publication: Lansing, Mich
Language: eng
Number of pages: 129
Subjects: Frontier and pioneer life -- Michigan; Lansing (Mich.)
Description: Contains the author's recollections of the early settlement and development of Lansing, Michigan, particularly during the late 1840s and early 1850s. Mevis's family moved there (1847) as it was being laid out as the future state capitol. Much of Pioneer Recollections is devoted to tales and anecdotes about pioneer life in Lansing and elsewhere. As a teenager, Mevis was a companion of members of the Okemos tribe of Indians, and he describes their mode of hunting deer and a small, dug-out canoe that the chief gave him. In addition to farm chores, serving as town crier, and working as a "printer's devil" at the local newspaper, Mevis sold refreshments at a tent show (McFarland's Pavilion Theater) and engaged in many entrepreneurial activities, which leads him to reminisce about Lansing's first businessmen. He also enjoyed sleigh rides, dancing parties, corn husking, logging bees, holiday celebrations, and many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, searching for snakes, making maple sugar, and gathering greens, fruits, and wildflowers. Mevis includes a list of Lansing's early inhabitants, with photographs of some of the men.
Notes: Also available in digital form on the Library of Congress Web site.