The History of EMMET COUNTY, 1884Page 143-152 Part 2 |
CHAPTER XXIII
NEWSPAPERS-INDUSTRIES-EARLY MOVEMENTS-BEGINNING OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES-GRAND ARMY POST-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS-THE VILLAGE INCORPORATED- THE LEGEND OF DEVIL'S POND-AN EDITOR'S SOLILOQUY-SUMMER RESORT
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER
The Harbor Springs Republican was the first newspaper published in the village. It was started in May, 1876, by Warren Bowen. Mr. L. A. Clark did the mechanical work, and the following September purchased the office. The Republican was started as a six-column folio, and has been since enlarged to a six-column quarto, its present size. The paper has been and is Republican in politics, and a staunch advocate of local interests. Its circulation is very large, and its general business prosperous. Mr. Clark has continued editor and proprietor since he purchased the office. He is a native of the city of Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of thirteen years he began to work at printing at Hillsdale, Mich., and has followed printing and journalism most of the time since. April, 1801, he enlisted in Company A, Twelfth Indiana Regiment, and was in service about two years. He was than transferred to the government bureau of printing at Nashville, Tenn., where he remained until the close of the war. In the spring of 1876 he came to Harbor Springs from Missouri. In May the Republican was started by Warren Bowen, and Mr. Clark did the mechanical work. The following September he purchased the office, and has conducted it to the present time. The paper was started as a six-column quarto and is now a six-column folio, and has an unusually large circulation. In 1877 he was appointed postmaster, which office he held until the spring of 1884. He is also president of the Harbor Springs Novelty Works and Saw-Mill Company, and has extensive farming interests in the county. He has a wife and one son. Mr. Clark has labored zealously to advance the public welfare of Harbor Springs and Emmet County.
In June, 1876, a number of the people of the Methodist persuasion, met at the residence of W. W. Bowen, and perfected a Sabbath-school organization, officered as follows : W. W. Bowen, superintendent ; G. W. Seger, assistant superintendent ; H. Martin, Secretary; Edward Furgerson, librarian; Millard Smith, treasurer; W. W. Bowen, chorister and Miss A. Barber, assistant. This movement was followed a little later by the organization of a church society.
July 4th, the centennial anniversary was observed by a general celebration in the village, the following being the programme of exercises: Officers of the day: President, C. D. Hampton; orator, C. S. Hampton; reader, Frank Wells; historian, C. W. Ingalls; chaplain, J. J. Cook; marshal, G. W. Dickinson.
ORDER OF EXERCISES:-National salute at sunrise. At 8 o'clock a. m., a Centennial Pole will be raised and the Star Spangled Banner flung to the breeze. At 10 o'clock a. m., the people will repair with their baskets to the grove near the Charlotte House, where they will be entertained according to the following>
PROGRAMME OF THE DAY
Chairman, Dr. C. D. Hampton. - Prayer, by the chaplain. Music, by Glee Club. Reading Declaration. Music. Oration. Music. Poem. Dinner. Music. History of county. Toasts and responses. Music. Benediction. Sack race after exercises.
Among other business interests in the summer of 1876 were: Manning F. Drake, harness maker; C. Perry, gunsmith; the Charlotte Hotel, G, L. Smith, proprietor; Turner & Andrews, lawyers. G. W. Seger and E. B. Husted, builders; Perry Manning, mason; H. Furgerson, barber; John Quick, and McLaren & Stevens, black-smiths. During the season A. J. Blackbird erected a building for the post-office. Heretofore the office had been kept in the kitchen of his dwel1ing-house.
HARBOR SPRINGS CHURCHES
The Methodist Episcopal society was first started in Sept ember, 1876, and was one of the early Protestant organizations in the county. Steps toward erecting a house of worship were immediately taken, but the building was not finished until 1882. The pastors have been
 St John's Episcopal ChurchRevs. J. M. Whitney, C. B. Holding, E. G. Stevens, E. F. Nowell,
E. Marble. There are about forty members of the society. | The Presbyterian Church dates from June, 1878, and the first pastor was Rev. John J. Cook. In 1881 the name was changed to the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs, and during that year a church building was erected. It was dedicated December 18, 1881. The building cost $1,200 and was free from debt when dedicated. The pastors since Mr. Cook have been Revs. J. Clements, E. M. Ellis and A. H. Gaston. There are about thirty members. The Baptist society was organized in 1879 and the first pastor was Rev. T. S. Parmelee. A church building was erected in 1883 and dedicated December 12th. There are about sixty members. The present pastor is Rev. L. J. Trumbull. St. John's Episcopal society was started after resorters began to visit this point. A neat chapel was built and dedicated in July 1883. The ground was donated by Dr. Crandall, of La Porte, Indiana, and Parker & Southard, of Harbor Springs. The building was a free gift of Charles Scott, of Connecticut. A sketch of this building appears to the left. The Catholic Church, which is a central figure in the history of the place, has already been mentioned.
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This paper was started in 1878 as "The Emmet County Independent" in what was then the Indian village of Little Traverse. Charles S. Hampton was editor and proprietor, and Benton Bement, a newspaper man of ability and experience, was publisher. They published a lively, enterprising, seven-colunin folio three years, when Mr. Bement's contract expired. With the beginning of volume five, June, 1882, the paper was changed to an eight-column folio, improved in several particulars, and the name changed to The Northern Independent
In spite of all the difficulties and obstacles incident to the pubilcation of a paper in a new and sparsely settled region the Independent has steadily grown in strength and public favor. It was started with less than a five hundred dollar outfit, and its office was the old weather-beaten trading post building. It now occupies a spacious and convenient building of its own on Main Street, has a fully equipped newspaper and job Office, including steam presses, etc. During the summer of 1883 the publisher issued a six-column dailypaper called "The Daily Resorter" which was so well received by the public, and especially by the summer visitors, that it is his intention to continue its publication every summer.
CHARLES S. HAMPTON, proprietor of the Independent was born in the township of Medina, Lenawee County, September 10th, 1856. His parents are Carlos D. and Cornelia C. Hampton. His earliest recollections are of Texas, where his parents moved in 1858, and whence they were driven out as Union refugees in 1862.
His first schooling was received at Hudson where his parents lived four years, removing to Muir when he was ten years old. In 1872 he entered Adrian College, from which institution he graduated in 1875. The same year he was engaged as principal of the first graded school ever taught in Petoskey, and the following year organized and taught the first graded school ever held in Little Traverse. He has been identified more or less with educational work ever since, and is president of the Emmet County teachers association. He was twice elected justice of the peace, the first time the year he was twenty-one, and was nominated for the legislature by the Greenback party in 1880, but declined.
In the spring of 1878 be started the publication of the Emmet County Independent, at Little Traverse, and has made his paper one of the most successful and influential in northern Michigan.
IN THE YEAR 1878
In the summer of 1878 some of the business interests of the village were mentioned as follows: The most extensive business operations are carried on by Mr. W. E. Parker. In addition to a large store of general merchandise, Mr. Parker owns and runs a first-class saw-mill. He is also engaged in the purchase of bark, wood, wheat, and every product that the country supplies, which is shipped to western markets.
A. M. Weston came here during the present year from Albion, Mich., and immediately commenced the erection of a store building, which he completed and stocked with a fine assortment of general merchandise. He has a large and steadily increasing trade, and is deserving the confidence of the public.
In 1877 Mr. E. H. Martindale opened a store for the exclusive sale of hardware and building materals.
Our photographers, Lathrop & Co., have a well arranged gallery, with facilities for making all the different kinds of pictures.
Mrs. J. M. Burbeck supplies the ladies of this vicinity with everything in the line of millinery goods.
A blacksmith shop owned by W. E. Parker, is in active operation, under the supervision of J. Gardner, an efficient disciple of Vulcan. Wagons and sleighs are made and repaired in the same building.
The jewelry business is represented by Mr. S. Marsh, who also conducts a bakery. Another bakery and confectionery store is kept by Dr. Clark, next door to Martindale's. Philo Crysler still keeps a stock of groceries and liquors at the Ferry House, and is also engaged in the ferry business between this place and Petoskey. The latter business was first commenced in a sail boat, and persevered in through good and bad times, until he was enabled to put on the steamer M. W. Wright.
While speaking of the ferry business, we will not forget the North Star, under the management of William Sullivan, who came here during the present season, and informs us he has come to stay. The Star is a lively boat, and under its present management is doing a good business.
The hotels number three: The Emmet House, kept by G. W. Dickinson; the Star, by J. P. Smith; and the Charlotte House, by G. L. Smith. In the spring, the Emmet House was enlarged one-half, but still has been insufficient to meet the demand. The other hotels have likewise been crowded to their utmost capacity, and a large proportion of the visitors to this place have had to seek board with private families.
The legal profession has three representatives: A. J. Southard, J. S. Andrews, and G. W. Stoneburner.
Not the least important branch of business is that of dealing in real estate, as people are constantly coming here to purchase or locate land. This business is carried on extensively by J. M. Burbeck, A. J. Southard, R. S. Thomas, James Bell, J. S. Andrews and A. J. Blackbird.
The tonsorial artist is Henry S. Ferguson, who has worked up a fair business, which is steadily increasing.
The newest branch of business is that of a meat market, conducted by Henry Comstock. This is something that is much needed, and adds much to the convenience of living in Little Traverse.
L. A. Clark, postmaster, is the proprietor of the first newspaper started in this village, the Little Traverse Republican, which has recently been enlarged to a seven-column paper. He also keeps an assortment of stationery, confectionery, etc., and is agent for the American Organ Company, and also for the Humburg line of steamers for all parts of Europe.
The Independent was established June 4, 1878.
GRAND ARMY POST
Richardson Post, G. A. B., No. 13, was mustered in May 11, 1880, by H. U. Holton, of Grand Rapids, and the following officers July installed: Commander, Benjamin Whitaker; S. V. C., C. W. Ingalls; J. V. C., Perry Manning; adjutant, George W. Stoneburner; Q. M., Henry Slabaugh; sergeant, C. D. Hampton; chaplain, M. F. Drake; 0. S., C. A. Ingalls; 0. G., George W. Seger; Q. M. S., Isaac Wade; S. M., Enos Warble. There sare in 1884 about ninety-four members. Officers in 1884: Commander, C. D. Hampton; S. V., Samuel L. Barber; J. V., S. J. Rome; Q., F. F. Main; sergeant, C. D. Hampton; 0. D., W. H. Harris; chaplain, C. W. Ingalls; 0. G., Conrad Zoll; adjutant, A. L. Hathaway; S. M., C. E. Judd; Q. M., S. N. Therry.
The new school building on the bluff was built in 1877, The principal in 1884 is M. C. Ladd.
The flouring-mill was built in 1879 by A. J. Southard and W. E. Parker. It now owned and operated by Mr. Southard.
The banking business was established by A. T. Southard in January, 1882, and is still carried on by him.
The saw-mill built by W. E. Parker is now operated by Thomas Neil.
A toothpick factory and a foundry are among the recent additions to the industries of the village.
Lake Park Hotel, a large resort house, was built in 1883. It is a four-story building and so situated as to command a fine view of the bay.
The village is having a steady and healthy growth. The business men take an active interest in encouraging industries, and in promoting the general prosperity of the village. The opening of the railroad to connect with the Grand Rapids & Indiana Road at Petoskey in 1880 gave the place increased facilities for travel and transportation, and was an important auxiliary to local progress.
Since 1879 the traces of earlier days have rapidly disappeared. The village is spreading beyond the former limits, and the foundation of its prosperity is being strengthened every year.
HARBOR SPRINGS NOVELTY WORKS
This industry was projected in 1883 and organized under the title of the Novelty Works and Saw Mill Co. The members of the corporation are L. A. Clark, president; A. J. Holmes, vice-president; W. W. Bowen, Secretary; C. S. Barton, treasurer, and George W. Seger and A. D. Rice. The works are located on the shore of the bay, and commenced operating early in 1884. All kinds of turned goods and hard and soft wood lumber are manufactured.
INCORPORATED UNDER A VILLAGE CHARTER
In the winter of 1881 a bill to incorporate the village of Harbor Springs, was passed by the legislature, and is as follows:
SECTION 1. The people of the State of Michigan enact, That all that territory situated and being in the township of
Little Traverse, in the county of Emmet and state of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: The south half of the southeast
quarter and the south half of the southwest quarter of Section 12 and Lot 1, and the northeast quarter of Section 14 and all
of Section 13 except that portion which is known as the grounds of the Harbor Point association, and which lies south of a
line commencing at Station 0, or northeast comer of Lot 23 of Glenn's survey of the lands around the village of Little Traverse,
running thence south twenty-seven degrees west, fifteen chains and twenty-seven links to the margin of Little Traverse Bay,
all in Township 35 north, of the Range 6 west, and the west half of the northwest quarter of Section
is in Township 35 north, of Range 5 west, be and the same is hereby constituted a village corporate, to be known
as the village of Harbor Springs.
SEC. 2. The first election of officers of said village shall be held on the second Tuesday in April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty-one, at the circuit court room in said village, notice of which shall be posted in three of the most public places in said village, at least ten days before the time of said election, which notice shall be signed by five freeholders in said village.
SEC. 3. James M. Burbeck, William J. Clarke, and Benton Bement, are hereby constituted a board of registration for the purpose of registering the names of voters for the first election to be held in said village, and said board of registration are hereby required to meet at the court room in said village, on the Saturday previous to the second Tuesday of April, eightteen hundred and eighty-one, and register all persons presenting themselves for registration, and having the qualifications of voters at annual township meetings; notice of which meeting shall be posted in four of the most public places in said village, at least ten days before said meeting tnd shall be signed by said board of registration.
SEC. 4. The said village of Harbor Springs shall in all things not herein otherwise provided, be governed and its powers and duties defined by an act entitled "An act granting and defining the powers and duties of incorporated villages," approved April first, eighteen hundred and seventy-five, and amendments thereto.
SEC. 5. In case the said officers are-not elected at the time designated in Section 2 of this act, an election may be held at any time within one year from the time designated in Section 2 of this act, on notice being given as provided in said Section 2.
The first charter election was held in April, 1881, and resulted in the election of the following officers: President, C. D. Hampton; clerk, E. Bement; treasurer E. J. Palmer; assessor, W. H. Miller; constable, Merritt Scott; trustees, W. W. Bowen, W. E. Parker, N. Hinman, J. M. Burbeck, I. Canby and E. H. Martindale.
Officers elected each year since 1881, as follows:
1882:-President, A. T. Long; clerk, F. C. Wells; treasurer, Elias Palmer; trustees, G.
W. Dickinson, A. L. Deuel, W. J. Clark.
1883: -President, C. R. Wright; clerk, S. Harner; treasurer, J. M. Burbeck; trustees, M. J. Erwin, E. Parker, P. Crysler. 1884:-President, C. R. Wright; clerk, S. M. Harner; trustees, C. W. Caskey, W. H. Lee, C. D. Hampton, W. B. Smith. street-commssioner, Ed. Furguson; assessor, A, L. Deuel; treasurer, J. M. Burbeck; constable, John Swift.
THE LEGEND OF DEVIL'S POND
Back of the saw-mill, near the base of Harbor Point, is a little pool or pond. There is a tradition that at one time a channel at this
point separated the point from the main land, and the little pool is all that is now left of the channel. There is a legend connected
with this channel and pool, which is known to many of the Indians, and which is related as follows:
Upon the island of Mackinac dwelt a great spirit who ruled over the region of the Straits and bestowed on the lndians of this entire
region either blessings or curses, as his own sweet will and the exigencies of the case demanded.
The name of this supernatural ruler was Potchinonge, and his commands were executed by a hand of lesser spirits of varying capacities for good and bad, and all of whom made the "fairy island" their home. They constituted quite a colony, and were at the time before the advent of the pale face quite familiar with the ordinary inhabitants of the earth.
Oft did the bands of 0jibwa Indians, returning from victorious though the taunting face of the evil spirit at times appeared above the waves, he saw no more the one be loved. At last he set to work to accomplish the task which should surely restore him his bride, for according to the legends, a "great spirit," however bad, cannot break his word.
Ages ruled away, and as a result of Wendebajig's labor the channel became gradually more shoal and narrower.
At last, after centuries of labor, a reef of sand stretched from shore to shore, the island was a peninsula, and the harbor was formed.
The land grew steadily in extent until it now covers the entire channel, except the deep pool in whose dark depths Matchimanitou's remains are concealed. And the tireless worker is moving a great sand hill slowly but surely toward this pond.
When the swift autumnal gales sweep over the lake and the waves lash the shore of the portage, the shadowy form of Wendebajig can be seen on the beach as he throws aloft a shower of sand, which is blown up the long hill and over its abrupt crest, pouring down the other side to help fill the basin.
Some of the Indians living here, can remember when Matchimanitou's voice was heard from the pond shouting derisively at the indefatigable toiler, and until very recently it was necessary to quell his spirit by occasional incantations and firing of volleys into the pond, accompanied by the other ceremonies of " shooting the devil."
Since the building of the mill he has never been seen nor heard. Thus runs the legend of Matchimanitou and Wakasamoque and Devil's Pond.
AN EDITOR’S SOLILOQUY
In the spring of 1892, the old building that was built by Richard Cooper about the year 1854, was removed. The editor of the Independent bade the old landmark good-by as follows:
The old building on the beach which was erected as a trading post nearly thirty years old and which has been used as a store, county jail, residence, printing office, boat house, cooper shop and depot, has at last succumbed to fate and the ceaseless march of progress.
For years it was the center for a region extending twenty miles in every direction. Vessels landed at the dock in front of it, and the long, low building with the flag pole at the end was the first object that met the eye of a person entering the harbor.
One-morning, about seven years ago, we arrived at the dirty, sleepy little Indian village, composed entirely of log and block houses, many of them roofed with bark and fenced with palisades, and without a new board or even a bright shingle to be seen. We called at this building and received some information from an obliging, generous, outspoken, devil-may-care young fellow, who was running all the county, township, and school district offices, and running many of them in better shape than they sometimes have been since.
Looking at the many new buildings that have since sprung up on the site of the tumble down Indian huts, we can scarcely recollect how the town looked then. One by one the old landmarks have disappeared.
The Indians often sit upon the bluff and look down upon the busy town which the white man is building upon the shores of the lovely harbor, where the wigwams of their ancestors stood, where they were born, and where they lived 'their careless, idle, happy life; and who can wonder that their eyes grow dim and the stolid features settle into sterner lines, as they think of the changes time has wrought?
The march of improvement is irresistible. One by one the links that bind us to the past are broken. We rejoice in the prosperity that has come upon the place, but we can scarcely suppress a sigh to think that the last, reminder of the tradition and legends of the poetical past will soon disappear.
The old building which braved the elements for thirty years, having been struck by lightning twice, and on fire several times, has been pulled down to make room for the new and tasty depot erected beside it. The destruction is typical of the change from the business of Indian causes and Mackinaw boats to the rushing energy of the iron steed.
SUMMER RESORTS
Harbor Point and We-que-ton-sing are suburbs of Harbor Springs, and during the summer season contribute greatly to the activity of the village. The bluff that towers above the village is a favorite spot with all tourists, as from its summit is to be obtained a view that is unsurpassed in grandeur and beauty. The two resorts named have already been described on preceding pages.
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