Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1892, Part 14

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Publication date: 1892
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USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1892 > Part 14

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BUSINESS HOUSES, ; INCORPORATED COMPANIES,

TRADESMEN,

PROFESSIONAL MEN,

CAPITALISTS,

ASSOCIATIONS, CLUBS,

MANUFACTURERS, ETC, ETC.

SOCIETIES, BENEVOLENT and Charitable Institutions

ASYLUMS, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, COLLEGES.

Branch Offices, and Sub-Managers in all Parts of the Union, to Supply

Miscellaneous Information. Lists of Business Opportunities. Descriptive Sketch of any City, Town, Village and Settlement in the United States or Canada. Price and Character of Land, Timber, Mineral, Etc., Etc. Bonded Indebtedness of any County of Town, Rate of Taxation, Etc., Etc.

City Officials, Nearest Postoffice, Railroad Station. or Bank. Stage Routes to any Point, Population, County Seats and Officers. Collection Laws of Each State, Etc.

Most Complete File of Directories in the World.

Embracing Every State and Territory and City and Town In this Country and. Canada, and many European Cities, thereby Enabling us to

TRACE INDIVIDUALS

Whose address may be desired.| In short we are prepared to supply informa- tion of all kinds and from all quarters. Address all Communications to

R. L. POLK & CO.,

122 La Salle Street,

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

The story of Picturesque Mackinac has caused thousands of strangers to visit our Northem Lakes, Its truthful pictures by both pen and pencil excite wonder and admiration. The original design, embracing both lustrative and typographical features, has recently been much improved, and the revised edition, now in press,

simsed And of soumis un sivas & o diazas un papiercas of the year auf to close

A LAKE

JOUR

ICTUR

NAC

DETROIT MICH.

ILLUSTRATED

CIAL ARTISTE

HISTORICAL HAND

JIDESCRIPTIVE

willcertainly prove the most powerful exponent of the Great Lakes even published, while as a tourist guide li is. Tized, as it both interests and instructs. Address E. B. WHITCOMB, DETROIT, MICH.

A synopsis of the book, under title of-" Midsummer Voyages on Northern Seas," containing additional routes and rates, mailed free of charge, on application ..

N presenting this little pamphlet, the writer assumes that the public,

or at least that portion of it that goes from home during the summer months, is well educated to the efficacy of vacations, and will not waste the limited space at his command by useless homilies on

that over-written subject. Instead, it is intended to tell, in a fair and impassible manner, of the delights of a lake trip, and, by means of practical descriptions and detailed, informa- tion of the company's routes, aid the prospective tourist in his selections:

Travel on the water may truthfully be called the acme of delight, pleasing, as it does, more generally than any other source of amusement, the extremes of all classes and tempera- ments. Again, while it gently stimulates that zest for adven- ture, so inherent in every American bosom, it accomplishes its main purpose by overcoming the weariness or ennui occasioned by the hot weather and enabling humanity to make the most out of a short resting spell. It is hard to determine from which conditions these results spring; the new and novel life, whereby the over-wrought brain is diverted in spite of itself to insignifi- cant matters involving little or no mental exertion, the life- giving ozone distilled by the tremendous expanse of air and water penetrated, the constant unrolling of those grand beauties of nature so beneficial to every temperament, or the enforced absence from all suggestions of business or household ; they can invariably be depended on to do their work, however.

The invalid, especially if suffering from hay-fever or bron- chial affections, may be equally certain of beneficial results. Mackinac and Petoskey are so celebrated as sanitariums for these maladies that we shall not sound their praises here, It is not so well known, but assuredly a fact, that the wonderful purity of atmosphere to which these resorts owe their reputa- tion, gives to the lake voyage the same curative properties, and the sufferer may so benefited in the outset that his trip will be thor-

embark with certainty of being oughly enjoyable.

SOLID

COMFORT EN ROUTE

S an expression full of meaning to the experienced traveler; suggesting that a pleasant journey may have much to do with subsequent enjoyments. The company has considered it so, and always shapes its policy so as to anticipate every want of its patrons. Started in 1850 with the parent route between Detroit and Cleveland, its capital now exceeds a million dollars, and it owns a fleet of .

MIDNIGHT ON LAKE ERIE.

five steamers, the largest, swift- est and most luxurious on fresh waters. The company builds none but steel vessels of the Istrongest pattern, thus secur- jing, with the addition of suffi- cient watertight compartments, practical indestructiblety. 1

While all the newest marine ideas of real merit are invari- ably made use of, the policy of : the management is well defined sin the uniformity of general de- : sign. The steamers are roomy side-wheelers, propelled by the Clyde patterned feathering wheels, thereby

developing a marvelous speed without the slightest jar or noise. Their forward and after saloons, of solid mahogany, are magnificently appointed and tastefully decorated, and their rooms and parlors replete with wire and hair mattresses, Pullman blankets, electric MOONLIGHT ON 1 THE LAKE. lights, etc. The lower saloons are devoted to dining halls, which entirely separate the culinary departments from the main cabins: The cuisine, which is equal to that of any first-class hotel, includes all the luxuries of the season, and the price charged barely meets the outlay. In fact, it may not be egotistical to say that the Detroit and Cleveland Steam Navigation Co. offers to persons of fastidious tastes the only solid satisfaction to be found in inland travel.

THE LAKE ERIE DIVISION.

---

ETWEEN Detroit and| Cleveland may be called the main stem of the company's lines. Operated between two large cities, a sufficiently steady patronage is received to warrant the best of service, and to this end two mam- moth sister ships have just been built.| Their extraordinary size and grandeur has placed the route in the front rank of that comparatively small array of trunk lines to which travelers of experience look forward with pleasant anticipations. We may describe the new City of Detroit, the latest addition, as being 300 feet long by 72 feet wide and 16 feet molded depth, with hull divided into nine water-tight com The partments. The boilers are four in number, and carry 110 lbs. of steam. engine is a compound beam of 2700 horse-power.

The grand saloon is of solid mahogany, and contains a double tier of state-rooms connected by a broad gallery. It is 240 feet in length, and its dome rises 20 feet overhead. There are over 140 state-rooms and parlors, each lighted by an electric lamp. The City of Cleveland is similar in every respect. A steamer leaves either city late in the evening and a" rives at her destination long before breakfast, making connections with all arriving aid departing trains, and forming by far the shortest and cheapest as well as the most delightful route between many far distant, cities. Steady travelers, usually con- filed to the hot, dusty, noisy rail| car, always avail themselves of the charming quiet, cool fresh air and luxury of a full night's rest afforded by this water route. The Sunday night ffips, from June to September, are very popular and have proved a gileat convenience.

Passengers intending to continue their voyage, on the' steamers of Huron Division may so plan their departure from Cleveland as to make connections at Detroit, or have a day for sight-seeing.

TE.

the Lake direct. Thursday

NORTH

PASSAGE

HUNDES

COSMIN

DETOUR PASS

HARRISVILLE:

ROGERS,CITY

AU SAUBLE

ACK

1pt

GINAW

BURT

LAKE

MICHIGAN

BIRD'S EYE VIEW LAKE HURON DIVISION, DETROIT AND CLEVELAND STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY.

MACKINAC ISLAND

A LUMBER PORT.

steamer from Cleveland finds the other almost ready to depart, while the Friday or Sunday steamer will necessitate a stay in Detroit till evening. In either case the Lake Huron steamer will be found at the Company's dock on the arrival of the Lake Erie steamer, and passengers may at once transfer to and take breakfast on the former, which they can make their home.

Passengers arriving in Detroit by rail or otherwise, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and intending to take the Lake Huron steamer the next morning, may at once proceed on board and occupy their state-rooms free of extra charge, thus becoming settled down and in a position to enjoy, as a spectator, the excit- ing scenes incident to departure the next day.

THE LAKE HURON DIVISION

E XTENDS from Detroit to Mackinac Island on the Straits of Mackinac, a distance. of 350 miles, mostly through Lake| Huron. ' From Detroit to Port Huron, at the foot of the lake, the scenery is most charming, embracing the headwaters of the Detroit River, the placid Lake St. Clair, the far-famed Government ship canal, the famous St. Clair Flats fishing and shooting ground and the majestic St. Clair River. From Port Huron, all

suggestion of land disappears on the starboard bow, and only shows faintly on the port or American side. Occasionally, when the steamer approaches a way port, the passengers have time to gather some ideas of the characteristics and occupations of the inhabitants of this purely lumber region, but for the most part of the twenty-four hours spent on Lake Huron, they will experience the sensation of being in midlake.

Considerable interest attaches to many way ports because of their note as camping or resorting spots. At St. Clair or Port Huron clubs are constantly located from July to September, and at Oscoda, Alpena, Cheboygan and St. Ignace bodies of hardy men may frequently be seen embarking of debarking. Those leaving the steamer are making for some inland lake,or stream; the others need naught but the -

trophies of their skill to tell of their whereabouts during the preceding two weeks. In fact, the whole of the country surrounding Mackinac offers endless attractions to the adventurous. Well-stocked rivers and lakes abound, and the interminable forest is still overrun with furred and feathered creatures.

"After touching at Mackinac, the steamers cross to the freight terminus of the route at St. Ignace. This occupies from four to six hours, and those who wish to return at once can, without laying over, see considerable of the main points of interest at the famous National Park, if they engage one of the charioteers for a drive.

This delightful round trip of 920 miles from Cleveland or 700 miles from Detroit occupies 415 days from the former of 234 days from the latter point. It costs but a trifle more than $4.00 per day all told, and at that price is most emphatically within the reach of all. You cannot go anywhere and compass so much enjoyment and solid comfort by the way. A summer trip should be planned to get all the quiet and fresh

;

ARCH ROCK. FROS

air possible. Such complete relief is only found the scenery is varied and attractive, and there is every interesting object.

by taking a water trip, where ample time for a good look at

THE COST OF A ROUND TRIP

ANNOT be intelligently shown without some explanation. By the company's advanced system, meals and berths are not included in the price of a ticket, and patrons are at liberty to provide for themselves if they so desire, Berths are in rooms, and cost Stroo for the upper or $1.50 for the lower, on each steamer, -no matter if the trip be one or two nights. The whole room accommodates three persons and costs $2.50. Meals cost 50 cents each and may be estimated by ,the time card. These expenses are invariable, except for children under five, when the menls are 25 cents. Our table of costs is not guaranteed, but the figures are more 'likely to fall below than rise above the estimate.

FROM CLEVELAND.

FROM DETROIT.

Transportation

$ 9.00

$ 7.00

Meals.

5.00

$ 4.00

An upper berth for the trip,

4.00

2.00

Total with upper berth

$18.00

$13.00

Extra for a lower berth.

2.00

1.00

Total with lower berth.

$20.00

$14,00

Two persons in one room

38.00

27.00

Third person, add transportation and meals.

14.00

11.00

Total cost, three persons in one room.

$52.00

$38.00.

Only the transportation is purchased in a through ticket. Meals and berths are arranged for exclusively by, the company.

MACKINAC ISLAND.

HE rockgirt, fairy isle, sitting like an emerald gem in the clear, pellucid wave, rises majestically from the crystal waters, which cover but cannot conceal the glistening, white pebbly depths beneath. It is the central point of the three great lakes. It knows no land breeze, hence the winds are always cool and refreshing; they never cease flowing. Its area is over two thousand acres, of which the national park and military reservation comprise about nine hundred. The natural scenery is unsurpassed. Nature seems to have exhausted herself in the manifold objects of interest which meet the eye in every direction. The lover of Mother Earth will hardly grow weary of wandering through its shaded glens, and climbing | over its rugged rocks, each day bringing to light some new object of beauty and interest. Long- fellow, in his poem of "Hiawatha," has put into Indian legends, which people every rock and glen

JE ME

English verse some of its wild with spectral habitants.' If the poetic muses are ever to have a new Parnassus in America, they should certainly fix on Mackinac Island. Hygeia, too, should place her temple here, for it is one of the purest, dryest, clearest and most healthful of atmospheres.

Nothing can exceed the beauty of this island.| It is a mass of calcareous rock, rising from the bed of Lake Huron, and reaching a height of more than three hundred feet above the water. Some of its cliffs shoot up perpendicularly, and tower in pinnacles like half ruined gothic steeples. The island shows unmistakable evidence of the water having once been two hundred and fifty feet above its present line. It is a mooted question whether the lake has fallen from its original level, or the island has been lifted up. It is cavernous in places, and in these the ancient Indians were wont to place their dead. Portions of the beach are level and well adapted for landings.

CITY OF CLEVELAND FE

THE DETROIT AND CLEVELAND STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY'S NEW STEEL STEAMER CITY OF CLEVELAND, ---

The harbor at the south end is a little gem. In it, vessels can anchor and be sure of a holding, and around it the little old-fashioned French town nestles in primitive style, while above frowns the fort, its white walls gleaming in the sun. This village. is a perfect curiosity in itself. Situated at the foot of the 'bluff, its two streets extend for a distance of a mile along the beach. The buildings are a ridiculous mixture of the modern and antique. Some were brought from Old Mackinaw when the town

A STREET IN OLD MACKINAWV.

and fort were removed from that point after the massacre of June 4, 1763. Many of the fences are of the original palisade style. The whole area of the island is one labyrinth of curious glens and valleys. Old fields appear in spots which were formerly cultivated by Indians. In: some of them are circles of gathered stones, as if the Druids themselves had dwelt there. The island was formerly covered with a dense growth of rock maple, oak, iron wood, etc., and there are still parts of this ancient forest left, but all the southern limits exhibit a young growth. There are walks and wind' ig paths of the most romantic character among its hills and precipices. From the ei ninences overlooking the lake can be seen magnificent views of almost illimitable extent, and as the observer gazes from the rocky battlements of the fort upon the surrounding waters, there steals upon him a sense of security which seems a complete bulwark against the host of Summer annoyances.

The late Dr. Drake says :) "The island is the most important summer resort to which we can direct the attention of the infirm or the fashionable. As a health resort t is unsurpassed. Its cool, dry air and the living streams of pure water which gush from the lime rock precipices, are just what are needed to bring back the glow of health to the faded cheek, and send the warm currents of life dancing through the system, superseding all necessity for nauseating iron, sulphur and epsom salts,"

At watering places generally, all the features of the surrounding scenery are soon familiarized to the eye, which then merely wanders over the commingled throngs of coquettes, dandies, dancers and idlers, and soon returns to inspect the real or fancied infirmities of its possessor. A visit to Mackinac reverses all this. Its natural beauties and historic associations, together with the innumerable lesser attractions which : cluster round about, serve to furnish visitors with so much entertainment and variety for either the robust or weakly ones, that ennui which eventually is felt at most resorts # need not be experienced here. You eat with a new relish, and sleep like a child.

MACKINAC VILLAGE, AS SEEN. FROM THE GUN PLATFORM. OF THE . FORT. .

You row! or ramble, scarcely able to keep your buoyancy within bounds. Dr. Mills, once post surgeon at Mackinac, says: "No better place can be found for sickly girls and puny boys, for worn-out men

and women. From the hour of entering Lake Huron, your feelings will indicate that you have passed beyond the reign of miasma, fever, dyspepsia, blue devils and duns, and you look back upon the whole of them with gay indifference, or a feeling of good-natured contempt, as every turn of the steamer's wheel carries you farther into the temperate and genial climate of the lakes, and away from your perplexities.' Under these influences real diseases may abate, and the imaginary ones be forgotten, and this salutary mental excite- ment will not soon die away, for the historic associations, not less than the surrounding scenery, are well fitted to maintain it.": Dr. Mann says: A few whiffs of the air would make your lungs give a hygienic laugh. Children are crazy with animal spirits, and eat in such a way as to demonstrate the paradox that the quantity con- tained may be greater than the container." These extracts will no doubt meet with a hearty response from thousands who have visited Mackinac, Dr. Hammond, the famous physician, says : " I have no hesitation is saying that it is the best summer resort of which I have any knowledge, for persons whose nervous. systems are run down, or who desire to be built up and strengthened."

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

a very satisfactory problem at Mackinac. There are innumerable hostelries of every grade of price and corresponding service.

If the tourist wishes to study the ancient features of the island from their stronghold, he will put up at the John Jacob Astor House. This was originally the Headquarters of the American Fur Company, and a glance at its low ceilings, scored places, its clumsy iron door locks, and its old storing

by heavy timbers, its ancient fire- vaults will satisfy any lover of ... antiquities, even before he has been invited by the genial proprietor to inspect the account books of four score years ago. The Mission House, at the extreme easterly ·point of the island, is another relic of ye olden time.

Commanding one of the best views on the island, it is very popular with those loving quiet repose.

The place of all places for the fashionable resorters is Plank's Grand Hotel, situated on a commanding eminence at the western end of the island, and facing the straits." This hotel is the largest summer resort in the West, accommodating as it. does upwards of 1,000 guests, and representing a capital of $300,000, It's rates are from $4.00 to $5.00 per day, and the season extends from July Ist to September 20th! This tremendous building is 650 feet in length and five stories in height. Its architec- ture is of the " Old Colonial " style, the distinctive feature being a colonnaded portico, 30 feet wide, upon which the windows of every floor open. The interior is well arranged and fully equal to every demand of the most fastidious taste. The lower floor is occupied exclusively by the dining-hall, drawing-room and private parlors, with the large rotunda office in the center. The dining-hall is a mammoth apart- ment, capable of seating 600 people. It occupies the space of two stories, the vaulted ceiling being 27 feet overhead. The guest rooms are large, light and airy. Each front suite is provided with a private balcony. The hotel is lighted by gas and electricity, heated by steam, and. provided with elevator and electric call and fire alarm bells. It is also supplied with barber shop, bath-rooms, steam A metropolitan orchestra is in constant attendance. very attractive and a casino constructed for indoor laundry and a first-class livery. The grounds have been made sports. The hotel is under the management of Mt. J. O.Plank.

MACKINAC REGION.

A LL of Northern Michigan's many attractions are within easy reach of Mackinac Island. Indeed, so central is this spot, that the "Mackinac Region," as com- monly spoken of, is supposed to in- olude every attraction of the Great Lake Region of Upper Michigan., Alli methods of travel may be called into use, and. all seem to start from a common center or hub, radiating as they do from this small island .. Perhaps the most important of these secondary points is the Little Tra- verse Bay. Here, clustering within mile or two of each other, and i

Petoskey, Bay View, a with fast extending suburbs almost touching, are Wequetonsing, Harbor Springs Giles Co . N.Y. hand Harbor Point. { The most expeditious route is via the G. R. & I. Railway, whose excellent train service renders com- munication possible at almost any hour of the day. The distance by this route is only thirty-five miles from Mackinac City, the nearest point to Mackinac, on the mainland They may also be reached by either the day or night lines of steamers by way of Lake Michigan: By these lines the mileage is nearly doubled, and the better part of a day or night occupied in the journey. By far the prettiest route, however, is via the picturesque Inland Line of steamers through River The Michigan Central Railroad leading directly and Indian River in an hour's ride from Mackinac. Inland Route.

Mullet Lake and Indian south, touches Topinabee: These points are also local to the

Charlevoix and Traverse City, on Grand Traverse Bay, are best reached by the steamers,on Lake Michigan. They are about a days' ride from Mackinac.

A line' of splendid steamers makes daily trips to Sault Ste. Marie, leaving Mackinac about nine in the morning, and passing all of the superb scenery of the St. Mary's River by daylight. . At the Soo, connections are made with the through, steam- ships running to the north and south shores of Lake Superior and to the Canadian ports situated on Georgian Bay.

In a water trip to Chicago or Milwaukee, there is considerable diversity of choice. The Lake Michigan and Lake Superior Transportation 'Co.'s steamers running without stops straight through the center of the lake, afford a quick trip and the novelty of being in mid-sea for twenty-four hours. The Northern Michigan steamers, coasting to all important points on the Lake 'Michigan east shore, and consequently taking up more time, afford the tourist a better opportunity to view the industries of the region. Coming back to the service more directly connected with the island, we may mention that nothing gives a more general idea of its wonders than a trip around its shores in one of the numerous steam yachts. ' These trips are on at all hours of the day. |So,' also, jare the fishing excursions to Les Cheneaux, than which no more delightful way- of spending one day may be contrived. The ferry steamers, and the constant move- ment of steamers of regular routes, afford excellent opportunities to visit the mainland either north or south at any hour of the day or night.

PETOSKEY is a charming resort situated on the side of a high bluff near the head of Little Traverse Bay. The town numbers 3,500 souls, and 'has a water front

of 17% miles, to which a long pier gives considerable character and life. A lofty limestone cliff flanks it on the west. Among its and further trees may be seen the tents of many "" campers,' "on the pretentious villas of wealthy residents. From the verge of this cliff the view is superb. , Five miles distant is the ridge of hills that lines the opposite shore of Little Tra- verse Bay. These sweep in a symmetrical -2 curve around this vast amphitheatre, and follow up the hither shore until they rise ( and terminate in high cliffs. The white line ;; of pebbly beach which stands out so promin- ently against the green of the hills now takes an abrupt turn to the left, and forming a crescent two miles long, ends in a wooded 1 point.

.17. "

No summer resort or watering-place on the continent can boast of purer air, fresher. breezes or better hotels. Facilities for re- creation are also good. Boating on the bay and short excursions by steamer or rail- road may be indulged in at all times. BAY VIEW COLLEGE. Owing to the salubrious climate and central location, the Western Hay Fever Associ tion makes its headquarters here

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Des Moines and Polk County, Iowa, City Directory 1892, Part 14

Author: Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher:
Number of Pages: