USA > Michigan > A history of the northern peninsula of Michigan and its people, its mining, lumber and agricultural industries, Volume I > Part 65
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
CHURCHES
A tradition is current that there was a Catholic mission established for the Indians on the Menominee side of the river at Mission Point, which is where the first bridge was built across the Menominee, but no authentic evidence thereof can be found. Tradition also says the early traders did not favor it, as they feared its influence on the Indians would interfere with their trade, especially in the sale of whiskey, and so they induced the Indians to destroy it. Whatever are the facts as to the mission, it is a fact that the location has been known as Mission Point from the time of the coming of the earliest permanent settlers. About the year 1868 the First Presbyterian church of Menominee was established by Rev. John Fairchild, who was then a pastor in Marinette and Henry Loomis, a young theological student (afterwards a mis- sionary to China) came here to spend his vacation and agitated the question of building a house of worship. The Kirby Carpenter Com- pany presented a lot on the northwest corner of West and Lndington streets and the companies and people snbseribed liberally. Sanmel M. Stephenson, E. S. Ingalls and William P. Newberry were appointed a building committee, and B. W. Porter had charge of the construction of the first church of which there is any record in Menominee County, which was completed and dedicated July 18. 1869. Henry Loomis was pastor of the elnrch for the first four months and Sammel M. Stephen- son, Miles Shepherd, Thomas Murray, Edward L. Parmenter and Wil-
Vol. I-38
Digized by Google
594
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
liam P. Newberry were the first trustees. There were nine members at the time of the organization of the society.
Since that early beginning churches have followed the settlements of hamlets and villages throughout the county and have shared in the general prosperity. We cannot in this work go into the details of the history of the various churches as that is a subject Iurge enough for a separate volume. Every community in the County is well supplied, and churches of many denominations furnish the population ample opportunity for choice in forms of worship.
NEWSPAPERS
The first newspaper published in Menominee was the Menomince Hcrali. It was started in 1863, by Judge E. S. Ingalls, whose name appears in connection with so many other mnutters of public interest in the early days of our history. For a time the paper was printed in the Green Bay Advocate office, at Green Bay, Wisconsin, from a manu- script prepared by Mr. Ingalls, and it was then sent to Menominee for circulation. A little later an old fashioned Washington hand-press was secured and therewith the paper was printed in Menominee. It passed through numerous ownerships from that day to this and has made con- tinuous progress until it is today one of the leading papers of the Upper Peninsula.
For the period of twenty-three years before 1901, the paper was edited by Henry O. Fifield during which time the daily edition was inaugurated. In 1901 it passed into the hands of Rodger M. Andrews and William Webb Harmon.
At that time there was another well patronized daily paper, the Evening Leader, published in Menominee by Joseph E. Soults. Mr. Soults died, and in 1904 the owners of the Herald purchased the entire business and plant of the Evening Leader, and consolidated the two, since which time the name has been Menominee Herald-Leader.
In 1905 Mr. Andrews purchased the interest of Mr. Harmon, and therenfter the property was placed in a corporation known as the Her- ald-Leader Company, which continues to own and operate it. It is now issned not only as a daily, but in a twice-a-week edition. It is equipped in an up-to-date manner with duplex press, linotype ma- chines, book and joh presses, folding machine, a complete hindery and a stereotyping room.
Other papers have come for a time and departed, but the only others printed in the county at this time are the Menomince County Journal, a weekly, printed by Woessner & Marson, at Stephenson, as already mentioned in this work and the Powers-Spalding Tribune, a weekly, printed nt Powers by Charles J. Quade. Both of the weekly papers mentioned have substantial plants and are representative papers re- ceiving liberal patronage.
Diized by Google
595
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
MENOMINEE AS A MUNICIPALITY
The city of Menominee was organized in 1883. and at that time was composed of five wards. The first mayor was Hon. Samuel M. Ste- phenson. Immediately after its organization it began a series of mummie- ipal improvements, and today is an np-to-date city, with a good water- works plant, sewerage system, electrie lights, nice streets, efficient fire and police departments, a fine library and a beautiful park. Its busi- ness sections present a substantial and thrifty appearance and its res- idence sections are handsome, with the many fine houses and well kept and shaded lawns.
The city has had a clean business-like municipal government from the start, and is therefore in splendid condition financially and other- wise. By an amendment to its charter it now has seven wards. The officers of the city are: Harry T. Emerson, mayor; Fred S. Noreross, city clerk ; Joseph F. Cuddy, city attorney; William F. Waite, judge of municipal court ; A. P. English, chief of police; L. C. Collins, chief of fire department ; and Daniel Potter, street commissioner.
THE SPIES PUBLIC LIBRARY
In 1904 Augustus Spies presented to the city a beautiful library building with furnishings complete. It was a most conveniently de- signed building and appropriately and handsomely furnished. It is located on the site of the former home of Judge Ingalls, who did so much in early days to promote the welfare of the community. It is a fitting monument to the public spiritedness and generosity of the donor, and appropriately marks the old home of the revered judge.
Prior to the construction of this building the library was under the management of a committee of three persons. At that time, by a charter amendment the library matters were placed in the hands of a board of trustees, to he composed of five members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, the mayor being also made ex- officio, a member of the board. The Spies Public Library was also, by charter provision, declared to he the public library of the city. The first Board of Library Trustees under the present system, was com- posed of Geo. H. Haggerson, mayor; Charles A. Spies, A. L. Sawyer, R. M. Andrews. Dr. Walter R. Hicks and Mrs. John W. Wells. A. L. Sawyer was elected president of the board and Mrs. Gertrude B. Mun- ger, librarian, both having filled like positions before the reorganiza- tion, and both having continned in office ever since. The present Board of Trustees is composed of Harry T. Emerson, mayor, vice president ; A. L. Sawyer. Dr. Walter R. Hicks, John R. Wells, Charles A. Spies and Merton D. Cox. Mrs. Monger, having tendered her resignation, the board has appointed Miss Lois A, Spencer, graduate of the Wiscon- sin Library School, as her snecessor. The library consists of nearly 10,000 well selected volumes, well systematized and catalogued by card indexes.
Dieed by Google
SCENES AT HENES PARK, MENOMINEE
Di zed by Google
597
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
THE JOHN HENES PARK
This is the property and pride of the city as a gift from John Henes, one of our respected citizens, whose name appears as connected with many of our institutions of today. The park is in charge of a Board of Park Commissioners consising of John Henes, the donor, Fabian J. Trudell and Alfred W. Blom, who are doing much for its popularity. The park has been well described by one of our citizens as follows:
"Situated on the shore of Green Bay on the outskirts of the city, the Jobn Henes Park possesses a wealth of natural attractions supplemented by all that art and genius can suggest for the entertainment of the people. It is an ideal place for rest and there in the quietude of the woods and fanned by the refreshing breeze of the lake, those who love nature for itself alone may revel in the marvelous beauty of the park. Those seeking amusement and recreation will find in the park everything the heart conld desire. We have our shops and factorles and their number is rapidly increasing and so a playground for our working people and the boys and girls is an important factor in public welfare.
" It is a great thing for Menominee that by the generosity of a leading citizen the park problem is so satisfactorily settled. In many cities the important matter of public parks is neglected until it is too late to make proper provision for them and often the necessary public playgrounds are secured nt grent expense and sacrifice, by learing down important business and residential sections to make room for them. Such a course will never be necessary in Menominee as a park has been given the city upon which nature has bestowed her glories with lavish hand. All Menominee will forever enjoy delight and benefit from the splendid park which Mr. John Henes has so generously presented to the city.
" Poplar Point, the site of the John Henes Park, which comprises about fifty acres, is one of the choirest beauty spots of Michigan and the natural grandeur of its scenery has been deftly enhanced by the skillful and subtle efforts of the land- seape work of O. C. Simonds of Chicago. The work of improving and developing the park has been of thorough and permanent character and reflects great eredit on the commissioners from a practical as well as an artistic standpoint. Menominee may be proud of the fact that the city has made the most of Mr. Henes' generous gift and appreciation could take no form more worthy of the public spirit of the worthy donor thani liberni improvement and careful maintenance of the park property. The park is situated about two miles from the heart of the city and at the end of the street eur line. On arriving the visitors will be struck with the fact that such a commanding scene in worthy of a triumphal arch and such a structure marks the entrance of the John Henes Park, a gift of the Women's Club of Menominee. No 'keep off the grass' signs will be found. The great park is for the people to roam about and enjoy nt their own sweet will with due regard, of course to the protection of property and the comfort of others.
"The first notice reads: 'Molesting or killing animals or injuring trees or other property in the park is strictly prohibited under penalty of the law.' The next notice appeals to those who enter the park by carriages or automobiles and says: 'Turn to the right driving around boulevard. Speed limit six miles per hour. Hitching of horses in the park prohibited.' These simple rules for the protection of birds and trees and commanding respect for park property and the safety of the public appeal to all. For the convenience of those who drive to the pleasure grounds who wish to remain and enjoy the beanties of nature and the amusements provided, a long line of posts for their horses has been placed near the entrance and alan at the north end of the park.
"Entering the park the visitors find themseves nt onee transported to a wonder- land of natural beauty. The woods with glades and bowers, stretch before them and in the distance dance the shimmering waters of Green bay. The turf road leads directly to the lake and at n distance of about one hundred and fifty feet from the entrance connects with the enst boulevard, the principal thoroughfare of the park. The boulevard skirts the lake for the greater part of its distance and affords un. doubtedly the grandest drive or walk in the upper peninsula. Following the boule- vard one comes first to an nvenue leading to the lake near the site of the proposed Yacht Club House.
Diazed by Google
4
SPIES PUBLIC LIBRARY. MENOMINEE
Dly zed by Google
599
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
"Continuing along the boulevard the beautiful shelter house of the John Henes Park comes into view. The shelter house is of ample proportions. It is an effective design of rustic architecture and reflects the skill and taste of the architect, Derrick Hubert of Menominee. It is a building 48x72 feet, built of uative cedar with floors of hardwood finished with carefully selected logs on which the bark has been left, giving it a rich effect. The shelter house has all the benefits that the open air affords aud from this shady and reposeful retreat there is a splendid view of the sparkling waters of the lake, the boulevard dotted with carriages, automobiles and merrymakers of all ages, and the inviting grandeur of the books and glades of the primeval wood.
"At a short distance from the shelter house the boulevard swings to the left in a graceful enrve und to the right is the swimming beach and to the left the children 's playground. The park property at the swimming beach is protected by a concrete breakwater five hundred feet long. One of the most popular points of Renes Park is the bathing beach which is conceded by ull to be the most ideal on Green Bay. The beach is of hard sand and slopes gradually, bathers being able to wade out a quarter of a mile before getting into deep water. It is a grand sight to watch the children in the water splashing and seampering about like so many nymphs at play.
"One of the most interesting scenes in the park, and certainly the most animuted, is that presented by the children's playground, which is situated near the bathing beach. A spacious field, fragrunt with the odors of the woods and fanned by the cool Green bay breeze has been placed at the disposal of the young folks. To run and play and enjoy the fresh air and summer sunshine is glorious in itself, but to this hy the foresight and kindness of Mrs. John Henes has been added all amusement appliances which modern genius has devised to bring delight to the hearts of children. Among the many auxiliaries to the delights and joys of youth provided by this lady may be mentioned a merry-go-round, athletic slides, tilts, rope swings, rings and climbing poles, double holder tilts, double chair swings and many other devices for the amusement and physical development which to be appreciated must be seen with the hundreds of merry little ones romping about them.
'.The bonlevard again swings around and the visitors find themselves on the home stretch towards the park entrance und in the vicinity of the lawn tennis nets. A feature of the park which will give pleasure to a large number is the lawn tennis grounds, which are located on a lurge tract of reclaimed land. This ground was drained and is now one of the most delightful spots in the park.
" The boulevard eireles fifty ueres of virgin forest which presents an aspect of profoundly impressive splendor. The wood at the park is a revelation of the beauties of nature. Fragrant and cool and musical with the warbling birds, the glades suggest a serenity remote from business responsibilities and the throbbing excitements of city life. There is the wood, where the grass is green und cool and good to rest upon, those with whom unture is a passion may feast their eyes upou u seebe beyond description. It is no imitative work that confronts them but the sub- lime picturesque ruggedness of unadorned primeval beauty. Art has effectively concealed itself and yet, amid this srene of natural grandenr su rich, reposeful and undisturbed, a master hand has tonched and tamed the wild. Nothing has been uprooted, slashed or backed, save where the trails stretch in serpentine tracks through the labyrinth of foliage und underbrush. There is, however, art on every hand. The wood at the park is by no means a discovery ; trees have waved their proud taps en Poplar Point for centuries. There are uine trails and by following them the whole park may be thoroughly explored and every step will reveal some hidden beauty. The nine trails have been appropriately named after the great poets-Schiller, Gerthe, Shakespeare, Milton, Virgil, Longfellow, Whittier, Homer and Tennyson. "To follow these pathways of the forest is an education in itself. There are said to be over fifty varieties of trees in the park, and that the boys and girls mnay learn to know them ull it is the intention of the park commissioners to have them labeled. Each visit to the park will, therefore, prove a liberal education in forestry. Among the trees which thrive nnd floorish and furnish the park with their leafy splendor are oak, maple, beech, ironwond. basswood, hemlock, pine and balsam. A fine grove of young trees has been planted to the west and south of the purk for the purpose of skirting the outer edge with a natural wull of forestry. The trees and shrubs thus planted will soon attain substantint growth and their spreading boughs and leafy network will obscure the adjacent houses from view and afford an unbroken line of verdure with the lake in bold relief. There are numerous natural springs in the park and wells and pumps have been provided at convenient places.
Dited by Google
600
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
"A feature of the park which is a strong point in its favor is the fact that it affords a bay protected from every quarter, which offers a natural harbor of refuge and which will prove of great ndvantage to yachtsmen in the event of a sudden storm.
"A unique feature of the park is a bog garden. A piece of low ground was selected for this purpose into which water has been drained. In this are planted many varieties of water flowers, whose variegated colors and fragrant odors make it one of the favorite beauty spots of the magnificent park.
"An institution to which history has neglected to do proper justice is the great American pienic. It is something that appeals to the whole family and usually crowds all the joys of life as well as the edification of the inner man, into the compass of one short day. The splendid park is deridedly one of the grandest places in the state of Michigan for an old fashioned family pienie, and scores of parties are seen there every day. The courtesy of A. W. Blom, park commissioner, has provided every quarter of the park with comfortable benches and tables are also to be found in shady and inviting nooks. There, among the whispering boughs and fragrance of the woods an exaggerated appetite may be cultivated. Nature at all times is pleas- ant and the love of fresh air and green grass is a common heritage. After the hampers have been devastated, plenty of amusement will be found for all in the party, from the youngest to the oldest. Some will be drawn to the woods with its winding trails, others will be attracted hy the rippling luster of the lake, while the children will bike for the playgrounds or make merry in the crystal-crested waves.
"In a spirit of patriotism Mr. Henes has given to the people of Menominee a park which in natural beauty and grandeur eaunot be excelled anywhere-a spot so lovely that from the time he first viewed it he fostered the thought that a place so liberally endowed with graces of nature should belong to the people. Acting on this inspiration, be purchased the land and presented to the people the magnificent property."
To the other conveniences of the Park there was added last season an outfit of bath houses, and also an ample refreshment stand, where ice cream and refreshing light drinks may be had from the genial caterer, John Gosling.
As appropriately associated with the Park, where the people are wont to hear it discourse its classic music and popular airs, is Amsden's Third Regiment Band, which is known throughout the Upper Penin- sula as one of the best musical organizations in Michigan.
Professor Arthur Amsden, the leader, is a musician of rare talent and one of the best cornet soloists in the country. His skill as a leader and his genius for music have been developed by many years of expe- rience and diligent study. Under his leadership the Third Regiment Band has fulfilled the highest expectations. When Prof. Amsden de- cided to accept the permanent leadership of the band it was clear that he considered the talent available sufficient to make the band rank among the best in the United States, and as stated, he is fulfilling the expectations of the publie.
Menominee is becoming more and more recognized as a city that knows and appreciates good music and is willing to support it. This reputation, already established, is in itself an important asset, and one that is worth having and one that deserves to be cultivated. It is no small distinction for the city to have at the head of the Third Regiment band a musician, composer and soloist of distinction, who has not only delighted the publie in this capacity but has. as well, at the head of his splendid orchestra, added new charms to concerts and operas and sus- tained the reputation of Menominee as a musical center.
Di zed by Google
601
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Amsden's band, as it was known at the time, was first organized in Marinette in 1904 and was the city band for two years. In 1906 Men- ominee secured the band and it has remained in this city ever since. It became affiliated with the local military company and acquired the title of the Third Regiment band. Each year it attends encampment with the Company L., of Menominee, plays at Chautauqua during the as- sembly, is the official band for the Wisconsin Traveling Men's conven- tion as well as filling a number of other outside engagements. Its con- certs in Menominee and Marinette are one of the greatest treats during the summer and fall months. The band is composed of thirty-eight members.
RIVERSIDE CEMETERY
The cemetery is not always the most pleasant subject for contempla- tion, but realizing that there must come to each of us an end of all things earthly, the City Council has provided one of the most beautiful and sightly cemeteries in the country. It is located at the head of Ste- phenson avenue, on the banks of the Menominee river above the noise of its factories, and on a nicely elevated portion of ground where the rippling sounds of the shimmering river may forever soothe the endless sleep of its inhabitants. The cemetery is beautifully kept under the efficient care of William E. Kuhule, the sexton.
VILLAGES OF THE COUNTY
Outside the city there are numerous thriving villages and hamlets, and the county takes great pride in its rapidly advancing agricultural interests.
The hamlet at Birch Creek is the first north of Menominee, and has been mentioned as the location of the first farming settlement by the Bade and Sieman families in the very early days. A little later Lavier Algeyer joined the earlier pioneers and the families of these settlers are well represented in the locality at present. It is distinctively a farming community with thrifty farms, a fine school, church, cheese factory, blacksmith shop and store. The soil of its farms is rich and ranges from a rich elay loam to a sandy loam with clay sub-soil, and with black muek in the low lands.
Wallace is another farming settlement and is located on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway sixteen miles north of Menominee. Its pio- neer settler was Mellen Smith, before mentioned as having located the first interior mill on the line of said railway after its construction north from Menominee. The mill has gone the way of many others, and the business interests are represented by Schutte Brothers who deal in general forest products and merchandise. and Herman Beechner, who has the store formerly occupied by Mellen Smith. The village is within Mellen township and has no separate organization. It is supplied with a church and a good school and surrounded by a prosperous and growing farming community.
Dieed by Google
SAMPLES OF A COUNTRY ROAD AND STOCK FARM
Dly zed by Google
603
THE NORTHERN PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN
Ingalls is a prosperous little village on the same railway nineteen miles north of Menominee, This unincorporated village is a part of Mellen township and its history dates back to 1858, when Thomas Cald- well first began elearing what is now the home farm of Lonis Doheas. In 1860 Jesse Hamilton started the fann at the mouth of Little river which is now a part of the power-plant property of the Menomince and Marinette Light and Traction Company, which important industry is mentioned more in detail elsewhere in this work. Of other early farmers Amos Landon came in 1866; John B. Miller in 1868; Albert Grant in 1870; Charles E. MeIntyre, John Bebo and Oliver Shampo in 1874. Andrew Lindquist and Mose Landree built the first mill in 1877 and it burned in 1882. In 1879 Lonis Dobeas sturted the first store and se- cured the Joention of a postoffice. Ile opened it in his store, in the little log cabin that had been constructed by Thomas Caldwell. In this cabin Mr. Dobeas resided with his family and there kept the store and post. office and mid the foundation of his present extensive and prosperous business.
In 1880 Norwood Bowers built a mill here but it burned and in 1883 Ira Carley and E. L. Parmenter constructed a mill and began lumber operations in earnest. In 1892 Mr. Carley acquired the sole ownership and has since conducted the business individually. At present he is cutting about one and one-half million feet of lumber per annum from mixed timber inelnding hemlock, tamarack, cedar, maple, brech, elm. ash and birch. The capacity of bis mill is 28,000 feet of Inmber, 50,000 shingles and 8,000 lath. In addition to his mill Mr. Carley condnets a large general store and has a very fine stock farm, and is a breeder of thoroughbred Jersey and Polled Angus enttle and fine horses.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.