USA > Michigan > Muskegon County > History of Muskegon County, Michigan: with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 15
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
The mill is a very extensive affair, and is conveniently situated on the lake shore, at the foot of Western Avenue, and they have extensive yard room to store immense quantities of seasoned lum- ber, and to afford room for the two railway switches, one for receiv- ing and the other for shipping. The amount of lumber manufac- tured is from 20,000,000 to 25,000,000 feet, and nearly 500 car loads have been shipped for the first four months of 1882. The planing mill is perhaps the largest part of the business, and to show the extent of their trade we may mention that they have just shipped to Australia via Boston about sixty car loads of select lum- ber. Notwithstanding the great amount of cars necessary, the firm report that Mr. Kimball, manager of the railway, keeps them well supplied. The orders of the firm are always well ahead, and they find difficulty in keeping the supply up to the demand. They have five planers, two re-sawing machines, one of which is forty-two inches, and the other thirty-six inches, a full set of box machinery and a power matcher, which is a marvel of machinery; their engine is 150 horse power, and the engine house and boiler house are in separate brick buildings. There are three 44-inch two-flue boilers, and such are the appliances for extinguishing fire that it is hardly possible for a conflagration to do any damage. Over the shavings room is a large water feeding tank, for feeding the boilers, and from the city water works they can put on four streams if necessary.
The main building is 200x70 feet, and the mill is the best equipped in the State. Their field of operations is very extensive, from Kansas City in the west, Louisville in the South, and New York and Boston in the east, with all intermediate points.
The boxes made are of all kinds, from heavy packing boxes, or pork packing cases, to those of the lightest kind. The center boards for webs of flannel or tweed take many car loads, and even the spools for barbed fence wire, made of refuse pieces from 14 inches
6
62
HISTORY OF MUSKEGON COUNTY.
wide to fifteen inches long make considerable freight, one firm alone taking two or three car loads a month of these. The boxes are shipped in a " knock down" state, and are put together when they arrive at their destination.
The company has on the left, as one enters, a large warehouse stocked with seasoned lumber for the retail trade, which is largely patronized by local builders.
In short this is an institution which is destined to grow with the growth of the city, and being under goo ! management, with ample capital, its success is assured.
BARCUS BROTHERS,
manufacturers of circular saws, Muskegon, is one of the most en- terprising firms in the city. The present firm is composed of five brothers, all of whom give their personal attention to the business, which was started in 1876 by O. P. Barcus, who was succeeded by the present firm in 1879. In the summer of 1881 their factory was destroyed by fire, but they at once rebuilt a much more substantial building on a larger scale, and in a short time were again in full operation.
THE MUSKEGON BREWING COMPANY
is one of the largest business institutions in Muskegon, and has been in operation since 1875. The large and magnificent buildings now in use were built between the years11876 and 1881. The present capacity is 8,000 barrels a year, and almost the entire pro- duct is sold at home. The company is composed of three enter- prising Germans, Gottlieb Ninneman, Otto Meeske and G. M. Meeske.
Gottlieb Ninneman came to this country in 1854. In 1877 he removed to Muskegon, being already a member of the above named company. Mr. Ninneman has been a member of the city council, and has always taken a lively interest in public affairs.
Otto Meeske came to this country in 1871. He spent a few years in Milwaukee, where he was connected with a brewery, and in 1876 came to Muskegon, and has since devoted himself to the in- terests of the company. He spent the Summer of 1881 in his native country.
Gustav Meeske came to this country in 1872, and located in Milwaukee, where his brother, Otto Meeske, was already living. He remained there until the Muskegon Brewing Company was organized, when he came here to assist in the management of its affairs.
THE NOVELTY IRON WORKS
corporation, known as the Muskegon Novelty Iron Works, was organized October 1, 1881, with a capital stock of $10,000. The works are in the building formerly occupied as a wagon shop on Terrace street, by Mr. D. W. Henderson, and it manufactures machinery and tools on a large scale. The officers of the corpora- tion are: President, D. W. Henderson; Vice President, Amasa Harvey; Secretary and Treasurer, A. W. Chamberlain; Superin- tendent, Robert Wier.
THE PINE STREET MARBLE WORKS,
were opened by McSorley & Eaton in the Fall of 1877, and on December 29th, 1881, the business was purchased by the latter partner, who keeps a full stock of granite, and of Italian and Amer- ican marbles, head stones, posts, curbing and building stone. The chief portion of the best monuments and tombstones for the past years set up in the cemetery has been from these works.
TRUESDELL, LANGE & CO.,
purchased the business of Jacob Hetz & Co., Aug, 29, 1881, Mr. Truesdell having been nine years with Hetz, who commenced busi- ness in 1866. Mr. Truesdell came to Muskegon in 1867, Mr.
Lange three years later. The business is on Western Avenue near the National Bank, and is the largest establishment in the county, in the line of furniture, carpets, crockery, and house furnishing. The firm have the highest reputation for fair dealing, and for being satisfied with moderate profits.
THE OMNIBUS LINE
is in the hands of S. B. Morse, corner of Western Avenue and First Street. The business consists of a line of omnibusses, hacks and baggage wagons, and was established by Morse & Sharp in 1872, but after four years the latter retired and the former has had sole control. He has at present ten horses, one omnibus, two carriages and baggage wagons. Before the consolidation of the railways a double line of omnibusses was necessary. Mr. Morse is a native of New York State and came to Muskegon in 1866.
HARDWARE.
The amount of business done by this trade is very large and increasing. The earliest in the business were Dennis Smith and P. L. Piper the former of whom is still in business, the latter de- ceased. It was about seventeen years ago since Dennis Smith started on the corner where the Hofstra House now stands. He had a hardware store and also a dry goods store. The third in the same block of stores was a drug store, kept by W. D. Odell, now deceased and one of the oldest settlers, being alderman for years. He owned the Hofstra lot. This block was burned in the great fire of 1874. Dennis Smith is now on Western Avenue in his own block, next to the Lumberman's Bank.
The next hardware firm was Emlaw & Landreth. The former is now of Grand Haven, the latter owns the Landreth block. E. B. Mather purchased the business and still carries it on in his own block next to the Landreth block.
Next came in 1873 Messrs. Merrill & Hovey, 107 Western Ave- nue, who are since 1876 Powell & Hovey, who have an immense stock of hardware, heavy and shelf goods, mill supplies, &c., and do a large trade in builder's hardware, and also keep a full line of stoves. It takes considerable room to contain the stock, as it fills up the store, basement, and two upper stories, all of a depth of 115 feet. Value of the stock averages $15,000. Mr. Hovey is son-in- law of E. W. Merrill, and came to this city in 1865.
The same year as the former business commenced -1873-J. Vanderwerp & Son started on Pine Street near the Court House, but since Jan. 1, 1881, J. Vanderwerp Jr., and Henry Langland have taken the business, keeping a full line of general hardware, stoves, house furnishing goods, &c. The business is under the im- mediate supervision of Mr. Langland, the grocery establishment next door occupying the attention of Mr. Vanderwerp. They have just opened a branch hardware store on Western Avenue.
Next in 1875 Mr. John A. Miller, on Western Avenue, near Pine Street, commenced business for himself, and carries a fine stock. Mr. Miller was born in Chicago in 1845, learned the hard- ware business with Thomas George & Co., of that city, was sent out by Mr. Landreth, then of Chicago, to take charge of a branch business in Muskegon, the firm being Landreth & Hubbard, who sold out to Mr. Mather, who still runs the old business. Mr. Miller started for himself in 1875 in hardware, stoves, tinware, sheet iron and copper work, carrying $12,000 stock. Mr. Miller married Miss Isabella Galbraith, and has three children.
The latest firm, starting in 1880, is the Muskegon Hardware Co., John Torrent, President; Capt. A. A. Wood, Manager; and George Selkirk also has an interest in it. Their store is in Tor- rent's block, next to the National Bank. They do a large business.
63
HISTORY OF MUSKEGON COUNTY.
SOCIETIES.
The city is provided with the usual quota of societies of a secret or benevolent character.
MASONIC.
The Masonic order is in a flourishing condition, and numbers among it members many of the best and most prominent citizens. The hall is in Landreth's block and is superbly fitted up, being 25x60 with 17 feet ceiling. The walls are adorned with fine pictures, and the furniture and carpets are in keeping.
The oldest lodge is MUSKEGON LODGE, No. 140, chartered Jan. 16. 1863, and LOVELL MOORE LODGE, No. 182, was the second lodge, chartered June 11, 1866.
MUSKEGON CHAPTER, No. 47, was chartered Jan. 8, 1867.
MUSKEGON COMMANDERY, No. 22, Knight Templars, was estab- lished June 3, 1868.
There is also an encampment known as the DAVIS ENCAMP- MENT, No. 47, of which W. Smith is C. P., Thos. Miller, H. P .; and W. F. Wiselogel, Scribe.
ODD FELLOWS.
This order has a fine hall in Baker's Block, on Western Ave- nue, and is in a prosperous condition. The lodges are: Muskegon Lodge, No. 92, the present N. G. is W. W. Owen; Thos. Miller, V. G .; W. H. Miller, Recording Secretary; Trustees, Major C. Davis, W. Patten and W. Smith. The other lodge is Germania Lodge. No. 179, W. Kotelman, N. G .; G. Schwegen, V. G .; A. Meyer, Recording Secretary.
THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
was organized by John R. Bennett, April 5, 1876, and is a flour- ishing order of a benevolent nature. Their hall is on the southwest corner of Terrace Street and Western Avenue. The lodges are MUSKEGON LODGE, No. 32, K. of P., chartered 1877, and DIVISION, No. 2.
THE TEMPERANCE REFORM ASSOCIATION
has already been alluded to. It was organized March 4, 1877, and has numbered over 1,000 members. Its club rooms are in the Opera House Block, and there was established in 1877 in connec- tion a free reading room.
Among the other societies are the ROYAL ARCANUM, meeting in Germania Hall semi-monthly; and the ST. JEAN BAPTISTE SOCIETY, a French benevolent society.
For the past eight years there has existed a society called SoNs OF ERIN, of which Major Ryan was for years President.
DELANTY BRANCH OF THE LAND LEAGUE has for its President Jas. McCarthy; Treasurer, Major Ryan.
Knights of Honor organized Sept. 18, 1878, meet in a hall over Baker's store; and there are also the Muskegon Turnverein, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Young Men's Christian Association, and several other societies.
HOLT'S MUSEUM.
Among the sights of Muskegon may properly be classed the fine museum of curiosities collected by Gov. Holt, containing many valuable and ancient relics. Mr. Holt has traveled extensively and possesses a fine taste for art and antiquity, and has expended a large amount of money in securing the curiosities.
THE CHURCHES.
The city is well supplied with places of worship, and although they are mainly wooden structures, and not remarkable for their external architectural beauty, they are sufficiently commodious to supply the necessities of the city.
The churches may be enumerated as follows: The Methodist
Episcopal, on Clay avenue and Jefferson street, pastor Rev. Mr. Miller; the St. Mary's Roman Catholic, on Clay avenue and First street, on land purchased twenty-eight years ago, resident priest, Rev. Father Van Pamel; Congregational, on Clay avenue and First street, pastor, Rev. Mr. Farifield; Universalist (without a pastor), on Clay avenue and Third street; Baptist, Rev. Mr. Hill, pastor, on Clay avenue and Second street; Episcopal, rector, Rev. Mr. Whit- marsh, on Jefferson street and Webster avenue; Reformed (Hol- land) church on Spring street, Rev. Jacob Van der Meulen, pastor; Norwegian Lutheran, on Yuba street, Rev. Abel Anderson; Danish Lutheran, on Peck street, Rev. Mr. Kjolhede. The People's Church meets in the Opera House Sunday evenings to listen to the lectures of the Rev. W. W. Fellows, formerly rector of the Episcopal church. There has just been completed on Terrace street a new Holland church 50x90, veneered brick, cost $7,000. new Swedish church has just been completed on Eighth street and Houston ave- nue, 30x66, cost over $3,000. The French Catholics and the German Catholics are making preparations to build church edifices, the latter on Monroe avenue and Fifth street. The German Lu- therans meet in the Danish church, but have laid the foundations for a church on Pine and Diana streets. As to early history and organization of the churches we refer to the carefully prepared sketch of Governor Holt.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS BLOCKS.
We present illustrations of the Court House, Central school, Waterworks, Opera House, Mason's, Landreth's, Bolza & Merrill's, Mann & Pierce's, and National Bank Blocks, from which will be gained a fair idea of the magnificent buildings erected by the public spirit and energy of the citizens. Besides these buildings we may add that the city has a new and elaborate City Hall, Post- office, two fine hotel buildings and many private blocks.
CITY HALL.
The idea of a City Hall of a style commensurate with the growing city had been mooted for several years, but nothing definite was done until it was recommended in Mayor Jiroch's inaugural in the spring of 1881. On which a building committee with the Mayor as chairman, and Aldermen McNiff, Brinen and Lansiff as members was appointed; and on advertising for plans, which were received from Mr. Hutchins, of Grand Rapids, and adopted, Alderman John Grady, of the same city, was selected as contractor. The mason work was by P. J. Connell, of Muskegon. The cost will be about $20,000. The building, which is an elegant and sub- stantial one, is on the corner of Clay avenue and Jefferson street. There were some who objected to the action of the Council in building without submitting the question to a popular vote, and proceedings in law were instituted, which however resulted in a vic- tory for the Council.
The new City Hall is an elegant building of two stories, of 14 and 18 feet respectively, and is 64 by 67 feet. There is an addition at the rear for the Firemen's Hall 64 by 72 feet, also two stories which has a public hall above 61 by 25 feet, also sleeping apartments for the firemen.
The main building contains rooms for Police Court, 23 by 29; Marshal's office, 15 by 20; Clerk's, 25 by 31; Clerk's private office, 16 by 25; Water Commissioner's office, 13 by 25; also two vaults. On the second floor is the Council Chamber, 44 by 453; Committee rooms, 13 by 13 and 18 by 24; Hat room, 5 by 13; City Surveyor, 16 by 32; corridor 16 by 29, and a vault.
@
64
HISTORY OF MUSKEGON COUNTY.
The Fire Department have room for hose carts, supply room, sitting room, hose tower, bath rooms, etc.
The Bell tower is 127 feet high-and Hose tower 70 feet. The building is of brick.
The corner stone for the new city building was laid in Decem- ber, 1881, in the presence of Mayor Jiroch and the Building Com- mittee, the City Attorney, Chief Gregory, with other officials and quite a number of citizens. The copper box placed in the stone contained three copies of the News-Reporter, one with the decision of the Supreme Court, another with a review of the city building case, and the last issue; also a copy of the Chronicle and Journal each, the Mayor's photograph, with a card of the Occidental, Wm.
in the present system of water works at an expense of about $160,- 000, and work was immediately begun and prosecuted with vigor. The $160,000 referred to as cost includes the cost of buildings, well, well-house, reservoir, water mains, hydrants and real estate. The water supply is excellent and abundant, coming from a self- supplying reservoir of 10,000,000 gallons, and is almost as pure as spring water during the greater part of the year. The Pump House, which is shown in the illustration below, is an excellent building of brick and was built expressly for the purpose for which it is used and is, consequently, well adapted to it.
The water works are popular with the public and are every year growing more in favor and it is probable that in the near future a
5
111-11
WATER WORKS.
B. Jones & Son, Thos. B. Gregory, Bennett's donation, A. C. Smith, a copy of the city ordinances, and other articles. The inscription facing Clay Avenue is:
"Erected A. D. 1881." Facing on Jefferson Street: "Building Committee, F. Jiroch, Chairman, P. Lansiff, T. B. McNiff, Wm. Brinen, G. Ninneman."
MUSKEGON CITY WATER WORKS.
After the great fire of 1874 which swept away a large part of the city in a few hours the people of Muskegon felt fully the imper- ative necessity of an efficient system of water works that by making water everywhere accessible in sufficient quantities should make the recurrence of such a disaster impossible. Accordingly bonds were issued and in September, 1874, preparations were made for putting
more abundant supply must be brought into requisition if the con- sumption continues to increase; and there are ample resources for an increased supply near at hand.
MUSKEGON COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
The city of Muskegon has one of the largest court houses in the State. It was built at the expense of the county in 1869. It is a brick structure with stone pillars in front of the main entrance and surmounted by a tower. It has a basement constructed of solid stone walls several feet in thickness. This portion of the building was designed and is used for a jail and residence of the jailer. It has all the appliances and appointments for making it convenient and efficient for this purpose. Twelve years of experience have shown it to have answered its purpose admirably. The first floor contains a
6
HISTORY OF
MUSKEGON COUNTY.
65
large hall extending through the entire building from the front to the rear entrance. On either side of the hall are situated the county offices, all of them large and spacious rooms, well lighted and finely furnished. Three of them are furnished with large fire-proof vaults for the protection of public records. From the hall there is a broad stairway leading to the court room, reaching it by two flights of steps from the first landing, one turning to the right and the other to the left, reaching each entrance of the court room at the upper landing. The court room itself is a very large room capable of accommodat- ing an audience of a thousand or more people. It is elegantly fin-
stairway leading to the tower; from which the entire city, Muskegon Lake and the adjacent country for many miles around can be seen, presenting a view for variety and beauty unequaled in the State. Surrounding the court house is a beautiful park of three or four acres in extent, filled with the choicest variety of native shade trees tastefully arranged to form arbors and promenades. The fine and imposing appearance of the court house itself, surrounded by its elegant grounds, forms one of the chief objects of interest in the city.
The bar of Muskegon will compare favorably in point of ability and number with any in the State in cities of the same size.
MUSKEGON OOUNTY COURT HOUSE.
ished, and the ceiling and walls are ornamented with fresco work. The Judge's seat is an elevated platform some three feet from the floor, having a front elaborately constructed with pillars, panel work, mouldings, etc., and built up to a height convenient for a writing desk, and is used for that purpose during sessions of court. Imme- diately in front is the Clerk's desk, and in front of this is for the use of the bar is an enclosure in form of a half circle some forty feet in diameter, made of rail and balusters. On the right and left of the Judge's seat are constructed elevated platforms to be seated with chairs for the use of juries. Opposite the Judge's seat on the other side of the room is a gallery capable of seating two or three hundred people. Under the gallery is a suite of rooms to be used in connection with the court room as a place for juries to retire and deliberate, and also for the use of witnesses. From the gallery is a
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
For school purposes the city is divided into six districts or wards. In the center of the city is located the handsome Union School Building, consisting of three stories and a basement. It is in many respects a model building, and the pride of the citizens of Muske- gon. In the basement are rooms for the janitor's family, a boiler room with wood-shed attached, a laboratory, and, on each side of the hall, a play room; one for the boys and the other for the girls, adjoining each of which are the water closets. On the first floor is the Superintendent's office, the Library, the High School Room, with a recitation room and three rooms for primary schools. On the sec- ond floor are five rooms for the grammar schools and one for the fourth primary. ,On the third floor is a large hall, provided with an
66
HISTORY OF MUSKEGON COUNTY.
ample stage and several dressing rooms. The hall is capable of seating at least 1,000 persons. It is used only for school purposes. In it are held the Commencement Exercises, exhibitions, lectures, concerts, etc., given under the auspices of the school. The building is heated by steam, and is kept at a comfortable temperature the year round. The building is also provided with gas and water throughout. The precautions against fire are perfect. In the tower is a fine clock, which gives to the city meridian time. The building
THE OCCIDENTAL HOTEL,
which takes first rank among the hotels of Muskegon, is a large four-story wooden structure, on the corner of Third street and Western avenue. The older or front portion was erected by Jona- athan Boyce, and L. G. Mason built an addition in 1867. Mr. N. A. Barney & Son took it in 1869, and made a large addition, and it is now 132 feet long and 78 feet wide, with 107 bed rooms and an
BAKER-CO.
PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING.
is of brick with stone foundation and facings. The original cost was about $55,000.
In what is known as the Third Ward is a substantial brick building containing five rooms. This building is heated by a Rut- tan furnace. The remaining four buildings are frame, each contain- ing two rooms. They are so distributed throughout the city as to accommodate the small children.
For several years the efficient Superintendent has been Mr. C L. Houseman, and the Board of Education for 1881 was: C. D. Nelson, President; D. Mclaughlin, Secretary; H. H. Getty, W. McKillip, R. E. Bunker, and F. A. Nims.
The number of pupils enrolled is nearly 2,000, and the teach- ers number over thirty.
elegant dining room 29x106 feet. It has no bar, and has a large run of commercial and first-class travel. In summer it is always overflowing with patrons. Mr. N. A. Barney was born in Chau- tauqua Co., N. Y., 1827, and in 1831 his father came to Battle Creek and erected the first house there.
THE ARLINGTON HOTEL
is the new name of what was the Hofstra House. The new proprie- tors, Messrs. McCoskey & Stubbins, have thoroughly overhauled and refitted the place, so as to make it first-class in every respect.
67
HISTORY OF MUSKEGON COUNTY.
MANN & PIERCE.
This house is the oldest established clothing emporium in the city, having been established in April of 1875. The firm consists of Charles B. Mann, a gentleman well and favorably known, and E. S. Pierce, of Grand Rapids, Mich., well known in the Valley City as the clothier prince, and there carrying the largest stock in cloth- ing west of Detroit. Their store (as shown in the engraving) is centrally located on Western avenue, within a block of the post office, and their sales-room is 32x90 feet all in one room, the space being closely filled with counters, show cases and tables piled high with ready-made clothing of all kinds, grades and styles, together with cloths in all of the staple and fashionable patterns to manu-
The second floor is occupied as follows: Henry H. Holt's law offices are in Nos. 1, 7 and 8; Mann & Pierce have their tailor shops and work rooms in Nos. 2 and 3; W. Fletcher uses No. 4 for a sleeping room; Holt's museum is in No. 5; Levi Beardsleys's Jus- tice of the Peace office is in No. 6. This block, although not a particularly showy building, is well built, having first class plate glass windows and being well and centrally located. Every room has been occupied from the first.
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.