USA > Michigan > Saginaw County > History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume II > Part 71
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668
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
The original plans for a federal building to occupy this site, prepared by government architects, provided for a large, low, squatty structure, one- story in height, which to everyone appeared inappropriate to the location and surroundings. There was general disapproval of the plans and much unfavorable comment on the departmental methods was heard, when William S. Linton, who was foremost in opposition to the plans, by his large influence at Washington succeeded in having an entirely new set of plans drawn. The new plans corrected the main defects of the preceding ones, and after some modification were deemed satisfactory. The contracts for the con- struction of the building were then let and the work was begun, with William C. Mueller, as contractor. Building operations proceeded with dispatch and on July 4, 1898, the handsome new post office was opened for public service.
At that time the Saginaw post office was regarded as the best planned building for the needs of a city of fifty thousand inhabitants, in this section of the country; and its architecture and lay out of grounds meets with the highest commendation of residents and visitors. In the eighteen years since the federal building was opened. the business of the post office has increased so rapidly as to necessitate a large addition to it, and in 1916 Congress appropriated one hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars for such improvements. In the near future an addition will be built at the east end of the structure on Warren Avenue, affording largely increased facilities for handinlg the parcel post and outgoing mail business, as well as the distri- bution of mail, and the transaction of registered letters and money order business. When completed the new Federal Building will be one the citizens of Saginaw may well be proud.
Why Saginaw Has Two Post Offices
Saginaw has the peculiar distinction of being the only city in the United States, excepting Greater New York, to have two separate and distinct post offices and two postmasters and deputy postmasters. While there may have been some practical reasons for retaining both offices when the two cities were consolidated in 1890, they have long since lost force and today the separate post offices are a detriment to the city and to efficient service, so far as the West Side is concerned. It matters not to the residents of the East Side whether the West Side office is a part of the East Side post office or not, since all mail directed to Saginaw comes direct to the East Side office, and is quickly distributed to boxes or delivered to offices or homes.
On the West Side, however, whose post office is officially designated as Saginaw, West Side, the situation is entirely different. AAll mail for this office which is properly directed with the words "West Side" placed after the name of the city goes, of course, direct to this office and is promptly distributed in due course. All other postal matter for this section of the city, where the special designation is omitted, even when the street address is given, goes first to the Saginaw post office on the East Side, is there sorted, pouched as for any mail route, and dispatched by wagon to the West Side office. There it is resorted and in regular course delivered, but from six to eighteen hours after it should have reached its destination. All morning mail thus resorted and dispatched is not delivered by carrier until afternoon, while the afternoon mails go over until the following day. A large proportion of the West Side mail matter is thus unnecessarily delayed in transit and delivery, much to the disadvantage of business men and residents of that part of the city.
This peculiar situation is due entirely to the postal regulations govern- ing separate post offices, and which can not be changed to meet the local
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-
THE FEDERAL BUILDING AT SAGINAW
conditions. A main sub-post office on the West Side, for the dispatch of mail and affording general postal facilities, would serve the residents of this section of the city far better than any independent office could. With one post office all mail could be delivered by carrier direct from the Saginaw office with only one handling, and the time of delivery materially shortened. A sub-office on the West Side would not abridge or curtail any of the postal facilities now enjoyed by the citizens over there.
The main objection to making the office a sub-post office, raised by certain "West Siders" is that the West Side would thus lose its identity and independence. They do not like "giving in" to the East Side. The logic of this position is not clear, since both sections of the city comprise one municipality having supposedly single aims and single broad purposes. As a matter of fact, however, a union of aims and purposes does not exist, or, indeed, ever existed, a certain element on the West Side still adhering to the old animosities and jealousies of their fathers. This is a deplorable condition which has interfered with the possible advancement of the city.
The real and logical reason for maintaining two post offices in Saginaw is one of politics. Every consideration of economics and public service is opposed to separate post offices, yet. from the political point of view there is every reason for opposing any change. For sixteen years, embracing con- secutive terms of our esteemed Congressman, Joseph W. Fordney, the office of postmaster on the West Side was held by his private secretary and faithful henchman, "Bud" Brady, and while the office was administered satisfactorily, considering the handicaps of delayed mail deliveries, the fact is apparent that his long tenure of office was due entirely to a strong political influence, rather than to any unusual ability or traits of probity. This condition is likely to continue, since few West Side residents perceive the disadvantages of the separate office, or else do not care to relinquish their fancied identity or independence. That a large section of the city should suffer from this twin-post office politics is inconceivable to outsiders.
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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
Two Post Offices Are a Detriment to the City
Another detriment to the city in having two post offices is the dis- crepancy which arises in the official statements of the postal business tran- sacted in Saginaw. To Michigan and the outside world this city is known as Saginaw and, being one municipality. no one thinks of "Saginaw, West Side," as a separate and distinct post office. Consequently, in comparing the official statements of postal business in Saginaw and other cities of its class, the figures for the Saginaw office only are taken, with the result that the totals are about twenty per cent. less than the combined totals of both Saginaw post offices. This is an injustice to the city and makes it appear, insofar as its postal business is a criterion of its commercial activity. in a very poor light. To outsiders the city is of less consequence than it really is.
Saginaw Postal Business for 1915-16
In order to show the actual postal business of Saginaw the following table, compiled from the official reports for the year ending June 30, 1916, is given :
Per Cent. Inc. 1915
Total receipts
Insured parcel post packages
21,090
Fees on same
C. O. D. parcels
709.46 5,085 210.24
65.00
275.24
Amusements
The means of recreation and enjoyment in olden times were not numer- ous, compared with those of today, but were suited to the tastes of different classes of the inhabitants. Among outdoor sports the chief recreation was boating on the river which, for want of roads, was the convenient and customary means of travel between the valley settlements. Canoes and batteaux were numerous and dotted the stream between the villages, giving a touch of activity to the quiet waters. In winter skating and snow parties were the favorite pastimes, and as the bayou was then open through the business section of East Saginaw, one could skate uninterrupted on it from above Hayden's Bayou down across Genesee Street, where Barie's store now stands, and beyond into the dense woods which covered what is now the second ward. Many of our oldest residents remember the low ground. most of which was covered with water, along Genesee, Tuscola, German, Franklin and North Warren, between Washington and Jefferson Streets, where they skated in Winter and fished in Summer.
Buena Vista Hall, on the third floor of the first brick block erected in Last Saginaw, at Genesee and Water Streets, and Irving Hall. in the four- story building adjoining on Genesee Street, were the first public meeting places where lectures, concerts, dances and parties, as well as church services were held. Afterward Jackson Ilall, in Washington Street on the site of Wright's Hotel, was a popular hall. Fred Douglas lectured there on the evening of January 31. 1808. John B. Goff, on February 3. following, and many noted men appeared on its boards. The building was burned in the big fire of May 26, 1873. A view of the ruins appears on page 200.
The Academy of Music
For the lovers of the drama the old Academy of Music and Bordwell's Opera House gave the residents of all classes all the thrill and excitement desired, while the Germania Hall and the Old Armory were convenient
5,715
Fees on same
Sag. $190,622.88
6.6 55. 21. 26. 17. Sag. W. S. $47,040.59 5,980 233.88 630
Total $237,663.47 27,070. 943.34
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meeting places for the people. The need for a first-class opera house was long recognized, and in 1883 the Academy of Music Company was organized, and a new brick theatre building was erected, John H. Qualmann, contractor, at the northeast corner of Washington and William ( Janes) Streets. Wil- liam L. Webber was president, Wellington R. Burt, vice-president and William C. McClure, secretary, of the company.
The Academy of Music was a large and substantial structure, seventy by one hundred and forty feet in dimensions, and cost seventy thousand dollars. Its stage was thirty-five feet in depth and sixty-eight in width, and was ade- quately hung with all necessary drops and scenery, including a fine drop cur- tain painted by Robert Hopkin, a Michigan artist of some celebrity, and which was greatly admired by our citizens in general. The auditorium, which had a seating capacity of twelve hundred persons, was noted for its fine accoustic properties, and was admirably arranged for obtaining a good view of the stage from every part of the house. It was comfortably seated and had in addition to the orchestra circle, parquette, dress circle and gallery, four boxes and ten loges.
At the time of its opening, on the evening of December 16. 1884, the Academy was regarded as one of the finest theatres in Michigan, its furnish- ings and appointments being first-class in every respect. The initial per- formance was a gala event in this city. the presentation being "Lenore." an adaptation of "Lorlie," with Mme. Janisch in the leading role. The house was crowded with the elite of Saginaw society, and from that hour it sprang into favor with all theatre-goers. The second night the same company appeared in "Camille." the star role being filled by Mme. Janisch. The attractions offered by Clay & Buckley, the managers of the Academy, were of the highest grade, such celebrities as Booth, Barrett, Salvini, Fanny Davenport, Jefferson and others having filled engagements in this theatre.
Upon the retirement of Mr. Buckley from the theatrical firm operating the Academy, Sam G. Clay continued the management for several years, but was at length succeeded by John A. Davidson, who had been in active charge of the affairs for a long period. About ten years ago the house was sold to outside capitalists, and in 1911 was leased to the Butterfield interests. After the expiration of their lease in 1915, the Academy was operated by the owners, the National Amusement Company, with Fred E. Button as manager.
On the night of April 17, 1917, the Academy was totally destroyed by fre which started on the stage. As the house was "dark" the fire was not discovered until the flames burst through the roof, and in an incredibly short time the entire structure was a fiery furnace. Among the oldler residents strong feelings of sentiment were attached to this popular old playhouse, and much regret was expressed at the loss of it. The destruction of the Hopkin curtain, a real work of art, was greatly deplored, and was said to be the last of four or five curtains painted by the celebrated artist, a native of Michigan.
A Unique Character
Sam G. Clay, the old-time theatrical manager, was a unique character who entered the profession as a musician and actor at an early age. He was born at Bath, England, February 14, 1817. When scarcely sixteen years of age he joined the elder Booth, travelling in the East and Middle West. In the absence of opera houses they played in hotel dining rooms or other large rooms that might be available, using sheets as curtains, and improvised stages made of boxes and old lumber to raise the performers slightly above the audience seats.
672
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
SAM G. CLAY
In the early seventies Mr. Clay and others organized the pioneer theat- rical circuit in Michigan, if not in the United States, and included such cities as Detroit, Saginaw, Bay City, Port Iluron, Flint, Ann Arbor, and at times St. Louis and other small places, in one night stands. Erlanger, later of Klaw & Erlanger, was booking agent. and John A. Davidson was ticket seller in the Detroit Opera House. Although most of the advertising was done in newspapers. Mr. Clay erected the first bill boards in Saginaw. one of which was on Genesee Street, where the Jeffers Fountain now stands. The first paper put on was of the Dupree and Benedict Minstrels, during Civil War times.
In the early days of Clay's theatrical life it was the custom of the managers to meet once a year in New York City, to arrange bookings, etc. These men had an informal organization but later they formed the Order of Elks. Among the charter members were Clay of Saginaw, Bidwell of New Orleans, and MeVicker of Chicago. In recognition of Mr. Clay's high standing, and his services in obtaining the local charter in the order, the scope of which had been enlarged to include other than actors, he was made a life member of Saginaw Lodge No. 47. in 1892. In appreciation of this action be presented the order with a number of fine portraits of famous actors of the early days.
In striking contrast to the theatrical amusements of thirty or more years ago, are the offerings of newer theatres and moving picture houses, which for diversity and human interest far surpass anything in the past. This is apparent in the wide uses to which the Auditorium, the municipal theatre and convention hall are put. This large structure was erected in 1908 through the munificence of two wealthy citizens, and with its splendid equipment affords every facility for presenting plays, musical festivals, con- certs and recitals, commercial exhibitions, fairs, dances and banquets. An account of the Auditorium is given in pages 264-60.
In 1902, when the Gas Building, at Washington and Germania Avenues, was erected by the late Michael Jeffers, the plans were enlarged to include the rebuilding of the brick buildings adjoining on the north. The recon- struction provided for a new theatre at the rear of these buildings, and when
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completed was named Jeffers Theatre, after its owner. The new theatre was opened on August 2, 1902, by Bamford & Marks, as a vaudeville house, and instantly met with great favor by all classes of the people. This form of amusement was not new to Saginawians, as such shows had been given for several seasons in the Casino at Riverside Park, with success. The Jeffers Theatre extended this popular amusement from a few weeks run in Summer to nearly a whole year. Afterward stock plays of good grade were put on at intervals, and in 1915 moving pictures replaced the old policy. Early in 1917 the Jeffers returned to vaudeville with renewal of its former prosperity. The theatre property is now owned by E. A. and B. Goff, capitalists of this city.
The Franklin Theatre
With a landable purpose of giving this city another commodious theatre, some enterprising business men of South Franklin Street, and others, formed a company in May, 1914, and erected the Franklin Theatre at the corner of Germania Avenue. The officers of the company were: Julius B. Kirby, president ; Herbert W. Merrill, Vice-president ; David Swinton, secretary, and l'eter Mitts, treasurer. The new theatre is a modern, fire-proof structure of splendid appointments, costing one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. It was opened under the most favorable auspices on the night of February 22, 1915, playing high-class vaudeville.
In this field of amusement, however, the Franklin was destined to mis- fortune. Owing to strong opposition and questionable methods employed by competitors, the lessees of the Jeffers, the former company was prevented from securing the class of bookings to which it aimed, and much disappoint- ment resulted, not only to the stockholders and directors of the company but to patrons as well. Litigation followed in which existing hard feelings were intensified, and the difficulties were only settled by leasing the theatre to the Butterfield Syndicate, who took charge July 1. 1915. After extensive alterations to improve faulty accoustics and make the house more com- fortable, it was opened to vaudeville enthusiasts. Later it was changed to high-grade moving pictures, in which field it meets with large patronage and probable success.
In recent years the moving picture houses have become a leading factor in public amusements, and in this respect the city is well provided. Besides the theatres already mentioned, all of which are equipped for animated pictures, there are no less than fifteen "movie" houses. Some of these are located at South Saginaw, on South Michigan Avenue and Potter Street. The leading picture theatres are the Franklin, Palace, Mecca. Bijou, Dreamland, Wolverine and Family, in which high-class films are shown, meriting the patronage of particular people.
The Advent of the Automobile
The advent of the horseless carriage, as all motor vehicles were first known, was an important event in our local history. For several years before the first power wagon was seen on the streets of Saginaw, experiments were made in widely separated places to produce a carriage that would propell itself with some degree of dependency. Some experimenters adhered to the steam engine as a proper motive power, claiming that it was far more reliable in operation than any other type of engine, its steady, even power being applied to the driving wheels without vibration or jar. Others adopted the gas explosion engine as offering the ideal power for light vehicles; and their experiments were carried on with great zeal to perfect an engine which would be reliable and satisfactory.
674
HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY
For a while steam was the favorite power, as the simple slide valve engine was dependable, seldom getting out of order, its great flexibility and smooth running qualities recommending it to most pioneer motorists. The generator of steam for it, however, was a real problem, and on this deficiency the steam engine fell down. The generators then used, whether of the flash or fire-tube types, were seldom of sufficient capacity to supply the engine with steam at high effective pressure under adverse conditions. They required constant attention of the driver when running, and despite the utmost vigil- ance burning of boilers frequently occurred. In the early days, until the four- cylinder gas engine was brought to some degree of dependability. the twin cylinder steam carriage was the more satisfactory motor vehicle. With it one could drive into the country with a reasonable hope of getting home with- out hishap: and he generally passed one or two gas engine wagons helpless on the road.
Coming of the First Automobile
The first horseless carriage seen in Saginaw was a Locomobile steamer owned and driven by Chauncey W. Penoyer, who brought it here in the Summer of 1900. He drove it about the city and on the main roads, enter- taining his friends with the novel experience of riding in a "fire-spitting devil" carriage. It was, indeed, a thrilling and sometimes an exciting expe- rience, as the difficulties of free propulsion were many, and when driven to its full power a speed of twenty-five or thirty miles an hour was often attained.
The chief drawback to enjoyable motoring at that time was scared horses, confused cattle, and bewildered people. The former invariably shied at the sight of the steam puffing carriage driven by an invisible power, and run- aways were of frequent occurrence. Cattle generally stood stolid across the road effectually blocking a passage, and had to be driven away by the motor- ist before he could proceed on his way. People stared at the strange spectacle of a carriage running smoothly without any visible power, and some scurried away to a safe distance to avoid the fearsome vehicle. It was even questioned that such wagons had any right to the use of the streets and roads, and many heated arguments arose on this point. As a result the steamers were driven at a very moderate speed, compared with the average rate of speed today, and serious accidents were relatively few.
This first Locomobile steamer, after a short but eventful service, met with a distressing accident which proved fatal to one of its passengers. On the evening of November 6, 1900, while driving north on North Jefferson Avenue, Mr. Penoyer momentarily lost control of the carriage, a front wheel struck the curb, and the three occupants were thrown violently to the pave- ment. C. Kirke Eddy, youngest son of Charles K. Eddy a prominent lumber- man of this city, struck the stone curbing fracturing his skull. He died November 10. This sad accident dampened the motoring spirit of the others, and for a time the steamer was stored in a bicycle shop. At length it was overhauled and repaired and sold to Doctor L. W. Bliss, who used it regu- larly in making his calls. He was one of the first physicians in this city to use a motor vehicle in his profession.
The second steam carriage, also of the Locomobile production but having a Victoria top, was brought here in December, 1900, by the historian. This carriage of rather limited steaming radius, as were all steamers of that early date, was driven very successfully not only in the city but on all passable roads in the county and some distance beyond. In the eight years it was in service here several enjoyable trips were made to various cities in the State, although some difficulty was encountered with sand and mud roads. There were few improved highways in those days, even between the largest cities
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of the State, and motoring for pleasure was limited to driving on smooth pavements in the city, and on the plank road to Bridgeport, Frankenmuth, Vassar and other nearby places.
The First Gas Propelled Carriage
To Albert T. Ferrell belongs the honor of having brought to Saginaw the first gas propelled carriage. This was late in the Fall of 1900. The motor was a "single lunger" (one cylinder) Haynes and the carriage itself was of wonderful proportions and construction, and it ran quite satisfactorily when the engine felt like running. Mr. Ferrell drove this pioneer motor buggy for a year or two, and then traded it in for a new and improved model. Ever since he has been one of Saginaw's most enthusiastic motorists, taking great pride in the mechanical excellence of his motor equipment.
During the Summer of 1901 eight or ten other horseless carriages, mostly of the steam type, were brought to this city. The owners were: Daniel W. Briggs, Frank G. Palmerton, Arthur D. Eddy, Harry T. Wickes, Charles W. Bradford, William G. Ilay and W. G. Van Auken.
A SAGINAW MADE AUTOMOBILE, 1918
In the same Summer Rusco & Holland's minstrels visited this city, and created more than usual notice and comment. For among their principal attractions was a steam automobile which headed the parade. Horseless carriages were still a curiosity, especially in the country, and throngs came to see the steam puffing vehicle. When the steamer was unloaded from the express car which had brought it from another city, the tires were soft, and, in the absence of any garage or repair shop in the city, George E. Spring, a well known bicycle dealer, was called to fix them. The show men had had other trouble in operating the carriage, and becoming discouraged they de- cided to dispose of it. After some dickering they sold it the following day to Mr. Spring. He overhauled the machinery and put it in good running order, and drove it the balance of the season. Shortly after this pioneer steam carriage became the property of William Zeman, who used it success- fully, though with the customary troubles, for several years.
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