USA > Michigan > Ionia County > Memorials of the Grand River Valley > Part 38
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" If the settler wanted something more costly, as flour or pork, his only alternative was to get up a shingle shanty, and make shingles. The banks of the river, from the Rapids to Grand Haven, were dotted with these. I have known some parties take a load of shingles on a hand-sled, twenty miles on the ice; sell the load for provisions (or whisky, if not temperate), which would last them only one week; and then repeat the same operation.
" A soon as the pole-boats started to take freight to Grand Rapids, their condition was better to get to market; and when the Gov. Mason and other steamers followed, as population increased, our condition was vastly improved. One of these steamers was commanded by Capt. Sibley, now deceased, but well known to our earlier settlers. This Capt. Sibley was promoted from captain of a pole-boat to the steamer, and he deserved it. A more manly and accommodating captain could not be found. I recollect an incident, proving the truth of this assertion, being myself on board the boat at the time. A settler on the bank waved his hat violently for the boat to stop. The captain said, 'I do not see any freight to put on board, but I'll see what he wants.' He rang the bell, and the boat stopped. 'I say, captain, I want you to bring me half a pound of plug tobacco to-morrow, and a box of matches.' ' All right,' says the captain, rang the bell, and was off again."
We will also let our friend Griffin tell his story of going to mill in early times:
"Two families, first settlers at Eastmanville, were out of breadstuff in the month of January, 1838. Your correspond ent, accompanied by J. V. Hopkins (now deceased), started on foot for Grandville, twenty miles up the river, to purchase a little wheat and corn; arrived there, and were informed that
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the only place to get it was at Howlett's farm. We purchased a load, got it to Ketchum's mill, with the promise to have it ready for us in one week. On our return home we were overtaken by a tremendous storm. Crossing the river on the ice was very difficult. It was accomplished by each of us providing two broad boards; getting on one, and sliding the other in front- creeping from board to board until the unsafe bridge of ice was passed.
"The storm increased, and having no road or marked trees to guide our course, we got lost in the wilderness of hills and valleys on the north side of the river, between Grandville and Sand Creek. After traveling all day, we fortunately found Sand Creek; followed the stream down to Talmadge post-office, kept by father Bethnel Church, whose hospitality was pro- verbial; his venerable old lady providing the best they had for the comfort of tired and hungry men. This was ten miles, and half way home, for that day's work. The third day we reached home; and waiting three days more, prepared an ox team, took our axes along to clear the way, and with a lunch of good sandwiches, set out for Grandville to get our grist. Two days more, and our team was at Grandville, but on the wrong side of the river; no bridge, and the ice still precarious. But in the emergency, with determination and pluck, we got the grist over, loaded it up and started for home, on the tenth day from the first movement to get these supplies-only twen- ty miles off."
For a long time Grand Haven was of slow growth, its busi- ness resting almost entirely on lumber and forwarding. In 1851, it had four merchants-Ferry, Albee, Gilbert and Griffin. Then its exports of lumber were 362 millions; shingles, 3,200 M. In 1853, 41 millions of lumber; shingles, 13,000 M; staves, 320 M. In 1855, lumber, 45 millions; shingles, 37,000 M.
In April, 1853, the steamer Detroit, as an experiment, com- menced making regular trips to Chicago. The same year, the road across the marsh, known as the "sawdust" road, was made to the ferry.
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GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
The population. in 1854, was 671. Spring Lake was then Mill Point, a mere lumber manufacturing place, with the usual rustic surroundings of such places.
At this time the village was quite compact, and the style of the place simple. The principal hotel was the Washington (since burned). . There was no church edifice, but public wor- ship was held in the old school-honse. The second school- honse was built at about this time.
As a little community they were very fraternal; social in- tercourse was hearty, simple and free. The tone of society was moral. Winter was a season of social enjoyment; sum- mer of active business. There were no manufactories other than of lumber. At about this time Mr. Albee established a tannery, which he run until it required 100 hands to operate it. This to him eventually was no advantage, and it has ceased to exist.
Railroad communication and the development of the snr- rounding country have enabled Grand Haven to extend its business; and the census returns show a striking increase. To properly appreciate that increase the three places, Grand Ha- ven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg must be considered as one. To all intents and purposes they are one, and are so consid- ered in all that has been written, or in what follows.
The present state of development may be seen in its ex- tended limits, its magnificent hotels, its enlarged business, its schools, churches, manufactories. fisheries and extended com- merce, and in the fact of its having become a place of popular summer resort. All things seem auspicious of greater prom- inence in the future.
The business of Grand Haven in 1873, was: Lumber 125 .- 000,000; clearances, other than of river boats and the Good- rich line of steamers, 1,166; 15,000 persons visited the place on account of the springs; 120 men and 20 boats employed in fishing; pay roll of the mills and factories, $1,000,000.
GRAND HAVEN CITY.
The first charter election was held April 1st, 1867. Elected as City Council:
George Parks, Mayor; Charles J. Pagelson, Recorder;
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Arend Vanderveer, James A. Rice, John W. Hopkins, Wil- liam Wallace, Isaac H. Sandford, Peter Van Weelden, Henry S. Clubb, Harmon Bosch, Aldermen.
The first meeting of the Council was April 6th, when were appointed Charles I. Pfaff, Marshal; Robert W. Duncan, At- torney; John Bolt, Street Commissioner.
1868-R. W. Duncan, Mayor.
1869-70-Dwight C. Cutler, Mayor.
1871-Henry Griffin.
1872-3-Geo. E. Hubbard.
1874-5-John A. Leggatt.
1876-Win. M. Ferry.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT GRAND HAVEN.
Until 1852, the school, with the exception of a few months, was under the care of Miss Mary A. White. It was begun by her in the missionary spirit; kept up for years with little remuneration, other than the satisfaction of doing good, and the earnest love of all the young people, who recognized in her their ideal of goodness, and who considered her infallible. Miss White still survives, enshrined in the hearts of all, who remember her as their teacher. For nearly twenty years she was the teacher at Grand Haven. . Her impress is on the place.
In 1861, the school was opened in the second school house; for a year under the charge of Miss White. The first man employed to take charge of the school was Franklin Everett, who conducted it six months, assisted by his wife. For sever- al years the school was in charge of teachers engaged for short terms.
In 1860, Charles H. Cushman was employed as principal. In 1863, he was succeeded by Charles Chandler, Jr.
In 1865-6, the school was under the charge of Prof. A. W. Taylor.
July, 1867, Prof. A. J. Itsell was placed in charge. He re- mained two years- succeeded by Prof. D. B. Safford. He had ten assistants.
May 11th, 1870, the contraet was let to build the new school house. The school was for a time under the charge of Prof. M. W. Darling.
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GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
July 3d, 1871, Prof. A. Hardy was engaged, and the school opened in the new building. He continued in charge until 1875, when superior inducements removed him to Milwaukee, much to the regret of Grand Haven. During his time the number of assistants was about sixteen.
Prof. Lindley Webb succeeded Hardy. He stayed one year, and also went to Milwaukee.
The superintendence was given, July, 1876, to Miss E. M. Beckwith, who had been long connected with the school.
Grand Ilaven has from the first been anxious to have a good school; has endeavored to provide the best teachers, and the best facilities. Her central school house is one of the best in the State; and it is safe to say that no town is more generous and earnest in the cause of education.
CUTLER HOUSE.
This imposing struct- ure, which illustrates the public spirit, pride. wealth, enterprise, and daring of Dwight C. Cutler, was formally opened July 4th, 1872. There is no need of describing it, as it is the one object that chal- lenges the notice of ev- ery visitor to Grand Ha- ven.
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The mineral springs had already attracted attention; and the idea of making Grand Haven the "Saratoga of the Cutl r House. West," brought into existence the Cutler House at Grand Haven, the "Pomonia" at Fruitport, and the hotel at Spring Lake. The mineral springs at the several places, are the basis on which they rest. Health and fashionable summer rustica- tions have made Grand Haven and vicinity, places of resort. Should fashion, as is expected, and as past seasons indicate, give these places celebrity, these houses, the most pretentious of which is the Cutler House, will be mines of wealth to their owners; and the precursors of others more magnificent. If the springs lose their attractive power, the people will, with their thumbs on their noses say, "I told you so!"
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The Cutler is finished and furnished in palatial style, at an expense of $200,000.
Great credit is due to Mr. Cutler for his enterprise, and the determined spirit which he showed in his attempt to develop what promises to be the greatest interest of Grand Haven. It was a venture, and a daring one. Wheth- er he eventually realizes from it fortune or loss, he will have laid Grand Haven under obligations. The springs cannot be made popular places of resort un- less near them are first-class hotels. The few years that have elapsed since heavy capital was thrown npon the mineral water, have rendered the rich return nearly a matter of certainty, and hope for the future is buoyant.
Spring Lake has also its mineral waters, and its great hotel, dividing the interest with Grand Haven.
Mineral Springs.
MANUFACTURES OF GRAND HAVEN AND VICINITY.
Exclusive of the general lumber manufacture, comparatively little is done in the way of manufacture. Formerly, C. B. Albee had a large tannery. But Albee and the tannery belong to the past. At present, foremost in the way of manufacturing, is the foundry and machine shop of the Hon. Wm. M. Ferry, at Ferrysburg, where a good business is done in mill work, steam en- gines, etc. This has been in successful operation for many years. A specialty with this concern is mill machinery, many improvements in which have orig- inated in the practical mind of the proprietor.
WAITE MANUFACTURING CO.
J. B. Waite came to Grand Haven in 1870, and bought out the planing mill of C. D. Vleiger: and carried on the business of planing and jobbing, to which he soon added the making of hand rakes.
Previous to that, Waite & Schofield had been experimenting on a corn- planter.
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GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
In 1872, a company, with a paid in capital of $30,000, was formed of prom- inent business men of Grand Haven: Waite, President. They made ironing tables, horse rakes, hand rakes and corn planters. In 1875, they dropped ironing tables and added feed cutters.
Business of 1875, (the year ending in July) : 250 corn planters; 50,000 hand rakes; 500 horse rakes; 500 ironing tables.
I876: 625 corn planters; 40,000 hand rakes; 300 horse rakes.
Hands employed, 50.
The corn planters are meeting with great favor, and are becoming intro- duced into the great corn States. It is their intention to push this machine.
Stearus' Planing Mill is engaged in fitting material to send off on contracts, employing about fifteen hands. In connection with it is an establishment for making staves and heading, making 30,000 sets per week.
Fletcher & Rose's establishment are engaged in making various small articles in wood, especially curtain rolls, 30,000 of which they turn out in a week. It is believed they intend to make anything which they see money in.
A tub and pail factory is just being started by W. Whitney, who is in- tending to do a large business.
Ship-building at Grand Haven is an important interest. Messrs. Squiers & White have a large dry-dock and extensive ship-yard, with facilities for building equal to any part of the lakes. Vessels, propellers and barges are being constantly built and repaired.
FISHERY.
On the right bank of the river, below Grand Haven, will be seen a shanty vi lage on the sand-bank; but that represents no small interest; it is the landing place for the fisheries, and where the fish from the lake are prepared for the market.
The fish are caught by gill-nets, placed at various distances from the shore, even in 300 feet of water, 25 miles from shore. They are gathered into little steamers, sail-boats, and smaller craft. Olten forty barrels a day are secured. The white fish are becoming scarce, and the fishermen are every year obliged to go a greater distance to obtain them. It is a well known fact that in gener- al fish are a stay-at-home animal. In an inland lake of one-half a mile in width, one side may be fished out and the other be well supplied. In the winter of '75-6, a great number of young white fish were deposited at Grand Haven, to re-stock the over-fished waters.
CHURCHES OF GRAND HAVEN.
Public worship was established at Grand Haven at the time of the arrival of Mr. Ferry; he preaching in his own house until the erection of the school- house, in the fall of 1836. At that time a Presbyterian church was organized with nine members-the first in the Grand River Valley.
The original members were:
Rev. Wm. M. Ferry, Mrs. Amanda W. Ferry, Mary A. White, Pierre C. Duvernay, Mrs. Julia Duvernay, Caroline M. White, Nehemiah Hathaway, Mrs. Lucretia Hathaway, Charles Duvernay.
Pierre C. Duvernay was made Ruling Elder.
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The school-house served as a place of worship until the church was built. The corner stone of that was laid September 19th, 1855. It was dedicated May 31st, 1857.
With the exception of a few months, Mr. Ferry was the preacher until April, 1857. Until October 18th, 1859, the church was served by temporary pastors-Rev. Joseph Anderson, A. D. Eddy, D. D., and Rev. Louis Mills. At this time, David M. Cooper was installed pastor. The pastoral office has been held in the following order: Rey. W. M. Ferry, from the commence- muent until 1857; Rev. Joseph Anderson, 1857-8; Rev. A. D. Eddy, D. D., 1858-9; Rev. D. M. Cooper, 1859 to 1864; Rev. J. N. Phelps, 1864 to 1866; Rev. David H. Evans, 1866 to 1869; Rev. J. M. Cross, 1869 to 1871; Rev. Henry S. Rose, 1871 to 1875; Rev. John B. Sutherland commenced November, 1875. The membership of the church has been;
Received in all, 268; dismissed, 70; died, 22; removed without letters, 7; present membership, 169.
The church has one of the best parsonages in the State, erected in 1873, and costing $6,000.
The Congregational church is an offshoot from the Presbyterian, resulting from a lack of harmony between the acting pastor-the Rev. J. Anderson -- and the Rev Mr. Ferry, the particulars of which are not essential to history.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
On April 29th, 1868, a Congregational church of 16 members, was organ- ized, and the Rev. Joseph Anderson, who had been supplying the Presby- terian church, was constituted pastor. As intimated above, this was a seces- sion from the original Presbyterian church.
In May, 1859, a neat and commodious church edifice was dedidated, free of debt. This church was destroyed some years afterwards by fire, uninsured. It had been under the pastoral care of Mr. Anderson until he left as chap- lain to go with one of the Michigan regiments. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. B. Fiske, who spent three years or so with the church.
Discouraged by the burning of their church, the society languished. On August 16th, 1871, the society re-organized. In 1872 they sold the old lot, and purchased another, on which, at this writing (1876), they are erecting a beautiful brick church edifice.
May 12th, 1874, church re-organized with 27 members.
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March, 1875, the society extended a call to the Rev. J. V. Hickmot, who has since held the pastoral relation.
Present status: Membership, 56.
The church and society are confident that a bright future is before them. At present they labor in hope receiving aid from outside.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN-ST. JOHN'S CHURCH OF GRAND HAVEN.
The congregation is composed of German people, spread over a wide extent of the region round about Grand Haven. Services in the Germin language.
The organization dates from 1866, the first minister, the Rev. J. L. Daib, of Grand Rapids.
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GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
Their church was consecrated in the spring of 1868. The lot was the gift of Wm. M. Ferry, Sr.
It was a small organization at first-about a dozen. The names, as gath- ered from the memory of one of their number, were : Charles F. Paggelson, John Ziletlow, John Teitz, Henry Saul, Henry C. Bare, William Dehn, Henry Wasch, Christian Meinck.
The society has expended $6,000 on the church and parsonage. The sec- ond pastor (1871) was the Rev. F. W. Spindler, a German, still holding that relation.
The church is without debt; numbers 200 communicants; has a congrega- tion of from 300 to 400; the audience room, 32x52. being generally crowded.
UNITARIAN CHURCH
This is a new society, and as they have no church edifice, or church property, it may be considered as experimental. It was organized in April, 1875. For three years it had had a provisional existence, and several liberal clergymen had preached there. In April, '75, the Rev. M. H. Houghton was called to the pastorate. He left in about eight months, and was succeeded by the Rev. Geo. W. Cook.
The meetings are held in the hall of the Cutler House, where assemble as good a congregation as in the churches. The Society is zealous and ener- getic; determined to go ahead, and establish "Liberal Christianity" in Grand Haven.
The present officials are: Dr. Cummings, T. D. Stickney, D. Cutler, J. B. Waite, W. G. Smith, D. Gale, W. C. Sheldon.
CATHOLIC.
This may be considered a Mission, with its center at Grand Haven, having in charge several minor churches.
St. Mary's Church, at Berlin, was organized about twenty years ago. Up to that time, the few Catholics who undertook the erection of the church, were poor, and scattered through a country which was nearly a wilderness. The present house is too small, and will, before another year, be replaced by a more commodious one; funds for which are already collected.
A large Catholic settlement at Dennison, Ottawa county, has a fair pros- pect of having a church edifice at no distant day.
St. Mary's at Spring Lake, was built in 1869; is a neat and comfortable building, having a membership of 300 souls.
St. Patrick's, at Grand Haven, was built in 1872-3; is a large and expens- ive building, and when completed according to the plans, will be one of the finest churches in the city, capable of accommodating about 1,000; cost about $12,000.
All these, and some minor outlying stations, have been for some time un- der the pastoral care of Father T. J. Murphy.
Catholic population of Grand Haven about 250.
Services are held at Grand Haven three Sundays in a month; the same at Spring Lake; at Berlin once a month; at Dennison six times a year; at Hol- land six times a year; at Saugatuck, in Allegan county, four times a year. At Holland are about twenty families.
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Nationalities: Berlin-400 people; all Irish. Dennison-Irish. Spring Lake-German, Irish and French. Grand Haven-Irish, French, German, Hollander, Indian and African. Holland-Irish, French, German and Hol- lander. Saugatuck-Irish. French, German aud Indian.
From the above facts, kindly communicated by Father Murphy, it will be seen that the Catholics have little but missionary operations in the lake re- gion of Ottawa county. But the sincerity of Catholics, and the devoted zeal of their clergy. always render them a power wherever they have a foothold. Believing in their church, they are ready and willing to make all other inter- ests secondary to it. Hence that church has an intense vitality, and is a power wherever it is.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL, AT SPRING LAKE.
Before the organization of any class, there had been occasional preaching. In 1862, a small class of twelve or fifteen was gathered by Elder Win. M. Colby; some of the members of which were Daniel B. Thorpe, Mrs. H. A. Hopkins, Mrs. . T. D. Dennison, Mrs. Win. Flanders, Mrs. Wm. Britton, Loren O. Perham.
Services were held for two years in the school-house, with a slow increase of numbers.
The Presbyterian and Methodist societies bought a partly built church of the Hollanders; finished, and jointly occupied it. That house was so used five years, when it was burned down. During this time there was some in- crease. The Methodists bought the ground of the Union Church, and di- rectly commenced to rebuild; were three or four years in completing it. It was dedicated in 1872. At this time the membership was about 60. The size of the church is 38x60, with basement. Cost, $7,500. The parsonage, built during the same time, cost $1,200. Present membership about 120.
Pastors-W. M. Colby, David Engle, James Roberts, James Cowan, J. R. A. Wrightman, James W. Reid, Levi Master.
The church has been harmonious and generally prospered.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbytherian Church, at Spring Lake, was organized by Rev. H. Lucas, a missionary of the American Home Missionary Society, and the Rev Wmn. M. Ferry, of Grand Haven, on Feb. 12th, 1853. There were five men - bers when it was organized: George G. Lovell, L. M. S. Smith, Anna H. Smith, Miss Lydia Norton, and Harriet J. Franklin. G. G. Lovell, and L. M. S. Smith were elected ruling elders.
The Rev. H. Lucas supplied the church for a year after its organization; followed by Rev. Henry Redfield, one year.
The Rev. Joseph Anderson was afterwards minister, he at the same time. serving the church at Grand Haven. He was succeeded by Dr. A. P. Eddy, who commenced his labors in May, 1858; he also laboring at Grand Haven. He continued until some time in 1866, and was succeeded, as stated supply, by the Rev. Joseph Lud, who served the church for three years. He was followed by the Rev. A. G. Bebie, who stayed something less than two years.
The Rev. W. H. Blair, the present supply, commenced in July, 1872.
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GRAND RIVER VALLEY.
Since the organization of the church, 77 have been added by letter or pro- fession. Present membership, 55; society membership, 154.
The first church edifice was destroyed by fire. The present building was dedicated Jan. 26, 1874. The cost was about $10,000.
From a feeble beginning, it has gone on until it takes respectable rank among the churches in the Valley; and its fine edifice is an honor to its en- terprise. The missionary who first collected the little bands has just (1876) gone to his rest. Spring Lake is not the only place that cherishes his memory.
PRUSSIAN SETTLEMENT.
In the township of Grand Haven, five miles south of the city, on the Hol- land road is a German population of some 45 families. They have a Lu- theran church, organized in 1870, of which John Bean, Henry Saul and Henry Boardman were the original elders, and Frederick Bean, William Bean, and Charles Ladewig were the deacons. The church was organized with 23 members. They have a small church edifice, and a congregation of from 100 to 200. Preaching in German. The name of the church, around which they cluster is the "German Lutheran Emanuel." The people are mostly Prussians.
MUSKEGON.
For the following valuable article the author and the public are indebted to the Hon. Henry H. Holt, Lieut. Governor, of the State of Michigan. As an old resident, and one whom the people there have delighted to honor, Mr. Holt familiarized him- self with the history of the city, that he had chosen as his resi- dence; and as a labor of love, prepared the following article, which he gave to the public, July 4, 1876. The author gladly avails himself of the consent kindly given to place it in this work, not doubting that an appreciating public will thank the honorable gentleman for his carefully prepared work.
MUSKEGON. BY HENRY H. HOLT.
The history of Muskegon, so far as we have been able to learn any items in regard to it, has its origin in 1812, when John Baptiste Recollet began to occupy a trading post, which was situated about twenty rods west of the Ruddiman Flour- ing Mill, at the month of Bear Lake. This was the first trad- ing post on Muskegon Lake, and was occupied for a number of years, the remains of the chimney still being visible as late
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