USA > Michigan > Tuscola County > Vassar > Vassar, Mich. : an illustrated description of its enterprises and the men who built them > Part 3
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).
RICHARD MORRIS, M. D., one of the most successful practitioners of Tuscola county, is a native of Limerick, Ireland. When he was less than a year old his parents emigrated to the new world and settled in New York State, removing later to Canada, where he received his educa- tion. Dr. Morris is a graduate of the Toronto School of Medicine, of the Buffa- lo University and of the Military School of Canada. In 1870, Dr. Morris came to Tuscola county and settled at Watrous- ville, in which place he continued the practice of his profession until 1883 when be removed to Vassar. He was married in 1870 to Josephine Jilson. Dr. Morris
is a close student and an able diagnos- tician, is a Mason and has held the office of county coroner most of the time since his residence here. At the present time he holds the office of health officer of Vassar.
ARTHUR S. ROGERS, M. D., Ph. C., is one of Tuscola county's own sons and first saw the light of day thirty-two years ago at Watrousville. Dr. Rogers receiv- ed his education at the Vassar high school. and in 1882 entered the pharmacy depart- of the University of Michigan, taking a literary course in connection, finishing the Ph. C. course in 1885 with a credit of three years on the A. B. chemistry course. In the spring of 1885 he opened and assumed the management of the Eagle drug store in Saginaw, remaining in that capacity until the business was disposed of two years later. As the drug business was intentionally preparatory to the study of medicine, he returned to the University of Michigan and entered the medical department upon advanced standing and finished in 1890. During the year following he practiced medicine and taught pathology in the University, and came to Vassar in 1892. Although he took only temporary quarters in this city his success as a practitioner among the people of his own county have made
A. S. ROGERS, M. D.
them permanent. Dr. Rogers is a mem- ber of the Washtenaw Medical Associa- tion and holds the position of Health Offi- cer of Vassar. His practice is one of the most lucrative in the county, and a pleas- ing personality has made him popular with the masses.
16
REV. C. H. MORGAN.
REV. CHARLES H. MORGAN, Ph. D., pastor of the First M. E. Church, Vassar, was born in Oakland county, Michigan, November 13, 1852, his ancestors for two generations back being natives of New York and New Jersey. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University, Evans- ton, llimois, 1877, and of Boston Univer- sity, School of Theology, 1879, School of all Sciences, degree of Ph. D., 1883. In 1879 he became a member of the Detroit
pastorates have been at Marquette, Fow- lerville, Romeo, Jefferson Street, Sagi- naw, Fast Side, Adrian, West Bay City, and Howell. He married Miss Emma D. · Webster, of Farrington, Michigan, June 22, 1887. They have one child, Leslie Webster, born March 10, 1894. Dr. Mor- gan has always given close attention to work among the children and young peo-
ple, and was a member of the convention which organized the Epworth League at Cleveland in 1889. Revivals, temper- ance and other social reforms are a pro- minent feature of his work. He is the author of a system of gathering and class- ifying newspaper material and of various lectures, the most popular of which are "The Seven Wonders of the Nineteenth Century," " Five-Fifths of a Farmer," and "Social Movements of our times."
The First Presbyterian Church of Vas- sar dates back to the spring of 1855. Although the church organization dates from 1855, there was no regular minister until 1856 when Rev. George Winter, then located at Brandon, Oakland county, made a visit and preached for the first time in the frame school house opposite the tannery. The first church edifice was built and dedicated in August, 1859, and the present spacious building was erected in 1891. Mr. E. A. Hoffman, the present pastor, is a man of broad views and liberal education.
The Vassar Class of the United Breth- ern in Christ was organized with thirty- Annual Conference, and his previous . five members in 1880, in the old town hall over the Times office, and in the following year built the house which they now oc- cupy on the east side of the river. Rev. A. E. Serbert was the organizer and builder of the first house of worship. Since that time ten pastors have had charge of the interests of the little flock. Rev. Ira J. Tripp, the present incumbent, was admitted to the ministry in 1893 and
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
took the pastorate of the United Brethern Church at Petoskey in 1894. In 1895 he came to Vassar, and interest in the work has increased materially since that time.
The Methodist Episcopal Church Soci- ety was formed by S. P. Lee, preacher in charge of the Genesee Circuit. in Octo- ber, 1851, and consisted of L. W. Van Kleeck, Emily Van Kleeck, Ebenezer Morse, Elizabeth and Harriet Gibbs, wives of Sabin and Orin Gibbs. This class was afterwards disbanded, but was aga'n organized in 1854 by Charles Haines, preacher in charge of the Tus- cola Circuit and consisted of six members, from which has grown the present flour - ishing society. Vassar was connected with the Tuscola Circuit and had preach- ing by pastors appointed for Tuscola until 1863, when the name was changed
REV. IRA J. TRIPP.
to Vassar and J. H. Horton appointed pastor. The services were held in the school house until the Presbyterian church was dedicated, and which was used until they built a church of their own. At the conference of 1867, J. O. Bancroft was appointed to Vassar in view of building a church. At this time there were but thirty five members in the church and it looked almost an impossi- bility to build a church, but with the bnsi- ness men of the town on the board of trustees and the indefatigable labor of the pastor and his wife, a substantial church was built and furnished at a cost of $7,400. It was dedicated July 11, 1869. A Sunday school was also organized and has been carried on very successfully un-
17
der the efficient superintendency of the Hon. B. W. Huston for the past twenty- five years. The present home of this so- ciety was began in May of this year and is one of the finest specimens of church architecture that can be found. The basement consists of a reception hall, dining room, kitchen and furnace room with all the necessary equipments. The audience room has a raised floor with cir- cular seats and will accommodate four hundred and fifty people. The Sunday school room is in immediate connection and is separated from the main room by a rolling partition. This new edifice was dedicated September 1, 1895.
REV. W. H. BETTEYS
The First Baptist Church of Vassar was organized April 15, 1888, with a char ter membership of nine persons In May, 1889, the society incorporated under laws of the state, and was recognized as a regular Baptist church. The services are for the present held in the Grand Army hall on Huron avenue, while the magnificent temple of worship that the earnest and willing workers of the society are building, is in the course of erection. A brief description of the dimensions of this church is given. The total length is 78 feet and the width 60 feet; the auditor- ium is 45x47 feet, with a Sunday school room separated by rolling partitions. The general style is Romanesque, built of Grindstone City quarry stone and the best Vassar brick to finish. The public's responses in aid of the church has been liberal and satisfying and while it was not designed to erect a structure of
elaborate proportions, it will compare favorably with any church in Tuscola county. The present pastor, Rev. W. H. Betteys, is a conservative and consistent man, has the polish of a brilliant educa- tion and a business ability that would do anybody proud.
A CHAPTER OF VASSAR'S PAST.
In 1847 an appropriation of 3,000 acres of land was made by the government to build "White Bridge" over the Cass river at Bridgeport. The contract was awarded to Townsand North, Judge J. M. and Newton Edmunds. At the comple- tion of their contract Mr. North was made agent for the company to select the lands, and he proceeded up the Cass and select- ed some fine pine lands where the flourish- ing city of Vassar now stands. In 1849 the company erected a small shanty near the present site of the Williamson tan- nery, and proceeded to build up a town.
towns springing up around us for honors, on June 15, 1866, Caro, then called "Cen- terville," by the aid of Tuscola, secured the plum.
During the month of August, 1854, the village of Vassar was surveyed and the plat recorded. In 1858 the Presbyterian church was erected and a'so the first drug store in the county opened. The Woolen factory was erected in 1867 and and Vassar began to assume the airs of a modern town.
In 1872 the Michigan Central railroad was built and the village incorporated.
HOTEL COLUMBIA.
This is one of the finest hotels in the city and county. The building, a large structure, 80x100 feet, two stories, is built of brick in excellent design. It was erected three years ago at a cost of $9,000 and Vassar is indebted to J. l'. Blackmore for its good hotels as he also built an ad-
7 77 7
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
They soon had a sawmill in operation, where the Phillips and Sturgis plant now stands and in the meantime opened a general store near the same place.
S. P. Lee organized the first church society, and the small band of worshipers, composed of six members, held their first meeting on October 14, 1851.
Judge Edmunds presided over the first court, held in the county in 1852. Vassar was then the county seat, but owing to a fight which was being carried on by the
dition to the Jewell House, thereby doubling its capacity at an expense of $6,500 and erected several buildings on the Fairview farm costing $5,000. He has been a friend to the laborer as can be seen by the above and has always worked hard for the growth and interest of the village, taking an active part in the buikling of Recreation Park to which he donated $750 besides other improve- ments.
The interior arrangement of the Hotel
18
Columbia is excellent. On the lower floor to the right is the commodious office, with reading, baggage and sample rooms, bath and toilet rooms in rear, while to the left of the hall is the large dining room with seating capacity for fifty persons' and the cuisine is first class. On the upper floor are attractive parlors for ladies and gentlemen and thirty guest chambers all well furnished and the equipment is first class throughout.
The house has an excellent transient
well known throughout the county and state, having been in the hotel business for years in this city. His reputation as a host is proverbial, and his house one of the best in the state.
A fine livery and feeding stables in connection with capacity for fifty horses and in that line is well patronized by people in surrounding towns and country, customers often coming from fifteen to twenty miles. A full line of light and heavy carriages are constantly on hand,
Miller's Opera House is a building highly creditable to the flourishing city. It was erected in 1879 by R. W. Miller, at a cost of $10,000, and is located at the corner of Main street and Huron avenue The auditorium is reached by a wide range of stairs from Main street. The exterior is of red brick, a steel stair case being attached to the outside as a means of escape from fire. The seating capacity of the house is about 800, the gallery holding, perhaps, 300 of this num.
HOTEL COLUMBIA.
trade from travelers and others ; also a liberal patronage from residents of Vas- sar and Tuscola county.
S. Blackmore, the present proprietor, is
enjoying an excellent livery trade and first class rigs are ready at any time of the day or night.
ber. The interior decorations are the fin- est in this quarter of Michigan outside of Saginaw and the scenery of such quality and abundance that would do credit to a much larger city. The destinies of the house are presided over by E. Emmet Miller and nothing but the best attrac- tions are booked. The stage is reached by a covered stairway connected with the Jewell House, which provides easy access to the visiting theatrical companies.
W. B. CAVERS, has been connected with the meat business in Vassar for sev- eral years. He first started in business in the Davis building but later purchased the Jones block and removed his business there. Mr. Cavers does a strictly cash business and his large sales and steady increase of trade shows that this method may be successfully carried out. He al- ways keeps a full line of fresh and salt meats, poultry and fish in season.
A SQUINT OF THE CASS BELOW THE DAM.
19
NEW INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COLLEGE
BAY CITY, MICHIGAN.
Shorthand
H. Tham
A PAGE FROM OUR CATALOGUE. SEND FOR ONE.
FOUR COURSES
English ..... Business ....
Penmanship
Stenography
FREE TRIAL.
This school always gives one week's trial free.
Enter the International at Bay City for one week and pay no money, then enter any other in the Valley, and if you do not prefer this school you will be given one year's tuition ........
FREE !
When . . .
Interested
In such work as we do here. write us for terms, etc. Visit our School if possible. Try our School, and Last, but Not Least, PAY NO MONEY
IN ANY SCHOOL till you have tried it. Address :
International Business College,
Bay City, Michigan.
20
Varnum's Bazaar.
We Cater to the People who Wish to Economize.
It's our business to tell you that our prices have been on the jack-plane and are scaled down to the quick. We sell the staples of the Dry Goods business at prices that no other house can touch, for we're satisfied to sell you oftener, and in any quantity.
All the many departments of Bazar Merchandizing can be found with us.
Lamps, Tinware, Underwear, Fancy Goods, Ribbons, Toilet Sets, Perfumery, Etc.
Standard Patterns.
We are the only store in Vassar that carry in stock a full line of Patterns. You don't have to wait two weeks after you, ve found what you want, for we have it here.
The Standard Patterns are the best made.
Newspapers, Magazines
A new feature of our business is the adding of a stock of Magazines,
Newspapers, etc. All the late and popular periodicals can be found on our counters.
By the way, we're headquarters for anything in Stationery.
R. D. Varnumi's Bazaar,
NEARLY OPPOSITE POST OFFICE,
VASSAR, MICH.
21
... A Man or Woman ...
Speaking SEVEN LANGUAGES may not know the right price of things needed for the home everyday.
In our Block of Stores may be found pretty much every thing needed in the Dry Goods, Garpet and Gloak line for Women's needs and Men's wear, with a certainty that the qualities can be depended upon, and the
PRICES ALWAYS AT THE LOWEST POINT.
ESTIMATES FURNISHED ON ALL KINDS OF
Window Shades, Curtains, Carpets, Linoleums, Oilcloths, Rugs, Maltings, Hotet, Lodges and Church Carpets.
WE PARE THE PRICES DOWN ON
Dress Goods, Silks, Linens, Sheelings, Prints, Cloaks, Wraps. Millinery, Flannels, Underwear, Hosiery, Neckwear, Gloves, Laces and Notions.
TRY OUR MAIL ORDER DEPARTMENT FOR SAMPLES AND INFORMATION.
.
BRING THE STORE INTO YOUR HOMES
THE MAILS makes us all neighbors, and our Mail Order Department is Prompt, Accurate and Intelligent. MONEY BACK if you want it. Should your order bring you the wrong thing, don't keep it. Send it back with instructions to recall your money and the next mail will bring it.
Porteous, Mitchell & Co.
Dry Goods, Carpets and Gloak's, Saginaw, West Side, Mich.
After Many Days
One whole year's trial,
We are willing to give the riders of good Bicycles the benefit of our long study and practical ingenuity.
We will simply state that we have made the most valuable im- provements on Ball Bearings now out.
If You Are Interested
Write us, and when we get our Catalogue out we will mail you one, then you can see that we have something that is worth a great deal if it is speed and perfection that you are after, besides, we charge you no more for our BEST than you would have to pay elsewhere.
We also put a wheel on the market, made of good material, at a less price, only it has the usual style of ball bearings, not so good as our best, But quite as good as any produced up to date.
Fischer Bros.
Factory and Office ..... 214=216 N. Franklin St.
Saginaw, E. S., Mich.
23
THE LARGEST LINE OF
.
Wall Papers Druggists' Sundries School Books
IN VASSAR.
We meet any kind of a price on goods in the
Stationery Line
WINDOW SHADES,
THE BEST MAKES AT CITY PRICES.
PERFUMES, TOILET SOAPS, CREAMS POMADES, ETC.,
From the Cleanest Stock in Tuscola County.
We have constantly on hand a full stock of Diamond Dyes and recommend them to our customers as the best and most reliable.
We call especial attention to the valuable new colors just added to the list : Black for Silk and Feathers, Fast Bottle Green, and four new cotton colors, all fast to washing with soap and will not fade or crock. Fast Pink, Fast Orange, Fast Garnet, Fast Purple.
OUR STOCK OF DRUGS, MEDICINES AND FANCY GOODS IS COMPLETE, AND WE INVITE YOUR PATRONAGE.
H. J. MILLER, Druggist, VASSAR, MICHIGAN.
24
BEAT
SAGINAW DRY GOODS & CARDET COMPANY
1626792 Saginaw ... Dry Goods & Garpet Co.
128, 130, 132 and 134
North Franklin St.
Saginaw, East Side.
OUR GREAT STORE
Can be brought to your doors by using our COMPLETE MAIL ORDER DEPARTMENT and asking for Samples of any thing you want.
THE GREAT METROPOLITAN HOUSE OF SAGINAW.
EVERY DAY A BUSY DAY HERE
- FROM OUR January Clearing Sale, Ending January 31st, New Spring Goods in February, And so on each month all the year,
There can be Much Time and THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WELL INVESTED.
Our Great System of Seventeen Departments supplies every demand. Bear us in mind ; make our acquaintance either in person or by mail.
AGENTS FOR BUTTERICK'S PATTERNS.
25
W. B. GAVERS,
Wholesale and Retail Dealer in
Fresh and Salted Meats
POULTRY, BUTTER, EGGS,
OYSTERS, FISH AND GAME IN SEASON
W E sell strictly on a CASH basis and are thus enabled to give you the best Meats, etc., at the lowest pos- sible prices. We do not handle anything but the very choicest Meats, and pay cash for all Poultry, Butter, Eggs, Hides, Pelts and Tallow.
W. B. CAVERS,
Huron Avenue 2d Door from Post Offce,
VASSAR, MICH.
CG
DR. FLORENTINE'S HOSPITAL.
SAGINAW, E. S., MICH.
CENTRALLY
.. LOCATED on High Grounds and surrounded by beauti- ful Lawns and Shade Trees, Convenient to principal Depots and Street Car Lines.
Every convenience of a well regulated Hos- pital, together with all the comforts of home. Heated by means of furnace: cozy, open fire places and gas stoves. Lighted with electrici- ty and gas. Each room newly and elegantly furnished with all con- veniences.
Dr. Florentine's Private Hospital for Women
SURG
PROVIDED with a fine Antiseptic op- erating room, opera- tions are therefore per- formed under most fav- orable conditions.
PURE Artesian Well Water and Cuisine unsurpassed. None but affable and Trained Nurses employed. No pregnant, contagious, or insane cases receiv- ed. References requir- ed far as practicable. TERMS: Rooms, Board, Light, Fuel, Medicine and Nursing, from $10 to $25 per week, pay- able in advance.
Charges for opera- tions extra, and in ac- cordance with nature of the case.
A PRIVATE HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN.
CONSULTING GYNECOLOGIST, JAS. H. ETHERIDGE. A. M., M. D. Secretary and Professor of Gynecology, Rush Medical College, Chicago.
CONSULTING SURGEON, NICHOLAS SENN, M. D., Ph. D., L. L. D. Professor of Surgery, Rush Medical College, Chicago.
For further particulars address F. B. FLORENTINE, M. D., 507 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, E. S., Mich.
Did You Ever Stop to Think
? ?
That it pays to buy good goods, and that they cost no more than an inferior article would?
What we mean is that we can give you new and well selected goods for the same money (and perhaps less) than you can buy old and shelf-worn goods for at other places.
Come in and look at our stock and you cannot help but say that we have one of the neatest and most complete stocks of
BAZAR GOODS in the county.
We also carry the finest line of CREAM CANDIES that we can buy.
The Fair.
A. H. SPEARS & CO.
Opp. Jewell House, Vassar.
Vassar Marble and Granite Works.
We keep on hand at all times the largest and best line of
Finished Monuments.
Our prices are as low as possible for Good Material and Workmanship. We guarantee satisfaction, or no pay. Call and inspect our new stock for 1896. We have erected most of the best monuments in Vassar and surrounding country. We are not in the White Bronze humbug.
A. F. BROCK, Prop.
MAIN STREET, VASSAR.
27
WIGHTMAN'S
Store is Located in the
UNION BLOCK, VASSAR.
I own the block and am here to stay, a fact well worth remembering when you are buying a
WATCH or a piece of SILVERWARE
on a guarantee.
I am prepared to do first-class work in Watch Repairing, Engraving, and Fitting Eyes with Glasses.
You can always depend upon finding a nice present for a Wedding or Birthday in the way of a Watch, a piece of Sterling Silver, Gold Ring or piece of Fine China.
All Goods Guaranteed, and
Engraved Without Charge.
FRANK W. WIGHTMAN
Jewell House
VASSAR, MIGH.
BECKERSON & SPAULDING, PROPRIETORS.
FIRST-CLASS LIVERY IN CONNECTION.
miller's Opera House
VASSAR, MIGH.
Always Has First-Class Attractions.
E. EMMETT MILLER Manager.
J. E. BUCK & SON,
-DEALERS IN -
High Grade Bicycles,
Sundries and Repairs
Huron Avenue, VASSAR, - MICH.
VASSAR BOTTLING WORKS
R. A. BOYD & CO.
Billiard Parlors and Lunch Room
Near M. C. R. R. Depot,
VASSAR, - MICH.
For Accuracy In Fine Ordered Clothing
Dickhout & Eastman Excel all Others.
We have a large assortment of Imported Woolens, of Best Quality.
Excellent Business Suits for
$18.00
First Glass Glays for $2000 to $23ºº
Also Fine Dress Suits for
$25.00
You will Save Money by giving Us a Gall.
Perfect Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed.
DICKHOUT & EASTMAN. The Reliable Merchanl Tailors of Vassar, Mich.
Over Harrison's Drug Store.
28
ARRANGED AND COMPILED BY
WILL O. CLYNE
FRED VOILAND VASSAR, MICH,
Press of VALLEY PRINTING CO., Saginaw, Mich.
5223
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.