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The following news items are reprinted from the Manistee Daily News for the week of July 16-22, 1926 and are compiled from the Manistee County Historical Museum’s newspaper archives. Read the full 100 Years Ago section at manisteenews.com:
MNA Fri., July 16, 1926, pg. 1
“John Mellema, 97, familiarly and affectionately known to his many friends as ‘Grandpa Mellema,’ died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Michael Martin, 496 First St., at six o’clock last night of general debility.
“‘Grandpa’ Mellema, in spite of his advanced age, had been extremely active until a short time ago … His condition had not appeared to be serious … and his death came suddenly and unexpectedly. Only a few moments before the end came he had been conversing with members of the family…
“…Scores of friends have learned to know and venerate the friendly old man and to admire the thrifty spirit which kept his hands busy at useful tasks almost to the end of his days. Weaving nets, doilies and mats was a favorite pastime with him [former sailor] and many beautiful specimens of his handiwork may be found about the city.
“Mr. Mellema was married in Holland before coming to America [51 years ago]. His wife has been dead for 51 years. Two children … six grandchildren … and eight great-grandchildren survive him … Interment will be in Mt. Carmel cemetery.
“An Eastlake reader sends in a communication with a request for publication … but neglects the first essential of good faith – signing his name … No reputable newspaper nowadays will print an unsigned communication … If the writer will definitely identify himself to us and subscribe to his own statements we will give it space – otherwise not.
“Tragedy and heroism blended, as they so frequently do, this morning when at 8:30, about a mile north of Orchard Beach state park, that sinister combination, a canoe and Lake Michigan, claimed the first victim of the season.
“C. L. Poole, 46 years old this week, of Lansing, was the victim and his daughter, Theodora Lee Poole, 16, narrowly escaped the fate which overtook her father when the canoe in which they were riding rolled over on them in about 12 feet of water a short distance from shore.
“Although both could swim … they were unable to do so under the conditions … William Luscher and Roosevelt Ross, both of Manistee, sighted them from shore and plunged in to their rescue, succeeding after valiant efforts in bringing the desperately floundering couple to shore. Throughout it all the daughter is reported to have clung desperately to her father in an attempt to keep his head above water.
“Meanwhile the state camp was apprised and its population hastened to the scene to render any help possible. Notification to the local Coast Guard station brought a prompt response, Capt. Robinson … making the trip [by boat] in 20 minutes, while Mrs. Robinson in a car drove the No. 1 man of the crew to the spot in much less time. The Coast Guard men, with the rescuers, Luscher and Ross, Park Superintendent Magnin and three physicians summoned from the city worked for over an hour to restore animation to Poole, although the physicians had declared him dead, attributing it to heart failure rather than actual drowning…
“In the face of overwhelming grief, Mrs. Poole, at her camp in the park, displayed a marvelous fortitude…
“The canoe … is the same hoodoo craft from which Arnold Koller, a young man visiting Manistee, was drowned about a year ago a short distance from the scene of today’s tragedy.
“…Theodora Lee … vehemently declared: ‘Daddy drowned trying to save me. He gave up his life for mine.’ Witnesses declare that the girl nearly drowned trying to save her father. That kind of father would have that kind of daughter. She is the direct antithesis of the modern flapper type. She wears her hair long.
“Mr. and Mrs. Poole and their two daughters … came to Orchard Beach Tuesday to spend a brief vacation … [Mr. Poole’s two brothers] who have been notified … are expected here tonight….
Pg. 2
“Ferdinand Kaskinen [of Kaleva] escaped a very serious accident when driving home from Lansing Monday night on M-54. He unexpectedly came to a sharp curve … for which there was no warning sign, and got a badly damaged car because of having to hit a stone bridge in order to avoid a worse fate.
Pg. 3
“There was considerably more than 7% interest in the banquet and party sponsored by the County Banker’s association at the country club last night for officers, directors and employes … together with their ladies. About 70 guests gathered at the banquet table … for the feast which had been prepared….
“The series of life-saving demonstrations sponsored by the Red Cross … began this afternoon with a demonstration at Arcadia … The information which the Red Cross is taking this graphic means of imparting to the public may prove of untold value in helping to reduce the number of deaths from drowning.
“Among the greatest works of faith is the installment plan.
“The world is progressing. It now spends more money for face powder than for gunpowder.
“As Noah Heap puts it: All the average man expects his wife to be is a sweetheart, a valet, an audience and a nurse.
“The steamer Manitou, heavily loaded with passengers, arrived at ten o’clock last night and cleared as soon as her freight and express was loaded.
“John Olson, playing a number of popular numbers which captivated his audience, was awarded first place in the concertina contest at the Lyric theater last night. Archie Schiski, who played ‘Tie Me to Your Apron Strings Again’ and several other numbers, received second prize….
MNA Sat., July 17, 1926, pg. 1
“’To the orchards! To the orchards!’ Brilliant red signs displaying these directions and posted in every conspicuous place along M-11 leading from this city will guide 150 and more Michigan farmers ‘to the orchards’ of Manistee … on the morning of July 23 for a two-day annual jaunt of the Michigan State Horticultural society….
“ATLANTA, Ga., July 17. – Every effort to assist small Georgia state banks to adjust their finances will be made … to prevent additional failures…
“Despite optimistic statements of bankers throughout the state … seventeen more institutions closed yesterday. This brings the number of banks in Georgia and Florida which have been forced to suspend since the collapse Monday of the Bankers Trust company, financial agent of the smaller institutions, to 84 … Taking cognizance of the situation … a grand jury investigation [has been ordered]….
“The body of C. L. Poole, 46, prominent Michigan engineer who was drowned in Lake Michigan yesterday, was taken to Pontiac this morning by rail…
“R. F. Smith … owner of the canoe which was the cause of the two tragedies last summer and this, denied today his boat is ‘hoodooed.’ The craft, he stated, is sturdy and practically new … In the two times the canoe was taken into the waters of Lake Michigan a heavy wind was up, and both parties who propelled the craft were warned of the dangers … The Coast Guard ventured the statement that fish tugs would have been unsafe in the lake yesterday.
“The Classified ad section will be a feature of The News-Advocate in the future … July 21 is the date – watch for the classified ads on that date.
Pg. 3
“WANTED – Cook and second maid. Phone 16R. MRS. CANFIELD, Onekama.
“The monotony of a dull docket was changed when the courtroom of Justice … Greve fairly bristled with the excitement of three cases this morning…
“Saturday night dances in the county were again the chief cause of trouble … bringing to town four youths who were charged with exciting a disturbance and using profane language at a Wellston dance … Two of the pugilists … pleaded guilty and paid fines of $5 and costs each. The other two … refused to surrender … They are to appear before Justice Greve for trial July 28….
“With a large colored map displayed on the front page designating Manistee and other points [as] ‘Western Michigan, The Playground of the Nation,’ the … publication of the Standard Oil of Indiana, is being sent through the mail today … An entire page is devoted to Ludington and Manistee, Lake Michigan’s industrial ports. Two splendid pictures appear of the Ruggles & Rademaker Salt plant and the Filer Fibre company….
“Noah Little says: The best way to avoid showing your age is to avoid trying to act young.
“Swimming is the most perfect exercise, says a Flint instructor, as it develops all parts of the body. Not to mention that, with most costumes, it proves to all the world that they are developed.
Pg. 5
“FOR SALE – Harley Davidson Motorcycle and side-car. Almost new. 508 Kosciusko St.
“FOR RENT – Beautifully furnished cottage at Portage Point on Lake Michigan. Hot and cold water, Electric lights. Private steps to beach. Near hotel. Call 173-J.
Pg. 6
“Hotel Northern (under new management) – Special Sunday Dinner – 75c – CHICKEN SOUP, Chicken fried in butter, Mashed potatoes, Hot biscuits in gravy, Buttered peas, Tomato salad, Celery, Pumpkin pie, Cherry pie, Iced tea, Coffee, Milk.
“Astounding! LOW PRICES ON Used Lumber … Shipped Anywhere … SIZED AND PLANED ANY WAY… BUILD NOW! DON’T WAIT! H. HIRSCHFIELD SONS, Upper Sands Mill, ’Phone 310 F-1.
MNA Mon., July 19, 1926, pg. 2
“A Personal Message To Every Woman of Manistee. Beauty is not skin deep as you have been led to believe, but is age deep. As Beauty is our first gift from Nature, Beauty is also the first thing Nature takes away … Blossom Time Beautifier -- We have in our Beautifier a complexion paste that every woman and girl in the city will use if she can be shown the benefit she would derive from the use of it … One application of the Beautifier is sufficient for a day, and there is no waste as in a dry complexion powder which may be dusted on, but just as readily dust off again … Blossom Time Beautifier is windproof and perspiration proof. Is it smooth of texture and free from harmful ingredients … and will appeal to women who have extremely dry, oily or sensitive skin … It forms a protective coating for all outing expeditions and is splendid for evening use … Economy size at $1.50 … Youths Own Products Co. BLOSSOM TIME FINE TOILETRIES Made in Manistee, Michigan.
Pg. 3
“Dance at Eastlake Community Hall Saturday, July 17. Music by Merry-Makers Orchestra.
“FOR SALE – Large white lilies. MRS. BAUER, 367-6th St.
“FOR SALE – Sour and sweet cherries. Bring baskets. Cash only. LAKE VIEW ORCHARD.
“Noah Little says: If the average man doesn’t get all that’s coming to him, he’s lucky.
“It is hard to identify your own flivver after thieves have taken it, but we noticed in the ‘Personal’ column of the Cincinnati Enquirer that one man appears to have solved the problem. At least, we noticed this adlet: ‘LIZZY: Come home. All is forgiven.’
“As Noah Heap puts it: As a rule the keynote in a campaign is the first one in the scale, ‘Dough.”
“Bootlegging is dangerous business. It leads men to stealing automobiles sometimes. And that’s against the law.
“Reddy park, Manistee River beauty spot owned by Dr. S. Szudrawski, is growing more popular evidently for three yachts found it advantageous to lie there over the weekend. The Lunetta of Chicago spent Saturday at the miniature port and the Cynthia, Grand Rapids, and Gloria II of Racine, Wis., laid over Sunday.
MNA Tues., July 20, 1926, pg. 2
“When we are entertaining anyone it is our desire to appear at our best – everything clean and in its proper place. Strangers always notice our faults before we realize them. Manistee County is to be on exhibition Thursday night and Friday morning, our guests being the … Michigan State Horticultural Society.
“This warning applies especially to those who live along the M-11 pavement who should put forth every effort to straighten up and clean up their fields and farmstead…
“Everyone should consider the appearance of his farm Friday a personal responsibility. Do a little dressing up for the company. START NOW.
Pg. 3
“The first piece of leather turned out by the machinery of one of Manistee’s new industries, the Coakley Leather company, is on display in the show-window of the A. H. Lyman Drug store.
“The finished product, put out by a preliminary force of 18 men, is a high grade patent leather to be finally used in the manufacture of … shoes … Mr. Coakley stated today [that] … within two months [his force will be] increased to a personnel of 100….
“…The first pavement dance of the season will be held Friday evening at 8 o’clock and continue until 11 … and the parties will be held throughout the summer every Friday night, barring rainy weather, until about Sept. 1.
“Manistee’s pavement dances, which heretofore have attracted hundreds to the east end of River street, are sure to be as popular as ever … Mike Kilber’s band, which has played through the entire summers entertainment so far, again is polishing up the brass for the occasion this season.
“Martin Dewey, 20, former employe of the Filer Fibre company, is in jail today following his conviction … on a charge of petty larceny. A search of his room at the Pearl hotel was conducted Saturday and several electric light bulbs, a lock and various other articles, stolen from the [Filer] plant … were discovered … Dewey was fined $5, costs of prosecution, given 30 days in jail and ordered to make restitution for some articles not found.
“Dancing Wednesday Evening, July 21 at – The Michigan Transit Boat Dock, Onekama, Admission 50 Cents, Ladies Free.
“‘You can easily buy a license authorizing you to catch fish,’ writes a camper at one of the northern Michigan lakes to Detroit News, ‘but the ignorant fish in this lake don’t seem to be able to read it.’
“A woman carries almost as much trash in her handbag as a man does in his pockets.
“A dilapidated flivver passed through town yesterday bearing this sign: ‘DON’T LAUGH AT ME GIRLS, YOU WOULDN’T LOOK ANY BETTER WITHOUT PAINT.’
MNA Wed., July 21, 1926, pg. 2
“Who Is Manistee’s Most Popular Sales Girl? YOUTHS OWN PRODUCTS COMPANY … Makers of BLOSSOM TIME FINE TOILETRIES Made in Manistee, Michigan – Offer A DIAMOND RING on display at LYNN GARDNER To the young lady selling the greatest number of our products during a period of two weeks, A SILK DRESS from the stock of R. J. MILLER & CO. To the young lady selling the second greatest number … A HAT made by MORGAN MILLINERY To the young lady selling the third greatest number… A COMPLETE COMBINATION of BLOSSOM TIME TOILETRIES To the young lady selling the fourth greatest number … NOTE – Every young lady entering the campaign will receive a prize for her efforts … Youth’s Own Products Company, SALES OFFICE EIGHTH STREET, J. R. SMITH, Sales Director.
“The coming Friday will be ‘open house’ day at Camp Osoha-of-the-Dunes, charming camp for girls on the south shore of Crystal lake … The camp is managed by Mrs. B. G. Mattson, recently of Manistee, where her husband was pastor of the Congregational church, and she extends a special invitation to her friends here….
Pg. 3
“After serving his community with the highest degree of efficiency for the past 25 years Charles Rosenow has submitted his resignation … as postmaster of Filer City. Ill health has forced the prominent suburban resident to relinquish his position … He will, however, with his family, Mrs. Rosenow, who has been his assistant … Ruth, 14, and Carl, 11, remain at his Filer City home.
“Mr. Rosenow … was obliged to use his home for [the] post office facility after a recent fire destroyed his general merchandise store…
“[He] was born in Filer City 51 years ago and has spent his entire life in that community….
“Leonard Hockin … was taken before Justice Greve yesterday on a charge of nonsupport of his family … Hockin, who has been unemployed for about seven months … was fined court costs of $33.35 and [given] a sentence of sixty days in the county jail. The latter penalty was suspended … on the man’s promise to provide for his family and be on good behavior.
“Hearty sympathy and cooperation with the present movement for hospitalization of tuberculosis sufferers in Manistee county were voted at the Monday dinner meeting at Mercy hospital by the Manistee County Medical association. The gathering, however, refrained from recommending any concrete solution of the problem until [a careful study] from all angles reveals the best policy….
“Discarding dignity for comfort the city commission last night held a shirtsleeve session, … his honor, the Mayor … boldly displaying a pair of substantial suspenders, while Commissioners Talbot, Christoffersen and Miller manifested more confidence in belted waistline effects. Commissioners Mertens and Thompson made only minor exposures of their lingerie by keeping on their vests, while Commissioner Jacobsen wore his coat and still looked as cool as anyone of the party.
“It was undeniably hot in the council chamber – as torrid as most people’s hereafter is supposed to be.
“The matter of riverfront improvement and beautification recurred … On the recommendation of Mayor Rademaker a motion was passed instructing the city manager to notify each property owner to show cause within 30 days why the offending buildings [on their property] should not be removed.
“An echo of the recent episode in which two heavily-laden vessels … became stuck in the channel here was heard, when on motion of Commissioner Christoffersen the special bridge committee was instructed to determine what damage, if any, has been done to the Smith street span and abutments, and see if recovery is possible…
“…City Health Officer Goeke and City Milk Inspector Hoekzema brought to light the fact that two of the city’s sources of milk supply are not up to standard … Both these places will be given notice to remedy existing bad conditions within four weeks, failing which their licenses will be revoked…
“Six cases of chickenpox and three cases of diphtheria were reported during June, all of which are under control.
“What’s a greater calamity than squeaky shoes in a library?
“Some people get so mad at the government they threaten to vote.
“Miss Ruth Clark, an Onekama resorter, was attended by Dr. H. D. Robinson when she suffered a badly crushed hand in the door of her car yesterday. Miss Clark was changing a tire before one of River street’s iron posts. She was in the act of pulling an inner tube from the inside of the car when it moved forward, the post jamming her hand in the door. The flesh on two fingers was stripped to the bone.
Pg. 6
“[Full page advertisement] Anything You Want!! Just When You Want It!! … The New Simplified Classified Section Begins Today in The News-Advocate … TURN TO THEM NOW….
Pg. 7
“Begin Today and Make it a Habit to Read these Classified Offers Daily. Concentrated Advertising [One full page of eight columns of neatly arranged and consistently written small print and very small print want ads. A sample follows – T. K.]
“DEWEY, MARTIN – I will not be responsible for any debts contracted by my wife on or after this date, July 21, 1926. Martin Dewey.
“BEAUTY SPECIALIST – Nestle-Lanoil Permanent wave $15.00. No fuzz. Natural wave. Four years’ experience. Princess Shop. Phone 57.
“BEAUTY SPECIALIST – 14 years’ experience. Scalp treatments, massage, facials, making switches. Mrs. Place. Phone 300.
“MARCELLING – For a pleasing appearance get a marcel at Mrs. Wm Luczyk’s, 308 Cypress. Phone 743J.
“MARCELLING – Shampooing, facials, manicuring. Harta Stolt successor to Miss Rohr. 193-J.
“MARCELLING – Expert marcelling. 50c. Phone 507-R.
“PERMANENT WAVE – Va-Per Permanent waving. Non-electric. Pawlicki & Talbot Barber
Shop. Phone 206.
“HOUSEWORK – A good home for a good worker. $12.00 a week with room and board. No washing or ironing. Girl must be over 16 years. Write Post Office box 1202, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“SALESLADIES – 3 young ladies with cars to demonstrate cosmetics. Call at once. Youths Own Products Co. 8th Street.
MNA Thurs., July 22, 1926, pg. 3
“Mrs. Bridget O’Neil, one of Manistee’s ‘grand old ladies,’ among the first to settle here and pave the way for the city’s future, passed away at her home, 108 Walnut street, yesterday afternoon at 3:30 of general debility. She had been confined to bed for the past seven months.
“Mrs. O’Neil, who was 84 years of age, never fully recovered from the effects of an accident about a year and one-half ago, it was said today. While standing in the doorway of A. J. Krueger’s store, she was struck on the side by a piece of flying metal when an automobile crashed into a gas tank in front of the establishment. Complications followed which ultimately ended in her death.
“…Mrs. O’Neil came to Manistee in 1860 on a sailing vessel from Milwaukee, the trip requiring three days. Two years later she married John O’Neil, pioneer settler here, who conducted a small hotel at the mouth of the river, also making a handsome livelihood guiding vessels through the channel with teams of horses on the riverbank. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. O’Neil, who is said to have lived in the first frame house in Manistee, purchased a farmstead in Browntown…
“Following the death of her husband in 1888, Mrs. O’Neil, left with a family of nine children, removed to this city, and with the fortitude of the women of that day bravely set about her task of providing for her offspring. For some years she conducted a boarding house on Sixth avenue … [Her children] were all educated in the parochial and public schools here. [She] is survived by three daughters … four sons [and] many grand- and great-grandchildren….
“The sky makes a lovely covering for warm nights. But it leaks.
“Pedestrians have the law of the land on their side, but the motorists have the law of physics.
“Master Sam Joseph Hall of Manitowoc, Wis., who is visiting relatives here, underwent an operation for the removal of tonsils at Mercy hospital this morning.
“’No man is so fortunate,’ says a writer in a recent magazine, ‘as to live to see his highest hopes realized.’ Aha! Some bird is still trying to find a good cantaloupe.
“The local school board will meet Monday evening … to elect officers and discuss the matter of securing a successor to Prin. S. H. Lyttle, who recently resigned to take a similar position in Saginaw.
“As Noah Heap puts it: Flattery when practiced as a fine art is called tact.
“As long as some men are able to contract new debts they don’t let their old ones worry them.
Pg. 7
[A few more sample classified ads; it appears most run for multiple days—T. K.]
“CARRIER BOYS – Two, fourteen years or over. Apply Harry Larson. Circulation Manager, News-Advocate.
“ORIENTAL GIFT SHOP – Looking for genuine Oriental goods? Examine our line. Pleasing bargains at reasonable prices. 426 river Street.
“RED HOT NUMBERS – 50 just arrived. The latest hits in jazz land. We have in stock everything that is musical; Ukes, Banjo-Ukes, string instruments. Melody Shop. Everything Musical.
“PORTAGE POINT INN – Do not forget to show your friends the beauty spot of Manistee county. A pleasant ride, an excellent meal, and cooling breezes – will stay long in their memory. Come for the day or evening: good fishing, lovely walks through the woods or along the beautiful beach of Lake Michigan.
MNA Mon., July 19, 1926, pg. 3
“[Article] MARCH OF MUTTON THROUGH STREETS RIVETS MANY EYES
“With a penetrating chorus of ‘Bla-a-as’ ranging from high C of the little fellows to a deep melodious bass of the rams, close to 1,000 shorn sheep were herded through the city yesterday morning at 6 a. m. from the P. M. depot on the north side of the river to the Maple street limits and beyond to Old Freesoil, where they will spend their time grazing on the fertile lands of that territory.
“The march of the mutton was a striking moving picture whose realism riveted many eyes. The starving sheep, which were brought here from western Ohio because of the lack of grass to feed upon, chewed ravenously on everything green along the way, feasting delightedly on front-yard flower gardens and backyard truck gardens.
“No early morning circus arrival drew so many persons to their windows and porches. Everywhere along the route sleepy-eyed citizens roused suddenly from slumber and many no doubt felt that they had been mystically transported to western plains on the magic carpet. Children still in their nightclothes, unabashed, ran outside and had the time of their lives mimicking the bleat of the creatures.
“The wooly animals were escorted up Smith street, across First, then along Hancock to Fourth street where they were shunted to Maple, the herdsmen trying their best to keep the motley horde together. The sheep then wended their way along Maple street to Canfield lake, where they spent several hours resting and quenching their thirst. They arrived at Old Freesoil in the early evening…
“Two double-deck P. M. cars, consigned to Major Brothers, Scottville, brought the sheep to the city at 6 p. m. Saturday. A herdsman this morning told of the terrible grazing conditions in southern and western Ohio. The drought has dried up the grass to such an extent that the sheep chopped up the sod in an effort to feed on something with a touch of green. They will remain on the Major Brothers cattle ranch at Old Freesoil until fall, it is thought….
MNA Tues., July 20, 1926, pg. 2
“[Article] Trail of Penny Leads a Roamer To Adventure
“Walking the streets of Manistee, like pounding ‘the sidewalks of New York,’ offers an interesting diversion to one who enjoys discovering the interesting little things along the way which escape the ordinary passerby. Bent on such a voyage of discovery the News-Advocate’s lightweight reporter paused at F. W. Woolworth’s this morning and dropped a coin in the slot of the weighing machine. There was a click as the indicator swung up and a printed ticket dropped into his waiting hand with his weight recorded at 128 pounds. On the reverse side the ticket informed him that ‘with naturally great staying powers and a good memory you never seem to get tired or exhausted. Success will come early.’
“Highly elated over the good fortune that was promised him he dropped down the street to the J. C. Penney store where he parted with another coin and received another printed ticket only to discover that the short walk had reduced his weight by two pounds for the ticket had stamped his weight at 126. This was discouraging but on examining the other side of the ticket he found this message: ‘Yours is a happy nature, making light of troubles. You will earn the admiration of your friends in earning your success.’ So he decided to forget the loss of weight his short walk had cost him and crossed the street to the City Drug Store. Here another weighing machine attracted him and he stepped aboard. The arrow swung to 125 and stopped.
“Hesitating between a sudden flight to a doctor’s office or a trip to the nearest restaurant he suddenly remembered that Woolworth’s had said he ‘had naturally great staying powers’ so he tightened his belt and walked briskly across Maple street to the scale in front of the Mertens Drug Co. With bated breath he dropped his coin and watched the arrow swing swiftly to 129.
“Somewhat relieved to find himself on the gain he tried the next machine along the street and found that he had gained another pound. 130 said the indicator, the best yet. Down the street still another machine lured him on so he decided to finish running the gauntlet by trying the A. H. Lyman Company’s scale. The coin dropped, the indicator moved, the reporter gazed, gulped and looked again. Back to 126 pounds and no more machines in sight where he might hope to regain the loss.
“He fingered over the cards in his hand again. A single sentence caught his eye: ‘yours is a happy nature, making light of troubles’ it said. The reporter sighed, cast the record of his rise and decline into the street and headed back to the office.”
