The following news stories are republished from the Manistee Daily News for the week of September 11-17, 1925, and have been gathered from the newspaper archives of the Manistee County Historical Museum. Read the complete 100 Years Ago section atmanisteenews.com:
MNA Friday, September 11, 1925 page 1
PN-9-1 Crew Rescued; U.S. Celebrates … The Weak Vessel Survived the Sea for Nine Days, Yet Supplies Ran Out in Four. They Heard but Were Unable to Respond to Radio Calls.
HONOLULU, September 11. – (UP) – Emerging from a daring aerial and maritime ordeal, Commander John Rodgers and four naval pilots, members of the PN-9-1 seaplane crew that had been missing for nine days following an attempt to fly from San Francisco to Honolulu, rested from their exhaustion … today as the entire country and the world celebrated their rescue.
Discovered drifting without direction [inside the aircraft] caught in the ocean’s flow, which on another day would have carried the seaplane out of reach from rescuers, the PN-9-1 was pulled to the island of Kauai by the United States submarine R-4 [whose observer had noticed them]…
Ships … and planes that had scoured the waters near Hawaii over nine days of nonstop searching, returned to their bases, while experts in the new kind of heavier-than-air aircraft, of which the PN-9-1 was one of the best, proudly highlighted the plane’s ability to withstand the winds and waves of the Pacific since September 1…
Ewald Pfeiffer, residing at 388 Fourth St., is currently restricted to his bed due to minor lacerations and contusions from a car accident that occurred at 9 p.m. on Thursday night on the highway passing through Parkdale, close to the Bernhart store. It’s almost hard to believe that his injuries are not severe when looking at the twisted and damaged state of his vehicle.
Pfeiffer was heading into the city… The Daniels Products company truck was parked on the highway without its lights on, with the young people driving it thinking that the road’s width and the store lights were enough to see by. A car coming from the city, with its full headlights on, appeared at the same spot on the highway, Pfeiffer stated, and he dimmed his lights. A second later, he crashed into the back of the Daniels’ truck…
His vehicle … is entirely damaged … The truck moved forward approximately eight feet due to the collision. Pfeiffer states he was not exceeding 30 miles per hour.
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Washing performed at home. Contact on Sundays and Mondays. 158 Jefferson Street.
Seeking. Individuals, male or female, to learn shirt pressing. Shirt makers, both experienced and beginners. Young men to acquire skills in shirt cutting. Goshen Shirt Company.
Six government officials … have been working for several weeks to eliminate the common barberry plants in Manistee County … The common barberry serves as the starting point for black stem rust in the spring, and the wind spreads [the spores] to grain crops, including wheat, oats, barley, and rye … No force in the world can prevent its spread and protect the grains. The sole method of fighting black stem rust is the removal of the barberry plants…
If you have any shrubs on your farm, in your yard, or within your neighborhood that you are unsure about… the agents will be happy to examine them at no cost… If you are aware of where barberry shrubs previously grew or are currently growing, inform the agents… and the shrubs will be removed at the government’s expense…
…’The typical city lawn hedge is made of Japanese barberry, which does not spread the rust spores,’ said Agricultural Agent Harold Vaughn … The common barberry tends to be taller than the Japanese variety, the farm agent noted, and is simple to recognize…
Following the automobile collision from last night, when Ewald Pfeiffer’s vehicle struck the Daniels Products company truck, which was parked on highway M-11… without lights, John Zaiger, the 21-year-old truck driver… was arrested this morning by Sgt. Earl Hathaway of the state police, facing charges for violating the state highway parking regulations… and for operating a commercial vehicle without a chauffeur’s license. Mark Dore, who was with Zaiger, was not detained.
The noise of leather meeting the bat, a white line across the sky, and a fielder with spikes chasing after it is becoming a fading image, replaced by a more cushioned and heavier figure who kicks a rounded football.
…The local high school will greet Honor on September 19, and the season … will begin.
Manistee High’s new coach [Stanley Anderson] is a four-year player, educated at Ypsi and Mt. Pleasant. He has a B.A. degree and a wealth of athletic experience … Last night he observed a group of local boys as they practiced back kicks and punts. ‘Excellent work,’ he said. ‘I’ll turn them into a team’….
Noah Little states: If someone approaches you and says, ‘It’s really hot (or cold),’ the appropriate response is, ‘It really is.’ This is referred to as having a conversation.
Sunday used to be a day of rest, but that was before speeders and those breaking the Volstead Act turned it into a day of arrests.
The squirrel’s coat is once again described as dense, which further demonstrates that nature is amazing. How does a squirrel’s fur know there will be a coal strike?
Free air stations for drivers go beyond just inflating tires. A young boy was observed filling balloons with an air hose at one of the local stations yesterday afternoon.
Early leaves are starting to fall. Occasionally, a deciduous tree turns red or brown, similar to a red ear at a traditional husking bee. Roadsides and the countryside are beginning to display autumn’s colors. Although autumn hasn’t arrived yet, it is clearly approaching.
MNA Saturday, September 12, 1925 page 1
Fire, which started from unknown reasons on the upper floor around 9 a.m. today, rapidly spread to the frame house of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bernier located at the southern part of Eastlake village… resulting in damages of about $2,500, with some coverage provided by insurance.
Only the fact that it had a composition roof prevented the home of village president Bill Germayne, which was next to the Bernier house, from being completely destroyed… All the furniture was taken out of the Germayne home, which caught fire several times but was eventually saved thanks to the actions of Manistee and Eastlake firefighters who used chemicals [since no water was available] and a quickly assembled bucket brigade… All efforts [at the Bernier home] focused on saving furniture from the lower level and stopping the flames from spreading to other buildings.
The Bernier residence had recently been painted, making it one of the most attractive houses in the neighborhood… However, despite the seriousness of this loss, Eastlakers are pleased that it occurred after a week or so. They claim that if it had happened then, no organization could have stopped it from spreading through dry grass and bushes over a large area and destroying several homes…
Nature can occasionally be more than just magnificent—it can be extraordinary. For example: A young, and clearly driven apple tree located in the yard of George Young, 377 Eighth Street, is currently fully leafed out and in abundant bloom, during a time when most leaves are beginning to change color or falling from the branches.
The fragrance of apple blossoms, which brings to mind spring, fills the neighborhood, and this unusual occurrence has left everyone nearby completely puzzled. It is believed that the young tree has confused the seasons and may intend to bear fruit around January. Alternatively, it might be trying to counter the claims of Florida and California, becoming the origin of a type of apple that will make Michigan renowned for two apple harvests each year.
Regardless, it is the rarest, biggest, and most aromatic arrangement in Manistee or anywhere else that we are aware of at this time.
Editor E. A. Stowe of the Michigan Tradesman, based in Grand Rapids, shares in the latest edition … some reflections from his trip to Manistee over the past weekend and Labor Day.
After praising Harry J. Aarons as a businessman and community advocate, and delivering a heartfelt tribute to the Hotel Chippewa … and personally supporting Manistee … for the new state normal school, the Grand Rapids publisher recounts his conversation with a barber in the city’s surroundings, one of the typical individuals known as a ‘knocker’ … His attitude was so different from that of Mr. Aarons that Mr. Stowe remarked on it…
However, his critical comments were quite favorable to the Ludington paper, which republished them… without, however, including Mr. Stowe’s reaction to them or his other remarks about the charm and community spirit of Manistee.
We are sorry that the Ludington News is not willing to be a more amicable neighbor. If we had the inclination, we could uncover similar information about the persistent critics who are present in Ludington, just as they are in Manistee. With Manistee and Ludington now only a few minutes apart due to the completion of the concrete road, the two towns would be better off working together for the benefit of both, rather than criticizing each other and going out of their way to take a shot from an unreliable source in a neighboring community with very similar conditions.
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“The Ramsdell – Your Theater … Tonight Only ‘Black Lightning’ featuring ‘THUNDER’ the Marvel Dog. Presented by Clara Bow….”
As a step in fostering greater familiarity and closer personal connections with the city’s new teachers, a gathering was organized by the Women’s Missionary Society at the Congregational Church on Friday afternoon. After an informal social event where the teachers met the women of the church, a pleasant lunch was served…
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Martin Dontz heads the Manistee County Cow Testing association, achieving higher average fat and milk production for August… His herd of grade and purebred Guernseys produced an average of 29.9 pounds of butterfat and 834 pounds of milk…
Peter Laboda, one of the earliest inhabitants of Filer City, who resided in the pulp and paper hub for 45 years, passed away last night at the age of 77 due to general weakness. He leaves behind his wife and ten children…
The religious expression of Rev. S. J. Hall changed from its typical calmness when, returning home after attending a Baptist meeting on Friday in Manton, he damaged a steering knuckle approximately four miles from … Eastlake during the time of day when milkmen are expected to deliver their goods … Rev. Hall walked along the roads to a telephone in the town and called a garage in Manistee. The group returned home … at 2 o’clock in the morning.
Spending a long time requires numerous years, a significant amount of money, and a deep sense of philosophy.
As Noah Heap states: If every argument in existence were lined up, they still wouldn’t arrive at a conclusion.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred W. Chichester are the parents of an 11-pound daughter, who arrived on Friday.
For some of our family-oriented individuals, the greatest aspect of a vacation is that once they return home, they don’t need to leave again until the following year.
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Begin Preparing Your Displays for the 49thAnnual Manistee County Fair on September 29, 30, and October 1, 2. Prizes available for exhibits in the following categories: Horses, Sheep, Poultry, Fruit, Cattle, Clothing and Textiles, Farm Products, School, Junior Division, Swine, Foods, and Flowers. For information regarding rules, by-laws, regulations, and prize details, refer to the official premium list from the Manistee County Agricultural Society.
MNA Monday, September 14, 1925 page 1
The town of Harlan, located in Wexford County, is known for its ongoing triangular conflicts. Frank Rackow, 19, was invited to a fistfight on Saturday night and did not perform well against George Smith, 17, who is larger in size and is said to be a notorious bully at the crossroads. The girl’s name remains unknown, but Rackow claimed she belonged to him, and it seems Smith has a different opinion.
With two black eyes, Rackow arrived at Justice Greve’s office this morning along with his mother and [a witness]. His plan to obtain an arrest warrant for Smith, accusing him of assault and battery, was discouraged by Justice Greve, who mentioned he would have the sheriff visit Harlan and reprimand the village’s bully.
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Choice Canned Peaches $2.35 per Bushel. Nielsen’s Grocery.
Early on Wednesday, should duck hunters get their way, it will be one of those fresh, chilly mornings where the sun emerges from a veil of clouds above a light fog covering the lake or river, gradually warming things up after most of the morning’s commotion has subsided…
The start of the season will result in fewer large bags and more empty ones compared to last year. Ducks have not yet started their southern migration… The lakes that typically serve as rest stops for migrating ducks currently have no bird population… The main hunting season appears to be far off.
Frank Gustafson was taken into custody once more last night for being intoxicated at his residence in the brick-yard area of Eastlake. Sheriff Nord and Sergeant Hathaway from the state police arrested him following complaints from neighbors about his loud behavior. They located him in the stable on his property, inside a horse’s stall… He was previously arrested and fined a few weeks ago for the same offense.
“Fred and Villa Royce, renowned vaudeville performers from Bear Lake, will return to the Ramsdell theater tomorrow and Wednesday evenings… Throughout the summer, while swimming, fishing, relaxing, and rehearsing around Bear Lake, they developed their show for the upcoming season, which will soon start, and the audience at the Ramsdell… will be the first to see it. Mr. [a cousin] and Mrs. Art Smith will also be part of the entertainment…”
Tony Drewnak, residing at 260 Third Avenue, was taken into custody by local authorities last evening, facing charges of assault and battery… Mrs. Drewnak, his spouse, filed the report, alleging that her husband physically attacked her.
MNA Tuesday, September 15, 1925 page 2
Your Theater The Ramsdell … Tonight and Tomorrow Lionel Barrymore in ‘I Am The Man’ The Most Outstanding Film of America’s Top Actor. A Thrilling Drama Based on Real Life … Also – Comedy ‘Somewhere in Wrong’ and Pathe Review. Special Attraction Vaudeville ‘The Royces’ with a New Song Review Featuring Art Smith and Fern McQueen. NEW SONGS, NEW COSTUMES. Make ‘THE RAMSDELL’ Your Destination for Entertainment.
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The football match between Honor-Manistee High School scheduled for Saturday afternoon … has been moved to Friday afternoon … This change will be appreciated by local business owners. Their request has been … for football games to take place on any day except Saturday, when they are occupied….
As the summer fades, PETOSKEY’s charm remains unchanged. Spend a weekend at THE CUSHMAN, Northern Michigan’s top hotel. Excellent service, affordable prices. The drive is pleasant, with well-maintained roads. W. L. McMANUS Jr., Owner.
A potluck dinner is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Wednesday evening at the Methodist Episcopal Church, honoring Rev. W. J. Atkinson and his family as they prepare to leave the city. Attendees are asked to bring one food item along with their own sandwiches.
A woman might only believe half of what she hears, but she listens to twice as much as a man.
The one thing all this discussion about evolution will demonstrate is that nothing can ever be proven through debate.
There once was a girl named Sue / Who had no lovers and felt quite blue; / But now she’s got many / Around eighteen or twenty / As she serves them her father’s homemade brew. –Spotlight, Detroit.
MNA Wednesday, September 16, 1925 page 1
A second instance of typhoid fever in Manistee this summer was brought to his attention in August, with a third case reported this month, according to city health officer Dr. Goeke, who informed the commission at its meeting on Tuesday night. In recent years, Manistee had typically seen about one case per year, Dr. Goeke noted, but residents are now experiencing the same trend that appears to be spreading across the state. None of the cases can be linked to the use of Manistee water, as each of the three cases seems to have started during a car or fishing trip. The only other outbreak in August was a single case of diphtheria.
Now it’s Manistee’s time to rejoice. The city … has scheduled Saturday, September 26, as the day to honor the opening of the final segment of the paved route on the West Michigan Pike … This event will signify the longest continuous stretch of paved highway in Michigan, a stretch of hard-surfaced road that runs from Chicago to Manistee…
“The commencement of the new highway is anticipated to signify the arrival of the largest motorcade to ever travel along a highway in Western Michigan … A few days prior, Ludington conducted a comparable celebration to honor the completion of the paved highway leading to the city….
…The [Manistee] city administration officially recognized the event last night when the city council unanimously expressed warm approval of the plans that have been set up and enthusiastically committed its support to ensuring the event becomes a significant community and social achievement…
Early morning duck hunting wasn’t very successful. The weather has been warm, and the migrating birds were still in the Upper Peninsula or Canada, as local hunters didn’t see many of them this morning. Several ducks that had been around the Big Manistee River at the start of the season were absent, having left their usual spots due to the severe drought over the past month…
There was a significant amount of gunfire along the river this morning … but those who came back early shared that it was mostly just sound…
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Looking for Full-Time and Part-Time Sales Ladies. Experience is a Plus. E. E. Wellman.
Footwear ‘FIT’ for Wear. Trendy and Elegant Designs Available at Affordable Prices. Our Most Expensive Pair Costs $5.95. Autumn shoe trends feature footwear that finishes off the outfit; matching colors and unique designs are visible. A quick look at our Window Display reveals everything. Merit Shoe Co., Inc. Locations in Major Cities. Store No. 127, 385 River St. Manistee.
The English Travel Club was delightfully entertained on Monday afternoon at Hotel Chippewa by Mrs. Winnogene R. Scott… Mrs. Scott provided a personally guided tour of Haiti, where she spent the summer visiting her son ‘Ted’ and his family. Through the imagination, the diverse experiences of Mrs. Scott during her travels by sea, on land, in the mountains, in the homes of government officials, and at both private and public social events were vivid and engaging. A visit to the capital city of Port-au-Prince was made more enjoyable with many pictures of significant historical sites there. Being fluent in both Spanish and French, Mrs. Scott had a sort of ‘microscopic’ perspective, so to speak, allowing her to experience much more than the average traveler who only sees surface-level views.
Evening meal was presented in a casual manner at a circular table, featuring a Haitian delicacy of tasty cashew nuts that appear to have only recently gained commercial significance.
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Rather than allowing Mrs. Hannah Henderson, residing at 112 Pine Street, to construct a garage at the dead-end of Second Street on the hillside next to her property at the Pine Street corner, the city commission last night approved converting the unused area into a small park … by adding flower beds, which will be prepared for spring blooms … The planned enhancement will be finished with some landscaping and the installation of park benches.
Mrs. Henderson’s request was turned down because the city lacked the authority to provide private benefits on public land. Mrs. Henderson was informed that, should she desire, a permit could be issued for her to build a garage on her own property … where there is reportedly ample space.
This ‘jumping-off place’ … at the top of the high cliff offers one of the most beautiful views of the lake within the city. The main road has never been constructed through … to Spruce Street due to the steep slope that would be required, and the houses facing north in that area are situated high on the hill, while the group of homes in the same block facing south are located in a depression about 40 feet lower, with access coming from an alley between First and Second streets. This section of street, which is not used much, has been ignored, allowing the greenery to become untidy, with its only recent use being as a 24-hour parking area for several cars and a convenient spot where discarded tin cans occasionally end up. The commission aimed to fix this situation … and the charming little stretch of unused street will be turned into a ‘lookout’ park.
THE RAMSDELL IS GIVING AWAY A RADIO. A FOUR-TUBE CROSLEY UNIT IS CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY IN THE THEATER LOBBY. Keys are being distributed with adult admission tickets at THE RAMSDELL THEATER on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. A padlock is involved in the promotion, and the customer who has the master key will receive the radio … The four-tube model includes batteries, an antenna, and a speaker.
The wiring in Manistee’s fire alarm system is in extremely bad shape and needs immediate attention, Chief Hansen from the department told the city commission during its regular meeting on Tuesday night … The entire system requires replacement, the chief mentioned …
Starting this week, the high school department of extracurricular activities will utilize the 30-minute period each day for training the boys’ and girls’ choir clubs, debate teams, and orchestra, as well as other groups that were highly sought after last year and are expected to form stronger groups this season…
Frank Gustafson appeared before Justice Greve … and received a 90-day sentence in the county jail for being a repeat offender of public intoxication … Tony Drewnak, residing at 260 Third Avenue, admitted guilt to the charge of assault and battery against his wife. The consequence was to cover the expenses of the legal proceedings … The 90-day punishment given to him is put on hold provided he behaves well from this point onward.
…Manistee County has been lucky to receive a free chest clinic as requested by local residents. The clinic will take place at the courthouse on September 23, starting at 8:30 a.m. Everyone who has ever had contact with tuberculosis is encouraged to attend…
They must have experienced a coal strike in England when Shakespeare mentioned ‘the winter of our discontent.’
Among the various principles of the commendable Izaak Walton League of America is the serious declaration that the league will safeguard the fish. It seems to us like an unnecessary use of time. Every time we’ve gone fishing this year, the fish have been quite capable of defending themselves.
Women might spend more than men on their clothing, but they don’t receive more in return.
Recently, we proposed that this winter, students who attend school might attempt the idea of taking their books home for an evening study session. ‘Did you,’ asks an angry and anonymous postcard writer, ‘did YOU take your books home when you were in school?’ No, we didn’t, which unfortunately ended any potential career path for a row of ash cans. Study hard, or you might find yourself working for a newspaper when you grow up.
MNA Thursday, September 17, 1925 page 3
This year, our bees have created an unprecedented amount of honey. We’ve harvested more than 2,400 pounds from 15 hives. Our fresh fall collection comes from Goldenrod and Wild Asters, offering a remarkably delicious taste. The price is 75 cents per quart, with two quarts for $1.25.
The prolonged threat of reduced passenger train service on the Pere Marquette railway heading to Manistee and Ludington seems to be becoming a reality. Without immediate action to prevent this disaster, both cities will soon only have one train per day … This same issue was previously discussed last spring during the adjustment of summer schedules, but it was somehow avoided. If the proposed reduction in service is implemented now, it will significantly impact the development of both cities.
A. E. Badger from Detroit, the general superintendent of the Pere Marquette, has arrived in Manistee, reportedly to investigate the current circumstances. [His visit] is seen as a positive indication that the company may reassess … and keep the two trains running to Manistee and Ludington in the fall schedule.
Schools today are more than just places for learning. Educators in Manistee’s public schools recently got two letters from Superintendent of Public Instruction T. E. Johnson and State Highway Commissioner Frank F. Rogers, both urging teachers to highlight the importance of safety and the goal of making Michigan the ‘Florida of the North.’
Mr. Johnson requests that students be instructed in manners towards visitors, ensuring they feel welcome in Michigan, and that they assist in maintaining highway signs and directions essential for motor travel…
Undoubtedly the most remarkable farewell gathering ever held in the Methodist Episcopal church here occurred last night as the congregation assembled in the vestry to say goodbye to Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Atkinson. Over 200 individuals attended.
Dr. Atkinson has been appointed to the Methodist church in South Haven city and will be succeeded here by Rev. John Clemens from Traverse City, a close friend…
Vests are making a comeback. Following a long summer break, the traditional close-fitting styles feel quite comfortable.
Let the current award for exceptional bravery be given to that Ohio farmer who managed to get the nose of the Shenandoah under control and secured it to a tree before attempting to discover what it was.
As Noah Heap states: One particularly irritating place to reside is just outside of your financial means.
Radio is considered to be in its early stages. Well, many fans will be pleased when it moves beyond the noisy phase.
A hunter who cannot distinguish a blackbird from a duck may mistakenly identify his friend as a groundhog later in the season.
The sincerity with which young individuals claim that chaperones are unnecessary implies that they are required more than ever.
MNA Friday, September 11, 1925 page 6
[Article] Display Windows Transform With Approaching Autumn
Similar to the seasons, the displays in downtown store windows undergo a change in appearance. The transformation of both is closely linked, as can be observed.
The City Drug store has greeted customers with a display of footballs set against a backdrop of Manistee pennants. Dahlquist’s has taken down the light summer clothing and replaced it with heavy sweaters, fall suits, and neckwear that resemble the colors of October forests. Zobel’s features an especially appealing window. The background is lavender crepe paper neatly arranged, and they are showcasing fall footwear.
John Madison’s window showcases the excitement of October football games as a cold breeze blows through the stadium. He is offering a sale on fur coats and furs. Frank Jarka’s store, half of it, is still running its sale, preparing to stop selling shoes and focus solely on men’s accessories. His shoe sale includes basketball footwear that will soon be popular. Wellman’s store has a new idea for women’s wraps, something warm for a crisp morning in autumn. A kimona coat is a woolen wrap with three-quarter sleeves, made from a multi-colored Indian robe. The garment doesn’t look like a blanket, though. Its designs are fewer and therefore bigger.
In R. J. Miller’s window, winter coats capture the attention of female shoppers. Further down the street, the Penney company is currently allocating a significant amount of space to fall dresses.
A lone duck is displayed in the window of Miller’s hardware store, accompanied by an extensive collection of shooting equipment capable of devastating a city. Single and double-barrel shotguns, pump-action and automatic guns are arranged attractively, signaling the start of duck season on September 16. There are thick coats with sack-back designs for hunting, neatly folded to reveal their woolen linings. Caps with ear flaps for warmth, gun cases, belts, hunting knives, and ammunition all draw the attention of hunters for a brief moment.
And the heaviest of athletic jackets, which have been so popular since spring, can be found in Billie’s clothing store.
