4 L wrL "']n o i. - V71l iI it-7* jj ir~.... =' q1i _|ii ----t 41 y 1; mich F 574.F62B55 1905 C.2 The IlI ~Ill 1 1111111 11111111II 2 0000 000 94' Mich. F 574 *F62 B55 1905 c.2 The Book of the Qolden Jubilee of Flint, Michigan, 1855-1905 ii 4!i ~,1 /7 A, 'V - -i) J 9~ i;U z Z ~ 0 I 0; Fs LL Q4 M (^ P v, W >4 0 h 0;z ~ M3 (^ 0~~ CL (jM W_ 59 3 THE BOOK OF THE Golden Jubilee OF FLINT MICHIGAN 1855- 1905 PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE AND OLD HOMECOMING REUNION. MICHIGAN STATE LkBRA R LANSING 13 CONTENTS The Editor's Fore-Word, by CHARlES A. LIPPINCOT ------------ 1 Pioneers of Grand Traverse, by M. S. EILMORE ---------------- 9 First Two Brick Buildings for Business in Flint, by M. S. ELMORE_ 17 Traffic and Travel over Flint's First Railroads, by M. S. ELMORIE -_ 22 The Flint Harmonia Club, by M. S. EIMOR ---------------------- 28 The Development of Flint, by W. R. BATES_---------------------- 31 The Moral and Religious Development of Flint, by REv. SETH REED 61 The Industrial Development of Flint, by F. A. ALDRICH ------------ 78 The Early Social Life of Flint, by E. L. BANGS ------------------ 101 The Schools of Flint, by C. T. BRIDGMAN ------------------------ 133 The Michigan School for the Deaf, by FRANCIS D. CILARKE ------- 153 Fraternal and Beneficiary Societies of Flint, by L. G. WILLISON.-.- 162 Literary Clubs of Flint-Old and New, by MRS. MARY A. FAIRBANK 181 A Flint Record of Library Evolution, by MRS. DAMON STEIWART -- 191 Fifty Years of Progress, by H. H. FITZGERALD. (An editorial from the Flint Daily Journal) ------------------------------------ 200 Flint Today, by J. C. WILILSON, M.D.--------------------------- 204 History of the Golden Jubilee and Old Home Coming Reunion, by REv. THEODORE D. BACON ---------------------------------- 209 Then, Now, and Then-The Poem of the Golden Jubilee, by REv. W. DUDLEY POWERS, D. D. --------------------------------- 249 Program of the Golden Jubilee ----- ------------------------- 252 Honorary Guests of the Golden Jubilee ----------------------- 263 Committees of the Golden Jubilee ------------------------------ 266 ILLUSTRATIONS Jubilee Parade-Greeting to Vice-President Fairbanks, title page --- Some Early Emergency Currency --------------------------------- 8 Honorable Henry H. Crapo __ ---------------_ ----------------------- 24 Survey of Indian Reservations ----------------------------------- 32 Honorable J. W. Begole ----------------------------------------- 40 Honorable G. H. Durand ----------------------------------------48 Honorable C. D. Long _ ------------------------------------------56 Flint Churches_ _ _------------------------------------------------ 64 Flint Churches __ ------------------------------------------------ 72 St. Michael's Catholic Church, Parochial School and Father Murphy Hall ____ ------------------------------------------------------76 Old Flint-looking north-Saginaw Street Bridge ------- - --- 80 A Typical Illustration of Flint's Early Industries------------------- 96 An Old Time New Year's Calling Card ---------------------------- 112 Flint Schools ___ _ _------------------------------------------------- 136 Flint Schools ---------------------------------------- ----------144 Michigan School for the Deaf ----------------------------------- 160 Genesee County Court House and Flint Public Library -------------- 192 Honorable Grant Decker __------------ ----------------------- 200 Honorable D. D. Aitken _ _ _---------------------------- 208 Honorable C. W. Fairbanks ------------------------------------- 216 Honorable J. B. Angell, L. L. D.--------------------------------- 224 Jubilee Parade-Vehicle Workers------- ------------------------232 Jubilee Parade-Detroit Commandery, No. 1, K. T. ----------------- 240 Jubilee Parade - Floats Showing the Development of the Vehicle Industry __---------- ----------_----------------------------- 248 Jubilee Parade - Floats Showing the Development of the Vehicle Industry-- __------------- -------------------------------- 256 Honorable C. H. Wisner ----------- ---------------------------- 266 i.J I~ THE EDITOR'S FORE-WORD Seldom, if ever, has there been just such a celebration as that which took place in Flint on June sixth, seventh and eighth, 1905. It was wholly unique, not in its individual features, but in their remarkable combination. Many cities have observed their fiftieth anniversary, but it is doubtful whether any other city has ever had the privilege of combining with the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of its incorporation the ceremonies incident to the dedication of a stately new court house, of a beautiful new library building, of memorial tablets to its soldiers and sailors, the laying of the corner-stone of a new federal building, and the welcoming home of its former citizens. The fiftieth anniversary of the city was signalized by the most substantial evidences of financial, intellectual and moral prosperity. It was recognized very early in the development of the plans for the Golden Jubilee that an unusual opportunity for the manifestation of civic enterprise had presented itself. Like all great opportunities it demanded a great response. It was a test of readiness and ability. The hearty and effective manner in which the opportunity was met is revealed in the pages devoted to the history of the celebration. The executive committee, which was charged with the responsibility of formulating and carrying out plans for the anniversary, addressed itself to the accomplishment of two things, first, the preparation of an appropriate program of a high intellectual and moral character, in keeping with the IPIFTITH ANNIVERSARY OF PLINT. dignity of the celebration, combining with it a variety of clean entertainments, suitable for a city in holiday attire for a festival occasion. It was the general feeling of all citizens that commercialism should be eliminated from the celebration, that it should be social, educational and inspirational in character. All the committees were thoroughly imbued with this idea and worked in hearty accord with it. The second desire of the committee was to make provision for the return of as many former citizens as possible, and to provide adequate means for the comfortable entertainment and enjoyment of all the guests who should honor our city with their presence. In carrying out the first object, invitations were delivered in person by representatives of the general committee to some of the most distinguished men of the nation and state. Among the number who responded to the invitation were: Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks, vice-president of the United States, Hon. Henry B. Brown, associate justice of the United States supreme court, Hon. Russell A. Alger, of the United States senate, Hon. Samuel W. Smith, Hon. William Alden Smith, and Hon. Edwin Denby, members of congress, Hon. Fred M. Warner, governor of Michigan and his staff, the members of the supreme court of the state of Michigan, viz., Chief Justice Joseph N. Moore, and Justices Willliam L. Carpenter, Claudius B. Grant, Robert M. Montgomery, Russell C. Ostrander, Charles A. Blair, Aaron V. McAlvay, and Charles C. Hopkins, Rt. Rev. John S. Foley, Hon. James B. Angell, LL.D., president of the University of Michigan, Hon William W. Crapo, the officers of the Michigan National Guard, the officers of the Detroit Naval Reserve, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, of Michigan, and many others. There were present also a number of military and civic organizations, including several companies of the Michigan THE EDITOR'S FORE-WORD. National guard, the Detroit Naval Reserves, Detroit Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar, Grand Army posts, fraternal and beneficiary societies, many alumni of the University of Michigan, and all the local military and civic organizations. There were two great parades, including vivid representations of old and new Flint. Various exhibition drills and band concerts were given. Elaborate electrical illuminations, a beautiful electric fountain, a brilliant display of fire-works, base-ball games and various other amusements were provided. There were also a number of banquets and smokers, re-unions of organizations and social gatherings of friends and old acquaintances. In carrying out the second object, the committee procured and sent a beautifully engraved invitation to the celebration to every former citizen of Flint whose name and address could be secured. A folder with half-tone illustrations setting forth the principal features of the anniversary, and a return card by means of which entertainment could be arranged for in advance, were enclosed with the invitations. For the special comfort and convenience of guests while in the city, rest and toilet-rooms were provided in suitable locations; hospital corps were organized; separate emergency hospitals for men and women, ambulances, a place for lost children, check-rooms, a bureau of information, and a free messenger service were provided. Each guest upon his arrival was presented with a carefully prepared folder containing a program of all the events, the line of march, the location of the headquarters of the various committees, the principal points of interest in the city, and other interesting items of information. These plans which were carefully elaborated, were successfully carried out through the hearty co-operation of the mayor, the common council and other city officials, the press, the various committees, and the intelligent and enthusiastic PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. assistance of the citizens in general. Everybody felt that the honor of our city was at stake. The people worked together with such hearty unanimity of purpose and plan that credit for the success of the Jubilee is due not to any one individual or set of individuals, but to the entire community. The celebration enlisted the best thought and energy of the city. The interest was wide-spread and deep. From the beginning to the conclusion of the undertaking there was no abatement of effort. The interest and enthusiasm grew with every new development of the plans. Many of the busiest men and women of the city gave liberally of their time to promote the success of the undertaking. All merely personal considerations were forgotton in the universal desire to make the celebration reflect honor and credit upon our city. With such purpose and such energy it was not possible to fail. It is pleasant to record that the official program was carried out promptly to the letter, without the omission of a single feature, and apparently to the entire satisfaction of the guests and citizens of Flint. The honorary guests, who had accepted the invitation to be present, responded promptly at the hour appointed. The Honorable Charles W. Fairbanks, vice-president of the United States, travelled from the Pacific coast, declining many urgent invitations to deliver addresses in leading cities of the west, in order to keep his engagement with the citizens of Flint and their guests. It is probable that there was never assembled in any city of Michigan so many able and distinguished men as were brought together on this occasion. The addresses which they delivered were of a uniformly high standard of excellence, dignified, scholarly, patriotic, and inspiring, worthy of the men and the event. The Old Home-Coming Re-union, and the social greetings, family gatherings, and banquets incident thereto, formed THE EDITOR'S FORE-WORD. one of the most delightful features of the Jubilee. While the city was filled with guests the arrangements for their comfort and entertainment were well-nigh perfect. Our citizens will always hold in grateful remembrance the eminent men, who came from all parts of the state and nation, sacrificing their time and contributing their best efforts to the success of the celebration. All things combined to make Flint a joyous city on its Golden Jubilee. Everybody seemed to be at home, and to be imbued with the festival spirit of the occasion. The celebration throughout, while affording ample amusement as well as intellectual entertainment, was singularly free from any immoral or debasing influences. This must always be a matter of pride to our city. There was no regretable conduct to mar the high character, or unfortunate accident to detract from the joy, of the Jubilee. It has passed into history, but will always be cherished in the memory of the citizens of Flint as a noteworthy and inspiring manifestation of civic progress. It is too soon to measure the influence of the Jubilee on the life of our city, but some of its effects are already apparent. While the celebration was in no sense a commercial undertaking, but, on the other hand, involved great expense to the city, it was the best advertisement the city has ever had. It made known to the state that Flint is a city of high ideals, that it is ambitious not only to take a leading place in the industrial and commercial world, but that it is seeking to develop and foster a high type of intellectual, moral and patriotic citizenship, that it is endeavoring to establish and perpetuate institutions and influences alongside of its industrial and commercial enterprises that will preserve and strengthen its reputation as a city of homes, schools and churches. It thus drew the attention of the best class of men and women, the kind who make a city prosperous in the highest sense. FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. The Jubilee aroused public spirit to a degree of intelligent and enthusiastic interest never before realized. The signal success of the undertaking, the plans of which in the beginning seemed to be too ambitious for our resources, has made us aware of the development attainable by harmonious co-operation. Flint has come to a new consciousness of itself. Its new life is being manifested in the organization of the Flint Improvement League, the movement for an adequate park system, and in the recent additions and enlargements of its industrial enterprises. The Jubilee gave to Flint a mental and moral impulse, the beneficent effects of which will be felt in the development of the city for many years. It is proper in this place to say something about the origin of this history. The plans for the Jubilee had not been fully matured before it was realized that the celebration would be an epoch-making event in the history of our city, and that some permanent record of it should be prepared and made accessible to the future residents of Flint. The executive committee entertained the hope that sufficient funds would be contributed to permit of the publication of a suitable memorial volume. They were not disappointed in this expectation. The response of our citizens to every new request was so generous and prompt that the committee after paying all the expenses of the celebration were enabled to appropriate a sum sufficient to warrant them in undertaking this history. The idea of the history itself underwent a process of development. It is an evolution. It seemed fitting that the book should not only contain a record of the Jubilee, but also a history of the city. This plan met with favor. After due reflection and consultation with others it was the judgment of the editor that a more satisfactory history of the city would result from a division of the labor than if it were all undertaken by one individual. This plan was open to the objection THEI EIDITOR'S FORE-WORD. that the various writers would to some extent invade each other's fields, on the other hand, the advantage to be derived from the view-point of a number, and the greater variety in the composition of the book,, seemed to be a sufficient offset to this objection. Accordingly the editor prepared a plan for the work, and called to his aid those whose names appear at the head of the several chapters. Each writer was given full liberty in his own field, the editor being responsible for the plan of the book and the choice of his associates. He entertains the hope that the public will appreciate as fully as he does the faithful and efficient work of his co-laborers. They are all busy men and women, and have done their work in the time which could be wrested from the pressing engagements of their daily vocations. They have had to surmount many difficulties. It is not possible for any one without experience to realize how difficult it is to obtain satisfactory data upon which to base an authentic history. The records of Flint's past were very few and meager, and furnished but little information. The files of early newspapers were diligently scanned for items of historical interest in vain. Their columns seem to have been devoted to a narration of the events of the outside world. They contain but little of local interest. Almost all of those who could have given important data concerning the early history of our city have ended their earthly labors. Notwithstanding these and many other difficulties, the work of the various writers has been done faithfully and conscientiously. It has been entirely a labor of love. The approval of their fellow-citizens will be their only, and to them an adequate, compensation. No doubt value and interest would have been added to this book if its limits had permitted of an extended biographical notice of the leading citizens of Flint, both past and pres 8 PFIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FILINT. ent. It was not possible to do this, accordingly, individuals have only been mentioned in connection with the events of which they were a part. It has been the aim of the editor and his associates to prepare a history of Flint, not to eulogize any individual. Old citizens will probably discover that many important events have been omitted from this history. The editor believes that the names of his associates are a sufficient guarantee that a thoroughly earnest and honest effort has been made to prepare as complete and as impartial a history as was possible under the circumstances. The results of their work, as seen in the following pages, reveal the struggles and triumphs, the sorrows and joys of the pioneers. They contain a record of the industrial and commercial progress of the city, the establishment and development of the excellent public institutions, whose influence has had such a beneficent effect upon our people, and whose splendid buildings adorn our city. They show the wise foresight, the sound judgment, the untiring industry, the steadfast perseverance, the indomitable purpose, and the sterling character of the men and women who made Flint, and who made possible the memorable celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of its incorporation as a city. The past is prophetic of the future. The influence of the pioneers persists in the pluck and energy, in the character and ability of their heirs and successors. There is every reason to believe that the one-hundredth anniversary of the city will be marked with unmistakable evidence of its progress along every line of honorable endeavor. ------------: ~ (: --~ C7~ zq rr''~ Z X-_~ ~ lttt~irt~t fu:i ~ r1J SOME EARLY EMERCENCY CURRENCY. i'i:I ( Pioneers of Grand Traverse Whence They Came; Who They Were. Indian Tribes, Treaties and Tracts of Flint River. By M. S. ELMORE. The writer is aware that any narrative of his earliest experience or observations in Michigan, even though the retrospect be through the mists of forty-seven eventful years, if compared or contrasted with the strenuous life of the real pioneers of ten or twenty years before, would appear to the few adventurous men and women who remain to hear, or discuss it, but a simple suggestion of the frontier life they remember, and of whose trials and triumphs they could tell us most entertainingly. We may, therefore, safely infer that citizens who were first to come to Genesee County, or before 1860, will be more curious to note how nearly the historian's story tallies with their own recollection of the topography of the town; how his description of places or of people compares with those already written on their own memories. When the emigrant has waited until cities and villages have sprung up; when civilization has expressed itself in churches and schools and commerce, he may not justly esteem himself entitled to the distinctive place among his neighbors that one freely accords to the sturdy citizen, whose purpose in life, and the pursuit of it, should have incited him to leave the home of his childhood, friends and kindred, and the haunts of youth, and with commendable ambition, to make ready and found a home for his family-present or prospectiveshould undertake the enterprise, fraught with hazard, toil and ix 10 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. solicitude, of building this home in a Michigan forest. To this end we see him loading his family and effects into an ox-cart, or covered "Michigan" wagon, as they were called, somewhere in the east, and 'mid tears and farewells to begin the tiresome journey toward the west. To such old-timers, whose arrival was before '50, and in particular the hardy pioneers in the oft-quoted " '36," a claim to comradeship, or to social equality with these avante couriers-the trail blazers of the Michigan wilderness, would be regarded by them, and with reason, inconsistent and of questionable propriety. Whence came these pioneers of Genesee County? The greater proportion of them came, doubtless, from "down east;" that indefinite section of the country beyond the Great Lakes. Men are inclined to be clannish, and were now led to follow the fortunes of supposedly lucky neighbors or kinsfolk, who had braved Michigan wilds and sent back cogent messages of promised prosperity that fired the breasts of those left behind with a spirit of adventure and a resolve to follow. The citizen of the twentieth century cannot know by any present standard of experience, what a purpose to emigrate from "York State" to Michigan, implied. Removal to Alaska or Japan is not now fraught with greater anxiety or hazard, indeed, than was the preparation, departure and progress of those pioneers, and their "Michigan wagon" from the "scenes of their childhood" to the untried wildernesses of the "west." It meant, in most instances, hardships many, self-denial, a strenuous life, and weary waiting. Sickness, and the maladies incident to clearing and breaking new soil, were often disheartening, and shook the victim's fortitude, with his body. Quinine was as necessary to the family as flour and tea. Drs. Lamond, or Drake, or Hoyes, were liable to be in frequent request, and the bills burdensome. English, German, Irish, and Scotch nationalities were well represented in the PIONEERS OF GRAND TRAVEIRSE. 11 county; the peculiar characteristics of each readily recognized and respected, when a common and wholesome interest in the problems of growth and social improvement were manifested. It was a notable fact that the greater number of pioneers, who sought homes either in the settlements, or in the solitude of the unbroken forest, brought with them mental and moral equipment-intelligence, education, the amenities and culture of good society, and the sweet remembrance of family ties. These are helpful and potent toward the establishment of a community of honorable, hospitable and law-respecting people. Schools and meeting houses were built in the clearings soon as the population warranted their rude construction; and the few pupils attending the winter term often proved quite as proficient in the practical branches of study as their competitors in the villages, and were often winners in the popular contests at the spelling matches. Athletic sports were unlike the muscle building games of the present day, and were not embraced in the curriculum of the log school house lore. The schoolmaster's qualifications had not all been passed upon by the examining school board, but were left for the physical culture class of big boys, on some day of concerted reckoning, for test in open session of school. On the issue depended his future rank and rating in that district. No section of the peninsula presented, doubtless, so many interesting and unusual events, often picturesque, for the historian, as the Grand Traverse and Saginaw Valley; especially by reason of the sterling and sturdy characteristics of the men and women who first adventured into the wilderness to trade with the Indians and acquire the lands for future possession and development. These experiences of pioneers afford topics 12 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. for a volume of graphic narrative, which, though told many times by more capable pens, one might regret insufficient space here to write out satisfactorily. The war of 1812 so disheartened the natives, they appear to have been more ready to accept propositions for treaties with the whites, which advantage was recognized and steadily acted upon by them. The intrepid Jacob Smith is accredited with having entered the Indian country before 1812, and, during the war was assigned the hazardous mission of learning what attitude the Saginaw Chippewa tribe would take in the contest. Believing him a British subject he was admitted among them, until one of his companions, made too loquacious by firewater, "gave away" the real object of the visit. They escaped to Pontiac only with their lives, by active and adroit dodging. Excepting one, Boelieu, a French trader (who probably gave the name of Grand Traverse to the locality), Jacob Smith was the earliest trader among the Indians here. While yet living in Detroit, until in 1819, after his wife's death, he located permanently at Grand Traverse, and built a log cabin on the north side, on the ground near the corner of present First avenue and Lyon street (the writer perhaps inspired by the consciousness of dwelling on the ground). This was, without doubt, the first habitation for a white man at Flint. Smith died there in 1825. The earliest pioneers found Indians numerous. Indeed, traffic with red men was the potent incentive that attracted the first white men to the depths of the wilderness, for the valuable furs secured by the bullets and arrows of the natives. The tribes of Chippewas and Sauks inhabited the entire lower peninsula of Michigan, and were distinguished for their intelligence, often exhibiting traits of character in transactions with their pale-faced neighbors quite as commendable as copies PIONEERS OF GRAND TRAVERSE. 13 set for them by their white invaders. Several villages are said to have been located in this vicinity. Indians seem usually to have been friendly, and glad to bring to traders and merchants their furs, baskets and maple sugar, to exchange for the white man's wares. Too often the red man wanted fire-water, and while under its exhilarating influence needed to be met with firmness and cautious confidence. We are told of but few collisions between settlers and natives which could not be amicably adjusted, although dangers were imminent, and the treacherous nature of the half-civilized natives increased the hazard of living in the sparsely settled communities. Many interesting, often thrilling experiences have been told by some of the pioneers, who had won the confidence of the Indians; and the blanketed Mr. Lo, with his silent squaw, and papoose swung at her back, were apt to visit without the formality of an invitation, when on their shopping tours to the settlements. In the year 1819, and the following year, during the administration of President Monroe, events transpired at Grand Traverse, whose importance to the future residents of the historic spot was greater than could have been foreseen. An incident lends a dramatic aspect to the treaty reserving certain tracts of land, afterward known as "Smith's Reservation." Six were surveyed on the north, and five on the south side of the river, each a section of land. The trend of the stream gave to sections irregular forms, but practically, a mile square, each. Of the six on the north side, Jacob Smith claimed five, and after his death in 1825, were taken possession of by his son-in-law, John Garland (afterward General Garland), after whom a beautiful street is named, and allotted to Smith's legal heirs, four daughters and one son, in the names said to have been given them when young, by the Indians: Metawanene, Annokotoqua, Sagosequa, Nondashemau, and Massawakut. 14 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Of the five sections on the south side, numbers 7 and 8 embrace most of the Second and Third wards of the city. Immigration began setting in rapidly, and in 1835, believing a sure title should be established, the claimant for section 2 moved in the interests of the Smith heirs and himself. There followed hard fought legal contests, introducing General Cass into the romantic history of Grand Traverse. The later suits, which dealt with claims to section one, are familiar history for even the later comers to Flint; until in 1860 the "Section One" controversy was finally closed in favor of Dewey and Hamilton. An eastern portion of this tract is now known as "Oak Park Sub-Division." In 1836 immigration began in earnest, and soon the names of Todd and Stewart, and Stage, and Dewey, and Payne and Patrick, and Pierson, and Stowe, and Williams, and Hascall and Cumings, the Eddys, et al., with the continually increasing number of men with families, strengthening the community, cheering and stimulating the purpose and fortitude of the pioneers. I fancy many another will recognize in their own experience, the recollection of a new arrival on the 20th day of that delightful October, in 1858, when the stage brought me in from Fentonville, viewing the pretty town from the driver's seat, as we traversed Court and Saginaw streets, to alight at the Carleton House, welcomed by the genial landlord, John B. Hamilton, while near him stood the veritable Boss stage proprietor of the State, A. J. Boss, at the curb, unlighted cigar between his lips, having watched and counted his coaches as they came in sight over the hill by the court house. The young city (for she has sprung at once from the demure quietude of the hamlet to the matronly dignity of a municipality) had now taken on quite the air and aspect of an inland metropolis; feeling very proud of her growth, her intelligence PIONERS OF GRAND TRAVERSE. 15 and the refinement of her citizens. Only a short time before, a devastating fire had swept clean the west side of Saginaw street, below Kearsley. This space has been rebuilt with the substantial buildings still standing there. The street that every spring had been navigable for boats and rafts to a point by the present postoffice was now filled and graded to its present elevation, which must have given to it a greatly changed appearance for the better. Such improvements as these were referred to as exhibiting the recent material progress of the place, which was, indeed, the more remarkable during and following the stringency of '55 to '60. Recalling the difficulties and embarrassments, as well as the expedients resorted to to secure business, or to meet the exigencies of trade and of credits, I am sure the business men of the past two or three decades can have but very imperfect conception of business methods during the years immediately preceding the war of the rebellion. Money was so scarce, it might be said there was next to none. Barter, "dicker" characterized the style of trade and traffic between the merchant and his customers. Butter, eggs, pelts, and shingles represented the currency of exchange. The few banks, anywhere, issuing bills which would be accepted as currency in exchange for goods or labor, were wholly inadequate to supply the needs of even the limited business of the time. The money of only one or two banks in Michigan was regarded at all safe to handle. Bills of a very few banks in Wisconsin were taken at a discount. I do not recall any bank in Chicago, or indeed, in the state of Illinois, whose issue was considered safe to touch. Two or three banks in Ohio, and here and there one in the state of New York, would be accepted; but none from any state, except, perhaps, notes of the Michigan State Bank of Detroit were thought safe to hold over night, so that, before time for bank to close, Austin 16 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Witherbee was very sure to receive a call from such of the patrons of "Exchange Bank" as found bills on any banks in their tills at that hour. These were deposited with the understanding you would be credited the amount received on them. The great scarcity of silver, for change, was likewise embarrassing, and an annoyance at this time. Spanish silver, which had been a common currency for years, from the Spanish dollar to the six pence, half dollars, quarters and shillings, had been mostly bought up for manufacturing purposes, and American coin was very scarce. (It will be remembered this was "befo' the wa' "). A makeshift expedient was hit upon, adopted by a few merchants-the writer being one-to issue small "shin plaster" currency, made payable at "Exchange Bank," in which money was deposited to redeem them, and these were accepted as money in business, appreciably relieving the inconvenience and shortage. Specimens of these little substitutes for Uncle Sam's money are yet in existence. The government later issued the "shin plaster" currency, which filled a long felt want, specimens of which may likewise be found among the curios of collectors. The breaking out of the war and the necessity for money for the "boys" relieved none too soon the stringency all felt, and the boys in blue soon began to help out the old folks at home with Uncle Sam's greenbacks, spending them meanwhile freely for their own needs, or indulgence, and so, soon changed the financial condition of the whole northern section of the country. First Two Brick Buildings for Business in Flint By M. S. ELMORE With one's municipal pride stimulated anew almost any day when one walks abroad in our fair city, to discover new structures not before seen, lofty, imposing, picturesque or pretentious, the homes of vast enterprises, or the dwellings of contented citizens, one who had noted through developing decades this evolution in architecture is apt to remember the distant days when brick and stone were less in evidence in building, and but little appeal was made to the aesthetic fancy of the beholder. Nor does it seem so long ago, that this condition obtained in the future Vehicle City. There seems to be a diversity of opinion regarding the priority of two brick buildings, each thought by some to have been the first structure of brick for business purposes in the place, -the Cumings or Crapo store, on north Saginaw street, and the building once known as the Hazelton store, on south Saginaw street, west side, near First street. This building, now three stories high, and occupied by Campbell & Ingersoll music dealers, and Geo. E. Childs, jeweler, was originally built with steep gable roofs, pitching to front and rear, above a second story and big attic. I remember it well, although both this and the Cumings buildings were built before I came to Flint. Various authorities agree that the "Scotch store" of Cumings & Curren was built in 1851-2, while, I have been informed by an old citizen familiar with the event, Hon. Jerome Eddy, that the Hazelton stores were built in 1845, and the building thought to be quite a marvel in xvii 18 FIFITITH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. architecture. It has been said that George Hazelton and George W. Hill joined in its construction; but this I do not find substantiated. The stores were originally occupied by the Hazelton brothers; the south store for dry-goods, by George; the north store by Homer and Porter, with hardware. Geo. W. Hill afterward occupied the stores with furniture and undertakers' wares for many years, before being improved by an additional story and modern roof. The corner, or north part of the "Scotch store," as it was known, was occupied by Cumings & Curren as a general store in the '50's; and someone else, probably Mr. Jerome Eddy, was selling goods in the south half of the building. It should not be forgotten that, at the time of which I write, the north side of the river was the popular side, and was confidently expected to remain the principal section for business in the hopeful hamlet and future city. Real estate controversies, familiar to the citizens of that time, who remain, were regarded the unhappy and effectual means of driving business and building to the south side. This will account for the existence, during the earliest history of the town, of thriving shops on the north side, when D. S. Fox, W. O'Donoghue, the Deweys, Witherbee, Jerome Eddy, Wm. Stevenson, Cumings & Curren, O. F. Forsyth, and others, as also for two taverns, believed to have selected the best locations in the town for future success and prosperity. The "Scotch Store" was sold to Hon. H. H. Crapo, proprietor of the Crapo lumber mills and business, and was for many years conducted in its interest and for its benefit. Capt. Damon Stewart, too well known as a native to require an introduction, talked with me entertainingly of this old building when asked for data, saying "I ought to know, for I helped to carry the brick," and he seems to have been generally useful for so young a lad. An experience of the builder that PIRST BRICK BUILDINGS. 19 could scarcely be had in this day, was to discover when ready for it, that he could find no timber long enough for so big a roof, and the completion of the building as planned was achieved only after men had gone into the woods, far up the river, young Stewart ("Damon" will make his recognition easy), one of the "gang" on a job that proved "strenuous;" the time being in January, the water low in the streams, so that often dredging had to be resorted to, to float the logs to deeper water, and much of this cold work while wading, yet more comfortable, he declared, than working in the cold on land. Capt. Stewart tells of an incident while the walls were being built, wherein one of the brick-layers, an unpopular fellow, was one day late, and one of the men seeing him coming, mischievously or viciously threw the masons' trowel into the space between the outer and inner layers of brick, emptying a full trowel of mortar on the tool, and added, "to-day it might be found in the south wall, near the three windows, which were not there at that time." Interest has been added to the foregoing story for the writer since it was told to him, in the fortunate statement by Mr. George C. Willson, that this trowel was found in the wall, during recent changes in the building, as Mr. Stewart predicted, and I believe, is now in Mr. Willson's possession. (A Free and Accepted Mason might fear that the symbolical uses of the trowel had hardly been exemplified in this incident.) But I think the strangest story in connection with the Cumings-Crapo store comes from Mr. George C. Willson, under whose management the building is, and is yet to be told. It now appears that during all this half-century of monotonous years (momentous, many have imagined them), the prosaic and plain structure we have thought of, and spoken of, as the "Scotch Store" or the "Crapo Store," had se 20 FPIITTH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. creted from the ken of mortals, a romance. While men did come and men did go, during the years when lovers have had time to be born, to have found their affinity, wed, divorced, and died; when passers-by have daily looked upon the severe and angular aspect of this familiar pile; this act, in an unpublished drama was waiting for its recall. Hidden, irrecoverably, it was believed, in the fastnesses of a rude and narrow sepulchre, was found a small box in the wall, containing numerous letters, written in a style of chirography that indicates the writer to have been an accomplished lady; the composition of the letters in language one might expect from the pen of a school teacher, which she evidently was. These epistles tell us only one side of a story, the fair writer often complaining that she had received no replies to her letters. They were written from Hampton, Mich. and Mount Morris, N. Y., under date of 1849 and '50 to Mr. James Curren, who was at that time associated with his brother-in-law, Mr. Cumings, in the mercantile business in Flint. Cumings & Curren were then erecting the brick building at the corner of North Saginaw street and Second avenue, which was for years familiarly known as the Crapo Variety Store, and later occupied as a "General Store" by Pomeroy Bros. While remodeling the building in the fall of 1898 for the manufacturing plant of the Flint Gear & Top Co., the letters above referred to were found in the west wall, in a round wooden box, together with a lock of hair, and a card on which two hands were clasped, entwined with ribbons, with the inscription: "True Friendship," and date June 10th, '49. On placing these letters between walls of brick and mortar, Mr. Curren undoubtedly sought to hide forever all traces of a sweeter sentiment which he wished to banish from his future life. Shortly after, he sailed for Australia, where, we understand he met with reverses, returning home to die. Mr. George Willson had the peculiar pleasure, FIRST BRICK BUILDINGS 21 during the fall of 1905, of delivering the box with letters enclosed to the original writer, a resident of Flint, and an interesting invalid of advanced years. These incidents invest the ancient Cumings-Crapo-Durant & Dort buildings with more than a cold commercial atmosphere for future dwellers of the north side when passing by it. The patronage enjoyed by these first stores in Flint was not limited to the radius of a few miles, between county towns, or less, but trade invited the sparse population from long distances every way, when days were required, to come and return. Produce, furs, butter and eggs, maple sugar, and berries were brought to exchange for goods, and the stores on the north side of the river did a thriving business. The Brent family, whose great farm was located three or four miles below Flushing, was quite distinguished for their wealth and position. It is said that they and their neighbors were accustomed to come to "the Flint" by boat on Flint river, propelled by Indians, to exchange produce, furs, and Spanish dollars for goods, which being loaded into their boats, they could return to their homes with less effort, by the helpful course of the current. It is likewise currently believed, that these native boatmen loaded themselves with fire-water, sometimes, imbibing with the fluid a sportive disposition to tint the little town a warm Indian red; but they were usually peaceable, sturdy and skillful men with oar or paddle. (Adenda: A sad and startling commentary is found in the fact that since the closing of this sketch, two of the gentlemen of whom I had sought information, Hon. Jerome Eddy and Captain Damon Stewart, have joined the rapidly augmenting population in Glenwood.) Traffic and Travel Over Flint's First Railroads By M. S. ELMORE. Before the territory of Michigan had been admitted to the growing family of States, in 1837, her citizens had recognized the advantages of steam roads for the Peninsula, and several routes were projected; the "Northern Railroad," from St. Clair to Lake Michigan being of greatest interest to residents of this section, since its route traversed the county of Genesee from East to West. We need no more than allude to other projects during the first fever of enthusiasm. Nor did the repeated attempts during many years to establish this line, materialize, until, after varied vicissitudes and changes in plans and organizations through legislative enactments, the "Chicago and Northeastern Railroad Company" was incorporated in 1874, finally developing into the splendid "Grand Trunk system" now in successful operation. I think the original line contemplated passing through Flint along the present Court street, in 1838-9, and grading was done both east and west of the place. In the meantime the line of the "Detroit and Milwaukee" had been built to lonia, passing through the southern portion of the county, Fentonville, Gaines, and Linden; connection being made at Fenton (or Holly) with Flint, over the plank roads, for stage passengers or freight. Four or five-surely not more than a half dozen merchants of earlier Flint, remain to talk over experiences, when their goods and wares were "hauled" on wagons from the stations on the D. & M. railway at Pontiac, Fentonville, or Holly,James Decker, William Stevenson, Jerome Eddy, Robert Ford, W. H. Hammersley, M. S. Elmore, et al. Please note I do not say earliest Flint; or, shades of Cotharin, or O'Donougxxii TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL. 23 hue, Grant Decker, Fox, Cumings, the Hendersons or Deweys might protest my little list were too recent. Sam Alpin, Charles Selleck, and John Atchinson were the responsible teamsters by whom all freight of whatever sort was transported from the D. & M. R. R. to Flint, each making not more than one trip per day over the uneven plank roads, through all seasons, and in every kind of weather. The combined loads of these three teams would not have filled the smallest modern freight car on the F. & P. M. Travel over the same routes on Boss & Burrell's line of stages was regarded good evidence of progress, and the plank road to Saginaw an important factor in facilitating travel and traffic,-in the year of the advent of the writer to the city, 1858, more than 15,000 passengers having been transported over this line of stages. One recalls the anticipated arrival and departure of stages,-two, three and sometimes six,-at the old "Carleton," on fair days or foul. And right here I will take the liberty of quoting from an interesting letter to the writer, from a former Flint boy, Mr. J. Earl Howard, Assistant Treasurer of the P. M. Company, and of the C. H. & D. railroad company office at Cincinnati. Referring to this stage line, Mr. Howard says: "What a stir they used to make in the usually "quiet town when they came in from Holly and Fenton. More "noise and bustle around the old 'Carleton' than there has "been since with the new 'Bryant.' W. W. Barnes was the stage "and express agent, and subsequently the R. R. agent when the "line was opened to Saginaw, and the depot was located above "McFarlan's Mill, and afterward joint freight agent of the "F. & P. M. and Flint & Holly roads. Afterward the depot "building was removed to the juncture of these two roads, on "the river bank opposite the present passenger station of the "P. M. The old freight building is yet doing duty in the rail"road yards, on Kearsley street. "Josiah Pratt, Geo. C. Kimball and Geo. T. Clark were all "closely identified with the early railroad history of Flint. "Giles L. Denham was the cashier, general freight and pas 24 FIITIETH ANNIVERSARY OOFILINT. "senger agent, auditor, conductor, etc., of the Flint & Holly, "until the consolidation of the two roads, when he was ap"pointed cashier of the new company. "The writer (Howard) was ticket agent and telegraph "operator for these two companies, from 1866 until he left "town in 1870, having been connected in various positions "with the other roads, which in 1900 consolidated with the F. "& P. M., forming the system now known as the P. M. This "system now comprises about 2,300 miles of road, with a capi"talization of over seventy-eight millions of dollars; with "earnings of about fifteen millions per year. The company "formed at Flint, January 21st, 1857, comprised, with one "exception, of residents of Flint, has outgrown its infant days "and become one of the great systems of the country. To the "best of my knowledge none of the original incorporators are "living to-day. A majority of them sleep in Glenwood." I am sure the public will heartily appreciate Mr. Howard's interesting letter at this time. Accompanying the letter, Mr. Howard courteosuly intrusted to me for reference documents relating to the earliest history of the two roads: Flint & Pere Marquette, and the Flint & Holly, which were soon to connect these towns in the north with their neighbors farther south. My space will permit of my alluding to only such items in the documents relating to the organization and condition of Flint & Pere Marquette railway company, as I believe of special interest. In the Articles of Association are entered names of its first directors: Henry M. Henderson, Benjamin Pierson, Artemus Thayer, Robert D. Lamond, Cornelius Roosevelt, George M. Dewey, William Patterson, Alvin T. Crosman, and Josiah Pratt, "of the city of Flint." Benjamin Pierson, Alvin T. Crosman, and Daniel D. Dewey were appointed commissioners to open books of subscription to the capital stock. The older citizens will be interested to read the names, amounts being omitted. Benjamin Pierson, Alvin T. Crosman, D. D. Dewey, Josiah Pratt, Theod. G. Mills, (Cleveland), C. Roose HON. HENRY H. CRAPO, Governor of Michigan, 1865-1869 ii' `~i;i i~2 TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL 25 velt, Artemus Thayer, H. W. Wood, Jas. Henderson, R. D. Lamond, Alex. McFarlane, E. N. Pettee, E. H. McQuigg, Chas. B. Higgins, R. Bishop, E. F. Frary, M. Miles, Giles Bishop, A. B. Witherbee, Geo. W. Fish, H. C. Walker, H. M. Henderson, T. C. Meigs, Chauncey K. Williams, Chas. E. Dewey, Wm. Paterson, G. M. Dewey, Geo. R. Cummings, (the last named notary public). The comprehensive matter embraced on the sections of the "Trust Deed," Legislative enactments, the chosen route for the road and declared advantages through the new country, reports of engineers, and sundry official communications from George S. Frost, Erastus Corning, Gov. Moses Wisner, etc., are all very interesting reading at this remove, and present a notable contrast with recent reports, of the development and marvelous expansion of the little road of thirty miles, into the twenty-three hundred of the new consolidated "Great Central Route." Accompanying the earlier report of the F. & P. M. referred to above, were the first and second annual reports of the directors of the Flint and Holly Railroad, Oct. 5th, 1865, and Sept. 29th, 1866, in which we learn "The road was opened for the running of trains, both for freight and travel, on the first day of November, 1864, at which time the track was but partially completed, and it was not only difficult, but exceedingly dangerous at that time to run trains over it. By the exercise, however, of the greatest possible caution and care, no accident occurred beyond that of some slight damage to a portion of the rolling stock, in consequence of having been partially run off the track," etc. (From H. H. Crapo's first report.) In his second report, of Oct. 18, 1866, President Crapo speaks hopefully of the prospects for future business, provided favorable arrangements can be made with the D. & M., in transportation, until cars can be built. General traffic seems to have been stimulated, and manufacturing of lumber greatly increased. 26 FIPTITII ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Accompanying Mr. Crapo's report are statements of comparative expenditures and earnings for the two years, over the familiar signature of G. L. Denham, treasurer. These figures, while small, when compared with great sums in the last P. M. reports, show at least healthy increase. The earnings in 1865 (eleven months) being $90,997.37, while for 1866, $142,470.34. In July, 1876, the Centennial year, that estimable and popular gentleman, Mr. Leroy C. Whitney, then freight agent at Saginaw station, was transferred to Flint at his request, I think, as agent at this station; which position he held until 1882, when he was appointed traveling agent and in 1883, general western agent, at Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Whitney first entered the employ of the F. & P. M. R. R. Co. as agent at Mt. Morris station, May 19th, 1867; a year later promoted to similar duty at Clio, and soon after, to Saginaw, as ticket agent. Hence the earlier history of the new F. & P. M. was very familiar to this gentleman. The older citizens will remember the enthusiasm and congratulations when the news was circulated that the first train from East Saginaw had reached the little station at the foot of McFarlan's street, near the old McFarlan mill. Visitors were many and smiling, and the kodak fellow should have been there. The engine with its two cars appeared formidable surely, and yet, only a Shetland pony beside the monster Percherons in modern railroad service,-those powerful and majestic machines one sees any day, dragging with apparent case seventy or eighty laden cars through the town. It were difficult to realize the wonderful improvements in rolling stock, the elegance and comfort of passenger coaches, the carrying facilities of modern freight cars, the appliances for safety and strength of all cars perfected and adopted since the day Flint citizens discovered that they were connected with the outside world by rail; nor were they slow to avail themselves of the means of travel they had so long desired and were now schooled to appreciate. TRAPFFIC AND TRAVIEI. 27 To fully comprehend the benefits, and intelligently review the history of this splendid enterprise, I believe one were better prepared to understand and correctly estimate its advantages, who had watched its progress from its inception and establishment, to the magnificent and commanding position it now holds among the great railroad lines of America. But alas, the proud city title, once familiarly associated with the modest lines, "Flint & Pere Marquette," and "Flint & Holly," is now eliminated forever; nor coach, nor engine will longer bear it forth through the land. The fair citythe natal city-of this lusty youth, must needs now seek for other vehicles to convey and perpetuate the name and fame of our loved and thrifty city. All Hail! "Great Central Route." The Flint Harmonia Club A Musical Society Association of Fifty Years Ago By M. S. ELMORE There are yet living in this city, and in other places more or less remote, people who will smile should they read the headlines to this chapter of retrospection. In running over in my memory the names of either ladies or gentlemen who, during the period of prosperity and popularity of "Flint Harmonia Club," this renewal of old acquaintance is saddened by the consciousness that only a few of the merry personnel of that organization, will read, perhaps, to criticise, what I may set down. The era of multidinous clubs for varied amusement, literary, musical, dramatic, or indulgence in games had scarcely dawned. Dancing and cards were introduced into but few parlors; and the social amusements wherein these were omitted appealed to the greater number of citizens, young and old, whose education had rather compelled a renunciation of them, or at least sanctioned but little public participation. The popularity of the "Musical Club" was doubtles due, in a considerable degree to its attractiveness as a fortnightly social center for the elite and society favorites, to gather, whether especially interested as members likely to appear on the program, or drawn thither in the expectation of meeting other genial spirits who were pleased to be accounted members, for encouragement of the Club, and the fun there was in it. For, indeed, the "Club" was the first and foremost function for refined amusement in the little city. The "few" to whom I have alluded will voice my assertion, I am sure, that at no time since "those good old days," could xxviii THE PLINT HARMONIA CLUB 29 the society of Flint claim more intelligence, refinement of manners, or the culture derived from good reading and discussion, than when comprising the families and society youth of Flint forty or fifty years ago. Facilities for cultivation derived from travel, from easy communication with centers of art and musical interpretation, it is true, have shown their advantages within the last two decades, while of the days I recall these aids were limited. But it will likewise be recalled that society lines were drawn more exacting then than now they seem to be. The Harmonia Club was organized with a view to permanency, with a president, secretary, program committee, and sometimes a critic; their election annual; the president was always a lady, the secretary a gentleman. Meetings were fortnightly, being held at private residences where a piano was found. Flint was proud in the possession of more pianos than most towns of its population in this State, despite the handicap of a necessary transportation by wagon, from Fenton, Holly, or Pontiac, and the first piano came through mud, from Detroit, when four days was good time in transit. Among the places popular for club recitals were Mrs. Russel Bishop's commodious music room, on Beach street; this lady, a sister of Col. E. H. Thomson, being an excellent pianist and a favorite accompanist; at Mrs. Col. Fenton's, where is now the McCreery homestead; Mrs. E. H. Thomson's, whose dwelling, and the Colonel's famous library, were where now stands A. G. Bishop's residence; with Mrs. E. H. McQuigg and daughter, where soon the new postoffice will displace the old house; Miss McQuigg, now Mrs. Stewart, was an active member; Mrs. William Hamilton, then on Court Street, whose daughters, and sister, Miss Maram, were frequently on programs; the Misses Crapo, at the Crapo homestead, now Dr. Wilson's residence. Of several young ladies, Miss Rhoda and Miss Emma only appeared in vocal numbers; the Misses Moon, on Garland Street, Miss Hattie's name for piano solos frequently appearing; the Stewarts on Detroit Street. In 30 FIPTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. this family Miss Ellen (Mrs. Henry Seymour), and her brother, Will, played many fine duets. This popular youth followed his brother Damon to the front, early in the war, and was killed at Ressaca. The Payne mansion on Third avenue (new version) was sometimes thrown open for club recitals. Mrs. Geo. M. Dewey's was likewise opened for club meetings. Mrs. Townsend's, Mrs. A. Thayer's, Mrs. George T. Clark's, Mrs. H. M. Henderson and daughters, Mrs. J. B. Walker and daughter; and yet a number of other houses were open to these popular society functions. I readily remember the familiar faces of society gentlemen, with but little claim for musical criticism, perhaps, but who enjoyed the social feature, and who seldom failed to attend and heartily applaud every number: Hamilton, Robert Page, Turner, Thompson, Fenton, Avery, Newton, the Bishops, Russell and Giles; Pettee, Eddy, Witherbee, et al. Miss Hulda Johnson (Mercer), Mrs. M. E. Church, Misses Belle Jenny, Julia Saunders, Jenny Williams, Kate Decker, Helena Walker, Emily Beecher, Ada Fenton, Maggie and Jennie Henderson and other ladies; Messrs. Harley Clark, Elmore, Dewitt Parker, Hammersley, McAllister, Woolhouse and Deary, assisted in the programs. Mr. Le Roy Parker and Mr. Damon Stewart, I remember as secretaries. Mrs. H. J. Mercer has kindly handed me two programnes,-that is the way they spelled it then, which I would feel glad to reproduce here. They are at dates a decade apart, which shows "The Club" not a fad for a season; most of the members appearing in the later program of 1871, not yet citizens of Flint in 1861, the date of the earlier, or too young to join: Sanderson, Dawson, Seymour, Butrick, Miss Maude Atwood, Misses Addie Seymour, Hamilton, Holmes, etc. A number of patrons and participants arrived before date of the last recital. The Development of Flint. By W. R. BATES The preparation of a chapter on the development of the city of Flint necessitated the examination of all available sources of information, and in this search so much attracted attention, it is difficult to decide what to eliminate. The character of its citizens, their early struggles for livelihood, the upbuilding of local institutions, the courts, the press, transportation facilities-all of this and more-go to make the town, and in preparing what follows it has been the endeavor only to touch, in this chapter, the things that in the judgment of the writer had to do with the beginnings and then to trace a few o-f the salient conditions down to our day. The first obtainable semi-official information occurs in the Michigan Gazetteer, published in 1838, all of which I quote: "FLINT: A village, post office and seat of Justice for Genesee county, situated on Flint river. It has a banking association, an edge tool factory, saw mill, two dry goods stores, two groceries, two physicians, a lawyer and the land office for the Saginaw land district. The United States road passes through it. There is a good supply of water power in and around it. The emigration to this place has been very great the past two years, and still continues. The village is flourishing, and the country around it excellent. It is estimated to contain three hundred families. Distant from Detorit 58 miles northwest and from Washington City 584 miles northwest." The Indian names of the settlement and of the river are somewhat in doubt. Evart and Abbott's History of Genesee County calls the location of the city "Mus-ca-ta-wingh," or burnt plain, and the name of the river "Pa-wan-unk-ing," or the river of Flint. xxxi 32 PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Judge Albert Miller, who worked for John Todd in the early thirties, records, in the Pioneer Reports, the name of the settlement as having been "Pe-wan-a-go-seeba." William R. McCormick, who was a boy living with his parents at Flint River in 1832, gives in the Pioneer Reports the name of the settlement as "Sco-ta-wa-ing," or burnt opening, and of the river as "Pe-wan-a-go-wing-see-ba," or flint stones in the river. Col. E. H. Thomson in his very accurate article in the Detroit Post and Tribune in 1878 gives the names as "Mus-cuta-wa-ing" or "open plain burned over" and the river's name as "Pa-won-nuk-ening" or the River of Flint.. Rev. R. E. Macduff in his history of St. Paul's parish gave Scootawanag, as the Indian name of the settlement. It is evident that whichever name in the Indian tongue was the correct one, it meant Flint in some form. Just why is not evident as the river seems not to have been a flinty one. Referring to this Col. Thomson wrote: "After wrestling for several years with these Chippewa jaw-breakers, the early settlers ended the struggle by calling both river and settlement Flint, and Flint they are." The name of the county was in all probability given in honor of Genesee County, N. Y. Whether apropos or not, it can do no harm and possibly may serve to, cause investigation to add that "Chennussie" was the name of a tribe of Indians belonging to the famous Six Nations, and that in the Seneca language "Je-nis-he-yuh" signified "the beautiful valley." COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. When Genesee county was formed, Flint was one of the townships. Strange as it may seem, there never was an incorporated village of Flint. So, Flint never had a village president nor a board of trustees. It was always a part of the town COMP vrH SURVEYED PLAT INP OF ATIQNS. INb.IA(N R.SEVATI N8 Mcai: icH.av~ THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 33 ship and was satisfied to have a supervisor and other township officers until it became a full fledged city in 1855. Consequently, there are no village records to consult in regard to the early days here. There are very few of the old time citizens left. John Sutton, who still resides in the house built by him in 1844, and Edward A. Todd, a gentleman of nearly eighty years, a resident of Owosso, seem to be about the oldest "settlers." James VanVleet's arrival in the county was in 1844, Mr. Sutton's in 1838 and Mr. Todd came with his father and mother, John and Polly Todd, in 1829. All of these gentlemen have a general remembrance of conditions existing in the early days but nothing at all definite as to the so-called village affairs. All of those who were actively engaged in the formation of the rural settlement have passed away and in many cases even their names have passed into oblivion. "So fleet the works of men, Ancient and holy things Fade like a dream." VILLAGE PLATS AND NAMES. There were several village plats filed in the office of the Register of Deeds. The first one was filed by A. E. Wathares in 1830. He called it a plat of the village of Sidney. The territory embraced in this plat covered four blocks-from Saginaw street to Clifford, east and west, and from the river to First street, north and south. This was followed by a re-survey in 1833 and the name of Flint River was substituted for Sidney. The new plat covered the territory embraced in the Sidney plat and extended to the present Fourth street and on the east to Harrison street. In 1836 this village plat was extended to East street and included thirty-two blocks. The village of Grand Traverse was platted on the north side of the river in 1837 and the plat was filed on January 16 34 PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF ILINT. of that year. It extended from the river to Seventh avenue, north, and from Smith's Island-St. John's street-to West street, now known as Stone street. This was platted by Chauncy S. Payne. The village of Flint was platted by Wait Beach, July 13, 1836. It extended from the river to Eleventh street, south, and from Saginaw street to Church-all being west of the Saginaw Turnpike-now Saginaw street. Elisha Beach filed a plat extending the limits of Flint village on September 22, 1836, to Pine street adding twenty blocks and on February 28, 1837, Gen. C. C. Hascall platted an addition to the village, east of Saginaw street to Clifford and from Court street south to Eleventh-sixteen blocks. But while all these plats showed villages, there really never was an incorporated village of Sidney, Flint River, Grand Traverse or Flint. There was always a township organization and then a city. There have been over sixty "Additions" to the territory originally embraced in the limits of the City of Flint. These additions vary in size from a few lots to nearly fifty blocks. Among the most important may be mentioned: McFarlan & Co.'s Western addition, 49 blocks; Thayer & Eddy's, 16 blocks; Stockton's 11 blocks; Fenton and Bishop's, 14 blocks; West Flint, 12 blocks and Oak Park addition embracing 34 blocks. When the present site of the Water Works was selected that location still remained in the township of Burton but it was subsequently added to the city. Judge Albert Miller says in Pioneer Reports, Vol. 13, page 361, in writing of the routes proposed for the Northern Railroad: "The proprietors of the land about where the Court House was located at Flint called it 'Flint Center' and desired to make it what the name purported, the center of the village of Flint but the change in the route prevented." This was in 1836-7. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 35 One reason for the difficulty experienced in obtaining reliable data is that when the city was chartered in 1855, the former township of Flint was divided into the present towns of Burton and Flint and the records of the old township which embraced the city were transferred to the officials of the new township of Flint, but they cannot be found and it is supposed that they were lost years ago. A rather interesting fact appears in this connection: In 1855, when the territory embracing the present city and the towns of Burton and Flint was divided, the township now forming Flint township was mentioned in the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors as the township of "Garland" but at a subsequent meeting of the board it appears to have been re-named Flint. In the proceedings of the board, March 9, 1843, there appears the name of "Kearsley township" but I conclude that its name was changed to "Richfield," as the proceedings of the board, October 25, 1843, fail to mention "Kearsley" and do mention "Richfield." I found no mention, however, of the action taken to change the names. In all subsequent records the name of Richfield appears but the name of Kearsley does not. The gradual growth and development of a community is always interesting in the retrospect and this is particularly true of this locality. INDIAN OCCUPATION. The Sauks and Onotawas held in peace the streams and lakes and forests of the Flint, the Tittabawassee, the Cass and the Saginaw. The Chippewas and Ottawas of Mackinac formed an alliance with the Ottawas about Detroit and by preconcerted agreement met near the mouth of the Saginaw and proceeded to destroy the Indian villages along its banks. Succeeding there they at once turned their attention to the remainder of the Sauks. One of these battles, and it is stated "the big 36 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF LINT. gest," was fought on the high bluff overlooking the Flint, one-half mile below the present city, and almost directly across the river from the School for the Deaf. Another battle was fought down the river one mile above Flushing, and still another sixteen miles below Flushing on the Flint. The allied forces became masters of this territory and eventually joined the British troops with a view to the extermination of the Americans who had settled on the St. Clair, the Huron and the Detroit rivers. This alliance continued to the close of the war of 1812. But with the success of the Americans the spirit of the Indians seems to have been broken and when the first white settlers came to the banks of the Flint the Chippewas were not only inclined to. be very friendly but at times annoyingly so. Years ago the writer heard from the lips of the Patricks and other early settlers stories of the begging proclivities of these Indians. There are none left in this immediate locality, but in Bay and Arenac counties there are small settlements still remaining. They are civilized and reasonably industrious, but are gradually disappearing. THE FIRST WHITE SETTLER. The first white men to visit here were two Catholic priests who were soon followed by a Frenchman named Bolieu, they did not remain here but went farther north. The next white man to come was Jacob Smith, whose name runs through all of the litigation over title to the lands now occupied by the city and which dragged its slow length along through many years, retarding the development of the north side of the river and causing family and neighborhood heartburnings for a quarter of a century. Smith was a native of Quebec, by birth a German, the husband of a squaw and the father of a half dozen half-breed children. Prior to the war of 1812, Smith had made a number of trips from Detroit to the Saginaw river and had become friendly with the Indians. THE DEVEIOPMENT OF FLINT. 37 He was, during the war, selected to visit this part of the country to ascertain the intention of the Indians as to joining forces with the British, but one of his men, excited by too free indulgence in fire-water, disclosed the object of the journey and the party found it necessary to at once make an attempt to escape, leaving their barter behind them, and after many days of great suffering and narrow escapes from the pursuing Indians, they finally succeeded in reaching Detroit. Later Smith became a captain in the American army and is credited with having done excellent service. In 1819 he located here and continued to reside here until his death in 1825. His Indian name was Wah-be-sins and the translation is said to be "Young Swan," just why is not stated. So, Jacob Smith, a German, born in the French city of Quebec, the husband of a Chippewa squaw, was the father of the city oif Flint. General Cass went to Saginaw in 1819 to negotiate a treaty with the Indians of whom there were about three thousand present. He had a conference but the Indians were slow to see the particular advantage to be derived from the proposed treaty and the talk was adjourned for a day or two. In the meeting Jacob Smith to whom the Indians were somewhat obligated, was asked to use his influence with them. This he successfully did and secured for himself, although indirectly, a little more than seven thousand acres of land. This land was located at the Grand Traverse of the Flint river. This name of Grand Traverse was applied to that portion of the river where the best fording place existed at that time and later was applied to all of the land embraced in Smith's reservation, which lay on the north side of the river, which still later was known as the village of Grand Traverse. The Indian name for Grand Traverse was "Squo-ta-wi-ing." This reservation embraced eleven sections of land, or 7,040 acres. It was surveyed by the United States surveyor in 1820, 38 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. six sections being on the north and five on the south side of the river. The subsequent litigation, after Smith's death, affected only one section on the south side of the river, but all on the north side was in dispute until 1860, the final decision being in favor of the owners who derived title from the heirs of Smith. C. S. Paine, Col. T. B. W. Stockton, Judge C. P. Avery, Col. Garland, William Hamilton, etc., etc., were actively interested in the contest. THE TODD FAMILY. After the death of Jacob Smith in 1825 there were no permanent white settlers on the banks of the Flint until the latter part of 1829 or early in 1830 when John Todd came. Evart and Abbott's History of Genesee County, 1879, says that Mr. Todd came in 1830, but in a very recent conversation with his son, Edward A., of Owosso, he said that the family came here in 1829. I found Mr. Todd a vigorous man of eighty years, engaged in a game of chess. His memory is unimpaired and it was a pleasure to converse with him concerning the early days. The Todd family consisted of the father, John Todd, Polly, his wife, and Edward A. and Mary, (Mrs. David Gould of Owosso), both of whom are living. In 1830 Archibald Green, accompanied by his wife, his brother-in-law, Benajah Tupper and a cousin named Preston, came and occupied the deserted cabin of Jacob Smith. Mrs. Green died soon after their arrival and Mr. Green very soon left for his former home in New York state. Tupper and Preston had engaged in trading with the Indians and their principal stock consisted of whiskey and tobacco. Quite naturally, this merchandise brought about a quarrel with the Indians and both white men took their departure. There is no record of their having ever returned. Mr. and Mrs. Todd came here from Pontiac and they were three days en route, having to cut through the brush in order to get their teams, THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 39 etc., through. Mr. Todd had purchased from Edouard Campau of Detroit 785 acres for $800 and his outfit consisted of two horse teams, an ox team, several cows, pigs, chickens, etc. besides necessary farming implements. A shack had at an earlier day been erected by Campau and had been partially dismantled but was soon made habitable by the combined efforts of Mr. Todd and "Aunt Polly," as she came to be affectionately called. Mr. Rufus Stevens constructed a dam on the Thread and built a saw mill there in which was sawed a portion of the material which went into the construction of the justly celebrated hostelry known far and wide among the early settlers as "Todd's Tavern." This building, constructed principally of logs, stood exactly where the Wolverine Citizen office now is. The Todds were not troubled by the exactions of the beef trust, for a pint of whiskey would purchase a saddle of venison and a quart would secure a brace of wild turkeys. Mr. Todd sold a part of this tract of land to John Clifford, and later about 300 acres to Wait Beach and removed to the present site of the First National Bank. He resided there when he was postmaster in 1837-9. Mrs. Todd was of the stuff of which the wives of pioneers are made. In speaking of his mother, Edward A Todd alluded to the Chippewa chief "Ton-a-da-ga-na," (this spelling is Mr. Todd's and he says it is correct, other authorities notwithstanding), and the sub-chief "Pero," not "Mabin," as given by Evart and Abbott's History, both of whom were inclined to be very ugly when intoxicated. His version of the fight between Mrs. Todd and the chief differs somewhat from that contained in Abbott's History. He says that the chief called through the door for whiskey and Mrs. Todd, who was alone, refused him. The chief then forced his way into the room, drew a long knife and was about to attack Mrs. Todd when she struck him across the face with a heavy splint broom, knocking him down, 40 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. she then jumped on him, placed her knees on his chest and held his wrists until help came in response to her screams. He says that the next day the chief came and baring his breast invited death at her hands, saying "Old Chief no good, whipped by white squaw." Mr. Todd says that he saw "Pero," who was of a very jealous disposition, shoot his wife, killing her, that the shooting occurred near where now is the Genesee Mill, that she was buried on the north side of the river in an orchard of plum trees about half way between Garland street M. E. Church and Saginaw street bridge, that a kettle, tobacco, beads, etc., were buried with her and that "nothing was ever done about it." He says the Indians were friendly enough to the whites where the whites were not afraid of them, but if the slightest fear was manifested they at once took advantage of it, and as an instance he mentioned Nathaniel Ladd, one of the earliest settlers, who could not overcome his fear of them and that the Indians made "life a burden to him," so that finally he left for more civilized regions in 1832. Later William S. Patrick, mayor of Flint in 1869-70, was watching a "run-way" for deer near the "Paper Mill," early one morning. An Indian was also watching the same run-way unknown to Mr. Patrick, who, perceiving a movement in the bush, fired and, unfortunately, killed the Chippewa. At first the dead Indian's friends demanded vengeance, but Patrick kept in hiding for a few days until they became convinced that the shooting was accidental. Many years after this the writer was associated with Mr. Patrick in the lumber business at Au Gres river on Saginaw Bay-from 1869 to 1871-and our nearest neighbors were the remnants of a tribe of Chippewas whose chief at that time was "Oc-e-gan-a-be" and they were very fond of him. Indians always give some name to white men with whom they are associated and generally it is an Indian name, but in his case it was always "Good Bill"-and THE HON. J. W. BEGOLE, Governor of Michigan, 1883-1885. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 41 they had many reasons for it. Mr. Patrick spoke the Chippewa language fluently and he was always a true friend to them. Edward A. Todd has an excellent memory and he says that Col. E. H. Thomson was in error in saying that Daniel Sullivan was the first school teacher on the Flint. H-e insists that the first school was kept by a man by the name of Billings, -"a tall, raw-boned, red-headed fellow," whose school was across the road from Todd's Tavern. That Sullivan was the second teacher and that his school was located near Hamilton's Dam. He says he went to both schools and his mind is very clear on this point. The river was wider then than now and John Todd had a ferry immediately in the rear of the tavern, but that soon after the Government built a bridge across the stream. He is not sure, but thinks his father and the late Judge Albert Miller, who had a contract for building a United States road north of the settlement, built this, the first bridge across the river. The date of its construction is unknown, but it was replaced by a new bridge in 1848. At a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors, May 5, 1848, John L. Gage, E. R. Ewing and C. N. Beecher were appointed a committee to superintend the construction of a "free bridge" across the Flint river at the village of Flint, pursuant to an act of the legislature approved February 24, 1848. This committee was authorized to advertise for bids in the Detroit Free Press, Detroit Advertiser, "Genesee Republican" and "Genesee Herald." (As the Genesee Herald was removed to Pontiac in 1844, this advertisement was probably printed in the Pontiac paper. There was no Genesee Herald at Flint in 1848.) At the same session a resolution was adopted thanking Hon. E. H. Thomson and His Excellency William M. Fenton, then Lieutenant Governor of the state, for their efficient services in procuring an appropriation of land for this bridge. The 42 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. first bridge was built as already stated by the United States as a part of the thoroughfare from Detroit to Saginaw, but when twelve miles of the road north of Flint had been constructed, Michigan was admitted as a state and the general Government relinquished its claim to the road already built and discontinued operations. On October 14, 1848, the special committee appointed to superintend the building of the new bridge reported that they had contracted with Messrs. Hazleton and Annis of Flint for its construction, that it had been completed for the payment of which all of the state's appropriation of five thousand acres of land had been applied. When it is remembered that the price of all Government and state lands was but $1.25 per acre, it does not appear that the entire appropriation of five thousand acres was so very extravagant as the cash value was but $6,250. The present broad and substantial bridge-the full width of the streetconstructed in 1901-2, cost $18,994. THE FIRST ELECTION. An account of the early history of the city of Flint can hardly be understood without referring to the act of the legislature erecting the county of Genesee. This act of the legislative council was approved and became law March 28, 1835. The new county was formed by detaching certain territory from the counties of Shiawassee, Lapeer, and Saginaw and for judicial purposes attaching thenew county to Oakland. Under this act forming the county of Genesee, Grand Blanc was the first township erected and that embraced the present townships of Fenton, Mundy, Flint, Mt. Morris, Genesee, Burton, Atlas and Davison. On March 2, 1836, the township of Flint was erected. It embraced the present townships of Burton, Clayton, Flushing, Mt. Morris, Genesee, Thetford, Vienna, Montrose and the city of Flint. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 43 The first county election was held August 22, 1836, and the board of canvassers were Lyman Stowe, Alonzo Ferris and Clark Dibble. The following officers were declared elected: Associate Judges, J. R. Smith and Asa Bishop. Judge of Probate, Samuel Rice. Sheriff, Lewis Buckingham (the first of three Buckinghams to be sheriff.) Clerk, Robert B. F. Stage. Treasurer, Charles D. W. Gibson. Register of Deeds, Oliver Wesson. Coroners, Chauncy Chapin and Rufus Stevens. Surveyor, Ogden Clark. The first meeting of the board of supervisors was held in a tailor shop kept by Daniel L. Seeley, October 4, 1836, and Lyman Stowe was the supervisor from Flint township, Samuel Rice of Grand Blanc and Samuel W. Patterson of Argentine. The assessment as spread upon the rolls was: Flint TownshipState tax...................................$2,039 73 County tax............................. 1,267 43 Town tax................................. 231 52 Grand Blanc and Argentine TownshipsState tax...................................$1,178 96 County tax................................. 732 57 Town tax.............................. 146 30 The collectors were John Todd of Flint and Caleb S. Thompson of Grand Blanc, and every penny of this tax was collected. The county site was fixed by the Act of the Territorial Legislature, approved August 25, 1835. This act provided, "that the seat of justice for the county of Genesee shall be located on the west side of the Saginaw turnpike, (now South Saginaw street), on lands recently deeded by John Todd to one Wait Beach, known as the Todd farm at Flint river, provided the proprietor or proprietors of said lands shall within six months of the passage of this Act execute to the supervisors a good and sufficient title to two acres of land for a court 44 FIFT~IETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. house and public square, one acre for a burial ground and two church and two school house lots of common size." The latter clause covers the present location of the Court street M. E. church. The first court house was built of logs in 1838-9, costing $5,000. A brick addition for county offices was erected subsequently. The old court house and jail, erected in 1839, was destroyed by fire in 1866 and a new court house and jail was completed in 1867 at a total cost of $50,000 and served their purpose until they were replaced by the buildings which were dedicated in June, 1905. THE CIRCUIT COURT JUDGES. The first session of the circuit court in Genesee county was held at Flint in February, 1836, and was presided over by Judge Morrell, whose term as justice of the supreme court began in 1832. He was chief justice in 1843. The next supreme court judge to hold court here was Charles W. Whipple, whose term as a justice of the supreme court began in 1838 and expired in 1852. In April, 1851, under the constitution of 1850, John S. Goodrich of Goodrichville, Genesee county, was elected a circuit judge but died before he had qualified. Sanford M. Green was elected the next judge of this circuit and resigned in 1857. He was succeeded by Josiah Turner who served twenty-four years. Judge William Newton was his successor and served twelve years, and his successor was Charles H. Wisner, who entered upon his third term as judge of the Genesee circuit on January 1, 1906. Many now living will recall Judge Green, the author of "Green's Practice" and other text books. He was in later years judge of the Bay circuit court and died full of years and honors. Judge Josiah Turner, in his long service of twenty-four years, came to be considered almost as a resident here. He subsequently became United States Consul at Amherstburg, Ontario, and after his retirement from that THE DEVEILOPMENT OF FIJNT. 45 position he resumed his residence at Owosso and is still living. Judge William Newton had achieved a state reputation as a sound lawyer and had acquired a fortune before he became judge. He has been dead several years. The incumbent, Charles H. Wisner, came from a family distinguished in the history of Michigan, his father was Moses Wisner, governor of the state, 1859-1861, and his third consecutive election as circuit judge is indicative of his very able and satisfactory incumbency of this important office. THE UNITED STATES LAND OFFICE. Of course the title to the lands here originally came from the United States. The government land office was the center of interest and the officers were a register who sold the land and the receiver who received the cash. All sales were recorded and reports were made to the commissioner of the general land office at Washington. In due time a patent for the land purchased was sent to the local land office and delivered to the purchaser. These patents were signed by the President. As the tide of immigration turned towards Michigan the necessity for a local land office at this point became apparent and by Act of Congress, approved June 15, 1836, the land district of Genesee was created. The commissioner of the general land office under date of November 3, 1905, writes me that the records do not show the location of a land office at Flint, but at Genesee. But the location of the "Genesee" land office was, nevertheless, at Flint from August 23, 1836, until January 14, 1857, when it was removed to East Saginaw. The officials of the Genesee land office were commissioned as follows: Michael Hoffman, Register, July 5, 1836. Charles C. Hascall, Receiver, July 5, 1836. John Bartow, Register, August 10, 1838. Elijah B. Witherbee, Receiver, February 23, 1843. 46 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Cornelius Roosevelt, Register, May 21, 1849. Robert J. S. Page, Receiver, October 12, 1844. William M. Fenton, Register, March 25, 1853. Charles C. Hascall, Receiver, March 21, 1845. George M. Dewey, Receiver, March 18, 1849. Russell Bishop, Receiver, March 18, 1853. When it was decided to remove the land office to Saginaw, Moses B. Hess was appointed register and Col. W. L. P. Little was appointed receiver, their commissions being dated March 21, 1857. From that time these offices were held by non-residents of Flint, I think, until 1871, when two "Flint boys," as Hon. F. H. Rankin, Sr., used to call us, were appointed, although both were temporary residents of Bay county at the time the appointments were made. They were Hon. Robert L. Warren, now of Ann Arbor and president of the board of trustees of the Michigan School for Deaf at Flint, and William R. Bates. The latter was register and Mr. Warren was receiver. Mr. Warren resigned in 1873 and the writer in 1877 and returned to Flint to reside. The land office was subsequently consolidated with others and removed from East Saginaw to Grayling and while located there the valuable records, maps, field notes, etc., were destroyed by fire and the office was then consolidated with the Marquette office where it now is. THE POSTOFFICE. The postoffice came a couple of years prior to the land office and the first postmaster was Lyman Stowe who was appointed August 5, 1834, the name of the office being Flint River. A number of stories concerning this official have been circulated and recently one of the Detroit papers printed an article concerning Mr. Stowe's silk hat, which, according to this story constituted the only post office. The facts are that even at that early day Mr. Stowe had an abiding place as well as a name for his little office. It was located on the northwest THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 47 corner of the present Saginaw and Kearsley streets, where the First National Bank now is, and later when John Todd was postmaster he occupied the same building. This information was secured from Edward A. Todd who, as a boy, was an assistant in the postoffice when his father was postmaster. He says that this story originated from the fact that when the mail arrived on the Pontiac stage and had been regularly assorted and delivered to all callers, Mr. Stowe would take the remaining letters, place them in his hat, and strolling about would personally deliver them to the citizens, all of whom he knew. He was the first "letter carrier" in this town. The hat thus worn and utilized by Mr. Stowe was for a long time the property of the late Leonard Wesson and is now owned by Frank J. Rutherford of Flint. As stated, the first name of the postoffice was "Flint River," but when Mr. Stowe was appointed in September, 1836, the office was re-named Flint. It was advanced to the presidential grade February 4, 1837. The following is the official list of all postmaster from the beginning and the dates of their several commissions as furnished me by the Honorable Edwin C. Madden, Third Assistant Postmaster General, who is a resident of Detroit: Lyman Stowe, appointed August 5, 1834. Lyman Stowe, appointed September 1, 1836. John Todd, appointed October 2, 1837. William P. Crandall, appointed December 28, 1839. William Moon, appointed June 16, 1841. William P. Crandall, appointed October 12, 1844. Alvin T. Crosman, appointed April 28, 1849. Ephriam S. Williams, appointed May 7, 1853. Washington O'Donoughue, appointed March 27, 1861. William Tracy, appointed April 21, 1869. John Algoe, appointed July 31, 1874. Washington O'Donoughue, appointed March 26, 1875. Francis H. Rankin, appointed March 3, 1879. William W. Joyner, appointed March 3, 1887. George H. Newall, appointed February 15, 1891. John H. Hicok, appointed February 25, 1895. Blendina Hicok, appointed September 3, 1896. James A. Button, appointed September 14, 1897. 48 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. FLINT CITY CHARTER. After much discussion among the very wideawake, progressive residents of the unorganized and non-incorporated village of Flint concerning a possible city charter, public opinion seems to have crystalized and on January 18, 1855, a citizens' meeting was held at the court house to publicly discuss the proposition. The debate continued for some time and resulted in the appointment of a committee of citizens, consisting of Gen. C. C. Hascall, Levi Walker, Charles N. Beecher, Francis H. Rankin, James Birdsell, George M. Dewey and Chauncey S. Payne, for the purpose of formulating a city charter. Levi Walker wrote the charter and it was submitted to the citizens at an adjourned meeting and after having been read and discussed it was adopted and was sent to the Legislature. Exactly fifteen days after the first citizens meeting, the Legislature having passed the law, the charter of the new city of Flint was approved by Governor Bingham, February 3, 1855. The first city election under the new charter was held on April 2, 1855, resulting in the election of Grant Decker, Mayor; Levi Walker, Recorder; Elihu H. Frary, Treasurer; Charles N. Beecher, Supervisor; Cornelius Roosevelt, Marshal; Benjamin Pierson and Henry I. Higgins, Directors of the Poor; Dr. Daniel Clark, School Inspector; and Charles Seymour, Levi Walker, Lewis G. Bickford and Willard Eddy, Justices of the Peace. The city was divided into three wards and at the first city election the following ward officers were elected: First Ward: G. M. Dewey and J. W. Armstrong, Aldermen; Ashael Fuller, Assessor; William Moon, Street Commissioner; and Cyrus A. Goff, Constable. Second Ward: Benjamin Pierson and David Mather, Aldermen; William Hamilton, Assessor; William Eddy, Street Commissioner; and Erastus K. Carrier, Constable. THE HON. G. H. DURAND, Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan, 1892. i~t...; THEI DEVEOPMENT OF FLINT. 49 Third Ward: Wm. M. Fenton and Alvin T. Crosman, Aldermen; David Foote, Assessor; John C. Griswold, Street Commissioner; and Daniel L. Nash, Constable.. The voting places were: First Ward, "The Scotch Store," Second Ward, Lyon's Hotel, and Third Ward, The County Clerk's Office. The records show that the first assessment disclosed a valuation of $450,601, and the amount of taxes collected was $3,320.92, which was apportioned as follows: State and County tax...........................$1,136.50 School district No. 1............................ 287.16 School district No. 2............................ 215.96 M ilitary tax................................... 496.79 Highway tax returned......................... 22.21 For city purposes............................ 1,162.30 The population of the new city was about 2,000. The population by the government census of 1900 was 13,103. No effort has ever been made to "boom" the town in the modern acceptation of that term, but it is a safe thing to say that every man, woman and child has made it a business to say good things about Flint. While its growth has been comparatively slow, yet between 1890 and 1900 there was an increase of nearly 5,000 people and at this time it is estimated that the population is at least 16,000, and if this growth continues for the next five years as it has for the last five years, the census of 1910 will show a population of over 20,000. THE OFFICIALS OF FLINT. Grant Decker, the first Mayor of Flint, was forty-one years of age when elected Mayor, having been born February 4, 1814, in Deckertown, N. J., where his family located before the war of the Revolution. He came to Flint in 1839 and engaged in the lumbering business. Subsequently he was interested in a flour mill erected by himself and Hon. Artemas Thayer. Later still he was interested in a flour and feed mill 50 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. and Captain Ira H. Wilder was associated with him. Notwithstanding the fact that his various business places were burned eight times in forty years he continued nearly up to the time of his death as one of the active and highly respected business men of Flint. He was one of the founders of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and was one of its officers at the time of his death. Mr. Decker's large frame mansion was one of the fine old homes of the city, but after his death it made place for the residence of former Mayor William A. Paterson. Since Mr. Decker's incumbency of the office of Mayor, that position has been filled by forty-four different persons. Of these, Col. William M. Fenton, William Hamilton, Col. William B. McCreery, David S. Fox, Judge George H. Durand and A. D. Alvord were re-elected, the others having held the office but one term each. In appending the names of the Mayors, Recorders and Treasurers of the city from 1855 to and including the year 1905, it is hoped to aid in perpetuating the names of men who aided in building the city and who were intimately and influentially connected with its growth and prosperity. Among the names of the Mayors of Flint occur those of men who had state wide reputations, and they may be mentioned here without detracting from the excellent records made by the others. William M. Fenton, Mayor for two terms, 1858 and 1859, was a great lawyer, a successful business man, was Colonel of the 8th Michigan Infantry during the War of the Rebellion and was Lieutenant Governor of Michigan. Henry H. Crapo, Mayor in 1860, served the state for two terms as its Governor. William B. McCreery was a Colonel during the Civil War, State Treasurer and United States Consul at Santiago de Chili. George H. Durand, Mayor two terms, 1873 and 1874, was a member of Congress one term, a Justice of the State Supreme Court, appointed by Gov. E. B. Winans to fill THE3 DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 51 vacancy, and at the time when he was stricken with the illness which resulted in his death, was the Democratic candidate for Governor of the state. Jerome Eddy, Mayor in 1878, Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee and United States Consul at Chatham, Ontario. Mr. Eddy died NovembeK 24, 1905. George R. Gold, Mayor in 1898, was Judge of Probate and Trustee of the State Institution for the Feeble Minded at Lapeer. Judge Gold was a model citizen, a delightful companion and his death was a distinct loss to this city and state. George E. Taylor, Mayor in 1892, was a State Senator and Judge of Probate. Col. Edward H. Thomson, Mayor in 1877, was a man of culture, the owner of one of the best private Shakespearean libraries in the country, which is now the property of the University of Michigan, and a man known far and wide as a lecturer on Shakespeare, as a reconteur and a genial gentlemen. His hospitable home, containing also his library, was located where is now the residence of Arthur G. Bishop, on Kearsley street. William A. Atwood, Mayor 1882, has long been known as a conservative and successful business man, and has served as State Senator. The present Mayor, D. D. Aitken, has served two terms as a member of Congress, is a lawyer, manufacturer, banker and a friend to the man who needs a friend. There are few names, if any, among the long list of past and present city officials about whom the writer could not truthfully say complimentary things, did space allow. The office of City Recorder was abolished in 1876, since which time the Common Council has elected a City Clerk. A complete list of the city officials follows: Mayor. Recorder. Treasurer. 1855-Grant Decker Levi Walker Elihu H. Frary 1856-R. J. S. Page Charles B. Higgins John G. Griswold 1857-Henry M. Henderson M. L. Higgins George F. Hood 1858-William M. Fenton Charles Hascall George F. Hood 1859-William M. Fenton Charles Hascall George F. Hood 1860-Henry H. Crapo Lewis G. Bickford John A. Kline 1861-Ephriam S. Williams L. R. Buckingham John A. Kline 52 THIE DEVEIOPMENT OF FLINT. Mayor Recorder 1862-William Patterson J. R. Brousseau 1863-William Hamilton Henry R. Lovell 1864-William Hamilton Alvin T. Crosman 1865-William B. McCreery Alvin T. Crosman 1866-William B. McCreery Alvin T. Crosman 1867-Austin B. Witherbee George R. Gold 1868-Samuel M. Axford George R. Gold 1869-William S. Patrick Anson S. Withee 1870-James B. Walker Anson S. Withee 1871-David S. Fox Chas. E. McAlester 1872--David S. Fox F. H. Rankin, Sr. 1873-George H. Durand Soloman V. Hakes 1874-George H. Durand F. H. Rankin, Sr. t875-Alexander McFarland F. H. Rankin, Sr. Clerk. 1876-William Hamilton F. H. Rankin, Sr. 1877-Edward H. Thomson F. H. Rankin, Sr. 1878-Jerome Eddy F. H. Rankin, Sr. 1879-James C. Willson J. B. F. Curtis 1880-Zacheuts Chase J. B. F. Curtis 1881-Charles A. Mason J. B. -F. Curtis Albert C. Lyon (to fill vacancy) 1882-Wm. A. Atwood Albert C. Lyon 1883-Geo. E. Newall D. D. Aitken 1884-Wm. W. Joyner D. D. Aitken 1885-Mathew Davison D. D. Aitken 1885-Geo. T. Warren John H. Hicok 1887-John C. Dayton John H. Hicok 1888-Oren Stone John H. Hicok 1889-F. D. Baker M. W. Stevens 1890-W. A. Paterson John Russell 1891-F. H. Rankin, Jr. Ralph L. Aldrich Fred W. Brennan (to fill vacancy) 1892--Geo. E. Taylor Fred W. Brennan 1893-Andrew J. Ward Fred W. -Brennan 1894-Arthur C. McCall Fred P. Baker 1895-John Zimmerman Fred P. Baker 1896-Samuel C. Randall Fred P. Baker 1897-Milton C. Pettibone Fred P. Baker 1898-Geo. R. Gold Fred P. Baker 1899-H. Alex. Crawford Fred P. Baker 1900-Chas. A. Cummings Fred P. Baker 1901-Clark B. Dibble Fred P. Baker A. W. Hall (to fill vacancy) 1902-A. D. Alvord D. E. Newcombe 1903-A. D. Alvord D. E. Newcombe 1904-Bruce J. Macdonald D. E. Newcombe 1905-D. D. Aitken D. E. Newcombe Treasurer John A. Kline Anson S. Withee Anson S. Withee Anson S. Withee William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes William W. Barnes Ira H. Wilder (to fill vacancy) Charles C. Beahan Charles C. Beahan Jared VanVleet Jared VanVleet Francis Rankin, Jr. Jonathan Palmer Ezra K. Jenkins John W. Thomas Watson C. Pierce John McKercher John McKercher Fred'r A. Platt Fred'r A. Platt Frank E. Willett Frank E. Willett J. Frank Algoe J. Frank Algoe Edwin C. Litchfield Edwin C. Litchfield Dan'l E. McKercher Dan'l E. McKercher Delaskie D. Freeman Delaskie D. Freeman Fred Freeman (to fill vacancy) John Ballantyne John Ballantyne Milton C. Pettibone Milton C. Pettibone Isaac Finley Isaac Finley THE DEV-ELOPMENT OP FLINT. 53 Of the forty-five Mayors of the city there are nineteen living, all of whom still reside in Flint, except George T. Warren and Andrew J. Ward. The surviving Mayors, November, 1905, are: James C. Willson, William A. Atwood, George E. Newall, Mathew Davison, George T. Warren, F. D. Baker, William A. Paterson, F. H. Rankin, Jr., Andrew J. Ward, Arthur McCall, John Zimmerman, S. C. Randall, M. C. Pettibone, H. A. Crawford, C. A. Cummings, C. B. Dibble, A. D. Alvord, B. J. McDonald and D. D. Aitken. TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. The first road leading to Flint was cut through the forest from the Saginaw river to the Flint by two detachments olf the 3rd U. S. Infantry, under Lieutenants Brooks and Bainbridge, in 1822-23. It was little more than a bridle path. From the Flint river to Royal Oak the Indian trail was used and from there to Detroit a corduroy road was built across the swamps and low lands. In 1824 the Territorial Council authorized the Territorial Governor to appoint three commissioners to lay out and establish a Government road from Detroit to Saginaw via Flint river crossing. This was surveyed in 1826 but did not reach Flint until 1833, where its terminus was at the corner of Kearsley and Saginaw streets. From Kearsley street to the river there was a swamp and in order to cross the river it was necessary to go, below the present bridge. In 1834 this swamp was filled and in 1835 the road was completed a few miles north of Flint. Abbott and Evart's History says the Government built only five miles, but Edward A. Todd says his father and the late Judge Albert Miller built twelve miles of it north from the Flint. Subsequently the state authorized several roads, including the so-called northern wagon road, from Flint to Lapeer, but its building was slow 54 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. and very unsatisfactory. Then the era of plank roads arrived. In 1851 a plank road was constructed from Flint to Fentonville and in 1852 one was completed from Flint to Saginaw. In 1866 another was constructed from Flint to Algerville, (now Holly), to connect with the recently constructed railway from Detroit west, now a part of the Grand Trunk System. The coming of the stage coaches from Pontiac to Flint was a daily event for years and many good stories of Mr. Boss, the jolly proprietor of the line, are still extant. The Pontiac and Detroit railroad was opened for traffic July 4, 1843. A Detroit Directory of 1845 says: "The company now have a new and elegant car on the road, well warmed and sheated with iron to guard against danger from loose bars." This referred to the fact that the strap iron which was spiked to the wooden rails had a bad habit of getting loose and punching holes through the cars. The fare from Detroit to Pontiac was $1.00. Stages were advertised to connect with the road at Pontiac for Grand Blanc and Flint River. After the completion of the road to Fentonville-now Fenton-the stages ran from Flint to that village until 1864, when the road was completed from Flint to Holly. The first railroad project directly affecting Flint was started in 1837 and it was to have connected Flint and Port Huron on the east and its western terminal was to have been at Grand Haven on Lake Michigan. General Charles C. Hascall contracted to build the line from Lapeer to the west line of Genesee county. Failure to secure expected state aid and other causes prevented the completion of this line, but even now may be seen near here grass-grown evidences of what was intended to be a railroad. It was not until thirty-five years afterwards that this project was again undertaken and then it resulted in the building of a road from Port Huron THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 55 to Lansing and is now a part of the through line to Chicago on the Grand Trunk System. But the first road over which an engine was propelled into the city of Flint was the Flint and Pere Marquette from Saginaw to Flint, but happening in 1863, when the minds of all were intensely interested in the Civil War, no public demonstration was had in honor of the event. The "F. & P. M." name is now only a memory, as the word Flint was dropped recently when the road was consolidated with the Detroit, Lansing and Northern, the Chicago and West Michigan and other lines forming the Pere Marquette. This consolidation embraced nearly 2,000 miles of road and it in turn was consolidated with the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton under the name of the Great Central. These roads are now, December, 1905, in the hands of a receiver. Following the completion of the road into Flint from Saginaw, Governor Crapo, aided by eastern capitalists, built a line from Flint to Holly, and it was completed in less than two years. The first trip from Holly to Flint was made in November, 1864, and a few years later it was consolidated with the F. & P. M. and a little later a branch road was constructed to Otisville and Ottar Lake from Flint. That the question of transportation was important and received attention at an early day may be illustrated by the fact that the issue of the "Genesee Whig" of March 23, 1850, had an item relative to, the "opening of navigation" from Flint to Flushing and noted the departure of the scow "Empire" with the stars and stripes flying at her masthead and "a considerable cargo and a number of passengers." The boat referred to was a flat-bottomed affair and it was hoped that transportation might be established between Flint and Saginaw by water, but the building of plank roads evidently convinced the early settlers that the plan was not feasible. 56 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. THE PRESS OF FLINT. The influence of the press in municipal affairs is so evident that it needs no discussion, and yet it is but just to say that the several papers published here between the years 1839 and 1905, one and all, worked for what was at the time believed by the publishers to be for the best interests of all concerned. The first paper printed here was "The Flint River Gazette," by J. K. Averill, established in 1839, its first issue bearing the date of January 26, 1839, but it was discontinued in the summer of 1841. The second newspaper venture was entitled "The Northern Advocate," by William A. Morrison, and it survived but two years, its publication beginning in April, 1840, and ending in 1842. The third paper was the "Genesee Herald," by J. Dowd Coleman and edited by Perry Joslin. It was established January 7, 1843, but one year later the plant was removed to Pontiac. "The Genesee County Democrat" was removed from Colrunna, Shiawassee County, to Flint River in June, 1843, and its editor was William B. Sherwood. Neither the date nor the cause of its final taking off is obtainable. The next newspaper was "The Genesee Republican," established by Gen. C. C. Hascall. Its initial number was dated April 17, 1845. No record of its obsequies appears. "The Flint Republican" was issued by Daniel S. Merritt in December, 1845. In 1848 Royal W. Jenny became its editor and its publication continued under that name until September, 1853. Its successor appeared the same month under the name of "The Genesee Democrat." Soon after, the date line of its founding was changed to correspond with the birth of the "Flint Republican" in Decem THE HON. C. D. LONG, Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan, 3898-1907. 93 At~~ THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 57 ber, 1845, so, nominally at least, this is the oldest paper published here. Mr. Jenny continued its publication until his death in 1876 when Mrs. Jenny, a woman of exceptional ability, continued its publication and occupied the editorial chair for a few months when it was sold to H. N. Mather, who in turn disposed of it to Jerome Eddy in 1878, whose son, Arthur J. Eddy, became its editor. The Eddys established in connection with the "Weekly Genesee Democrat" the "Daily News," August 18, 1884, and continued the publications until Aprin 14, 1887, when they were sold to W. H. Werkhiser and his sons, Frank F. and George. These gentlemen continued both papers until November 16, 1905, when they were sold to M. V. Smith, of Olean, N. Y., and J. Frank Woods, of Forest Grove, Ore., who are now in possession. In 1850 0. S. Carter began the publication of the "Western Citizen" and after a brief existence it was succeeded by the "Genesee Whig," its first number bearing date February 23, 1850, and F. H. Rankin appearing as its publisher with F. H. Rankin and N. W. Butts as editors. The name of Mr. Butts does not appear after August 24, 1850. In January, 1856, the name was changed by adding "Wolverine Citizen" to its title and the following December the words "Genesee Whig" were eliminated and from that time to this it has remained the "Wolverine Citizen." Mr. Rankin continued its publication until his death, August 11, 1900, since which time his son, F. H. Rankin, Jr., has continued its publication. In the summer of 1866 the "Flint Globe"-a weekly paper-was started by Charles F. Smith & Co., (Charles F. Smith, Henry S. Hilton and Robert Smith). At that time the Flint newspaper field was occupied by the "Wolverine Citizen" and the "Genesee Democrat" and the establishment of the new paper by comparatively young men seemed to inject 58 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. new life into the existing publications as well. In August, 1869, the "Globe" was puchased by Almon L. Aldrich who continued its publication until September, 1899, when it was purchased by James Slocum of the "Holly Advertiser," which he had published for twelve years. In September, 1900, Mr. Slocum established the "Daily Globe" and continued its publication until March, 1902, at which time he disposed of both daily and weekly papers to E. J. Ottaway, of Port Huron, who in turn disposed of them on July 12, 1902, to H. H. Fitzgerald, of St. John's, Clinton County, who also purchased the "Daily Journal" September 12, 1902, consolidating the two papers as the "Weekly Globe and Daily Journal." "The Flint Journal," a Democratic weekly paper, was established by Charles Fellows in 1875. Later it became the property of Dr. Carman who sold it to George McConnolly in Decemeber, 1882. On March 3, 1883, Mr. McConnolly began the publication of the "Daily Journal." There had been six different attempts to make a daily paper a success at Flint, but the town became known among the editorial fraternity as the graveyard of daily papers. It remained for George McConnolly with his practical knowledge of printing and his remarkable energy to make an abiding success. In October, 1888, Mr. McConnolly sold the "Journal" to John W. Stout, of Indiana, and a few months later it became the property of John J. Coon, of Illinois. Later Mrs. Coon became its managing owner and subsequently she sold an interest to a practical man, George H. Gardner, of Saginaw. On September 12, 1902, it was purchased by H. H. Fitzgerald and consolidated with the "Globe." When Mr. McConnolly purchased the "Weekly Journal" it was Democratic, but when he started the daily both papers were made independent. After Cleveland's nomination for the Presidency, both papers became aggressively Republican. THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLINT. 59 The following papers are mailed regularly now from the Flint postoffice: The Flint Journal, daily; The Evening News, daily; The Wolverine Citizen, weekly; The Flint Globe, weekly; The Genesee Democrat, weekly; The Michigan Mirror, monthly (published at School for the Deaf); The Bee Keeper's Review, monthly; The Loyal Guard Magazine, monthly; The Messenger, bi-monthly (published by Presiding Elder, Flint District, M. E. Church). When the population of the embryo city of Flint was well down in the hundreds, the community was somewhat startled by the appearance of a boy on the streets of the hamlet offering for sale a paper. The boy's name was Ed. Todd and the name of the paper was the "Whip Lash." Mr. Todd informs me that nearly everyone bought a copy because, as he naively added, "nearly everybody was mentioned in its columns." He says that for many years no one knew who, was responsible for it, but that William P. Crandall and Cornelius Roosevelt secured his services to sell it on the streets and that they were its editors. This gossiping sheet was printed on the hand press of the first paper published at Flint-"The Flint River Gazette"-and that nearly every item had its sting. So it seems that the modern "Town Topics" of New York City had its prototype in the forests on the banks of the Flint "way back" in the thirties." THE OUTLOOK. From the beginning of its municipal existence the authorities seem to have been reasonably conservative. The necessity for pavements, bridges, street lighting, etc., has been met gradually, and in the main, satisfactorily. Extravagance has not been the rule. The increase in population and the marked expansion of the business as transacted in the city has necessitated larger expenditures from year to year, and in the immediate future still larger appropriations for the improvement of our streets will, undoubtedly, be necessary. It is a safe propo 60 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FITNT. sition to assert that in the future, as in the past, Flint will "make haste slowly," and that conservative, careful action will be had in all matters requiring the expenditure of the money of the people. It may reasonably be predicted that within another decade Flint will possess streets that will be equal if not superior to those of any of the smaller municipalities in the state, and that this will be accomplished without taxation that will be too burdensome. This is a city of homes. The owners of these homes have a natural pride in the development of the town and undoubtedly they will uphold the authorities in the improvements that are and will become necessities, but they will not supinely consent to extravagant expenditures. The principle involved when the city provided for the gradual substitution of cement for the old-time plank sidewalks, extending the time for payment over a period of five years seems to be eminently satisfactory. In a larger way and covering a much longer time for its final payment, some plan will probably be devised so that the burden of taxation for the extensive pavement, or building of modern improved roadways will not fall at once upon property owners nor the city at large. In other words, the city may be bonded for these improvements and with no appreciable hardship the interest and gradual payment of the principal may be provided for. The theory of municipal ownership is being tried already and it is not an impossibility that this theory may be practically applied to other utilities. Surely we have reason to be proud of the management of city affairs in the past, and with its healthy growth, its vastly increased business and its unquestioned natural and acquired advantages the city of Flint will continue to be a live, wideawake, progressive, but not extravagant town. The Moral and Religious Development of Flint By REV. SETH REED The moral and religious character of a community depends largely upon the character of a few of its first settlers. Those who early gain a controlling influence, whether by virtue of distinguishing individuality, by superior intellectual endowments, by education or wealth, or any other means, do, consciously or unconsciously, impart their religious or irreligious features to the new settlement. Often the bias to vice or to virtue which its first settlers give will prove its bane or its blessing for generations to come. In this respect Flint was fortunate. Among her pioneers were men and women of high moral standards, while many were eminent for their religious activities. They brought their piety with them, and made it a recognized force in shaping the future character of the place. The names of those early worshippers and Christian workers have become loved household words in the older homes of the city, though most all of them have long since gone to their reward. A few of those noble souls who settled here in the surrounding forests during the first decade in the history of the place may be mentioned: James McAlister, Wm. Patterson, Dr. Geo. Fish, D. S. Freeman, Lewis and Lyman Buckingham, David Foote, Jesse and Alonzo Torry, Richard Johnson, George Hazelton, Grant Decker Amzi Beardslee, Isaiah Merriman, Ebenezer Dewey, James Henderson, Alexander McFarlan, E. M. and Peabody Pratt. Besidef these there were doubtless other names, now enrolled in the Book of Life, which will appear equally luminous in the great 1xi 62 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. day of rewards. The wives of these men, as also the wives of some non-Christian men, were among the most influential religious factors in forming the character of the growing community. Often with great personal sacrifice, these men and women labored together to lay the foundations of good society and good government. Denominational ties were no barrier to their zeal, and the religious necessities of the community served but to draw their hearts the more closely together in helpful activities. The leading industry of the place during its earlier yean was that of lumbering, which is generally thought to afford a pretty severe strain upon the habits of the people. Yet the labors of these pioneers were appreciated not only in their own, but in surrounding settlements, where Flint early gained the reputation of having a loyal band of earnest, aggressive workers. Among them were many who were deeply interested in the temperance cause, and who did all in their power tc throw the shield of protection before their neighbors and friends, and to prevent the fell, foul liquor business from fastening its blighting grasp upon Flint's coming generations. Early, too, was there marked activity in the religious instruction of the children. They were gathered into little Sunday Schools which were held in private houses and often in rude buildings until places of worship were erected. The first published report of a Sunday School of which we find any record, was in 1838, and was as follows: "One school, one superintendent (D. S. Freeman), four teachers, ten scholars, 150 books in the library." Early, too, did the religious zeal of the pioneers give proof of its genuineness by transcending its local boundaries and flowing out in missionary enthusiasm to the regions beyond. Many of the preachers who followed the pioneers MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT. 63 to their new homes, and preached to them the Word of Life also followed the trail of the Indian to their wigwams in the dense forests far north and west of us, and preached to them the same gospel of salvation. Such men were Brockway, Jacokes, Bradley, Brown, Hickey, Johnson, Lee and others whose toils and hardships will be remembered by Him who sent them out. And many were the men and women of this place, now of precious memory, who cheerfully contributed of their substance, their labors and their prayers to carry the news of salvation to those sad benighted sons and daughters of the forest. But true redeeming love stops not with any one tribe or nation; it is world-wide, and it knows neither Greek nor Jew, neither bond nor free. And so the missionary spirit brought to this place in the hearts of its first settlers and immediately put in practice, soon developed into organized forms of action, and missionary societies, both Home and Foreign, were organized. These, according to the order of grace as well as nature. were formed in connection with the different branches of the Christian church as they took their places in the young settlement. These societies have, from the day of their organization to the present hour, fostered and directed the very best energies of the people of the Lord. Their influence, both direct and reflexive, upon all within its reach, is beautiful and Christ-like. From the deep heart springs of divine love the streams of benevolence flow unceasingly out to other hearts in distant parts of the world. Not only have the liberal contributions of money and books and Bibles been sent to lands in darkness, but noble, consecrated men and women in goodly numbers from Flint and its immediate neighborhoods have gone to tell heathen people in distant climes that Jesus died for them. There are laboring now, or have been until 64 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. recently, some having returned to their homes, and some having gone to their homes above, the following: Miss Caroline E. Chittenden, in Fou Chou, China; Mrs. Helen Hancock, in Burmah; Miss Bernice Hunting, in Tripoli, Syria; Miss Harriet A. Lovell, in Marash, Turkey; Miss Harriet Seymour, in Harpoot, Turkey; Miss Clara Merrill, in Kiu Kiang, China; Mr. Frank Kertz and wife, in India; Miss Hattie Davis, in Peking, China; Miss Julia Goodenough, in Buenos Ayres, South America; Mr. Richard Copp, in Panama, Central America Mr. Casson Parsons, in China; Mr. Lester Beals, in India; Mrs. Benj. Pierson, in Turkey; Miss Harriet Boss in Poona, India. These have gone to the distant continents of our world, and the results of their labors are glowing in the history of modern Christian civilization. But others have gone as missionaries to the diverse peoples in our own country, and they are doing just as valuable service to our race as any other workers in the world. Among them are Miss Ina McBurney, who is laboring in the Southern States, and Miss Laura Soule, in New Mexico, and Winston Hackett and his wife, who are laboring in Texas. Still others are engaged in different branches of the home field as teachers, nurses, deaconesses or evangelists. The idea seems to be taking a firm hold of the religious mind in Flint that America must be saved if the world is saved; and the lives and labors of these consecrated men and women remind us that the real history of a Christian church can never be written; its chapters would run through all time and eternity. The preservation of moral standards in any community depends largely upon the harmonizing and crystalizing of the religious sentiments of its inhabitants. No greater blessings can come to a people than the organizing in their midst of an C)i C) z 0 03 0 z 0 C C) C). C-) H ~ i MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT. 65 active, aggressive Christian church. Then are the forces that make for good brought into hopeful contact with those that work for evil, and virtue has the advantage of alliance with not only the human but the divine. The religious settlers of Flint came here not to lose their influence in isolation, or to cover their light by worldly cares and pleasures, but to unite their strength in building up the kingdom of truth and righteousness. So those of like faith and education early formed themselves into societies or churches, and began planning for permanent influence. Hence the beautiful church edifices that now adorn our city stand, and have stood, and will stand, for spiritual excellences that are of more value to humanity than the highest towers which trade and commerce can erect, or the most exquisite works which genius and art can produce. The facts and dates of the organization of a Christian church, of its growth, its work, and its changes, are but the faint indices of its real life. Yet those facts and dates are are valuable to a people and should be cherished among their most sacred memories. Such facts concerning the churches of Flint are here gathered and presented to its citizens for their keeping. COURT STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. It is not certain, neither is it important to know, who preached the first Gospel sermon on the ground where Flint now stands. It is certain, however, that in 1834, Rev. Bradford Frazee was appointed by the Ohio Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church to the Saginaw Mission in the Territory of Michigan. On his way to his mission he stopped over night at the little neighborhood of four or five families on the bank of the Flint River and preached to them. It is believed that a Baptist minister named Benedict, and a 66 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF PLINT. Presbyterian minister named Ruggles, visited this place and preached here before Mr. Frazee, but there seems to be no evidence of any regular appointment until 1835. In that year, Rev. W. H. Brockway was appointed by the same Ohio Conference to the Saginaw Mission. He incorporated Flint as one of his appointments, preaching here regularly once in three weeks. Early in 1836, he organized a class which was the first religious organization of any kind here, and which was the nucleus of the present Court Street Church. The members of that class were D. S. Freeman and wife, J. McAlister and wife, B. F. Robinson and wife, John Martin and wife, and Mrs. Miller, mother of Mrs. McAlister. In 1836, the Michigan Annual Conference was organized, which embraced the territory of Michigan, and part of Ohio. In the fall of that year Oscar F. North was appointed to Saginaw Mission, which still included this place. In 1837, Flint River Mission was established with L. D. Whitney, preacher; afterwards it was changed to Flint Circuit, and then to Flint Station. The Society worshipped in halls and school houses until the summer of 1842, when they began the building of a frame church on the present site occupied by them. But the church was not finished until 1844, and was dedicated December 21, of that year. On Tuesday night, March 19, 1861, that church was burned to the ground. The Society immediately proceeded to build a new church of brick on the same lot, which was dedicated August 20, 1862, by Bishop E. R. Ames, In the spring of 1888 this church was taken down to make room for a new and larger brick edifice, which was built and dedicated February 10, 1889, by Bishcp Thos. Bowman. That beautiful structure was also burned in the afternoon of September 24, 1892. Afflicted but not forsaken, the Society again roused itself to the task of building; and with each bereavement their energies grew and their ideas broadened till they MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DIEVELOPMENT. 67 presented to God and humanity this beautiful temple in which we are now assembled, and which was dedicated February 4, 1894. From the first appointment in 1834 to the present time the pastors who have served the Court Street Church have been: Those who have died-Bradford Frazee, W. H. Brockway, O. F. North, L. D. Whitney, Larmon Chatfield, Ebenezer Steel, F. B. Bangs, Wm. Mothersell, Harrison Morgan, David Burns, M. B. Camburn, B. S. Taylor, William Mahon, J. M, Arnold, George Taylor, J. A. Baughman, W. H. Perrine, W. E. Bigelow, Luther Lee, T. C. Gardner, J. F. Davidson, John McEldowney, W. H. Pearce, James Venning, S. N. Elwood, J. P. Fryer. Those still living-John Russell, T. J. Joslin, W. H. Shier, J. E. Jacklin, N. G. Lyons, H. E. Wolfe, G. W.. Grimes, C. E. Allen. The number of members in the Court Street Church at present is 1,000. GARLAND STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. After the burning of the first Court Street Church in 1861, and after that society had resolved to rebuild on the same site, the members who lived on the North side of the river, thought it would be for the interest of the common cause to organize a new society in that part of the town; hence the Garland Street Methodist Church was organized. The number of members who left the first church to join the new one was 68, leaving the first church 156. The corner stone of their church was laid on the same day on which the corner stone of the new Court Street Church was laid, but their building was completed and dedicated some time before the first chucrh was. This building was improved at different times, until 1888, when the society resolved to provide better accommodations for their increasing congregation by building a spacious brick edifice on their present advantage 68 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF PIINT. ous site. The corner stone of this second Garland Street Church was laid on the same day as was the corner stone of the Third Court Street Church, a parallel that does not often occur. The pastors who have served the Garland Street Church since its beginning in 1861, are: Those who have died-Orrin Whitman, E. R. Hascall, W. Q. Burnett, Wm. Fox, G. W. Lowe; Those who yet live-Isaac Crawford, E. E. Caster, Jacob Horton, T. J. Joslin, A. F. Bowms, E. W. Frazee, H. S. White, G. W. Jennings, W. W. Washburn, G. N. Kennedy, G. H. Whitney. The present number of members in this church is 400. The Presiding Elders who have served the Methodist church since 1834-, are: Those who have died-Wm. Herr, S. P. Shaw, Geo. Smith, E. H. Pilcher, Larmon Chatfield, Jas. Shaw, Geo. Bradley, Samuel Clements, J. S. Stuart, Manasseh Hickey, E. B. Bancroft. Those still living-T. J. Joslin, A, F. Bowms, Seth Reed, A. J. Bigelow, J. G. Haller. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The class which developed into this church, was located on Seventh street, was organized in 1875, at the home of Mrs. Nancy West, on Mill street, and under the supervision of Rev, John Furgeson. It was part of a circuit of which Saginaw was the head. A church building was early erected, which was called the Quinn Chapel Church. The paying for the building cost the society a long and severe struggle. For a time the young men of their congregation held a debating society to which they charged a small admittance fee that went towards paying their church debt. Their pastors have been: John Furgeson, C.W. E. Gil more, G. W. Brown, J. S. Masterson, Sandy Simons, Benjamin Roberts, J. S. Hill, D. A. Graham, W. H. Simpson. MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT. 69 Their present membership numbers 62. FREE METHODIST CHURCH. This society was organized in 1880. Their church building, which was a part of the old Presbyterian Church, was purchased and moved to its present site on Oak street, in 1885, The following have served as pastors, all of whom are living: H. Voorhies, A. V. Leonardson, W. N. Pittinger, W. S. Haight, E. D. Hartley, E. Steere, W. Cuthbert, E. W. Harding, A. S. Andrews, J. M. Greene, W. W. Hoyt, H. Montgomery. The society at present numbers 57 members, and 120 scholars in the Sunday school. PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH. This is the youngest church organization in the city, dating its beginning in 1900. Immediately upon its organizaon the corner of North Saginaw and Elizabeth streets, and which was dedicated March 18, 1901. From a small begini ning its membership has increased to 170. Its pastors have been: W. H. Cole and M. J. Weaver, both living. FOURTH WARD EVANGELICAL CHURCH. This society dates its beginning to the year 1864, when it was detached from the Owosso Mission and constituted a Mission by itself. During the first few years, it was part of a circuit having six preaching places. In 1868, they began the building of their brick church in the Fourth Ward, which they dedicated in March, 1869, and which they have improved extensively during the past year. For many years their society enjoyed great prosperity; but there came a time, as seems to be the case with most all German congregations in this country, when the language problem becomes a serious question. The children of German 70 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. families, growing up with our children learn our language and soon come to want their church services conducted in English. Either their desire must be gratified, or their young people will go to other congregations where the language of thq country is spoken. So this society was agitated for some years, till in 1897, they resolved to change all their public services from the German to the English language. Since then the society has enjoyed growth and better fraternal relations with other societies in the city. Their membership is now 130 besides other regular attendants upon their worship. Their Sunday school has an enrollment of 225, and their Young People's Alliance, of 50. The pastors who have served their church are: Those who have died-C. Deike, R. Roehn, Martin Speck, J. M Hong, C. Ude, J. K. Pontius, S. Henne. Those yet livingJ. M. Fuchs, E. Weiss, L. Brumm, H. Voelker, W. A. Koehler, E. Rath, J. M. Bittner, W. Berge, H. C. Feuerstenau, J. J. Schuknecht, E. M. Renner, C. C. Staffield, G. A. Hettler, F. Klump, W. A. Koehler, J. R. Niergarth. BAPTIST CHURCH OF FLINT. July 1st, 1853, the American Baptist Home Mission Society sent Rev. Alfred Handy to Flint, as a missionary for one year. On October 20, of that year, thirteen persons, including Rev. Handy and wife, organized themselves into a "Conference of Baptist persons." On November 2, the First Baptist Church was organized and recognized by a proper coun cil held at the Court House. The constituent members were Alfred Handy, Rhoda A. Handy, Alfred Olmstead, Caroline Olmstead, Josiah Firman, J. R. Walker, G. W. Armstrong, Lorenzo D. Morse, B. Jane Firman, Grace Armstrong, Clarissa S. Morse, Mary E. Palmer. On November 12, the first covenant meeting was held. December 11, 1853, the first MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT. 71 candidate, Miss Minerva Selleck, was baptized in Flint river, and on the same day the first Lord's Supper was observed by the Baptists in Flint. Eben Adams was the first deacon, The first church, a frame building, was built after a hard struggle, and dedicated December 12, 1855, and was afterwards enlarged. This building served their purpose until in 1890 their numbers and ability had increased so they were enabled to erect the beautiful and commodious structure that stands at the corner of Second and Beach streets, a credit to themselves and the city. The pastors who have served this church are as follows: Those who have died-Alfred Handy, A. K. Tupper, J. S. Goodman, Charles Johnson, S. Cornelius, James Cooper, W. L. Farnum. Those now living-J. S. Boyden, S. W. Titus, C. J. Thompson, L. D. Temple, W. W. Hicks, E. R. Curry, C. E. Lapp. The present number of members is 639. SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS. This society was organized in 1875, as the result of a series of tent meetings held here. On December 27, 1877, they dedicated a church on Stockton street, near Third, which they are using still. The society began with 46 members, and the number is now 87. Their pastors who have died are D. A. Lamson, E. R. Jones, George Randall. Those yet living are-J. L. Edgar, B. F. Steurman. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. On May 7, 1837, in the River House, then occupied by Lewis Buckingham, seventeen persons met, and took the preliminary steps to organize a Congregational Church, Rev. Mr. Dudley, assisting, who was preaching at that time to a church 72 FIPTIEITH ANNIVERSARY OF FIINT. in Genesee. Most of these seventeen persons were, however, members of his Genesee society. It seems that the organiza4 tion here was never perfected according to the forms of that denomination; and as there was no Congregational Association in this part of the state, in 1840 the society submitted their articles of faith to the Presbytery of Detroit, and were accepted by them and came under their care. On August 7, 1841, the society by its own resolution, changed to the Presbyterial form of government and name. For the next twenty-five years there was no Congregational church in Flint, though several members in the Presbyterian cuhrch and some in other churches, preferred that form of faith and government. On the evening of September 18, 1867, a meeting of nineteen persons was held to consider the advisability of organizing a Congregational church. After earnest discussion a motion prevailed, with only one dissenting vote, in favor of organizing, and the necessary steps to complete the organization were taken with but little delay. Rev. F. P. Woodbury, recently from New Hampshire, who was present, was invited to preach to the new society, which he did on the next Sabbath, and continued to act as their pastor for more than two years. They rented Awanga Hall, and worshipped in it until November 22, 1868, when they dedicated and moved into a new church which they had built on the corner of Saginaw and Second streets. To this church additional conveniences were added from time to time. On January 13, 1901, the congregation entered and dedicated the new and beautiful edifice now standing on First street, a monument to their enterprise and devotion. Their church had a rapid and prosperous growth at first, but after a few years it went through a period of decline from various causes. Within the past few years, however, it has taken on j/ i I1 GARLAND STREET M. E. CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. EPISCOPAL CHURCH. METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. ai Ir:i a r ii W, ~~i~;_ i:~b3'~~.i, MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT. 73 new life, and its present outlook, with a membership of about 200 is promising. The pastors of this church have been: Those who have died-E. W. Bacon, Richard Cordley. Those yet livingF. P. Woodbury, B. D. Conkling, F. S. Hayden, A. B. Allen, L. B. Platt,, Henry Ketchum, A. J. Covell, Wn. A. Broadhead, H. L. Hoyt, J. G. Haigh, T. D. Bacon. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. So far as the religious element in a church is concerned, the First Presbyterian Church of Flint came into existence May 7, 1837, when the seventeen persons united in religious fellowship. But the ecclesiastical feature of that organization was Congregational, and that was its name until August 7, 1841, when by its own resolution, it changed its form of government to that of Presbyterial, its articles of faith having already been accepted by the Detroit Presbytery. Its ecclesiastical birth, therefore, reckons from the latter date. The ministers who served the church as supplies under both its forms of organization previous to 1845, were: Revs. Dudley, Parker, Beach, Bates and Van Nest, all of whom have died. In July, 1845, Rev. J. G. Atterbury became the first regular pastor of this church. The pastors whom from that date to the present have died are-J. G. Atterbury, H. H. Northrup, Archibald McSween, D. R. Eddy, G. P. Tindall, G. F. Hunting, J. G. Inglis. Those still living, are-H. H. Curtis, Henry Neill, C. A. Lippincott. The first house of worship which the society erected was in 1837, on Kearsley street, east. A revival meeting was held in it after its dedication, and on December 14th, twenty-one persons united with it on profession and seven by letter. This first edifice was afterwards enlarged and still later was moved to the east corner of Saginaw and First streets. Not 74 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. long after, Mr. Atterbury entered upon his pastorate, the society began the erection of a new church building on the west side of Saginaw street, which was dedicated January 28, 1848, Dr. George Duffield, of Detroit, preaching the sermon. Later, during the pastorate of Mr. Northrup this church was enlarged. Yet in a few years, the growing congregation de, manded greater facilities, and in 1884 the present beautiful stone structure on the northwest corner of Saginaw and Fourth streets was dedicated. A woman's organization in connection with this church was effected in February, 1850. It is believed this is the first organization of women in any church in Flint. Its early records are very interesting, especially because of the earnest spirit of piety and of Christian work which they indicate. This church has had a strong influence in the community from the beginning of its history. Its membership now numbers 314. SAINT PAUL'S CHURCH. So far as is known the first minister of the Protestant Episcopal denomination who came to this place, was Rev, Daniel E. Brown, who came in August, 1839. He preached three times, which, it appears, was the beginning of a movement that resulted in the organization of the parish in this city. On the 23rd of November of that year, the following persons associated together "for the purpose of forming and organizing a Protestant Episcopal Church in the village of Flint, Genesee county, state of Michigan," viz: J. K. Averill, John Barton, C. B. Petrie, T. D. Butler, Milton Case, J. G. Mather, R. F. Stage, R. J. S. Page, Grant Decker, W. H. LeRoy, Geo. M. Dewey, G. R. Sayles, J. B. Walker, H. C. Walker, C. Roosevelt, W. B. Clifford, Jonathan Dayton, Benjamin Pierson, and J. Simpson. Immediate steps were taken MORAL AND RILIGIOUS DIVEILOPMiENT. 75 to incorporate the organization into a legal body according to the statutes of the state and the canons of their church. The Bishop of the Diocese was notified, who gave his canonical sanction to the organization on the 15th of January, 1840, from which time the parish dates its legal existence. At first the society worshipped in a rude, temporary building, made of rough boards. In May, 1842, the society resolved to build a church on the site now occupied by the Judd block. Delays, however, occurred in the building of it, so that it was not completed and consecrated to divine worship till July 30, 1843. In 1860, this church was repaired and the basement finished for Sunday school uses. At different times repairs and improvements were made in this building, till in 1871, after much discussion and many meetings and negotiations the society resolved to build a new church, to build it of stone, upon a site which they had secured, known as the "Beecher lot." On Ascension Day, May 9, 1872, ground was broken for the foundation, and on the 29th, the corner stone was laid. The work progressed with various interruptions, till August 24, 1873, when the present fine churchly structure was consecrated to the worship of Almighty God. During the earlier years of the history of this society more than usual difficulty was experienced in supplying the parish with rectors who seemed to find congenial relations. But those years are past, and the pastoral relations seem to be more permanent. Following are names of rectors who have served this parish, viz: Those who have died-Daniel E. Brown, Charles Reighley, John Swan, John W. Birchmore, Marcus Lane. Those yet living-A. W. Seabreze, R. E. McDuff, W. D. Powers. The present number of communicants is 480. 76 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. ST. MICHAEL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Though settlers with the Roman Catholic faith came at an early date, yet no organized effort was made for the erection of a church until 1843, when a movement was commenced. It was several years, however, before the structure was completed. The leading spirits in the enterprise were Bishop Le Fever, of Detroit, and Rev. L. Kilroy, a devoted priest. Rev. M. Monaghan was the first regularly installed pastor of the church, which was named St. Michael's. He remained but a short time, and was followed by Fr. Joseph Kinderkens, who, in turn, was succeeded by Fr. C. L. Deceunnick, in 1856. He was followed by Fr. Flanagan, who administered the affairs of the parish successfully for about two years, during which time he built a residence for the priest. He was succeeded by Fr. Gillise, a very learned and energetic man. He erected the present parochial school building and installed lay teachers, He was succeeded by Fr. Robert W. Haire, a convert to Roman Catholicism, and a man full of apostolic zeal, and a strong advocate of Catholic education. He gave over the parish residence to the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, of Monroe, Mich., and installed them as teachers in the parochial school. Fr. Haire went to Dakota in 1881, and Fr. T. J. Murphy was called from Grand Haven, Mich., to the parish in charge of St. Michael's Church. On entering upon his work, he found himself without a residence to live in, with a church building falling over his head and everywhere evidences of decay. Under Fr. Murphy's administration a new parochial residence has been erected. The present large and beautiful brick and stone church has been built, at a cost of $30,000; the grounds have been graded and planted to trees, and last year, the beautiful hall just north of the church was built, at a cost r~: I i1 j: i ir 1, ~-I V i~i I~ 4 r 4 1 z ST. MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, PAROCHIAL SCHOOL AND FATHER MURPHY HALL. ii~:II:: ii: d MORAL AND RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT. 77 of $14,000, to which his congregation and friends have access at all times. It is named the "Fr. Murphy Hall," and is capable of seating about 600 persons. As an evidence of Fr. Murphy's popularity, and of the good feeling existing towards him and his society, more than two-thirds of the cost of the hall was donated by non-Catholics of all creeds. The parish school has about 230 pupils, taught by the Sisters, and about 1,000 persons attend the two masses said in the church each Sunday. The pastors of St. Michael's Church who have died are: Lawrence Kilroy, Michael Monaghan, Joseph Kinderkens, Charles L. Deceunnick, Francis Flanigan, and James Gillise. Those now living are-Robert W. Haire, T. J. Murphy. The Industrial Development of Flint. By P. A. ALDRICH. It would be interesting to know what might have been the fate, or the future, or the present condition of man if Adamn and Eve had taken that memorable stroll into the wood-lot, the meadow or garden instead of into the orchard. Would ambition never have sprung into life; would competition have remained unknown; would restlessness still be dormant? What of migratory races, what of peace seekers, what of love of conquest, what of the rover, the explorer, the trader? Aye, there's a familiar word, a coloquial term that stands out and marks the Alpha for Flint; there will be no Omega. Time was when the site of our beautiful city was primeval forest; our river was simply the route of least resistance selected by the waters that welled from earth's laboratory here, there and yonder, or were accumulated by the forests from the Heaven sent rains and peacefully followed nature's law to lake, and rapids, and the ocean. No regularity marked the place of any beautiful tree, and no human gardener planted and pruned the flowers and vines that grew at their base, or lovingly entwined them. To the roving Indian this spot was of no more moment than miles up, or miles down the stream, or to the north or south of it. If the river had fish for his meal, so had the forest deer, bear or turkey, and his larder was where hunger found him. His stomach, rather than his palate, dictated his meal and its hour. There was the antithesis of ambition yet not the shiftlessness of the lazy; primeval life knew no commercial competition; the restlessness of the Indian was of habitation only, and not 1xxviii INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. 79 of propagation or in the pursuit of home or wealth. But the trader was representative of all that the Indian was not, and to him this spot, where the highway of incoming civilization crossed the pathway of the native hunter and trapper, was ideal for commencing a commercialism that has progressed and advanced step by step from the trader to the merchant and manufacturer of today. Of all things there must be a beginning and a foundation. Industrial Flint began with a condition created only to supply necessities, and has developed as supplies surpassed the local demand, and a wider market was sought, or as new possibilities arose. The genius of far seeing business sagacity supplied pioneer history of such a community is a succession of Firsts, with conditions and ambitions, the alchemic compound of which the result was prosperity and progress. The ordinary and Flint's first landmark was the Todd tavern erected in 1831; its first post office was established in 1836; the first store was built in 1836; the first school was opened in 1834; the first official organization-that of a Board of Supervisors-and the first election was in 1836; the first term of court was in 1837; the first organized religious effort was a Methodist Mission established in 1834. But ahead of all these "firsts" was a manufacturing industry,-a saw mill,-which commenced operations in 1828. While it was located on the Thread River, nearer the village of Grand Blanc than the city of Flint, it is accredited as being the first effort in a line of industry that gave Flint its initial prominence as a manufacturing city. A primitive water wheel supplied the motive power. We are told that to protect themselves from the rigor of seasons and the inclemency of the weather men first planted trees on end and then laid others across to support a covering, and from this simple hint came in sequential order the houses of the past, the 80 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. present and the future. To Flint belongs no insignificant part in supplying lumber for some of the houses of the world. The operations of this first saw mill were of that character, to pro, vide timber and building material for the first homes of this wilderness. Its market was entirely local and it probably was never dignified with recognition as a manufacturing enterprise. Still it started an industry and was prophetic of what forty or fifty years later was of magnificent and tremendous importance. The proprietors were Rowland Perry and Har vey Spencer. This venture, in supplying a great need to tho setttlers, was really a temporary occupation while the owners were clearing lands that they had taken up and were preparing for their homes and for their life's work as farmers. The increase of population in the vicinity of the city of Flint was very slow until after 1836, when a United States land office was opened in the hamlet. This promoted imigration, and the first care of these pioneers was to provide sustenance for their families. The crops planted in the virgin clearings were naturally wheat and corn. Exceedingly primitive were the methods of those early days in making flour or meal, and the mortar and pestle were by no means confined to the druggist's store. The accumulations of succeeding years demanded better facilities for grinding and a market nearer than Pontiac or Detroit. This warranted the establishment of a grist mill in 1837, where the Thread river intersected the Saginaw turnpike. This mill, operated by water from the same stream that turned the wheels of the first saw mill, was of great importance in the early development of the section, Stretching toward the four corners of the earth, there was no other grist mill for many miles, and it served the population of a great area, and drew here the trade of all the settlers. One of the cherished incidents in this early life was the trip to mill-.. OLD FLINT- LOOKING NORTH-SAGINAW STREET BRIDGE. i-':"~i INDUSTRIAL DEVEILOPMIENT. 81 often but once a year. Not infrequently a season's crop was brought from down Saginaw way in canoes to be ground at this mill. It was a journey of several days duration, and of great difficulty, but always a period of vacation for the farmer or his boys, giving them a release from the steady grind of pioneering and a little outlook upon the world. A sawmill had been in operation here since 1833 or 1834, and a little industrial center was created. There is poetry in the thought that the soil, whose sturdy trees had been turned into settlers' homes at this mill, offered now its second fruitage, that the expanding activities of the embryo city might convert it into sustenance for the occupants of those homes. It may be that as time' passed on the grinding business became more profitable. for the grist mill continued in existence many years, while the saw mill became at least secondary in importance. The grist mill passed through several ownerships, increasing in capacity and importance as the country became more productive until it reached its greatest activity under the management of Burroughs & Pierson during the years 1875 to 1885. At the saw mill on the Thread the first raft of timber ever floated on the Flint river was cut. It was hauled to the river a mile away, and floated down stream to build a settler's home. The log supply for this mill came from what is now the fourth ward of the city, where a fine, but isolated body of pine, naturally gave the section the name of Pinery. To the saw mill of Grand Blanc and the saw and grist mills of the Thread then, belong the distinction of marking the beginning of manufacturing in Flint. The next saw mill, like the first, was erected to supply the demands of settlers, and in passing it might be well to say that lumbering as a commercial enterprise was not undertaken in Flint until well along in the fifties, and it was still ten years later before it was accorded the dignity of recog. 82 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. nition as a manufacturing institution, and in the statistics of the world's productions. This second mill was located on the south bank of the Flint river, near the site of the present Grand Trunk passenger station, and was operated by water power. It, like the grist mill on the Thread, marked the commencing of a career of splendid manufacturing activity in following years. In 1844 there came to the village Alexander Ward, a brick maker. He had learned of the promising settlement and of the progressiveness of the settlers who were already building homes of manufactured lumber, instead of logs and clay, and he came to supply the brick for their chimneys and their foundations. His operations, and those of his sons and apprentices, have made a continuous history in that industry down to the present time. John Zimmerman, whose yard is still in commission, was an apprentice of Ward's, and was then a German lad, just over, and unable to speak a word of English. Ward's brick-making first used clay along the borders of the Thread Creek at the head of Church street, but later he worked over many blocks on both sides of Saginaw street, from Eighth street south. It has been a most important industry, and played no insignificant part in the building of the city. Many large stores, schools, churches, homes and factories are monuments to this line of manufacturing-in fact, are doubly monumental. They are silently eloquent of prosperity; perhaps from lumber, once Flint's regnant industry; perhaps from merchandising, and the Qaood merchant is indispensable to the good manufacturer; perhaps from agriculture, for nowhere has Mother Earth been more bountiful than in her gifts to this community, but always standing for an industry that from the first has marched forward hand in hand with progress in the transition from hamlet to village and to city. Brick making INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. 83 as a trade, or industry, has developed and changed as time has moved on, and is now taking a new lease of life in the use of cement. If the experiments of the present demonstrate its perfection, the sandstone or cement brick, now manufactured in Flint, may take up the work of recording in a monumental way the successes of the future in whatever direction they may point, and as well mark the advance and success of the brickmaker's art. At one time the manufacture of boots was a considerable industry here, but it was made to suffer by reason of the prosperity of other localities where this industry has become centralized. It had its influences, however, and has left its mark of success as a legacy to the city of to-day and the future. Money accumulated in this trade became active in other lines of manufacture or building, and development marched on. Reuben McCreery, Augustus Knight, Abram Barker, Royal C. Ripley, John Quigley and John Delbridge were most prominently connected with this industry. They, like the lumberman, the miller and the brickinaker, came here to care for the needs of the pioneer settlers. In 1840 and 1850 shoe stores did not keep a record of the sizes of their customers' feet and shoe them on a telephone order by a uniformed delivery service. In those days boots and shoes were not articles of commerce, but of manufacture, and the stores could not supply the call for footwear. The customer was sent to the neighboring shoe shop to leave an order, and a measure. For men, the product would be cowhide or calfskin boots, and for women bootees. As the population of the village and county grew, so grew the boot factories until at the height of the industry this village had five or six shops, not then dignified by the name of factories, and from fifty to seventy-five employees steadily occupied in the making of boots and shoes 84 FIPTIrETI ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. to measure. Akin to this production was that of the leather from which the boots were made, and, while not a Flint industry, it was installed by Flint capital and directed by Flint energy. The greater part of the leather for all the boot work of this section was made by Barker & Ripley in a tannery which they operated at Vassar, in the heart of the hemlock territory. Their product was largely cowhide and calfskin for the factory purposes, but there was a surplus over local demands left in the rough and shipped East from Flint after there were shipping facilities. This industry contributed to Flint's material prosperity and figured in the volume of its Soutput. The proper conception of a mowing machine is, that it is a product of an enormous factory, and the entire world is supplied from a few such factories. The pioneers had little help from these machines because of their imperfection, their cost, or the inability to use them in the virgin stump land. At one time, however, mowers were made here in the old Genesee Iron Works, then owned and operated by Hakes & Hawley. This industry was started in the early forties by Goff & Smith. Their contribution to the activities of the village was along agricultural lines in making tools for tilling the soil and in caring for such machine work as the few mills then in operation required. Their first great achievement, was the construction of a steam engine for their own use, and the starting of this power plant in 1848 was marked almost by a civic holiday. Prior to this time there was only ono small steam engine in all this section-that operating a pail and tub factory owned by Elias Williams, near the river bank and about where the big Crapo saw mill was afterwards located. The Genesee Iron Works did a great volume of business as time went on. Their operations advanced and receded INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. 85 largely with the lumbering activities to which, in a machine shop way, they allied themselves. There was a period of inactivity for a few years following 1878, and then the plant came into the hands of Hurd & McCorkle, the present owners. They combined it with a similar plant organized by Thomas Warren, and are doing a successful machine shop business to-day. This industry served a vastly important part in pioneer development. It was as necessary to the farmer as the tools it made for him, and as necessary to the miller or sawyer as the mill stones or saws for which it furnished repairs. It has turned out good work, good mechanics and good citizens. With it may be classed the shop of A. Culver, whose plows, cultivators, rollers and such tools were not, perhaps, the brilliantly painted and polished implements of to-day, but they obliterated the Indian tracks with the turned furrows, and they prepared the stump-strewn land for the waving curtain of golden grain. Rev. John McAlister, with his wagon shop, was equally necessary to our pioneer development, for the pioneer's product must be hauled to the market, and perhaps he took home some furniture for his house from the furniture shops of David Foote or George W. Hill, who prospered and added to the sum total of early industrial operations before furniture centers became actualities. Perhaps the early farmer brought on his load of grain to the grist mill, a few fleeces of wool. Not far from the Thread grist mill was a small wool carding machine operated by water power, For years it carded all the wool of this section, and the product was taken home to the women who spun it into yarn, and possibly wove it into the native homespun of the pioneer. The march of time and improvements afterwards brought machine manufactured cloths to the merchants' shelves, and the housekeeper's time could better be devoted to other domestic accom 86 FIPTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. plishments, so that the carding machine faded away. But wool still grew and became each year a more important item in the wealth producing elements of the county. It more than supplied the demands of the people of the community, and had to seek other markets, and it cost a goodly share of the profit to reach that market. Years passed with the supply constantly increasing, and the demand for woolen goods making an attractive price for the raw material. History almost seems to contradict the old saying, "Time and tide wait for no man." Years went by, and the call for a local market was still insistent; the wool kept piling up and time waited for Oren Stone to appear. The time, the opportunity and the man of force and nerve and faith combined the elements to inaugurate, business that turned into domestic channels profits that had hitherto been dissipated in seeking a market, and developed an organization that made men, and homes, and citizens. The experiences of this industry were not always rosy, but they were always forward and of the persevering character that knew nothing but success. For many years Mr. W. A. Atwood was associated with Mr. Stone, and the business developed to such an extent that it required far more than the local product of wool, and it appeared in the markets of the world as a buyer, as well as a seller, and carried to all quarters the name of Flint. That enduring foundation has sustained a commercial superstructure that to-day is larger and greater than ever, and a generous contributor to the sum total of Flint's industrial activities. In an ever widening circle round the village burned the fires of logs and brush that the pioneers and farmers were clearing from the land of their chosen homes. Every fire attracted commercial attention, and many teams and men gathered up the ashes of those funeral pyres of virgin forests. INDUSTRIAL DEVEVLOPMIENT. 87 In the village were asheries shipping quantities of potash and pearl ash to Eastern markets. The returns in money were very generous, and contributed to the capital that started the city on its prosperous career. The Flint River ran many miles up into great areas of untouched forest, and the trapper was a figure in the development. All the year, but more especially in winter, the hardy woodsman tramped or canoed up the river into the gloomy forest setting traps, and down the river gathering the harvest of peltry. In this trade the Indian was preeminent, but the pale face was stealing his craft. Flint was the laboratory of the industry, where the furs were turned into money, the money into lands, and the lands multiplied it into wealth for the community. Co-incident with the substitution of lumber for logs in house building came the industry of the planing mill to dress the lumber and to make sash, doors and blinds, turning, cabinet work, frames and scroll work. This has grown to be a business of splendid proportions in both a domestic and shipping character. The pioneer effort in this industry was almost in the nature of carpenter shop work, for it was started in a small room over the Genesee Iron Works by Merriman & Abernathy in 1846. A year or two later when the wonderful home made engine was supplying power for the machine shop, this firm bought some of its energy and belted it through the floor, enabling them to widen the scope of their operations. Thomas Newell was interested in this venture, and he formed the connecting link between the originators of the business and the present splendidly equipped plant of the Randall Lumber & Coal Co. Mr. Newell was for many years a partner of Mr. Randall's, who brought the business up to the present in a most capable and ever increasing manner. There must have been something of love of the work, or of the growing 88 PIFTIETIH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. village, or of future prospects that held a firm clutch on the heart strings of this same Thomas Newell, for the alluring legends from California were tempting him to turn his steps westward. So strong were their influences that Mr. Newell in partnership with Mr. Thomas Warren, fully equipped themselves with prairie schooner, team, camp and mining paraphernalia, and prepared to set out for the Golden West in 1849. The home ties proved too strong for severing, and the outfit was disposed of. Mr. Newell became more active in the lumber dressing business, and was sent East by his firm to purchase machinery for the expansion of the mill, and Mr. Warren started his machine shop. It will be proper in passing to mention that Mr. Warren was an inventor along mechanical lines, his greatest achievement being a steam engine governor. It was the most advanced mechanism of the kind up to that time, and the capacity of his shop was taxed to equip the numerous engines that were being made, or brought into the county during this developing period. It is getting into the fifties. Flint is a village of consider4 able importance. The two streams, the Thread and the Flint, were capable of developing power and were utilized. The grist mill was busy with the crops of steadily expanding cultivated areas; the saw mills were beginning to produce more than the local requirements. These were the days of small things, and each locality supplied its own needs from its own resources, or made some substitution according as it had men of outreaching activity or ingenuity. Flint's mills made the flour and the lumber; its shops made the implements, wagons, shoes, furniture, brick, harness and kindred requirements, and there were no Broctons, Grand Rapids, Fall Rivers, South Bends, or similar centralized industrial places; nor were there factories then; they were shops, and all localities had their INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. 89 own. Settlers were pouring in South and West of this section, There was the main highway to the south, toward Detroil the remains of the military road north towards Saginaw, and the east and west road originally projected as a railroad when the State undertook a great work of internal improvement in 1837, but which became eventually the Northern Wagon Road. Trails, or newly made roads branched from these main arteries, and like the old caravan routes to the mercantile marts of the ancient East, these roads led thousands to Flint for lumber, native products or milling. The tavern and its stable adjunct were well nigh cosmopolitan places with the fur buyer or produce dealer from Detroit, or beyond, the settlers from down Ann Arbor, or over Lansing way, the land looker or home seeker from the East, making the ever changing variety of stage coach arrivals. Flint was the terminus, and it was rare indeed that the inns were not full. The travel was becoming very important, and the demands upon Flint were of such a nature that quicker and easier transportation must be had. This period, therefore, saw the building of a plank road south through Grand Blanc to connect with the northern terminus of the Holly, Wayne & Monroe Railroad, at Holly; another to Fenton to connect with the Detroit & Milwaukee Railroad, and the third to Saginaw making an outlet via the lakes. Capital was attracted to Flint from the East to take advantage of the many avenues of investment, and not infrequently was it the fact that Flint agents of Eastern moneyed men arranged to furnish funds for commercial operations in Saginaw and Bay City, then outposts of civilization, and principally important as shipping points for the lumber that was being manufactured in the surrounding forests. The time for expansion had arrived. The knowledge of the resources of the country the possibilities, the men to 90 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. accomplish things, the money had all awaited the ripening of events and all of these elements had been moving steadily toward this period. There were a few saw mills along the banks of the river, doing a small business, but there was no enormous output. What surplus was accumulated was hauled to Saginaw where there were shipping facilities, and where buyers for Eastern yards assembled cargoes from many similar sources of supply and shipped them East by sailing vessels to Buffalo, and beyond via the Erie Canal. Albany was then the lumber distributing center of America and most of Michigan's forest product found its way there. Explorations had shown the great bodies of magnificent white pine forest in Lapeer and Tuscola Counties, and in the northwestern corner of Genesee county. The meanderings of the Flint River and its north and south branches made pathways into the very heart of all this wealth of timber, and seemed to invite it to come out from its solitude of years to the glamour of civilization, and add to the making of a new era. A. McFarlan, William Hamilton, H. H. Crapo, Begole-Fox & Co., J. B. Atwood & Co., were the chief owners of thousands of acres of timber lands along the banks of these streams, and from small beginnings they evolved an immense lumber business so that the city and surrounding country became dependent to a vast degree upon this industry. The original idea was to float all the logs to Saginaw for milling, but the nature of the river showed Flint to be pre-eminently the place for handling them. The saw mills could expand under the influence of management, money and market, and the men in Flint possessed the first two of these elements and the further aggressiveness of making an avenue to reach the market. The plank roads served for several years, but railroad facilities were imperative. They came because the men of Flint said they must INDUSTRIAL D EVELOPMENT. 91 come, and these men did their full share in promoting, capitalizing, and even operating. The first rail outlet was to Saginaw in 1862, followed something over a year later by the connecting link between Flint and Holly, making an all rail route to the South and East. All this was accomplished during war times, and with the close of that tragedy came the leap in all kinds of commercial undertakings. Thoughts and ambi. tions and efforts could be centered on material domestic expansion, and all things pertaining to industrial Flint were ripe to take advantage of these conditions. Eight or ten mills had come into operation at various points along the river front and millions of feet of logs were being cut up in the forest sections, poured into the river and floated to Flint. The whole industrial atmosphere was surcharged with lumbering, and the ramifications of the industry were many and affected innumerable interests. An army was gradually accumulated in the woods with which communication must be maintained, and to which supplies must be forwarded. There must be a plan and system for driving the logs from where the woodmen felled them, to the saw mills, resulting in the Flint River Boom Co. Another army gathered around the mills running machines, sorting, piling and shipping lumber. The selling force was by no means a small one; the accounting for all the business required another corps of helpers. So that several thousand men were attracted here and affiliated with this splendid enterprise. They were added to the population of the town, and had to be provided with homes. Building flourished, attracting carpenters. They must needs eat and be clothed, so that stores multiplied, with their attendant proprietors and clerks. There was a steady train of wagons or sleighs hauling food stuffs into the woods for men and beasts, and the country around the city was the source of supply. Requirements of 92 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. every sort were active, and every element of trade participated in the prosperity of lumber. The fame of Flint as a lumber center was wide, and buyers were stationed here to bid for the products of these mills, or arrange for special cuts that building requirements in any direction might demand. Earn. ings were good, and a splendid business training came to thousands of men who afterwards arrived at that stage where they took up and have carried on the stream of prosperity, that had its rise in the primitive lumbering days, swelled into the rushing, mighty flood of the seventies, and is now passing on in the deep, steady, strong current of a fixed and diversified industrial activity. Statistics are not particularly interesting, and the billions of feet of lumber cut in Flint count for little now except as leaving a legacy far more valuable than the computed price of all the forest products that have passed through Flint's gateways of commerce. That some of it weathered Cape Horn to fill orders in San Francisco, or sought a market in Europe or Asia, is a mere lesson in geography. Lumbering commenced to decline in the eighties; it was history in the nineties, but it left wealth in homes, property, mercantile enterprises, schools, churches and, equal to all the rest, men-men who had been trained to meet emergencies, to accomplish things, to work out problems, and to succeed. It left women who had made homes, homes indeed; it left a society that was welded together by the unity of a common interest. A few asked the question, "What next?" and of a very truth for a year or two the destiny of Flint hung trembling in the balance. More went to work with energy to create "next." The charae. ter of lumbering changed, and for some years logs cut far to the North were hauled in by trainloads, tumbled into the river, to follow the pathway of their predecessors, up the gang and out in boards to waiting cars. Lumber cut in mills that INDUSTRIAL DEVILOPMENT. 93 had followed the receding pine northward was stopped off here, milled in planing mills and forwarded as a dressed product to the East. In the forests out of which Genesee County was carved were great sections, or in mining terms: pockets of hard wood, and in the clearing process such came to Flint in vast quantities in the shape of bolts. To convert these into barrels, or barrel material, was another manufacturing interest, which lasted for some time after the pine lumbering had practically ceased, and was one of the many industries into which manufacturing business resolved itself as the supreme lumbering interests were dissolving into fragments. So the planing and stave mills superseded the saw mills, and the lumber workers were still in demand. Their earnings still swelled the sum total of domestic transactions; their families still formed part of the social body, and their children were growing up for future commercial activities. As the lumbering declined some of the operatives purchased farms for themselves in the opening and began working out their own destinies. The agricultural resources of the locality had vastly increased as the cultivated areas enlarged and Flint was the market center. The Thread grist mill was at the high tide of its activity; had been re-built as a thoroughly up-to-date merchant mill, and was buying all grain offered, milling it into flour and shipping it far and wide, The Genesee Flouring Mills had absorbed the attention of the Hamiltons that had formerly been devoted to the saw mill business, and this mill was also in the market for the grain of the locality and was distributing it as a manufactured product in all directions. Still another, the City Mills, came into commission because of the great agricultural resources, and the flour milling activities of the city went a long way toward keeping up the aggregate of business that might drop off by 94 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. reason of the decline in lumbering. The Thread Mill has been burned down, but the other two mills have changed their equipment to modern requirements and are in continuous operation. Their capacity is far beyond the local supply, and they ship in many cars of grain and distribute in all directions many cars of milling products. Not only was the grain marketing and milling active, but all farm products of the section were pouring into the food store houses of the world through the assembling point of Flint, and shipping increased rather than diminished from year to year. This is equally true to-day, and while not strictly to be classed as a manufacturing interest, it would not be fair to withhold from agriculture its full share as a developing agency, hand in hand with the industrial contributions. Men who had been employees in the mills became proprie, tors of their own business, be it what it might, for the atmosphere of prosperity was here, and the spirit was buoyantly "Forward." They created avenues into which latent talent could turn, and were responsible for new lines of manufacturing, which was assuming a diversified character instead of the one great interest, lumber. The agricultural prosperity naturally dictated a factory to supply farming tools, and for several years such an industry, including foundry, machine shop, wood working and finishing, was a prosperous and aggressive institution employing many operatives. Another result of agricultural expansion was a factory making creameries, and it was a power in educating the farmers into a proper appreciation of the value of their grazing lands and cows. A soap factory was another industry that was eminently prosperous, and accumulated wealth. Unostentatiously this wealth was invested, and was steadily increased into an estate of generous proportions. Through those years of accumulating the INDUSTRIAL DEWVELOPMIýNT. 95 owner cherished a thought of returning to the city that gave him his home and competency a monument of his gratefulness. Therefore, when James J. Hurley was called to his eternal rest it was found that he had generously endowed a hospital for the city of Flint. Pump factories added their usefulness to the needs of the developing country and contributed to the aggregate of the city's manufacturing, until the more modern drive well largely replaced the wooden pump. Broom factories have been a part of the manufacturing interests for many years. The manufacturing of clothing, both for men and women, has at different times been of importance. A shoe factory was organized here at one time, hoping to develop a business along lines that have made other localities wealthy, but conditions were not favorable and after a year or two it was dismantled. A table factory was another institution that offered work to craftsmen in wood, and for several years did a large business, and drew generous earnings to the city. The receding of the lumber supply made operations too expensive, and its activities ceased. Before Begole-Fox & Co. suspended lumbering operations they had provided for utilizing their property for further manufacturing enterprises. The water power site was sold to F. R. Lewis, who organized a paper manufacturing industry, making a market. for all the surplus straw of the farming community. His product was straw wrapping paper, and straw board. Eventually there was added a plant utilizing this straw board in making egg crates in large quantities. Cigars came to be manufactured in Flint in 1875 when Myer Ephraim started a little shop, and the same man is doing the same business in the same place and manner to-day, but around him are brick blocks that his industry has made his own. Others were attracted to the business and succeeded. Graduates from Ephraim's factory essayed 96 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. a business career for themselves, or employees became employers as a result of a quarrel with former employers. So new factories were created and they seemed invariably to fill a need and increased the aggregate of business. Gradually Flint has come to be a cigar manufacturing center with a dozen large factories and making and shipping thousands of dollars worth of manufactured tobacco annually, and distributing good earnnings to the hundreds of skilled operatives. The travelling forces of these factories cover a wide territory, and a large clientele looks to Flint for their cigar stocks. It is to the credit of the industry that healthful conditions for work prevail in all of the factories, and that the profits have added not a little to home making in the city. "The only factory of its kind in the world," was the announcement of another institution started primarily to introduce a Flint invention: a novel revolving device for displaying hats. It is now a considerable plant, building store fixtures, and a modernized style of revolving display apparatus. But it so happened that the manufacture of vehicles has come to be the dominant, but by no means the sole interest of Industrial Flint, and around the word "Vehicle" are now unified all of life's phases for many individuals, families, societies and business interests of the city. In 1869, Mr. W. A. Paterson came to Flint, started a small carriage and repair shop, and therein was born the industry that has come to be Flint's pride. This business was for many years almost entirely local in character, and of exceedingly modest volume, but by the force of splendidly directed efforts it has advanced to a commanding commercial position. The Begole-Fox & Co. lumber yard became the site of the Flint Wagon Works, a great industry whose inception was presided over by Mr. J. H. Whiting, who is still its general manager. L_ A TYPICAL ILLUSTRATION OF FLINT'S EARLY INDUSTRIES. INDUSTRIAL DEVEI4OPMENT. 97 In 1886 Mr. W. C. Durant became owner of a patent on a road cart and invited Mr. J. D. Dort to join him in the manufacturing venture which eventuated in the largest manufacturing institution of the city, the Durant-Dort Carriage Company and its allied interests. The real introduction of all three of these big factories to the markets of the world was through the road cart which enjoyed a wonderful wave of popularity from 1885 to 1895, and in the manufacture of which all three institutions were heavily involved during that period. Looking down upon this industry from the heights of present knowledge it almost seems as though advanced sheets of the book of futurity might have been spread out before those responsible for the management. It was not fortune, but business ability and business foresight that has given Flint this pre-eminence. As time passed along a fixed purpose formed and a steady advance toward the attainment of that purpose has made Flint the Vehicle City. Also as the industry has advanced, men whose experience and training with the growing industry have made them valuable, have been drawn within the circle of administration; have been admitted into councils; have been assigned to executive positions, and by their experience and their genius have contributed their quota to Flint's industrial success. Around the home of the complete vehicle are clustered factories for many of the component accessories, and with the very fact of manufacturing itself has come the idea of a manufacturing district, equipped with everything conducive to ideal working conditions, coupled with homes and enjoyable environments readily accessible. The very nature of the coming of the present plants intimates the eventual coming of more. Flint's manufacturing development was never characterized by a scramble to take advantage of existing conditionsr but came about in an orderly way; as needs were felt the 98 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF PLINT. response came upon that solid foundation which, with business judgment insures success. In the early days of the carriage industry Mr. W. F. Stewart commenced making buggy bodies and wood work. His experiences have been but those of the industry to which he was allied, and by thought, study and energy he has kept pace with its march of progress and is contributing a goodly proportion to the sum total of Flint's commercialism. So the Armstrong Spring Works came into existence and has justified its right to be by continued and increasing usefulness. So came the Imperial Wheel Co., an institution known all over vehicledom as the largest and best wheel plant in the world. Its equipment includes mills and forest areas in the South to supply its timber requirements. The history of the automobile industry would show that at about the beginning of the twentieth century it had passed all experimental stages and was a fixed element in the world's business. The management of the wheel plant perceiving the possibilities, promptly equipped its factory to supply automobile wheels, and to-day Flint furnishes the majority of these wheels for American cars. Attracted by the vehicle interests the Flint Axle Works established a plant in farm lands just outside the city limits, but the municipal boundaries were soon expanded to insure it fire and police protection. The Flint Varnish Works soon followed into the same locality, known as Oak Park, where an ideal manufacturing center is being created. The Michigan Paint Company has a history like many other industries more or less allied to the vehicle interests,-of a small beginning and expansion. The Flint Woolen Mills which were so important in early development are now turning their attention largely to carriage cloths. The Flint Specialty Co. makes the whipsockets of the world. A tannery was established to make carriage leathers and another factory INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. 99 furnishes buggy boots, aprons and cut leather necessities, This detail is not an exploitation but an exposition of the result of concentrating every fibre of business ability and thought into channels of progress along a specific line. Modern geographies will tell you that Flint is noted as producing more vehicles than any other city in the world, and it is not particularly surprising that accessory interests would ally themselves with a locality that can offer such a market and attract such attention, and it is easy to comprehend what a wide publicity must result for Flint when such an output is being spread over the earth by the selling corps of all the factories. The permanent character of their equipment is the best comment on the question of their success, and their gradually increasing shipments to other vehicle centers is the evidence of their profitable operation and expansion. Like the lumbering operations of earlier years these varied vehicle industries have attracted to the city mechanics and operatives of many kinds. Young people have grown up with the business and have attained to responsible positions in divers lines. They have been graduated from the college of experience, and have gone as proprietors or managers elsewhere. Merit is recognized and appreciated while organized promotions develop both talent and loyalty. Their business or mechanical education is not all that the management has done to make conditions attractive to the great body of helpers and co-workers. The various vehicle and accessory companies have equipped a splendid club with reading, billiard, bowling, bath and gymnastic rooms. The operatives themselves maintain it as well as a generous sick and accident benefit association. An organized effort for beautifying landscapes in resident sections is another interesting element of this community idea. 100 FIPTIETHI ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. It was a fitting celebration of the semi-centennial of Flint's history that this year should be memoralized by securing two splendid additions to the manufacturing interests, and that the manufacturing district should see the foundations for two great and successful plants. It was largely the same energy that directs the vehicles interests which secured for Flint the splendid automobile plant of the Buick Motor Company and their engine department is already in active operation. The same personality was able to induce the Weston-Mott Co. to locate here, manufacturing automobile parts. A brass factory for automobile brasses and a foundry for automobile castings are already in operation at the close of the Jubilee year, so that the horseless carriage is likely to surround itself with its accessory industries as did the horse-drawn vehicle. So Flint comes to its Jubilee year, and brings forth not the buried talent wrapped in a napkin, but the full rich harvest from the seed of opportunity, and in that harvest field have been evolved the energy, the judicious methods, the thoughtful wisdom, the helpful co-operation and the managing capacity that have given Flint a manufacturing development of permanence with a positive impetus forward toward its century mile post. Dropping for a moment into retrospective mood, the past seems to say to the future, "There lies your way, where success has proved the correctness of our principles of progress. Guard well the outposts toward oncoming time, with eye single to anticipate the changes or conditions ere they are upon you with forces the stronger for your unpreparedness. Back of these sentinels assemble your resources cemented to, gether by loyalty, appreciation, the hand clasp of friendship, cooperation and judgment. Then move steadily forward to your own best reward, discovering, inventing, creating, doing. Follow those precepts and we are content to bequeath our accomplishments into your keeping." The Early Social Life of Flint. By E. L. BANGS. This topic is not as easy to write upon as a casual reader of it might suppose. The city of Flint has been out of her cradle a long time. To ask what her early social life was is very much like asking about the baby talk and school girl talk and young lady talk of a staid matron of mature years, who takes her grandchildren in her lap and tells them what funny and agreeable things she used to do whep she was little and sat in a lap herself. Social life is not a ready made affair like the clothing that is sold in our clothing stores. Neither is it a tailor made affair, cut by measure to fit the peculiarities and varied wants of human beings. Social life is the result of one of the deepest cravings of human nature. There is a social instinct even in animals. The dog loves to frolic with another dog, and the graceful tumblings of two dogs on the green grass put the uncouth struggles of the foot-ball team to shame, they are so entirely in keeping with the nature of the animal that often sticks closer to a man than his own brother does. The horse, along the roadside, will jump a fence that is "horse high, bull strong and pig tight" to get in with other horses in the pasture. He is lonesome as an outsider. Do animals talk with each other? Whence came our well known term "horse sense" if horses do not have ideas and communicate them to each other? At any rate the brute creation can 102 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. in some way do the agreeable to each other, and what is all that but a low form of social life? We look at our social life to-day and we hardly stop to ask ourselves how it came to be what it is. It has grown up slowly and by almost imperceptible changes just as truly as our fine streets have grown up from the Indian trails in the woods, and later on from the cow-paths in the clearings. It requires a vivid imagination to form in the mind's eye, a picture of the lands where our fair city now stands, as they were before the white man came. I have been told by an old inhabitant, who long ago passed away, that sturgeon have been caught, even in the little Thread River, that is hardly large enough to go through the eye of a darning needle. Wild game was abundant, where now the meat markets offer us varieties of meats that make our mouths water, and that also tempt us to utter heavily weighted words against the beef trust. The smoke arose from the tepees and the council fires of the Indians where now the black smoke pours forth in linen-soiling volumes from the chimneys of our factories. In Lapeer, I have seen the trunk of a huge elm tree, the trunk still standing like a giant with his head cut off, and on the tree a plate conspicuously placed, tells the passer by that under this tree, Rodney Hart, the first white man who came to Lapeer County, camped out for a time, and that his son, R. H. Hart, who placed the tablet on the tree, in memory of his father, was the first white child born in Lapeer County. Would that somewhere in our city we could put up a suitable "In Memoriam," to the very first white man who found a home here, and to the first white child that had the good fortune to see daylight, where the city with the hard name now stands. So far as I am able to ascertain, the earliest white inhabitant of Flint, bore the name of Jacob Smith. He was a man of EARLY SOCIAL LIFRE. 103 strongly marked character. He came from Detroit to Flint in the year 1819. He was an Indian trader, and to a great extent, adopted the dress, habits and language of the Indians. Shall we not find in this man's life the very beginning of social life in our city? We are told that there was a bond of union between the Indian chiefs, and Mr. Smith, and that his relations to them were those of a brother. Long after he passed away, the remnants of the once powerful tribe cherished his memory with sincere affection. It is interesting to know that Jacob Smith erected a log trading post in 1819 on the site of the First Baptist Church, a locality well known to us all. This was the pioneer structure,-this was the first building erected for a white man's occupancy in the county of Genesee. Why should not that well known spot be graced with some permanent memorial that will perpetuate the memory of Flint's first white inhabitant? Was there any social life for this man? Yes, for his half-breed friends, Francis Edouard Campau, George Lyons, and perhaps others, remained with him, and erected habitations on either side of the Grand Traverse, the point where the Indian trail from Detroit to Saginaw crossed the Flint River. Game and fish were abundant then, and good cheer has always been an important element in social life. Whiskey and tobacco are usually at hand, wherever there is business to be transacted with Indians, and while there is noting in our early annals to show any excessive use of the fire-water by the pioneers, yet it is hardly to be supposed that their feasting and money making were conducted in strict accord with the principles of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Before the death of Jacob Smith, quite a tract of land was under cultivation. Up to 1830 the Grand Traverse had 104 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. been termed the French Settlement. I mention this because whatever of social life was then in existence, probably bore the impress of the French character. We must also take into account the fact that Mr. Smith was of German origin, and we shall then have, in the leisure hours when men sought relaxation and entertainment, a blending of the German gravity and the French vivacity and the wild abandon of the Indian pow-wow. I admit we are looking after something not yet clearly defined, when we look for social life in the Grand Traverse. Early in 1830 a new force came into the life of our incipient city in the person of John Todd from Pontiac. He and his wife, with their family, became the first permanent residents on the site of the present city of Flint. This gentleman with his wife, known by everybody in the early times as Aunt Polly Todd, opened a famous hostelry. " Todd's Tavern " was located on what afterwards became the site of the office of "The Wolverine Citizen." I hardly think a tavern could have been opened under such conditions as prevailed in the early days, without giving an impulse to the social life of the place. "Shall I not take mine ease in mine inn?" said Falstaff. No reader of Shakespeare can fail to see that in those days the "Boar's Head Tavern" at Eastcheap, where Mrs. Quickly presided, was famous for good living, deep drinking and witty and agreeable, though perhaps somewhat boisterous talking. Aunt Polly Todd, one of Flint's early celebrities, from what is said about her by a local historian, was abundantly able to shine in her sphere among white traders and half-breeds, and full blooded Indians, not of the Fenimore Cooper variety, quite as brilliantly as did Mistress Quickly, by her sea coal fire in her celebrated inn. ]ARLY SOCIAL LIFIE. 105 The landlord of Todd's Tavern could very easily set a good table. Venison, wild turkey and fish were plentifully supplied by the Indians. A pint of whiskey would purchase a saddle of venison, and a quart of whiskey would buy a turkey weighing, (so the historian of Genesee county says) twentyfive pounds. Alas for us of these times! Now only a comparatively rich man can afford turkey at all. It is not to be supposed that talking, in a social way, in such a hostelry, when the day was over, was one of the lost arts. We may be sure that the good story was in abundant evidence, in this nucleus of social life, for human nature will assert itself, and tongues will wag, even though the inspiration of woman's presence be lacking. Early influences leave a lasting impression upon new communities. I cannot help recalling the contrast between the beginning of New England and the beginning of Flint, though it may seem a mere fancy to attach any great significance to this contrast. The first buildings for a public resort that our Puritan forefathers erected were the church and the school house. The first building for public resort that the pioneers of Flint erected was Todd's tavern. In 1831 there was an event that partook so largely of a social character, that it may fairly be considered a social event, though the impulse that gave it being was a patriotic one. It was a Fourth of July celebration, and it was largely a social affair, for under the shade of the trees on the north bank of the river, behind the Baptist church, tables were spread and good.cheer was in abundant evidence. The orator of the day was an Indian chief, and he spoke in the Indian dialect to a small audience, most of whom could understand what he said. Another chief sang in Indian. The 106 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. American flag was there. The infernal giant fire-cracker in the hands of the everywhere present small boy, was not there, and the occasion was more than semi-social in its character, and helped to promote good fellowship as well as patriotism. In 1831 I learn that the social waters of the settlement were stirred during the winter by a wedding reception. An event of that kind indicates considerable social progress. This reception was given by Mr. and Mrs. Todd in honor of Mr. George Oliver and Miss Keziah Toby, both parties having been in the employ of their entertainers. How different such a wedding reception must have been from the wedding reception of today. There was then neither gas nor electric lights to illuminate the rooms. Presumably tallow dips or perhaps mould candles gave their dim religious light on the occasion. How did the guests get there? There were no hacks in those days, and if roads were scarcely visible by daylight, it must have been hard to find them in the darkness, for there was not a single lamp post for a gloriously happy man to lean up against, when he was tired. That was the era of the moon and the lantern, and the wedding guests with lanterns in their hands, must have been a weird sight, as they came from the few houses in the settlement, to see the happy two make a still more happy one. Were there any wedding presents for the bridal pair? History does not inform us, but surely, could that bride and groom look down upon a present day display of cut-glass, solid silver and elegant furniture, with a bank check or certificate of stock to give the newly wedded pair a start in life, they would be astonished. They were just as happy without any such display of expensive wedding gifts, and the wedding guests were also just as happy without giving them. EARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 107 There is no record of any rice throwing on the occasion above referred to, and there was no special midnight train for the bride and groom to take. They managed, however, in some way to get along without a wedding trip. There was very little of pomp and circumstance in their wedding ceremony, and yet the knot then tied by a justice of the peace held the parties together in peace. Of some of the swell weddings in Flint, doubtless they would say "our wedding didn't cost as much as this one, but we had a good time and we ain't a bit sorry that we didn't have to wait until these fast times. We held together all right." The next social event in the winter of 1831-1832 was a house warming given by Mr. and Mrs. Todd. An important addition had been made to the Flint river tavern, the home of the Todds, and I am indebted to the historian of Genesee county, for a description of the event as it was related many years after by Aunt Polly Todd, to one of her friends. This is her account of the great event, for great it was to those who were honored with an invitation to be present. "In February, Mr. Todd had the frame addition to his house all finished, and as Sam Russell,-the only violinist in the county-was procurable, Mr. and Mrs. Todd determined to give a house-warming. For this purpose, all the settlers in Flint and Grand Blanc,-about thirty in number-were invited to the 'Flint Tavern,' to pass the following evening. Meantime all the ladies put their best garments in readiness, and Mrs. Todd-who had better facilities for importing new arti, cles into the settlement than many of the others-had a full new suit, and a splendid new dress cap, ready for that special occasion, all purchased some weeks previously by Mr. Todd, in Detroit. As the evening advanced the guests commenced arriving, and 'Aunt Polly' concluded to dress up. As she 108 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. appeared among the ladies, they all expatiated on her becoming dress, and 'perfect love of a cap.' Mrs. Todd, having a light in her hand at the time, stood opposite a looking-glass, and, casting an admiring glance at herself therein, mentally agreed that she did look well, and that it was 'a love of a cap.' While elevating the light to get a more correct view of the beautiful piece of finery, it caught in some of the delicate borders of ribbons, and a fire ensued which reduced the gay head-dress to a few burned rags in less than three minutes. However, the tuning of the fiddle previous to the dance, set the gentlemen to looking up their partners, and Mrs. Todd, who loved dancing, was on the floor one of the first, looking just as well and as happy in another cap of less pretentions than her lost beauty. In those times a dance was the only amusement looked for at any gathering, and when an invitation was given out, it was sure to be accepted." Social life depends somewhat upon material conditions. There can be only limited social intercourse when homes are located upon an Indian trail or a white man's cowpath, or even upon such roads as the pioneer makes. What there is may be warm and hearty, but of necessity it must be limited. A forward step in social life was taken, when, in 1834 a road was projected from Detroit to Saginaw, and a substantial bridge was erected over the Flint river, thereby dispensing with Todd's ferry. With these and other improvements, the rude settlement began to wear the aspect of a village. The years 1836, 1837 and 1838 brought in a large numben of settlers, many of whose names are still remembered. 1848 -1850 witnessed the establishment of two newspapers in what was by that time a very thriving and rapidly growing village. Should someone ask what has the newspaper to do with social life, I answer it has a great deal to do with it. To be sure before the coming of the newspaper if there was a tea-party or EARLY SOCIAL LI1FE. 109 other social gathering, the details would circulate in a quiet way, for there never was a time when people would not talk. But the newspaper could, and gladly would, at least in these times, give publicity to all those details which are so interesting in social life. Through their columns, as the years passed on, the community could know how the ladies were dressed and what the nature of the function was. The coming of the newspaper, therefore, marked a new departure in the social life of the village of Flint river, though I have reason to believe that newspaper notices of social doings were not very frequent in the very early stages of the newspaper in Flint. In the month of February, 1855, the village was incorporated and became the city of Flint. When the boy steps out of knickerbockers into long pants, and when the girl passes from short dresses, in which navigation is easy, into a long dress that it requires artistic skill to manage gracefully and safely, there is usually a very perceptible accession of dignity. A change from a country village to an incorporated city meant a gradual change in social observances,-not strongly marked at first, but sure, as time went on to become plainly apparent, I think there has, from the earliest times, been in Flint a feeling like this: We Flintites are just as intelligent as other people and all things considered, we propose to set the pace for other cities to follow, rather than look on and let them set the pace for us. There has always been an element here that wished to lead, and our city has never been without social ambitions. Communication with the outer world has much to do with the social life of a community. The old stage coach has a pleasant place in the memory of old timers, who once considered it a marvel of speed and ele 110 PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. gance. Some of our greatest men have thrilled at the sound of the stage driver's horn, and some have said, if not in the words of Shakespeare, at least with all sincerity, "I wish that heaven had made me such a man." In an early number of " The Whig," afterwards known as "The Wolverine Citizen," this notice appeared. "CHEAP AND RAPID RIDING. "The stage for Pontiac leaves Flint each morning (Sundays excepted), stopping at Grand Blanc, Stony Run, Groveland, Springfield, Clarkston, Austin and Waterford, and arrives at Pontiac in time to enable passengers to take the cars the same day for Detroit. E. N. PETTEE, A. J. Ross, Proprietors." It has been extremely difficult to induce any of the older inhabitants of our city to make any written statement of their recollections and experiences of the early social life of Flint, and interviewing elderly people has been about the only way to bring out such facts as should find place in a sketch like this. Prof. F. H. Humphrey, well known to more than one generation of Flint society people, has kindly furnished the following, which will be read, I am sure, by many who have come under his instruction. I came under it myself for a brief period, with one other gentleman whose name I refrain from mentioning. We both struggled hard to master what Prof. Humphrey called the five positions, originating some positions utterly unknown to the terpsichorean art. I learn that there was much opposition at one time to dancing. Some good people used to ask those who enjoyed the dance if they could pray while dancing. Had this question been put to me, the answer would have been, "Yes, I should EARLY SOCIAL LIIE. Ill have to pray, and pray earnestly, for that is the only thing I I can do." And my partner, I am sure, would have prayed more earnestly than I would have done, for she would have had more to fear from a mash-up than I had. Prof. Humphrey expresses himself as follows: "Social life was in full glow and a spirit of true democracy seemed to prevail in all functions pertaining to society, Among the notable events were the musical club parties, held at intervals of two or four weeks, on which occasion a fine, selected program of instrumental and vocal music was rendered by home talent, after which dancing was the social pastime, closing at eleven o'clock p. m. These entertainments were held at private homes of Flint's generous citizens, of whom mention will be made in connection with the following events in Flint's social life, covering a period of several years. "The Musical Club became known as the Harmonia Club and finally ceased to exist. Meantime private home parties became a source of social pleasure, on which occasion an orchestra was present, and after the usual reception ceremonies, cards and dancing were the amusements. Among the leading families giving these enjoyable entertainments were Col. William Fenton, Col. E. H. Thomson, Artemas Thayer, William Hamilton. Robert Page, Chauncey S. Payne, Russell Bishop, Giles Bishop, William Thurber, E. C. Turner, Cornelius Roosevelt, Samuel Curtis, Josiah Begole, Josiah Pratt, Watrous Gibson, H. H. Wood, Austin Witherbee, Oliver Hamilton, Dr. Lamond, Mr Bailey, J. B. Hamilton, Homer Hazleton, George Hazleton, George M. Dewey, the Misses Cummins, Grant Decker, Leonard Wesson, Judge Avery, Mr. McKibben, E. S. Williams, Judge Beecher, Col. Hascall, Horatio Belcher, and others whose names the writer cannot command. 112 FPITIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. "Among the church societies, the Methodist, Baptist, Roman Catholic and Episcopal were the most prominent, the last named being the only church society allowing popular games and dancing, taking a liberal view of social enjoyment. This society at one time during its struggle for a new edifice and equipment, organized a series of social entertainments by which means a large sum was raised toward the purchase of the organ that still does duty at St. Paul's. "The principal amusement of these entertainments was dancing, the music being volunteered by members of thl society, prominent among whom were the Misses Decker, Mrs. E. C. Turner, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Humphrey. It is fitting here to say that these entertainments excelled in point of refinement, moral influence and the elevating of a higher standard of social intercourse than most other forms of amusement, which goes to prove the good influence the church holds over social as well as spiritual affairs, and, therefore, the church should live nearer to the natural lives of the people. "We are now drifting along through the 70's and 80's, and after the passing of these highly enjoyable affairs mentioned, other social organizations sprang into existence, and owing to the natural trend of increasing population and wealth, social distinctions became apparent and society took on more and more exclusiveness. The Married People's Club and Kettle Drum Society became leading factors in social life among the '400.' A commendable feature of these entertainments was punctual observation of the hours o-f attendance, eight to eleven o'clock p. m. Refreshments were served on each occasion. Sometimes a six o'clock dinner was served, after which dancing followed until the sounds of 'Home, Sweet Home' from the orchestra announced the hour of departure. "Among those who had spacious homes for these brilliant affairs were: J. B. and William Atwood, Mrs. R. C. Durant, TH 1S W1 0 Sz Uc z 0 zn AL I iI:: a ir? E.:::( I~ pr -~~:II i.l _: a-'"-., i '' ' ~i I;ai EARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 113 Hon. George H. Durand, B. F. Simington, Dr. J. C. Willson, C. S. Randall, M. S. Elmore, Jerome Eddy, George L. Walker, Oren Stone, Dr. A. A. Thompson and C. T. Bridgman. "It may be well to mention that many of the fraternal associations gave numerous entertainments during the year, military balls, Knights Templar parties, and one of the most notable events was the leap-year ball given by the ladies of the Masonic families, which eclipsed anything of the kind that occurred before or since. "To mention all the ladies in this affair would be impossible at this date, but some idea of the kind and quality can be formed when we say that many were of the families already mentioned as leaders in social life." In 1862 the first locomotive came over the Flint and Pere Marquette line from the north and reached Flint. A social event marked the occasion. There was a grand banquet at the Carlton House, a hotel on the floor of which the writer of this sketch passed his first night in Flint, wrapped in a blanket, that being the best resting place he could secure, owing to the crowded condition of the house, and there being no vacant bed elsewhere except on that a fellow sufferer who had seen it, said His Satanic Majesty would not sleep in. The banquet at the Carlton House was one of great hilarity, for everybody was in high spirits. Speeches were made and there were responses to toasts, and those who remembered the jolly good times in Todd's Tavern could not fail to see that such a public banquet, in point of high toned elegance, was far in advance of any previous public social affair that had been held in Flint. Then came the railroad from Holly to Flint, and communication with the world was fairly open. Beauty is glorious by moonlight, and not by any means ineffective by the light of a tallow dip or a kerosene lamp. 114 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. There is something, however, about gas light that displays both feminine beauty and manly dignity in a social gathering to excellent advantage. The Flint Gas Company, organized in 18'70, shed a new radiance upon the social life of Flint, and still disputes the palm with "press the button" and instantaneous illumination. It is very easy to determine when the social life of Flint began. It is not quite so easy to determine just when it ceased to be the early social life. Not to be mathematically exact, it would seem fair to say that early social life was practically at an end and that it entered upon a new era just as boyhood and girlhood enter upon manhood and womanhood, somewhere in the early seventies. Some reference to our early social life may, however, somewhat overlap that period. Interviewing those who have been dead for many years should be one of the accomplishments of one called upon to write up the early social life of Flint. Most of those who were prominent in that period and were themselves social factors are sleeping in the cemetery. Those who are still living do not remember to any great extent those particulars that would help to make an interesting sketch. All whom I have seen think social life in Flint was uncommonly pleasant, but I have found it difficult to obtain interesting particulars. In a general way they tell me some things, but just the things I would gladly see put in print are with the dead. With pencil and paper in hand one Sunday afternoon I tried to carry on the holy work of an interview for the good of the public with an old and valued friend of mine. She told me that she came to Michigan in 1833, living at first in Mount Morris, in a house set up on blocks of wood, and underneath it she used to listen sometimes to the howling EARI;Y SOCIAL LIFE. 115 of wolves. Stalwart character ought to be the result of such an environment-character such as could not be developed where no sterner sounds can be heard by moonlight than the voices of belligerant cats. Mrs......... in 1836 lived on the river bank on the site of the old Red Tavern, which not many now living can remember. I asked about the social life of the children, for I do not happen to know any more pleasing sight than a lawn party of very young children, full of fun and frolic, such a party, I mean, as we often see to-day. And then their consumption of refreshments when the time comes is something noteworthy. "Was anything of that kind done for very young children in your young days, my friend?" "Children were children then as well as now," was the answer. "They had pleasant times, but there was no formality for them. Invitations were not issued for them, and their lives were more isolated than the lives of children now are." Social life distinctively for children was not a feature of the early days of Flint." "Well, what did the older people do in the winter for amusement?" "Sleighrides were quite frequent in my young lady days; old and young enjoyed them together. The sleighrides usually culminated in a supper and a return when the evening was considerably advanced." "Was there any love-making on such occasions?" My friend thought a moment, gazed thoughtfully on vacancy, and said she could not distinctly remember, but she thought there might have been. From a few ancient relics she produced several invitations on note paper, each suggestive to her of a pleasant occasion long past, but not one of them was dated with the day of the month or year, and how old they were she could not tell. 116 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. She spoke of frequent dancing parties that were held in an old residence on the corner of Court and Saginaw streets, known by everybody as the Hascall place. Mrs......... has a vivid memory of parties that were given by various families. The invitations were quite general, for there was then no sharply dividing line that distinguished "our set" folks from the other set. I asked about the dress on such occasions. She satisfied me that the ladies of that period understood the art of dressing, and I presume there never has been a time when they did not know how to array themselves attractively. "Did the gentlemen appear in the conventional swallow tail?" She could not distinctly remember to what extent the swallow tail prevailed, but said she with emphasis, "The gentlemen did look mighty well." "The caterer had not at that time appeared. The hostess of the evening at least supervised the refreshment department and the good things were chiefly home made. Good they were, the variety was great, and the consumption was more than a make believe. It was downright business. On some occasions the gentlemen would quietly retire to a certain room for a quiet smoke." And then she added, "I can't say what else they went for." Those were the palmy days of E. H. Thomson, who used to entertain those he met at evening parties with recitations from Shakespeare. He was, as my friend told me, a fine story teller. "Were there any dinner parties" "Yes, they were quite frequent, but there were no toasts with formal responses until later years." "How about young ladies on such occasions?" "I can't remember what they wore, but they looked as pretty as pinks." Pleasant memories in the mind of Mrs........ clustered around the old Boss Tavern, ten miles from Flint. She EARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 117 called to mind in particular one occasion of marked interest to her. There was a sleighride, and a great supper had been ordered. A jolly spirit of rollicking good will had taken possession of all in the sleigh. Some had to stand in the sleigh for want of room. I can't understand why they had to do this. Had I been there I should have offered some one a seat, and at the same time should have retained my own. Perhaps that was done, but my informant made no mention of such an act of courtesy. There was singing all along the way. One strain of one song still lingered in her memory. It was this: "Lightly row, lightly row, On the glassy wave we go." The chaperone had not at that time appeared in Flint, though on that particular occasion there were some suspicious transactions that suggested a field of usefulness for a chaperone that could see, and at the same time be conveniently near sighted. On that particular occasion a gentleman lost one of his mittens, a just penalty for not keeping it on, and hunted in vain for it. "Where is my mitten? What has become of my mitten?" And in response to this query there came a musical response from a young lady, "Look high, look low, Look on my big toe." and there he found it. "And it didn't seem a bit out of character then," said my informant, "but I suppose such a thing now would shock conventional proprieties, but we did have good times." In the summer season the picnic party was in high favor. Lemonade flowed freely, and there were eatables by the bushel. On such occasions one may be allowed to unbend his dignity or if he is very aspiring he may climb a sapling and bend it 118 PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. down, and drop from its top to the ground if he chooses to, and be applauded as an acrobat. These early picnics, I am told, were free from gossip and from the slightest approach to rudeness. There was good talking, not only of the kind that entertained, but not infrequently upon subjects that it required previous good thinking to talk well upon. A woman once said of her husband, "The trouble with Mr......... is that he always supposes that other people can do what he does." It is not exactly so with some of our good Flint people who look back with tender pride upon the ways of their friends in early social life. They think, and doubtless honestly, that other people, notably those of a later time, cannot do what the early comers did socially. Time has gilded these halfforgotten social ways with a halo that glorifies them. Who shall blame this honest pride in old time observances? Not L He who would catch good fish of all kinds should fish in all waters. He who would look up bits of information that the public has forgotten and would set before the public in such a volume as this, those bits of semi-gossipy happenings that the public generally read with more enjoyment than they do reports of sermons, should interview all the elderly ladies in Flint who are willing to tell about their social life when they were young. Such a lady like her predecessor, told me that she came to Flint when she was five years old. That was not far from seven years before Flint became an incorporated city. It was village life then, with all the quiet charm that one finds in a pleasant community not yet mad with the haste to be rich. The history of Genesee county informs us that "ninetenths of the earliest settlers of this county came from New York State and New England, and brought with them the advanced ideas of the favored communities from which they EARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 119 came, upon the subjects of education and religious observances." The madam, whom I am now interviewing called to mind pleasant evenings at the old fashioned spelling school. Sides were chosen, and as fast as one of the contestants mis-spelled a word, down he sat and the battle continued till only one speller, the champion of the evening, was left on the floor, These contests were always exciting, and were scenes of genuine pluck in the hour of battle, and of hiliarious fun when the battle was over. Madame with whom we are now talking was at least once victor in such a contest. She spelled down her last competitor on the word "weasel," the wrong spelling given being "weasil." It is not easy to catch a weasel asleep, and that night the little girl, now a woman, how many years young I will not tell, was wide awake, and she said her father was proud of her success. Is this lady correct when she insists that the log school house and the spelling school gave us better spellers than we now find in our well equipped schools.? I cannot say, but I do know that in my own spelling school days there was good spelling, and I also know that now-a-days words do sometimes appear under a spell that is by no means enchanting, Our early settlers, especially those from New England, brought with them their long cherished ideals of religious observances. The church to some extent is a factor in social life, and in pioneer days seems likely to be a more potent social factor than when wealth brings in its train social observances of a more conventional character. There was a friendly fraternal feeling among the churches. The lady now furnishing material for this chapter told me that in her girlhood the children went to church with their parents, and even the babies had a place in the pews. 120 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. The donation party then did double duty as a financial expedient and a social function. What was done on such occasions? A donation is, of course, a gift, and sometimes, I have been told, on such occasions not only were provisions given away, but the good minister who received them as a supplementary appendage to his salary, was also given away. But as a social feature in the early days, the donation party really was a party of no mean pretensions. There was every variety of food and every variety of folks, and no small amount of the food brought went home with the folks who brought it. Somehow eating together seems not only to open the mouth and loosen the tongue, but also to open the heart, This time honored occasion, now obsolete in Flint, had its uses and the good times enjoyed on such occasions are still remembered with pleasure. As royal entertainers in the early days my informant mentioned the family of Chauncey Payne. Sometimes there were dancing parties, and the dancing of that day as seen by the lady now under interview, was decorous and courtly. She mentioned as conspicuous in early social life the Deweys, the Cummins's, the Pages, the family of Mr. Benjamin Pierson, Col. and Mrs. E. H. Thomson, Russell Bishop and wife, Grant Decker and Col. Fenton and their wives, and said there were many more whose names did not occur to her at this time. Card playing was seldom indulged in, and the conversation was of a high order. "Yes," said she, "they could talk." Gentlemen and their wives made evening calls at the firesides of their neighbors, with delightful informality. We have now reached the year 1848 and much attention was then paid to music, said my informant,-herself a musician of no mean attainments. There was a social side as well as a EkARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 121 musical, and some of the young people, now elderly people, remember with pleasure the musical gatherings held in the evening in the old Walker school house, and conducted by a Mr. Nutting, an accomplished southern gentleman. Long ago there was a May Day festival held on the North Side,-a brilliant affair for the young people, and an enjoyable one for their seniors. There were guests from Detroit and Saginaw. The name of the May queen was not given me. Presumably there was not as much competition for the queenly honor as in present times there is for the scepter of the queen of the carnival. With all the social activity of those days, the good people could find time and inclination to listen to three sermons on Sunday. Surely there was then less of rush and hurry than now. "And when did you come to Flint?" said I to an elderly lady who kindly consented to be my third victim, as I sat with pencil in hand at her home. "Well," said she, "I came tc this place in 1842, from Batavia, N. Y." "And how old were you then?" She peered through her glasses half hesitatingly and I explained that I had no deep laid plot to put figures together so as to figure out her present age, for ladies, even the best of them, are just a little shy on that subject. "I was fifteen years old when I came to live in Flint." "A winsome, wide-awake lassie I think you must have been." She confirmed my guess by telling how she once peeped throught the cracks of a primitive dwelling to see how the older people got along at a kind of "hail fellow well met" function, in which, for some reason, she did not participate. It will hardly do for me to record the names or sayings or doings of some well remembered people whom our fifteen year old lassie with an inquiring turn of mind saw through the cracks. I know not if one of them is here to-day, certainly there can be at most but few. 122 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. "Won't you tell me what people used to do in those days in a social way? Surely they did not work all the time." "By no means was it all work. There was a good deal of play, a good deal of fun, and any amount of good feeling. Yes, we did have good times. "While building a better house, people used to live in shanties of considerable size, but no matter how primitive the shanty, it was good enough to receive company in, and such temporary buildings were often the scene of festive gatherings that are pleasant to remember. "There is a feature of our social life at present that was never heard of in the early days. Ladies now get together in the afternoon, sometimes in the evening, and not a gentleman is to be seen there, and I don't like it a bit." I checked my pencil on hearing this statement and gave utterance to an amen, that, like the curses of Macbeth, was not loud but deep, for I, like many another man, have painful memories. The elderly lady seemed amused at the heartiness of my response and then went on: "In the early days I never heard of such a thing as a lady sending out invitations for a social gathering composed exclusively of ladies. Why, it would have been the tamest affair on earth. We old timers never did such a ridiculous thing as that. Men were of some account when I was young. Husbands went with their wives, young men went with some young lady or two, and both the masculine and feminine element were fully, represented. They did not wait for bedtime before lighting their lanterns and starting out. Our parties in those days, when the evening church service used to begin at early candle light, were in full career by seven o'clock." "Was there music at your parties?" "There was moro or less, but pianos were scarce. My mother's was the second iARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 123 piano in Flint, and the possession of such an instrument gave considerable dignity to the family in whose house it was." "Those must have been happy days when there were only two pianos in the place," said I. "Now please think of something else that used to be done to enliven your social life." "Well, we used to play games, especially the old fashioned game of forfeits. Even very dignified people quite enjoyed a game of blind man's buff. How would Flint's four hundred look to-day in evening dress playing that game? Yet we enjoyed it." There was a good deal of dancing. The square dances were in high favor, interspersed with polkas, cotillions, schottisches and waltzes. If the dances are improperly named, 0 reader, pardon the ignorance of the writer and believe that in Flint's early social life all kinds of dances were possible and were brilliantly executed. The only drawback to the dancing was the music. No one then fiddled for pay, and for that reason he who could play the violin was always welcome. Mr. Robert Stage excelled as a scraper of cat-gut, and his appearance at a party with his violin always produced great uneasiness of the feet, and soon developed rhythmic motion. "When I was quite a young lady there was comparatively little card playing. People did play, but would have been shocked at the idea of playing in the day time. The men then had no club rooms to go to where they could smoke and play cards, to the neglect of business, and the women would have found it intolerably stupid to play cards alone." "Tell me, if you please, about the refreshments they used to serve on social occasions in the early days of the place, Were they easy to be obtained when marketing facilities were not what they now are?" 124 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. "Not so easy to be obtained, but they were good, and not merely refreshing, but absolutely distressing by reason of their abundance." "Suppose you *give me the menu that was customary to serve on really elaborate occasions." "Oh, menu-they did not have any use for that word then. But I will call to mind as well as I can what I have often seen served at an old time social gathering. "First as to the meats. They were placed often on a side table and carved in sight of the guests. One gentleman would carve the turkey, and I call to mind Mr......... who was especially skillful in turkey carving. Seeing him carve was next thing to eating itself. "Another gentleman would slice the ham, a large boiled ham fancifully decorated with cloves. Still another would distribute the 'chicken fixin's,' and in those days poultry was abundant. There were also still other kinds of meat. Boiled tongue, and wild game, such as partridge, quail and pigeon often graced the tables. Even the most prosperous people, however, did not own dishes enough to hold all this rich abundance. So the good housewives used to lend their dishes to each other, and a keen eyed woman could generally see something on the table that reminded her of home. "Cakes of all kinds were in evidence and they were placed in full view of the guests. Spectacular effect was aimed at as well as the pleasure of feasting upon the fat of the land. A cake pyramid, whose structure was too complicated for any man to comprehend, loomed up in the center of the table. Its height was less than that of the pyramids of Egypt, but it was pretty high, and was the symbol of a high time for those who witnessed its gradual demolition and disappearance." I ventured to ask with what liquids these delicacies and substantials were floated out of sight? "0, we had coffee, EARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 125 of course, and in many places there was a well filled sideboard. Wine and brandy were not infrequently served at social gatherings such as I have just described." "How about ice-cream, did you have that?" "Have icecream! Yes, indeed we did. The cow in those days was not a four-wheeled affair and milk was not kept from turning sour with formaldehyde. "The cream was genuine, and the women who froze it were genuine, too, and the ice-cream they made did have a certain richness and flavor that you can't find in boughten ice-cream." 'We used, on many occasions, to have two immense molds of ice-cream that looked like small mountain peaks, one at each end of the table, each with a different flavor, vanilla and strawberry were the favorite flavors." "If the first flavor did not quite satisfy, could a gentleman be allowed a second helping from the second little mountain peak?" "Yes, indeed, gentlemen were not bashful about such things in those days, and the ladies enjoyed helping them a second time." I expressed my regrets that I was born many years too late. Wonderful men and women at the table were our early settlers. I have read that "there is a satisfaction in seeing Englishmen eat and drink, they do it so heartily, trusting that there is no harm in good beef and mutton and a reasonablc quantity of good liquor. Thus our early coming people seem to have at least eaten, with no fear whatever oi the failure of the American stomach. "How were the gentlemen usually dressed on festive occasions?" "Generally in neat business suits. The swallow tail was quite uncommon, and a man in one would not have felt entirely at home." 126 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. "What next occurs to you on the subject of early social life?" "Well, I must not forget the sleighrides. I can almost hear the jingle of the bells now, and the many voices that I shall never hear again. "Not infrequently after a good, long ride we would all meet at Aunt Polly Todd's, where a well spread table would be ready for us." "Were stylish sleighs then common?" "By no means, We used to charter large lumber sleighs, with no seats at all except for the driver. With clean straw on the bottom and good buffalo robes on the straw, and us young folks (just look at me now) on the robes. A sleigh ride with us was democratic, but it was full of enjoyment. "Many times have we driven to Grand Blanc and Flushing'. There was little style about the sleighs, but the horses were not at all slow, neither were the young men. "On one occasion one of the gentlemen had secreted a bottle of brandy in his over-coat pocket. The handsomest woman in Flint, (she is not living now and you must not breathe her name) picked his pocket, and dropped the bottle out into the deep snow, where it was found in the spring when the snow melted." "Was the brandy still in the bottle?" "I cannot tell you, sir, but the bottle was found." "What was the favorite amusement in the early days?" "Dancing was decidedly the favorite. There were dancing schools as early as 1848. Dancing was taught in the old hotel, opposite the court house, and after the pupils had received their instructions the old people dropped in and danced." On one such occasion, the lady now speaking for your benefit, 0 public, was greatly amused. There was a young man present who could not dance at all. His best girl could, and greatly enjoyed it. She was a beautiful girl, and was in great demand as a partner in the dance. On this occasion her future husband EARIY SOCIAL IVIFE. 127 looked on as a wall flower, and with such an expiression on his face that had his thoughts been expressed in words, they would probably have been a fine brand of cuss words. The girl enjoyed the dance and the spectators enjoyed the agony of the onlooker who, could not dance, and who could not keep his best girl from dancing with his rivals. "Did the church social count for much as a social factor in the early days?" "Yes, it counted for more than it does now. There were fewer counter attractions for the young, and there was a condition of social good feeling among the churches. "It can hardly be called a social factor, and yet as there was a social side to it, I may mention that there was much horseback riding when I was a young lady. "I cannot forget the high, old-fashioned fire-place that was a great attraction in so many homes. It was a social force in its way, for talk will be at its best before a good wood fire, in a big fire-place, when it would languish over a furnace register. "Customs have gradually changed. Looking back a long way, I cannot fix the time when the gentlemen gradually faded out of united social life, and went, alas, too much, by themselves. And the ladies began to issue invitations to social functions for ladies only. It was not the good old way, and it is no improvement at all." Here let me insert three invitations to social functions, the last of which was musical, as well as social, and many will doubtless call to mind most of those whose names appear on the invitations. The writer of this sketch lived in New York City for ten years previous to coming to Flint. In New York he was familiar with the Knickerbocker custom ofn.aking New Year's 128 PIITIETH ANNIV1ERSARY OF FLINT. calls and found the custom pleasantly recognized when he came to Flint in 1864. This good old Knickerbocker custom, now falling into "innocuous desuetude," has been a factor in the early social life of Flint that is deserving of consideration. It began there at a much earlier date than I had supposed, if my informant has an accurate memory. As far back as 1842, when her parents had moved from the State of New York, a neighbor said to her mother, "Now when New Year's Day comes you must expect to see Indians in your house. They will expect something, and they will surely come." I doubt if there were any doorbells to ring in those days. But the visitor who called could use his knuckles for a knocker, and thus apprise the inmates of the house that some one would like to come in. The Indian callers gave no intimation of their wish for admission. They simply went in, and with their moccasined feet they glided in so silently that many a time the lady of the house has been surprised to find a number of them in her front room looking over the appointments of the apartment. They did not mean to be rude, but it was their way. A piano was to them an object of special wonder. On New Year's Day they would go from house to house with this salutation: "Ugh ugh, Hoppy Noo Year, Hoppy Noo Year." Whether or not they painted up and feathered up for such occasions I did not learn, but Indian callers on New Year's Day would certainly now be almost as unique a feature as some New Year's turn-outs that white men have figured in within my memory. I have been fortunate enough to find calling cards left by gentlemen callers during the years 1872, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878, 1879 and 1880. EARLY SOCIAL LIFE. 129 What the lady receiver of calls used to do in the early days I have been unable to ascertain, but as far back as 1864 -1874 they used frequently to combine in considerable numbers and form an assemblage that no man could approach without a certain trepidation lest he should forget himself and say the incorrect thing. I regret that this good custom is slowly dying out. The early settlers of Flint, as far as I am able to learn, were people of far more than average ability. Pioneer social life under any circumstances will differ widely from the social life of the same locality as wealth increases and lines are drawn and the "our set" idea emerges into prominence. One thing I have noticed in the inquiries I have made of elderly people about the early social life of Flint. They all speak well of it. They look back upon it with pleasure, and there is a feeling of intense loyalty for the men and women who impressed their own ideas of social life upon society in its plastic condition. They who still survive are proud of those who have gone before them. The afterglow that follows the sunset lights up the horizon lines with a splendor of picturesque effect that the midday sun can never produce. We of the present think the sun of Flint's prosperity and glory is at the zenith. They of the past, who still survive early associates and early ways, look back regretfully and dwell with tenderest love and admiration upon the afterglow whose mild radiance so beautifully lights up the horizon line of their early social life. Profoundly should we respect the early settlers and the later but somewhat remote comers who are still with us. Never should we forget them. I have tried to sketch the early social life of Flint in prose and doubtless it is prosy enough. Bear 130 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. with me a little while longer and allow me to present in verse a very imperfect but well meant tribute to men and women who were brave, energetic, hospitable and happy in the early social life of a city that they loved in her cradle and are proud of in her mature and matronly beauty. "LEST WE FORGET." KIPLING. Who were the men and whence came they Who bravely swung their axes, And felled the forest day by 'day, Unterrified by taxes? Of Puritanic stock were some, Self poised, serene and saving: New York spared others, glad to come, Red men and ague braving. They brought good wives their toil to share, More than their share oft taking: A heaven on earth with woman's care, Of their log cabins making. The social life of early days How pleasantly it glided. Each vied with each in social ways, And no one felt one sided. Around those cabins oft at night The skulking wolves came prowling, And half in dream, half in afright The sleepers heard their howling. The timid deer that roamed the wood Fed round the little clearing, And in the distance often stood Half curious-half fearing. Bright shone the ample fire place, As winter crept on slowly: Contentment beamed on every face; Home's altar fire was holy. Iow groaned your tables with good cheer When, resting from your labors, Guests came to dance from far and near, A jolly band of neighbors. EARLY SOCIAL LIPE. 131 What changes in this city fair Have passed before your vision! Old timers you did your full share, To make our town elysian. You courted by a tallow dip, A feeble glimmer shedding: Sometimes, perhaps, there was a slip But oftener a wedding. You've seen the lamp with kerosene That once your parlors lighted, Give way to gas whose radiant sheen Made every heart delighted. Then "press the button" came this way, And women now are looking, To that not far off happy day, When it will do their cooking. The Fenton stages h- on wheels When Boss was in his vigor, Fond memory to your appeals, You've felt their ancient rigor. Where now broad busy streets you see, You have been drawn by cattle: But on our year of jubilee, You heard the street car rattle. New ways of thought are also here, There's less of brimstone Sunday: If in our hearts there's less of fear, There's more of love on Monday. Some feathers dropped from faith's white wing, Prove not that faith is bolting: With sweeter note God's love she'll sing When she has finished moulting. You heard the guns in days of yore, When treason stalked defiant: You saw the time when peace once more With freedom stood reliant. Now looking forth from jubilee, From banners, music, speeches, How strange the contrast that you see As backward, memory reaches, 132 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OP FLINT. Hats off to you who gave our town Her glorious beginning, And started her towards that renown, Which more she's winning. Old timers, time has thinned your ranks, But few are left to tell your story: You smile when speaking of your pranks Before your heads were hoary. But some, thank God, are living yet, Old times they all remember: Those days they never will forget Till fades life's dying ember. THE SCHOOLS OF FLINT By C. T. BRIDGMAN The citizens of Flint are justly proud of its schools. Taxes for their support are always willingly and cheerfully voted and paid. There is scarcely an instance of a refusal on the part of our citizens to provide suitable buildings and equipments for school purposes when asked for by the Board of Education, and the necessity of the case presented in a clear and intelligent manner. But it is certainly a far cry from Daniel O'Sullivan, "The Irish Schoolmaster" of the settlement of Flint River in 1834, and the shanty on the river's bank to this year of Golden Jubilee which finds us with eight magnificent public school buildings, most of them of exceptional architectural beauty, fully equipped with all the modern improvements, and with a competent and faithful corps of teachers. As intimated above, the first schoolmaster of whom we have any record or knowledge was Mr. Daniel O'Sullivan, who arrived at the Flint River settlement in July, 1834. During the following fall he opened a school in a small log cabin which stood upon the site of the present Genesee Mills. His terms were ten cents per week for each pupil. The scholars were about twelve in number and were the sons and daughters of John Todd, James McCormick, R. W. Stevens, James W. Cronk, Lyman Stowe, and his own. In 1835 a man by the name of Aaron Hoyes taught a school in the same place, and he becoming ill, a young lady cexxiii 134 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. by the name of Lucy Riggs temporarily filled the place. The scholars at that date were as follows: Leander, Albert and Zobedia Stevens; Corydon, Walter and Abigail Cronk; Edward Todd; Adaline and Emeline Stowe; William K., Ann Elizabeth, and Sarah McCormick. During 1836 a small shanty for school purposes was erected on the corner now occupied by Fenton Block. The first school in this building was presided over by a Miss Overton. Her compensation was one dollar per week. "The first record that we can find of anything relative to public schools in this vicinity is that of the organization of School District No. 1, at a meeting of the school inspectors held April 11, 1837; Ephraim L. Walker being chairman and Orrin Safford clerk. The first official report of the School Inspectors was made Oct. 20, 1838, from which we learn that the whole number of scholars attending was 60; of whom 39 were between the ages of five and seventeen years; and the number under five and over seventeen being 21, Duration of school, six months. Amount raised by tax was $586; of which $499 was for building a school house, and $87 for the support of the schools. This house was located on the corner of Clifford and First streets. The support of this school was under the rate-bill system and was far from satisfactory. Hard times came on and it was decidedly difficult to raise the money for the support of the school. After struggling along for several years, the friends of education made a rally on the union school system. That portion of the district lying north of Flint river having been set off as a separate district, those remaining purchased an entire block, the site of the present Walker school, and proceeded to erect a commodious school building." The old building with some repairs has been in continuous use for school purposes up to three yeas ago when it gave place to the present magnificent structure. "On the com THE SCHOOLS OF FLINT. 135 pletion of the house a union school was inaugurated in the fall of 1846 under the charge of Mr. N. W. Butts, with an ample force of teachers. While good work was done, the attendance was very irregular. As an illustration we cite a report for the term ending August, 1853; whole number enrolled 64; average attendance 18; average absence 46." It is quite evident that no truant officer was employed at that time. "At the annual school meeting in 1855 the following resolutions were adopted, prefaced with a preamble setting forth that the experiences of ten years had demonstrated the failure of the union school system to give any adequate return for the expense incurred, etc. "Resolved, That the union system as adopted, so far as it goes to establish the academic department in said school, be and the same is hereby abandoned. "Resolved, That we have ten months of school the coming year in this house. That we have one male and two female teachers, qualified to teach the primary and English branches of education. "Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting, the great interest of education in our city would be advanced by a division of Union School District No. 1, so that Saginaw street should be the dividing line. "In accordance with this expression of public sentiment, upon petition of the parties interested, the division was made by the school inspectors, and District No. 3, embracing the Third ward, was formed. But, the disintegration having commenced, another division was called for and made, forming District No. 4, of that portion of the Third ward lying north of Court street. "The old District No. 1, was now left in an anomalous position, for, as might have been expected, with the adoption of the foregoing resolutions, no provision was made for sus 136 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. taiinng a public school, the customary assessment of one dollar per scholar being ignored, with the following curious result: From the report of 1855-56 it appears that the whole amount of teachers' wages was $1,235, of which the amount assessed on rate-bills ($646.47) was more than one-half, while the moiety of less than one-fifth ($214.82) was derived from the primary school fund and mill-tax, and $343.52, more than one-fourth was received from non-residents, a proportion unparalleled in the history of our schools, and an evidence of the popularity of the teacher then in charge, Prof. M. B. Beals. "This was certainly bringing the free public school to its lowest terms, and a continuance of the same policy must soon have lead to the total abandonment of the whole system. But the people were not ready for such a catastrophe, and ever after, at the annual meetings, voted as liberally as the law allowed for the support of schools, and would gladly have anticipated, by a decade, that release from the thraldom of rate-bills which the Legislature ultimately gave. So far from abandoning the academic course, it was made still more prominent. Prof. William Travis, an accomplished teacher, was placed in charge for three years (from 1856 to 1859), and by his ability, culture, energy, and enthusiasm gave a new impetus to the cause of education which left a lasting impression. At the annual meeting in 1859, it was voted unanimously to organize a graded school under the act of the Legislature, approved February 16, 1859, and the following board of trustees were elected, viz.: Levi Walker and Daniel Clarke, for three years; S. N. Warren and Grant Decker, for two years; John Delbridge and C. N. Beecher, for one year. "It would be impossible in the limits of this sketch to note all the teachers whose faithful labors have done so much to lay the foundation upon which the reputation of our schools is being built; but we can not forget the patriot scholar, Capt. W"'R 'i s~ I THE WALKER SCHOOL. THE OAK STREET SCHOOL. 1~-~ i:. THE SCHOOLS OF FLINT. 137 Simeon C. Gould, who, at the call of his country in the hour, of her peril, left the charge of his school for the tented field, where he gave his last and noblest lesson, that of chivalrous devotion to his country, when he laid his young life, so full of the promise of future usefulness and renown, upon her altar, falling a victim in the affair at Fort Wagner, where 'somebody blundered.' "Considering the length of the period that he labored here, nine years from 1865 to 1874, as well as his superior executive ability, no one has done more for our school than Zelotes Truesdel. It was during his administration that the several schools of the city were eventually all brought together, and made to constitute one grand Union School District, including the whole city as it does today. "April 3, 1869, is a most important date in the educational history of Michigan, and worthy a semi-centennial remembrance, as being the day when No. 116 of the Acts of the Legislature for that year, by virtue of which rate-bills were finally abolished, and the free public schools really established, was approved by the Governor, and became the law of the state. "This event gave new vitality to the cause of education, which, together with the constant growth in population and wealth, soon placed the school on a much higher plane than it occupied before the division, and the over-crowded school house again brought up the ever-recurring question as to how the want could best be supplied." Before continuing this line farther we will go back and follow the schools of the First, Third and Fourth wards up to the time they became merged in Union School District as mentioned above. "District No. 3 which contained the largest number of pupils proceeded to erect a brick house on Oak street in the Third ward." This old building, although very unsuitable continued to do duty for school purposes until 1898 138 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. when it gave way to the present fine building known as the Oak street school. The location is a beautiful one in a grove of primitive oaks, but it is to be regretted that more land was not obtained at a time when it could have been done at small expense. "District No. 4, which contained the least territory, with the smallest number of scholars, and a larger proportion of taxable property, instead of building, purchased an unfinished dwelling house on Grand Traverse street, known as the Blades House, and fitting it up as an apology for a school house, kept up a school here for several years. It was not a very successful educational enterprise, and an effort was made in 1861, by petition to the board of school inpsectors, to have it united with No. 3, but, being opposed by a remonstrance, the inspectors declined to act, referring the subject to the voters of the Third and Fourth districts at their annual meeting; and in 1863, there being a decided expression of public sentiment in favor of the measure, and the formal consent of the district officers in writing having been obtained, the measure was effected. The democratic principle of free public school seems to have been but dimly recognized in this enterprise, for we find that in a remonstrance against abandoning the Blades House and substituting the city hall building, a measure demanded for the accommodation of more pupils, it was claimed that, as they had escaped the burden of a school-tax in a great measure in the past, immunity should be continued as a vested right in the future. "Notwithstanding the decided expression in favor of disunion in 1855, it was soon found by experience that the panacea had not yet been found. The evils of isolated and divided action soon became apparent; and while other cities and villages were sustaining their prosperous union graded schools, which were giving them credit and renown, it became evident THE SCHOOLS OF FLINT. 139 that Flint was falling into the back ground. A general sentiment had grown up that something more must be done for education, and in 1867 Districts Nos. 1 and 3 were reunited, under the title of Union School District of the City of Flint, by the act of the Legislature, approved March 9, 1867. "The school was reorganized under this act, with the following board of trustees, after the annual meeting, viz.: Levi Walker, president; William L. Smith, secretary; George R. Gold, treasurer; Paul H. Stewart, Sumner Howard and Daniel Clark. The reunion made the necessity for further accommodations more urgent; and, as the best temporary relief which could be obtained, the unfinished building on the corner of Saginaw and Third streets, known as the city hall building, was leased of the city for a nominal sum, and fitted up at an expense of about $5,000, for the accommodation of the high school. This house continued to be used for this purpose until the completion of the new high school building. After this time a male principal was employed in addition to the superintendent, Mr. S. R. Winchel being the first to occupy that position. "The trustees report at the annual meeting of 1870 shows the employing of two male and thirteen female teachers. Whole number enrolled in the district between the ages of five and twenty, 1,269; whole number attending school, 1,157; of whom 150 were non-residents. "By an act of the Legislature, approved March 18, 1871, amending the charter of the city of Flint, the School Districq No. 1, of the town of Flint, was annexed to the city as the Fourth ward; and by the consent of both parties, became merged in Union School District, its property being transferred and its liabilities assumed. "A brief sketch of this school illustrates the rise and progress of schools in a new country, and verifies the old adage 140 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. 'that where there is a will, there is a way.' The territory now comprising the Fourth ward, for some years after the settlement of Flint, was mostly occupied by a dense growth of pine, forming a most striking feature in the landscape, and giving the new-comer the impression that he had at last reached the border of that vast pine forest of northern Michigan, of which he had heard so much. After the establishment of the State Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind in this vicinity, this pinery was exterminated and a village platted, and, being connected with the business portion of the city by a new bridge, a settlement commenced. As the nearest district school house was at an inconvenient distance, the need of another was soon felt, and April 9, 1859, this territory was set off as District No. 1, of the town of Flint, and soon after organized by a meeting at the house of Geo. F. Hood, Esq., at which time it was reported that all the qualified voters in the district to the number of twenty-one, including one female, had been notified. The following officers were elected, viz.: D. McKercher, moderator; H. G. Beach, director, and H. W. Whitney, assessor. At a special meeting, held April 28th, on motion of G. F. Hood, it was voted that the board have power to purchase material and put up a suitable shanty for a school to be kept in, said shanty to be 18 by 28 feet. This shanty was built upon the site occupied by the present house at a cost, including furniture of about $140. It did good service, being used eleven years, and then, after the completion of the new house was sold at auction for $33. At the annual meeting in 1867, the number of scholars having increased to 100, the shanty had become too small, and the necessity for a new house being felt, it was resolved to raise $1,000.00 by tax and $3,000 by loan for that purpose. A plan submitted by P. C. Cleveland, Esq., of Flint, was adopted, THE SCHOOLS OF PLINT. 141 and the present house was built. This was a two story brick building, surmounted with a belfry, and furnishing a spacious school room on each story." This continued to serve the purpose of the district fairly well, and in 1902 gave way to the present elegant Hazleton Street School. "The burden of building did not prevent the liberal support of the school, for we find that at the next annual meeting, in 1868, on motion of G. L. Walker, Esq., it was resolved, by a vote of 28 to 8, that $2 per scholar be raised by tax for the support of the school, amounting to $262. "In 1869 a graded school was established and a board of six trustees was elected, viz.: L. P. Andrews, G. L. Walker, G. Stanard, J. Williams, O. Maltby, and J. Haver. "The reported state of the finances at this time was an empty treasury, rate bills abolished by law, and teachers unpaid. However these difficulties were overcome, a male teacher, Mr. C. Donelson, was employed, and in the absence of further records, we can only say that this school continued to flourish until absorbed into the union school of the city, in 1871, and will now compare favorably with any other school of its grade in the city." We learn from the records of the board of school inspectors of the town of Flint that School District No. 2, embracing the present First and Fifth wards of /the city, was formed March 8, 1845. In the following year a brick school house was built on Detroit street, at present occupied as a grocery store. This is noted not only as being the oldest house extant, but as being the first brick building erected in our city. A small building still standing just south of the Doyle school on Saginaw street, and at present occupied as a dwelling house, was used for school purposes prior to the building of the brick school house next described. 142 PIIETT H ANNIVERSARY OF FLINNT. "The early records of this district are lost, or inaccessible. It seems not to have been very prosperous, or to have soon fallen into decay, judging from the remarks of the director, H, W. Wood, Esq., at the dedication of the new house, Dec. 6, 1858. These remarks we quote, not only as giving a graphic picture of the slough into which educational interests had fallen, but also, and more especially as showing what can be accomplished by indomitable energy, under the most adverse circumstances. "Mr. Wood says: 'Having always been deeply impressed with the great importance of good schools, and the proper training and education of the rising generation, it was with deep feelings of mortification that the undersigned, in common with many others in the First ward, beheld the low and inefficient state and condition of the public education in this ward during several years past. It was a source of great annoyance to hear our ward and district spoken of disparagingly by the inhabitants of other and more favored localities. On every side of us schools were in flourishing and prosperous condition, and growing rapidly into importance in the estimation of the people; and for some time it was a question asked by some one in this district, with great solicitude, whether something could not be done to elevate the character of our school. But there were many obstacles in the way. There was no suitable building; the old brick school house on Detroit street was in a dilapidated and ruinous condition. It was, in short, a stigma on the public spirit of the ward, a by-word and reproach. It was located on a plat of ground inaccessible and inconvenient; and it was found that before anything effectual could be done to advance the cause of education among us, a large sum of money must be expended in purchasing gounds and erecting suitable buildings. This necessity has been appreciated for several years by almost every one of intelligence in THE SCHOOLS OP FLINT. 14.3 the district. But to this step there was manifestly at first a spirit of opposition, based, as many thought, on tenable grounds, but, as others thought, without any just foundation. The financial crisis of 1857 was just coming upon us. Property was depreciated, and general terror and alarm pervaded every mind; and under such a state of things it was almost preposterous to hope that anything could be done. Yet it was determined to make an effort and succeed or else dispense with the miserable apology for a school which at that time pretended to exist. Accordingly at the annual meeting in 1857, the project was started, generally discussed, and those in favor were highly gratified that more were with them than they expected. After the discussion, various plans were submitted ranging from a few dollars of repairs upon the old house to the building of one larger, more elegant and commodious, convenient and expensive. A committee of three intelligent gentlemen was appointed to investigate and report at a subsequent meeting a plan of operations. After thorough investigation, the committee reported in favor of a new school house, recommended the purchase of the present site, and the building of the present elegant and convenient house which you see before you. To the gratification of every one, the report of the committee was adopted, and $1,000 were raised to aid the enterprise. The board were authorized to purchase the site and let the job for building. The job was let to good workmen and responsible parties, and, as a result, you see before you this noble structure, which is alike an enduring monument to the generous and high-minded public spirit of the patrons of schools in this part of the city. True, it has been an expensive enterprise and the times have been hard. It has borne heavily upon many of us. Yet we are proud of it; we are glad the enterprise was gone into, and successfully. It is admitted by all that we have the best house that has been built for the amount of money in this 144 IPTIETIH ANNIVERSARY OF PLINT. vicinity. And, as we have the best house in this county, your director, in taking leave of this part of the subject, would earnestly recommend to every one to be united, cheerful, and zealous in maintaining a school worthy of your house, of yourselves, and to which the rising generation, in after years, may look with pride, gratitude, and affection.' This building known for many years as the Saginaw Street School continued to serve the purpose of the district until 1901, when it was replaced by the present handsome and commodious Doyle School. "It is highly gratifying to find that zeal in a good cause did not spend itself in building the house, but went on to establish and sustain a first class school including, not only the higher English branches, but the classics, and some of the modern languages, supplying also the appliances necessary for success, including maps, books of reference, and a library of miscellaneous books; and doing this with alacrity, while heavily taxed for the expense incurred in building. "At the annual meeting in 1859 a graded school was organized under the act of the Legislature then recently passed, and the following gentlemen were elected a board of trustees, viz.: D. S. Freeman and D. S. Fox, for one year; A. McFarlan and O. Adams, for two years; and F. H. Rankin and H. W. Wood, for three years. "In 1865 valuable philosophical apparatus was bought, and $2,000 raised by tax to enlarge the new school house, which had become inadequate to accommodate the increasing mass of pupils. "In 1867 the enlarged house again became crowded, and another known as the Branch House, was built on Second street at the corner of Lyon street." This building is now known as the Stevenson School and has since been greatly enlarged and improved. ii.:I ii)17 iX i THE DOYLE SCHOOL. THE FLINT HIGH SCHOOL. I ' THE SCHOOLS OF FLINT. 145 "The following named gentlemen have had charge of the schools in this district for periods of greater or less length since the renovation, viz.: Messrs. H. C. Jones, E. M. Mason, W. Tennant, S. B. Kingsbury, T. M. Wells, and F. M. Hamilton. The list of female teachers who have done faithful work in this field, the full value of which can never be appreciated, is too long for rehearsal here. "The movement which had been inaugurated in the Union School District, on the south side of the river, for building a new house attracted the attention of educationists in this ward; and, at a special meeting of the qualified voters, held Nov. 10, 1871, a preamble and resolutions were adopted in favor of union, on certain conditions. These conditions being assented to after further conference, the consolidation of the four wards of the city in one school district was effected by an act of the Legislature, approved March 28, 1872. "Thus the prosperous school, in the full tide of its success, became merged in that grand enterprise which has brought all our schools into one organization, in which relation we trust the good record of the past will be amply sustained. "Each increment of the Union School District rendered the call for a new house more urgent, the temporary relief obtained by occupying the city hall building having been outgrown by the rapid increase of our growing city. And, accordingly, we find that at the annual meeting, held Sept. 2, 1871, the board of trustees in their report, after noting the highly prosperous condition of the school, and its favorable standing among the other schools of like grade in the state, most strongly urged the absolute necessity for enlarged accommodations; and, at the same meeting resolutions were adopted that a site be procured, and plans and estimates obtained for a new building. A tax of $5,000 was voted for purchasing a site, and the issuing of bonds to the amount of $20,000 (all the law allowed) 146 FIPIErITH ANNIVERSARY OF ViLINT. authorized. A series of adjourned meetings were held, at which the proposition of District No. 2 for union was favorably received, $55,000 were added to the amount authorized, permission having been obtained by legislative action; and, several attempts having been made to fix upon a site by vote of the tax-payers, that subject was referred to the board of trustees, who having no better success, left the decision of the question to a committee consisting of President Angell, of the State University; Prof. Eastabrook, of the State Normal School; and Hon. M. E. Crofoot, of Pontiac. This committee, after viewing the premises, expressed their preference for the Pierson block, in the Second ward, as the most eligible; but in view of better reconciling all parties, recommended the adoption of the Lamond block, in the Third ward,-the site now occupied by the High School building. Their award was acceeded to by the board, and subsequently adopted by the tax-payers, who in view of the fact that the owners of the property declined to sell on what were deemed reasonable terms, directed that legal measures should be taken to obtain it. The south four lots of that portion of the block now occupied were thus obtained, by an award of a jury, at a cost of $8,500; and the north four lots were subsequently obtained by negotiation at a cost of $10,000; making the expense of the eight lots, including the expenses of litigation and back taxes, $19,060. "While negotiations were going on to secure a site, efforts were also being made to procure plans and estimates. Committees were apointed to visit and inspect other school houses, and to investigate materials and methods of heating and ventilation. The final result was that, after deciding upon the site, ground-plan, and general arrangement of the building, the subject was referred to Porter & Watkins, architects, who subsequently submitted a draft, with plans and specifications of the building, which has since been erected; and which, we trust, THI SCHOOLS OF PLINT. 147 will long stand as a graceful monument of the skill and taste of the architects, and of the faithful labors of the contractor and all engaged in its construction. "Proposals having been advertised and received, the contract was awarded to Ruben Van Tifflin, Esq., June 16, 1873, at $68,000, to be completed July 1, 1875; which contract was faithfully fulfilled, to the entire satisfaction of the board of trustees, as expressed in a well deserved resolution of commendation unanimously adopted. The whole amount paid the contractor, as appears from the printed schedule of the secretary for 1875, was $77,377.62. This excess includes the expense of various changes and additions, ordered or approved by the tax-payers; as the building of a boiler-house, it being designed in the original plan to place the boilers in the basement; the substitution of artificial stone for window caps, in place of galvanized iron; the tuck-pointing of the whole building; besides the construction of out-houses, two large cisterns with the necessary conduits, and other matters of less note. "The heating apparatus, which combines the direct with the indirect radiation, by the use of steam, was furnished and put in by Cane Bros., of Chicago, on contract, at $6,674. The test thus far has been highly satisfactory, both as to the plan and the workmanship. "The desks and seats for the pupils, which are substantial, elegant and convenient, were furnished by the School Furniture Company, Sterling, Ill., at a cost of $1,678.50. The teachers' desks were furnished by W. B. Colson, of Flint, and are a practical demonstration of the skill of our mechanics. "The bell, which weighs 2,000 pounds, was furnished by Meneeley & Kimberly, for $804.20; and the clock, which is a beautiful piece of mechanism, and testifies its own accuracy, by the Howard Clock Company, of Boston, for $650. 148 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. "The public are indebted for the judicious selection of these valuable and indespensable adjuncts to the skill and good taste of Wm. Stevenson, Esq., to whom that duty was assigned by the board. "The building having been completed, was dedicated July 13, 1875, on which occasion a highly interesting and instructive address was delivered by Hon. Duane Doty, of Detroit. "August 30, 1875, the school was opened in its several departments under charge of Mr. T. W. Crissey, assisted by an able corps of teachers, and is now in full tide of successful operation; and we trust that the good work so auspiciously begun will go on until the Flint schools shall become potent in aiding to build that foundation of education and morality which alone will form a stable basis for free institutions." The foregoing sketch in quotation was written by the late Dan'l Clark, M. D., early in 1876, and was used in a history of Genesee County issued by Messrs. Everts and Abbott in 1879. Since the organization of this district the law has been twice amended. The limits of the district are the same as those of the city, the trustees are elected by ballot at the same time as the city officers, the first Monday in April, three trustees being elected each year for the term of three years. Going back to 1874 when Mr. Truesdel left after seeing the result of his labor in a perfectly united Union School embracing the whole city, and the new High School building well under way, we will briefly mention the superintendents who since that time have had charge of our schools. Mr. S. Montgomery succeeded Mr. Truesdel, but only remained one year. He was succeeded by Mr. T. W. Crissey in 1875, who remained for five years and did excellent work. Mr. Marshall T. Gass took charge of the schools in 1880, and was very popular with the scholars. He left during the year 1883, and THE SCHOOLS OF FLINT. 149 was succeeded by Mr. Irving W. Barnhart, who remained till 1886. He was followed by Mr. Wesley Sears, who remained for two years and was succeeded by Mr. David McKenzie in 1888. Mr. McKenzie had been principal of the High School for some years previous. He continued as superintendent for four years and did splendid work for our schools, bringing them to a high state of efficiency. He had the respect and esteem of everybody, school board, parents and children alike. The next to take charge of our schools was Mr. George W. Fiske, a very cultured and scholarly gentleman, who remained only one year, and was succeeded by Mr. W. H. Honey, a rigid disciplinarian. He remained only one year, and was succeeded by Mr. F. R. Hathaway, a gentleman of fine education and unusual executive ability. He continued for four years and did excellent work, leaving our schools in 1898 in fine shape. He was followed by Mr. W. C. Hull, who remained for three years. Mr. Hull was succeeded in 1901 by Mr. R. H. Kirkland, who also remained three years. Mr. A. N. Cody has deen principal of the High School for several years, and on the retirement of Mr. Kirkland, was promoted to superintendency, and is the present able and popular head of our public schools. The Board of Education June, 1905, is composed of: George W. Cook, President. Thos. J. Allen. W. C. Lewis, Secretary. M. C. Hutchins. W. E. Martin, Treasurer. S. W. Given. Thos. Doyle. E. D. Foote. F. H. Rankin. The list of teachers is as follows: HIGH SCHOOL. A. N. Cody, Superintendent. Mary E. S. Gold. C. G. Wade, Principal. L. S. Parmelee. Margaret Algoe. Jennie M. Payne. Florence Fuller. Henrietta Lewis. Flora Keeney. Louise Wheeler. Susie McMullen. Fidelia Finlan. Katharine Veit. Carrie Lewis. Bertha Williams. 150 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. DOYLE SCHOOL. Stella Edwards, Principal. Helen Welsh. Eva Curtis. Jennie Haight. Addie Smith. Grace Pierce. Edith Cole. Helen Kane. Sarah Breene. Ethel Wolcott. Isabell Lane. Laura Favereaux. Nellie Kingman. Miss Mears. Grace Phelps. Jessie Hutton. Mary Kelly, Principal. Nellie McNaughton. Jennie McNaughton. STEVENSON SCHOOL. Maude White. Caroline Walker. Emma Earle. KEARSLEY SCHOOL. Elizabeth Coates, Principal. Abigail Baker. Lucy Davis, Principal. Mrs. Bishop. Nina Bushnell. Katherine Pinney. Virginia Forrest. Mary Coates. Clara Hall, Principal Margaret Van Riper. Clara Nixon, Principal. Lottie Mills. Sadie Williams. Nina Sharp. WALKER SCHOOL. Gertrude Chambers. Marie Chisholm. Helen Collier. Mabel V. Roberts. Sarah Miles. Lucy Fitch. CLARK SCHOOL. Cassie Pettis. Caroline Walker. OAK STREET SCHOOL. May Freligh. Martha Howe. Alice Elwood. Charlene Ellis. Myrtis Raab, Principal. Minnie Cogger. Jean Law. Jean Farr. HAZELTON SCHOOL. Anna Haynes. Gertrude Springer. Katherine Pugsley. SPECIAL TEACHERS. Clarence Howell, Manual Training. Ethel Lee, Music. Katharine Law, Drawing. THEi SCHOOLS OP FLINT. 151 KINDERGARTEN CENTRAL BUILDING. Verna Hosie. SUBSTITUTE. Mary Hill. The number of pupils enrolled for the year 1904-1905 is 2,969. The expense for the year ending June, 1905, was $89,127.61. The number in the graduating class June, 1905, is 65. Under the compulsory school law the troubles of irregular attendance in the early days mentioned in this article have been practically eliminated, and yet the truant officer finds that he has some duties to perform in the thorough enforcement of this law. And now in this year of our Golden Jubilee it is exceedingly gratifying to know that our schools since coming under one general supervision have been generally successful, and have taken high rank, second to none in the state, graduates from our High School being admitted without further examination to the State University. And instances have been known where our graduates have been admitted to an eastern college of the highest standing without examination. And at this time under the leadership of the present superintendent, Mr. A. N. Cody, assisted by the faithful and efficient teachers in all departments, we see no reason why our schools should not prosper and continue an abiding force in the upbuilding of the character and education of the youth of this community. The history of the Flint schools would not be complete without mention of St. Michael's Parochial School. In the year 1856, a small one room building was erected on the south side of the old St. Michael's Church building, during the pastorate of Rev. Deceunnick. School started same year with Miss Fawcett as teacher. The building was used for school purposes until 1871, when present school building was erected by Rev. Fr. Gilloetise. Among the teachers employed were 152 FIFTIiTH ANNIVERSARY OP FLINT. Julia Marum, a sister of Mrs. Win. Hamilton, Mary Wallace, Miss Holland, Miss Anna Lennon, and John Donovan, the latter better known as "Donovan of Bay." During the administration of Rev. Fr. Haire, the sisters of I. H. M. were brought to Flint and given charge of the schools, and the same has been conducted under their management ever since. Through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Murphy and the sisters, many important changes have been made, and at present consists of grammar, primary grades, kindergarten, and music. The course of study embraces, Christian doctrine, reading, spelling, language, geography, arithmetic, United States history, civil government, physiology, penmanship, drawing, nature study, sight-singing. A music department was added in 1896. This course embraces lessons in vocal and instrumental music, piano, violin, banjo, mandolin and guitar, and is considered a very important adjunct to the school. The present enrollment is 180. The Michigan School For the Deaf. By FRANCIS D. CLARKE. The Constitution of the State of Michigan, adopted in 1850, contains the following provision: "Institutions for the benefit of those inhabitants who are deaf, dumb, blind or insane, shall always be fostered and supported." Previous, however, to the adoption of the Constitution, the State had taken steps to establish such institutions. As early as February, 1848, at the suggestion of the Governor, Epaphroditus Ransom, the Legislature passed an act establishing the "Michigan Asylum for Educating the Deaf and Dumb and Blind." In 1850, the village, now city, of Flint, whose citizens had agreed to contribute $3,000 in money and twenty acres of land for the benefit of the institution, was chosen as its future location. In 1853, $3,000 were appropriated for the construction of buildings and other purposes. Two members of the board of trustees were deputed to visit schools for the deaf and the blind in other states, with a view of obtaining information which should guide them in the erection of buildings. As a result of this visit the board wisely decided not to defer the establishment of the institution until permanent buildings should have been erected, but to hire a house and open the school as soon as possible. The first house hired was the "Old Dewey Place" at the corner of Eighth and Church streets, afterwards the residence of Mr. M. C. Barney, where the school was opened, and remained for a few months. It was then removed to the "Hazlecliii 154 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. ton Homestead," now the residence of Hon. Jerome Eddy, also on Church street, where it remained until one of the present buildings was completed in 1856. In their visit to the other states in search of information the trustees had been favorably impressed with the Rev. Barnabas Maynard Fay, an instructor in the Indiana Institution for the blind, and when they decided to open the school they invited him to become principal. He accepted the invitation of the trustees, and notice was given that the school would be open for the reception of pupils on the first of February, 1854. On the sixth of February the first pupil came; he was James Bradley, who for many years has been a prosperous farmer at Lawton, Michigan, but is now residing near Flint. By the close of the first year there were seventeen pupils in attendance. Dr. Fay continued as superintendent for a little more than ten years, resigning in September, 1864. During his administration the school met with more than the ordinary difficulties of young institutions, as the great civil war demanded most of the attention and money of the state, still it prospered and the attendance rose to one hundred and three pupils; 80 deaf and 23 blind, in July, 1863, but then the department for the blind was suspended, and in June, 1864, there were only 81, all deaf. It would be a serious omission to pass over this period without mentioning the services of Hon. James B. Walker, of Flint. Up to 1856, this school and the Asylum for the Insane were under the management of one board, but in that year the legislature enacted that there should be a separate board for each, and the Governor appointed as trustees for the School for the Deaf, James B. Walker, Benjamin Pierson, and John P. LeRoy. Mr. Walker was chosen treasurer and building commissioner, offices which he continued to hold until March 31st, 1873. During this time all the larger and more expensive buildings of the school, with the exception of Brown Hall, were THE SCHOOLS OF FLINT. 155 erected, and the State of Michigan owes much to Mr. Walker's energy and business ability. Dr. Fay showed rare foresight in the selection of his assistants. His first two teachers were W. L. M. Breg and James Denison; the former, after years of faithful work, has gone to his reward; the other for many years has been the honored head of the Kendall School at Washington, D. C. To these were added in 1858, Misses Belle H. Ransom and Harriet L. Seymour, and Mr. Jacob L. Green, who was succeeded in February, 1859, by Thomas L. Brown, who still teaches in the school, while Mr. Willis Hubbard appears as a new teacher in 1863. Mr. Egbert L. Bangs, a teacher of experience in the New York institution, was chosen to succeed Dr. Fay, and under him the school continued to progress. On August 14th and 15th, 1872, a conference of superintendents and principals of the American Institutions for the Deaf was held at the Michigan school, which was addressed by Mr. A. Graham Bell, on the importance of using his father's invention, "Visible Speech," in teaching articulation to the deaf. Had those present known that Mr. Bell was at work on the invention which made him famous all over the civilized world, his words in favor of visible speech would have had more weight. As it was, this particular method was adopted at the Michigan school, but only remained in use two years, though some of the eastern schools used it for ten or twelve years after that time. It has been often said that one of the results of that visit of Mr. Bell was the beginning of the teaching of speech in the Michigan school, but this is not so, as at a conference of the superintendents held in Washington in May, 1868, a resolution was unanimously passed recommending that provision for such teaching be made at every American school for the deaf, in accordance with which Mr. George L. Brockett was "placed 156 FIFTIITH ANNIVERSARY OF PLINT. in charge of the department of articulation" in the fall of 1868. This department has grown steadily from that time, and at present contains more than half the pupils of the school. To Mr. Bangs belongs the credit of establishing the excellent system of trade teaching that has for so long a time distinguished the Michigan school. Exactly when each trade was begun, it is impossible now to say. There were none when Mr. Bangs came, and he left a fine system well equipped. The official reports of the school are singularly silent on the subject, but tradition informs us that the first and most expensive of these shops was built and equipped by Mr. Walker with money that the legislature intended to go towards the main building. Mr. Walker retired in 1873, and was succeeded as treasurer by Hon. William L. Smith, who gave to the school the splendid system of bookkeeping, which has been continued ever since. By this time the buildings of the school were so complete, that Mr. Smith turned his attention to the grounds and by his wisdom and foresight began the work which has made the school grounds the beauty-spot of Flint. Under this same administration, in 1874, Mrs. Sarah R. Jones, a graduate of the first American School for the Deaf, at Hartford, was appointed to take charge of the girls of the school, a position that she held till her death on April 21st, 1903. This rarely gifted woman has left her impress on the manners and character of a generation of the deaf girls of our state. In May, 1876, Mr. Bangs resigned, after having served the school faithfully for almost twelve years. Among his last appointments we find the names of Edwin Barton and John Austin, the first of whom was foreman of the cabinet shop until his death on June 6th, 1905, and the latter is still chief engineer. MICHIGAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF. 157 Mr. Bangs was succeeded by Mr. J. Willis Parker, a teacher in the school, who held the office until the close of the session of 1878-9, when he resigned to accept the position of superintendent of the Kansas school. The trustees employed as his successor, Dr. Thomas Mac Intyre, who had been for twenty-six years at the head of the Indiana school, and who began his work in Michigan, August 1st, 1879. In 1880 the blind, who had been educated in connection with the deaf, were removed to a fine new building in Lansing, the management of which was given to a separate board of trustees. There never was any good reason why these two classes of children should be taught in the same school, as their needs are entirely different. Dr. Mac Intyre retired at the close of the school year in 1882, and the board appointed to succeed him Mr. D. H. Church, who had been steward for nine years, as superintendent, and as principal of the educational department, Mr. F. A. Platt, who had taught in the school for some years. Under this arrangement the board expected to get more efficient service in both departments without any additional expense, but apparently the hope proved delusive, for in September, 1883, Mr. M. T. Gass was appointed superintendent and Mr. Church returned to his old position as steward, which he continued to hold until October 1st, 1889, when on account of failing health he declined a re-appointment. Mr. E. F. Swan was appointed to succeed him, and has held the position ever since, discharging its various and onerous duties in a manner that calls for the very highest praise. It is entirely owing to his ability and accuracy, that the School for the Deaf has the reputation of needing less correction from the Auditor General's office than any other State Institution. In 1891 the management of the school, which for so many years had been in the hands of its own board of trustees, was 158 PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. taken from them by the legislature, and placed in the hands of the Central Board of Control of State Institutions, who also had charge of the State Public School, and the School for the Blind. This arrangement continued only until 1893, when the next legislature changed it. On July 1st, 1892, Mr. Thomas Monroe, who for ten years had taught in the school, succeeded Mr. M. T. Gass as superintendent. Great results were expected from this appointment, as Mr. Monroe thoroughly understood the deaf and their language, but he never spoke to his children as their superintendent. He was attacked with typhoid fever on September 16th, before school opened, and died on September 30th. At the next regular meeting of the.board on October 27th, 1892, the present superintendent was elected, but did not report for duty until December 1st. Mr. Clarke had taught in the New York School for seventeen years, and had been superintendent of the Arkansas School for seven years. On May 25th, 1893, the school was again reorganized, being again given into the care of its own board of trustees: Hon. C. B. Turner, of Pontiac, president; Hon. J. A. Trotter, of Vassar, secretary, and Gen. Chas. S. Brown, of Flint, treasurer. A better board was never appointed. The spirit which governed them may be judged from these extracts from their first report: "Another point in which we have changed past customs is by insisting that the pupils and their comfort and good shall be the first object of the school." "We realize the fact that this school was founded and is supported for the good of the deaf children of this state, and while desiring the utmost economy, think any saving made at the expense of the progress or comfort of the pupils, defeats the purpose of the school. We wish our graduates to be the best in the world, and any saving that prevents this, is false economy." These words were inspired by General C. S. Brown, the treasurer of the board, and, as the member residing in Flint, TEH SCHOOLS OP FLINT. 159 the one who had the greatest interest in the school. They show the spirit in which he worked for the deaf children, wards of the state. Morning, noon and night, the welfare of the school, the good of the children gathered here, and their advancement in everything that tends toward making them good citizens, seemed to be his dearest wish. In the school-room, on the play-ground, in the work shops or the dining-room, at social parties or athletic contests, his soldierly figure was a very familiar and a very welcome sight, and with the quick instinct of children, the pupils recognized the tenderness of his great heart and loved him as a father; and when on October 27th, 1904, he answered the call of the Great Commander, and passed to his eternal reward, though there were many who mourned him sincerely, none felt his loss more keenly than those deaf children for whom he had labored so faithfully. Brown Hall, built during his trusteeship, and named in his honor, will stand as his enduring monument, but none is needed to keep his memory bright among those who assemble within its walls. The passing of the fiftieth year of the work of this school was celebrated by a reunion of the alumni at the school on June 21st to 24th, under the auspices of the Michigan Association of the Deaf. Upwards of three hundred of them returned to the school and passed four very happy days in renewing old friendships, viewing old scenes, and in seeing the many changes and improvements that have taken place since their school time. To commemorate this reunion, the Association presented to the school a bronze memorial of Rev. Barnabas Maynard Fay, the first principal of the school, which was placed in a conspicuous place in the front hall of the main building, and among those who. were present at its unveiling was Dr. Edwin Allen Fay, the oldest son of Rev. Dr. Fay, and vice-president of Gallaudet College, who spoke feelingly on the occasion. 160 PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. This tablet bears in bas-relief a fine likeness of Dr. Fay, and was the work of Roy C. Carpenter, a graduate of our school, who is winning reputation by his skill as a sculptor, this memorial tablet being by no means his first successful work of art. The work done by the Michigan School for the Deaf during the half century of its existence, is a source of pride to all who know it. True, none of its graduates have been presidents, governors, judges, or filled any office higher than that of county clerk. Among them are no great lawyers, doctors, preachers or statesmen. Worldly wealth has come to very few. But not one has ever been a convict in a penitentiary, and but very few, less than half a dozen in a list of almost two thousand, have been obliged to apply for county or state aid. Trained to look upon labor as honorable, and to regard the opportunity to work as the best luck that can come to them, they have labored diligently and faithfully in the stations to which God has been pleased to call them, doing with their might whatsoever their hands find to do, and really being self-respecting, industrious, upright men and women. At present the officers and teachers of the school are: Robert L. Warren, Ann Arbor, President. Arthur G. Bishop, Flint, Treasurer. Allison L. Wright, Bad Axe, Secretary. Francis D. Clarke, A. M., C. E., Superintendent. Edwin F. Swan, Steward. Martha E. Drury, Matron. Ransom N. Murray, M. D., Physician. Mary Crawford, Assistant Matron. Annie Stevens Rundell, M. D., Assistant Physician. John Austin, Engineer. TEACHERS. MANUAL DEPARTMENT. Thomas L. Brown Alice H. Perkins Willis Hubbard Mary A. Spencer Emma F. Knight Mary M. Williamson James M. Stewart, B. A. Hugh D. Babcock M. C. Boylan, B. S. Addie Hurd Arlington J. Eickhoff, B. A. O. Clyde Stevens, B. A. Josephine Stewart MICHIGAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, FLINT. C'. I-i I:~ 1~:~ MICHIGAN SCHOOL EOR THE D1EAF. ORAL DEPARTMENT-CARRIE E. BILLINGS, PRINCIPAL. 161 Ella E. J. Crawford Carrie W. Earle Caroline F. Elwood Jessie S. Ballantyne Georgia E. Andrews Sara I-I. Fenner Arthur P. Buchanan Ida M. Austin Fannie E. Thayer Margaret Hamilton Maud Z. Howchin Margaret Forrest Lina Kennewell Mabel Shortle Ruth Leadbetter Inez Grear Gertrude Lyon. Florence Thayer Louise Galliver Robert L. Erd, Teacher of Physical Culture. Mary Beattie, B. A., Teacher of Primary Art. INSTRUCTORS. George F. Tripp, Woodworking. David J. Moncrieff, Leather Working. F. L. Gibbs, Tailoring. Mrs. H. R. J. Mercer, Art. Agnes Ballantyne, Dressmaking-Millinery. Cara Farmer, Domestic Science. SUPERVISORS. Fred M. Kaufman Florence H. Jones Newell M. Johnson Fannie I. Gilmore Fraternal and Beneficiary Societies By LOUIS G. WILLISON Fraternal co-operation has ever been a prominent factor in the development of the city of Flint. While keen and stimulating competition has never been lacking among its business and professional men, they have worked together, in the most harmonious manner, in matters concerning the general welfare. So obvious has this fact become, both at home and abroad, that it is among the many things of which the city is pardonably proud. Whether the growth of fraternal and beneficiary societies in this city has been the effect of the fraternal spirit which prevails, or that this spirit has been fostered by these societies, is an interesting problem, but outside the purpose of this chapter. Certain it is that their conception and development have been contemporaneous with those of the city and that the names of their officers and leaders are to be found prominently connected with all of its business and social enterprises. The number and variety of such organizations are continually increasing, and their prosperous condition is further proof of the congenial nature of their environment. Anything like a complete history of each is necessarily impossible within the space allotted to this subject and the following sketches are offered only as a summary of the cardinal facts. clxii FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 163 INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has the distinction of having established the first of the many local lodges now existing in Flint, and for nearly (0 years its members here have faithfully and loyally upheld the dignity and traditions of their illustrious order. As a natural result, the little band of seven which established the first lodge has grown to a membership of over 500 in Flint, and about 1,200 in Genesee County. Genesee Lodge No. 24, I. 0. 0. F., was granted a dispensation April 29, 1847, to organize in the then village of Flint, with Edward H. Thomson as Noble Grand and Geo. M. Dewey as Vice Grand. Two of the charter members afterward became Grand Masters, Wm. M. Fenton in 1855 and Edward H. Thompson in 1872. The late Francis H. Rankin became a member of this lodge soon after its organization, and served as its treasurer for sixty terms. He was Grand Master in 1872. This lodge is justly proud of the fact, that it has never failed to make its report to the Grand Lodge, never missed being represented there, has always held its regular meetings on Tuesday evenings, and has paid many thousands of dollars for relief and burial benefits, and it now has a membership of about 200. The earliest meeting places cannot be definitely located, but according to the recollection of some old members, it met for a time over No. 323 South Saginaw street, and in 1867 had its home over No. 318 South Saginaw street, removing about that time to the hall in the Judd block. In the fall of 1903 it decided to own its own home and purchased the Ladies' Library building, which it transformed into a handsome and commodious temple, the first meeting being held there Feb. 15, 1904, 164 PIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF iLINT. Friendship Lodge No. 174, I. O. O. F., was instituted Nov. 20, 1871, over No. 322 So. Saginaw street with ten charter members. Its first Noble Grand, Win. A. Miller and its first Vice Grand, Hiram Cooper, and one other, are still members of the lodge. From this small beginning, through trying and perilous times and many changes, this lodge has fought its way to be one of the finest in the State, with a present membership of nearly 200. Its staff work is fast gaining an enviable reputation. It also has never missed sending its reports and dues to the Grand Lodge, and it is well represented in the Camp and Canton. It is now located in the hall in the McDermot block. Flint River Encampment No. 28, I. O. O. F., was instituted December 19, 1868, with five members (none of whom now survive) in Odd Fellows' Hall, Judd block. The first candidate was the late E. H. Thompson, who in later years became Grand Master. During its long and prosperous career it has admitted 428 members, buried 21, paid out large sums for sick and funeral benefits, never missed its annual report to the Grand Encampment of Michigan., has always had one or more representatives in the Grand bodies. The Grand Encampment has twice been its guest, first in 1892, and again in 1903. Five other Encampments have been organized from it, and it has produced 75 Chief Patriarchs, one-third of whom are now living. Its present membership is 160 and its meeting place the hall in the McDermot block. Canton Col. Fenton, No. 27, P. M. I. O. O. F., was chartered Aug. 30, 1887, and mustered into service Nov. 28 following, in the hall in the Judd block, with 38 members. Its first officers were Capt. T. A. Willett, Lieut. W. A. Boland, Ensign C. S. Martin. It has always been well to the front along military lines, and has won both state and national fame, winning in competitive drill, five second and five first PRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 165 state prizes and one national prize. One of its members, Gen. T. A. Willett, organized the Department Council as an independent department, Oct. 14, 1894, and was three years Depart, ment Commander. Gen. C. S. Martin filled the same position nearly six years. Its present membership is 62 and its place of meeting, in the McDermot block. Ada B Rebekah Lodge, No. 17, was instituted Friday evening, May 4th, 1888, in the hall over 324 South Saginaw street, by the late George M. Dewey, of Owosso, then Past Grand Master, with twenty-five charter members. Mrs. Elise A. Willett and Mrs. May Martin were first Noble Grand and Vice Grand, respectively. Charles S. Martin, of Friendship Lodge, No. 174, was commissioned D. D. G. M. for the new Rebekah Lodge. Friday has not proven an unlucky day for this lodge which has passed the two hundred mark in point of membership; has been called upon, with its efficient Degree Staff, which is said to be second to none in the State, to assist in the institution of six Rebekah Lodges in the vicinity; had for four years an officer in the Rebekah Assembly; and, in fact, pursues the even tenor of its way so prosperously and harmoniously that no President of the Assembly has ever had an excuse to visit it as a weak lodge, nor has she ever been sent for to settle a difficulty. Of its 26 charter members, 11 are still living and in good standing in the lodge. Its present home is in the hall of Friendship Lodge, in the McDermot block. Genesee Rebekah Lodge, No. 355, I. O. O. F., was organized through the efforts of members of Genesee Lodge, No. 24, after which it was named. It was instituted on the afternoon of May 12, 1900, at the hall in the Judd block, by Past Noble Grand Elise A. Willett, of Ada B Rebekah Lodge, No. 17, as special Deputy, with 36 charter members. The principal officers then elected were Mrs. Clara Abbey, Noble Grand, 166 FIFTIEiTH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. and Mrs. Adora Hall, Vice Grand. In the evening of that day the degrees were conferred upon 47 candidates, and six months from that date the membership exceeded 100. It has now passed the 225 mark. The home of this lodge is now in Odd Fellows' Temple, where it meets on the second and fourth Friday evenings of each month. A commendable harmony exists between the two sister lodges, each striving ever to work for the best interests of the other. FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. The Masonic fraternity was among the first to establish a local organization here, and it has ever had a strong hold upon our citizens. For many of the earlier years of its history its lodge rooms were one of the social centers of the young city, and while the present elaborate means for entertainment were lacking, its social functions were none the less enjoyable. Many of even the younger generation still remember with pleasure the balls and other entertainments given therein. In fact, it was because dancing and card playing in Masonic buildings were prohibited by the regulations of the order that the present temple was not for many years formally dedicated as such. The several organizations being among the earliest established in Michigan had originally very large jurisdictions extending toward Port Huron and Detroit on the east and south, and indefinitely to the north and west, many of their members being drawn from the Saginaw valley. All of the Masonic bodies then organized met in the hall in the building adjoining the First National Bank, near the corner of Saginaw and Kearsley streets, removing thence to the present temple. Perhaps the most important event in the history of the fraternity was the purchase of its present home. The first action toward this was taken in November, 1867, but it was FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 167 not until April, 1870, that a committee was appointed with full power to act. Many sites and buildings were considered, resulting in the purchase, from Thayer, Hamilton & Atwood, of the third and fourth stories of what is now the Bryant House block. This was deeded Sept. 24, 1872, to Trustees for Flint Lodge, Washington Chapter and Genesee Valley Commandery, enclosed and roofed, the price being $5,000. The opening ceremony was a grand Knights Templar ball, December 12, 1873, since which time it has been continuously occupied by the fraternity. It was formally dedicated, with appropriate Masonic ceremonies, Jan. 4, 1900. Genesee Lodge, No. 23, F. & A. M., was chartered January 10, 1849, and maintained its existence until December, 1854, at which time its charter was surrendered. No other information regarding it is available, but it seems probable that its members, or a portion of them, organized Flint Lodge, No. 23, to which a charter was issued January 11, 1855, upon the petition of 37 charter members, with John B. Hamilton as W. M. and ten other officers. None of these officers are now living. This lodge has enjoyed a steady and prosperous growth and its members now number about 325. It was honored in 1858 by the election of Wm. M. Fenton as WV. M. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, F. & A. M. Genesee Lodge, No. 174, F. & A. M., was chartered January 11, 1866, with eight members, of whom Milan S. Elmore is the only survivor. Its first WV. M. was John B. Hamilton, and the late Hon. George H. Durand was the first candidate initiated by it. This lodge has grown up by the side of its older sister, amicably sharing with it in the labors, costs and rewards of fraternal life, and there is between their members, in truly masonic spirit "no contention, but rather emulation, as to who best can work and best agree." Two of the Past Masters of this lodge have been elected to the chair of 168 IIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Michigan, George H. Durand in 1874, and John J. Carton in 1895. Its rolls now show 252 members. When the first Blue Lodge was organized the nearest chapter was located at Pontiac. The need of a similar organization at Flint was quickly felt, and on the first day of April, 1856, 10 members met under dispensation, and Washington Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M., was instituted, Stillman Blanchard, P. H. P., officiating. At the next meeting of the Grand Chapter a charter was granted, dated Jan. 14, 1857. Chauncey K. Williams was the first E. H. P. As the jurisdiction of the chapter still covers all of the county and villages adjacent to Flint, its meetings bring together many who might otherwise remain strangers. Of the nineteen members who have filled the chair of High Priest, thirteen survive, and one of them, Samuel C. Randall was, in 1891, Most Excellent High Priest of the Grand Chapter of the State of Michigan. It now has enrolled 300 members. Between the beginning of the chapter organization and the formation of a Commandery a period of over nine years elapsed, and it was not until 1865 that Flint Masons could receive their degrees at home. On April 10 of that year a dispensation was granted to Genesee Valley Commandery, which was organized with eight members, in the old Masonic Hall, June 2, 1865. The three principal officers were John B. Hamilton, Eminent Commander, Paul H. Stewart, Generalissimo, and John Allen, Captain General. The officers were duly installed by Garey B. Noble, R. E. G. C. of Michigan, on June 27, 1865, at which time the first work of the new commandery was done by conferring the orders upon Abner Randall, Lyman G. Buckingham, Francis H. Rankin, Charles Goodale and Henry Brown. Sir Kt. Hamilton served two years and in 1867 was succeeded as E. C. by Sir. Kt. Samuel FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 169 C. Randall, who served continuously until 1878, although he was in 1876 elected Grand Commander of Michigan K. T. and ably performed the duties of that office during the current year. Sixteen other Knights have been Eminent Commanders, two of whom are now deceased. The surviving charter members are Milan S. Elmore and Robert Ford. This commandery has always stood high among its fellows, both in the personnel of its members, (who now number about 250) and the efficiency of its work. Much the youngest of the Masonic bodies is Flint Council, No. 56, Royal and Select Masters, which was chartered January 21, 1890, with nine members, J. B. E. Castree being the first T. I. M. In proportion to its membership it has perhaps as fine paraphernalia as any council in the State and its work is of uniformly high character. But four members have served it as Thrice Illustrious Master, all now living. The members at present number about 125. Closely affiliated with the Masonic fraternity is the order of the Eastern Star, its members being Master Masons and the female relatives of such. The order exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficient purposes of Free Masonry, which is to provide for the welfare of the wives, mothers, widows and sisters of Master Masons. Its principles are promulgated here by Flint Chapter, No. 138, which was organized at Masonic Hall in 1894 with 31 members, and received its charter Jan. 28, 1895. Its first presiding officers were Mrs. Carrie T. Henderson, Worthy Matron and Louis G. Willison, Worthy Patron. It has grown to be one of the most thriving and prosperous chapters in the State, with a membership of over 200. ROYAL ARCANUM. The Royal Arcanum, originally organized in Boston, November 5, 1877, became identified with Flint in the organi 170 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. zation of Apollo Council, No. 27, on the 12th day of the same month. The life of the local body has therefore been contemporary with that of the parent order. The Council was instituted in the lodge rooms on the third floor of the Sutton building, with 63 members. Of this number 17 have answered the final roll call, 13 still retain their membership, 12 have withdrawn to join other councils and 21 have relinquished their membership. This council has initiated over 500 members, and paid 32 death benefits. Its present membership is 165. It continued to meet in its original lodge rooms until some time in 1878 when the use of the K. of P. rooms, located over the First National Bank, were secured. The council moved from these rooms to their present quarters, Friendship Lodge Hall, in the McDermot block, in 1884. It is worthy of notice that the following charter members have held office ever since its organization: George E. Newall, Frank Dullam and Dr. Noah Bates. ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. The Ancient Order of United Workmen is said to be the oldest purely fraternal insurance organization in the world. It is represented here by Flint Lodge, No. 22, which began its existence Nov. 21, 1877, with 125 charter members. Its first home was the old Stars and Stripes Hall, from which it removed to Awanaga Hall, thence to the old Odd Fellows' Hall in the Judd block. For the past 14 years its meeting place has been G. A. R. Hall. Since its organization 41 of its members have gone from their labors below to everlasting repose. Its present membership is about 100. Flint Lodge, No. 76, Degree of Honor, A. O. U. W., was chartered January 22, 1896, with 48 members, in Knights of Pythias Hall, from whence it removed to G. A. R. Hall, its present home. Its roll now shows a membership of 74. FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 171 THE KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES. The Knights of the Maccabees were among the first of the beneficiary societies to obtain a foothold in Flint. During the winter of 1880-1881, while under the control of the Canadian organization, two tents were organized here, almost simultaneously, Flint Tent, No. 269, and Venus Tent, No. 275. June 11, 1881, the order was incorporated in Michigan, and the following September became an independent body, under the name of the Knights of the Maccabees of Michigan, which title it retained until a few years ago when it was changed to the Knights of the Modern Maccabees. One explanation of the popularity of this order here may be the fact that for nearly a quarter of a century Flint has been its financial headquarters. In October, 1881, Robert J. Whaley, of Flint, was appointed Great Finance Keeper, to fill a vacancy. At the next annual meeting he was elected as his own successor, and has been re-elected at each subsequent meeting of the Great Camp. The pioneer organization, Flint Tent, No. 269, existed but a few months and then surrendered its charter. Venus Tent, No. 275, K. of T. M. M., was organized Feb. 15, 1881, with 25 members, in the office of Lee & Aitken. In July of that year its meeting place was established in the hall over the First National Bank. In 1883 it was changed to G. A. R. Hall, and in 1887 to its present quarters in Loyal Guard Hall. Its members now number about 700. Flint Tent, No. 464, K. O. T. M., was organized July 23, 1891, with a membership of 37. It first met in G. A. R. Hall, then changed to Loyal Guard Hall. Its membership has now increased to over 240. Venus Hive, No. 72, Ladies of the Modern Maccabees, was organized in G. A. R. Hall April 30, 1891. Its present 172 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF iFLINT. meeting place is Loyal Guard Hall and its original membership of 22 ladies has grown to number over 550. Flint Hive, No. 252, Ladies of the Modern Maccabees, was organized Nov. 10, 1892, with a membership of 25, in G. A. R. Hall, which has been its headquarters ever since. Over 330 names now appear on its membership roll. Yeomans' Hive, No. 905, Ladies of the Modern Maccabees, is the youngest of the trio, being organized Feb. 18, 1904, in Odd Fellows' Hall. In spite of the large membership of its older sisters, it begun business with 68 members, and has increased the number to 96. KNIGHTS OF THE MACCABEES OF THE WORLD. Another beneficiary order which has been somewhat closely connected with Flint by reason of the residence here of one of its grand officers is the Knights of the Maccabees of the World which was organized originally in Canada, and was incorporated in Michigan in the year 1884. Hon D. D. Aitken, the "Jubilee Mayor" of Flint, has been, almost since, its incorporation, and still is, the General Counsel of the order. It is represented in Flint by Vehicle City Tent, No. 11, which was organized November 12, 1902, with a membership of 182. Its original meeting place was in the old Odd Fellows' Hall, in the Judd block; the present location is Loyal Guard Hall. THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. Gov. Crapo Post, No. 145, Department of Michigan G. A. R., with its 142 members, who participated in the celebration of our Golden Jubilee, is one of the strongest organizations, one of the most honored, and most highly esteemed by the citizens of our city. The objects of the order are: Charity, loyalty and to preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which bind together the soldier, sailor and PRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 173 marines who united to suppress the rebellion of '61 to '65, and to perpetuate the memory and history of the dead. This Post was organized, and the officers duly installed, June 7, 1883, in the hall in the Judd block. The following named charter members being elected to the offices, to-wit: Richard H. Hughes, Commander. John Algoe, Senior Vice-Commander. Frank E. Willett, Junior Vice-Commander. Charles A. Muma, Adjutant. William Charles, Quartermaster. The following named Comrades were also charter members of the Post: James K. Bidleman, George McConnelly, George Raab, William Turver, Ira M. Camp, Gabriel Demorest, George W. Buckingham, George W. Fish, Frank W. Dennison, Henry N. Gay, William R. Marsh, James Hempstead, Mathew Smythe, Marvin C. Barney, Isaac Rynex and Abram Rickey. Eight of the charter members have answered the final roll call. A large number of the Comrades who have been members of the Post have occupied positions in our municipal, county and state government. Among them are Comrade Charles D. Long, who was mustered Feb. 27, 1884, elected Department Commander for the year 1885; Comrade M. C. Barney, elected Sen. Vice Commander of the Department for the year 1901. Comrade O. F. Lockhead received the appointment of Asst. Adjutant General, and held that position in 1885 and in 1886. Comrade Geo. W. Buckingham occipied the Chairmanship of the Board of Control for a number of years. Many of the Comrades have risen to positions of honorable mention, a few have honorably earned commercial prosperity, some of whom are enjoying the fruits of their labors with great pleasure in the evening of life. 174 FIFTIEI ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Nearly all of the Comrades, living or bivouaced with the dead, rushed into the vortex of war in their 'teens, emerged therefrom to engage in the struggle of our rapid national progress, and with but few exceptions have conscientiously devoted themselves to the upbuilding of patriotic citizenship. History can never do full justice to those who gave their life blood as a sacrifice to the perpetuation of Freedom, and the principles of self-government-nor can the people of our country too highly esteem those surviving comrades who are rapidly passing away. Its Past Commanders are as follows: Richard H. Hughes Charles W. Austin Oscar F. Lockhead James H. Failing Frank E. Willett Orange Thomas Charles Bassett J. R. Benjamin John Algoe Wallace Caldwell Andrew J. Ward William M. Wheeler George W. Buckingham George W. Hilton George E. Newall Paul Countryman Welcome L. Farnum Tames Van Tassel Marvin C. Barney John W. Begg Edward C. Marsh William Stone George Raab Joseph Rush Charles L. Bentley VETERANS AND SONS. McKinley Camp, No. 8, National League of Veterans and Sons, a patriotic and beneficiary order, was organized Dec. 18, 1901, at G. A. R. Hall, which has continued to be its meeting place. Among its objects are the inculcating a spirit of loyalty to the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the promotion of the welfare of honorably discharged soldiers, sailors and marines. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. Prominent among the many benevolent organizations in Flint stands Governor Crapo Woman's Relief Corps, No. 23. It was organized Oct. 15, 1884, by sixteen enthusiastic women, "to assist in caring for the Union veteran and his family; to FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETTIS. 175 inculcate lessons of patriotism in the community, and to assist in the observance of Memorial Day." The three principal charter officers were Mrs. Mary A. McConnelly, President; Mrs. Harriet P. Thompson, Sen. Vice President; Mrs. Ann Willett, Jun. Vice President. How well these purposes have been carried out is a matter of public knowledge. Since its organization it has expended in Flint for Union veterans and their families over two thousand dollars. There have also been substantial contributions made to the Soldiers' Home at Grand Rapids, the National W. R. C. Home, the Hall of Fame in our Court House and to other worthy objects. The original meeting place was in the old I. 0. O. F. Hall in the Judd block, but it was afterward changed to G. A. R. Hall. The Corps now numbers 124 members. BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS. Flint Lodge, No. 222, B. P. O. E., was organized under a dispensation Dec. 4, 1891, a charter being granted on the 15th day of June following. At its first meeting, which was held in the lodge rooms over the First National Bank, a class of 48 was initiated. These rooms were occupied until Jan. 1, 1903, when the lodge removed to its present spacious quarters on the sixth floor of the Dryden building, where it dispenses the hospitality and fraternal cheer for which the order is noted. Its members now number over 500. THE LOYAL GUARD. The Knights of the Loyal Guard, a fraternal beneficiary society, whose headquarters must, by the terms of its charter, ever remain in Flint, was organized under the laws of the State of Michigan on January 31, 1895. By its sound management, steady growth and attractive plan, it has become one of the trusted financial institutions of our city, and enhanced our reputation both at home and abroad. 176 PEIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Its original incorporators, Supreme officers and Board of Directors, all Flint men, were: F. H. Rankin, W. C. Durant, Edwin O. Wood, B. F. Cotharin, M. W. Stevens, Dr. O. Millard, J. P. Burroughs, T. Fred Anderson, and Frank D. Buckingham. In its first eleven years it has paid out a total of over four hundred and sixty thousand ($460,000) dollars in death benefits to the beneficiaries of its deceased members, and has created a surplus or reserve fund of about one hundred forty thousand ($140,000) dollars,-a considerable portion of which is invested in central business property in its home city. Its total membership at the end of eleven years is five thousand (5,000), and it has about one hundred fifty (150) subordinate divisions in Michigan and other states. Its officers at the present time are: Edwin O. Wood, President. C. H. Pomeroy, of Saginaw, Vice-President. F. H. Rankin, Secretary. C. T. Bridgman, Treasurer. M. W. Stevens, Attorney. Dr. 0. Millard, Medical Examiner. C. A. Gower, C. W. Grobe, Frank Dullam, Auditors. Rev. C. A. Lippincott, Grand Chaplain of the Grand Council. Local Subordinate Division No. 1 was organized on the evening of February 21, 1895, in the hall of what is now Loyal Guard building No. 1, at which time nearly 700 members were obligated. That was its meeting place for a number of years, then it removed to Loyal Guard Hall, in Loyal Guard Building No. 2, which it continues to occupy. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 27, K. of P., was organized Sept. 10, 1875, in the hall over the First National Bank, with 27 charter members, of whom William Charles is the only survivor. Of the others, the late Henry R. Lovell was especially FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 177 honored by his election as Grand Chancellor of Michigan, and he also served as Representative to the Supreme Lodge, K. of P. For 30 years this lodge has faithfully performed its work, and while there have been periods of trial and depression, it has ever loyally upheld the chivalric principles of the Pythian mystic trio, friendship, charity and benevolence. From their first quarters the lodge removed to Pythian Castle, in the Awanaga block, and a number of years later to its present hall in the Judd block. In the meantime its membership has grown to 130. What is now known as Ivanhoe Co., No. 21, Uniformed Rank, Knights of Pythias, was organized Feb. 22, 1886, in Pythian Hall, over the First National Bank, with seven charter members, of whom Albert Myers was Capt., Stephen P. Wing, 1st Lieut., Wm. Galbraith, 2nd Lieut. Two of this number now survive, William Charles and David D. Aitkin. For a number of years the new organization throve finely and won commendation wherever it appeared in public, then interest languished and for upwards of fourteen years but little was done. In 1904-5, however, an infusion of new blood rejuvenated the order and placed it again in trim for effective work. Its first public appearance was in the ranks of the Golden Jubilee parades, with about forty Knights in line. Its home has been continuously with Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 27. ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS. Division No. 1, Ladies of the A. O. of H., was organized in 1895, with 35 charter members. It met at first in the St. Michael's school building and is now located in the annex of Loyal Guard Building No. 1. LADIES' CATHOLIC BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION. Branch 624, L. C. B. A., was organized in C. M. B. A. Hall, October 31, 1900, with 35 members, and has enjoyed a steady growth until it now numbers 79. 178 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF SECURITY. Genesee Council, No. 393, K. and L. of S., began business in Flint, Feb. 17, 1896, in G. A. R. Hall, which is still its meeting place. Its original membership of 84 has now grown to 146. TRIBE OF BEN HUR. Ben Hur Court, No. 1, Tribe of Ben Hur, was organized in July, 1896, with a membership of 156, which has increased to 200. It has met continuously in G. A. R. Hall. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. Court Kearsley, No. 3108, I. O. F., was organized by 38 charter members in 1896, in the lodge rooms over the First National Bank. Its present home is Foresters' Hall and the membership is 50. Companion Court Albino Alfred began business in Odd Fellows' Hall, Sept. 17, 1898, with 30 members, now increased to 105. It now meets in G. A. R. Hall. MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA. Flint Camp, No. 4948, M. W. of A., a beneficiary order was organized August 20, 1897, with 15 charter members, in Friendship Hall. It now ranks among the largest of these orders in Flint with a membership of 315, and meets in the Awanaga block. DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Genesee Chapter, No. 352, G. A. R., was organized at the home of Mrs. Harriet P. Thompson, Dec. 27, 1897, with a membership of 18. This order, which claims to be the largest national organization of women, has for its object the promotion of patriotism, and to arouse an interest in and FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIARY SOCIETIES. 179 preserve historical land marks. The local chapter has had small opportunity for work on the latter part of its objects, but has contributed to local philanthropic work and assisted in the erection, in Washington, D. C., of a Memorial Continental Hall, in honor of Revolutionary heroes. It now has 30 members. MODERN BROTI-IERHOOD OF AMERICA. Flint Lodge, No,. 1286, M. B. A., a beneficiary order, which originated in Tipton, Ia., in the year 1897, was organized March 22, 1894, in Foresters' Hall, with 34 charter members. Its present meeting place is G. A. R. Hall and its membership is about 100. MICHIGAN FUNERAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION. What is now the Michigan Funeral Benefit Association was organized at the office of A. W. Dodds, June 10, 1899, by A. W. Dodds, Rev. H. E. Wolfe, I. N. Walker, A. D. Alvord, E. P. Bailey, Geo. Archer and J. N. Willett, all residents of Flint, under the title of the United Mutual Death Benefit Society. It was organized under a plan devised by one of its originators for the payment of a sum graduated according to age, upon the death of its members. It was successful from the start and in a few years numbered 4,000 members. A more elastic organization was then found to be necessary, and the society incorporated Feb. 3, 1904, at which time its present title was adopted. The order is purely beneficiary in character, having no lodge or fraternal features, and is now doing business in a number of other states, with a total membership of about 12,000. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS. Flint Council, No. 695, K. of C., a Catholic order, founded upon unity and charity, began its corporate existence 180 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. September 14, 1902, in Loyal Guard Hall, from where it afterwards removed to Fr. Murphy Hall. Its popularity and efficiency are perhaps best evinced in its growth from an original membership of 92 to its present roll of over 200. GIDEONS. The local branch of the Gideons, a purely fraternal association of Christian commercial travelling men, was organized in the Baptist Church building August 4, 1904, by five zealous members, under the name of Flint Gideon Camp, No. 4. Its members, who now number thirty-one, and their visiting brothers, meet on the first and third Sundays of each month, in different church buildings, alternately, the order being non-sectarian in character. The large number of commercial travelling men who appreciate the advantages of Flint as a place of residence should make this a fertile field for an order of this character. Literary Clubs of Flint--Old and New By MRS. MARY A. FAIRBANKS The club is the growth-a natural product of our civilization-along business lines is the syndicate professional-men form associations. Athletes have their organizations in high school and university; so in literature and art, like seeks like. In the pioneer days of Flint there was never wanting some cultured man (or woman) who, driven hither by some stress of fortune, brought his books and his thoughts with him, which he longed to share with another. Such an one was the club in embryo, and when he discovered a number of like cult, they formed an ideal society. These persons, unlike fellows of old universities who dream in antique libraries, came after a day of prospecting or surveying, or mill erection, or log scaling, to the home of a member, to weep or laugh with Charles Dickens, or to reverently mingle with Shakespeare's men and women. The place of meeting might be a log house or that new creation, the frame house, unplastered and redolent of sweet, resinous pine; but in the presence of the masters of human thought and passion this passed unnoticed. Later several fine houses were erected, notably the Payne, Hazelton and Thomson homesteads-these became centers of refinement which did much in giving tone to social life. Then, too, appeared the pioneer piano, around which gathered the lovers of music who had not forgotten the dear old songs, and who had brought their knowledge and voices clxzxi 182 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. with them. Music gives the highest expression of human thought and feeling, and in those delightful gatherings the whoop of the Indian and-cry of the wolf were unheard, and the commonplaces of life "passed in music out of sight." Among these music lovers of the olden time are remembered still the name of Rugg, and Little, and Thayer, and Bishop, and Decker and others. The club of to-day is the product of the labor and thought that preceded it, and in every community individuals may be found, who by a potent personality become the center of an eager circle, waiting for some word of instruction or power; such an one was Dr. Daniel Clarke, a nature lover, learned in natural science, a collector of botanical specimens, still preserved,-who has left his mark on this community. Still another, a woman, who once wielded a great influence in social and literary circles-teacher, student, thinker, traveler, endowed with sound common sense-Miss Sarah Bush, later Mrs. E. H. Thomson, formed a class in English history, followed by studies in French history, to whom she communicated her own knowledge and enthusiasm. These classes were largely attended, and set the pace for much that followed. In traveling along Italian lakes one is enchanted by certain atmospheric effects produced by distance-where a rocky shore seems glorified by tints of rose color, and gold, and purple, so the informal gatherings of the pioneer days wear a halo of distance all their own. The formation of the Ladies' Library Association was necessitated by the need of the public for books, and reflects great honor upon charter members and their friends, as it gave an impetus to literary study. But this subject will appear in another paper. LITERARY CIUBS OF FLINT. 183 No doubt the noble collection of different editions of Shakespeare's works now at the University of Michigan, made by Hon. E. H. Thomson, made citizens proud of the unique distinction it gave their town, and led to a thoughtful study of the dramas by individuals and in neighborhood gatherings, and these circles have existed in different forms in this city for more than a quarter of a century. Our Neighborhood Club, held at the pleasant home of Mrs. A. L. Aldrich, on Court street East, shall not be without record here. Mrs. Aldrich, a life long student of these dramas, had accumulated many valuable books of reference, which she placed at our disposal, and in conversation that followed the reading of each play, led us to share in her own enthusiasm, and thus we made the acquaintance of Portia and Cordelia, Desdemona and the rest. Other circles, from which I have no official report, are doing similar work; one under leadership of Mr. Egbert Bangs; another made up of young people, high school graduates-both highly interesting. Since the inception of the Chautauqua idea, Flint has never been without its "round table," about which have gathered a goodly number of earnest people who by dint of industry and sacrifice have passed unchallenged through the "Golden Gate." The influence of these circles cannot be overestimated as securing for busy people an outlook into the world of science, literature and art, from which they had been hitherto excluded. Mr. John R. Hall, formerly of this city, is the honored projector of a new up to date course which is very popular. 184 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. CLUBS OF To-DAY. In our city at present there are clubs, and clubs, amusement clubs, athletic clubs, and the rest, but as the writer is limited to literary and study clubs, we will consider next those belonging to the City Federation. This Federation was formed in 1900, to bring club women into closer relations, thereby increasing their influence and ability to perform any proposed work. Mrs. Sarah Durand, then President of the Columbian Club, was one of the most earnest workers and was chosen the first president of the Federation. Officers elected for current year are: Miss Minnie, King, President. Mrs. Kaufman, Vice-President. Mrs. E. D. Black, Recording Secretary. Mrs. C. H. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. Dr. Chamberlain, Treasurer. On February 10th, the Federation favored the clubs with a fine entertainment,-an address on forestry, by Prof. Gilbert Roth, Professor of forestry at State University and Forest Warden. The address was a success and highly appreciated by those present. HISTORY CLASS OF '76. A charter member tells me that on February 6, 1876, seven (7) ladies met with Mrs. Gregory Dibble to discuss the practicability of organizing a club for the study of American History. As a result a class was formed, with president and Secretary; membership limited to twenty,-to be known as the American History Class. With the exception of a few months, the class has met every week since, to read history or historical fiction bearing upon the subject. LITERARY CLUBS OF FLINT. 185 During the progress of years the class took up an extensive study of English history, by Knight, Macaulay, Greene and others. History Class of '76 continued their French history and History of the Dutch Republic, which caused a change of name by dropping the word "American" in 1894. At present they are studying along the line of "Our New Possessions." No papers are presented, but reading and discussion are in order. Meetings are held at the houses of members-a month at a place-the hostess acting as President. The writer calls this the Banner Class. ART CLASS. Several ladies, formerly members of a class in Roman history, led by Miss H. V. Walker, visited the Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia in 1876, and became so interested in the fine art display that they, later, formed a Club to continue their studies in art. Beginning with ceramics, they took up history of art, distinguished artists and their work, the several schools of art, and much more of great interest to the student. But later the club has taken a wider range In a very pleasant letter from the Secretary, Mrs. Geo. Hubbard, she says that the class is regularly organized, has its constitution and by-laws; membership limited to twentyeight ladies, who present original or compiled topics; the line of study decided each year by vote of class; does not belong to City Federation, and is in every way informal and retiring. Mrs. Irwin, President. Mrs. George Hubbard, Secretary. GARLAND STREET CLUB. Organized in 1888, is one of our most active and enjoyable societies. The Secretary, Mrs. Geo. McQuigg, writes 186 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. me that it was organized for study, reading and mental improvement; membership limited to twenty-eight,-twentyfive active and three associate members. Meetings are held with members on Garland street, from the first Monday in October to the last Monday in May, with two weeks' recess at Christmas. Officers at present are: Mrs. John Hotchkiss, President. Mrs. George McQuigg, Secretary. Mrs. Kaufman, Mrs. Partridge and Mrs. Wilson, Executive Committee. Miss Minnie Dell, Mrs. Geo. Durand, Mrs. William Partridge, Critics. THE COLUMBIAN CLUB. The Columbian Club was formed in response to request of State Commissioner for the Great Exposition of 1892, that people take up a study of incoming exhibits as reported by the press, and incidentally of the countries represented. During the first few months these studies led,-afterward, according to Article II (2) of our Constitution, we moved along the lines of history, science, literature, art and ethics. About thirty members were enrolled, and Miss Helen V. Walker, eminently fitted by culture and refinement to lead acceptably, was chosen president. Once under way, we proposed to be a hard work club, not only mastering facts but seeking best modes of expression and presentation. Several years since we joined the State Federation of Women's Clubs, and receive our reference books from the State Library, suited to program for the year. This year it is Japan, its history, great men, fine arts, etc.; also the great events of the Russo-Japanese War. Last year our Industrial Committee made a thorough canvass of factories where women are employed, with the result LITERARY CLUBS OF FLINT. 187 that an interesting auxiliary was formed, which proved a success. Our several presidents have been Miss Helen V. Walker, Mrs. Sarah Durand, Mrs. A. L. Aldrich, and Mrs. Gracia Mahan, who passed away greatly lamented, in the autumn of 1904. The Club has been fortunate in choice of official members. There has been a strong leadership, faithful and loyal membership. Mrs. Mary A. Fairbanks, President. Mrs. Sarah Durand, First Vice-President. Mrs. H. R. Lovell, Second Vice-President. Mrs. Chas. H. Johnson, Recording Secretary. Mrs. G. L. Countryman, Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. L. R. Campbell, Treasurer. Mrs. Ed. S. Lee, Auditor. HELEN HUNT CLUB. Miss Sadie Williams, of the Helen Hunt Club, writes me that they organized October 7th, 1893, with twenty charter members; object, to obtain a higher degree of literary culture by studying along any line of work chosen by those associated together. Membership limited to twenty-five, and only ladies residing in Fourth ward to, be eligible. Officers for the year 1905 are: Miss Clara Nixon, President. Mrs. B. Gault, Vice-President. Miss Sadie Williams, Secretary-Treasurer. Mrs. Tina Lawrence and Mrs. H. Zimmerman, Examining Con. Our work this year is on Germany; its history from the earliest times; its artists, musicians, statesmen. DAUGHTERS OF REVOLUTION. We are proud to report a flourishing chapter of Daughters of American Revolution, organized June 3, 1897, with a membership of 18, now increased to 40, which is doing much to 188 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. keep alive the patriotic spirit of revolutionary days, and awakening a new interest along genealogical lines. No true American can weary of the glorious history that forms its chief study, and any lady showing her "passport" is welcome. During each year some very pleasant entertainments are given at homes of members. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Mrs. Thompson, Regent. Mrs. Cummings, First Vice-Regent. Mrs. Dr. Burr, Second Vice-Regent. Mrs. Pier, Secretary. Mrs. Palmer, Assistant Secretary. Mrs. Demorest, Register. Mrs. Connelly, Treasurer. It was thought best to change the day of meeting to the second Saturday of each month so that the teachers from the schools could attend. TWENTIETH CENTURY CLUB. Was organized 1897 for literary study. Charter members, twenty-five in number; all young women full of life and hope, looking out on the coming century, rather than indulging in retrospect,-hence the name. They are making the most of their study, reading, and opportunities for travel at home and abroad to present papers of interest before the Club. Invited guests find members exceptionally courteous and attentive to the reader; notwithstanding, some needlework is in progress. Officers for coming year are: Mrs. Charles Cumming, President. Miss Mary Beattie, Secretary. THE ST. CECILIA SOCIETY. Composed of some of the best musical talent in the city, is ably conducted and enjoys an enviable reputation, and LITERARY CLUBS OF FLINT. 189 through its recitals and concert work, affords great pleasure to lovers of music. Mrs. Flint P. Smith, President. RESEARCH CLUB. A new star has appeared on the horizon of study in the "Research Club," and although we have received no official report, we understand that it is doing some thorough work in language studies, English and German, beside following with enthusiasm a carefully prepared literary program. We will be glad to welcome this society to the City Federation. The great need of our woman's clubs today is a club-house. Now the several societies meet at homes of members, but with a hall of their own the City Federation might form a closer union and undertake some work needed in the municipality. Some leading writers express alarm at the progress of Women's Clubs, notably Ex-President Cleveland, who fears for the home, and the chivalrous T. Hopkinson Smith, who dreads the possible loss of that delicacy and refinement which are woman's chief charm, in wrestling with social and political problems discussed by clubs. But may we not trust in the finer instinct, which makes home and loved ones the center of happiness,-that woman will never push her way to the front, rather smilingly wait, until husband, brother, or friend, bowing low, shall lead her into the arena. A Flint Record of Library Evolution By MRS. DAMON STEWART Less than a century ago the Chippewa Indians were in the full possession of this locality, camping on the Flint River, hunting in the oak openings and the pine forests. There the United States Government made sundry bargains and treaties with the aborigines and gained a title to< their lands. June 12th, 1825, that Campeau, who was the connecting link between the two races, received a patent from the government for a section of land on the south bank of the Flint River. Five years later he sold to the white man, John Todd, and a new era began. The early pioneers were men and women of intelligence and enterprise. They came to the new country bringing ideals, seeds and tools, as well as rifles, for it was civilization they were initiating. From Detroit they followed the narrow Indian trail, and as they had teams and wagons, there was no question about the imperative necessity of good roads, but not until 1833 did the territorial road reach what is now called Kearsley street. Flint River Settlement began with a few homes, but all the neighbors united in raising a log school house, and the children were provided with spelling books and quill pens. In the year of 1836 the great tide of emigration to the west, brought many new and worthy settlers to the Village of Flint. They came mostly from New England and New York, a few being of foreign birth. clxl LIBRARY EVOLUTION. 191 Business increased rapidly. The land office and the post office were established, and in quick succession, during the following years, a court house and churches were built, and newspapers published. In 1837 Michigan became a state, and school district, "number one," of Flint was organized. The free school system, however, was yet a dream, for rate bills were not abolished by legislative act, until 1869. The library as the adjunct of the schools was awaiting development. Plank roads with toll gates were built, and the proud stage driver, through his horn, proclaimed that this village had attained a very satisfactory growth in twenty-five years. Social conditions improved, and a marked taste for culture and refinement was manifest. Various societies and clubs were well sustained, and there were a few private libraries. E. H. Thompson's famous Shakespearian library was already an inspiration. The Scientific Institute was organized by an association of gentlemen, with the object of forming a library and museum. In the spring of 1851 a noble band of women, feeling the need of books and literary fellowship for themselves, their families and the community, with original and distinct purpose, organized The Ladies' Library Association, the library being a subscription library. This was the first institution of the kind, and proved to be the model for many others. A constitution, framed by Mrs. R. W. Jenny, was adopted, and the following officers elected for the first year: Mesdames T. B. W. Stockton, president; J. B. Walker, vice-president; R. W. Jenny, recording secretary; Manly Miles, treasurer; and Miss Harriet Stewart, librarian. The first membership fees amounted to ten dollars, which were expended for books, and the members agreed to loan and exchange their own books also. Donations of books were invited and gladly received. 192 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. By entertainments of various kinds, the sum of $160 was added to the purchasing fund the first year, and the catalogue listed two hundred and forty volumes. In connection with this epoch, the names of Mesdames Barlow, Pratt, Page, Skidmore, Van Vechton, Wesson, Case, Buckingham, Fenton, Bishop and others are held in tender rememberance. In April, 1853, the Association was incorporated, and the following officers were elected: Mesdames C. S. Payne, president; H. I. Higgins, vice-president; A. Thayer, recording secretary; F. H. Rankin, corresponding secretary; A. T. Crosman, treasurer; J. B. Walker, librarian. The catalogue of 1854 contained five hundred volumes, and the next issue in 1859 about two thousand volumes. There were many discouragements, in spite of much enthusiastic effort, and in 1861 the library was nearly destroyed by fire. This was the first year of the Civil War, with all its sad and depressing influences, and the sympathy of the library members was in a measure diverted to the Soldiers' Aid Society, and its urgent calls for hospital and camp supplies. On the other hand the fire insurance was paid, and so much public spirit manifested, that it was decided that the Association ought to own a building instead of depending upon rented rooms. Flint had been an incorporated city since 1855. The railroads to Saginaw and Holly were completed in 1862 and 1864, and there was caused a new demand for lumber, so that the lumbering business was very much enlarged, and Flint was in a high degree prosperous. Such was the condition when in July, 1866, a subscription paper was drawn up and circulated for the purchase of a lot and the erection of a library building. Seven gentlemen very cheerfully put down their names for two hundred dollars each. GENESEE COUNTY COURT HOUSE. FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY. I'.~~a~ c LIBRARY EVOLUTION. 193 They were: Henry H. Crapo, James B. Walker, Henry M. H-enderson, Josiah W. Begole, A. Thayer, A. M. McFarlan and Reuben Van Tifflin. Their names were followed by a long list of subscribers, many of whom have passed away, who gave by hundreds, by fifties, by twenties, by tens and smaller sums. The surviving members of the Soldiers' Aid Society gave a balance of $89.00, which had been deposited in the Patterson Bank, to be devoted to the erection of a Soldiers' Monument, should one be built, since that project had been abandoned. February 15th, 1867, a lot was purchased, corner of Beach and Kearsley streets, for $600.00. A building committee was chosen by the association, consisting olf Mesdames J. B. Walker, chairman, E. H. McQuigg, J. W. Begole, Treasurer, H. M. Henderson, A. Thayer, G. M. Dewey, F. H. Rankin, and R. W. Jenny, secretary. In March, 1867, plans and specifications submitted by R. Van Tifflin, were approved, and J. B. Walker was engaged to superintend the erection of the building, in co-operation with R. Van Tifflin, H. M. Henderson, and the building committee of women. The corner stone was laid September 17th, 1867, with Masonic rites, under the supervision of Col. Wm. M. Fenton. The address of the day was by Dr. Geo. W. Fish. Original songs and poems appropriate to the occasion, added interest to the exercises. The subscription paper and the building were pushed with zeal, and the dedication took place January 30th, 1868. Governor Crapo gave the dedicatory address, in which he said of the ladies, "They from the beginning to the present time, have never abandoned their task, or become disheartened in view of discouragements and difficulties. Conscious of the good work in which they were engaged, they have yielded 194 FIFTI[TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. to no obstacles, nor embarrassments, and the result is this fine structure, which is both a credit and ornament to the city." The program included short speeches, poems and letters, and the music was conducted by Wm. Stevenson, Esq. The records of the building committee of February 22nd, 1868, give as the whole amount of subscriptions $3,049.13. Donations in labor, lumber, and materials $365.88, and the amount received from lectures and festivals $895.90, whole cost $3,640.24. It became necessary to borrow $2,000 (at 10% interest), to complete the building, and the mortgage was not cancelled until Nov. 13th, 1878, for the income from the store on the ground floor did not meet expectations. In 1871, the Association celebrated its twentieth anniversary with literary exercises, and many friends brought beattiful offerings of sentiment, flowers, pictures and about two hundred books. In December of the same year, a bazaar and exhibition was held with the usual attractions, besides a display of pictures of more than ordinary merit. Anticipating the time when pictures and other works of art would be considered a part of the educational equipment of schools and libraries, the Association had the ambition to encourage art in every way possible. Just before Christmas a folio edition olf Audobin's "Birds of America" was presented to the library by the Hon. Wm. L. Bancroft, of Port Huron, Mich. The railroad to Port Huron had recently been completed and this elegant souvenir was in grateful recognition of financial aid, given to it by the citizens of Flint. Among the many gifts to the library, one especially prized was a handsome set of volumes from Mr. J. L. Brown, of California, but formerly of Flint. LIBRARY EVOLUTION. 195 It was considered the duty of the Association to, preserve the local history, and for that reason files of the Wolverine Citizen were particularly valued. March 22nd, 1876, was a red letter day long to be remembered by those in attendance. This was the twenty-fifth anniversary, and about two hundred invitations were issued. Delegates from other ladies' libraries came, old members and still other friends and book-lovers, who, were in sympathy with the library movement. Afternoon and evening sessions were full of song and story. A poem written for the occasion by Hon. F. H. Rankin, Sr., on "Printing Thought," was in a happy vein and heartily received. A bountiful supper was enjoyed, and the guests left about a hundred volumes on the shelves. The library was popular. A new generation had grown into the work, the daughters of the earlier members, and many others, who, were attracted by the reading, congenial occupation and agreeable society. One after another took up the responsibilities, but it would be impossible to mention all. They will always remember each other, and the Wednesday afternoon meeting, but the third generation was attracted elsewhere. While the members of the Library Association found their object achieved and their labor crowned with success, another institution had been taking on new life. In 1872, the Union School District of the City of Flint was organized, and the High School established. The High School Building was dedicated in 1875, with a clock and a bell to give sound to the fact that fifty years of progress in the history of Flint had been realized. Trustee Clarke reported to the Board of Education that the school library was very far from being such as the wants of the school demanded, and it was decided to spend as liberal sum of 196 PFIITIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. money annually as was possible under the law, for a free public library. The schools had the children as well as the tax money, and the day of the subscription library had come to its decline. A decline or failure was not a pleasant thing to contemplate for those who were weary after years of faithful and devoted work. But there was a better way to solve the problem, and that was to, co-operate with the Board of Education, though the transition looked difficult. In this light there was no failure, but a grand success, for had not the women prepared the way and laid the foundation for a free public library? The idea of making the Ladies' Library a Free Public Library was latent in the Association. It had come up again and again for discussion. Resolutions to that effect were voted down repeatedly, because all could not see quite alike, and the public did not give much encouragement, yet there was a very general desire to do what seemed to be the best thing for the city. Finally at a special meeting, on June 28, 1884, it was unanimously decided to present the library to the city. The following resolutions were adopted, and the Hon. George H. Durand was requested to present them to the city: "At a special meeting of the Ladies' Library Association the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: "Whereas, We, the members of the Ladies' Library Association of Flint, having associated ourselves together for the purpose of cultivating a taste for literature and establishing a library in our midst, and "Whereas, Having labored for this purpose for a period of twenty years, we now find our labors crowned with success, and, "Whereas, The liberality of a generous public having so greatly contributed to this success, we do hereby LIBRARY EVOLUTION. 197 "Resolve, That the ladies of said Association, to show their appreciation of such liberality and believing that the wants of the public will be better subserved in the future by a free public city library; be it therefore "Resolved, That said Association do hereby present to the City of Flint, the library and building now belonging to said Association, to be forever a free city library and reading room, the ladies reserving the right to appoint four trustees who shall co-operate with said city in carrying out the above object." "A committee of the following named ladies was authorized to carry out and put in effect these resolutions by presenting to the said city, through your honorable body, the library building, and such other property as they may have to dispose of, the city to guarantee the carrying out of the above requirements in connection with a debating club. And the said library and reading room to be kept open through every day and evening of the year of the future for the benefit of the public. M. G. Stockton, Arabella Rankin, Helen Hill and Lizzie M. Carman, committee." Judge Durand presented the resolutions to the common council. The matter was referred to a committee which reported as follows: "Your committee, to whom was referred the communication of the Ladies' Library Association, find, after a careful consideration of the matter, that it would cost the city to run the library in the present building, to the best judgment of the committee, at least $1,200 to $1,500 per year, with $500 to start with for new books and rebinding old ones. This would be offset in part by the rent of the lower part of the building, if it could be rented, leaving the balance to be raised by tax. It has been said that the fines from the justice office would go to a free library. We would say that the fines 198 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. collected under city ordinance amount to but little more than enough to pay the justice. The fines collected under state laws are paid to the county treasurer and by him distributed to the schools of the county. We would say that the city would be called upon within the next two years to build two or three bridges at a cost of many thousand dollars. We would also state that within the next two years, the city will lose from the tax list personal property to the amount of $150,000 to $175,000 (W. W. Crapo and Begole, Fox & Co., lumber), a loss at the present rate of taxation of more than $2,000. While acknowledging the value of the gift and the great good that would come of it, yet your committee would deem it unwise under the circumstances for the city to assume any additional burden at the present time." The report of the committee was adopted. The more the subject was considered, the more desirable it seemed that the Ladies' Library should be transformed into a free public library. The Scientific Library had made a bill of sale of its library and museum to Union School District, January 5th, 1877, and with this example in mind, a committee was appointed toi consult with the school board, April 25th, 1885, and June 6th, 1885, the following resolution was adopted: "That the officers of this, the Ladies' Library Association of Flint, be and are hereby authorized and instructed, in the name of this Association, to execute a deed and bill of sale, of all the property of the Association, both real and personal, to Union School District of the City olf Flint, under the sole condition that said property be devoted to library purposes." This resolution was presented to the school board, and after due consideration the following resolution presented by Trustee Wisner was unanimously adopted: LIBRARY EVOLUTION. 199 "Resolved, That on behalf of the Union School District of the City of Flint, we accept the building on the southwest corner of Kearsley and Beach streets, known as the Ladies' Library Association Building, and the books and fixtures which it contains, to be used, or if any portion be sold to be used solely for the maintenance of a public library in the City of Flint; "Resolved, That the committee on library is hereby authorized to see that the necessary papers are executed and recorded, transferring the title to said property to Union School District; "Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the ladies of the Library Association for their generous and unselfish act in devoting to public use and the common good so much valuable property, the result of many years of untiring effort, and representing not only the labors of the present donors, but of many who have ceased from their labors and entered into their reward, and whose works do, follow them." The Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Dibble, was instructed to cause to be prepared an engrossed copy of the above resolutions and forward it to the Secretary of the Ladies' Association. There were about 4,000 books in the library. The deed thus giving the Ladies' Library in trust to the Union School District, was signed by Frances McQuigg Stewart, president, and Anna Walker McCall, secretary. July 11th, 1885, the remaining $37.55 in the treasury was given to the Women's Relief Corps, as the successors of the Soldiers' Aid Society. Briefly, in seventy-five years, from the Indian trail has been evolved a road for wagons, wheels, then a toll gate plank road, and finally the railroad. Other parallel lines of progress can be traced, like the 200 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. typical wagon tracks. First the log school house, and the district school house with rate bills, then the free public school. Running along beside the school, the private library, the subscription library with dues, and finally the free public library. Telephone bells ring in the new century, with electric roads, and Flint manufacturing wheels for the world, with high schools going to the townships, with traveling libraries going to the people. Wheels and books have made the world more neighborly. Even the gift of a building, designed for the one special purpose of a library. has been presented to Flint by that cosmopolitan man who has taken the wiicle country for his field of philanthropy. It is of classic design, framed with steel, and made beautiful with artistic decorations, but the crowning feature of the Free Public Library is the children's room, for the children represent the future. THE HON. GRANT DECKER, First Mayor of Flint. ... Fifty Years of Progress. By H. H. FITZGERALD. Tonight, after many weeks of expectancy and pleasant anticipation, the bells and whistles will announce the beginning of the Golden Jubilee and Old Home Coming Reunion. It is indeed the occasion of a most happy hour, and a glance backward at the half century of progress and development suggests the old Flint of long ago, and a time when the fondest dreams of those who sought to make a city in the wilderness did not encompass more than a tithe of the advancement wrought during this span of half a hundred years. Fifty years of steady march up the hill of time; fifty years of earnest, manly endeavor; fifty years of heroic battle against the ever present foe to progress fifty years of vigorous expansion, and healthy development emphasize and make possible this most auspicious hour. It is fitting at this time that we pause as a municipality and take occasion to recount the conquests of this busy span of years, and in our contemplation we will be inclined to take an inventory of our accomplishments and learn the reason for this Jubilee. This fifty-year post marks the dividing line between the pioneer who set in motion this substantial accomplishment and that great host which has come after to take up and carry forward the work so well begun, and in the same spirit commence the last half of the century undaunted by possible obstacles, and filled with the courage born of healthy accomplishment and the determination conceived only by material success. cci 202 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. At this most happy hour standing in strong relief is the thought that the broad foundation laid by those who felt the magic touch of possibility has not been allowed to crumble away, but on the contrary, has been made the base for an industrial expansion of such substantial and worthy nature that it has become the pride of those who have participated and the wonder of those who contemplated. Conscious as we are of the multiplying difficulties and obstacles which were encountered by those who strove to build a city worthy of the great state in which it has come to stand so high, we are not unmindful that there have been dark periods of depression and occasions when it seemed as if the zenith had been reached, when further progress looked like an impossibility, and when vigorous methods had to be resorted to to stem a backward movement. It was at these times that heroes came forward to show their metal, when force displaced inertia, when manhood and courage crowded out the timid counsellors and fear and apprehension were driven to the rear. Vigorous characters asserted themselves in such a way that the ledger account was placed back to the right side and growth continued to supplant inaction. The progress which marks this span of fifty years has been as broad as it has been substantial and encompasses the moral as well as the material, and while huge chimney tops have been erected to belch forth their clouds of smoke, spires have at the same time graced the heavens and mark the growth of Christianity and goodness coincident with this wonderful prosperity, measured by the bank book and the counting room. The residents of Flint are proud of the city, and they are delighted at this splendid opportunity to demonstrate in word and in deed the wholesome pride that has come as the natural result of this progress. FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS. 203 The next two days are indeed to be most happy ones, and in the various functions which are to mark the dedication and occupancy of the new public buildings, and in the review of the present and past, the residents of today have invited the residents of yesterday to take part at this joyous time, and while recalling the days of old to see for themselves what the years have brought forth. Together with these guests will come thousands of others who have been asked to join those whose interests are direct, and to them all we extend a most hearty welcome, and assure them that as the guests of the city they are free to enjoy all that is to be seen and heard, and that their reception is intended to be such as will send them away with naught but the kindliest feelings in their hearts for the new Flint, which is beginning another epoch in its career, reaching forward, striving, anxious for the years that are to come, and yet confident and calm in the assurance of its strength, enjoying the poise of attainment, yet eager for further greater growth and expansion. Flint To-day By J. C. WILLSON, M. D. Now, Mr. Editor, may I ask, can you expect me to write anything, either interesting or instructive, of "Flint today," after the old and new harvest has been so thoroughly threshed over, and the golden grain winnowed by others in the several sections assigned to them,-"Manufactures," "Schools," "Moral and Religious Development," "Municipal Government," "Fraternal Life," "Military Record," "Early Social Life," "The Pioneers," "Clubs," "School for the Deaf," "the Libraries," and finally "The Jubilee." What is there left for me to say? Nothing worth saying. But, inasmuch as you will not take "No" for an answer to your very polite and urgent invitation, I will do the best I can at saying nothing. Flint, like David of old, (David Harum, I mean), was born poor and naked, but honest except in trading horses. It had the red men for its ancestors (it was built on the Indian Reservation), and one of the innumerable Smith family (Jacob) for its god-father. It did not, like Topsy, "just growed up;" it had a parentage. But you ask me to write of "Flint today," not of Flint yesterday. Well, like "Uncle Toby," in his preface to "Tristram Shandy,"-that's what I'm trying to get at, for every "today" is the product, the evolution, of the yesterdays-Flint is no exception. The white men who supplanted the red, and who were the real founders of the city, came of good New England and New York stock. There were born pioneers,-a brave, sturdy, cciv FLINT TO-DAY 205 hardy, generous community of men and women; the kind to whom people of today are proud to trace back to their genealogy. When so many might be named, who bore an honorable and distinguished part in laying the foundations upon which have been reared this beautiful and progressive city, the "Flint of Today," it would appear an invidious distinction in me to single out individuals,-collectively they worked wonders for their day and generation, in opening up the country for commercial enterprises. For the means they had at hand, to do with, I think they were quite the equal of the men of today, in enterprises of general welfare for their fellow men. They were men and women of strong, robust moral and Christian character. Character tells in the building of cities, as in the building of manhood. The Flint of today is the legitimate and normal fruitage of the tree of character, planted by the men and women of the earlier days of its growth and development. Though dead, they still live and speak in their children and children's children. During the Jubilee, there were two very suggestive exhibits of photographs collected and framed. In one were those of the old pioneers, labeled in large letters: "THE MEN WHO MADE FLINT." In the other were framed those of today, and appropriately labeled: "THE MEN WHO ARE PUSHING FLINT TO THE FRONT;" one set the complement of the other. The men who followed the Indian trails through the woods, or blazed new ones for themselves, who bridged the streams and made roads passable for their ox teams and lumber wagons, poor ones they were, but better than many around Flint today; who lived in log houses, and worshipped God in primative churches; who planned our wide streets and avenues 206 FIPTIETH ANNIVERSARY O FPLINT. and planted shade trees, the pride and glory of the city today; who raised money (not by promoting bond schemes and issuing watered stock, but the actual cash), to build our first railroads, the Pere Marquette, and Flint and Holly; these were truly "The Men Who Made Flint." These are worthily succeeded by the men of today, who are pushing Flint to the front, at the head of whom stand the men engaged in the vehicle industry, the Durant-Dort Company, the W. A. Paterson Company, the Flint Wagon Works Company, the W. F. Stewart Body Works Company, the Imperial Wheel Company, the Armstrong Steel Spring Company, the Buick Motor Company, Weston-Mott Company, the Auto Brass Company, the Whip Socket Company, and others too numerous to mention. But, while the vehicle industry attracts greater notice to "Flint To-day" than any other, it must not be forgotten that the men and women engaged in other pursuits, are no less patriotic to Flint's interests and credit, and each in his or her several sphere, is adding to the popularity and advancement of the city as a whole. The merchants and bankers, the manufacturers of woolen goods, of cigars, of flour and other products of the farm, the publishers of our newspapers, are all equally entitled to their share of credit for the exalted place Flint occupies today, in the estimation, not alone, of its own citizens, but throughout the state. These are the men and women who are making Flint one of the most desirable places to live in, and have a home and bring up a family, of any in the state. We have all, or nearly all, the advantages, and few of the objectionable features of larger cities. We have good schools, fine churches, with well sustained pulpits and well filled pews. We have a beautiful little opera house, ample in size and accommodation for the present needs of the city; a system of public water works owned by the city; both gas and electric lighting, and one of the most unique methods of lighting Saginaw street, by iron arches FLINT TO-DAY 207 spanning the street, to which are attached electric incandescent lamps,-very attractive, and giving Flint a distinction in this respect, beyond any in Michigan. With well paved streets, good, first class hotels, electric car service, and beautiful and attractive homes, what more is there to be desired? Yes, we lack public parks for breathing places for our industrial population, for our mill and factory operatives, their wives and families, to visit Sunday afternoons and holidays. This, our forefathers did not plan for, therefore, "Flint of To-day" must provide them for the Flint of to-morrow. Having greater wealth than our forefathers, greater obligations rest upon us, and we should not lose present opportunities to use it judiciously, for the benefit and uplifting of our fellow citizens. We should not be satisfied today, with what we have done, but press on and forward, to higher ideals. We should not be satisfied to forever remain in the old ruts, but always reach out and press forward to something higher and better. I have spoken of our need of public parks. I may add that another great need of Flint today is an institution for good works, patterned, it may be, after the Y. M. C. A. organization; a building on Saginaw street, suitably designed and attractively fitted up, where both young men and young women, and the middle aged,-all sorts and conditions of men and women, may go and enjoy their evenings in innocent games and amusements, where hot coffee and tea and nonalcoholic drinks may be served at nominal prices,-in a word, a place where the environments do not debase and degrade, but elevate. The men of today should bestir themselves, and take a more active interest than they do, in the municipal affairs of our city. They should ignore politics, and see to it that the best men, regardless of party affiliations are selected to represent us in the city government. We should put forth 208 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. every effort to make Flint a clean city, morally and physically. We should regulate and limit the saloon traffic, and compel an absolute and unequivocal observance of the state liquor law, and the city ordinances, and stamp out vice of every form, as far as may be possible. These are a few suggestions, sir, I make bold to offer in this connection,-to the "Flint of To-day." THE HON. D. D. AITKEN, Mayor of Flint in its year of Jubilee. History of the Golden Jubilee and Old Home Coming Reunion By REV. THEODORE D. BACON George Eliot says somewhere that there has never been a great nation without processions. There is profound truth in the remark. Celebrations and processions are not such trivial things as they seem sometimes when we come to read about them. The speeches may be forgotten, and the order of march, and the number of men in line, which were such burning questions the week before the event, may seem utterly trivial the day after, but a new sense of common life remains, stirred into consciousness by the celebration, which would otherwise have lain dormant. People feel that they belong together more, they are less a crowd and more a real body corporate. The United States was more a country for the Centennial, so Flint is more of a city for its Semi-Centennial Jubilee. It is good, too, that these celebrations should be recorded, even though the record may not be quite as interesting as the latest novel, for it brings to mind more than the mere events in detail. As these are recalled, there comes with them a renewal of that common feeling which makes the life of the city, and, as the years go by, the old-time celebration gains in significance for young and old. The Jubilee had its inception in a chance remark to Mayor Bruce J. Macdonald, by one who happened to be looking over the records of the city, that Mr. Macdonald was the fiftieth ccix 210 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. mayor of the city. Further conference between the Mayor and Alderman M. F'. Cook, led to a motion by the latter in the council for a celebration, and a committee to have charge of it. The motion was passed unanimously and the movement was inaugurated. This general committee confined its activities principally to the appointment of an executive committee, carefully chosen from representative men of the town, by whom the plan was outlined, and the various subordinate committees were appointed. The various committees, with the names of their members will be found in an appendix at the end of the book. At the outset the plan for the celebration was extremely modest, not to say meager, but as the idea grew in the minds of the people, suggestions began to come in from all sides, and a much broader and more adequate conception of what was to be done was established. It was designed that the celebration should appeal to all classes of the community, and also make as deep an impression as might be on those who came from outside. There must be a recollection of the past, and appreciation of the present, and a look forward into the future. There must be display and amusement, and a setting forth of material advancement and prosperity; but these must not be allowed to overshadow the moral and intellectual aspects of the occasion. Every living person, near and far, who had ever lived in Flint, must be made to feel, as far as possible, that he or she had an important share in this celebration. In order to accomplish this result, it was needful, not only to make ready an adequate celebration, but to make it widely known. For this purpose the newspapers of the state were kept filled with interesting reading concerning Flint and its Golden Jubilee, and a persistent canvas was made for names of former inhabitants of the city to whom programs and invitations to be present were sent. Dignitaries of other cities THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 211 and other prominent citizens of the country also were urged to be present. Nor were these appeals in vain, for when the day arrived a great concourse arrived to help make the celebration an eventful one. A few words should be said also regarding the financial side of the enterprise. Naturally such an undertaking could not be carried through without a good deal of expense, but so great was the willingness of the people of the city to contribute in cash and labor and supplies that not only was the celebration carried through according to the program, but wonderful to relate, a substantial surplus was left after the celebration was over. The total Icash subscriptions were $8,373.75, while a surplus of $1,203.46 was reported to the Common Council on November 6, after all bills had been paid. How well this foresight, public spirit and executive ability was rewarded, the remainder of this narrative must endeavor to set forth. The formal exercises began on Tuesday evening, June 6, 1905. At six o'clock the Mayor, Common Council, and other city officials, and ex-officials gathered at The Dryden, and marched from there, escorted by the Chief Marshal, Lieut-Col. Parker, his aides and Co. A., M. N. G., to the First Ward Park, where the celebration was formally turned over to the Mayor, Hon. D. D. Aitken, by Judge Chas. H. Wisner, chairman of the General Committee. In a few well-chosen words, the chairman made the presentation, which was fittingly replied to by Mayor Aitken. A great ringing of bells and blowing of factory whistles, all over the city, proclaimed that the celebration was formally opened. The officials, present and past, then retired to The Dryden to partake of a banquet, while the troops proceeded, in company with Crapo Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, to the Grand Trunk Depot to 212 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. receive the old battle-flags, which arrived from Lansing in charge of Col. Cox. These flags had been carried by Michigan regiments through the civil war, and are very precious mementoes. They were carried to the Bryant House for safekeeping until the parade next morning. At eight o'clock came the illumination of the city, which afforded entertainment to the crowds assembled on the streets. In addition to the eight electric arches on South Saginaw Street, two new arches had been erected, one just across the bridge on North Saginaw Street bearing the legend, "Flint, Vehicle City," and one, the Jubilee arch, at the corner of South Saginaw and Fifth Streets. They were now put in operation for the first time. But the special attractions were the two search-lights; sent to the city by the United States Navy Department, and above all the electric fountain in the First Ward Park, a labor of love on the part of Manager Baird of the Electric Light Works, Superintendent Fisher, of the Water Works, and Chief Rose, of the Fire Department. One of the search-lights was erected just north of the fountain on a raised platform, whence its dazzling rays were directed along the great throng on Saginaw Street, while the other was mounted up at the Michigan State School for the Deaf, and sent its great beams toward the sky from various angles, attracting attention for miles around. But it was the fountain after all that held the attention of those who were able to get anywhere near it, with its waters constantly pouring over the bright lights, which changed from red to blue or to pale green, and then perhaps to the bright light of the ordinary lamp, only to come back in a moment to some other color, the whole modified, and rendered opalescent by the flow of water. People would gaze for a while and then make room for others only to hang around the outskirts of the crowd and work their way back slo'wly for another view of the THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 213 fascinating object. Slowly the crowds faded away to rest before the more strenuous celebration of the two days to come. Wednesday morning the celebration began early by a salute of fifty guns at six o'clock, followed at eight by fifty strokes of the City Hall bell; and soon thereafter Saginaw Street was alive with people and with sound, for the bands were assembling, and strains of a dozen different melodies in as many different keys, set the small boy to dancing, and the sensitive ear to shrinking. But by 9:30 all clashing of chords had ceased, and the whole line of march was thronged with eager spectators awaiting the first grand parade. The business blocks and many private houses were gaily and often elaborately decked with flags and bunting, and from every window and from the tops of many houses spectators were in evidence. The line of march was in the form of a string with a loop at the end of it. The procession marched north on Saginaw Street, from Eight Street as far as Wood Street, then west to Detroit Street, and southerly on Detroit to Saginaw, and up Saginaw to Fifth. As leader in the procession came the Vice-President of the United States, Honorable Charles W. Fairbanks, in a carriage with Mayor Aitken. Standing erect in the carriage he made a most conspicuous figure, and was heartily cheered along the whole line of march. Following him came the athletic figure of Governor Fred M. Warner, of Michigan, on horseback, well-mounted, and surrounded by the regulation group of gorgeously arrayed aides. Then came two battalions of the Michigan National Guard, led by Brigadier General Harrah, and under the immediate command of Col. Bates. As they marched along with upright carriage and swinging step, they made a fine impression and were greeted with hearty applause. But the special favorites were the Detroit Naval Reserves, who followed, for these men had seen real service and had met the Spaniards in the 214 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. West Indies. The conflict was not a long one, but it had been enough to show that the spirit of '76 and '61 is still with us, and that men accustomed to luxury and the pleasant things of life still have the old mettle in them and can put up with the hardships and the harsh discipline of the common sailor for the sake of the country and the old flag. The spirit is just as truly in the soldiers as in the sailors, but these men had had the chance to show it, and were still ready for active service. Then came Michigan's own high dignitaries in state and nation, Senator Alger, Mr. Justice Brown, of the U. S. Supreme Court, the Michigan Supreme Court in a body, other Federal and State Judges, and other state and local officials, completing the first division of the procession. The second division was Masonic, and attracted attention by the accurate execution by the Knights Templar of the elaborate evolutions laid down in their manual. It was not yet time for the old Flint part of the procession, yet the next division was more significant of the heroic in the early days of the city, than any other, for it was the Grand Army division. Here they come, the band playing as gaily as for any of the divisions that have gone before, but somehow it is not gaiety that comes to the mind and heart as this division comes up the street. See the flags as they come along, faded and torn, with here and there a round hole in their faded stripes. How tenderly they are carried! And then see the men that follow them, in their Grand Army blue. Here is one with an empty sleeve, there another who goes with a crutch, and many a one who must needs use a cane. They are not so very old, say sixty-five on an average, but how long ago it seems from the time when they went forth, when the city was just beginning to be. To most of the spectators their work is a matter of history, not of memory, and it seems THE GOLDEN JUBIIEE. 215 like having men step out of a book to see them marching along. Even to a few who can remember those stirring times of '61, the memory seems like that of a bygone era. And how hard it is to realize that these men were hardly more than boys when they went forth. To us they have been elderly, grey-bearded men for many a day. Is it possible that, when they did those things, they were really not so old as our National Guard boys? How strange it all seems! They pass, and the city is better for having seen them. Then come more fraternal orders, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Columbus, Knights of the Maccabees, Woodmen, Gleaners, Grangers, and finally the Order of Eagles, making up the fourth division. In contrast to the military display which had preceded them, but of no less interest to the spectator, came the last two divisions of the procession devoted to Old Flint and to New Flint. As leader of the Old Flint division came a weather-beaten and dilapidated old stage-coach in which James K. Polk rode to Washington for his inauguration, now drawn by four horses, and with its top occupied by pigs and chickens. It was older than the city, but yet more elegant than many a public vehicle that drew settlers hither in search of homes. Behind the coach came a band of real Indians. On ordinary days they are much like other good citizens, but today they are gorgeous and terrible in buckskin and feathers like their fathers of old. Following them comes a load of logs, illustrating Flint's earliest industry, and after that a float containing a log-cabin with a raccoon on its roof, and skins of various animals hanging on its walls. In front of the cabin door sat the housewife spinning industriously, and at the same time rocking a cradle of old time make. By her side stood the husband, with his cradle (for grain) over his shoulder. Many another suggestion of old days followed, including the doctor 216 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. in his old-fashioned gig, and the old fire department under the veteran Chief James Williams, all togged out after the oldfashion, and pulling the hand pump that used to break the backs of enthusiastic young fire-laddies. Finally there came that division which represented all that for which the rest of the celebration had been prepared, namely, New Flint. It was represented by its mercantile industries, its vehicle industries, and by an ornamental section consisting of a floral parade. Following the band, the mail-carriers in Uncle Sam's blue and gray uniform, led the mercantile section, and after them came floats of all sorts representing the varied industries of Saginaw Street, and with the present fire department, bringing up the rear in imposing style. Then came the representation of the city's chief industry-vehicles. Followingi its own band came the brigade of vehicle workers of the city, all in white uniforms, and then, after another band, six allegorical floats, on which much care and ingenuity had been lavished. On the first appeared a large globe to which was attached a wheel, and as the wheel was turned by the goddess of fortune the globe revolved, an indication of the part which the vehicle industry plays in making the world go round. Seated on the floor among boxes, kegs, etc., were figures symbolical of Art, Industry and Commerce. The next five represented the progress which has been made in the form of vehicles, beginning with a jungle scene, with a man reclining in a hammock suspended from a. pole carried on the shoulders of two stalwart negroes. A second showed an Egyptian woman under a canopy on a camel's back, surrounded by Arabs. A third showed an Indian squaw with a papoose, riding on a travois, or Indian drag, made of two poles hitched to a pony's sides, across which a board was fixed on which the squaw was seated! Still a fourth showed the two-wheeled ox-cart of Old Mexico drawn by oxen, while the latest and THE HON. C. W. FAIRBANKS, Vice-Prcsident of the United States. THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 217 finest output of the vehicle factories formed an appropriate climax. To tell of the beauties of the flolral display requires both more space and daintier words than is at the writer's disposal. Let the reader with the bare facts at his disposal of ladies on horseback, floats and gorgeously trimmed carriages and automobiles, supply the vision to, his own imagination. So ended the first day's procession, but by no means all its celebration. Of this it was but the beginning. The parade was followed immediately by the laying of the corner stone of the Federal Building. The exercises were begun with prayer, followed by the laying of the stone by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, after which the Hon. D. D. Aitken, Mayor of the City, delivered the following address of welcome: "Mr. President: "On behalf of the City of Flint, which I officially represent at these exercises, I wish to, extend to the illustrious visitors who honor us with their presence, acknowledgment of the city's appreciation. "The laying of the corner stone of this edifice, which is to be dedicated to governmental uses, is an evidence that Flint, as a government family, has assumed such proportions that it is entitled to a building in which to carry out its business relations with the government. I say family, Mr. President, because it seems to me that this great republic is made up of thousands of municipal families, both large and small, covering all the territory over which waves the stars and stripes. "The great cities are municipalities with their own municipal government. The sparsely settled township is a municipality and in its crude and undeveloped condition, carries on in its own way the scheme of government; they all separately owe allegiance to, form a part of, and as a whole, constitute 218 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. this republic of ours. While some of our associated municipalities out-number us in population a thousandfold, and for wealth, the comparison would be still less favorable, still for devotion to one another, patriotism, and love of country, we claim to be the peer of any. "Fifty years ago, while yet small, with no knowledge of municipal government, we felt others would have greater respect, and we, ourselves, could accomplish greater things if we were a city, and we became incorporated and took on the dignity of the name although our numbers were few, and from that day to this the improvements and increase in population have constantly gone forward and there has never been a time when we could not say there has been a material improvement in the year last passed, and today, honored by the presence of some of our country's most distinguished sons, laying the corner stone of this building to be erected, and dedicating the two beautiful buildings, one to education and the other to justice, is certainly sufficient reason for rejoicing and congratulations among the people of Flint, and it is with no small degree of pride that I again extend to you their thanks for your presence here today." Mayor Aitken was followed by the Hon. Fred M. Warner, Governor of Michigan, who also delivered an appropriate address of welcome to the distinguished guests from near and far. The Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks, Vice-President of the United States, was then introduced, and spoke as follows: "Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen of Michigan: "We are assembled to perform an interesting function-a ceremony which denotes the growth and progress of a great people. We are taking a distinct step in advance. Old facilities and old methods are inadequate for present and future needs. Provision must be made by the government to meet THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 219 in good manner the increasing requirements of the people who are going forward with a will and with tremendous momentum to develop and expand their opportunities to the very utmost. "The growth of the city of Flint and the State of Michigan has been great. Both city and state have increased with remarkable rapidity. It has not been many years since the spot whereon we stand was in the midst of a vast virgin forest. It was not long ago that the hardy pioneers entered the wilderness to lay the foundation of the present advanced civilization which we behold. We cannot contemplate present conditions without recalling the fact that this community, like many others in the United States, was most fortunate in the high quality of its early settlers. No country upon this earth was ever more blessed than our own by the splendid men and women who went into the forest to, carve out their destiny. They had deep love for the home and abiding devotion to the state. They thirsted themselves for knowledge and were a God-fearing people. They endured privation without a murmur. They met hardship without complaint. They had unlimited confidence in their future. We witness today the ample fruition of their efforts and their hopes-the achievement in large measure of their exalted purpose. As we contrast the present with the past, we may well believe that they builded better than they knew. "The cornerstone of this community was well set. It was laid in faith in the church; faith in the state; faith in the schoolhouse and faith in the fireside, and the faith of the fathers is the faith of the children. "The building which will rise here is to be dedicated to a high use-the service of the people. There is no department of our government which comes so intimately and so constantly into contact with them as the postoffice department. 220 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. In fact, the vast majority of our countrymen have no physical evidence of the existence of any other department of our national government. They are daily and hourly brought into touch with this great department. The word 'great' is not misapplied. It is used advisedly, for there is no postal service in any country which approaches it in magnitude, and there is no other department of the government which possesses such vast machinery and transacts so large a volume of the people's business. "When the postoffice here was established, three-quarters of a century ago, under the name of Flint River, there were ten thousand six hundred postoffices in the United States, and the gross annual expenditures of the postoffice department were two million nine hundred thousand dollars. Last year there were seventy-one thousand postoffices. The gross expenditure of the department was one hundred and fifty-two millions of dollars. In 1834 there was a profit to the government in the service of eighty thousand dollars, while there was a loss last year of over eight millions of dollars. There were twenty-five million miles o'f mail service performed in the former year and five hundred and five millions of miles in the latter. "We gain from this brief exhibit some conception of our rapid and vast national development, for the postal system has merely expanded in response to our national growth. It has merely kept pace with our commercial, social and national needs. "It is impossible to exaggerate the beneficence of this great branch of our governmental service. It has been a most potent factor in our social and national upbuilding. It is an indispensable instrument of trade and commerce. Paralyze it for even a brief time, and the great business world would be seriously embarrassed. THEI GOLDEN JUBILEE. 221 "It has always been the helpful handmaiden of education. It promotes the wide dissemination of literature. It delivers the press within large areas free, and where it is not carried free, it is delivered at a low cost, with unfailing regularity and amazing punctuality. Through the instrumentality of the postoffice department, the press reaches the uttermost parts of the republic, and people residing in the most widely separated sections in our country readily communicate with each other. The American people are essentially a reading people. They live in the vital present and must have the latest information from all parts of the world and at the earliest possible moment. The postal system enables them to keep abreast of rapidly transpiring events at home and abroad. The system is not sectional in its operation, for it performs its functions with impartiality in all neighborhoods and all portions of the country. "The present high state of the postal system has not been achieved at a single bound. It is the fruit of years of study, of earnest, patient effort. It is in the fullest degree of evolution. From the days of Benjamin Franklin until now the effort has been to suit the postal service to the expanding needs of the people. We have passed from the saddle-bags to the railway postoffice. We have developed in the cities from the postoffice where the people went to receive their mail to the free delivery system which carries it to their doors. We have developed from the postoffice at the country crossroads to the rural free delivery, which brings the mail daily to the farmer's gate. "There is, perhaps, no branch of the service which has been more rapid in its development and more beneficent in its operation than rural free delivery. Eight years ago it was in its incipiency. There were many then who had no faith in it and who doubted its efficacy. Fortunately, there were 222 FITIIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. those who were optimistic enough to believe that the service could be successfully established and who, well appreciated the needs of the great agricultural communities of the United States. It has rapidly passed from the experimental stage and become a permanent feature, far-reaching in its effects. "Eight years ago, there were, all told, forty-four routes. The annual appropriation was forty thousand dollars, less than fifteen thousand dollars of which was expended. Last year there were more than twenty-four thousand routes, covering more than five hundred and seventy-nine thousand miles, involving an expenditure of more than twelve millions of dollars. The appropriation by the last congress for the support and extension of the rural free delivery service for the coming year amounts to millions of dollars. "The rural free delivery service has not been and is not self-supporting, and it will not become self-sustaining for years to come; yet the service is so beneficent in its larger results that it will be maintained and extended regardless of this fact. It has, by no means, reached the limit of its development. It will continue to expand and in good time will be extended to every neighborhood where it is feasible. It will, no doubt, in years to come, become self-supporting. In measuring its effects we cannot regard it purely from the pecuniary standpoint. The people do not stop to consult the ledger when they make provision for their moral or intellectual welfare. We must view the service as we consider all governmental measures and policies-from the standpoint of the ends accomplished. In a very marked degree it removes the isolation of the farm, and brings agricultural communities into close touch with trade centers. "The postal department is the only great department which is essentially devoted to promoting knowledge among the people. It is, indeed, a vital agent in the general cause of THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 223 education. The American people believe in an educated citizenship. They firmly believe that it is the predicate of our highest and best development, and that it is, in the final analysis, the source of the strength, the safety and the permanence of our institutions. There is nothing in which we more justly pride ourselves, as a people, than in the fact that we have promoted the cause of education; that we have freely and without regard to cost, supported the schools, and have maintained those agencies and facilities which tend to educate the great masses of our countrymen. "The money order system which has been incorporated as one of the functions of the postoffice department, enables the government to transfer small sums among the people. The system has been in operation for about forty years and it has grown rapidly. The amount of money orders issued the first year amounted to near four millions of dollar. Last year the aggregate was about three hundred and eighty millions of dollars. There were issued in the last year foreign money orders to the amount of more than forty-two millions of dollars. When we consider the fact that the aggregate of domestic and foreign money orders is composed of comparatively small sums, we can give some conception of the widespread benefit of the system. "It is a pleasure of us all to be present and associate ourselves with this most important step in giving practical effect to the will of congress and the wish of this community. The building which will be erected here in due course, will stand for many years to come. The seasons will come and go, administrations will rise and fall, but it will continue to be an efficient instrument in building up the social and commercial interests of this community, destined to greatness yet unattained. 224 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. "We lay this cornerstone at an interesting period in our national history; at a time when we are at peace with the world and when there is harmony within our borders, and when our countrymen are engaged as never before in the pursuit of their gainful occupations. We observe no signs of danger about us. Everywhere there is a most abundant assurance of increasing strength and expanding power in all of the ways which make for a higher and better people. There are neither social nor economic disorders which will not find their sure antidote in the essential soundness and patriotism of the great body politic and the incorruptible virtue of the great masses of the best republic the world has ever known. "Permit me to congratulate you on your Golden Jubilee. Fate has scattered many who claim this as home to other states and other communities. They have attained success and honors elsewhere, but this community possesses for them a peculiar interest, and they return today with affection and gratitude. The home of our youth is home in a very essential sense always. "Marvelous changes have come in fifty years and greater changes still await you in the fifty years to come, if you but use well your opportunities and stand for those high ideals which have so prospered you in the past. "I most heartily congratulate you upon the celebration of the completion of the half century of your growth as a municipality. You have just reason for pride in what you have so well accomplished. The name of Flint is widely celebrated. It stands for progress, for high commercial honor, for law and order, for education and good morals. Here the home is exalted above all else. "You celebrate an important event under happy auspices. You have invited to share with you in your felicitations those whom the hand of fate has scattered among other states and r Al THE HON. J. B. ANGELL, L. L. D., President of the University of Michigan. I4 THE GOLDEN JUBILEM. 225 other communities. They return to the old roof tree with true filial affection and rejoice with you in what you have so splendidly achieved. May the half century upon which you enter with such promise, fulfill in full measure the prophecy of today." The Vice-President was followed by the Hon. Samuel WV. Smith, representative of the Sixth Congressional District, who had rendered the most valuable assistance to the city in securing an appropriation for the building, and who extended 'his congratulations in a felicitious address which was cordially and heartily applauded. The exercises at the Federal Building were followed in the afternoon by a battalion parade and exhibition drill at the fair grounds, which drew out a large and enthusiastic company of spectators. The elements of the parade were the two battalions of infantry, the Detroit Naval Reserves and the Detroit and Flint Commanderies of Knights Templar. After the march to the fair grounds there were a battalion parade by the First Battalion of the First Infantry, an artillery drill by the Naval Reserves, and an exhibition drill of their graceful and intricate evolutions by the Detroit Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. No attempt can be made to describe all the marchings and counter-marchings, except to say that the Naval Brigade found its work to include more elements of warfare than had been expected, as, owing to recent rains, parts of the fair grounds were little better than pools of water so that hauling cannon about by hand was anything but easy or tidy work, and not so very different from landing on a muddy shore. After the drill came an inspection of Company A, of the Third Infantry, the march back to the fair grounds, and a 226 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. concert by the First U. S. Infantry Band from Fort Wayne at the park. Meanwhile another set of military exercises, less showy, but not less memorable, was taking place in front of the new court house, namely, the dedication of the memorial tablets to the soldiers and sailors of Genesee County in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. The tablets were, of course, in the entrance hall and corridors of the court house, but in order to make room for the great crowd, the exercises were held on the lawn in,front. Escorted by the Fife and Drum Corps, the veterans marched from the Grand Army Hall to the court house, and there, after music, and bugle call and the "Assembly" by prominent Grand Army men, introductory remarks were made by M. C. Barney, chairman of the committee in charge of the work. A few words from his remarks are given here to help set forth the proud right that these men have that their names should be emblazoned in our Hall of Justice. "This grand old Genesee County," said Captain Barney, "gave practically all her boys and men between the ages of 18 and 45 to help make the grand total of 2,556,563 that went to the front and saved this nation. Michigan gave 90,747, which was a greater number than was subject to draft, between the ages of 18 and 45, of this number 14,753 were killed in action. "Very many Genesee County soldier boys are in unknown graves all over the southland, and their names will never be known, except as they appear on these walls. We are glad today that we can say to the people who lost friends on those bloody battlefields, and to the friends of those who lost their health on Cuban soil, that their names shall be placed on THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 227 these walls, on that beautiful Tennessee marble, from southern battlefields." Mayor Aitken then spoke words of welcome of more than unusual feeling and appropriateness, and was followed by Capt. E. M. Allen, of0 Portland, Mich., the memorial orator. A portion of his address follows: "We meet today to indulge a chapter of the unwritten history of the Civil War, to count some of the unnumbered blessings wrought for us, and to pay a passing tribute to those men who made these blessings possible. I am very proud of Michigan, which has honored me by adoption; proud not only for the splendid civilization which is hers today, but especially proud of her patriotic devotion to the general government in the hour of common peril. In a night of extreme danger, General Kearney said, 'Put a Michigan regiment on guard,' and while the silent stars looked down in admiration, and the night wept dews of pity, the sleepless sons of Michigan kept watch and guard while the army slept to dream of home and friends around the fireside. "More than ninety per cent of the men of military age in Michigan were at the front. No portion of this commonwealth was more patriotic than this splendid County of Genesee. The record shows that ninety-three per cent of her men of military age left home, with all its endearments, to maintain the honor of our flag, many, alas! to find on distant battlefields a soldier's burial. Can we today realize what this percentage meant to the people of your city forty years ago. Let me give you an object lesson. There are perhaps one hundred men in this audience between the ages of 18 and 45. The same rule applied today would take 93 of these and march them away keeping step to the music of the Union. Twenty boys in your high school over 18 years old. Call 18 of them out, put them in the livery of their country, and stand them 228 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. up to brave the shot and shell of an implacable foe. Think of this, my young friends, and try to realize what it cost to be patriotic in those heroic years." After paying tribute to the sons of Genesee County for the record they had made in the war, the speaker continued: "Our comrades sleep, some in Genesee,'some in national cemeteries, and some in unmarked graves beneath a sunnier sky. No marble marks the resting-place of those who slumber where they fell. No loving friend may adorn with flowers or moisten with affectionate tears, their tomb. But doubt not, despite their unbefitting burial, they are sincerely mourned, and their memory as fondly cherished as though in coffined urn they slept where the buried ashes of their kindred lie. Good deeds are immortal. The years will come and go. This generation will be gathered to that eternal home of which we know so little and trust so much; strangers will tread these corridors and read these names with idle curiosity, the very marble will crumble under the touch of time, but the deeds that these men did, the government they saved, the splendid civilization they made possible, like the pyramids, will stand an enduring monument, when the buildings have been forgotten." Mr. C. C. Dewstoe, Postmaster at Cleveland, Ohio, had "Genesee County during the War" as his assignment and was most heartily received. The fact that he used to live in Genesee County and went from, here to the front placed him in close touch with his theme and with his audience, though he had been long absent from this city. He spoke of the services, not only of the men, but also of the women of the country, "to whom is due in a large degree the great measure of our final achievement." With a look forward and a final word of appreciation to the Grand Army the address was closed. Then followed the Hon. R. A. Alger of the United States THE GOLDEN JUBIILEE. 229 Senate in an appropriate and feeling address on "The Soldiers of Genesee County." after which, with more music and the sounding of "Taps," the memorial exercises were closed. For most people the next exercise was supper, but the alumni of the University of Michigan took advantage of the interval to have a banquet at The Dryden for President Angell who was to be one of the speakers at the dedication of the library next day. Following the co-educational principle of the University, instead of a toast-master, there was a toastmistress in the person of Miss M. Louise Wheeler of the High School. President Angell was in a reminiscent vein and charmed his hearers with a talk on the worth of the University illustrated by the careers of some of its graduates. Some of the more distinguished alumni from out of town were present, including Judge McAlvay and Judge Carpenter of the Michigan Supreme Court, and Mayor Codd and Ex-Mayor Maybury of Detroit, each of whom made short addresses. The evening celebration had for its principal feature an Illuminated Parade of Vehicles and Floral Floats. These were the same which had appeared in the morning's procession, but with an added interest from the glow of street-lights and torches. The streets were completely choked by the throngs of people who turned out to witness the parade, and for a good time generally. The crowd was like that of the night before, only more so, and much enlivened by uniforms of National Guards and Naval Reserves. To quote a newspaper report, "They paraded, sang, whistled, yelled and generally let people know that they were in town." But with all the jollity and boisterousness there seemed to be nothing but good humor and essential good order everywhere. The illuminated fountain was again the center of a great deal of interest. 230 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. At the same time with the out-of-door celebration, a general reception was held in the court house for all the distinguished guests which was attended by almost the entire population of the city and the invited guests. A great many other social functions were held of a private and public character, which continued long into the night. One of the most memorable and enjoyable of these was the re-union o.f the ex-members of the Flint Union Blues, at the armory. Addresses were made by distinguished guests, and many former members enlivened the occasion with humorous reminiscences of the old days. Let us close our account of the day with a further extract from the newspaper report just mentioned, slightly modified: "Music was as free as air, and almost as plentiful. Bands played and blared from the parks, from verandas of the hotels, from the reviewing stand, and from the pavement. The Fife and Drum Corps shrieked and rattled, musical contrivances in stores sent plaintive notes to the street, and gramophones were heard at various corners. Even the blind man with the hand organ, the colored man with the guitar-they all helped, and Flint was musicked in most generous fashion. "Until late at night there was a big crowd of Jubilee visitors on the streets; but with the midnight trains gone, the jam thinned out. Flint folks and their guests watched the illumination of the fountain, the ceaseless shafts from the searchlights, heard the bands play the last time for the night, and went home to the sleep of the weary, and to do it all over again the next day." It might be supposed that the doing it all over again next day must involve something of sameness and weariness, and so it would have been had Thursday's procession been of the same character as Wednesday's. But while the first procession had to do with the present and the past, and was largely THE GOLDEN JUBILUEE. 231 military, the second looked toward the future. It was made up principally of the schools of the city. Two thousand of all ages and sizes, from the little tots, too small to keep up with the procession if they kept step with the music, up to the graduating class of the high school, marched in line, each carrying a small American flag. Great crowds gathered to see them and cheered them no less heartily and enthusiastically than they had cheered the procession the day before. And in response came many a cheer, and many a waving of flags from the little folks in the procession. With peculiar appropriateness, Dr. James B. Angell, the revered president of the State University, and so the top stone of our educational system, led the way, and with him other speakers and prominent guests and citizens, including, of course, the city Board of Education. Then, on foot, leading the schools came the high school faculty, with true dignity, each carrying a flag like their scholars. Next followed the high school cadets, in black coats and white duck trousers, rivaling the soldiers of the day before in the smartness with which they carried themselves, and the precision of their drill. Following them came the other members of the school in the order of their classes, and then the Stevenson, Walker, Kearsley, Oak, Doyle, Clark and Hazelton schools with classes led by their teachers. So filled were the smaller children with the marching spirit, that even when forced to halt for a moment, their feet still kept time to the music of the band. Then, all in white, came St. Michael's Parochial School, and after them, schools from the country in wagons. Most interesting perhaps of all, and certainly with the greatest appeal to the sympathies of the spectators, was the last school contingent, consisting of the State School for the Deaf, marching along with happy faces, apparently to the music of the band, though not a note reached their ears. Nor could they 232 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. hear the applause which greeted them all along the line, yet, it was not all in vain, for their eyes made up in some measure for their lack of hearing, and took in with delight the fluttering of flags and the waving of hands and handkerchiefs as they passed. The procession was appropriately closed by a floral parade, in which gaily decked carriages and automobiles took part. Instead of breaking up on Saginaw Street, as that of the previous day, the procession appropriately- marched out on Kearsley Street, in front of the library before being dismissed, and thus made itself a great escort to the distinguished guests as they proceeded thither for the dedication of the beautiful building. Thither they were followed by as large a crowd as could come within range of the voices of the speakers. After an invocation by Father Murphy, of St. Michael's, Mr. George W. Cook, President of the Board of Education, introduced Dr. J. C. Willson as presiding officer, who, made a few remarks in keeping with the occasion, and then gave place to Mayor Aitken, who once more gave an address of welcome. After the singing of "America" by a chorus of pupils of the public schools, President Angell then spoke. His address was quiet and scholarly, appropriate to the occasion, and in keeping with the quiet and dignified architecture of the building to be dedicated. It was received with close attention and with hearty applause. It was as follows: "These are proud and glad days for the city of Flint. The fond memories of her past and the bright hopes for her future equally charm our hearts. Justly conspicuous among the celebrations of the week for the permanence of interest which it awakens is the dedication of the new library building. As the years roll on, the recollections of the intellectual stimulus which will have been received in this home of letters by thousands of eager young minds will be among the dearest that ~ -hc~t__---.-~t~. JUBILEE PARADE-VEHICLE WORKERS. b~-iP o c ~1F.1 B THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 233 bind them to this city. It is therefore eminently fitting that in the rejoicings of this festival we find opportunity to consider the significance of the opening of this house to its high uses and to express our thanks to the far-sighted women who, by their earnest efforts, laid the foundation of this library and to the generous donor of the beautiful building which we now dedicate. "We seldom consider into what exalted companionship a library admits us. When an eminent man like Admiral Dewey or the President of the United States comes to our town, we esteem ourselves highly honored. The public press reports the visit with the fullest details. If it ever happens to us to be admitted into, a royal presence, we regard the privilege as one of the notable events in our lives. "But have you ever paused to think into what a society you will be introduced on crossing the threshold of your library when it is filled with books? Have you ever realized that there you may stand in the august presence of men of larger mould and loftier spirit than most of the illustrious warriors and sovereigns of the world? There Homer may await you with his imperishable song, and Plato with his vision of a seer, Aristotle with his political wisdom, and Demosthenes with his matchless eloquence. There the genial Horace may welcome you with his ancient verse so modern in its strain, and Virgil with his epic that charms the school boy of today almost as it did the court of Augustus, and Cicero with his melodious and resounding periods. Then follows the stately procession of mediaeval and modern poets, philosophers, historians, scientists, novelists, Dante, Petrarch, Grotius, Kant, Hegel, Rousseau, Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Bacon, Newton, Scott, Gibbon, Emerson, Longfellow, Lowell, Hawthorne, and all their illustrious compeers. There they all may be, waiting to receive us and give us their best thoughts and 234 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. words. Suppose they were here in the flesh. The city could not contain the crowds, who would come hurrying from all parts of the world to your gates to look upon this elect company, the choicest and noblest spirits of all history. But though it is not granted us to salute them in person, we have the precious heritage they have left to us of all that was highest and best in them. We may well stand with uncovered head and reverent awe as we enter those portals and comprehend the full import of the fact that there we are permitted to come into intimate communion with them, as they were in their hours of highest inspiration, and have them condescend to speak to us as friend to friend, to instruct, to comfort, to delight, to inspire us. What an unspeakable joy it will be to us to escape from the narrow dungeon of our ignorance into the free air and light o'f this palace of wisdom, to flee at times from the irksome cares of our daily life to the sweet companionship of these noble men, to turn aside from the din of the street and the shop into the peace and quiet of our temple of learning, to be lifted from the depressions and disappointments which often overwhelm us to the exaltations and inspirations and hopes and enthusiasms which may be kindled by contact with these master spirits. "Under that roof these great men of all the centuries will, as hosts, be ever ready with their work to welcome us to their presence. Your generous and appreciative friend has here reared a palace for them worthy, by its beauty and dignity, and completeness of appointments to be their permanent home. There they will speak their words of wisdom and cheer to you and to your children and to your children-s children. That will be the centre and in large degree the source of the intellectual life of this rapidly growing city. "Now that your benefactor has so nobly done his part, it remains for the city to see that the library is maintained, and THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 235 managed in an effective manner. It would not only be an act of ingratitude, but it would be a mockery if in such an edifice as that we should not find a good and growing and well administered library. There is no more important commission in your city than the commission charged with the care of your library. Let us hope that they will always be chosen with special regard to their fitness for their official duty and without regard to their party affiliations. Especially is wisdom needed in the selection of your books. It is not so difficult to choose books for the cultivated and scholarly readers. But in your library you must provide for all your population. Particular care should be had to procure books attractive and useful to your artisans and mechanics and common laborers. They should be led to, feel that this is the place where they can most profitably spend a spare hour and can find something to bring new brightness into their monotonous lives. The efforts which you have already initiated to make the library serviceable to the pupils in your schools must now be redoubled. The teachers and the library authorities must always contrive to co-operate heartily. The multiplication of libraries in this country has already elevated the work of the library, the influence which a competent librarian can wield in his guidance of the reading and studies of the young is seldom outweighed by that of the teacher or the preacher. In no manner can a generous appropriation of funds for the support of a library be more wisely expended than in securing a competent librarian. "Judging by my own experience and by my observation of others I doubt whether the guide books which have been written to tell one what works to read have been of great service. The simple reason why they are not very helpful is that to advise one what to read, you should know something 236 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. of his aptitudes and taste and something of his plans of life. General advice is a shot in the air. It may hit nothing. "But a competent person may give helpful counsels to the young concerning useful methods of reading whatever one does read, and may indeed specify what are some of the best books on certain topics. A good librarian, if leisure enough is left him, may attract and help willing auditors by occasional lectures or informal talks on how to read a library. But personal suggestions, to meet particular needs, are the mnost fruitful of good. And just here the school teachers, if competent to advise, can be of the utmost service. In no way can the library be made so valuable as by the hearty and systematic co-operation of the librarian and the teachers. It would be very useful if they could from time to time meet to confer upon the best method of securing harmonious action. For it is the generation now coming on to the stage who are chiefly to profit by the use of this library. It is through them that the city is to receive its chief benefit. To incite them to read, to train them to right habits of reading, to inspire them with high ideals of what one should seek and love in reading should be the aspiration of parents and teachers, if this library is to yield its largest harvest of good. "Like all good things, this library may to some persons bring no good, it may even mean an instrument of harm. It may bring no good because it may be utterly neglected. No doubt there are many families who have never drawn a book from the shelves. It may bring no good, it may even cause intellectual, not to say moral injury, if it is misused. It is possible to choose from any great library such passages from works and to peruse them in such a spirit as to gratify and stimulate prurient desires, or if one does not descend to so unworthy and shameful an act, one may read in such a manner as to be guilty of intellectual dissipation. What we may THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 237 call the desultory readers are exposed to this danger. They pick up whatever book or magazine comes first to hand, provided they are sure that it makes no tax upon their mental powers. They spend their time dawdling over a chapter of this book, then over a chapter of that, as men of the town now join this gay companion for an hour and then another for the next hour for frivolous talk and profitless gossip, and so wander aimless through the day without any fruitage to show for their time. They lose the power, if they ever had it, of consecutive study and thought and discourse on any theme whatever. "I do not mean to intimate that we should never come to this library to read for pleasure and entertainment. One of the great and proper uses of books is to refresh and amuse us in our hours of weariness and depression. Like the society of our choicest friends, they may wisely be sought for the sole purpose of diverting our minds from the flood of cares and troubles which come in upon all of us. The library may well be "The world's sweet inn from care and wearisome turmoil." Or in our happy and merry moods we may seek congenial company in the creations of Cervantes and Moliere and Shakespeare and Dickens and Mark Twain. Reading for pastime is a commendable occupation, if wisely followed. Lowell, in his paradoxical style, tells us that what Dr. Johnson called browsing in a library is the only way in which time can be profitably wasted. But to browse profitably one should have an appetite only for what has some merit. I have known lads born with a literary instinct as unerring as that of the bee for finding honey, to have the free run o'f a large library and come out with a wonderful range of good learning. Such instances show the unwisdom of having the same rules to guide every one in his reading. In such cases 238 PIPTIETH ANNIVERSARY OFP FINT. as those just cited the example and taste of the parents often determine the success of the experiment. The books they talk about fondly at table and quote from freely and appositely are likely to arrest the attention of the child. Therefore we may say that the home as truly as the school may largely determine what advantage shall be gained in this library. Parents who, for their children's sake, are careful what guests they admit to their house and what companionships they counsel the children to form may well consider what reading comes under their roof and what literary tastes they encourage in their household. "In these days when reviews and magazines and school histories of literature abound, there seems ground for one caution to youthful readers. It is not to be content with reading about great books, and great men, but to study the works themselves of great men. Many of the outlines of English Literature, for example, which pupils in school are required to study, contain dates and names and brief descriptions of masterpieces, and from the nature of the case, can contain little else. But cramming the memory with these is not learning the literature. Reading, mastering, and learning to appreciate and love one of the great works of a great author is better than to learn the dry facts in the lives of a score of authors. So our magazines and reviews treat us to criticisms sometimes wise, and sometimes unwise, of many authors. But all these are of little value until the works themselves of the authors have been studied. With the works the biographies of the authors should be read in order to appreciate the conditions under which the works were produced. But far better is it to gain a thorough acquaintance with one great writer's life and works than to learn a few fragmentary facts at second hand about the lives and writings of many. THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 239 "One of the most difficult questions to settle in these days in the selection of books for a library or in directing the reading of the young is, how large shall be the proportion of fiction in a library or in the reading of any one. Just now we are flooded with fiction, stretching from the short story of the magazine to the two-volume novel. I observe that nearly two-thirds of the volumes drawn from one important library in Michigan (in 1901-02) are classed under the two heads of juvenile fiction and fiction. And I suppose the experience of other popular libraries is similar. This shows at least that there is a great craving for fiction. That craving a library like this must, to a fair degree, strive to meet. Nor need we regret that there is a strong desire for sterling works of fiction. They stimulate and nourish the imagination. They give us vivid pictures of life. They portray for us the working of human passions. They give reality to history. Sometimes they cultivate a taste for reading in those who would otherwise be inclined to read little, and so lead them to other branches of literature. "But on the other hand, I think it must be confessed that a great deal of the fiction which is now deluging the market is the veriest trash or worse than trash. Much of it is positively bad in its influence. It awakens morbid passions. It deals in most exaggerated representations of life. It is vicious in style. "It is a most delicate task for the authorities of a library like this to draw the line between the works of fiction which should be and those which should not be found on its shelves. As to the individual reader the best we can do is to elevate his taste as rapidly as we can by placing in his hands fiction attractive at once in its matter and in its style. We must hope that with the cultivation of taste to which our best schools aspire, we can rear a generation which will prefer 240 FIPTITTH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. the best things in literature to the inferior. That is the reason why the teachers of languages and literature in our schools should be not mere linguists, but persons of refined literary taste, who will imbue their pupils with a love for the truest and highest in every literature which they can read. "I would like to commend to my young friends who desire to profit by the use of this library the habit of reading with some system and of making brief notes upon the contents of the books they read. If, for instance, you are studying the history of some period, ascertain what works you need to study and finish such parts of them as concern your theme. Do not feel obliged to read the whole of a large treatise, but select such chapters as touch on the subject in hand and omit the rest for the time. Young students often get swamped and lose their way in Serbonian bogs of learning, when they need to explore only a simple and plain pathway to a specific destination. Have a purpose and a plan and adhere to it in spite of alluring temptations to turn aside into' attractive fields that are remote from your subject. If in a note book you will, on finishing a work, jot down the points o'f importance in the volume and the references to the page or chapter, you will frequently find it of the greatest service to run over these notes and refresh your memory. If you are disposed to, add some words of comment or criticism on the book, that practice also will make you a more attentive reader, and will make an interesting record for you to consult. "If it is ever allowable to envy another, we may envy the happy giver of this building the just satisfaction with which he may look upon the completion of this work. Here he has opened a fountain, the streams whereof shall make glad generations to come. They shall look upon this home as the place where they have received intellectual stimulus and nourishment. Some even may remember it as the place of --dV1JJVflJ, SIHOIN 1L 'ON 3daNuwlVWODIO -dTJL3c[-3Gv-dvaja 331Jmnf i I~~~~I ).II:ii s;l -;j;I::ii r!l i 1 -~,11:1 I,; i. THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 241 their first real intellectual awakening, we might say, of their intellectual birth. I-ow many a toiling mother, who in her poverty is unable to supply her eager minded children with the simplest books, will daily speak her word o'f blessing on the noble man who has opened the intellectual treasures of the world to her household. Here is the shrine of true American democracy, for here the child of the washerwoman sit by the side of the child of the millionaire and with equal freedom hold sweet communion with the great and good o'f all ages. The eye can rest on no more charming scene than will be witnessed daily in this beautiful temple of learning, where ingenuous students of every station in life, whether clad in the coarse jeans of the workman or in the broadcloth of the wealthy, will be seen pursuing their studies with exactly the same opportunities of making their way to a position of eminence and usefulness among the great scholars of the world. May we not say with pride that this opening of high intellectual privileges to all is in full accord with the historic state, has offered to every child within its borders the opportunity to enjoy almost without cost all the privileges of education from those of the primary school up to the highest the spirit o f Michigan which, from the day of its birth as a University can give." The next address was delivered by the Hon. W. W. Crapo, as follows: "There is nothing which more clearly marks the intellectual progress of Flint during the last fifty years than this edifice which today is dedicated to free public use. In it is represented the desire for broader knowledge, a more perfect mental culture, a closer acquaintance with the best thought of the past and present and a clearer insight into the investigations and achievements of modern science. To satisfy the hungry longings of the mind, this building has been erected 242 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. in order that it may serve as the repository in which to store the intellectual treasures of the world and from which the people, old and young, can draw for their enjoyment, their enlightenment and their inspiration. "Libraries have stimulated and aided and, to a certain degree, have measured the civilization of nations and the intelligence of communities. Where learning is repressed and books are denied there is subjugation and superstition. Where education prevails and books are easily accessible there will be found improved social order, a clearer conception of individual rights and duties, a higher standard of public responsibility and greater freedom. Every additional library creates a new center of intellectual life working for the elevation of mankind to a higher plane. "It has been mentioned that the residence across the way facing the library building was the home of my father, a citizen of Flint respected and honored by his fellow townsmen. This circumstance in itself has little or no significance, but Mr. Chairman, your kindly mention of him today, prompts me to allude, perhaps not inappropriately on this occasion, to his early struggle for education and to contrast the present with the past. He was born on a docky New England farm which, by insistent and unremitting hard work, with the practice of painstaking frugality, furnished a scanty livlihood. The prospect which opened up before the boy was one of toil and deprivation. He longed for better things and to rise above the narrow limitations of adverse surroundings. To accomplish this he must have education. His only hope for success in the outside world was through an outfit of mental equipment. I have heard him tell of his three months' schooling and the long walks through the snow to the distant schoolhouse. Denied the training of schools it was for him to educate himself. Encouraged by a sympathizing mother the few THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 243 pennies that could be spared went for the purchase of school books which were studied in the long hours of the night by the light of the home-made tallow candle. The few books in the houses of neighboring farms were borrowed and mentally devoured. If there had been granted to him the opportunities and privileges which this institution will afford to the youth of the present time, what a flood of sunshine would have cheered and brightened his boyhood days. At eighteen he was the teacher of a country school and in teaching others he had better opportunity for teaching himself. This story is not an unusual or extraordinary one. It is the story of hundreds of New England farmer boys of one hundred years ago. To them there was no, royal road to, learning. The path was stony and beset with thorns and briars. The laggard, the incompetent, the indifferent who, entered it stumbled and fell by the way, but those with determined purpose and unfaltering will reached the goal. At the age when the University student receives his diploma those men of rugged training were employed in the activities of life. While they had not the polish of the University they had acquired self-reliance, and in their hard experience had gained the capacity for sound judgment and power of clear and positive expression which placed them on fair terms with their more favored contemporaries. The ultimate test of men is found in the quality of their performance. "In studying the lives and career of those men of a hundred years ago and noting what they accomplished, the query is sometimes raised whether the modern methods of learning made easy are in every way advisable, whether the system of instruction which puts a prop here and a lubricator there and pads the brain with esthetic culture tends to make strong men and strong women. The possession of much and varied information is useful, but still the question is at times presented whether the crowding of the brain with a miscellaneous 244 PITIETTH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. assortment of learning, the parts of which have no relation to the whole, and whether the knowing of something about everything, and not knowing everything about something, whether the superficial rather than the solid reality of knowldege, can in every respect advantageously take the place of the training and discipline of the mind which wrought the mental toughness and fibre and brawn of the earlier days. "I do not answer this question, nor do I enter upon its discussion. For me to attempt to do so in the presence of the able and distinguished educators who are with us today would be rank presumption. The Library presents no such inquiry and is clouded with no such doubt. While the tendency, perhaps I should say the necessity, of the public school is to run all the children through one common mould regardless of disposition or temperament, regardless of hereditary influences, in short, regardless of the child and the life before it, the library deals with the individual and meets the especial wants of the individual, whether in the department of literature or historical research, of philosophy or economics, or of science and the arts. The library brings the student in close companionship with the best scholars, and furnishing the inquirer and investigator with the searchlight that reveals the achievements of the world's ablest experts. "There is no magical power in books. More than two hundred and fifty years ago, John Harvard, a young English clergyman, gave his private library and a small sum of money to establish a college in New England. It was a mere pittance, the merest trifle, when compared with the munificence of Johns Hopkins at Baltimore, or Leland Stanford in California, or John Rockefeller at Chicago, but it was the foundation of Harvard University, the pride and glory of Massachusetts. There live in Harvard's time eminent statesmen and learned jurists and famous soldiers, some of whose names THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 245 are now forgotten, or remembered only as found in biographies in the alcoves of libraries, but the name of John Harvard is known and honored and blessed throughout the civilized world and his fame will endure as the ages roll on. "Little more than two hundred years ago a few orthodox Connecticut clergymen met by appointment in Saybrook at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Each one of them brought with him a book which he placed upon the table, and in that simple ceremony and in the dedication of that little pile of books to the uses of education was the beginning of the great Yale University. On the campus at New Haven stands the library building, constructed of brown stone, beautiful in its architecture, perfect in its proportions and admirably adapted to the use for which it was intended. The students of fifty years ago gazed upon it with admiration for it was then by far the finest of the college buildings and he regarded its contents with reverence, but now the word has come to me that it is proposed to tear down this building, so, dear to the hearts of thousands of men throughout the land, in order that upon its site a larger and grander and more magnificent building can be erected for the accommodation of the accumulating treasures of the University. What a marvelous growth from the little seed planted by these Connecticut clergymen. "It was thus two hundred years ago that a collection oi books, the nucleus of a library, was the primal source from which sprang the two older universities of this country, representing as they. do so much of the intellectual force of this nation in its historical development. "The donor of this building, in the centuries to come, will not be remembered as the successful iron and steel worker or as the great captain of industry that he was, but for his enlightened liberality and colossal benefactions to the world in the diffusion of knowledge among men through the agency of books. 246 FIPTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. "I congratulate the people of Flint in their coming into the possession of this building of substantial construction and excellent design and which adds another to the attractive public buildings of which they are justly proud. It is evidence that what was once the little village of Grand Traverse has now become a city of importance, not merely in industrial activities and commercial transactions and social and political influence, but also in educational advantages. This building may not impress the thoughtless and frivolous who pass by without entering it, but those who come with serious purpose will find within its walls the gems and jewels that enrich the mind and give to life added pleasures. It is accessible to all and as free as is the highway to the traveler. "Coming into this possession, new duties confront you. The library must be equipped and maintained. Let the work be done intelligently and liberally. A few generous and public spirited women forty years or more ago started this movement and in spite of many obstacles carried it forward with unselfish and self-denying zeal. They deserve unstinted praise and lasting remembrance. The task now falls upon the men and may they exhibit the same willing spirit and fostering care. Remember that the public library is the crown of the public school in the development of higher education. Regard it as the essential adjunct for completing and perfecting the intellectual growth of the community. Cherish it as a precious asset and the city will find its regard in the enlightened mind and the grateful heart of its people." Mr. Crapo's address was scholarly, thoughtful and stimulating, and received close attention and approval. Then followed two short congratulatory talks by the Hon. W. C. Maybury, ex-mayor of Detroit, and the Hon. Francis A. Blades, controller of the same city, two gentlemen who are always given a hearty and cordial reception in the City of Flint. THE GOLDEN JUBILEE. 2 247 One more ceremony of dedication remained, as part of the Jubilee, namely, that of the County Court House. This took place on the steps of the new building, and long before the hour set for the ceremony a great crowd had assembled in the same place where men had gathered the day before to listen to the army veterans. After an invocation and short address by the Mayor and by Judge C. H. Wisner, who had charge of the erection of the building, came the principal orator of the day, Justice Henry B. Brown of the United States Supreme Court. His address was largely in the nature of an historical review of that court of -which he was a distinguished member, from its establishment down to the present day. A special interest was felt in the speaker, aside from his official position on account of his being a Michigan man, and everyone who could get within the sound of his voice listened with close attention, well repaid by the value of the address and the inside views which it gave of the workings of the greatest court of justice of any nation. Justice Brown was followed by Chief Justice Moore, of the State Supreme Court, whose address consisted largely of reminiscences of the Genesee County Bar, to which others added their quotas. Reminiscences had thus been pretty freely indulged in, in one form or another, at most of the Jubilee meetings; but, on such occasions there is never enough until old times have been talked over from every point of view. Hence, for the lawyers there must be many more reminiscences at the banquet given that evening in honor of Justice Brown and the justices of the State Supreme Court, while for the rest a special reminiscent meeting was held at the Court Street Methodist Church, at which an account was given of the origin and history of the different churches of the city, and a number of old residents of the city told of their experiences in early days. As most of these accounts are reproduced in this 248 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. volume in one form or another, no attempt will be made to give them here. A single incident, however, which created some amusement, may be worth mentioning. It was announced with some solemnity, that a most valuable and interesting relic of the early days was to be presented to the audience, in the shape of the earliest Flint postoffice. It was explained that in some respects the earliest postoffice was in line with the latest improvements in that service, as it was moveable, going from place to place wherever its patrons were to be found. With much ceremony the relic was then uncovered, and proved to be an old stove-pipe hat. While these old-time memories were being recalled at the various gatherings, more spectacular entertainment had also been going on elsewhere. Early in the afternoon there were band concerts in various places, then later a base ball game, and at five o'clock an exhibition run by the fire department. As soon as it grew dark the electric display was resumed, there were more band concerts and, finally, as a grand wind-up a display of fire-works from the Saginaw street bridge. The street in that vicinity was once more thronged to congestion, and as the light faded from the "Good-night" set-piece with which the exhibition closed, the Jubilee went out, as it began, in a blaze of glory. AA~LSfQI 3131TH1 10j JUNJOJ3AJQ 3H1 ONJRAOHS S1VO'hJ-3aQV d ariianf I/ Then, Now, and Then. THE POEM OF THE GOLDEN JUBILEE AND REUNION. By W. DUDLEY POWERS, D. D. Distance, the mark of separation, and Milestone 'twixt land and sea, or sea and land, As well defines Time's scenes and dates, As if it were the Herald of the Fates, Who ventured all the cosmic life to trend, In one great cycling more to one great end. Through Distance calls the evening of the day That was a morning when the happy lay Of youth was sung, and still the further morn When other youth of age, we loved, was born. A fiction of the metaphysic thought, And, Aye, as well a fact that ever ought To lure us to remembrance of the past, Then force us with its aid to right forecast Of Distance yet to come. Distance is art Defining space, emotions, time, the heart Bound in the years agone, and to the years Oncoming, smiling with alternate tears; And living movements. After all 'tis true As well it makes and shades with pleasing hue, Couleur de rose, the skies both near and far. The days and nights, gates closed or well ajar, The Spring of life, the Summer and the FallThe minutes of the all, the product of the allYes, all save Winter, and that untried cold Distance foresees, and doth not yet unfold. Turn back the page of Distance where 'tis warm, And reading gather pleasure without harm, From down the pathway of the absent years We catch a fragrance sweet as purpled tears Distilled of violet's eyes, and from this past A choir of voices sounds, a choir loved and vast There childhood had its benison of days, In which remorse could not a shadow raise; Nor could regret, that pain, make solitude ccxlix 250 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. For him or her, who lived as nature wooed, And strolled her gardens naive and sweetly wild, A minstrelsy of innocence, a child. Here where the lofty, aromatic pines Did sentinel the land on these inclines Of these old hills, and with their sister trees Made merry song and dance in Southern breeze, Your fathers came, the sturdy pioneer, "Sans peur" their neighbors said, and we, "nor fear," To build a quiet home, and civilize Life's wastrel sunshine under Western skies Aye, here when painted redman by this stream, In all the picturesque, fantastic dream In blazoned panoply upon his breast - A hieroglyph of gaudy colors charging crestMade stately way; or silent as the mist If morning issues from the river's tryst, Moved on the trail of men or fallow deer; Or gathered flint for barbs within the waters clear; Or leaving hunt or war speeds through the glade To gain the wigwam of some dark-hued maid, His Hiawatha, or his Gentle Fawn, Whose eyes shone brighter than the light of dawn, His well-swung axe struck deep. Quaint cabins came. A nascent city yet too young to name; Log-made and rustic, and a newer chord Blent in this lyric of old Nature's Lord, They were. Here on this hill, there by the stream They grew. The forest fell, a Titan's dream Come true. Wolves' riot laughter hurt the night, The song-bird's ditties welcomed light At dawn of day. Nor bear nor wildcat's cry, Nor hostile redman could these men defy, Nor give them fear. Their merry axes rang Throughout the woods, their fertile fields soon sprang Into green life. How fast the others come! The hut becomes a cottage, mansion, home. The women, too, aye, braver than the men, Did do their task; and sturdy, labored then For home, and child, and husband's goodly cheer, And in that past enframed all good and dear. The humming wheel, the singing of the loom, Sopranoed tones within the bass and boom Of logs tobogg'ning on the distant hill, THEN, NOW, AND THEN. 251 And with the tenor of the nearer mill, Then in the Distance comes your gladder day Rosemary's halcyon morning far away, Of childhood, mother's care, the father's pride, The school, the play, the task the evening ride The sunshine of a life in mirthful years Dark days when character was helped by tears. And shall you not the Distance now recall, And smile, grow serious, dream, and then withal Get uplift, and with inspiration caught From out those days, when you the fathers taught The truer way of life, the strong, the brave, And mothers kept your souls like waters lave Their pebbles, and the rocks along the shore? They did enough. What else could they do more? Here in the early, trying, and the hardier days, When paths were tracks of deer, and roads the blaze Of axe, your fathers, men of vigor, trod, Tread ye their footsteps, understand their God. Give homage, thanks, as they were wont to give, Then move ye on. Ye shall know how to live, Man, woman, child of both, as brave a life, In peace a factor and a man in strife. Your day goes on apace. Distance again Speaks loud, infinite speech and pleasure, pain Will come in interludes as on ye go Along the tide of life's swift over-flow. Be men, be women, and as your fathers went Go ye; one end in view, one far event The Poet Laureate saw, foresee, nor fear, But lend it aid, make sure, and bring it near. And it shall climax all of life and place, Nor separate a life. And for thy meed, Take heart of grace! in soul-impassioned speed Press ye with Truth along the path of Light, Where day shall be all day, and night not night. Program. OPENING CEREMONIES, TUESDAY, JUNE 6th At 6:00 P. M. Assembly of ex-City Officials, the Mayor and the Common Council in the Dryden, third floor. At 6:30 P. M. ex-City Officials, the Mayor and Common Council escorted by the Chief Marshal, his Aids, Co. A, M. N. G., and Begole Corps to the Park for the formal opening of the Golden Jubilee and Old Home Coming Reunion. At 6:45 P. M. Presentation of the official Jubilee program by Hon. C. H. Wisner, Chairman of Jubilee Committee, to Hon. D. D. Aitken, Mayor of the City of Flint. Blowing of whistles, ringing of bells, etc. At 7:00 P. M. Banquet at the Dryden of the exCity Officials, the Mayor and the Common Council. At 7:00 P. M. Formation in front of the Dryden of escort, consisting of Chief Marshal, Aids, Co. A, M. N. G. and Governor Crapo Post, to receive Battle Flags, Gun Squad and Gun at the Grand Trunk depot at 7:15, returning to the Armory. At 8:00 P. M. Illumination of the Electric Fountain, Jubilee Arch and the Search Lights. Band Concert. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7th. At 6:00 A. M. Fifty guns. At 8:00 A. M. Fifty strokes of the City Hall bell. At 8:30 A. M. Assembling of Bands. At 9:30 A. M. Formation of the Golden Jubilee Parade. cclii PROGRAM. 253 FIRST DIVISION. 1. Vice-President Chas. W. Fairbanks and Mayor D. D. Aitken. 2. Hon. Fred M. Warner, Governor of Michigan, and staff. 3. Brigadier-General Chas. W. Harrah. 4. Col. Robert J. Bates and staff. 5. First United States Infantry band. 6. First Battalion, First Infantry, M. N. G., Maj. Bersey, commanding. 7. Division of Battalion Companies B, F, H. and A, Third Infantry, Maj. McCaughna, commanding. 8. *Detroit Naval Reserves. 9. Hon. R. A. Alger, United States Senator. 10. Mr. Justice Brown of the United States Supreme Court. 11. Supreme Court of Michigan. 12. Federal District Judges and Wayne County Circuit Court Judges. 13. Genesee County Bar Association. 14. State Officers. 15. Common Council. 16. Guests. SECOND DIVISION. Masonic. 1. Detroit Light Infantry Band. 2. Detroit Commandery No. 1, K. T. 3. Genesee Valley Commandery No. 15, K. T. 4. Blue Lodges, F. & A. M. Flint Lodge No. 23, Genesee Lodge No. 174, Visiting Lodges. 5. Michigan Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. THIRD DIVISION. Grand Army of the Republic. 1. Lyons Martial Band. 2. Battle Flags and Escort. 3. Fairbanks Post, G. A. R., Detroit. 4. Gov. Crapo Post, G. A. R., Flint. 5 Visiting G. A. R. 6. National League Veterans and Sons. 7. Spanish War Veterans. 8. G. A. R. Guests of Honor. 254 FIPTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF LMINT. FOURTH DIVISION. Fraternal. 1. Lapeer Band. 2. Colonel Fenton Canton I. O. O. F. 3. I. O. O. F. Lodges. 4. Uniform Rank K. P.-Lapeer, Oxford, Pontiac, Flint. 5. Ivanhoe Lodge K. P. 6. Knights of Columbus. 7. Knights of Maccabees. 8. Modern Woodmen. 9. Grand Blanc Band. 10. Ancient Order Gleaners and Grange in ranks and floats. 11. Fraternal Order of Eagles. FIFTH DIVISION. Old Flint. 1. Flint City Colored Band. 2. Pioneer Stage Coach between Saginaw and Detroit. 3. Band of Native Indians under leadership of Joe Bradley. 4. Logging Team and Load under direction of M. E. Houran, Thomas Doyle and William McGregor. 5. Log Cabin under direction of Fred Lane. 6. Trappers. 7. "Light of Other Days." S. Old Relics of Flint. 9. The Original Flint Fire Department under leadership of Chief Williams. 10. Ox Team and Wagon. 11. Crapo Gig. 12. Doctor on Horseback with Saddle Bags. 13. Old-time Trotting Horse and Sulkey. 14. Oldest Married Couple in the County. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. SIXTH DIVISION. New Flint-Mercantile Industries. Gilbey's Martial Band. Mail Carriers and P. O. Float. Michigan Paint Co. Combined Druggists' Float. McNeil & Son Float. McKinley & Ryan Float. PROGRAM. 255 7. Caldwell, Foss & Co. Float. 8. 1-ill Bros. Float. 9. Algoe & Miller Float. 10. Flouring Mills Decorated Wagon. 11. Flouring Mills Decorated Wagon. 12. Timothy Lynch Decorated Wagon. 13. Standard Oil Co. Decorated Wagon. 14. Standard Oil Co. Decorated Wagon. 15. Abe Davis Float. 16. Trades Unions. 17. Butchers' Protective Association, 40 men mounted. 18. Flint Fire Department. Section Two-Vehicle Industries. 1. Flint Vehicle Band. 2. Vehicle Men (uniformed). 3. Gardner's Flint City Band. 4. Flint Vehicle Industries, six allegorical floats. Section Three-Floral Division. 1. Davison Band. 2. High School Cadets Escort. 3. Floral Parade. Carriages, Automobiles, Etc. 1. Ladies on Horseback. 2. D. P. Smith Float. 3. Mrs. Dr. Rose. 4. Miss Patterson. 5. Mrs. F. P. Smith. 6. Dr. E. R. Campbell. 7. Michigan School for Deaf. 8. F. P. Smith. 9. Paterson's Electric. 10. Buick. 11. Floral Committee's Float. 12. McGregor Wells. 13. Mary Hubbard. 14. Jessie Louise Bartlett. 15. B. Hasselbring Float. 16. Girls in White on Bicycles. (3) The Sixth Division New Flint, will form on East Fifth street, facing the west, head of column resting at the intersection of Saginaw and East Fifth street, extending along East Fifth and Lapeer streets. Sixth Division will be under the command of I. B. Bates, assisted by Jos. J. Carscadden, W. E. 256 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Braman, George C. Willson, Wm. Davison, John Gotshall and E. G. Rust. (4) Fifth Division, Old Flint, will form on West Fifth street, facing east head of column resting at intersection of Saginaw and West Fifth streets and extending west along Fifth street. This Division will be under command of Bruce G. Hubbard, assisted.by Henry N. Smith, and Clifford Durant. (5) Fourth Division, Fraternal, will form on West Seventh street, facing the east, head of column resting at the intersection of Saginaw and Seventh streets, and extending west on Seventh street. This Division will be commanded by Captain Charles S. Martin, assisted by John C. Graves, John H. Wagner and M. L. Dyer. (6) Third Division, G. A. R., will form on West Eighth street, facing east head of column resting at intersection of Saginaw and Eighth streets, extending west on Eighth street. This Division will be commanded by M. C. Barney, assisted by Dr. J. C. Willson, F. E. Willett and Dr. W. H. Russell. (7) Second Division, Masonic, will form on East Eighth street, head of column resting at the intersection of Saginaw and East Eighth street, facing the west, column extending east on Eighth street. Detroit Commandery, No. 1, K. T., will detrain at intersection of Saginaw and East Eighth street. This Division will be commanded by F. M. Howard, assisted by Dr. Niles. (8) First Division, Military, will form in column on South Saginaw street at intersection of Saginaw and Ninth streets, facing north, column extending south on Saginaw street. This Division will be commanded by Captain Guy M. Wilson, assisted by J. B. Fenton, Peter Carton and W. O. Smith. (9) First Battalion, First Infantry, Major Bursey commanding, will detrain at P. M. depot and proceed by most feasible route to their position. (10) Fairbanks Post, Detroit, will detrain at P. M. depot and proceed by most feasible route to their position on West Eighth street. (11) Provisional Battalion, composed of Companies B, F, H and A, Third Infantry, Major McCaughna, commander, will be assembled on South Saginaw street, near Kearsley street, upon arrival of trains and proceed by most feasible route to their position in parade. JUBILEE PARADE-FLOATS SHOWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY. i,I r L. 1:I;;-s PROGRAM 257 (12) All divisions will be in place and formation completed and ready to move at 9:30 o'clock A. M. (13) Carriages for honorary guests and mounts for mounted officers will be provided and stationed at the Bryant House at 9 o'clock A. M. (14) The head of the parade will move north on Saginaw street, beginning with the First Division, promptly at 9:30 A. M., and will proceed north along Saginaw street to Wood street, west on Wood street to Chippewa street, south on Chippewa street to Fifth avenue, and west on Fifth avenue to Detroit street and south on Detroit and Saginaw streets to Fifth street. (15) Third Division, G. A. R. will leave the column at the intersection of Saginaw street and Fourth avenue and proceed west along Fourth avenue to intersection of Detroit street, where they will rejoin the parade in.their original position. Parade will pass in review, the reviewing stand being at intersection of Third and Saginaw streets. Military bodies will pass in review in company front, rendering the customary honors. After passing in review, upon arrival of the parade at intersection of Saginaw and Fifth streets, the parade will be dismissed. Military bodies proceeding to armory of Co. A, Third Infantry, M. N. G. The commanderies, K. T., will proceed to Presbyterian church, where they will remain in readiness to reassemble at the conclusion of the parade and escort the members of the Michigan Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. and distinguished guests to the Federal building. They will be preceded by the Flint City Band and will proceed north on Saginaw street to Kearsley and east on Kearsley street to Federal building, where the exercises at the laying of the cornerstone will take place. LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF THE FEDERAL BUILDING. Invocation....................Rev. Theo. D. Bacon Laying of the Corner Stone............... Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., of Michigan Welcome to Flint...............Hon. D. D. Aitken Mayor of Flint. Welcome to Michigan.......Hon. Fred. M. Warner Governor of Michigan. 258 FI5TIEETH ANNIVERSARY OE FLINT. Address.................Hon. Chas. W. Fairbanks Vice-President of the United States. Address........................Hon. R. A. Alger United States Senator from Michigan. Address....................Hon. Samuel W. Smith Representative Sixth Congressional District. At 1:30 P. M. Formation at the F. U. B. Armory for Battalion Parade and Exhibition Drill at the Fair Grounds. ELEMENTS OF PARADE. Fort Wayne Band, First Battalion, First Infantry, M. N. G., Major Bersey, commanding. Provisional Battalion, Third Infantry, Maj. McCaughna, commanding. Detroit Light Infantry Band. Detroit Commandery No. 1, Knights Templars. Genesee Valley Commandery No. 15, Knights Templars. These organizations will assume the following formation in line on South Saginaw street, facing the east, the right resting at the intersection of Third street, line extending on Saginaw street. Fort Wayne Band. First Battalion, First Infantry, M. N. G. Provisional Battalion, Third Infantry. Detroit Naval Reserves. Detroit Light Infantry Band. Detroit Commandery No. 1, Knights Templars. Genesee Valley Commandery No. 15, Knights Templars. At 1:45 P. M., column will move south on Saginaw street to Court street, east on Court street to Lapeer street, south on Lapeer street to the Fair Grounds, where the following exercises will take place: At 2:30 P. M., Battalion Parade, First Battalion, First Infantry, M. N. G. At 2:30 P. M., Artillery Drill, Detroit Naval Reserves. At 3:00 P. M., Exhibition Drill, Detroit Commandery No. 1, Knights Templars. Provisional Battalion will post guard under directions of Marshal of the Day to protect the maneuver grounas. PROGRAM. 259 At the conclusion of the exercises the columns will form in same order and proceed by the most feasible route to Saginaw street, near Court House grounds, where each commander will assume command of his own organization and the columns be dismissed. DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL TABLETS. Formation of the Grand Army of the Republic at Grand Army Hall for march to Court House square, escorted by Fife and Drum Corps. Music.............................By Flint Band Bugle Call....................Maj. J. D. Elderkin Fairbanks Post, Detroit. Assembly..........................Capt. Spillane Drummer Boy of the Rappahannock, Detroit. Invocation.......................Rev. H. S. White Romeo. "We Old Boys"........... Fairbanks Post Quartette Detroit. Introductory Remarks..............M. C. Barney Chairman of Committee, Flint. Address of Welcome...........Hon. D. D. Aitken Mayor of Flint. Vocal Solo-"Sword of Bunker Hill"......................... Hon. Homer Warren, Detroit Address-"Soldiers of Genesee County"...........Hon. R. A. Alger, U. S. Senator, Detroit "Veteran's Last Song".... Fairbanks Post Quartette Detroit. Address-Capt. E. M. Allen, Portland, Mich. Address-"Genesee County in War Times"..................Hon. Chas. Dewstoe, Cleveland "Star Spangled Banner"......Quartette and Bands Taps......................... Maj. J. D. Elderkin A Veteran of Three Wars, Detroit. At 4 P. M., Game of Baseball at Fair Grounds. From 4 to 4:30 P. M., Inspection of Co. A, Third Infantry, M. N. G., by Col. Robert J. Bates. From 4 to 5 P. M., Concert by First United States Infantry Band at the Park. At 7:30 P. M., Illuminated parade of vehicles and and floral floats. Electric illumination, Electric Fountain, Searchlights, Arches, etc. 260 FIFTIETTH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. At 6 P. M., Banquet at the Dryden in honor of James B. Angell, LL. D., President of the University of Michigan, by the Alumni of Genesee County. At 7:45 P. M., Serenades to honorary guests. At 8 P. M., Band Concerts. From 8:30 to 10:30 P. M., a general reception in honor of the distinguished guests will be held in the Court House. At 10 P. M., Reunion of ex-members of First Union Blues at the Armory. THURSDAY, JUNE 8th. At 8:30 A. M., Assembly of Bands. At. 10 P. M., Flag Parade. FIRST SECTION. Marshal and Staff. 1. Flint City Band. 2. Jas. B. Angell, LL. D., and Hon. D. D. Aitken, Rt. Rev. John S. Foley, Fr. T. J. Murphy. 3. Dr. J. C. Wilson, Hon. W. W. Crapo, Hon. W. C. Maybury, Rev. C. A. Lippincott. 4. Board of Education of the City of Flint. 5. High School Faculty. SECOND SECTION. 1. Gilbey's Martial Band. 2. High School Cadets. 3. High School, Twelfth, Eleventh, Tenth, ard Ninth Grades. 4. Lapeer Band. 5. Ward Schools-Stevenson, Walker, Kearsley, Oak, Clark and Hazelton. THIRD SECTION. 1. Grand Blanc Band. 2. St. Michael's Parochial School. 3. Visiting Schools. FOURTH SECTION. 1. Flint City Band. 2. Michigan School for the Deaf (boys). 3. Michigan School for the Deaf (girls). FIFTH SECTION. 1. Davison Band. 2. Floral Parade. First section will form in column facing north on South Saginaw street, between Third and Fourth streets..;, PROGRAM. 261 Second section, High school and grades, will form in the vicinity of the Flint High school in columns of fours in the order designated, the High school cadets acting as escort. They will proceed south to Court street and east on Court street to Saginaw street as the parade advances. Third section will form on East Court street, head of column at intersection of Saginaw and Court streets, column extending east on Court street. Fourth section, Michigan School for the Deaf, will form on West Fifth street, facing east, head of column at intersection of Saginaw and West Fifth streets, extending west on Fifth street. Fifth section, Floral Parade, will form in column facing the north, head of the column just south of intersection of Saginaw and Fifth streets. Sixth section, head of parade will move north on Saginaw street, beginning with the first section, promptly at 10 o'clock A. M., and will proceed north along Saginaw street to Second avenue, thence east on Second avenue to Saginaw street, thence north on Saginaw street to Kearsley street, thence east on Kearsley street to library building, where the parade will be dismissed and the exercises at the dedication will occur. DEDICATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY Prayer......................... Rev. T. J. Murphy of Flint. Presiding officer introduced by Mr. George W. Cook. Introductory Remarks........Dr. Jas. C. Willson Presiding Officer. Address.........................Hon. D. D. Aitken Mayor of Flint Song-"America"...........Pupils of Flint Schools Address............ President Jas. B. Angell, LL. D. Ann Arbor. Song-"Michigan, My Michigan." Address.......................Hon. W. W. Crapo New Bedford, Mass. Address....................Hon. W. C. Maybury Detroit. Address............... Hon. Francis A. Blades Detroit. Song...................."Star Spangled Banner" 262 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. At 2 P. M. Informal reception by Genesee County Bar Association to Mr. Justice Brown of the United States Supreme Court, the Justices of the Supreme Court of Michigan, Federal and Circuit Judges and visiting attorneys, Genesee County Court House. DEDICATION OF COUNTY COURT HOUSE. Invocation.................Rev. Clarence E. Allen Address........................Hon. D. D. Aitken Introduction of Hon. Chas. H. Wisner, as presiding officer, by Mr. M. W. Stevens, President of the Genesee County Bar Association. Address...........................Hon. Chas. H. Wisner Circuit Judge. Music. Address.................... Hon. Henry B. Brown Associate Justice U. S. Supreme Court. Address.................... Hon. James B. Moore Chief Justice of Michigan Supreme Court. Music. Brief addresses by other distinguished guests. At 2:30 P. M. Band Concerts. At 3.00 P. M. Baseball game at Fair Grounds. At 5:00 P.M. Exhibition run by Flint City Fire Department. At 6:00 P. M. Banquet by the Genesee County Bar Association in honor of Mr. Justice Brown of the United States Supreme Court and the Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of Michigan. At 6:30 P. M. Reminiscent meeting for old citizens and former residents and Pastor's Reunion at the Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. C. W. Cumings, presiding. Invocation.....................Rev. A. G. Bigelow Poem-"Now and Then"...............................Rev. W. Dudley Powers, D. D. Sketch of Flint Churches..........Rev. Seth. Reed Informal addresses, by former residents and old citizens. At 7:30 P. M. Electric Illumination, Electric Fountain, Searchlights, Arches, etc. At 8:00 P. M., Band Concerts. At 8:30 P. M., Display of Fire Works from Saginaw street bridge. Honorary Guests. Hon. Chas. W. Fairbanks, Washington, D. C. Justice and Mrs. Henry B. Brown, Washington, D. C. General Russell A. Alger, Detroit, Mich. Hon. Henry H. Swan, U. S. Judge, Detroit, Mich. Hon. Samuel W. Smith, Washington, D. C. Hon. Charles Denby, Washington, D. C. Hon. Wm. Alden Smith, Washington, D. C. Hon. W. W. Crapo, New Bedford, Mass. Rt. Rev. John S. Foley, Detroit, Mich. President James B. Angell, LL. D., Ann Arbor, Mich. MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT. Chief Justice Joseph B. Moore, Lansing, Mich. Justice Wm. L. Carpenter, Lansing, Mich. Justice Claudius B. Grant, Lansing, Mich: Justice Rob't M. Montgomery, Lansing, Mich. Justice Russell C. Ostrander, Lansing, Mich. Justice Chas. A. Blair, Lansing, Mich. Justice Aaron V. McAlvay, Lansing, Mich. Charles C. Hopkins, Lansing, Mich. STATE OFFICERS. Hion. Fred M. Warner, Governor, Lansing, Mich. Col. Arthur L. Holmes, Detroit, Mich. Col. Frank B. Leland, Detroit, Mich. Col. Wm. E. Stewart, Flint, Mich. Col. Raymond A. Linton, Saginaw, Mich. Col. Fred D. Standish, Detroit, Mich. ADJUTANT GENERALJS DEPARTMENT. Gen. Wm. T. McGurrin, Grand Rapids, Mich. Col. James N. Cox, Lansing, Mich. Major Wm. G. Hardy, Grand Rapids, Mich. INSPECTOR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT. Gen. Carl A. Wagner, Port Huron, Mich. Col. Winm. H. Thielman, Calumet, Mich. Major Joseph Walsh, Port Huron, Mich. STATE AND CITY OFFICERS. Hon. Alex Maitland, Lansing, Mich. Hon. Geo. A. Prescott, Lansing, Mich. Hon. Frank P. Glazier, Lansing, Mich. Hon. James B. Bradley, Lansing, Mich. Hon. John E. Bird, Lansing, Mich. Hon. Patrick H. Kelly, Lansing, Mich. Hon. Wi. H. Rose, Lansing, Mich. cclxiii 264 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. Hon. James V. Barry, Lansing, Mich. Hon. George P. Codd, Detroit, Mich. Hon. Wm. C. Maybury, Detroit, Mich. Hon. Geo. W. Fowle, Detroit, Mich. Hon. Francis A. Blades, Detroit, Mich. Hon. Truman H. Newberry, Detroit, Mich. Hon. James F. Rumor, Senate, Lansing, Mich. Hon. H. H. Prosser, House Representatives, Lansing, Mich. Hon. M. W. Fairbanks, House Representatives, Lansing, Mich. GRAND LODGE F. & A. M. OF MICHIGAN. GRAND OFFICERS, 1905-6. John Rowson, Grand Master, Grand Rapids, Mich. Charles L. Stevens, Dep. Grand Master, Detroit. Mich. Charles E. Sweet, Sr. Grand Warden, Dowagiac. Mich. Erastus E. Stone, Jr. Grand Warden, Saginaw, Mich. William Wente, Gd. Treasurer, Manistee, Mich. Lou B. Winsor, Gd. Secretary, Reed City, Mich. Frank T. Lodge, Gd. Lecturer, Detroit, Mich. Rev. A. A. Kauppen, Gd. Chaplain, Albion, Mich. Thomas Reardon, Sr. Gd. Deacon, Midland, Mich. Arthur M. Hume, Jr. Gd. Deacon, Owosso, Mich. G. Roscoe Swift, Gd. Marshall, Adrian, Mich. Jas. F. McGregor, Gd. Tiler, Detroit, Mich. DETROIT COMMANDERY NO. 1. K. T. Eminent Commander, Edward Telfer. Generalissimo, Frank E. Fisher. Captain General, James Findlater. Senior Warden, Lyle G. Younglove. Junior Warden, Ward N. Choate. Treasurer, Nicholas Coulson. Recorder, Thos. MacLeod. St. Br., Jas. D. Anderson. Sw. Br., Thos. W. Dutton. Warder, Chas. Hamipton. Prelate, Lee S. McCollester. MICHIGAN NATIONAL GUARD. FIRST BATTALION, FIRST INFANTRY. OFFICERS. Major John S. Bersey, Commanding Battalion. Capt. Henry W. Busch, Commanding Co. B. Capt. George C. Waldo, Commanding Co. C. Capt. Victor M. Dumas, Commanding Co. A. Capt. Valentine R. Evans, Commanding Co. H. 1st Lieut. Emil A. Laurence, Co. H. 1st Lieut. Henry R. Ford, Co. B. 1st Lieut. Wm. J. Laurence, Co. C. 1st Lieut. Geo. H. Woolfenden, Co. A. 1st. Lieut. Frank H. Bessenger, Battalion Adjutant. 1st Lieut. Sam'l C. Gurney. 2nd Lieut. Louis P. Muffatt, Co. B. 2nd Lieut. Jay J. Delbridge, Co. A. 2nd Lieut. Alma Lake, Co. H. 2nd Lieut. Chas. F. Rich, Co. C. HONORED GUESTS. 265 QUARTERMASTER GENERAL'S AND SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENTS. Gen'l James H. Kidd, Ionia, Mich. Col. Walter G. Rogers, Lansing, Mich. Major 0. W. Achard, Saginaw, Mich. Major Henry W. Leach, Saginaw, Mich. Capt. Frederick McC. Kidd, Ionia, Mich. Major John W. Beaumont, Detroit, Mich. Major Arthur S. Loomis, lonia, Mich. Major Chas. A. Vernon, Ann Arbor, Mich. BRIGADE STAFF. Gen. Chas. W. Harrah, Detroit, Mich. Col. J. F. Henkel Maj. Geo. A. Dick Lieut. E. D. Preston OFFICERS DETROIT NAVAL RESERVE. STAFF. Capt. E. D. Standish, Commander D. B. Duffield, Navigator B. R. Fales, Executive Officer Mortimore D. Cooley, Chief Engineer, Ann Arbor. H. C. Penny, Paymaster Edward P. Bland, Ass't Paymaster B. R. Shurley, Physician LINE. WVm. B. Stratton, Lieut. Senior Grade Allen H. Kessler, Lieut. Senior Grade. A. D. McAdam, Lieut. Junior Grade Geo. P. Hendrie, Lieut. Junior Grade A. R. Blome, Ensign Thornton Broadhead, Ensign CO. B. 3RD REGIMENT, M. N. G. C. A. Gansser, Captain L. G. Beckwith, 1st Lieut. W. A. Collins, 2nd Lieut. Committees. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES OF THE FLINT GOLDEN JUBILEE AND OLD HOME COMING REUNION. GENERAL COMMITTEE. Hon. C. H. Wisner, Chairman L. G. Willison, Secretary Rev. C. A. Lippincott, Chaplain Col. J. S. Parker, Marshall J. D. Dort E. O. Wood G. E. Newall Dr. J. C. Willson M. P. Cook Thomas Page Rev. Fr. T. J. Murphy S. C. Randall F. D. Clarke H. H. Fitzgerald A. D. Alvord C. O. Swayze G. H. Werkheiser W. A. Garner S. J. Wilson F. P. Baker C. A. Cummings Thomas Doyle J. U. Piper Abe Davis Mrs. F. P. Smith Mrs. E. D. Black Mrs. W. S. Rundell Miss H. V. Walker Miss Eliza Denham EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. E. 0. Wood, Chairman T. J. Allen, Secretary C. T. Bridgman, Treasurer J. D. Dort W. H. Edwards J. H. Crawford C. A. Lippincott FINANCE COMMITTEE. C. L. Bartlett, Chairman D. D. Aitken C. T. Bridgman D. S. Frackelton E. 0. Wood F. A. Aldrich G. W. Hubbard Alf. Galbraith Alex. McFarlan A. G. Bishop COMMITTEE 'ON ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY. Gerrard Warrick H. H. Fitzgerald F. B. Elliott SC. H. Bonbright G. H. Werkheiser cclxvi.. M. Davison, Chairman F. H. Rankin C. T. Maines James Slocum F. A. Aldrich L~ I;x ~r~P~IBs~i~- ~ ~.-.~ ila~r ~s~a~e~sc ~~~ i: I ~ THE HON. C. H. WISNER, Chairman of the General Committee of the Golden Jubilee. I/ 1/ L COMMITTEES. 267 COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION. M. P. Cook. Chairman B. S. Pinney Frank Robinson L. B. Crouch COMMITTEE ON THE PRESS. F. H. Rankin, Chairman G. H. Werkheiser H. H. Fitzgerald F. F. Werkheiser W. H. Werkheiser Alf. Galbraith G. H. Gardner C. C. Bradner E. C. Reis Harry Gregg C. J. Braford E. J. Glynn W. R. Bates A. L. Aldrich F. A. Aldrich COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC COMFORT AND BUREAU OF INFORMATION. D. T. Stone. Chairman C. H. Watkins W. M. Marshall H. A. Abram Frank Reed Albert Jones F. McWethy A. C. McCall E. J. Glynn Clinton Roberts H. W. Kanouse H. P. Choate B. E. Woolfit E. L. Bangs H. N. Henderson D. E. Newcombe W. L. Church Dr. G. V. Chamberlain Frank Dullam Isaac Finley J. Ml. Torrey Dr. J. D. Stuart Dr. J. N. Buckham Herbert Stone Frank Hall G. H. Gardner M. E. Carlton F. M. Howard COMMITTEE ON INVITATION. B. J. MacDonald, Chairman G. W. Cook J. J. Carton Rev. Fr. T. J. Murphy F. P. Smith M. Davison E. D. Black J. A. Button J. G. Mallery H. P. Martin M. W. Stevens J. W. Newall W. E. Martin COMMITTEE ON ENTERTAINMENT OF HONORARY GUESTS. A. T. Austin Harry Demorest E. J. Johnson R. W. Selleck H. R. Loranger E. J. Curts, Chairman G. L. Simmons C. H. Miller W. E. Stewart C. O. Swayze H, P. Martin 268 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. RECEPTION COMMITTEE. Dr. C. Dr. J. C. Willson W. C. Durant A. G. Bishop J. J. Carton Dr. M. C. Hutchins Dr. E. R. Campbell W. A. Paterson W. C. Lewis W. L. Smith J. L. Pierce Rev. W. D. Powers, D. A. D. Alvord C. A. Cummings C. B. Dibble J. C. Zimmerman E. G. Rust A. C. McCall W. A. Atwood H. C. Spencer S. C. Randall J. H. Whiting R. J. Whaley B. Burr, Chairman G. D. Flanders C. N. Doty W. E. Martin G. F. Caldwell A. J. Buckham C. M. Begole A. C. Switzer A. M. Allen B. C. Robinson Sidney Jones D. C. B. Hayes W. S. Tanner C. W. Nash G. L. Simmons O. M. Smith Fred Weiss W. H. Atkinson R. 0. Wilson A. Bennett Eugene Parsell E. H. Holmes G. E. Pomeroy Miss Mrs. Mrs. Miss Miss COMMITTEE ON VISITOR'S RECORD. Miss H. V. Walker, Chairman Maud Aldrich Miss Eliza Denham M. C. Hutchins Mrs. J. Brush Fenton E. D. Black J. Brush Fenton Julia Decker G. M. Walker Catherine McCreery A. L. Aldrich WOMAN'S AUXILIARY COMMITTEE. Mrs. G. Mrs. E. D. Black Mrs. H. Thompson Mrs. P. B. Peltier Mrs. F. D. Clarke Mrs. E. O. Wood Mrs. R. C. Durant Mrs. E. S. Lee Mrs. F. H. Rankin Mrs. G. D. Flanders Mrs. Alex. McFarlan Mrs. W. C. Durant Mrs. A. G. Bishop Mrs. H. R. Lovell Mrs. E. L. Bangs Mrs. W. A. Atwood Mrs. M. A. Vaughn Mrs. E. T. Smith Mrs. A. L. Aldrich Mrs. W. F. Stewart Mrs. D. D. Aitken Mrs. G. W. Hubbard M.rsi N. Bates Mrs. J. W. Begole Mrs. C. T. Bridgman Mrs. A. J. Buckham H. Durand, Chairman Mrs. J. N. Buckham Mrs. M. F. Cook Mrs. M. Davison Mrs. Jerome Eddy Mrs. I. M. Eldredge Mrs. M. S. Elmore Mrs. J. Brush Fenton Mrs. H. H. Fitzgerald Mrs. G. H. Werkheiser Mrs. Robt. Ford Mrs. D. S. Fox Mrs. G. R. Gold Mrs. F. M. Howard Mrs. F. F. Hyatt Mrs. W. C. Lewis Mrs. C. H. Miller Mrs. J. C. Willson Mrs. J. H. Whiting Miss Minnie King Miss Maud Aldrich Miss Abigal Buckingham Miss Helen Stone Mrs. R. J. Whaley Mrs. Damon Stewart COMMITTEES. 269 FLORAL COMMITTEE. Mrs. Flint P. Smith, Chairman Mr. and Mrs. J. Martin Miss Laura Whaley Mr. and Mrs. A. Buckham Dr. B. F. Miller, Jr. Mrs. W. C. Durant Dr. H. H. Hills Miss Madelon Paterson W. H. Davison MUSIC COMMITTEE. Guy M. Wilson, Chairman F. A. Lawrence Truman Cronk D. M. Averill COMMITTEE ON DECORATIONS. F. D. Buckingham, Chairman F. A. Baird J. S. Austin J. J. Rose James Slocum COMMITTEE ON C. A. Cu L. H. Bridgman R. W. Selleck C. W. Foss C. F. Tepoorten C. H. Bonbright COMMITTEE 'ON B. G. Hubbard J. D. Fisher W. O. Smith C. E. Brandt SOUVENIR BADGES. mings, Chairman J. M. Stewart E. W. Garner S. S. Stewart W. E. Fellows ELECTRICAL DISPLAY. D. Aitken COMMITTEE ON OLD FLINT. G. W. Hubbard, Chairman J. C. Decker J. B. Lane James Williams John Cornwall E. B. Skinner COMMITTEE ON NEW FLINT. J. D. Dort, Chairman D. D. Aitken A. Bennett J. H. Whiting M. P. Cook W. S. Ballenger H. W. Watson R. L. Notman I. B. Bates S. S. Stewart B. C. Robinson C. W. Nash F. A. Baird C. D. Wesson Thos. Buick Wm. Wildanger A. F. Kaufmann J. W. Flynn E. G. Frazer J. E. Burroughs H. J. Jackson John Cornwall E. E. Hamnond W. E. Stewart Edwin Atwood W. C. Wells T. A. Lathrop Fred Weiss C. K. Weller J. J. Carton G. C. Willson 270 PIPTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF FLINT. COMMITTEE ON AMUSEMENTS. Abe Davis, Chairman R. H. Loranger J. B. Lane Wm. Skinner Carl Millard COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL BUILDING. F. D. Clarke, Chairman J. J. Carton D. D. Aitken J. A. Button Dr. C. B. Burr Eugene Parsell COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN'S PARADE AND SCHOOLS. A. N. Cody, Chairman Rev. Fr. T. J. Murphy C. G. Wade Miss Mary Kelley Miss Stella Edwards Miss Eliza Coates Miss Lucy Davis Miss Clara Hall Miss Clara Nixon Miss Myrtis Raab J. M. Stewart COMMITTEE ON REMINISCENCE MEETING. C. W. Cumings, Chairman A. L. Aldrich Dr. O. Millard M. S. Elmore Jerome Eddy Jacob Eldrich Stephen Crocker W. A. Atwood S. C. Randall J. B. Fenton Alex. McFarlan E. O. Pierce W. L. Smith W. F. Stewart G. M. Walker James Van Vleet Wm. Stevenson Dr. N. Bates Robt. Ford G. D. Flanders M. Ephraim H. A. Dewstoe G. L. Denham W. J. Cronk M. A. Knight E. L. Knickerbocker D. P. Halsey S. J. Hall Michael Farley Thomas Cummings Damon Stewart Alanson Braford Matthew Davison WT. R. Bates E. L. Bangs Reuben Van Tifflin John Algoe G. H. Turner John Sutton E. F. Swan H. M. Sperry Wm. Charles Thomas Page Samuel Moffett H. N. Mallery Wm. McGregor Charles Crawford C. H. W. Conover F. H. Humphrey G. M. Bushnell T. L. Brown COMMITTEE ON DEDICATION OF THE COURT HOUSE. Hon. C. H. Wisner, Chairman Genesee County Bar Association COMMITTEES. 271 COMMITTEE ON MEMORIAL TABLETS. M. C. Barney, Chairman C. O. Swayze George Raab Oscar Johnson Joseph Rush C. S. Martin G. M. Wilson Frank Lawrence Wm. Shepner G. E. Newall M. C. Pettibone J. M. Torrey J. S. Parker W. A. Garner F. E. Willett COMMITTEE ON DEDICATION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. G. W. Cook, Chairman Thomas Doyle W. C. Lewis W. E. Martin F. H. Rankin T. J. Allen Dr. M. C. Hutchins Samuel Elston, Jr. Dr. S. W. Given COMMITTEE ON REUNION OF PRESENT AND EXMEMBERS OF THE FLINT UNION BLUES. Capt. G. E. Newall, Chairman All Ex-Captains COMMITTEE IN FIRE DIVISION IN PARADE. Chief John J. Rose COMMITTEE ON U. S. MAIL DIVISION IN PARADE. Post Master J. A. Button COMMITTEE ON PARADE. Col. J. S. Parker, Marshall. Capt. Guy M. Wilson, Chief of Staff John Zimmerman F. L. Wells C. S. Martin Lewis Buckingham W. O. Smith J. C. Graves W. M. Davison M. C. Barney F. S. Crossman J. H. Gottshall F. M. Howard AIDS J. II. Wagner J. B. Fenton W. E. Braman F. E. Willett J. J. Carscadden B. G. Hubbard Peter Carton I. B. Bates H. R. Niles W. H. Russell M. L. Dyer ):~ ti:: Ci::: 8; 1 ~~-; ~:j;.~~~: ''' U -1lif I,, 1k lto "t- 4,( IT, E. X IT" I,-" i W J'T*, -j.4ý jyý j oi V., 4 vi S. Ti 7 Týv -To, -wr ii,ý "T, fc Z %-W,."Gle 7,W s I Zý. I iý' 4.. - __ - 1ý_ "r IT. -1 1 11,,. _,., TO ziý!, ei iII7..........,, 14 Ip, ell 71 I vif.