The Fowlerville Observer

Squint Shot 013112

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed the inside of the lid with a farm scene picture clued to it -- we were, once again, in the Harmon building, third floor. My curiosity about this suitcase keeps me wondering who it belonged too -- possibly a young gal. As shown in this picture, there's a comb and some buttons. Everything has a layer of dust and grime on it so I didn't finger anything.
I've about decided my curiosity comes from the fact the third floor of this building has always been used as a place for meetings but not necessarily a place where someone would stay overnight. So, how did a suitcase get here?

Squint Shot 013012

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Another squint shot -- a picture, in fact -- as my friend and I continued our tour of the third floor of the Harmon building. A year ago, I showed some pictures of an old, very worn out suitcase that sits on the floor, collecting dust and making me wonder who carried this and how it ended up where it remains.

On the inside of the lid, this farm scene can be found. It makes the suitcase seem like it was for a child and even some of the items -- which will be seen in the next few days -- indicates it may have been used by a young lass.

I may have to get back up to the third floor to take a closer look at it to see if there's any identification on it. I just hope Paul Harmon doesn't get too tired of my asking! He has been great about it.

Squint Shot 012912

2012-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

After looking at yesterday's squint shot of a window handle, I looked upward. There are some very interesting curtain or drapery hooks at the upper corners on the window trim. They nearly look a bit deadly!
I've looked at this picture for some time and cannot really figure out how curtains were held on this apparatus. Maybe the fabric was draped somehow -- any thoughts?

Squint Shot 012812

2012-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I showed a hinge located in a former office on the second floor of the Harmon building, formerly known as the Palmerton block. A friend and I were spending a late summer, very warm afternoon, wandering through the darkened rooms of this three-story building. There's no electricity, heating, or cooling so we were feeling the heat particularly hard that day. But it was still great fun.
As we were looking out the east windows, I noticed this hardware. Similar hardware can be seen in the old Nellie Glenn house at the southwest corner of East Grand River and Collins. If you search on "Nellie Glenn," you can find various squint shots of the inside of that house, and especially some of the hardware.

But back to the Harmon building. Along the east side of the third floor, it has been reported that some lawyers may have used these rooms as their offices years earlier. J.B. Munsell is one name that has been mentioned. Before that Judge A.E. Cole may have had an office here.

Squint Shot 012712

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed some old wallpaper on the second floor of the Harmon building. As my friend and I wandered through the rooms, her observations zeroed in on a piece of carpeting I had probably walked on in other visits but never truly looked at. The International Order of Odd-Fellows met on the second floor of this old building and this carpeting actually looks like it may have appropriate symbols on it -- could this be from that era?

This building was built in 1891 after a devastating fire that took out the entire northeast quadrant of wooden buildings and then jumped North Grand and destroyed this building. It is the third building at this corner -- the first one was wooden and burned in 1876 (no pictures available), the second one stood until the 1891 fire and had basically the same footprint as this third building. The ones reconstructing this building may have been able to use the foundation as a guide as the previous building had the corner cut at an angle also.

If you search this blog for the Palmerton block, you will see various old pictures.

Squint Shot 012612

2012-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

There are layers and layers of old wallpaper peeling off the walls in the second floor of the Harmon building. There has been some water damage, making for quite a bit of mold on the walls. Unfortunately, since the second and third floors are not handicapped-accessible, they are not currently being used and so they continue to be kind of like a time capsule to an era long-gone.

But the interesting part of all of these layers -- as relayed to me by the my friend who is a bit of an expert in what wallpaper can tell us -- pointed out one of the parts of the wallpaper that created "archways." Imagine a room full of Greek or Roman columns and archways in the wallpaper and how it must have looked so formal, if not a bit daunting. Now, thanks to my friend, I will be looking for other layers of wallpaper, wondering what a room may have looked like.

Squint Shot 012512

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

As with yesterday's squint shot, my friend and I were checking out the canopy still attached to the south wall of the second floor of the Harmon building where members of the International Order of Odd-Fellows (and at one time the Masons) would meet. The front shade, which showed red on the outside when it was pulled down, was retracted and hid by the fabric hanging from the wood structure. The whole thing is basically being held to the wall by a few screws and guy wires. No other supports are visible. Years ago, when a member of either order passed away, a Resolution of Respect would be published in the local newspaper. There is no longer an I.O.O.F. order in Fowlerville but the Masons are still here. They are now located on East Grand River, in the second floor of the building just east of the driveway for the Niblack Funeral Home.

Squint Shot 012412

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are on the second floor of the Harmon building -- a huge ballroom where the International Order of Odd-Fellows used to meet. At one time, even, before the three-story building at the corner of North Grand and Power Street was built, the Masons would meet in this room.

While touring the room with my friend (whom I've mentioned helped me see more than I had on previous visits), she happened to look up and behind the canopy at the south end of the room. She pulled down a shade -- the red fabric -- to show how someone may have sat or stood behind the shade before a presentation. There were no shades on the sides of the canopy so I can only assume it was to shield someone temporarily.

I have to admit my imagination has been working overtime trying to figure out the real purpose for the shade -- if anyone has an idea of what kind of ceremonies would have been held by the I.O.O.F. or the Masons, I would love to have you leave a comment.

Squint Shot 012312

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is both a squint shot and a history lesson. This name -- Chris Ludtke, May 9, 1919 -- was written on one of the walls on the second floor of the Harmon building. My friend noticed it as we wandered through the upper floors on a late summer, very warm day. Quite seriously, I don't know how I missed it during other photograph-taking escapades! I love when someone has decided to make their presence be recorded.

The Ludtke name has been around Fowlerville for a very long time and I have come across it numerous times while doing research for the upcoming biography. I thought I would look back in my records around 1919 to see if I could find the Ludtke name. I did, but it wasn't until 1921 I recorded an obituary. It follows:

William F. Ludtke died at his home in East Handy early Monday morning after an illness of only a few days.

He was born at Gross Dallentine, Germany, August 13, 1848, where he spent the first 40 years of his life, and was there married to Miss Amelia Engfer in 1873, coming to the United States in 1888 and settling in this township, where he resided until his death, his wife having preceded him to the better land.

He was the father of 13 children, Paul H., Max, Chris and Pauline of Handy, Mrs. Edith Risch and Martha Hagerman of Howell, Mrs. Alphonso Bicek of Oceola and Mrs. William Veith of Cohotah, who survive hime.

He was a faithful member of the Evangelical Lutheran church for many years.

The funeral services will be held at the Lutheran church Wednesday, the Rev. J.B. Sause officiating.

Squint Shot 012212

2012-01-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

The Harmon building has housed many different businesses, including being a hardware store, so I guess it should be no surprise to find a nail scale left behind! From the looks of this one, which was found on the second floor, toward the back of the building, it hardly looks used. At one time, there was an entrance at the back of the building, off of North Grand Avenue. The stairway goes up from street level for about half a floor, then turns 90 degrees and arrives at the second floor. This may well have been additional shopping area when it was a hardware store. As a side note, today marks the third anniversary of The Fowlerville Observer, originally named The Ville. On January 22, 2009, I began this website for a couple of reasons. I was looking for an outlet for wanting to write and I was becoming more and more interested in knowing about how Fowlerville came to be. When I set the website up, I also thought I would do more current reporting but that isn't always possible -- having a day job prevents me from spending much time "getting the story." But I have become fully-steeped in the history of the area and find it so rich.

Since that day three years ago, I have compiled and edited The Fowlerville Chronicles, took on the task of monitoring the historical collection and trying to help those with questions, worked the temporary museum for the 175th celebration, and am now in the final editing stages of the biography of G.L. Adams, editor and publisher of The Fowlerville Review, from 1874-1929. Whoever thought three years ago would start this snowball of events -- certainly not me -- but I sure have enjoyed it. I hope you do too!

Squint Shot 012112

2012-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

I notice old hardware -- not because I do any sort of construction -- but because I find it interesting how intricate even door hinges were made. It was all part of the artistry and character of a building. While my friend and I were still on the second floor of the Harmon building, we looked at how walls had been added or cut away, noting especially where an archway had been filled in and a door added. The line of the arch can still be seen where the seam, whether it was wood or the drywall, has separated. But my friend also made sure we were looking closer at the doors -- thus today's squint shot.

Squint Shot 012012

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Now here's maybe a rather strange squint shot but even old flooring has a story to tell. As my friend (yes, those are her toes) and I were wandering around the second floor of the Harmon building -- and, by the way, it was a very warm day and with no air conditioning for the second and third floors, we were "glowing" within minutes -- my friend picked up a scrap of old carpetingn to expose this vinyl flooring. I'm supposing the 1960s or 70s -- anyone's thoughts? Or did anyone have similar vinyl?
The rooms on the second floor were mostly made up of offices for doctors, lawyers, and dentists -- I'm thinking this may well have been in the dentist office.

Squint Shot 011912

2012-01-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Toward the end of last summer, I headed back to one of my favorite buildings -- the Palmerton block, maybe better known now as Harmon Real Estate. But this time, it was from a different viewpoint. I had a friend along with me that is very much into local history and has a great eye for detail. She noticed things I hadn't in my previous visits to the second and third floors where time has stood still.

Fluorescent lights have not been around since the building was rebuilt in 1891 after a devastating fire, so it would be fun to know when this light was installed. I took a picture of it because it has got to be old -- at least we don't see this kind of detail in the newer lights.

For the next couple of weeks, I will be showing squint shots of items my friend discovered and then will be moving onto some indoor shots of a very old, but very well-kept-up house in the village.

Squint Shot 011812

2012-01-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

If you check out yesterday's squint shot, you will see the other side of this decommissioned cannon, dedicated in1898. Tomorrow, I head back to one of my most favorite buildings to explore -- the Palmerton block or as I like to call it, the Harmon block.

Squint Shot 011712

2012-01-17T01:10:00.000-08:00

I've been going back through various photographs taken over the last six months or so and am going to post these as squint shots. Today and tomorrow's shots will be about the cannon that be found at the Greenwood cemetery. If you drive north on Cemetery road from Grand River avenue, go to the second entrance to the cemetery which will get you to the original location, turn right into the area and head pretty much straight away, the cannon will be in front of you.Today's shot shows one side of this cannon, dedicated May 30, 1898. It was a decommissioned weapon by the government and offered to anyone wishing to display it. The G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) made it a project to get this cannon delivered to the village and then created a monument in the cemetery.

Squint Shot 011612

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading this website for very long, you may remember I have been puzzling over where that school might have been -- or even where Break O'Day was located. Local news items in the early late 1800s and early 1900s could be read about but I could never find a map that showed where this little burg might have been. The most I could come up with is what south of Webberville, in Ingham County.

Well, last month I had the pleasure of talking with someone that remembered reading some history on the area referred to as Break O'Day. The school was located on Howell-Mason road, west of Nicholson road but before you get to M-52. It is at the northeast corner of Howell-Mason and Risch roads, now a private residence. Of course, we had to drive by and snap a picture.

My friend also related that how this little area originally got its name was because the farmers in the area did most of their shipping of produce out of Stockbridge and they had to leave by the "break of day" to get to market. Isn't that just the coolest way to name a burg?!

He also mentioned the book where he came across this information; a book we happen to have stored in our historical collection. The next time I get that way, I'll look up any additional information and pass it along.

Squint Shot 011512

2012-01-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

One more shot of a barn south of Fowlerville that is being renovated. The owners showed me pictures of this barn when they bought the property -- it was so bad! The previous owners had even scheduled it for an intentional burn by the fire department. For the sake of preserving our heritage, glad the flames didn't get to it!

Squint Shot 011412

2012-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready to head out from the farm, after taking pictures of the silo and some etchings, I looked toward the back of the barn where the wind turbine and now-partial silo stand. Check back to the last few days to see other squint shots of this barn and silo.

Squint Shot 011312

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

For the last two days of squint shots, you can read about my visit to a farm south of town where the owners are dismantling a silo built around 1919. I stepped back from the operation and looked up -- pretty cool shot on a cool January afternoon!

Squint Shot 011212

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's squint shot, I headed out to a farm, south of town, to take a picture of a date etched in a silo (shown at the right of this photograph). As I looked up, a former windmill is now equipped with a wind turbine. The cistern at the bottom of the picture fills with rain water off the barn roof and is given to the farm animals. Me being the self-proclaimed city-girl that I am, I found all of this quite intriguing.

Squint Shot 011112

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

I received an e-mail the other day from one of my readers letting me know they were dismantling a silo behind their barn. I didn't think to ask what would be going in its place but, after arriving at the farm, I could see they were in the processing of modernizing so I would hazard a guess something more efficient will go in its place. The barn is being restored and is being used.

But back to the silo. As the owner was checking out the silo a bit closer in working to dismantle it, he came across etched initials and date in one of the rectangles. Following is a picture of that: What we could make out was "J S" vertically, then the date of "June 14 1919" stacked at the right side. The family could trace back the farmland for quite some time back but didn't have any idea who J.S. might have been. Fun to wonder.

Squint Shot 011012

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

As with yesterday's squint shot, we had been out of town a few days so there was a lot of progress to see. But now I'm wondering, if it is a duplex being built on South Ann Street, what will this old building be used for? Any thoughts?

Squint Shot 010912

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

We were out of town over the holidays and when we returned I was curious to see if work had been done on the lot on South Ann Street, behind the BP gas station. It would appear a duplex is being built in place of the house that was so badly damaged by fire. Here is a picture taken December 31, 2011.

Squint Shot 010812

2012-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Isn't it odd in today's world, when a new-build is going up, it is so noticeable. But anyhow, the building on South Ann Street, behind the BP station, had one wall standing the other day. I couldn't get a clear shot of the whole lot because there were so many workers busy as could be. I'll get back and get more progress pictures, and maybe ask a few questions. I think it's about time I find out what is going on.

Squint Shot 010712

2012-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed the levelled ground on Ann Street where a house had burned about six months ago. No basement was dug, but a foundation was in place a couple days after I took a picture of the graded dirt.

1940 Peter Iskra

2012-01-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

Peter Iskra was a jeweler in the village of Fowlerville in the mid-1900s. His store was located in the G.A. Newman building (where the eye doctor and Shear Image are now housed). Following are two pictures provided by one of my readers (thank you very much). The second photograph was taken of him while dining in the Twin-Q Inn, formerly located where Save-On is now located. I would love anyone having memories of Mr. Iskra to leave a comment for all of us!

Squint Shot 010612

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

The next few days of squint shots will show a lot front on South Ann Street, behind the BP gas station. About six months ago, the house standing on this lot burned -- not to the ground but damaged enough it was torn down. I'm not even sure it was inhabited at the time of the fire, but the house was very old and may have cost too much to repair. So then one day, as I was leaving Curtis Grocery after doing one of my usual quick stops there, I noticed the land had been cleared of the rubble and levelled.

1937 Lepard Saleslip

2012-01-05T01:10:00.000-08:00

As I continue to wade through so many treasures that were loaned to our temporary museum this last summer, I will try to post as much as possible. I took pictures of everything with my trusty Nikon SX130. The following saleslip was particularly fun to check out. In 1937, the Kallek family bouth a Chevy for $765, getting a $100 worth of accessories, and it would appear not having to pay any sales tax. The salesman was "Doug" -- anyone know who that might have been?

Squint Shot 010512

2012-01-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are still on our little summer walk, last year on an early morning weekend day after breakfast at Olden Days. As many times as I've looked at the storefront where you will find beautiful bouquets, plant arrangements, knicknacks, and cards, at Aleta's, I had never noticed the old coal shoot below the front windows. When this building was refurbished a few years back, how great this wasn't removed.

1881 Round Schoolhouse

2012-01-04T01:10:00.000-08:00

While doing research for The Fowlerville Chronicles, I remembered seeing something about an original schoolhouse for Fowlerville burning -- but then when I wanted to put my hands on that information, I couldn't find it. Well, lo and behold, as I'm finishing up some fine points of the biography of G.L. Adams (a book that is going to be over 300 pages long!), I found this small blurb that was published in his newspaper in 1881:

Wouldn't that have been wonderful if a picture had been taken of this schoolhouse before it burned -- was the building round or was it named after a family in 1880?

Squint Shot 010412

2012-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today's squint shot shows a close-up of yesterday's picture of the radiator in the old Sozo's coffee shop in the old hotel. Isn't it wonderful how someone detailed sculpting with gold.

1892 New Year Calendar

2012-01-03T01:10:00.000-08:00

An early single-day page calendar -- now there are so many!

Squint Shot 010312

2012-01-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Two of the storefronts in the old hotel, across from Curtis Grocery, are empty -- the good news is three of them have businesses in them -- a photography studio, a hair salon, and an insurance office. The location in the center of the first floor had been a coffee shop for many years, with numerous owners, the last being known as Sozo's. I've noticed some refurbishing or maintenance being done in that slot but am not aware if anything is going in there. But, in the meantime, peak in the window and you will see this ornate radiator -- pretty cool.

1901 Miracle Cure

2012-01-02T01:10:00.000-08:00

Do you need a miracle cure from "whatever ails ya?" It would appear in 1901, and through the early 1910s, Dr. W.C. Walker may have been the man.
The good doctor would show up at the Lockwood Hotel once a month, working 9 am until 8 pm, where consultations were free. You only had to pay if he could cure you -- I wonder how often that happened! He had "the most successful methods in the treatment of all chronic diseases known to medical science" and was "a friend to the afflicted."

Squint Shot 010212

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

As we continued a walk around the downtown last summer, on an early morning after breakfast at Olden Days Cafe, we wandered along the alley behind the building in the southeast quadrant. Anyone familiar with this site will know I'm always on the lookout for "doorways to nowhere" and even "windows to nowhere." Over the years, windows and doors have been bricked or cemented in and painted over. Another example of this is at the back of what was the Blackmer's Clothing store and then Utter's Menswear, back in the day -- early to mid 1900s. Take a minute and notice -- and then maybe do like I do and wonder what those times were like.

2012 Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

I love the inter-webs! There are so many creative things to do. In taking a moment to step back from the history of Fowlerville, I would like to wish all of you a very prosperous new year in 2012 and show you the card we are sending to our friends and family. Hope your New Year's Day is a wonderful one and that all those resolutions you dream up are do-able!

Squint Shot 010112

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last summer, on an early Saturday morning, my husband and I had breakfast at Olden Days (which we like to do quite often, by the way). The morning was sunny, refreshingly comfortable, and the downtown was mostly quiet of traffic. We decided to take a walk around the downtown, and of course, I had my camera in hand. Part of our walk took us to the backs of the buildings in the southeast quadrant.

Anyone reading this website for very long would know I'm always looking for "doorways to nowhere" and the following picture fit that bill -- although this was more likely a window at one time that is now bricked in. I suppose it could have even been a larger doorway then what stands there now. Does anyone remember?

Over the next few days of squint shots, I'll be showing more pictures from that nice summer morning. Also, while we were taking that walk, I was formulating a creative thought which became some artwork. If you look under the page tab for "Artwork," you will see how I was able to spell out "Fowlerville" using architectural and other sights found around the downtown. If anyone is interested in purchasing a one-of-kind piece of artwork, please feel free to contact me. I am also muddling around the thought of doing postcards and notecards -- I would love some feedback as to whether anyone would be interested in purchasing such items.

1905 Main Four Corners

2011-12-31T01:10:00.000-08:00

According to Chester Clark, an historian very familiar with Livingston county history in the mid-1990s (now deceased):

Top photo, Grand Avenue looking north, circa 1902 to 1909. Notice tall brick building, opposite hotel, where IGA parking lot now is. Whose Grocery, Restaurant, and Bakery? Lower photo, Grand River Avenue, looking east. Notice brickwork arch, now Doug and Mary Burnie's hardware. The cooking exhibit by Laurel Ranges was in town. Early auto, right hand drive, drove down the center so as not to scare the horse.
These two photographs were republished in The Fowlerville News and Views when Mr. Clark was writing historical articles for the area. According to his farewell valedictory, he wrote over 200 articles and they are in our historical collection -- I am happy to report. He preserved so much information for the rest of us.

If you are interested in looking at our collection, I am there every first and third Tuesday of the month at 9 am. The collection is located in a locked closet in the village office in the council chambers.

Squint Shot 123111

2011-12-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

After looking a little closer at Kim's Barber Shop building, I happened to go behind the Handy Township building to park and head into the hardware store. Of course, I had to look up for anything I might have missed over the years of taking squint shots. Maybe because of some clouds moving and the sun shining on the back of the building, I noticed this patched circle in the brick of the township building wall. Was this maybe, at one time, where a stove or heating pipe evacuated smoke from the warming system?

1938 Ted's Service Station

2011-12-30T01:10:00.000-08:00

Before we leave the Christmas scene through the years in Fowlerville, following is an advertisement placed in the local paper in 1938 -- does anyone remember Ted's Sinclair Station?

Squint Shot 123011

2011-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed what might have been a fleur d'lis pattern on Kim's Barber Shop. Following are other patterns that were carved into the stone and are visible just under the overhang of the building.

This building is attached to the house just north of it. That house was built as a doctor's residence and office by the Greenaway family in the early 1900s. Some local residents still remember having minor surgeries done in the second floor of the house.

1903 Christmas Furs

2011-12-29T01:10:00.000-08:00

Although this may not necessarily be about Christmas, I would almost imagine quite a few ladies received furs this winter --

A Fowlerville Boy~~Clare Hess, son of W.H. Hess, one of the founders of this paper, and born in this village, went to Korea about three years ago with a mining company. He saw that a fortune could be made in buying fur from the natives and shipping to the United States and severed his connection with the mining company and devoted several months to learning the native languages and securing valuable passports all over Asia.

He returned home to Columbia City, Ind., and organized a company with a capital stock of $100,000 and will soon return to Korea and commence the purchase of the fur.

He brought some of the fur home with him and sold it at an enormous profit, thus demonstrating the success of the business. He has many friends here who will wish him abundant success in his new undertaking.

Squint Shot 122911

2011-12-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you look closely, and usually high up, on many of the buildings in the downtown area, you will start to notice all of the various versions of fleur d'lis carved into stone. Over the last couple of years, I've taken what I thought were shots of all that I could find. But I missed one. On the front of Kim's Barber Shop, right up at the overhang, the following more modern style of what may have been a fleur d'lis pattern can be seen:

1935 Holiday Movies

2011-12-28T01:10:00.000-08:00

At various times throughout Fowlerville's history, there were one, two, and sometimes three theaters for movie-goers to enjoy. In December, 1935, the "new" Fowlerville Theatre was showing a Laurel & Hardy film, "Bonnie Scotland."

Click here to check out more about the movie.

Squint Shot 122811

2011-12-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2004 . . .
Well, this is the end of the line for class composites. If anyone has pictures of later years, please feel free to send them to me and I will post them on the website. Tomorrow, we move on to some miscellaneous squint shots of things I've noticed around town.

1897 Christmas Visiting

2011-12-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

The local section of the newspaper reported the comings and goings of its residents -- especially those that would let the editor know. A sampling follows:

William Alsbro visited friends at South Lyon on Christmas.

J. Ashley Cooper spent Christmas with friends at Howell.

J.C. Walton and wife of Howell spent Christmas at this place.

B.B. Roberts and wife spent Christmas with relatives here.

Mary G. Seaver spent the holidays with relatives at Lansing.

F.J. Cook and wife spent Christmas with her mother at Howell.

Thomas Kingsley of Wayne, is visiting relatives in this vicinity.

Will Miller of Thamesville, Ont., is visiting his parents of this place.

(And then stuck in the middle of all of this) . . . Intelligent boy wanted at this office to learn the art of printing.

F.D. Parker and wife visited relatives at Howell on Christmas.

Mrs. J.K Stanley visited her sister at Brighton on Christmas.

F.J. Peek and wife spent Christmas with his parents at this place.

C.H. Bristol and wife spent Christmas with relatives at Williamston.

Mrs. H. Laughlin and daughters, Aggie and May, spent Christmas at Howell.

M.M. Abbott and family spent Christmas with their daughter at South Lyon.

Ira J. Bean and wife of Detroit spent Christmas with his parents at this place.

M.J. Dunn and wife spent Christmas with their son near Webberville.

Mrs. F.E. Sherwood of Clinton visited her parents, J.A. Canfield and wife, this week.

Edward Greenaway of Williamston spent Christmas with his father at this place.

And so on . . . the list was long with so many of the names so familiar to my research. But I truly wonder if an intelligent boy showed up to learn the art of printing!

Squint Shot 122711

2011-12-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2003 . . .

1879 Snow Drift

2011-12-26T01:10:00.000-08:00

Well said . . . G.L. Adams, the publisher and editor of The Fowlerville Review had a way with words, whether it was spring, summer, winter, or fall.

Squint Shot 122611

2011-12-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2002 . . .

2011 Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T01:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my readers -- thank you for visiting this website throughout the year!

Squint Shot 122511

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2001 . . .

1988 Skating Rink

2011-12-24T01:10:00.000-08:00

Back in the winter of 1987-88, Larry Davis was featured in the Fowlerville News and Views as he created an ice skating rink in what is now Centennial Park, but was Centennial Field then. Larry is now the directory of the Department of Public Works for the village but still will be making the time to create a rink this winter -- weather permitting -- just west of the hardware store. Same as last year. It would be fun if anyone recognizes themself or a friend in the picture of skaters and would leave a comment.

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2011-12-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2000 . . .

1895 Christmas Circle

2011-12-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

During nearly every holiday season, I would come across numerous articles on family get-togethers. The following description of two families' event was found in The Fowlerville Review:

The Van Riper-Hughes Christmas Circle is a regular organization, with a constitution, by-laws, etc., and holds its annual meetings on Christmas at the residences of its members. This year the circle met at the pleasant home of our townsman, F.E. Van Riper, on Second Street, and as usual was a great success, as more than thirty of the direct relatives joined in the social pleasures that go so far toward making this life worth living. It seems to us that the originators touched a chord that many of our older families would do well to emulate and cement a fraternal feeling that will be as lasting as time. As hostess Miss Clara Van Riper did all that the most fastidious could expect and as master of ceremonies, Floyd did exactly what everybody expected he would do and did it with the rare skill that left no chance for criticism. Miss Clara, as chef, performed her culinary labor with the skill of a professional and her tables were loaded with all the substantials and most of the luxuries of the season. The turkeys were done to a turn, and all else upon the spacious tables grew elegant under her magic skill. She not only cooked the choicest and most delicate viands for her friends, but she found time to entertain the relatives by her presence and enliven them with music of the choicest kind. Too much cannot be said of her and her father as entertainers and all joined in the acknowledgement that nothing was forgotten or left undone. From ten in the morning to the wee small hours, the circle clung together and the Christmas evening entertainment consisted of speeches, declarations, readings, recitations, interspersed with music by the young ladies, and the mystic ring was only broken by just such a glorious supper as Clara knows her well how to serve. The circle now consists of 33 members, all being relatives in the two families and by unanimous vote, the next reunion will be held Dec. 23, 1896, at the residence of A.H. Hughes, in the village.

Some years, the circle was a bit smaller, other years, more of a celebration:

A Pleasant Reunion~~The members of the Christmas Circle held their annual gathering at the pleasant home of E.P. Stowe, in this village, on Monday, Dec. 26. The hours passed swiftly and pleasantly, and about 1:20 pm, the roll was called and eighteen members responded to their name with a quotation, after which the company repaired to the dining room to discuss the good things set before them. After dinner, a fine program was rendered, including an address of welcome, readings, recitations, instrumental music, solos, quartettes, etc. All had a good time and returned home with a pleasant anticipation of the next meeting of the Circle, which will be held at D. VanRiper's next Christmas.~~Secretary

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2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1999 . . .

1900 Marriage License

2011-12-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

Even though this isn't about Fowlerville and even though this isn't really a Christmas posting, I couldn't resist adding it for all the hunters in the area:

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2011-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1998 . . .

1900 Christmas Shopping

2011-12-21T01:10:00.000-08:00

The "Local and Otherwise" news in The Fowlerville Review was full of shopping information and advertisements. A sampling follows:

Holiday neckwear at Blackmer's.

Fine dress shoes at Blackmer's.

Mufflers of every description at Blackmer's.

Christmas books and fancy goods. A.R. Gardner

Highest price paid for turkeys and chickens. Miner & Luce

The windows in the various stores present a very attractive array of holiday goods this week, showing much taste and skill upon those who had the decorations in charge.

The merchants of this village seem to be enjoying a good holiday trade this year. They are certainly offering every inducement by way of low prices and fine goods.

Solid silver and plated spoons, knives and forks, and gold spectacles at A.R. Gardners.

To make your family love you and your home happy, use an aluminized steel range for cooking. Purchase it at Hugh Loughlins.

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2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1997 . . .

1896 Masquerade Ball

2011-12-20T01:10:00.000-08:00

The Maccabees, a ladies' group associated with the Masons (I believe -- please correct me if anyone knows differently) was quite active in the village at the turn of the century. Following shows a masquerade ball they were hosting at the Bell opera house:

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2011-12-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

1899 Misplaced Present

2011-12-19T01:10:00.000-08:00

On Friday afternoon, Mrs. Richard Gott purchased a fine wrap at the special sale of wraps and furs at the store of A.H. Hughes & Son and it was wrapped in paper and placed on the counter until she was ready to go home, when it was found to have completely disappeared. The store was searched but no trace of the garment could be found. A smaller package, however, lay upon the counter and it was finally concluded some one had made a mistake. On Saturday morning early a man living north and east of Bell Oak came back with the package. He had taken the wrong package and did not discover his mistake until he had reached home.

It makes one wonder if this wrap was purchased as a gift. If so, since it was returned, how wonderful for the future recipient. And, I wonder if there was a recipient, did that person read this article in the paper and feel even more fortunate it was properly returned!

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2011-12-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1995 . . .

1923 Christmas Decorations

2011-12-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

Complaint is being made from several sources that some one is marking the trees, stores and even the new school building with colored chalk. This kind of Christmas decoration is not at all pleasing and should be discontinued at once.

On one level, G.L. Adams scolded those marking things with chalk, and then the very next paragraph . . .

The Christmas exercises at the Baptist church Sunday evening were largely attended and the program was greatly enjoyed by all. Old Santa did not disappoint the children but came in all his glory to their complete satisfaction, which the older ones enjoyed as well.

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2011-12-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1994 . . .

1913 Ashley Cooper Store Robbed

2011-12-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

Just because it was the holiday season, it would appear not everyone was in the spirit of giving -- but some in the spirit of taking. The following was found in the local newspaper for the end of the year, 1913:

Store Robbed of Small Amount~~Nightwatchman Albright tried the door of the post office and of J. Ashley Cooper's store on his usual rounds Friday night and found them securely locked. About two o'clock, as he came down Grand River street, he saw a small man start on a run from the post office. He called to him and started to run, but the other man could run three rods to his one. He went to the office and found both the post office and store doors unlocked. Mr. Cooper was called and they looked over the office and store and found nothing missing, locked up the doors again.

Saturday morning, it was discovered that the cash register in the store had been robbed of about $1.50 in nickels and pennies.

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2011-12-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1993 . . .

1900 Wedding Anniversary

2011-12-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

When the average life expectancy in the year 1900 was about 50 years old, to be married for 60 years appears to have been quite an accomplishment. At Christmastime, 1900,

Monday, Dec. 17, was the 60th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kanouse, in all probability one of the oldest wedded couples in Livingston county. The most of their married life has also been spent in the county. Both are able to attend to the duties of their home and are enjoying as good health as could be expected by people of their age.

This ringing endorsement of this couple was found in the local newspaper at the end of the year.

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2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1992 . . .

1923 H.T. Blank Gift Shop

2011-12-15T01:10:00.000-08:00

Everything was on display -- no doubt beautifully -- at H.T. Blank's store for the holiday season. His store was located at the very corner of the Palmerton block, on the first floor, where formerly a bank had been housed. In later years, the Cozy Corner restaurant could be found there. But in 1923, H.T. Blank was offering:

Everything for the "Baby" at "The Gift Shop." H.T. Blank.

Cutglass and hand-painted china at "The Gift Shop." H.T. Blank.

More White Ivory than ever before at "The Gift Shop." H.T. Blank.

Fancy box stationery from 35 cents to $3.00 per box at "The Gift Shop." H.T. Blank.

Finest line of silverware ever shown at our store, "The Gift Shop." H.T. Blank.

Conklin pens, Eversharp pencils, Ingersol pencils, Dufold pens, at "The Gift Shop." H.T. Blank.

Mr. Blank seemed to sell it all -- and the above was just one week's worth of blurbs in the local section.

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2011-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1991 . . .

1919 Merry Christmas

2011-12-14T01:10:00.000-08:00

Over the months and now a couple of years of research -- reading and cataloguing so many articles from the local newspaper -- I find myself entranced with how in the early 1900s, G.L. Adams, editor and publisher of the paper, would try to be creative. Even with the limited ability of printing. Pictures were fuzzy and artwork was sometimes hard to decipher, but he still found a way. I especially like how he created a tree with the printed word -- very creative. As I get into the final weeks of editing the biography of G.L. Adams as well as showing some of his writings, I am already starting to miss discovering new and different ways he found to celebrate the village's progress and events.

It is no wonder he was celebrated by the Michigan Press association in those days and gained the moniker of "Dad" Adams, most likely due to his longevity. On one hand, I will miss doing the research, but on the flipside, I can't wait to have this available for others to enjoy.

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2011-12-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1990 . . .

1901 Christmas Ads

2011-12-13T01:10:00.000-08:00

Following are some Christmas advertisements from some of the busy merchants in the downtown area of Fowlerville during late 1901:

Hugh A. Loughlin, who was also a coal dealer . . .
The Fowlerville Racket, owned by E.J. Holt (one of the Holt boys also had a ten-cent barn) . . .

Hamilton's, which was at the southeast corner of the main four, and would someday become Ruth's Resale . . .
W.H. Gale . . .

And, S.T. Blackmer's men's clothing store . . .

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2011-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1989 . . .

1927 Christmas Comet

2011-12-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

Bright Comet Appears on Christmas Day~~According to Dr. Harlow Shapley, director of the Harvard observatory, the brightest comet visible in the northern hemisphere in the past 15 years will appear in the early evening, western sky, during Christmas week.

It is said that the comet will be clearly visible to the naked eye, and on Christmas day will be about 45 degrees between the sun and the north pole. After December 18, it should be easily visible to the naked eye, just after sunset, in a position just north of the sun.

It is Skjellerup's comet, discovery of which at Melbourne, Australia, by F.J. Skjellerup, an amateur astronomer, who formerly lived in South Africa, was made known on December 4. It then was reported on third magnitude, but the observatory at Lapiata, Argentina, two days later sent word of an observation of what was supposed to be the same comet, and described it as of the second magnitude.

You can read a bit more about this comet by clicking on the bolded and underlined Skjellerup's comet above, which will take you to wikipedia.

The above informational article was found in the local newspaper. Makes one wonder if anyone in this area stepped outside on a cold winter's night to look skyward, and was able to see the comet streaking across the sky.

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2011-12-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1988 . . .

2011 Christmas Tree

2011-12-11T01:10:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, December 3rd, was the Christmas in the Ville celebration, which signalled the lighting of the tree and the arrival of Santa Claus. From all accounts, it was a grand success and plans are already in the works for next year's event. The lights on the tree at the southwest corner of the main four are lit around the clock -- it is a wonderful beacon of light illuminating commuters leaving early in the morning and a welcoming sight in the evening. I wax poetic only because of my surprise.

The other morning I sat (in my truck because it was about 15 degrees and snowy) and took pictures of the tree and some of the other lights, and as I sat there for no more than five minutes, I was amazed at the traffic going through the light at the intersection. It was a constant stream. At that time of the morning, the majority of the traffic heading north on Grand would be for the schools, but the line of cars heading east and west and also south on Grand truly surprised me.

As I work locally but not having to drive through town in the early hours, this traffic was an eye-opener for me -- kind of got me thinking how wonderful it would be to make the downtown ever more inviting year 'round. The DPW does a fabulous job of keeping everything clean and well-maintained, the flowers in the summer are beautiful, the upcoming ice rink is always a real plus, but I've wondered if additional lights could be an interesting trend for such celebrations as Fourth of July, Easter, etc. Just my thoughts . . . any thoughts from you?

In the meantime, be sure to see all the Christmas lights this holiday season in downtown Fowlerville.

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2011-12-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1987 . . .

1908 Christmas Wedding

2011-12-10T01:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Bells~~A very pleasant home wedding took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Benjamin, in Conway, on Christmas day at one o'clock p.m. when their youngest daughter, Mabel, was joined in wedlock with Lee C. Sprague, the Rev. W.G. Stephens performing the ceremony in the presence of an invited company of about 50, largely immediate relatives of the families. The couple were unattended and Grace Bigelow rendered the wedding march. The house decorations were Christmas bells and holly very tastefully arranged.

The bride and groom are well and favorably known to a large circle of friends who will all join in wishing them happiness and prosperity and the large list of beautiful and costly presents gave conclusive evidence of the esteem and regard of the donors.

After a few days visiting with relatives and friends, they will occupy their new home at Holly, which is already in readiness for them there, Mr. Sprague having a lucrative position there in the office of the railroad company.

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2011-12-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1986 . . .

1898 Livingston Mills Christmas Cheer

2011-12-09T01:10:00.000-08:00

Through this month, I'm going to randomly post good things that were reported on in the local newspaper for the holiday season. Today's post shows some Christmas gift-giving from Edward Greenaway, owner of the Livingston Mills that was located where the fire department building and library now stand.

The Livingston flouring mill, owned by Edward Greenaway at this place, is one of the very best, containing the latest and most approved machinery for manufacturing flour. Desiring that all should have the best at Christmas time, he loaded the dray on Saturday morning and left a 25-pound sack of flour at every house in the corporation, bearing a printed label "Merry Christmas, compliment of E. Greenaway." This was a very generous and commendable act upon his part and brought good cheer to many a home.

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2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1985 . . .

1898 Little Klondike Restaurant

2011-12-08T01:10:00.000-08:00

Late in 1898 and into January, 1899, the following short blurbs were found in the local newspaper:

The Little Klondike is running full hours. Warm lunch at all hours. Roy Glover, Prop.

Roy Glover is the new proprietor of the Little Klondike restaurant.

The Little Klondike lunch room is now running. We have smoking tobacco and cigars. Give us a call. J.S. Collins & Son

Both the Glover and Collins names were prevalent in the early history of Fowlerville as well as found yet today. But in all of my research, I never come across a location for this restaurant/lunch room/smoking depot. If anyone happens to know anything about the Little Klondike restaurant, it would be great to have you leave a comment. And, of course, if ever I do find more information, I will pass it along.

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2011-12-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1984 . . .

1928 Ice Rink

2011-12-07T01:10:00.000-08:00

With the cold weather upon us, I thought I'd post the following article from the local newspaper, from 83 years ago:
From the description of the location, I'm kind of assuming it is where Centennial Park now resides. At one time, this land was considerably lower and swampy, until work was completed to drain the water better. In later years, this was Centennnial Field where the schools would use this land for sports practices and games.

Weather cooperating, there will once again be an ice skating rink in the village -- same as last year -- just west of the hardware store. The DPW workers will begin flooding this area once it looks like there's going to be a long stretch of cold weather. You might even see Larry Davis there, late into the evening, spraying a thin layer of water over the area each night to keep the ice smooth and very usable.

So, for just in case, I'd say get your skates sharpened and start looking toward the skies! The DPW's biggest thanks would be that the rink will be well-used.

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2011-12-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1983 . . .

1911 Runaway Steer

2011-12-06T01:00:00.001-08:00

Can you even imagine? . . .

A steering running down the street Wednesday with a rope attached, excited the interest of a number of people on the street. Roy Hagerman grabbed the trailing rope and then made a baloon ascension in the air, but he was game and hung on and, although pretty badly mussed up, he stopped the runaway steer.

And . . .

As Edward Collier was leading his Holstein bull out to water Sunday, the animal made an attack upon him and very fortunately tossd him over the fence out of the way of further harm.

The same animal made an attack upon the hired man a few weeks ago as he was taking him to water and Crit Flynn coming to the rescue was quite painfully injured.

A shotgun was procured and the animal was peppered by a charge of bird shot and driving into the barn, and later on Mr. Collier went in and tied him up.

He was sold to E. Krause and brought here Wednesday morning and shipped to Detroit.

The dog played a prominent part in the attack, fighting the bull furiously while he was attacking his master, and in all probability the dog actually saved the lives of the three men attacked by the bull at different times.

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2011-12-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1982 . . .

1909 Snow Plow

2011-12-05T01:10:00.000-08:00

The winter of 1909 appears to have had quite a bit of cold weather and snow. Much of the information found in the local newspaper spoke of so many cold days in a row, keeping the main roads as clear as possible, and articles like the following regarding the sidewalks:

Street commissioner Newman started the new snow plow on the sidewalks on Friday morning and kept it going the greater part of Friday and Saturday. It worked very nicely and is a credit to those who constructed the tool.

Since this was in the early years of the car and anything automated, I have to wonder how this "tool" was operated -- pushed by manpower or horse, or was there a small engine helping to push the snow. Any thoughts?

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2011-12-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1980 . . .

2011 Christmas in the Ville

2011-12-04T03:58:00.001-08:00

Another parade, another tree lighting . . .

Unfortunately, I had to miss this year's event. I will get pictures of the lighted tree but it will be after the fact.

Since I was not there, if anyone would like to send me pictures of last night's party in the village, I would be happy to post them here on the website for everyone to see.

Feel free to contact me through this website by clicking on my profile picture.

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2011-12-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1979 . . .

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2011-12-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1978 . . .

1925 Defendorf House

2011-12-02T01:10:00.000-08:00

W.H. Peek has sold the lot where his house stands to the Standard Oil Co. and has purchased a lot on Grand River just east of B.D. Grover where he will move the house.

And that, my friends, solves the mystery and when and why the long-considered oldest house in the village was relocated to 701 East Grand River, where it still stands and has been beautifully kept up.

For a little back history, Dr. Byron Defendorf lived and worked in a house that was located at the southwest corner of East Grand River and South Second street. It has long been known that the house was moved to where it now stands and the small building attached to the house, that he used as his office, was relocated to 235 South Collins street. When the office was moved there, it was converted into a small house which is now a rental piece.

A few weeks later, an additional blurb was found in the local paper, reporting on the 'office' portion of the house with, Willard Peek has purchased a part of the house of his father, W.H. Peek, and has moved it to a lot recently purchased of S.W. Tomion in the southeast part of the village and will make a fine home.

Numerous newspaper articles have been written up in recent years about the two-story portion on East Grand River and how it has been beautifully restored and kept-up. Most recently, the Press and Argus did a write-up when Ron and Tomye Daly owned it.

In my research, though, there never seemed to be a definitive reason and/or date when the move actually occurred. So now, here are some known factoids:

~~Lot sold by W.H. Peek to the Standard Oil Co. Mr. Peek also owned the building just to its west which, at the time, was the Orpheum Theatre. In later years, it became a variety store and is now Game Links.

~~The house was moved to 701 East Grand River, and was long-known -- and sometimes still called -- the Eaton house.

~~The Standard station then located at the southwest corner, where the house formerly stood, was owned by Wayne Eaton. In later years, it would be owned and operated by the Palmerton family before they relocated to where the BP station is located at South Ann Street.

~~The house has changed hands over the years and is now the home of one of the Shear Image proprietors.

~~The gas station no long exists and the lot serves as parking spaces for Chase Bank.

So now, in the name of progress, two icons within this village were moved or torn down in order to build gas stations. The above was the first and the second took place in 1937 when the Commercial hotel building at the southwest corner of the main four was torn down by the Lansing Wrecking Co. in order to building a Pure gas station.

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2011-12-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1977 . . .
As a reminder, since there are so many students -- too many to list -- you are welcome to contact me for a copy ($5 to cover the costs) of all of the class composites, in a larger format, saved on a cd.

1880 Social Events

2011-12-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

Remember the ice cream social next Wednesday evening at the residence of Dr. Defendorf. A pleasant time may be expected.

Dr. Defendorf's house, which formerly stood ats the southwest corner of East Grand River and South Second Street, until it was relocated to 701 East Grand River, has long been considered one of the oldest houses in the village still standing, built in approximately 1855. On a side note, in 1925, Dr. Byron Defendorf of Chelsea, celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday on July 4th, with his children, grandchildren and great grandson. Dinner was served at twelve o'clock, covers being laid for eleven. The table was decorated with red roses and English ivy, the place cards were made to represent small American flags in accordance with the day. Mrs. Gertrude Rug of Flyer, Idaho, and Charles B. Defendorf of Casper, Wyoming, were there for the occasion.

We understand a match game of base ball takes place in this village to-morrow. The contestants are a nine from the country and a picked nine from the village.

"Base ball" was new to the area, spelled as shown in the article.

The ladies and gentlemen of the Reason House on Wednesday presented Miss Rosa Hathaway, it being sixteenth birthday, with a fine set of jewelry consisting of bracelets, earrings and pin, as tokens of appreciation for her service and courtesy.

In 1880, the Reason House was a new structure at the southwest corner of West Grand River and South Grand. The wooden structure had burned in February 1878.

All of the above-informational blurbs, purple italicized, were found in The Fowlerville Review.

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2011-12-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1976 . . .

1880 Birth Announcements

2011-11-30T01:10:00.000-08:00

M.J. Dunn is happy over an eight-pound boy that came into his possession one day last week.

The tallest man in town is Marshall Tanner -- it's a girl and made its appearance last Saturday.

For many years during the mid-to-late 1800s, the population of the village hovered around 1,000, sometimes reaching 1,200. Mr. Adams of the paper celebrated many of the births in the newspaper mentioning the proud dad but seldom how mother and child were doing, and rarely the baby's name.

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2011-11-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are going to take a short break from the class composite squint shots -- well, at least until tomorrow and we will start up with more for the month of December.

A couple months ago, before the homecoming celebration and parade downtown, Mike Grimm and I conducted a walking tour of parts of the downtown area, talking about the history of some of the buildings and merchants. We had a wonderful group hanging in with us as we spoke/yelled over the traffic noises at the main four corners. At the tail-end of the walk-about, we were standing in front of Reggie's Barber Shop. One of the gals in the group noticed some of the stonework at the front of the building, with markings that have been painted over.

Of course, I had to whip out my camera and take squint shots. Now I'm wondering if anyone would have any idea what this lettering might have been. It would appear the bottom one shows "Dawson" in Jackson, Michigan.