Thursday, December 9, 2010

Ex-Soldier arrested charged with theft

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, December 9, 1920.

John F. Connors, police chief, arrested Wilbur C. Holcomb, of Jackson, Tuesday evening and locked him up on a charge of grand larceny. An overcoat belonging to Richard Hurdley was taken from the high school last week and a man dressed in a soldier’s uniform was suspected. Tuesday evening about 6 o’clock Superintendent A. C. Erickson telephoned Chief Connors that the man was seen here by the high school janitor. After notifying the patrolman Connors took his car and combed the city, landing his man on Cross Street, where he was getting ready to take the (interurban) car. An overcoat was found which answered the description of Hurdley’s coat, but which Holcomb said he stole at the Masonic temple Tuesday evening. Lynn Schaffer later notified the police that he had his coat stolen and identified it. Holcomb then confessed that he had stolen Hurdley’s coat and said he sold it in Detroit. Chief Connors took Holcomb to Detroit Wednesday afternoon so he could point out the store, as he said he did not know the name or address of it. A charge of larceny over $25 will be preferred against Holcomb.

Holcomb was arraigned Wednesday evening and waived examination. He was bound over to circuit court and his bail was fixed at $1,000.

Family awakened by morning prowler

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, December 9, 1910.

Officer Walter Pierce was called to the home of S. T. Glanfield at 414 Ellis Street (now Washtenaw Ave) Wednesday morning, about 3 o’clock in response to a burglar alarm. The girls in the house claim that they were awakened by some one prowling about under their window on the west side of the house. The family were all aroused and a hunt made for the man but he could not be found, they therefore called an officer who found tracks going from the front of the house under the windows to the rear of the house but the man was evidently frightened away before he had succeeded in making an entrance. The girls were so badly frightened that they were unable to go to bed the rest of the night but insisted in sitting up and kept the light burning bright till daybreak.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Officer hurt in making arrest

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, December 8, 1930.

After warding off arrest for approximately 15 minutes, and injuring the left arm of Patrolman Coy Ranking in a tussle, John Goodman, 325 First Ave., was finally subdued at 6 o’clock Saturday evening and taken to jail.

Goodman was arraigned in Justice A. M. Vandersall’s court this morning on a charge of resisting arrest and injuring an officer, and after an examination, was bound over to circuit court, Ann Arbor, with bond set at $3,000.

According to Patrolman Rankin who signed the complaint against Goodman, he received a report at 6 o’clock that Andrew J. Watson, owner of a pool room on E. Michigan Ave., and Goodman were having difficulty; Gooddman who had been ordered oout, kicked two windows out of the front end of the stairway as he was departing.

“I arrived at the scene as Goodman was coming out of the store and ordered him to halt,” stated Patrolman Rankin in court today. “Instead of that he ran up an alley, and it wasn’t until we reached the rear entrance of a meat market that Goodman finally halted

“After handcuffs were snapped on Goodman with the assistance of Watson and Dale Franklin, I was leading him to the police booth, when he tripped me, and clamped down on my arm, which I had locked in his causing us both to fall to the pavement, and injuring my arm.”

Patrolman William Franklin was then called and Goodman was placed in the police car and taken to city jail, only after another struggle.

The x-ray picture of Patrolman Rankin’s arm revealed that no bones were broken although the elbow and forearm were bruised severely.

According to Watson, Goodman had been drinking and made abusive remarks in his pool room, which resulted in ordering him out.

Goodman has appeared in municipal court previously. He was arrested Sept. 23, 1928 for being drunk and disorderly and was fined $10.

Solider with stolen coat is in lockup

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Wednesday, December 8, 1920.

Lynn Schaffer lost his $90 overcoat at the Masonic Temple, Tuesday night, and Chief Connors recovered it for him. However the chief wasn’t looking for that particular overcoat but for one young Dick Hurdley lost at the high school last Friday.

The story is an interesting one. When Hurdley missed his overcoat the police department was notified. Investigation showed that a man in the uniform of a soldier was in the building an hour or two before the coat was missed, but so much time had elapsed that there wasn’t much hope of finding the thief or the overcoat.

But Tuesday night the janitor told Supt. (of schools) Erickson that the same solider was around the building again, and Chief Connors was told. He immediately started to find the man and finally located him on Hamilton Street, with a soldier’s bag, in which was an overcoat, and a knit blanket that might have been taken from a baby carriage.

Young Hurdley’s father identified the overcoat as belonging to his son, but when it was tried on, it was too large, though having the same general appearance.

The solider told conflicting stories as to how he got the overcoat and about “waiting for his brother.” Connors went ot he Masonic Temple, where there was a function, and left word that if anybody missed anything to let him know. About 11 o’clock Schaffer called up and going to the city hall, found it was his coat the soldier had.

In the prisoner’s pocket was found a receipt for an article of apparel which had been left at a cleaning establishment in Detroit, and tody Connors went to Detroit to see what the ticket represented, thinking that perhaps it might be Hurdley’s overcoat.

The prisoner gives the name of Wilber C. Holcomb. He claims to be from Camp Custer. He is now in the city hall jail.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

House and contents burn, family away

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, December 3, 1910.

The home of Charles Dale, who resides three miles east of town, was entirely destroyed by fire Friday afternoon about 4 o’clock. The family were away from home at the time and little of the contents were saved. The cause of the fire is unknown. It was first discovered by neighbors who saw smoke issuing from the roof and immediately phoned other neighbors who went to the rescue.

One of the men broke in the windows and made a brave attempt to save the piano but was overpowered with the intense smoke and was obliged to abandon an attempt. All that was saved was a few pictures and furniture and a gold watch. The cellar contained over 500 head of cabbage which was burned with the rest. It was insured in the Washtenaw Mutual Company.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Man ill is shed at hospital site dies, no inquest

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, December 1, 1930.

(The Ypsilanti State Hospital was still under construction when this story was published.)

No inquest will be held into the death of an unidentified man who died at University Hospital Saturday night where he was taken from the site of the new Ypsilanti State Hospital. An autopsy performed Sunday at University Hospital revealed that death was caused by edema of the brain. Coroner E. C. Ganzhorn ordered the autopsy.

Ambulance from here was called when it was reported that a man at the hospital site had been stricken suddenly ill. He was found by attendants in a shed in an unconscious condition.

Due to the unusual circumstances Dr. Granzhorn impaneled a jury in case an inquest would prove to be necessary. On it were Emil Susterka, Walter Herrick, Roy Miller, Fremont Peterson, Nelson Boutell and Glen Murdock.

Identity of the man has not yet been established. He wore a Detroit city Gas Co. employee’s badge, bearing the number “C-6667.” He had a small gold rivet through the lob of his right ear bearing the initial “W.” On his left forearm an American flag had been tattooed and on his left forearm a crucifix. He was about 45 years old, with closely cropped black hair, weighed 175 pounds and was 5 feet, 10 inches tall.

A check of the badge number at the gas company’s office in Detroit Saturday night showed that no employee during 1930 had been assigned the number on the badge found in the victim’s possession.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Two in custody on theft charge

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, November 28, 1935.

Ivan Seaton, 19, Maplewood Ave., and Wilbert Hersch, 23, S. River Road, waved examination Wednesday afternoon when they were arraigned before Justice Arthur M. Vandersall on charges of larceny from the service station operated by John Edwards just west of Ypsilanti on M-17.

The young men were placed in the Washtenaw County jail to await arraignment in circuit court when they were unable to furnish bail set at $500. They were arrested by Corporal Frank Walker and Trooper Alden Potter of the Ypsilanti State Police post Wednesday afternoon. The arrest was made after Mr. Edwards told officers that Seaton, who was a former employee, had several times asked to buy the radio which was among the missing articles.

The two young men admittedly entered the gas station Tuesday night by crashing down a side door. The radio and eight gallons of oil were recovered by Corporal Walker at Hersch’s Home. The oil had been buried in the ground. Eleven gallons of gasoline and $5 in cash were used up by the culprits in a trip to Detroit after they broke into the building.

Stolen Goods Found in Bush

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, November 28, 1930.

Thirteen tire casings never used, wrapped in paper as they come in shipment, were recovered by Police Officer Hehman Oltersdorf, Thursday afternoon in a field covered by brush, northwest of the Highland Cemetery.

The tires were noticed by a hunter who was setting traps in the field and he immediately notified police.

Patrolman Oltersdorf took the tires to the city jail and upon further investigation found that they were shipped to the Smith Tire Co. 502 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, by the Brunswich Tire Corp. Akron, Ohio.

A representative of the Smith Tire Co, appeared at the city hall this morning and identified them as taken at the time the shop was broken into and robbed nearly three weeks ago.

At that time 25 casings, 35 tubes and small automobile accessories were stolen. With the find of 13 casings Thursday, 18 have now been recovered and 30 tubes found.

According to Mr. Oltersdorf there were no tracks in or near the snow covering the field and it is believed the tries had been lying in the brush for days.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Badly burned by hot grease

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, November 23, 1910.

Mrs. Chas Fisk of Forest Avenue met with a serious accident Sunday morning. She attempted to throw some hot grease into the furnace, which resulted in her being severely burned about the face and body. The family had had goose for Thanksgiving dinner and some of the fat had been fried out, about a pint, in all, which Mrs. Fisk threw into the furnace with some other garbage. When it touched the hot coals an explosion followed and flames blew out into the room striking Mrs. Fisk and setting her cloths afire. She presence of mind enough to drop to the floor and stifle the flames and called to her daughter, Mrs. Barret Robison of Chicago, who visiting her, who came to her rescue and beat the flames out, but not until after her face, arms and body were deeply burned. A physician was called to dress the wounds and this morning she is reported resting easily. The extent of her injuries is not now known.

Had the floor and sides of the furnace room been of wood the house would doubtless been in flames before help could have been secured.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Frank Reynolds’ body found with bullet in heart

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, November 18, 1930.

Whittaker, Mich., Nov 18.—Body of Frank Reunolds, 30, was found this morning in the woods at the Reynolds homestead with bullet wound in the heart. He had been hunting Monday afternoon and had either been shot accidentally with his own gun or had deliberately taken his own life. Coroner E. C Ganzhorn, Ann Arbor, states that no inquest will be held.

A curved stick found near the body, such as would be used in pulling the trigger of his rifle indicates that the shooting may not have been an accident. Dr. Ganzhorn says. During the last week he had been noticed looking frequently at a picture of his former with which he carried in his watch case. He had been living with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Vetel Shukalt, for the last three months, during which period he had been unemployed.

Mrs. Stukalt saw him at the edge of the woods about 2 o’clock Monday afternoon and when he failed to return to the house at the time of the evening meal she thought nothing of it as he was in the habit of visiting in the neighborhood. This morning, when it was discovered that he had not returned during the night a search was organized. Men hunted from 5:30 until 10:30 when the body was found by Mr. Shukalt and John Houck.

Though his home until recently had been in Detroit he was born at the farm home, one mile east of here. He attended school in this vicinity.

Surviving his are two other sisters, Mrs. Florence Tedder, Ann Arbor, and Mrs. Beatrice Andrew, Eloise.

Funeral arrangements have not been made.

Monday, October 25, 2010

House knocked off Foundation by Automobile

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Monday, October 25, 1920.

The house at 318 N. Huron Street was moved three inches off its foundation, the porch knocked in and the plaster cracked, when a Hudson driven by John Duffy ran directly into it on Sunday afternoon at about two o’clock. The car belongs to Mr. Cavanaugh of Ann Arbor, the house belongs to Eugene E. Kinley and the “third party in the triangle” was John Wortley’s Dodge.

Mr. Wortley was going north on Huron street and Mr. Duffy was going east at a pretty fast rate. He swerved to avoid the Wortley car, but instead of putting his foot on the brake he stepped on the accelerator. The fender and rear wheel on Mr. Wortley’s car were damaged; a mail box on the corner was knocked up in the porch of the house and the house itself was pretty badly shaken and otherwise damaged.

In spite of the great force of the impact the Hudson was not seriously damaged and Mr. Duffy sustained only minor injuries. The lamps were broken on the car and the right front axle was bent to right angles. The windshield was not even cracked.

The damage done to the house was most severe. The shock was felt in all parts of the building and a roomer upstairs was knocked out of his chair. Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Teare and family are now living in the house. They were in the kitchen when the accident occurred and did not see it, but felt the building shake, and went out immediately to see what had happened.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Police Break Up Tire Theft Ring

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, October 9, 1935.

An automobile tire and wheel theft ring is believed broken by police with arrest of Nathaniel Harris, 19, 528 Harriet St., a 15 year old companion who also lives on Harriet St., and Benjamin Turner, 25, 531 Second Ave., who alleged to have received the stolen property.

Harris entered a plea of guilty to a charge of simple larceny when arraigned before Justice A. M. Vandersall in municipal court Tuesday afternoon and was sentenced to 60 days in county jail. His young companion was given the opportunity to join colored CCC camp and no other court action was taken against him. He had admitted helping Harris steal three tires and wheels from residents on Monroe Ave. and Hawkins St. here.

Turner was taken before Justice Vandersall on a charge of receiving and buying stolen goods to the value of less than $50, but denied his guilt. He demanded examination which was set for Oct. 15, and when Turner could not furnish bond of $500 he was committed to county jail to await the hearing.

The tires had been stolen in the last three weeks and the arrest of the trio followed a subsequent investigation by Sgt Ernest Klavitter into the theft of approximately 100 chickens from William Campbell, 434 Harris St., this weekend.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Arrested Farmer for making Whiskey

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, October 7, 1920.

Deputy ?Sheriff Dick Elliott and Chief of Police John F. Connors on Monday evening went to the farm of J. Fred Webb in Pittsfield Township and arrested Fred Pluff, the tenant on a charge of making moonshine whisky. A complete outfit, with boiler, copper coils and all other equipment was secured, together with about nine gallons of ‘hootch’. Tuesday Deputy Sheriff Elliott signed a complaint against Pluff, who asked for an examination, which was set for Oct. 12.

Officers say that Pluff has aided them in securing evidence which will implicate parties higher up. A warrant was also secured for Louis A. Aimy, of Detroit, who is alleged to be implicated in the sale of wet goods. The confiscated liquor and still were taken to Ann Arbor

Farm House Burned Fire is a Mystery

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, October 7, 1920.

Tuesday at midnight the farm house of Mrs. Florence Signor, west of the city, was burned, together with grains, fruit and vegetables stored in the house. A son of Dr. Darling, of Ann Arbor, was passing at the time and gave the alarm. He says that the first thing he noticed the flames seemed to shoot suddenly from the rear of the house. A nephew of Mrs. Signor was at the farm at 7 o’clock in the evening and a neighbor said that he passed the farm at 11 o’clock and all seemed right.

Mrs. Signor was in Lansing at the time attending a meeting of the motion picture exhibitors. (Mrs. Signor owned the Mather Washington Theater on Washington Street.) The house was empty at the time and it is a mystery how the fire caught. It looks as though the job was of an incendiary nature, as nothing seems to have been taken away. The grain and things stored in the house show plainly to have been burned.

The neighbors turned out and succeeded in saving part of the furniture. The house was insured.

Two questioned in Disappearance of Harriet St. Woman

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, October 7, 1930.

Amos Wright, 31, 209 Buffalo St., and John Robb, alias John Butte, 22, 538 Harriet St., who were arrested for investigation Monday by Officer Coy Rankin are being held in the county jail.

The two were arrested on complaint of Mrs. Corrine Davis, Harriet St., who alleges they are connected with the disappearance of her sister, Mrs. Jesse Foley, 303 Harriet St., who has been missing since Friday night when she disappeared while on her way home from the home of a friend.

The men were to appear before Justice Bert E. Fry in Ann Arbor for questioning this afternoon.

Firemen Rescue Girls from Roof

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, October 7, 1935.

Ypsilanti firemen this morning rescued the three daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Corbellie from the roof of their home, 416 Pearl St., after a fire which broke out in the basement, had spread upstairs and filled the house with smoke.

Soon after Mr. Corbellie built the fire and left for work, Mrs. Corbellie awakened to find the house filled with smoke. She aroused her daughters, the Misses Lillian, Genevieve and Joyce, and then stumbled down the stairway, which by this time was filled with smoke.

Upon reaching the foot of the stairs she remembered the dog, Skippy, imprisoned in one of the bedrooms. She retraced her steps, picked up the tiny pet, and again groped her way to safety.

Meanwhile the girls opened a window and took refuge on the roof. When firemen arrived, they provided a ladder and the girls climbed to safety.

Neighbors gave them shelter and for an hour firemen battled smoke and flames.

The upstairs was a mass of debris, and several of the downstairs rooms were badly damaged. Clothes, furniture, and many personal belongs were ruined. The loss is covered by insurance.

Complete Still Unearthed on Pittsfield Farm

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Tuesday, October 5, 1920.

A complete still, consisting of a wahboiler, coil and all the other accessories, was taken from the farm of Jos. A. Webb, a Detroit lawyer, in Pittsfield Township between five and six miles from Ypsilanti, Monday night, and John Pluff was arrested.

The capture was made by Chief Connors and Deputy Sheriff Dick Connors, who brought the prisoner to the city hall lockup; and this morning continued the journey to the county jail in Ann Arbor.

There was also secured a large quantity of mash, and some jugs of liquor, ready to be shipped out, supposedly to Detroit. There was also a box full of bottles.

From admissions made by Pluff, further developments are expected, and more arrests.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

She Walks, He Rides and Trouble Follows

The story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on October 5, 1910.

Two people resembling gypsies, who gave their names as Mr. and Mrs. Frank Love, were arrested this morning by Deputy Sheriff Hipp on a charge of disturbing the peace on the public highways. They were arraigned before Justice Stadmiller and allowed to go on suspended sentence on condition that they leave the county within 24 hours.

The complaint was made by farmers, living two or three miles west of the city in front of whose homes the couple were having a rather strenuous altercation. The woman did not wish to come to town and the man insisted that she should, and because she refused he was beating and shamefully abusing her and her few months old babe which she was carrying in her arms. She had been walking behind a wagon in which he was riding and it was his strenuous methods employed that brought about his arrest. When they reached the courtroom the woman, of course, said that he had not been ill treating her and the case was accordingly dismissed.

Austin Residence Damaged by Fire

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, October 3, 1910.

About 3:30 o’clock Sunday morning Mr. and Mrs. L:. J. Austin, who reside at 21 Adams Street, were awakened by the falling of a heavy timber. Upon investigation they found the entire rear of the house to be in flames. They sent in a call to the fire department, who were on the scene within three minutes.

The wooden addition to the main part of the house, which is of brick, was burned to the ground. This part of the house was used as a kitchen pantry and woodshed with two rooms on the second floor. These rooms together with their furnishings were burned, and the plaster in the dining room of the main part was ruined by water. There was no insurance on the furniture.

The cause of the fire in unknown. There was no fire for hearting purposes or for any other purposes at the time and the family use neither kerosene or gasoline. The supposition is that the building was set afire but as to whom the guilty party was no one seems to know.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Boy Frustrates Drowning of His Sisters, Mother

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, August 28, 1935.

Andrew Mayer, 11, living near the intersection of Packard road and US 23 is credited with saving the lives of his temporarily deranged mother and two small sisters at 7:30 this morning when he prevented the parent from thrusting the children into a cistern and leaping in herself.

His sisters are, Anna and Helen, 6 and 7 years old, and his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Mayer, 44, who became despondent over domestic difficulties.

Frustrated in her attempt to throw any of the three children in the reservoir at the rear of the home, Mrs. Mayer endeavored to take her own life, but screams of the children attracted Carl Gundrum, a neighbor, and he arrived in time to prevent the mother from disappearing in the cistern.

Mrs. Mayer had slipped in the well to her waist when Mr. Gundrum grabbed her and despite her determined efforts succeeded in pulling her from the hole.

Horse Doctor Sews Beer Brawl Victim’s Gashes with Success

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, August 27, 1935.

Fiction writers are being bested by some of the true stories that liquor brawls develop and Ypsilanti youths seem to be doing pretty well with local contributions. Several instances in point have been related and now comes the story of a farmer boy living west of the city.

The setting is said to have been an illicit beer and gambling joint in his neighborhood. As morning hours wore on and liquor continued plentiful, trouble started. Involved was a colored boy, fast on the draw and skilful with his razor. They mixed, circulated noisily and somewhat destructively about the place for a while, then came the blood.

With vicious right swings the farmer boy was caught on the left leg and across the left side of his abdomen. It was clear to onlookers that he needed surgical attention and needed it quick. Being better acquainted with horse doctors than with others, and knowing one who is both skilful and obliging, they called him.

With darning needle the veterinary went to work. Proof of his skill today rests with the patient. He is up and around; feeling fit, he says and will soon be in shape to renew negotiations with the possibility of evening scores and perhaps giving the horse doctor another patient.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Historic Denton landmark burns, $15,000 damage

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, August 23, 1935.

Fire this morning destroyed one of the oldest landmarks in Denton causing a loss estimated at approximately $15,000.

Sparks from a passing train or a bonfire at the back of the building are believed to have been the cause of the blaze which razed the two story spacious brick building on the north side of the Michigan Central tracks owned by Everett A. Newton. The blaze which started on the roof of the structure was noticed about 11 o’clock and neighbors formed a bucket brigade in an attempt to extinguish the flames. When it became apparent the building could not be saved the volunteer fighters turned their efforts to removing the contents.

All of the household furnishings of the Nicholas Ferdacus family and most of the stock of the general store located in the front part of the building were saved. A supply of fertilizer valued at $500 was destroyed.

The loss was partially covered by insurance.

The building which is one of Denton’s historic landmarks was built about 80 years ago by Samuel Denton. The building at that time served as a hotel for employees of the lumber mill located in Denton.

Later it was used as a ticket office by the railroad company and then as a Post Office until about two years ago when it was discontinued and Denton put on a rural route from Belleville.

T. Z. Moon was one of the first to use the building as a residence. Later the house was purchased by Samuel Joslyn who was postmaster for a number of years. Lee Newton, father of the present owner, brought the house after Mr. Joslyn.

Former banker at Milan plays horses, sick wife tries to regain fortune

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, August 22, 1930.

“He wanted cold cash instead of a permanent income. But the bookmakers took it all.”

This was the comment of an intimate friend of Milton H. Hack, former cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank whose wife, Mrs. Lucy Hack is suing a Toledo bookmaking establishment for $150,000 which she claims her husband squandered on horse races. Mrs. Hack is living with her sister-in-law, Mrs. G. A. Dennison, here, and is ill; while her husband, who was here Tuesday, had to borrow money for gasoline to return to Toledo where he is living alone in a cheap lodging house.

Benjamin Aranoff is named as defendant in the suit.

Mr. Hack, once considered one of the most promising business men in Milan, belongs to a pioneer Washtenaw County family. He played the horses’ first for amusement and then went into it as a business. He resigned his position here five years ago “for the good of the bank” and his fortune melted away until last year he sold his last block of stock. Last April a 43,500 mortgage on the home here was foreclosed by the Monroe County Savings Bank of Dundee. Arthur C. Stevens, Milan business man purchased it for $5,500.

“His father, who founded the bank, left an estate of nearly a million. Milt sold out his share to James, his brother, who lives on the outskirts of town, and to Mrs. Dennison. He wanted cold cash instead of a permanent income. But the bookmakers too it all,” a former associate said.

Miss Hack who filed her suit in common pleas court in Toledo, O., through W. W. Campbell, Milan attorney, seeks a judgment under the Ohio law which provides that six months after the last loss is suffered, the wife or heirs may seek a judgment against the gambling house proprietor if the loser himself has not filed suit. Hack has not made any attempt to collect by means of the courts.

The suit names Aranoff, the Security-Home Trust Co., and the Reuben Realty Co., all of Toledo, as co-defendants. The law specifies that the property owner is accountable along with the gambling house proprietor.

“We will charge that the bookmaking establishment worked Hack as a greenhorn—deliberately swindled him of the major part of his fortune,” declared Campbell. “They had cleaned him by the first of this year. We have checks indorsed by Aranoff showing that the losses reached as high as $3,000 daily.

“We’re not willing at this time to reveal what the frauds were, but it may be said that Hack didn’t have a chance, and that his money was as good as gone when he put it up on the races. We don’t know where he is today, or what he is doing.”

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Gaudrau boy, 8, drowned, body found at bridge

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, August, 5, 1930.

Armond Gaudrau, eight year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Gaudrau, 102 N. Huron St., was drowned Monday evening in the Huron River, at the rear of his home. The child’s body was not found until 12:30 this morning, after he had been missing since 3:30 in the afternoon.

No one saw Armond go into the river, but he had been accustomed to playing alone, and often waded in the river. His clothing was found on the bank, not far from the home, after Police Officers Emil Susterka and Cyril Ray discovered the body near the Michigan Ave. bridge.

When Armond did not return home at supper time the family thought he was with the children of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Bason who live at the same address, but at 8:30 when he failed to arrive and was not found in the neighborhood, the parents became alarmed and notified police. The theater was searched, as it was thought he might have gone to the movies and fallen asleep; later search of the river bank revealed the body, and the little pile of clothing only a short distance away. It is thought the child stepped into one the deep holes between Cross St. and Michigan Ave., and was drowned before he could make an outcry. The body had been in the water about five hours, according to Coroner E. C. Ganzhorn, who was called. There will be no inquest, as no witnesses could be found.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning, at St. John’s Church, at 8 o’clock, with interment in the Catholic Cemetery.

The boy is survived by his parents and a sister Pauline, six and three aunts in Sparta.

The drowning is doubly tragic as the father has been ill and unable to work for three years, while the mother, who during that time has been supporting the family, is now recovering from an illness which proved almost fatal three weeks ago.

Driver of death car put on bond

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, August 5, 1935.

Talbert Ribble, 29, Detroit, driver of the truck that struck and fatally inured Horace Edmund Manzer, 52, Platt, on Michigan Ave. at Park St. Saturday afternoon demanded examination when arraigned before Justice A. M. Vandersall in municipal court, on a charge negligent homicide.

Bond of $5,000 was provided for Ribble by his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John Brown, Detroit, and he was released to appear for August 14, at 9 a. m.

Ribble was ordered held on negligent homicide charge by Chief of Police Ralph Southard after the brakes on the truck he was driving to Chicago failed. He was going westward down the E. Michigan Ave. hill and struck Mr. Manzer and a machine operated by Prof. Frederick B McKay at Park St. investigation revealed that a steel pin dropped out of the brakes. It has not been recovered.

Funeral services for Mr. Manzer were to be held this afternoon at the J. E. Moore Funeral Home with interment in Highland Cemetery. Rev. William Shaw was to conduct the rites.

An inquest will be held into the death of Mr. Manzer but the date has not been set according to Dr. David N. Robb, coroner, who will confer with Prosecuting Attorney Albert J. Rapp before a time is determined.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Ypsilanti home struck, damage to crops heavy

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, August 3, 1935.

Enormous quantities of water fell on Ypsilanti and vicinity Friday accompanied by electrical disturbances in the intermittent storms which swept the city. Lightning, which had tragically visited the family of Joseph Bock Friday morning, was again felt in homes here to a lesser degree.

Neighbors observed an object resembling a ball of fire which seemed to enter the Alfred Augustus home at 501 N. Hamilton St. An enveloping cloud of smoke followed. The bolt tore off boards at the southeast corner of the house, melted an aerial, shredded a radio extension cord and destroyed all the electric fuses.

Mrs. Augustus was alone in the house at the time and a pan she was holding, was torn from her hand. A number of light bulbs were blown from the sockets and pictures were knocked askew.

The house which belongs to A. E. Lewis is covered by insurance.

Sewers were taxed and there were minor catch basin obstructions but no damage resulted.

Farmers’ outlook on the rye crop is very disheartening as but little had been cut and much of it was down in the fields. It is possible that the continued damp weather will cause the wheat in the shocks to sprout. It is estimated by Frank B. Wilson of the Ypsilanti Farm Bureau that but 10 per cent of the wheat had been harvested and that the grain is mostly of poor quality.

Corn benefited in places where it was not blown down and the rain aided the second crop of hay.

Instruments at the Normal College Science building show that a temperature of 80 degrees was reached at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon and since 7 o’clock this morning the temperature has ranged around 76 degrees.

There was little electrical service interruption on the whole and few customers were affected. Repairmen were finishing temporary jobs west of Saline where a pole was broken by the wind, and near New Boston where one was struck by lightning.

Fewer than 20 cases of telephone trouble were reported, all of which were caused by trees and lightning. There was no cable trouble.

Pedestrian killed as brakes of truck fail

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, August 3, 1935.

A charge of negligent homicide was today placed against Talbert Ribble, Detroit, driver of the truck that struck and fatally injured Horace Edmund Manzer of Michigan Ave. at Park St. Friday afternoon. Justice a. M. Vanderall of Municipal Court fixed bond at $5,000.

The first fatal traffic accident within the city limits during 1935 claimed the life of H. Edmund Manzer, 55 year old Platt resident, who was struck by a truck while walking across E. Michigan Ave. at Park St. about 4 o’clock Thursday afternoon. Three other accidents within one and one half hours following the tragic crash injured another man and damaged automobiles.

Mr. Manzer, carpenter and roofer by trade, died in Beyer Hospital a few minutes after he had been struck by the 10 ton truck driven by Talbert Riddle, 29, 8094 Witt Ave., Detroit. He was crossing north on E. Michigan Ave. with the green light, witnesses state, when he was run down. He died of head, chest, and internal injuries.

The truck also struck a car belonging to Prof. and Mrs. Frederick B. McKay, but neither Professor nor Mrs. McKay, who were in the car, were injured.

The truck was operated by the Detroit-Chicago Motor Freight Company and was westward bound. According to statement of the driver and his helper, George Kurdts, 24, Chicago, to Chief of Police Ralph Southard, the accident was due to damaged brakes.

As he approached the light, Mr. Ribble said, he saw it change, but when he attempted to apply his breaks, the foot pedal went loosely down to the floor boards, indicating that something had happened to render his brakes useless. He applied emergency brakes, but they were of little use.

Ahead of him were the Manzer truck parked at the curb, the McKay car standing nearby as Prof. and Mrs. McKay, driving on Michigan Ave., waited for the light, and Mr. Manzer crossing toward his truck which he had parked while he walked across Michigan Ave. to a store.

Mr. Ribble did his best, he said, to avert an accident. He struggled to miss the parked machines and avoided the Manzer truck, but swerved directly onto Mr. Manzer, stricking the side of the McKay car as he turned.

Amos Kline, 28, roofing companion of Mr. Manzer, was seated in the Manzer truck. He saw the freight truck approaching and realizing as he noted its speed, that it could not stop, got out. He was the first to reach Mr. Manzer and summoned aid.

Mr. Manzer was rushed to Beyer Hospital, but he was so badly injured that physicians could do nothing for him and he died within a few minutes, without regaining consciousness.

Whether he had failed to see the approaching truck, or merely disregarded it, assuming that it would stop because of the light, remains, of course, unexplained. Mr. Kline is of the opinion that he did not see it till it was too close to avoid.

The truck was heavily loaded with wheels and ran on past the scene of the accident approximately 1,000 feet before it was brought to a stop.

Under direction of Chief Southard it was examined at the Silkworth service station in an effort to determine what had happened. Workmen found that a steel pin had been lost, and that this missing part would account for failure of the brakes to operate.

An inquest will be held to officially determine cause of the death, and search in being made along the highway for the missing pin in an effort to determine how long the truck had been running in crippled condition. Ribble said his last stop was made in Wayne and the brakes were satisfactory at that time.

Mr. Manzer was born in Van Buren Township, Wayne County, but had spent practically his entire life in Ypsilanti and vicinity. He was 52 years old, being born April 2, 1883. Mr. Manzer was a carpenter by trade and had been working on county welfare relief projects, recently at the Ann Arbor High School. He had been married on two occasions but was living alone in Platt.

Surviving are two brothers, Melvin Everit, Livingston County near Fenton, and Robert, Detroit. His parents, George and Agnes Manzer have passed.

Funeral arrangements were to be completed this afternoon.

Within one half hour after the fatal accident John Carey, R. F. D. 1 was taken to Beyer Hospital with a deep cut above his right eye, received in another collision on E. Michigan Ave. just east of the bridge and not far from the spot where three persons lost their lives and two others were seriously injured last year. Mr. Carey was taken to Beyer and was able to leave after treatment.

Mr. Carey was a passenger in a machine driven by Fred Stoddard, also R. F. D. 1, who collided with a parked car owned by Dorothy Fuester, Davison, Mich., according to police report. The accident occurred during the heavy rain storm and Mr. Stoddard told police he did not see the Fuester machine in time to avoid the accident. Sides of both machines were badly damaged.

One man is suspected in two cases of reckless driving reported to police. Complaint was first received from Mrs. May C. Johnson, 520 First Ave., that a machine containing two men was driven into her yard and smashed two wash tubs.

It is believed the same two men crashed into the barricade on Washtenaw Ave. where the pavement is being repaired, broke three lanterns, but failed to stop. Both mishaps occurred shortly after 5 o’clock. Police were given a license number, and are investigating tody to learn the name of the driver.

Small damage also resulted during the rain storm when machines driven by Pro. Carl Lindergren and Samuel G. Smith collided in the business section. There were no injuries.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Raymond Bock killed by lightening in open field

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, August 2, 1935.

Death struck in its most dramatic form this morning when a lightning bolt claimed the life of Raymond Bock, 18 year old Stony Creek farm boy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bock. Charles Hammond, 18, his companion was rendered unconscious by the same bolt which struck while the two were in an open field.

They were riding on a stone boat to gather corn from the Bock property when a sudden electric storm struck about 9:30. The carefree conversation was cut short by the lightning bolt which killed Raymond instantly, burning the hair and clothing from his body. It rendered Charles unconscious and caused the horses to run away. They were later found in the barn when Charles staggered up to the Bock home to gasp “Help” before he collapsed. The youth had recovered consciousness to find his chum’s lifeless body and himself suffering from the effects of the same bolt.

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hammond, Stony Creek, and has been confined to bed until seriousness of the shock can be determined.

At the Bock residence were the mother, brother and sisters of the dead boy. His father had left earlier in the day to take produce to the Detroit markets. When the Hammond youth made his dramatic appearance at the home, and when the frightened team was found in the barn, alarm was felt for the safety of Raymond. A quick investigation revealed the tragedy.

The death was investigated by Dr. David N. Robb, coroner, but no inquest is planned.

This is the second death with in a week for the Bock family, the boy’s grandfather, Charles Bock, Garden City, having succumbed Tuesday.

Surviving him are his parents Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bock: the sisters Marian, Shirley Mae and Virginia; two brothers, Duane and Edward; his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Henry Klatt, Wayne; a grandmother, Mrs. Charles Bock, Garden City.

He was born July 2, 1917, near Dearborn. The family moved here three years ago from Tecumseh.

Four killed in county line auto accident

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, August 2, 1930.

Four Ypsilanti residents were killed, one instantly, in a serous automobile crash on E. Michigan Ave., at the Wayne-Washtenaw County Line, about four miles east of Ypsilanti, at 9:30 Friday evening, when a powerful sport coupe driven by William D. Checkaris, 117 N. Huron St., swerved off the pavement crashed into a deep ditch and turned over completely several times.

The dead:

Mrs. Mary Plomarits, 28, 32 S. Normal St., wife of Stephen Plomarits, and mother of a five year old girl and a 14 month son, who was killed instantly when thrown from the rumble seat of the car to the ground 35 feet away receiving a broken neck and a crushed heart. She was dead before witnesses reached her.

Stephen Plomarits, 35, 32 S. Normal St., the husband of Mary, and manager-owner of the Ypsilanti Restaurant for nine years, who died shortly after his arrival at the Beyer Memorial Hospital. Death was caused by a crushed heart and fractured skull received when he was thrown from the rumble seat to the ground approximately five feet away from his wife.

George Kautsloumpas, 42, 311 Ferris St., chief cook at the Ypsilanti Restaurant, who died at Beyer Hospital between 11:30 and 112 Friday evening. According To Dr. J. J. Woods, attending physician, Kautsloumpas died fro serious internal injuries received and other body bruises.

William D. Checkaris, 42, 117 N. Huron St., driver of the death car, was reported dead at the hospital this morning at 8 o’clock. Checkaris, part owner of the Ypsi Lunch, received a fractured skull, cut throat artery, and internal injuries.

At the scene of the accident, it was believed that Kautsloumpas was the least injured of the party of four riding in Checkaris’s automobile and shortly after the accident was reported to have the best chance of living through the fatal crash.

Mr. Checkaris, the recent purchaser of a new sport coupe, for an evening of entertainment gathered Mr. and Mrs. Plomarits, and Kautsloumpas for a joy ride to the country at 8 o’clock.

As they were returning to Ypsilanti on E. Michigan Ave., at 9:30 Checkaris driving the coupe, attempted to pass a huge sedan at a high rate of speed, estimated by witnesses from 65 to 75 miles per hour, and in doing so, skidded off the pavement.

The shoulder of the road, loose and dry after weeks of hot weather, held the wheels of the car and played havoc with them. The machine shot on a 45 degree angle, approximately 100 feet through the loose sand and grass damp from falling dew, straight for a six foot ditch which crosses under Michigan Ave.

In the loose turf the brakes were of no avail and the car plunged in the the west side of the bank, turning over several times finally stopping 50 feet from the ditch, throwing Mr. and Mrs. Plomarits approximately 35 feet through the air from the rumble seat to almost instant death.

Checkaris and Kautsloumpas were taken from the wreckage, placed in the ambulance and brought to Beyer Memorial Hospital, immediately after.

The impact of the plunge was so terrific it pulled the back axle and springs from the body of the car, driving the front end at the rear of the chassis.

Two small children, a five year old daughter and a 14 month old boy survive Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Plomarits, who were married seven years ago. Mrs. Plomarits is also survived by an uncle in Detroit while Stephen leaves a brother, George, this city.

George Plomarits Friday evening stated that he would continue with the business and support Stephen’s two small children.

The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Plomarits and William D. Checkaris are in the funeral home of Stevens and Bush while the body of George Kautsloumpas was taken the Wallace-LaCore funeral home. Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Plomarits’ will be held from the undertaker’s chapel at 2 o’clock, Monday, with burial in Highland Cemetery. Funeral services for the other two victims have not been arranged.

William D. Checkaris leaves a mother and brother in Greece and it is not known whether the body will be held until they come. Mr. Checkaris has spent nearly ten years managing restaurants, coming to Ypsilanti three years ago from Albion. He was a partner of Gust Polites the Ypsi Lunch, corner of Michigan and Huron.

Little is known of George Kautsloumpas except that he came to the Ypsilanti Restaurant about three years ago and had been with then until his death.

Coroner E. C. Ganzhorn, after viewing the wreck and interviewing witnesses concluded tha the accident was due entirely to the reckless operation of the cat and is not planning an inquest.

Auto thieves are captured near Ypsilanti

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, August 1, 1910.

Sunday afternoon Chief of Police Gage received a notice from the Detroit detectives to be on the watch for an auto thief who was thought to be headed for Ypsilanti.

This morning Mr. Gage learned that four young men from Detroit with an auto had stopped at he Anthony Duggan farm four miles south of the city where they had staid all night with some of their friends. Mr. Gage immediately telephoned Deputy Sheriff James Casgrove to hold the young men until he could get there. On reaching there as the boys came out of the house one of them tried to run away but he was quickly handcuffed and all four were brought here to await the arrival of the Detroit officers.

A warrant for the arrest of Ray Campbell is in the hands of the Detroit officers as he is charged with the thief of an auto some time ago but had not been located. It is thought that Campbell is the one who left a red auto at the Beyer farm about three weeks ago. The other three men are being held on suspicion. They claimed that the auto belonged to a Detroit party and that the fellow who took it had left them at Wayne.

The names of the boys given are Howard Brown, 160 Bellevue avenue, Joseph Murphy, 72 Lafayette street, John Brady, 629 Macomb street and Roy Campbell, 293 Harper avenue, all of Detroit.

The Ypsilanti Daily Press printed a follow up story on Tuesday, August 2, 1910.

Boy thieves are taken back to home city

Detectives Parker and Allen of Detroit arrived in this city Monday evening and took the four boys held here on suspicion of stealing a touring car in Detroit Saturday night from Dr. A. J. Winters, back to Detroit on the 5:25 train to await trial. The car which was a fine one was valued at $4,000 and was insured. It was towed in from the Duggan farm Monday afternoon and is now in the Dolson garage awaiting the settling of the insurance claims. The car was found to be in rather bad shape from being run without sufficient water and oil.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Boy Bandit is in the toils of the police

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Wednesday, July 21, 1920.

Don Smith, boy bandit, is in the lockup in the city hall awaiting the arrival of officers from Lansing to take him back to the state industrial school for boys.

He celebrated his arrival in Ypsilanti by rummaging Lee N. Brown’s house while the family was away to its summer cottage, Sunday, hiding the loor in an asparagus patch lut Oak Street way.

Tuesday noon, Chief Connors got a call from Mrs. Hearl on East Cross Street, complaining that a boy was firing a revolver at her. Suspicioning (sic) who it was he started there immediately, but the boy got sight of him and “ran like a deer,” with the chief in pursuit. Corralling him at last the boy bandit threatened Connors with his revolver, but he had run out of cartridges.

Connors took him in his machine and started for the city hall; when coming down the Cross Street hill there was a threatened mix up of machines, and, taking advantage of the situation, the boy broke away and disappeared.

Tuesday night a tip was given the police that Don would be found at Frank Whitman’s on Oak Street. Going there the boy was found asleep, and as soon as he was dressed he was taken to the lockup.

In the meantime efforts had been made to locate the articles taken from the Brown residence. Some of it was found, but there is more hidden either in the asparagus patch or somewhere near there.

Don is said to be thoroughly bad. Chief Connors arrested him once before, and officers from Pontiac came and got him. Then he was sent to the industrial school at Lansing, but a couple of weeks ago he got away from there.

Tuesday the boy carried a 32 caliber revolver, and last night there was unearthed from under his bed a belt of cartridges. A wrist watch was found on him, belonging to the Brown stolen stuff. Another watch is still missing.

A vigorous search is being made for the hiding place of the rest of the loot.

Last spring the boy slept at nights in the Prospect Park shed.

Here is a second account of the case from The Ypsilanti Record of Thursday, July 22, 1920.

Pontiac Boy Bandit Held

Don Smith, age 14, was arrested late Tuesday night by Chief Connors and Officer Laidlaw at the home of Frank Whitman. Young Smith recently was arrested here by Chief Connors for Pontiac officers, where he was wanted for the larceny of nearly $200. He was sent from Pontiac to the reform school at Lansing, and he escaped from that institution about two weeks ago. An officer from the institution was here looking for Smith and told officers here to arrest Smith when they saw him should he return.

Tuesday afternoon Chief Connors received a call from Mrs. Tim Hearl of East Cross Street, to the effect that a boy had shot at her with a revolver. The chief jumped into his car hurriedly and drove to the scene within a few minutes. Smith saw him coming and started to run. The chief can run a bit himself and the chase began around a barn. While going around a corner of the barn the officer was surprised to see Smith with a revolver pointing it directly at him. Connors did not stop for this and caught the boy bandit and took him to his automobile.

On account of the age of the lad Chief Connors did not handcuff him. Going back down East Cross Street the chief drove his car with one hand and held the prisoner with the other. Smith was fighting all the way and when the officer was a collision with another automobile could only be avoided by releasing his hold temporarily on Smith the lad opened the door and ran. Several onlookers took up the chase but Smith escaped for the time being.

He is the robber that broke into Attorney Lee N. Brown’s residence o Oak Street and stole a revolver, two watches and an opera glass, in addition to a number of other articles. The revolver and watches have been recovered by the police. Some of the articles were hid in some high grass in Prospect Park by Smith. The lad stated that he would never go back to the reform school and the officers believe he will try to make good his threat. Word was wired to the reform school Wednesday that Smith was in jail here.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Six men injured, 22 cars derailed at Whittaker

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, July 8, 1935.

Train crews today were still clearing away wreckage on the Wabash tracks in Whittaker ( a village south of Ypsilanti) where 22 freight cars were derailed Saturday night and four men tiding in a car of pig iron were seriously hurt. Two others escaped with minor injuries. Further casualties were averted by lateness of the No. 4 passenger which was due at the time the cars were catapulted on the other track. The train which was ten minutes overdue was late for the first time in two months. Track for about 1,200 feet was torn up when it is believed a drawbar on an asphalt car near the center of the train became loose and dragged between Belleville and Whitaker.

The injured men were placed in the baggage car of the passenger train when it arrived and backed to Milan where Dr. M. R. Hannum gave first aid. Later four of the men were taken in an ambulance to University Hospital, Ann Arbor. A Mr. Davis, Washington D.C. of the federal Department of Justice, and Frederick Sterns, Detroit, took care of the men while en rout to Milan.

Conditions of the four men injured in the crash is pronounced as satisfactory today by the attending physician.

Wesley Edmund, 401 Perry Ave. East Chicago, sustained three fractured right ribs, a separated collar bone and a lacerated tight heel.

Henry Nettles, 45, 222 Mullet Ave. Detroit, has a fractured left leg.

William Nettles, Hampton, Va. had contusions and lacerations of the right leg.

Hobart Brooker, 25, Hammond, Ind., was treated by Dr. Hannum for bruises on both legs below the knee. Vernie Beard, 29, East Chicago, was slightly shaken. Both men returned to Whittaker Sunday where they hopped a west bound freight train.

The tow most seriously injured men were buried under the pig iron and it was at first thought that one, Coersey, had been killed.

The wreck was spectacular with cars pilling up as many as four in a heap.

The passenger train was rerouted from Toledo over the Ann Arbor Railroad.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Autos Damaged, Pedestrian hit

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, June 10, 1935.

Two accidents occurred in and near Ypsilanti over the week end in which cars were badly damaged and a school boy was cut and bruised.

The top was badly damaged and a glass was broken when a machine driven by Harold Glover, 309 South St., overturned after colliding with one operated by Timothy Jones, 4421 Lumley St., Detroit, Saturday evening at 7 o’clock at the intersection of Jefferson and First Sts. N one was injured.

The accident occurred, according to police report, when the Glover machine and another driven by Walter Wright were traveling side by side on Jefferson St. with the Glover car crashing into the Jones machine, which was going north on First St. The Wright car was not involved in the crash.

Witnesses told police that the Glover and Wright machines were traveling at a high rate of speed.

Justice Arthur M. Vandersall today delayed decision on a warrant charging reckless driving against Emil Skuban, sophomore student at Lincoln Consolidated School. The youth’s car Saturday struck and injured a schoolmate, Marvin Bowels, who was walking along the side of the road.

The injured youth was able to attend classes today but Justice Vandersall is waiting until he has fully recovered from his injuries which consisted of cuts and bruises, before acting in the case.

Skuban clams he was forced to swerve sharply to avoid an approaching car and trailer and that his car skidded against the other boy.

Nab 6 Box Car Thieves

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, June 10, 1920.

Last Wednesday night one of the biggest criminal hauls was gathered in the drag net every pulled off in this county. For several weeks past a gang fo thieves has been operating along the Michigan Central from Chicago to Detroit in freight car robberies. They would evidently board the train somewhere up the line and when near Detroit would throw off goods selected by them, which would be hauled into Detroit by truck and dispensed to some fence who was acting for this gang.

The sheriff’s office at Ann Arbor was notified Wednesday night that an auto was being loaded south of Wiard’s crossing with merchandise, evidently the booty of the thieves. Deputy Sheriff Dick Elliott was notified to get on the job and see what was doing. Dick, with his customary speed, promptly responded to the call. When he arrived on the scene he took a little look around and was awarded by finding a box of handkerchiefs beside the track. He was joined by Detectives Ross O’Dell and Max Kualski, Michigan Central detectives of Detroit. The trio then made further search for stolen goods and found two rolls of walrus hides in an alfalfa field covered with weeds with a value of about $800. While they were searching an adjoining field in a small patch of woods they saw two men coming down the Michigan road. They were stopped and searched by the officers and two 38 revolvers were found. They were taken into custody and sent to Ann Arbor. They gave their names as Peter Zartorske and John Jaworske, and on being questioned gave up the story that they were part of the gang and implicated Wm. Winkler and Teddy Mankouski and told the officers where they could be found in Detroit.

Friday Deputy Sheriff Elliott went to Detroit, found his men and brought them back to Ann Arbor. They were questioned by the officers and it was learned that there were still more to come in the drag net. So the officers made another trip to Detroit and this time brought back Julius Crandell and Morris Kaufman. The latter proved to be the fence for the gang. His gang mates claimed that he bought and disposed of the goods; that at one time he paid them $120 for two bolts of woolen cloth that had a value of $1,000 and 32 sweaters for $40 that were well worth $250. Jawoski also told the officers where they cold find a bunch of sweaters that had been missed in the search and on going to the place 21 sweaters were found hidden under a stump.

The peculiar feature of these birds seemed to be in telling all they knew about the others and they seemed to be perfectly willing to ‘spill’ all they knew about the other fellow. While they were left alone in the jail they got into a quarrel among themselves and accused each other of being stick-up men, and it was brought out that they all had previous prison records.

Saturday they were taken before Justice Thomas and all waived examination. In the evening before Judge Sample they pleaded guilty and the judge lost no time in giving them their sentences.

John Jaworski, the leader of the gang, was given seven to 15 years at Jackson, with recommendation of seven years.

Peter Jartorski was sentenced to Jackson for six to 15 years, with a recommendation of six years.

Teddy Pinkouski drew the same sentence as Jartorski.

Morris Kaufman drew from two and a half to five years at Jackson, with a recommendation of four years.

Wm. Winkler and Julius Crandel each go to Ionia for from two to 15 years, with recommendation of two years.

Too much credit cannot be given our local officers in the capture of this gang. It has long been felt in this county that Sheriff Pack and his efficient deputies are the right men for the place and woe to the fellow who steps out into the open road of crime, as it is sure to be a short road in Washtenaw County.

$21 taken from purses of coeds

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, June 8, 1935.

Ypsilanti police are today investigating the theft of approximately $21 from the purses of five Michigan Normal College (now EMU) co-eds Friday. The money was taken from the home economics department class room, while the girls were across the hall in the laboratory room.

The loss was discovered by Miss Margaret Raffington, associate professor of home economics. Money was all that was taken.

Ayoung man with black hair and wearing a dark suit was seen gong down the stairs from the home economics department a short time before the theft was discovered.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Cupid gets jolt as cars collide

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, June 1, 1935.

Elopement plans of Miss Mary Barnett, 12066 Broadstreet Ave. and Walter Rockwell, 12655 Tuller Ave. Detroit, were ended abruptly in Ypsilanti Friday afternoon when they became involved in an automobile crash on West Michigan Ave. near Hawkins Street.

Miss Barnett, who is 23, and Mr. Rockwell, 35, salesman for a stained shingle company, were enroute to Angola, Ind. Where they planned to be married today but Dame Fortune took a hand in their marital affairs.

They were traveling wet on Michigan Ave. with Mr. Rockwell driving, when a machine driven by Albert Schofield, 13407 Harold Ave., Cleveland, in the opposite direction collided with their machine. Mr. Schofield was passing another eastbound car and lost control of his car, he told police.

Mr. Rockwell and Miss Barnett had just passed a truck driven by Leon Eschelbach, 548 South First St., Ann Arbor, and when the accident happened, Mr. Eschelbach could not stop in time to avoid crashing in to the rear of the elopers’ car.

Miss Barnett and Mr. Rockwell along with Mr. Schofield and his wife were taken to Beyer Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Schofield were discharged after receiving first aid. Miss Barnett and Mr. Rockwell were to be allowed to return to their homes in Detroit today. They plan to be married as soon as their injuries heal. Mr. Rockwell sustained a fractured arm, while Miss Barnett was badly bruised and shaken.

Fronts and sides of both passenger machines were badly wrecked, while the front of the truck was also damaged.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

M. C. Depot Burned

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press of Saturday, May 28, 1910.

Fire was discovered in the roof of the M. C. depot this morning about 10 o'clock. The blaze had evidently been smoldering for some time and when it was final discovered had gained a good start. The cause is not known but it is thought to the have been either poorly insulated wires or a heated chimney.

The first fign of the fire was smoke seen rolling up from the roof. Alarm was quickly sounded and the fire department responded and the fire department responded as soon as possible. Effective fighting was rendered difficult on account of the location and about as much damage was done by the water that came through into the depot as by the fire. Several holes were made in the roof and the rafters and wooden supports were almost completely destroyed.

It was about two hours before the fire was extinguished and the building is in such condition this afternoon that an accurate estimate of the loss is impossible.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Prisoner fires bed and makes his escape

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, May 28, 1910.

Edward Frentger, who was this morning arrested for drunkenness effected a clever escape from the city jail (then on Cross Street) shortly afternoon today. Frentger was heard calling for help a short time after he had been lodged in the cell and was going to see what was the trouble Jail Keeper Jackson found the rooms filled with smoke. Frentger had set his bed on fire and seemed to be overcome by the fie he was removed from the clell and Mr. Jackson having more on his hands than he could care for left the prisoner out side while he returned to fight the fire.

Fresh air seemed to be just the thing he needed, at any rate when Mr. Jackson went to look after his prisoner he had recovered sufficiently to make good his escape. Officers started a search but he has not yet been captured.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Says Ypsilanti must be pigless

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Thursday, May 27, 1920.

Ypsilanti’s sanitary inspector says he is going to make Ypsilanti pigless. While nearly all the pigpens are in the First Ward some other localities are not pigless. But no matter where the pigpens are, they must “go.”

For that is the state law.

The last few days a very perceptible odor has been going out from some of these pens. Occasionally a pen is in a fair condition of cleanliness—for pigs, given a chance, will keep fairly decently clean. But as a rule the pens are kept in reckless disregard of all the rules of sanitation.

While no positive date has as yet been set when all lives pigs must be placed outside of the city limits it is certain that the date is not far away.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Couple held up, gun fire riddles gasoline station

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, May 14, 1930.

County and municipal authorities are today investigating a hold-up Tuesday night on North River Road, two miles from the city while state and county officials are investigating the “shooting up” Tuesday morning of the Ernest Steffe filling station, Ecorse and Belleville Roads.

John Ward, Kalamazoo, who was riding on the North River Road, with a Ypsilanti woman whose identity was not revealed by officers, was robbed of about $50 when their car was forced into the ditch by two men in a heavy sedan. The woman driver of the car had her purse in the pocket of the automobile and it was not found by the thugs.

After stealing the money, the bandits, believed by officers to be experienced hold-up men, took the distributor head off the victim’s car, and, wrapping it in a handkerchief, told the two it would be dropped in the road one-half mile away. It was later found after Ward and his companion had gone to the nearest farmhouse and notified officer here.

Sergeant Ernest Klavitter and Deputy Lynn Squires responded but by the time they were able to drive to the scene of the hold-up no trace of the bandits could be found. The two men, both of whom were armed were without coats, and were rough looking. One was about 28 years old, weighed 150 pounds and was tall. The other, about 35 years old, weighed 200 pounds, Ward said.

Deputy Squires and Sergeant Bruce McGlone of the Wayne state police are investigating the “shooting up” up the filling station, early Tuesday morning. The destruction was not found until the attendant arrived later in the morning.

Deputy Squires was called and he later called Sergeant McGlone. Windows and lighting fixtures had been shot and the place generally wrecked by the bullets which the officers decided were from a .45 caliber revolver.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Man rides horse into front hall

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, May 13, 1935.

Leo Smith, 7 East Michigan Avenue was today admonished by Chief of Police Ralph Southard, against riding his horse into the homes of friends.

Smith, with a companion whom he addressed as “Bob” and his horse, “Dannie”, about midnight Saturday appeared unexpectedly in the front hall of a Parsons Street home, and only after the man of the house had been awakened by the screams of his wife and daughter, was he ejected.

Previously Smith had attempted to enter another house in the neighborhood, but found the doors securely fastened. After the frightened horse had been backed down the front hall stairs and out of the building by the owner, horse and rider moved on to Park Street where another resident’s front lawn was trampled upon.

“If person whom Smith has been annoying will sign a complaint, a charge can be placed against him and court action started,” Chief of Police Ralph Southard said today. “Otherwise, the police department can do nothing except warn such offenders not to repeat their misdemeanors.”

Two men face serious charge

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, May 13, 1920.

Sunday night, at Ann Arbor, Ethel McGuire, a student nurse, died under suspicious circumstances, and as a result two men are being held at the county jail under suspicion of being implicated in a crime that caused the girls death. One of the men held is a barber on State Street and the other is a medical student from Detroit.

The two men in question were implicated by a statement of the girl before her death, which was believed to have been caused by the taking of a powerful drug.

No charges have been preferred against the men and will not be until after the inquest, which will be held today (Thursday). Should sufficient evidence be found it is probable that they will have to stand trial for manslaughter.

Later—The two men implicated in the death of Ethel McGuire at Ann Arbor, Harry Harper, a barber on State Street, and Stanley Sitko, a junior medical student, were arraigned before Justice Thomas Monday and Wednesday on a manslaughter charge. Harper demanded an examination, which was set for May 17 at 2 o’clock. Harper’s bail was fixed at $25,000 and in default of same he was remanded to jail.

Sitko faced the justice Tuesday afternoon and he also demanded an examination for May 17. His bail was fixed the same as Harper’s, and in default of same was remanded to jail. Sitko admits that he wrote the prescription for the tablets, but denies having any intention of doing harm.

It is rumored that a third arrest will be made today.

May face imprisonment

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, May 12, 1910.

On the morning of April 26, Arthur Staenke, at 704 West Congress Street ( now Michigan Avenue) told his wife Myrtle that he was going down town, and she has not seen him since. Mr. Staenke, who is twenty years old, had been in the employ of the construction department of the D. J & C. R. R. Company until recently. After he lost that position he would go frequently into Detroit, coming home very late. He would act disagreeably sullen after these trips and would vent his ill nature on the seven months old baby. His wife he married about a year and a half ago and until the advent of the child had been a kind and affectionate husband.

His desertion left his wife destitute. When fuel and food were exhausted, she applied to Justice Gunn for a warrant charging her husband with desertion. She applied for relief also to Poor Commissioner Milo Gage, who assisted her. Kind hearted neighbors also came to her relief.

On May 9 Mrs. Staenke heard at last from her recreant husband. The first news came on a card giving views of the United States Navy, on which was written: “May 9. Dear Myrtle: This is the place I will be in a few weeks. May never see you again Yours A. Staenke” to the baby he addressed a card reading: “May 9, I leave here today and am going to Texas. Good bye. From so and so” The mother, Mrs. Frank Staenke, like wise was the recipient of a card which ran: “May 9. Dear mother: I leave today for the west. Good bye. A. Staenke.”

Deputy Sheriff Charles Hipp went to Detroit and at Delray and River Rouge made a thorough search for the missing man. He had had worked in that vicinity, but had not been seen for several days. He had been in the habit of staying at the Central hotel. Mr. Hipp notified the Detroit police of the case and was promised assistance. If arrested in Detroit, Deputy Sheriff Hipp will go after him, and in this event, the man Staenke will face a charge of desertion and a possible state prison sentence.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

1898 Firemen effective in dampening R. R. hopes

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press of Friday, January 31, 1930.

Screeching, rasping noises as the lat rails are drawn from the protesting ties; clank of loading and the deep rumble of heavily laden trucks, is the last chapter in the History of the D.J. and C. Railway in Ypsilanti. Workmen have finished removal of the tracks west of the city and long stretches of the right of way have been covered over for traffic.

As the last load passed through the city today residents recalled brighter days for the railroad, days when it was arrogant, days when it got what it wanted or knew the reason why.

In 1898 plans were formulated for construction of a spur on Cross St. from Washington St. east. The city politely protested. The railroad men were adamant and one morning when D. D. Davis, then mayor, sauntered up the Cross St. hill he discovered a crew of about 40 men busily engaged in laying the disputed spur in front of the fire department. Indignant, and realizing that there would not be time to obtain an injunction from Ann Arbor before the last rail was in place, the mayor contemplated the scene with mixed emotions. Running a contemplative eye over the situation he devised a method of dampening, in fact deluging the hopes of the railway.

Fire Chief W. W. Worden who had been looking at the activity with a rueful expression brightened visibly after a short conference with Mr. Davis and in a short time gloom vanished from the faces of the firemen when they received orders to wash the street in front of the fire barns with their heavy fire hoses.

Never did they do that task with greater zest and never was Cross St. so thoroughly washed. Not a man was able to stand against the powerful stream of water and with in a short time the electric railway representatives, in a chastened mood, came to an agreement with the city officials.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Farmer’s wife is killed

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, January 25, 1910.

Mrs. Ethel Depue, aged 41 years, wife of Henry Depue a prominent and wealthy Pittsfield farmer, died almost instantly at one o’clock this afternoon when she received the full contents of a loaded shot gun in her right side.

According to her husband, the shotgun had been oiled, cleaned and loaded, as he was preparing to go hunting. Mr. Depue was rummaging in a closet in the kitchen looking for shells and as he straightened up, his shoulder jolted the table and gun and his wife who was standing but a foot away from the muzzle of the weapon, received the contents in her side. She crumpled up on the floor, unconscious, with a great, gaping hole in her side.

The shot carried the woman’s clothing into the wound and when Doctor Clark of Ann Arbor arrived the woman was dead, having succumbed within a few moments.

Dr. Clark notified Willis Johnson of Ann Arbor who with Deputy Sheriff Freme Star hastened to the scene of the shooting.

The Depues although having lived in Pittsfield only a short time, have become very prominent and are well liked by their neighbors. They have been married only a short time.

Mrs. Depue was the daughter of prominent Toronto people, her maiden name being Watson.

The husband is prostrated over the accident and is under medical attendance.

The farm is located about three miles out of Ann Arbor on the Ann Arbor-Saline road.

It is likely that a coroner’s inquest will be held Wednesday morning.

Incendiarism in two fires here, other alarms

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, January 25, 1930.

Indications that incendiaries was responsible for two of four blazes which caused runs by the fire department during the night and early this morning was being investigated by Fire Chief Alonso H. Miller and other authorities today.

A search was being made for a man, a stranger whose name was not learned, who was said to have visited the barn home at the rear of the business block on E. Cross St. occupied by Ruben Domisile, and later the rooms occupied by Korrol Strunko in an otherwise vacant house at 213 N. Park St.

Fire at both places are said to have started shortly after the departure of the stranger. At the barn damage was slight, being confined to a pile of rubbish in the rear of the quarters occupied by Domisile, a junk dealer, while a serious blaze development at the Park St. address gaining considerable headway before firemen were called, and seriously damaging the house.

Strunko, who was driven into the street scantily clad when the fire was discovered, was taken to Beyer Memorial Hospital by Ernest M. Maddux, a special officer, and it was reported today that he had one foot frozen. He reported the loss of a sum of money which had disappeared between the time of the mysterious visitor’s departure and the discovery of the fire. Strunko is said to know the man, and officers were attempting to learn the latter’s address in Detroit. Strunko is a foreigner and was able to give little information. Like Domisile, he occupied his quarters alone.

The fire at Domisile’s place occurred at 7 o’clock Friday evening, shortly after the stranger had left and is believed to have gone directly to Strunko’s quarters where he stayed for a time before the second fire broke out early this morning.

A lighted cigarette which lodged in back of a baseboard in the Pullen lunch room on North Washington St. shortly before 1 o’clock is believed to have caused smoke which was seen and reported to the fire department as being seen in the Ehman and Greenstreet real estate office next door. A waiter in the restaurant extinguished the cigarette and firemen found no signs of a further blaze.

The fourth call answered by the department proved nothing more than a chimney burning out at 6 Dirscoll Court before midnight. There was no damage.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Nitro-glycerin caps discovered on Bennett Farm

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, January 30, 1930.

What is believed to have been a plot against the life a Clarence E. Bennett or other members of his household at Rawsonville was uncovered late Tuessday with the discovery of five nitro-glycerin caps and a coil of fuse, such as are used in exploding dynamite in a barn a short distance behind the Bennett home.

The five caps had been wrapped in paper and with the fuse were placed on one of a pile of small titles in the barn. They were discovered by Bennett as he was moving things about in the barn Tuesday and he at once informed Dick Elliott, deputy state commissioner of public safety, of the find.

This morning Deputy Sheriff Lynn Squires and two members of the state police post at Wayne visited the Bennett home and exploded the caps in a field. A search for further explosives, particularly dynamite which the plotters may have intended using, failed. The fact that the caps and the fuse were laid separately in the tile has led to the belief that they were not intended to do their deadly work alone, but that they had been planted there until a chare of dynamite could be brought to the place.

The caps appeared fresh as though they had only recently been placed where they were found although Bennett was unable today to recall any indications of persons having been around his property. He was unable to furnish the officers with definite information as to possible suspects who may have formed the plot against his life.

There was power enough in the caps themselves to tear a deep hole in a tree against which they were hung while the officers stood off at a distance and discharged them with bullets from a rifle.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Gotham has its Brooklyn Bridge, Platt its station

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, January 18, 1930.

Platt, Mich, Jan. 18,--country gentlemen go to New York, buy the Brooklyn Bridge and then tell the prosecuting attorney about it. H. E. Losey brought the community waiting room here. Now he is telling the Eastern Michigan Railway Company about it.

The building, the proudest possession of Platt community, was equally attractive to Mr. Losey and he had a gratifying picture of it in his mind’s eye as a gasoline station at the Ann Arbor airport. The railway company agreed that it would make an excellent gasoline station and a transfer was effected.

When Mr. Losey came out to devise a method of removing the heavy tile roof without marring the beauty of the structure he was startled to find a sheriff’s order saying that the building was the property of the community and stating the penalty for anyone molesting it.

A few moments later he could be seen in a dejected attitude at the general store with a mental picture of the beautiful gasoline station glimmering away as residents consolingly told him that maybe he did buy a building from the railway company after all and that maybe it was one down in the middle of George Klager’s fields, one that could be easily accommodated on a small truck. This building a wooden one that had seen veteran service almost since the Detroit, Jackson and Chicago Railway had its beginning was replaced four or five years ago by the almost fireproof structure which so appealed to Mr. Losey. It was originally donated by Mr. Klager and erected by farmers living in the neighborhood.

The new station was built by residents from material donated by residents from material donated by Ann Arbor and Detroit building firms and was designed by an architectural firm in Ann Arbor.

It is one of the most distinguishing features of the Packard Road community of approximately 70 residents and, while the electric line was in operation was referred to as , “Platt Union Station.”

Finally convinced that the station was not his Mr. Losey told the Railway Company about it and after some research the company agreed. Arrangements are being made for the return of his money.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Driver of truck fears hijackers

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, January 15, 1930.

Belief that hijackers are attempting to operate in the vicinity of Ypsilanti was expressed by a truck driver who reported to police here early this morning that he had been stopped a short distance form the city by four suspicious appearing men in a large coupe who (?) searched his load.

The truck driver, whose name was not learned by police, was headed for Chicago and was several miles east of Ypsilanti when the four men drew alongside of his vehicle and told him that they were officers watching for liquor. According to his statement to police, the four showed no credentials and the machine which they were driving bore an Ohio license, indicating at least that they were not officers of this state..

After searching the truck and finding no liquor, the driver said, the other four drove toward Ypsilanti and the matter was reported to police shortly before 2:30 afternoon as the driver reached this city. Police searched for the coupe for several hours but were unable to locate one answering the description or bearing the four men.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Police probing two stabbings over week end

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, January 14, 1935.

Clarence Wise, 401 Monroe St. victim of one week end stabbing affray, was being questioned this afternoon and three other men are being sought in connection with a more serious fight which resulted in knifing of Leonard Holland, 633 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. Holland is in Beyer Hospital with a slashed throat and police have at least three versions of how the wound was inflicted.

In the case of Wise they have two conflicting stories, one that he engaged in an argument with Howard Pettis over money and the other, that the argument involved a woman. Wise was stabbed in the right arm but not seriously injured. He displayed unwillingness to sign a complaint against Pettis on the grounds that the trial would require him to absent himself from his employment.

The Holland situation is causing police more concern because of obvious efforts made to conceal the real facts. Holland was first discovered sitting in a car on Michigan Ave. bleeding freely from the wound in his neck. With him were his wife, Mrs. Evelyn Holland, Dermot Cromwell, 1119 Lincoln Ave. Ann Arbor, and Mrs. R. Bryant, 717 N. Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor.

According to Cromwell’s story, they went to the Griffen dance hall on Harriet St. to dance and later went to the George Thomas home, 440 (?) St. While they were there Holland walked into another room and when he came back his throat was cut, Cromwell asserted.

Others who were questioned were Thomas, whose left arm was gashed in the same fight, Raymond Pope, Mrs. Holland and Holland himself. Three different persons were named as Holland’s assailant by these witnesses.

Thomas claims the argument started when Holland stepped on the toes of another dancer but Mrs. Holland asserts the group was standing still near the piano player when an unprovoked attack was made. She says she tore the tie from the neck of the man who did it and the neck piece has been turned over to police.

Whether the wound was inflicted by a razor or a knife has not been determined. It reached from the back of the neck to a point under the chin and was deep. It is not expected, however, that it will prove fatal.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Martha Washington Installs New Organ

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, January 8, 1920.

The Martha Washington theatre is adding this week to its already finely appointed theatre a Bartola orchestral organ. Mrs. Signor, owner of the theatre, after looking over many other instruments, decided that the Bartola was the best that money could buy and in keeping with the high standard of quality maintained throughout her theatre.

This new musical fixture of the Martha Washington theatre is not a mechanically operated instrument, as many might suppose, similar to the player piano, but is operated and played by the person at the piano, and takes the place of seven musicians in the orchestra pit—the violin, flute, clarinet, xylophone, drum, traps, cathedral chimes and has a changeable keyboard which instantly changes it into a pipe organ. The base viol is also present and other musical attachments are worked in so systematically that when you attend the Martha Washington theatre you will not only see the best screen pictures that the large corporations are turning out but be given something extra in good in music.

The Bartola orchestral organ is to be found in many of the largest and best motion picture houses in New York, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit and others of the larger cities. It is so perfectly constructed that an experienced operator can play the pictures and render appropriate music to correspond with what is being enacted on the screen. It is said that in one theatre in Boston, where a Bartola orchestral organ was installed that during a rain and wind stom scene appearing on the screen that the person at the organ fittingly came in at the opportune moment giving a realistic effect of wind blowing and the snapping of trees, whereupon several in the audience began buttoning up their coats and putting on their rubbers; several raised umbrellas and youngsters a howl.

This new organ will undoubtedly be inn operation this coming Sunday for the first time, unless some unforeseen happening mars the installing of it, as experts are here working overtime to have it ready upon that date.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Ten Injured in Big Spectacular Huron St. Blaze

Ten persons were injured in a fire that completely destroyed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Austin Burbank, 309 South Huron Street Tuesday evening.

The injured:
This story was published by Ypsilanti daily Press on Wednesday, January 5, 1910.

MRS. GENEVIEVE PERRINE, face burned, hair, eyebrows and eyelashes singed

RONALD PERRINE, 7 years old, burned about the head.

ARTUR BLUNC, Plymouth, Mich. Leg sprained.

FIRE CHIEF BABCOCK, suffered from exposure to water and cold.

FIREMAN E. SUGGITT, suffered from exposure to water and cold.

FIREMAN D. SHEMELD, suffered from exposure to water and cold.

FIREMAN F. REIMAN, suffered from exposure to water and cold.

FIREMAN F. HOGAN, suffered from exposure to water and cold.

FIREMAN D. FREEMAN, suffered from exposure to water and cold.

WILLIAM HAIGHT, suffered from exposure to water and cold.

The alarm was turned in at 8:40, in fifteen minutes, the blaze, fanned by a fifty mile gale swept through the entire house of 16 rooms.

Mr. and Mrs. Burbank, Mrs. Perrine and her two children Ronald and Austin, 7 and 9 years respectively, gathered in the front room of the Huron Street home about 8:30 o’clock to view the lighted Christmas tree for the last time. Mr. Burbank lighted several candles on the tree when suddenly there was a flare and the entire room and occupants were enveloped in flames.

In attempting to save the life of her seven-year-old son, Ronald, Mrs. Genevieve Perrine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burbank, was severely burned about the head. Her sone was also badly burned. Mrs. Perrine picked up the little lad and carried him form the house while Mr. Burbank assisted the other members of the party to safety.

The upper floors of the Burbank were occupied by Cleary College Students. Several had retired for the evening and others were studying when the dense smoke and blinding flame swept through the rooms.

Arthur Blunc, a student whose home is in Plymouth, Mich. Jumped from the second story window. He sprained his leg. Other students who escaped from the burning house, but who lost all of their wearing apparel are:

Ray Baker, Plymouth, Mich.
Clarence A. Callen, Caro, Mich.
Onley V. Potter, Coldwater, Mich.
George Olds, Union City, Mich.
Edward Stevens, Hillsdale.

The fire was undoubtedly the most spectacular the local department has ever fought and great credit must be given Chief Babcock and his men for the efficient way in which they handled the three leads of hose they used on the blaze. The efforts of the men were hampered by the gale and the severe cold numbed their hands and feet and swept the icy water back on the rubber coats where it froze. Kind neighbors tendered the weary men hot coffee and in some cases the men were so overcome by the hard fight that they were unable to lift the cups of steaming fluid to their lips.

The fire started about 8:40 o’clock and the fire ladies did not leave the scene until after four this morning, working in the cold for over seven hours.

Three men also materially assisted the firemen in their work. They are William Haight, Walter Westfall and Fred Maulbetzch.

Nothing stands but a shell of the first floor. The loss is complete and amounting to $7,500, $5,000 on the building and $2,500 on the furnishings. The students who lost their cloths will not receive any insurance. Mr. Burbank is insured for $2,000.

The fire was undoubtedly the worst the fire department ahs had to combat with in many years and the high wind and numbing, stinging cold greatly hampered their efficient work.

Crouched in a corner of the cellar of the Burbank home, Tom, the magnificent twenty pound feline was found by the firemen. Tom, a little the worse for water yowled dismally as the rescuers neared him. Tom was taken to a neighbor’s home and it is said that he made away with three quarts of milk before curling up behind the kitchen stove of his newly adopted home.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Distillery found on the Widow Gotts Farm

Ypsilanti police were informed on a possible illegal still in operation on the Widow Gotts farm in Superior Township in December of 1919. The police were informed that a liquor distillery had been erected on the farm with all the machinery needed to make whisky, beer and wine. The report further noted that suspicious packages were seen going to and from the farm. As the farm was outside the city limits of Ypsilanti, the information was passed onto Deputy Sheriff Dick Elliott, who secured a search warrant from Justice Stadtmiller.

Deputy Sheriff Dick Elliott with Deputies Robinson and Smith raided the farm, some three miles from Ypsilanti, on New Years Day, 1920. In the basement of the house they found a 20-gallon copper still with worm and coils, as well as 14 barrels of corn and raisin mash, with which could be make bourbon or some of the cheaper stuff. They found a bottling works so what was sold would have the look of coming from a recognized distillery plant.

Deputy Elliott and the others spent the day at the farm waiting for the moonshiners to return. They were finally informed the two men who ran the operation, Sam Dromby and Eli Dometri, had been arrested while on their way to Detroit with a trailer fill with contraband. The two men were jailed in Detroit, and later transferred to the jail in Ann Arbor.

“Livestock was found on the farm, which seems to have been abandoned for agricultural purposes,” noted The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Saturday, January 3, 1920. “But there was live stock there, presumably being fed on the waste of the distillery. Horses, hogs, and cattle were being neglected, so the neighbors fed them. Otherwise they would have been with out food or water over the day.”

“The illicit plant,” concluded the account, “was sufficiently large to make its running profitable, of one isn’t caught at it.”

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Geo. E. Strong Died Suddenly

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, January 1, 1920.

Sunday morning while attending church George E. Strong was stricken with death. He had gone to the Sunday morning services with his wife, feeling in his usual good health. As the congregation was singing the opening hymn Mr. Strong dropped in his seat. Rev. George Olmstead, pastor of the church, saw that something was wrong and rushed to the fallen man’s side. He was taken into a side room, where he died before medical aid arrived.

Mr. Strong was 67 years of age and had been in business in Ypsilanti for a number of years at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Adams street, where he conducted a shoe store and shoe repairing establishment. He became a resident of Ypsilanti in 1909. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Odd Fellows, and Woodmen of the World. He was universally well liked and leaves besides his wife a son, Leon and daughter, Mrs. R. W. Prvor, of Detroit, and a host of friends to mourn his loss.

Funeral services were held from the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock and the remains were laid to rest in Highland cemetery.

Bullet Crashed through body

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on January 1, 1920.

Monday afternoon Edward Leroy Helzerman, the little three year old grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John M. Bissell, lost his life by the accidental discharge of a 38 Colts automatic revolver. The act was committed by his own hands.

John M. Bissell, of the Ypsilanti police force, had finished his work for the day and went to his home. He took the revolver from his pocket and placed it on the buffet-just as he had done many times before-with little thought that grim tragedy was hanging over the home. After supper Mr. Bissell went into the front room and laid down on the lounge, and Mrs. Bissell went in the kitchen, busy with supper work. The mother of the child, Mrs. Edna Bissell Helzerman, who was in another room, came into the dining room, where the baby was playing several times to see that he was all right. Peace and quiet was in that home, when without warning, the heavy report of the revolver was heard, and when the family rushed into the dining room baby Edward lay on the floor where he had fallen from a chair he had pulled up to the buffet in order to get grandpa’s gun, that he had so often admired in his baby way.

It is thought that the boy, spying the revolver on the buffet, shoved a chair over against it, climbed up and reached for the revolver, pulling it toward him, and when the muzzle was against his body in some manner managed to discharge it, the bullet entering his breast and passing through the back. A physician was hastily summoned, but the little fellow never regained consciousness, but died in his grandmother’s arms.

The family has the heartfelt sympathy of our citizens, and especially Mr. Bissell, who is crazed with grief. It is one of those unfortunate accidents that one cannot realize how it could happen, as it would seem almost impossible that a three year old baby would have the strength enough in its hands to discharge a revolver of this caliber.

The funeral will be private and will be held from the house Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. Burial will be at Highland cemetery.