Raid David Harris’ House Find Booze

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Monday, December 4, 1922. David Harris is in the city jail today awaiting trial on a charge of violating the Volstead act, following a raid on his home at 320 South Adams St., Saturday night in which officers secured a gallon and a half of moonshine whiskey. Harris’ arrest followed several weeks of watchful waiting on the part of Chief Connors who some time ago had secured information leading him to believe that liquor was being dispensed from somewhere in the neighborhood. It was not until Saturday night, however, that he was able to locate the exact house from which the liquor was being obtained. Securing a search warrant from Judge Stadtmiller and accompanied by Deputy Sheriff Dick Elliott and Officers Lawrence and Vay, Chief Connors lead the raid on the Harris house. The white mule was discovered hidden in the woodshed. Half a pint had been sold previously in the evening, Chief Connors understands. Harris’ arrest came as a surprise to Chief Connors as he has been a respected resident of Ypsilanti for many years. For 23 years he has been in the employ of the gas department and officials there stated that he had been a faithful workman, seldom missing a day. He was earning good wages there and was not in need of selling moonshine for a living, Chief Connors said. Justice Stadtmiller is in Ann Arbor today, so Harris probably will not be arraigned until late this afternoon.

Structure of 1837 Torn Down

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, November 27, 1912. The “Ark”, which has furnished refuge for many a business and trade in its long existence on the streets of Ypsilanti, has been demolished by order of the state fire commission. It has been in existence as long as Michigan has been in the Union as a state, having been built in 1837. It was erected in that year by A. H. Ballard on the east side of the river in the vicinity of the Huron Milling company on Water Street. It was designed for a tannery but was not finished. Later it was taken down and re-erected at the corner of Pearl and Washington Streets, where it has since stood. The Ark is the only building which survived the fire of 1851. It is said by an old Ypsilanti resident that the rest of the business section was totally wiped out at the time. A contemporary of the Ark is the old building now back of Cleary College (then on what is now Michigan Ave.), built for a Presbyterian church and now used as a monument shop.

Caught by Shaft, J. R. Trufant is Badly Injured

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Tuesday, November 26, 1912. Caught in a shaft, J. R. Trufant, manager of the Ypsilanti Milling Co., was this morning battered into unconsciousness while no one chanced to be near to render assistance. Fortunately his clothing gave way so that he was dropped to the floor before his injuries were fatal. After some time he recovered consciousness and dragged himself far enough to call for aid from his engineer. Medical attendance was immediately summoned and his wounds dressed. Bones were found broken in his left arm and left leg and his head was badly cut over one eye. Mr. Trufant is resting comparatively well this afternoon and physicians believe that he will recover, although there is possible danger from internal injuries that may not have yet been discovered.

Kidnapper Fails in Attempt to get Doris Arnet

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Saturday, November 18, 1922. A bold attempt at kidnapping was made at 7:00 o’clock Friday evening when Miss Doris Arnet, 11 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Arnet of Washtenaw avenue was accosted by a man in an auto. The little girl had been sent to a Cross street store on an errand and when west of Brower street on the return trip home a man in an auto stopped and asked her to ride. She refused the offer but the man kept a short distance ahead of her until Summit street was reached when he started to alight from the car. Little Doris ran down Summit street and up Sheridan, thinking to avoid him. The man followed in his auto to Sheridan street where the road is blocked and then gave chase on foot. Doris ran into the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Shaefer on Sheridan and the man went back. Mr. Shaefer accompanied her home while the would be kidnapper made good his escape in the auto. Police were not notified, and Doris was not able to give a very adequate description of the man.

D. U. R. Cars Pile Up When Machine Blocks Tracks

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Saturday, November 18, 1922. Three interurban cars banged into each other last night at 11:40 when a Reo sedan going east on the car line just this side of the country club skidded on to the tracks in front of the east bound local. Only one man, Clyde Moore, a conductor on a special car which was following, was hurt. The Reo, belonging to a Detroit man named Saddleman, was badly damaged in the collision, but the driver was not hurt, as he had time to get out of the machine before the local car hit it. Following the local was a freight. This car stopped just as it came up to the local which had already put out her lights, but the freight crew did not have time to get lights to the back of their cars and a special car which was just behind the freight, was unable to stop and crashed into it, the conductor on this car sustaining a badly injured back in the wreck. He was taken to an Ann Arbor hospital where x-rays will be taken to day to determine the extent of his injuries. The driver of the Reo could not explain to D. U. R. officials how this machine happened to run up onto the D. U. R. tracks. It was badly damaged in the collision with the interurban which followed as was the D. U. R. car. The accident happened on the side of the hill just west of Ypsilanti. The special car which struck the freight train had just come down a hill and could not stop in time to prevent an accident, after the motorman discovered that the freight ahead had stopped. The entire front of this car was caved in in the collision. Quite a crowd of people, some of whom had been attending a party at the country club gathered and helped get the auto from the tracks before the interurbans could go on. The machine was taken to an Ypsilanti garage D. U. R. officials were told.

City Buried Under Record Snow Fall

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, November 16, 1932. A snowfall that has no parallel at this time of the year in this vicinity, as far as old-timers in the city can recall, has disrupted traffic over a wide area and has been responsible for minor accidents and delays among motorists. At noon today, the fall had reached a depth of approximately one foot. The street department crew and trucks were engaged in removing the blanket from the main streets of the city and in applying cinders to the hills on important thoroughfares. According to Herbert Renton, street commissioner, no men were taken on for the task of removing snow besides those already employed by the department. Mr. Renton started that a crew wa engaged during the night with putting cinders on the hills, and that he had been out all night trying to keep the streets as clear as possible. Seven plows were out early this morning clearing walks. Warmer weather during the day started to melt the snow, but plans were being made to continue the work of clearing streets and walks. It is possible, Mr. Renton stated, that it will be necessary to put a grader to work on Michigan Ave. to throw the snow away from the curb. He added that a crew will be put on tonight to continue removal of snow from the streets. It is planned to have the work go on during the night after the bulk of the traffic has abated. A report from the Michigan Central station revealed that most of the trains coming into Ypsilanti were behind schedule. Trans were delayed from five to 20 minutes in their runs. Railroad traffic is held up so that no predictions could be made as to the time at which trains would arrive. Although the buses on the local runs were slightly behind time, those on the Chicago-Detroit runs were far off schedule. Trucks going through here frequently had difficulty in negotiating the hills at either end of the city. The larger tucks were inconvenienced most, while some of those with trailers attached found it necessary to leave the trailers behind. Police were called to guard a live wire at the corner of Congress and Normal Sts. Early Tuesday evening when one of two cars involved to an accident at that intersection struck a Detroit Edison Co. pole and snapped the wire loose. The accident occurred during the storm when F. J. Holleron, 1109 Grant St. driving east on Congress St. collided with the machine of Roger Cline, Packard Road. According to police report Mr. Cline failed to stop for the stop street and his car was struck from the side and badly damaged. The front bumper, headlight, radiator and frame of Mr. Holleron’s machine were damaged. The county road commissioner’s office put 10 men and 12 trucks at work at 6:30 this morning. Trucks had not been attached to snow plows, as the early arrival of winter had not been anticipated, and it was necessary to summon the men at about 3 o’clock, to get equipment ready for use. Truck line roads were given immediate attention, and less traveled thoroughfares will be cleared later in the day. Reports to the county office stated that large trucks and buses were encountering difficulty west of Ann Arbor, with delays and stalled machines general.

Citizen Contribute to Woman Owner of Flat

This story was published in The Ypsilanti Record of Thursday, November 16, 1922. Many kindly disposed citizens of Ypsilanti have recently been contributing money to an old woman shoe sat at the intersection of two of the city’s most traveled streets with a little hand organ. The old woman was poorly clad, wore large dark goggles and had a most pathetic appearance. To look at her one would naturally be led to believe she was only one jump ahead of the poor house. The police department here made an investigation and learned upon reliable authority that the ‘beggar woman’ owned at least three flats in Detroit. The last time she came here the police told her to take the next car back to Detroit. She did.

Babcock Store and Oil Station Robbed

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Monday, November 13, 1922. Two weekend robberies, neither furnishing any tangible clues to work on, are occupying the attention of local police today following a holdup at the Standard Oil station, corner of Ellis (now Washtenaw) and Washington streets last night, and a robbery at the Babcock store on River street during the preceding night, besides the robbery of Parkview Pharmacy and tool houses next door. Police were not notified of these occurrences. The robbery at the oil station, which netted the thugs a little over $49, occurred last evening at about nine o’clock. Two armed men entered the station and while one covered the attendant, Earl Smith, with his revolver, the other rifled the cash drawer and then turned attention to the safe. Before the men were able to gain access to the safe, however, Frank Price, of Pontiac, chanced to entered the station. The two men coolly walked out of the station carrying their guns and went east on Ellis to where their car was parked near Huron street. Mr. Price, who was driving a Cadillac, followed the men saw them get into their car and drive north on Huron. Realizing they were being followed they stopped just beyond the city hall and one man got out of the machine apparently waiting for Mr. Price to come up to him while the other drove around onto Cross street. Thinking they were intending to take his car away Mr. Price turned on Emmet street and drove back to Cross, but was unable to pick up their trail as the car had disappeared in the rain and fog. Neither Mr. Price nor Mr. Smith both of whom immediately went to the police station, where able tell what make of car the thugs were driving. Mr. Smith was of the opinion that it was a Buick roadster, but Mr. Price thought it was a Ford. Chief Connors states that it was practically impossible to see any distance because of the rain and for that reason neither man was able to get the license number. Mr. Smith was unable to give even an adequate description of the men. Neither were masked, and he told Chief Connors he had never seen them before, but could give no details as to their clothing or appearance. He stated that one wore an overcoat. Chief Connors at once telephoned to Detroit, Ann Arbor and Jackson police, but due to lack of information, states that he has little hope of apprehending the robbers. This morning Mr. McLane, general manager of the Standard Oil station, located in Ann Arbor, went over the situation with Chief Connors and checked up on the money lost. In the safe there was over $100. Attendants do not have a key to these safes, however, so it was necessary for the thugs to open it without the key. It was while they were working at the combination that Mr. Price drove up and frightened them away. Sunday morning when Fred Babcock went to his store on River street, he found that the front window had been carefully taken out by digging away the putty and that about $40 worth of tobacco and cigars taken. The thief had removed the glass without breaking it and left it beside the door. Nothing was taken except the tobacco. Police have no clues to work on in this case as it is not even known what time during the night the robbery was committed. Chief Connors does not think that it was done by any Ypsilanti person and is also of the opinion that the oil station was robbed by members of a well organized gang which are robbing oil stations all over the country. The same night that the Babcock store was entered thieves attempted to break into the Parkview Pharmacy on East Michigan. First the tool house next door belonging to Scott & Scott, architects, who are erecting the three new stores for Mrs. Mary Campbell, was broken into and a chisel, hammer and crowbar taken. These tools were left beside the back door of the drug store after the thieves had apparently been frightened away. The Parkview Pharmacy has been robbed three times before and some time ago an iron clad door was procured, which has an iron bar across the top and a pad lock. The bar had been knocked down, and the door pried open about half an inch but the thieves did not gain access. Police were not notified of this attempted robbery George Binder, one of the proprietors, is of the opinion that the same person or persons who robbed the Babcock store tried to enter his store but were frightened away.

Prowlers Take Coat and Money At Miller Home

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press of November 11, 1922. Prowlers last night entered the home of John Miller, 128 College Place, and carried away his overcoat and about $10 in change that Mrs. Miller had left in a dish on her sideboard. The Miller house is always left unlocked as students room there, and consequently the thief had no difficulty in gaining entrance. The robbery was not discovered until about nine this morning. When Miller went to his store this morning he was unable to find his overcoat, but thought his son might have worn it away by mistake as they have coats similar in appearance. Some time later when Mrs. Miller left for the store she discovered that the money was gone and asked Mr. Miller about it, when she went to the store, thinking he might have taken it. Inquiry in the family developed the fact that both the money and coat were entirely missing and Chief Connors was called. In looking over the Miller house, Mr. Connors found burnt matches on the floor in the room where the money and overcoat had been left. Mr. Connors does not think that any but prowlers committed the theft. He states nearly every night such men are picked up or voluntarily come to police headquarters for lodgings and that many of them are in need of overcoats and funds this time of year.

Planned Bold Escape But Didn’t Balance Well

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press of November 11, 1912. Ed Rowe, who was arrested on the street Thursday and lodged in the city bastile, sometime in the night planned to escape through a long narrow window, at the top of the room. He proceeded to pile up chairs to reach the opening but he overlooked the acrobatic requirements that his plan demanded. He gathered all the chairs and tables accessible, piled them carefully high up the wall and with hopes running high, commenced the bold ascent. But the glory period was brief. Creak, smash went the chairs and Rowe found himself not outside a free man, but in the selfsame cell, on the floor and nursing a dislocated shoulder, a severely bruised face and an injured leg. He has been under the city physician’s care since.

Places Rail In Road, Farmer Is Hauled To Court

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press of November 10, 1922. William Clawson, Ypsilanti Township farmer, arrested on a charge of ‘assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than the crime of murder’ following his attack upon George Shock, waived examination when arraigned before Justice Thomas in Ann Arbor yesterday and was bound over to the December term of the circuit court. Clawson was arrested by deputy sheriff Dick Elliott Wednesday. According to the story told Justice Thomas, Clawson had placed rail along the side of the road to prevent men who were working on the road from driving on his lawn. The men, George and Fred Shock, and C. M. Bissell had been plowing up the road to get it in shape for the winter, and in order to do this they must drive upon the Clawson land. Finding the rails there, one of the men started to take them away when Clawson came out with a shot gun which he pointed at George Shock. The two Shock man took the gun away and at once went to Ann Arbor where the complaint was made. Clawson was arrested the following day and taken to Ann Arbor. Following his release deputy sheriff Elliott told him the rails must be taken away immediately or he would be arrested again. According to neighbors the rails have not been removed. Dwight Crittenden, highway commissioner, had previously complained of Clawson’s placing the rail in the road, but he had failed to remove them.

Man Disappears After Collision Leaving Machine

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press of November 6. 1922. William Button’s milk delivery wagon was practically demolished and thirty bottles of milk broken in a collision which occurred this morning at about four o’clock on West Michigan Ave. According to the drivers, Durand Gotts and James Causman, their wagon was struck by a Ford car driven by a colored man who hastily left following the accident without giving his name. The man was accompanied by Mrs. Byron Tanner, Mrs. Tanner was somewhat injured in the collision, and wa taken to a neighbor’s house until a physician could be summoned. She declared that she did not know who the man was with whom she was riding. Police were called following the accident, and Chief Connors is endeavoring to establish the identity of the driver. He left his car, which was badly damaged at the scene of the accident and has not yet returned. Aside from Mrs. Tanner, whose injuries are considered slight, no one was hurt in the accident.

Chief Connors Gets Merriman House Breaker

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press of November 3, 1922. Chief of Police John Connors returned today from St. Louis, Mo. where he went to get Thomas Burke, aged 52, who confessed there to having robbed the Marriman home here about a month ago. The prisoner still had in his possession a number of the war savings stamps he secured here and he told of having hidden liberty bonds in the vicinity of Wayne. Chief Connors took him to Wayne, this afternoon to afford him opportunity to verify the story and he was to be arraigned this evening in Judge Stadtmiller’s court. A wrist watch which was also stolen from the Merriman home was being worn by a maid in the hotel where Burke was staying. She declared that Burke was a gentleman and gave her the wrist watch for taking ice water to his room for him.

Burglar Terrorizes Southside District

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press of November 1, 1937. A midnight to dawn marauder terrorized residents on the south side of the city between one and four-thirty o’clock Sunday, molesting four homes, choking an aged woman, and obtaining 65 cents for his night’s work. Entering the home of Mrs. Anna R. Ewell, 115 Hawkins St. about 4:30 a.m. by removing the screen in a downstairs bedroom where she was sleeping, the thief demanded her money. When Mrs. Ewell, who is 74 years old, refused, he choked her and left her in a serious condition. She is resting fairly comfortably today, however, and her daughter, Mrs. James Bell, who lives with her, said that when her mother heard the man removing the screen she thought it was someone upstairs closing a window. Mrs. Ewell was alone in her room on the first floor, she said, the rest of the occupants of the house, Mr. and Mrs. Bell and their two children being asleep upstairs. The marauder did not make a very thorough search of the room, Mrs. Bell said, and left as suddenly as he had come. She said, that her mother reported he had talked a great deal, and although she could not see him, would remember the voice. He seemed to be of average height, talked with no trace of an accent and reeked of tobacco smoke although there was no indication that he had been drinking. The Ewell report was the fourth received by police, the first being at 1 a.m. when Douglas L. Cruickshank, 205 E. Ainsworth Blvd. reported a colored man had tried to crawl in through an open window on the second floor. Mrs. Cruickshank saw the man, he said, and when her husband started to get out of bed the marauder fled. The next report came from a home in the next block when Elmer L. Peters, 303 E. Ainsworth Blvd., said that about 2:30 a.m. he had seen a man prowling around their house as though trying to gain entrance, but he that he had fled on finding he couldn’t get in. The next attempt at entrance was successful, however, when at 4 o’clock a man broke into the home of Mrs. Lillian Acre, 520 Jefferson Ave. through a rear door, took a billfold containing 65 cents from an upstairs bedroom, and left through the front door. Later the billfold was found discarded on Hawkins St. and was returned to Mrs. Acre. The police are not certain the same person is responsible for all the crimes, but the similarity of technique used in entering, the proximity of the four places entered to each other, and the time element during which the offenses took place all point to the same origin. Finger prints have been secured and are being checked. Reports from the residents molested indicate that the man is colored, was wearing a grey cap and old blue coat.

Two Breeches Bibles In Libraries Of Ypsilanti

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, September 17, 1932. Among the interesting and valued possessions of Ypsilanti people are Breeches Bibles, one in the library of Mrs. F. A. Barbour, and the other owned by C. I. LeForge. The Bible gets its name from the fact that one word is different that the Authorized Version. In Genesis III, 7, the word “breeches” was substituted for “aprons” in the description of man’s first clothes. Mrs. Barbour’s copy of the Breeches Bible was given to her by her daughter, who brought it from England. The first edition of the Breeches Bible was published in Geneva, in 1560. For that reason, it was first called the Geneva Bible, later receiving its nickname because of the difference of one word. The copy belonging to Mr. LeForge is the older of the two. It was printed in London in 1595 and has an engraved frontispiece, illustrating the Tree of Life. The other copy was printed in London by Robert Baker in 1608. Although it is 325 years old, it is in excellent condition. The pages of soft white paper have become yellow and grey with age, but the well printed text can be easily read. It has been necessary to repair the cover, but the old leather of the cover was used. The gilt in the simple tooled design on the binding is nearly gone and the leather darkened. But these signs of age and the spots where the leather is scuffed and worn with use only increase its value and interest for the owner. Mrs. Barbour has many interesting bits of history and information about the Breeches Bible. It is the work of a group called the Reformers who fled from England to escape persecution by the authorities. It is a revison rather that a translation, and was based on the translation by Tyndale. Because it was less bulky and cheaper than any other, it was the most popular Bible that had appeared in England. Several features of the Bible of today first appeared in the Breeches Bible. It was the first to use the present Roman type instead of the old black letter. At the first glance, the text of these books looks queer, as the “s” had the form of an “f”. It was the first to divide the verses and the first to omit the Apocrypha from the Bible. Mr. LeForce’s copy differs from most examples of the Breeches Bible, since the Apocrypha is included, but there are no marginal notes in this portion of the book. This Bible also omitted the name of St. Paul from the Epistle to the Hebrews and used italics for all words not in the original translation. One of the outstanding features was the marginal notes, in which the Reformers made comments concerning the theology and politics of the time. These notes were responsible for the King James Version of the Bible. These notes and comments were not the liking of the King, so he ordered a new translation made, the original of the Bible now in use. Publication of the Breeches Bibles marked end of much of the opposition to the Bible and the persecution of those believing in it. An idea of the knowledge that people had of geography in those times is given by plates illustrating these books. They have titles showing the subjects such as “A Description of the Holy Land, and situation of the Garden of Eden”. The engraved plates are much different from the latest pictures of these lands. But the important part of the Bible, the text, is very like the one in use today.

Larouche Farm Home Destroyed

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, September 16, 1932. The farm home, south of Ypsilanti, occupied by Rod Larouche, burned to the ground Thursday afternoon, with a loss of approximately $2,500. A second building nearby, just under construction, was also burned. The fire broke out while Mr. Larouche was alone. Although he had been ill, he managed to break a window and get out, and a physician in the crowd which soon gathered, cared for him temporarily. The family is staying with friends until further arrangements can be made.

Thieves Enter Farm Dwelling

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, September 9, 1932. Percy Hollaway, R. F. D. 3, Ypsilanti, reported to the state police at 11 o’clock Wednesday night that his house had been entered and goods valued at about $500 were missing. Mr. Hollaway and his family left the house at 6:30 and did not return until 10:30 when they discovered the theft. Entrance had been gained by cutting the screen on a door and unhooking it. Goods reported stolen to Trooper Conrad Konetshny, who investigated, included a dinner set of 100 pieces, linen valued at $75, a rug valued at $200 and about $150 of wearing apparel. No clues have been discovered but Lieutenant Lyle Morse, finger print expert of the state police has been sent for.

A Tar Bath Wasn’t What J. G. Carrugh, Detroit, Came Here After But He Got One

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on September 7, 1922. To find an undressed man in the basement of one’s store, taking a bath in turpentine is an experience which does not happen to every business man everyday, so when Alex Nulan took a customer to his basement to show him some goods and found the turpentine bath in progress, he registered considerable surprise if not actual alarm. Besides the unusual external circumstances was the additional fact that the bather was in decidedly perturbed frame of mind and difficulty was encountered in finding out just who he was, why he was there and what the benefits of the turpentine ablutions might be. Fortunately for the bather and Mr. Nulan, the customer, who had accompanied him to the basement was a man. Between the tow they finally managed to get the story together. Jesse G. Carrugh of Detroit, in the employ of Harris, Small and Lawson; had come to Ypsilanti to fill a business engagement with President Charles McKenny (of Eastern Michigan University). When he alighted from the D. U. R. car (the interurban) he stepped, or rather, fell into a puddle of warm, soft tar which Manager Older had had just ordered to be spread on the streets. Mr. Carrugh’s cloths were saturated with it, the tar even permeating to his skin. Feeling that he was in no condition to talk business with anyone and aided by sympathetic onlooker Mr. Carrugh went about in quest of turpentine as a possible solvent for the tar. Sympathetic onlookers piloted him to Mr. Nulan’s hardware where an equally sympathetic clerk tendered the basement as a temporary dressing room with bath. It was at this point that Mr. Nulan entered, having just returned from the Kiwanis dinner. A customer was waiting and he stepped up to attend to his wants before the clerk had an opportunity to tell him of the little drama which was being carried on in the basement of his store, and all unknowingly, Mr. Nulan and his customer ascended basement wards. With Mulan also listed on his side, Mr. Carrugh procured a suit of B. V. D.’s and one by one his trousers, shirt and coat were made presentable. Whether or not Mr Carrugh was able to make a satisfactory business arrangement with Mr. McKenny is not known. He called at city hall before he left and informed Mayor Beal that he intended to start a damage suit . The mayor suggested that he first present his bill at the next meeting of the common council in hopes that a more peaceable adjustment of the unfortunate circumstance might be made.

A, McPherson, Well Known Grocer Dies After Long Illness

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, August 5, 1912. Alpheous McPherson of the grocery firm of McPherson & House died at his residence 46 East Cross Street Sunday, August 4, 1912. He had been seriously indisposed for a year and a half and though he had been about the store considerably, he had not been able to do very much business during this period. Mr. McPherson was born at St. Anne’s, Ontario, sixty-eight years ago, and for the last nineteen years of that time has resided in Ypsilanti and has been engaged in business here for seventeen years. His wife, a daughter, Mrs. Arthur E. House and a sister survive him. The funeral will be held from the residence at half after two o’clock on Wednesday afternoon.

Woman’s Spell Brings Drowning

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, August 4, 1937. The body of Mrs. Hester Dukett, 2125 ST. Aubins St. Detroit, was recovered from the Huron River neat the Edison plant at Superior by Sheriff’s officers Tuesday afternoon shortly after they had received report of her drowning. Mrs. Dukett was on a fishing party with her son, Thornley Hester, who had gone to sleep. Others nearby said Mrs. Dukett, who is reported by her son as being “subject to spells” suddenly got up and walked straight into the river where she went under and was not seen again alive. County Coroner Dr. Edwin C. Ganzhorn ordered the body removed to Staffan Funeral Home.

Vats in Driveway recall bits of Early History

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, August 3, 1912. Bert G. Moorman has completed some changes in the driveway east of his feed mill on Congress Street (now Michigan Ave.) hill which recall a bit of local history. Probably most Ypsilanti people know that DeMosh’s livery stable just west of the bridge was formerly a tannery. It was on fact erected in 1859 by Crane, Littlefield & West. It was used for tannery purposes until 1881. Underneath Mr. Moorman’s driveway were two reserve vats, 12x20x15. These vats were filled by water from two of the numerous springs which abound along the Huron banks in that vicinity. The tan bark was deposited in the water to make the liquor to put the hides in. A driveway of planks was built above these vats, but they were constantly in need of repairs, and so Mr. Moorman decided to fill the vats up and make an end to it. At least 280 loads of dirt some from the bridge excavation have gone into these vats and it has been a matter of about six months time since the work was begun. There are eight vats still beneath the basement of the livery stables, which would measure probably 8x16 feet.

Officer injured in chase, stays to arrest Sloan

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, July 17, 1937. During examination in municipal court this morning Clarence Sloan and Marvin Hoeman pleaded guilty to charges of reckless driving and allowing a car to driven recklessly by another, respectively. Mrs. Sloan, hysterical while witnessing the examination, fainted, just after the sentence of $200 restitution plus hospital bills plus $20 cost to each was passed. Although Patrolman Donald J. Ruddick suffered a painful injury in a wreck which occurred early this morning when Clarence Sloan, 9 Devonshire Road, tried to escape apprehension, he succeeded in capturing his quarry. The wreck resulted in almost complete demolishment of the police car and radio equipment. Ruddick had stopped Sloan on E. Michigan Ave. when he observed Sloan was driving erratically and asked for his driver’s license. Sloan saying he didn’t have one, stepped on the accelerator and turned down Miles St. Patrolman Ruddick stated. He gave pursuit, and it was when Sloan tried to make the turn off Miles St. onto Prospect St. that he overturned his car, and the officer, close behind, had to swerve to avoid a smash-up and in so doing lost control of the patrol car which went over end for end twice. Sloan scrambled out and ran into shrubbery of the McKenna residence in attempting to escape, but Officer Ruddick caught him and phoned the police station for assistance in getting to Beyer Hospital. The two drivers were treated for bruises and minor cuts, as also Marvin Hoeman, owner of the car Sloan was operating. Alex Arbayo, another passenger, who gave the same address as Sloan and Hoeman, was released. Sloan was locked up for the night on charges of driving while intoxicated, and Hoeman for allowing an intoxicated person to drive his car. Sloan has two broken ribs. Officer Ruddick continued his shift until 5:30 this morning, and later X-rays revealed his left wrist was fractured. He had held his gun in it, ready to shoot at the gas tank of the Sloan car.

Confectioner charged with assault by girl, 15 employed in store

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, July 16, 1912. Irene Doyle, aged 15 preferred a serious charge against George Goutziaman, a Greek confectioner, of the Michigan Candy Works, 106 W. Congress Street (now Michigan Ave.) this morning. She commenced work in the candy store Sunday and claims that she had not been there long when Goutziaman attacked her. She was questioned by local officers but failed to present sufficient evidence to substantiate the charge. A warrant was issued however charging Goutziaman with assault and battery. He was arraigned before Justice Stadtmiller and entered a plea of not guilty. His trial was set for July 24.

Tables Turned According to Auto Story

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Wednesday, July 10, 1912. Alexander Poupard, who was injured in the Ann Arbor Road a few days ago by being crowded into ditch by some reckless automobilists, is getting along fairly well, but is not yet able to take his regular work. When asked what he would do if he were to find out the name of the party who was responsible for his injury, Mrs. Poupard said it would depend on the wishes of the Casler Brothers, for it was his effort to save the horses instead of himself that had caused him to be so badly hurt. It is claimed that the identity of the occupants of the red touring car which caused the accident is known, and the story, if true, forms a curious exhibit in accidents. It will be remembered that a short time ago Marvin Phelps and Dr. Louis Given of Jackson were the victims of an automobile accident between this city and Ann Arbor and that they claimed an Ypsilanti automobilist had crowded them into the ditch, causing the capsizing of their car and injury of a serious nature to Mr. Phelps. Singularly, Dr. Given, it is reported and one of Mrs. Phelps’ household, were two of the passengers in the suspected car (though neither were driving) when the accident to Mr. Poupard happened. The other two occupants it is claimed were Western Harvester men, whose business has brought them into this vicinity considerable of late. Like the unknown drivers of the car concerned in the other accident, the men accused of the Poupard accident drove rapidly on without pause. Upon reaching Ypsilanti, as the story goes, the harvester men made a detour, going behind “Hungry Hill” There was hazard as well as safety in this course, as it developed, for broken glass on “Hungry Hill” punctured one of their tires and caused considerable delay in their progress. Those who saw the adventurous drivers say that it was a Clark automobile, that it painted red and that it carried an Indiana banner. The car described in Mr. Poupard’s story of the accident was similar to this one and when men who had talked with the harvester party read of the accident the two cases seemed to fit together pretty well. No one has taken the trouble as yet to follow the matter up and to determine whether or not there is any evidence against the harvester men as rumored but it is probable that an effort will at least be made to find out soon and then to collect enough money to cover the cost to both Mr. Poupard and to Mr. Casler.

Seriously injured by high spirited horse

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, July 10, 1912. Leo Clark was so severely hurt this morning from a kick by a horse that he has been taken to the University hospital in Ann Arbor. It was about eleven o’clock this morning that Clark was bringing the horses to the barn, having spent the morning mowing grass, when one of the horses threw up his heels and struck Clark in the shoulder. The horse is not ugly, but has high spirits and the near approach of feeding time accounts for the playful elevation of his heels no doubt. Dr. Paton and Dr. Britton were called and put Clark under the influence of chloroform wile they examined him. They found his shoulder blade broken, and after he had come out from under the influence of the chloroform he was hurried in Dr. Paton’s auto to the hospital in Ann Arbor. The accident happened on the farm of Robert Clark, his father.

Fire causes light damage

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Saturday, July 8, 1922. Fire believed to have been caused by spontaneous combustion in a store room, filled with bedding and household furniture, caused damage to the amount of about $150 at the home of Mrs. Al Davis, 448 South Washington Street, about 8 o’clock last night. The fire had a good start before it was discovered and the fire department called, and although the bedding made good tinder and shot forth considerable flames and smoke, Chief Miller said this morning that he did not believe the loss to the house and contents would exceed $150. About five o’clock yesterday afternoon the fire department was called to the library on Huron Street where an oil stove was shooting forth flames and threatened the building. The blaze was extinguished, however, without any loss.

Mystery shrouds death of Vincent Cross At about 4:30 of the morning of July 4, 1900, Henry Minor, the baggageman for the Michigan Central Railroad at Ypsilanti, and section foreman John Gunn, were walking along the tracks south of the depot. The two were behind the Ferrie shops, where the co-op is now, when they came across the dead body. There was no doubt that this man was dead. “His face and in face the whole front part of his head was gone, the left arm was broken and there were other bruises upon the body. Pieces of the skull and brains were scattered along the track,” reported The Washtenaw Times of Friday, July 6, 1900. “It was who the unfortunate young man was,” continued the account, “but he was finally completely identified by Felix Duffy, his cousin, by certain tattoo marks upon the body and upon his hands, as Gerald Vincent Cross.” Cross was about 21 years of age, and lived with his uncle, Thomas Duffy, on River Street. He was employed by the Michigan Central Railroad. “It is said that a peculiar circumstance about the finding of the body was that it was between the west bound tracks and about ten or fifteen feet west of the body was found a large pool of blood, “noted the account. “It is not clear how to explain this circumstance.” Cross was at a party behind Ferriers’ shop until about 11:00 p.m., but no one could later say when he left or which way he went.. no one admitting see him after 11:00 p.m. The inquest was held on Thursday, July 5, 1900, in the office of Justice Child. The jury returned the verdict: “We find the said Vincent Cross came to his death on the morning of July 4, 1900, at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Mich., in some manner unknown to us.” Some thought Cross had been murdered, and the body placed on the tracks as a way to hide the act. Still, after several days of investigation, no evidence to explain the manner of death was discovered. No one could explain the pool of blood distant from the body, and no expiation was ever put forward. In the end, all that is left is the mystery.

Superior Residents Have Narrow Escape

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, June 22, 1912.




Mr. and Mrs. John Van Buren of Superior Township had a narrow escape from serious injury Friday evening about six o’clock when the horses they were driving became frightened at the D. J & C car (interurban) and ran away.



They were driving on East Congress Street (Michigan Ave.), when they reached the power huse the horses became frightened at a passing car and started at a rapid gait down the street. They had gone but a short distance when the leather on the neck yoke broke allowing the tongue to slip through the yoke and the tugs to become unhooked. The light double buggy to which the two horses were harnessed ran onto their heels adding to the excitement and one of the horses began to kick.



Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Buren were thrown out. Mrs. Van Buren was dragged for a short distance under the buggy and was kicked by one of the horses but escaped in a miraculous manner with only a few severe bruises. Mr. Van Buren received only slight injuries. Both were taken into the home of Dan Dolby and a physician called. The only injury to the buggy was the broken dashboard and Mr. Van Buren so far recovered himself that he drove the horses home. This morning both went to Detroit.

$1,000 damage in Ypsilanti Blaze This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, June 9, 1932. Damage estimated at possibly $1,000 resulted Wednesday afternoon at 5 o’clock when fire destroyed a portion of the residence at 102 E. Michigan Ave., which is owned by Mrs. Genevieve Perrine, S. Huron St. The blaze, which is believed to have resulted from children playing in the house, which is vacant, burned a large portion of the rear of the dwelling and the roof. There were no furnishings in the house. Ypsilanti fire department played two water lines in the blaze to bring it under control and traffic on E. Michigan Ave., was halted temporarily. The loss is covered by insurance.

Old Ainsworth property sold This story was published by the Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, June 8, 1922. Wednesday one of the largest real state deals in the county was consummated by five Ann Arbor men, who call themselves the Ypsi-Ann Land Co. when they purchased the old Ainsworth property on the Washtenaw Avenue road, just west of Ypsilanti. This property consists of 200 acres and the price paid was approximately $100,000. It is said that 50 acres of this property will be sub-divided into lots and sold for resident property. Work will start at once and engineers and landscape architects will be employed to put the property up to the highest standard and make it an ideal place for homes. The men responsible for the deal are Bernard E. Harkins, Roscoe Bonisteel, William N. Benge, J. Carl Malcolm and Charles A. Sink. Te deeds were drawn by Attorneys Bonisteel, of Ann Arbor and Lee N. Brown, of Ypsilanti. The purchase was negotiated by Harkins & Son, of Ann Arbor, through William N. Benge. This is one of the prettiest pieces of property lying anywhere near Ypsilanti and with these men behind it, will become a fine addition for homes.

Fire Destroys Ackerman Barn This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, June 7, 1932 Fire Monday night destroyed the large barn and two years crops of alfalfa hay on the John Ackerman farm, five miles southwest of Ypsilanti near Stony Creek road. The building which was of substantial construction was about 50 by 30 feet in dimension. An old hen house, which was near it, was also destroyed but neighbors, by forming a bucket brigade, were able to save three other structures. The residence was not endangered. Cause of the blaze is not known as members of the Ackerman family were not at home when the fire started. There was no electric wiring in the barn. The building caught fire at about 8:45 and burned past midnight.

Frank Stowell loses control of auto, is instantly killed This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, May 4, 1912. A fatal accident, shocking in its suddenness, befell Frank E. Stowell, a well known citizen of Ypsilanti, at half past twelve o’clock today. He was returning from the creamery guiding his machine with one hand and carrying a pail of cream with the other, when he lost control of the car. A resident who saw the accident said the car was running at high speed, and that when it struck some sand on Spring Street, it turned turtle and pinned him down helplessly underneath. Men quickly rushed to the spot and drew away the heavy machine. He breathed two or three times, and then expired before a doctor arrived. At the time of the accident Alfred Davis and his brother Osias, who work in the Casler gardens, on Spring Street, were sitting in front of the barn, it being their noon-hour. They chanced to see Mr. Stowell from the time he left the creamery until the moment of the accident. The boys say that Mr. Stowell started from the creamery carrying a pail of cream or milk in his hands and also had with him a crock of butter. With the other hand he attempted to steer his machine, but was so encumbered with his pail that the car almost went off the embankment soon after he had crossed the bridge. The car was going so wild that the boys kept their eyes on it, and presently they saw the car had struck some sand and was turning turtle. They ran to the spot and with others who arrived lifted the car up, which had fallen on Mr. Stowell. The running board had struck him directly across the chest and had crushed it in. He was unconscious, breathed two or three times, and then passed away. Dr. Britton arrived soon after and carried him home in his car. Mr. Stowell’s car was only slightly broken. Mrs. Stowell is utterly prostrated with the shock and grief of her bereavement. Her husband had departed in happy spirits only ten minutes before he was brought home lifeless. Their two daughters, Mrs. Chas. Wilson, of Bowling Green, O., and Mrs. Bert Pierce of Lima, O., have been reached by long distance and are on their way home. Also his two sisters have been wired: Mrs. Dora Goddard of Mt. Upton, N. Y. and Mrs. Pettit of Fredonia, N. Y.

Clayton Deake dwelling burns, $10,000 damage This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, May 3, 1932. Fire, origin of which is undetermined, resulted in a loss of more than $10.000 this morning when it destroyed the modern farm home and practically all its contents as well as a small barn, belonging to Clayton Deake, former drain commissioner of Washtenaw County. The house is located on Packard Rd., three miles west of Ypsilanti. The blaze was not discovered until it had eaten its way through the southwest corner of the two story frame dwelling and then quickly engulfed the entire house, was uncontrollable. Volunteers succeeded in carrying to safety a few of the furnishings on the first floor, including the piano, but all contents on the second floor and basement burned. Forming a bucket brigade the volunteers were successful in keeping the flames from the two car garage, which was near the house and a chicken coop adjoining the garage, but a small barn 16 by 20 feet, directly in the line of the sparks carried by the wind, burned to the ground. Implements and machinery from the latter building were saved. The blaze was believed to have started at 10 o’clock only a short time after Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Deake had left for a business trip to Detroit. Early this afternoon relatives had been unsuccessful in locating the couple. Twenty years ago a large farm house standing on the same foundation, also burned to the ground and a large walnut tree standing near the structure, which was partly burned at that time, also caught on fire today. The loss is covered by insurance.

Residents urge drayman to get another horse This story was published by the Ypsilanti daily Press on Friday, May 3, 1912. During the last three months Ypsilanti people have been considerably concerned over the condition of one of the horses which Ruel F. Smith drives on his dray. This feeling has changed to indignation in some quarters since persistent appeals to Mr. Smith have fallen utterly to the ground. One of the horse’s forefeet is in such a state that he puts it very gingerly to the ground, steps on it, and drags it along until he takes another step. Mr. Smith has been deaf to complaints and expostulations it was represented to him that his one well horse could, if attached to the single dray, pull as much as at present both horses are able to draw, for the one well horse really does the work of both. Special leniency has been shown Mr. Smith because of the paralytic stroke which he suffered last winter, but he shows no disposition to take advantage of the proposals of help made to him. Humane Officer Springstead has told him of a single dray he can procure at a reasonable price. One of the bankers in the city has gone even further and offered to get the money subscribed to buy a new horse while some business men, who have employed Smith for forty years or so and feel an interest in his welfare, stand ready to subscribe to the purchase price of a good horse. Yet time has drifted on and the people along the street are treated to the continual spectacle of this poor creature hobbling along. In the three months this has gone on , the ribs of the horse have grown continually more apparent. He stumbles along about four steps behind his mate. The nerves of the people seeing him daily are rather on edge over the affair. According to some people who know Mr. Springstead, it seems now that the matter will probably be permitted to stand as it is until the appointment next week of a new humane officer or the reappointment of Springstead. The penalty for cruelty to animals is imprisonment in jail for not exceeding three months or by fine not exceeding one hundred dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment. It has been proposed that the bondsmen of Smith be looked up. Drayhorse gets a rest The Ypsilanti Daily Press reported the following on Saturday, May 4, 1012. Evidently Ruel Smith, the drayman, has not chosen to wait for official action to be tken in regard to his horse which has been driven on the streets of Ypsilanti this winter in an unfit condition, for it is reported that he has not driven the horse today. Until this winter Mr. Smith’s horses have always looked well cared for and equal to their work, and this recent occurrence has been the more inexplicable because of this fact.

Stock and barn burned in fire near Whittaker This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, May 2, 1932. Nine cows and three horses were burned a quantity of hay and grain was lost and a straw stack was destroyed when fire burned to the ground a large barn and damaged the silo badly on the farm owned by Mrs. Emily Riley, this city, four miles south of here, on the Whittaker Rd., at 11 o’clock Saturday evening. The large blaze, which illuminated the sky so that it was visible for miles and attracted a large crowd resulted in a loss estimated at more than $5,000 which is partially covered by insurance, all but the stock being insured. Origin of the fire, which was not discovered until it burst through the roof too late to save any of the stock housed in it, or its contents, has not been determined. It was discovered by a passing motorist. In attempting to save the stock, the tenant on the farm was driven by the barn by the flames and received burns on his hand. Following the fire, Special Deputy Sheriff James Sanderson of Augusta Township took into custody two men near the scene of the fire whom he believed might have been in the structure. They were lodged in the county jail and will be questioned today. The men are Joseph Ambroint, 54, 505 South Huron St., Ypsilanti, and Louis Boritinni, 35, same address. One of the men destroyed a jar of liquor which he had had on his person as he entered the gate at the county jail.

Fire destroys Augusta house

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, April 14, 1932.

Loss estimated at more than $5,000 resulted this morning at 7:30 when the residence of Henry Brooks in Augusta Township, two miles southwest of the Lincoln Consolidated School, was destroyed by fire.

The blaze, which is believed to have resulted from a defective chimney in the kitchen, was not discovered until it had gained rapid headway. Volunteers succeeded in carrying furnishings on the first floor to safety, but all contents on the second floor were burned.

The residence was a landmark of Augusta Township being erected nearly 100 years ago. The loss was covered by insurance.

Old landmark will go

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, April 13, 1912.

George Jackson of this city has bought and is demolishing the Swaine malt house on East Forest Avenue, proposing to build with the bricks two modern dwellings on the site. The front past of this structure was the old Peck school house, named after the Peck family who were among the earliest settlers of Ypsilanti. The Peck family has in its possession a grant signed by President John Quincy Adams and East Forest Avenue once bore the name of Peck Street.

Many residents seem to feel that this building should not be demolished without first securing a picture of it for the archives of the D. A. R.

Tries to take life

This story was published in the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, April 12, 1912.

Mrs. Washnobe, wife of Ira Washnobe, and an unsuccessful attempt at taking her life by jumping into the river near Webster Bros. lumber yard Thursday afternoon. The timely assistance of workmen nearby and the shallowness of the water, however, prevented any fatal results. She gives domestic and financial trouble as her reason for making the attempt. Chief of Police Gage was called and sent the woman home with her son. She declared she would be better off than alive and would try it again when she would make sure work of it.

Mrs. Washnobe and her husband occupy a small shanty near the pest house south of the city and their married life has not been a particularly happy one. They have five children and the husband had been out of work for some time until a short time ago.

Hangs himself in barn

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, April 10, 1912.

Frank Reese, who was arrested Saturday for an alleged statutory offense against the six year old daughter of William Guenthtr, hanged himself in Guenthtr barn, one mile north of Mooreville, at an early hour this morning.

Reese was 40 and single, had worked for Guenther for over a year and had been there since his arrest. He was out on bail and was to have had his examination before Judge Ford on Friday.

Ham, eggs lost in Kroger theft

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, April 7, 1934.

Ham and eggs featured a burglary in the Kroger Store, E. Cross St., early this morning when an intruder took the meat and broke a large number of eggs. Flour and suger may also have been taken, according to John J. Knapp, manager. The safe was not touched.

Entrance was gained by forcing the back door with a heavy instrument which may have been a sledge hammer. Chief of Police Ralph L. Southard and Sergt. Cyril Ray investigated. The door was demolished and an inside door was also forced open.

The eggs were broken by bottles being knocked over on the crates when the inside door was opened.

The burglars were apparently frightened away by the approach of William Ropak, Detroit driver of a Kroger truck. The men, the driver believed, left in a large sedan. State police are assisting in the search for the car.

James W. Sweet is attacked by bull and killed

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on April 6, 1922.

James W. Sweet, 68, residing on a farm in the southeastern section of Ypsilanti Township, and a brother of Mrs. D. L. Davis of Ypsilanti, was killed late yesterday afternoon when he was attacked by a bull, owned by a neighbor to whose farm he had gone on an errand. The bull had trampled the body breaking several bones.

Just when the tragedy occurred and how Mr. Sweet happened to go into the pen where the bull was kept is not known. According to members of the Sweet family, Mr. Sweet left home about three o’clock yesterday afternoon to go to the Horace Aray farm, located nearby. Mr. Aray owns a bull which he keeps in an inclosure near his barns, and it was in this pen that Mr. Sweet that Mr. Sweet’s body was found shortly after six o’clock last evening. He had not been seen by any members of the Aray family up to that time.

Friends, in discussing the untimely death, say they believe that upon reaching the Aray farm, Mr. Sweet went to the bull pen to look at the animal. Why he entered the pen is entirely speculative, but it is believed that soon after he entered the bull attacked him, knocked him to the ground and then trampled on his body.

Mr. Sweet was not missed until about five o’clock when he failed to return to his home for supper. A search was instigated and resulted in discovery of the tragedy. The body was brought to Ypsilanti.

Mr. Sweet was a prominent resident of his community and had many friends here. Funeral services are to be held from the family home at one o’clock Saturday morning and burial will be in Udell Cemetery.

James Wardle takes own life here this A. M.

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, April 5, 1922.

Despondency brought on by several days’ illness is believed to have caused James Wardle, 70, to take his own life by hanging in a barn at the rear of his son’s home, 126 North Huron Street, early this morning. The body was found hanging from rafter in the basement of the barn about 8:30 today by William Boutell, rural mail carrier who had gone to get his horse which he keeps there. He notified police.

By strange co-incidence this is the same barn in which Harrison Fairchild, well known Ypsilanti man, ended his life by hanging a little over four years ago.

Mr. Wardle, who for many years lived in the vicinity of Oakville, was well known in Ypsilanti, and for some time past had made his home in rooms in the Post block at 17 North Huron Street. He was the father of Waldo Wardle, well known rural mail carrier.

According to the son, Mr. Wardle had not been feeling well for a week or ten days, although he had not been confined to bed. He had complained little and had never made a threat of taking his own life. Mr. Wardle said to stopped at his father’s rooms about seven o’clock this morning, while he was enroute to work, and that his father appeared to be in god sprits and feeling somewhat improved.

Less than tow hours later when Boutell entered the Wardle barn, he found the aged man hanging from a rafter.

A coroner’s inquest was deemed unnecessary.

Besides his wife, four children survive. Waldo of Ypsilanti; Roy , Minneapolis, Minn,; Jay, North Yahoma, Wash,; Mrs. Belle Hasley, Maybee.

No arrangements for the funeral have yet been made.

Ask protection against roller skate practice

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Friday, April 5, 1912.

Now that the weather is warmer so practice of roller skating on the sidewalks is being taken up extensively again by children, in the daytime and older people, in the evening, complaints are being received by the officers against the practice which in many cases violates city ordinances.

No skating should be allowed according to an ordinance in the business section and there should be no coasting on skates. Pedestrians complain that they are endangered by skaters coasting down the hill on Cross, Congress and Pearl streets and ask that this custom should be stopped.

Notice has been issued by local officers warning skaters to comply with the restrictions, and threatening prosecutions for future violations.

A follow up to this story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, April 8, 1912.

Run down by young skater

Mrs. Frank Austin was the victim Saturday of a roller skate fiend while she was out for a walk. She is recovering from a long illness and her condition made her unable to guard against a bad bump that she received.

The accident seemed due entirely to recklessness and although the skater who was a young man, failed to show enough courtesy to stop after Mrs. Austin had fallen, evidently believing he would escape recognition, his identity will probably be revealed easily enough when Mrs. Austin has determined what course she wishes to pursue in way of preventing another such accident.

The a matter has been reported to Chief Gage and he is accordingly issuing more notices today, warning skaters to keep off from the walks in the business district and also calling attention to the civil ordinance forbidding coasting in the city.

Fire stars from chimney

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Thursday, April 4, 1912.

A spark from the chimney caused a fire which damaged the residence of Mrs. Ann Stewart at 611 Ellis Street (Washtenaw) to the amount of $400 this morning at 9 o’clock.

The first intimation that Mrs. Stewart had that her house was on fire was when the neighbors noticed the blaze on the roof and came and told her. A large hole was burned in the roof near the chimney and down into the attic before the flames were checked. The arrival of the fire department with their chemicals soon had the fire under control and prevented further damage. Considerable damage, however, was caused by the water which ran through from the roof into the rooms below.

Babe in a basket left on porch of the Quarton Home

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, March 5, 1912.

A bright healthy two week old baby girl was discovered on the porch of the residence of Mr. and Mrs. John Quarton, 522 Chicago Avenue, (now Michigan Avenue) Saturday night about nine o’clock. It was neatly packed in a small basket which contained the following note: “Take this little one, treat her kindly, and give her a good home and God will surely reward you. She is two weeks old and is of the best parentage.”

The first intimation the family had of the child’s presence was on going to the door after hearing a slight noise they discovered a basket which they first though was groceries or perhaps some laundry which had been brought there by mistake. Then they discovered the baby. The child had a gold chain around her neck and wore an outing flannel slip and was warmly wrapped in blankets. Two bottles of milk for nourishment were also in the basket. She has dark blue eyes, dark hair and fine features.

Whether or not the child will be adopted has not been definitely decided but she has already endeared herself to the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Quarton and their little daughter and will probably remain where she is.

In case the child is not adopted by the family the affair will be reported to Probate Judge Leland and an investigation will be made by County Agent Childs.

Mrs. Hull hurt when struck by car in accident

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, February 2, 1932.

Mrs. Anna L. Hull, 402 W. Michigan Ave., was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon when she was struck by a car operated by Mrs. Myrtle Rapp, 107 Wallace Blvd. The accident occurred at the intersection of Ferris and Washington Sts., when a truck driven by Elijah Williams, 546 Harris St., struck the rear of Mrs. Rapp’s car, according to police report. The machine was forced onto the sidewalk where Mrs. Hull was walking.

Mr. Williams was driving south on Washington St. and Mrs. Rapp was going west on Ferris St.

Mrs. Hull was taken to her home where it was ascertained that she has fractures of three ribs on the left side, both collar bones and both shoulder blades and a small fracture of the left knee. She is also suffering from bruises and shock.

Front of the truck, which is owned by the Frank O. Jackson Coal Company, and the rear of Mrs. Rapp’s car were damaged.

Damage was slight in one other accident reported to police Thursday.

Carl H. Mebl, R. F. D. 4 driving east on Forest Ave., collided with a car operated north on bower St. by Mrs. H. A. Wells, 949 Washtenaw Ave.

Farm house is destroyed

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, February 2, 1912.

The house on the farm known as the Tracy farm two miles west of Ypsilanti, together with its contents, was entirely destroyed by fire at 4:30 o’clock this morning. It was partially insured.

C. Deake, who now occupies the place, arose as usual this morning and built a fire in the kitchen stove and went to the barn to milk. He had been gone about ten minutes when there was an explosion. Returning he found the kitchen in flames and the house filled with gas. An alarm was sent out among the neighbors who quickly responded and started a bucket brigade. The flames had gained such headway that their efforts were directed toward saving the barns and other buildings. The wind, however, was in the opposite direction from the barns or they would undoubtedly have burned also.

Portrait sent to Washington

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, February 1, 1922.

The painting of George Washington which hung in the office of President Charles McKenny at the Normal College for more than a year, has been packed and sent to Washington D. C., to be part of an exhibit shown there during the bi-centennial celebrations for observance of the birt of the first President, the “Father of his Country.”

Miss Grace Fuller, resident of Ypsilanti during the years she was head of the domestic science department of the Normal, and later, its first dean of women, is the owner of the picture which has been identified as the work of Thomas Sully, 1783-1872, portrait painter of the early American school. It is believed to be a copy of one of the portraits by Gilbert Stuart, 1755-1828, who had seen and known Washington, and whose paintings of him are the most famous of both artist and sitter.

The picture was given to Miss Fuller by the Allens of Chicago in whose family it had been a heritage from an old and prominent Southern family. Miss Fuller is now with relatives of the Allen family, living in a suburb of Chicago.

Children go to school but find house is burned

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, February 1, 1912.

The children of the Fowler school in Superior Township are having a vacation. This morning at five o’clock it was discovered with amazement that the old schoolhouse had totally burned down. Some people who passed by at one o’clock this morning testify that then the building was standing, which seems to preclude the theory that the fire was caused by wood being left in the stove, else it must naturally have burned up sooner. The idea is advanced that tramps may have entered and slept there and carelessly or otherwise have set fire to the structure.

A meeting of the board of the district will be held this evening at George Gill jr.’s and some sort of arrangement decided upon for taking care of the pupils until the school shall be rebuilt. Miss Belle Freeman, the teacher, will have to be paid of course: else the plan might be adopted of carrying the pupils into Ypsilanti each day, the expense of so doing being borne by the district. There are only between twenty and thirty pupils belonging now.

The membership has declined since 1860 when the Fowler school was built, and the late J. N. Wallace installed as its first teacher. It was after finishing his term here that Captain Wallace enlisted in the war. During his first term there were forty-five pupils in the school.

Tenant house on Gorfredson farm burns to ground

This story was published by the Daily Ypsilanti Press on Friday, January 13, 1922.

Fire at the Gotfredson farm No. 4, whish is located northeast of Ypsilanti on what is known as the John Riggs farm, Thursday noon destroyed the tenant house and practically all of the contents.

The fire was discovered just at noon. One of the men, leaving the house saw that the roof was ablaze and spread the alarm, but in spite of all efforts, the entire house was destroyed, although part of the furniture on the first floor was saved.


Whether or not the farm house will be replaced is not known, Lewis Jones, the manager, states that Mr. Gotfredson in in California, and that he is the only one with authority to order any rebuilding. It is understood that the place was insured, but Mr. Lewis did not known whether or not the insurance completely covered the loss.

School fire gives pupils vacation day

This story was published by the Daily Ypsilanti Press on Friday, January 13, 1922.

Fire starting in bales of waste paper in the basement of the old building necessitated dismissal of pupils in the central school this morning. Smoke was noticed in various rooms as it followed the ventilators from the basement, but little attention was given it till it became so thick that investigation was made and it was discovered that fire had gained considerable headway. Alarm was sounded and in excellent order the pupils marched out, the larger ones by the fire escapes, emptying the entire building in less than three minutes.

Firemen responded promptly and the blaze was soon under control. There was practically no damage, except from smoke, fire being confined entirely to one store room in the basement. The second grade, taught by Miss Milks, is immediately over the room where the paper was stored, and it was necessary to tear off a base board on each side of the room to make sure that there was no fire smoldering in the partitions. There was practically no other damage, excepting loss of waste paper.

Just how the fire started in unknown. There are various theories, such as spontaneous combustion, or someone dropping a cigarette, or that a match might have been swept up with some of the paper, but no one can be quit sure just what the cause really was.

This is not the first fire that has started in the basement, but on the previous occasion the blaze was discovered before it had gained much headway, and was extinguished with chemicals in the building.

Chief Miller of the fire department is to be commended for the quiet manner in which he responded to the alarm. Being only across the road there was no need for the siren, and it was not used. Chemicals and a line of hose were quickly pressed into service, and there was no unnecessary commotion. News of the fire, however, spread as rapidly as the flames died out, and within a half hour there were a number of breathless parents on the scene to make sure that their little ones were safely out of the building, and to help them check up on their belongings, but there was nothing else for them to do, and the confusion that the siren might have caused was avoided.

School will resume as usual Monday.

Fire destroys Hawkes’ home

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Thursday, January 12, 1922.

The home of Sheridan Hawkes, 502 Mause Avenue, was totally destroyed by fire early this afternoon. It is thought that the fire was caused by a defective chimney. The blaze started on the second floor and rapidly spread until it enveloped the entire house.

Mrs. Hawkes states that she put in a call for the fire department at about 11 o’clock. Through some misunderstanding, the fire department went west instead of east, and failing to find the fire, called back from Rowina.

The telephone operator was able to give them the exact location of the fire again, and the department at once rushed to the scene, but it was too late to save anything.

Besides all of the furniture and clothing, which was lost, Ira Wilson, who was rooming there, lost $700 in bonds and securities, which were in his truck.

Mr. and Mrs. Hawkes have four children at home, and the fire leaves the family in bad circumstances.