Thursday, June 13, 2013

Pugilist Lands in Court after Winning Fight

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Wednesday, June 13, 1923. Seeking satisfaction through pugilistic methods in not always satisfactory; at any rate, it landed Freemont Peterson in jail. This is the way it happened. Harry Hixon has a cleaning establishment on Huron Street and Freemont Peterson was one of his costumers, his name is no longer on the books. According to the story told the judge, Peterson left a suit there to be cleaned, and in the cleaning process it was burned, or in some manner other way ruined. Several times Peterson declares, he endeavored to have the loss adjusted but without success, and last evening when he went to the hixon place, he intended to get satisfaction if possible. Peterson declares that what he really received at the hands of Hixon was not at all satisfactory. In act, he charges that Hixon hit him in the jaw. In the fight that followed, it seems that Peterson proved to be the best man. Hixon’s father was summoned before the fight ended, and when he endeavored to interfere Peterson’s son objected and a second round, by two different members of the same two families was staged, in which the Petersons were again triumphant. But here the law stepped in. Freemont Peterson was escorted to the city jail where he spent the night, and this morning Harry Hixon signed a complaint against him charging assault and battery. The law acted quickly, Peterson being arraigned during the forenoon. He pleaded not guilty, on the grounds that Hixon struck the first blow and trail will take place tomorrow morning. So far no suit has resulted from the second bout. (The jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.)

Thursday, June 6, 2013

River Banks Not To Be Used AS City’s Dumping Grounds

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Tuesday, June 5, 1923. Dumping of rubbish in vacant lots in the city is not to be conuntenanced by the city any longer. With the Centennial nearing, it is felt the more imperative that the city be cleaned up and at the meeting of the city council last evening it was voted that the dumping of rubbish along the river banks should be prohibited henceforth. Not only are the river banks barred as a dumping ground, but all city property is included in the general order, and the street commissioner is authorized to post notices to this effect. The using of vacant property, especially the river banks, as a dumping grounds, was felt to be disgraceful to the city. As Alderman Ableson expressed it, “If the old Indians who used to live here could see what we’ve done to the river banks, they’d scalp the whole bunch of us.” In addition to the action on the part of the city, a communication from residents of North River and Norris Streets, protesting the dumping of rubbish on vacant lots in that vicinity, was favorably considered. The communication was referred to the aldermen of the ward, with instructions to investigate and report back to the council. The city is not without a dumping grounds. The Norris Street pit can be used for the dumping of all rubbish, as the pit should be filled up anyway, Alderman Beck announced.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Arrest Burglar Entering Davis Store at Depot

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Monday, June 4, 1923. Steve Michaels is in the city jail today facing a charge of attempted burglary following his arrest Sunday night by Officers Lawrence, Vay and Morey. Two companions escaped. About 10:30 Sunday night residents in the vicinity of Cross and River Streets saw three men prowling around back of the D. L. Davis store and notified police. The officers were dispatched and caught Michaels in the garage back of the store. The two men who were with him made good their escape when they saw the officers coming. Michaels had with him a revolver, two sledge hammers, the heads of which were covered with tape to prevent any sound, a jimmy, gloves and a flash light. Police confiscated his tools. Michaels had entered the garage through a window. The garage is connected with the store, and he was about to force entry into the store when captured. Michaels and his two companions, one of whom is known to police, have been in town only a short time. Saturday they worked for the Scovill Lumber Company at odd jobs about the yards, and were seen about town Sunday. They did not have a car. Michaels, who is about 25 years old, and a Pole, has so far refused to give any information as to where he comes from or who his companions were. He will be arraigned before Justice Stadtmiller some time this afternoon.