Ypsihistor

Mrs. Hull hurt when struck by car in accident

2012-02-01T06:28:00.001-08:00

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

2012-02-01T06:26:00.002-08:00

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

2012-02-01T06:26:00.001-08:00

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

2012-02-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-13T11:32:00.001-08:00

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

2012-01-13T11:31:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Fire trap found in Mills’ barn

2011-12-15T11:20:00.002-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, December 14, 1931.

Deputy State Fire Marshall Peter B. Karns and officers of the sheriffs’ department are today conducting an investigation into the attempted burning of a large barn on the farm occupied by Frank Mills, two and one-half miles north of Ypsilanti.

Mr. Mills discovered the “fire box”, the work of a professional, Sunday morning at 7 o’clock while securing feed for the stock. At that time the candle which had been ignited so in time it would burn to oil-soaked contents, was out.

The fire trap, an ordinary square box, cleverly arranged for starting a blaze, was packed with excelsior and manufactured kindling. The contents were soaked with oil and four pieces of pitch were placed in the box. The candle was placed so that it would burn to the contents and give the person lighting it, ample time to escape,. Although given proper ventilation the flame on the candle had gone out.

Mr. Mills is certain the “fire box” was planted in the hay mow Saturday evening as each morning he secures feed there, and it was placed in such a spot that he could not have escaped noticing it, had it been there Saturday morning.

Investigators are of the belief that it was a “fire bug”, who makes practices of such acts, as Mr. Mills stated he has had no trouble recently.

United Stove Company planning new building

2011-12-15T11:20:00.001-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, December 12, 1936.

A new factory building costing $42,000 which will be erected by the United Stove Co. at the rear of its plant on Huron St. is the third addition to be built by the company this year. This brings a total of almost $100,000 spent by United Stove on new buildings here during the past six months.

The application granted Friday by the city specifies a building 29,000 feet square, to be located along the Lowell ST. line south of the Michigan Central Railroad tracks. The foundation wall will be of concrete, and the flooring of concrete and wood. Brick construction will be semi-fireproof.

Two other building permits were also signed by Fred Older, city engineer, Friday. One is for a two story building to be erected on Block No. 31, Grant St. by Ray L. Leever. A. B. Curtis was also granted a permit to build a 1 half story house at 905 Pleasant Drive in Woods subdivision.

One in custody following raid

2011-12-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Daily Ypsilanti Press on Saturday, December 12, 1931.

Harold Lucas, 612 Monroe St., is in custody as result of a raid conducted by local police shortly after midnight.

Officers were delayed in entering the building by a system of locks and chains on the front door but broke down the back entrance.

In the meantime, their report states, three gallons of moonshine had been poured down the soil pipe of the kitchen sink. A search of the building revealed a half pint concealed in the table drawer.

Five other persons in the building at the time were released. They were Minor Foley, 303 Harriet St., Sherman Morgan, same address, Arthur Starks, 309 Catherine St., Joseph Reed who is staying at the Byron Tanner residence on Hawkins St., and Carrie Palmer, 325 Watling Blvd.

Agatha Bingham, sister of Lucas, was informed of the raid by officers so that she could watch the house which was left open when officers broke the door.

Girl ‘policeman’ gets both men

2011-12-05T06:35:00.001-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, December 8, 1936.

When times comes for a police woman to be added to the law enforcement organization of Ypsilanti, Miss Audrey Riggs may be offered the position. She proved her mettle as an efficient worker Monday afternoon when she brought two offending motorists into court.

According to her story to the judge, Miss Riggs, with her mother, Mrs. Mabel Bryant, who resides at 501 N. Washington ST., was returning from Detroit Monday afternoon when they saw a car approaching along a more of less winding trail. She tried to avoid an accident, but failed. Owning to her caution the collision was not serious, but in her judgment the condition of the offending driver was. She decided to do something about it and summarily ordered him out of the driver’s seat while she took the wheel of his car and drove him and a companion to Ypsilanti for an accounting.

The driver was Lester C. Darling, 723 McKiney Ave, Ann Arbor, and his companion was Oscar Weinman, 104 Hill St., also Ann Arbor.

At the station of the state police she stopped and reported her mission. Officers conducted the case from that point and placed the two gentlemen in the city jail for a night of relaxation.

This morning they were arraigned before Justice Arthur M. Vandersall. To Mr. Weinman he read the sentence, “10 fine or 10 days in the county jail,” and to Mr. Darling he imparted the information that his bad driving would cost him $50 and that failure to pay would call for 60 days of enforced retirement, the charge being operation of an automobile while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. And as a matter of further protection to other motorists, the judge ordered Mr. Darling’s license revoked for one year.

Court evidence revealed that Darling was already on probation for a previous traffic offense.

Mrs. Durham killed by M. C. Train

2011-12-05T06:33:00.002-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, December 6, 1911.

Mrs. Frank Durham of 226 Prospect Street was struck by an eastbound M.C.R.R. freight train this morning at 9 o’clock and instantly killed. She was attempting to cross the tracks at Grove Street when the gate keeper, it is claimed, warned her to wait for an eastbound train that was approaching. She did not heed the warning, however, and went in front of the closed gates. The train which was going almost at full speed threw her fully 30 feet, breaking nearly every bone in her body. The body was taken to the M.C. baggage room and Coroner Burchfield summoned. An inquest, however, was considered unnecessary.

Just who she did not heed the gate man’s warning is not known but it is thought, that she was under the impression that she could cross before the second train pulled in. Mr. Durham is working in Detroit and she had left her two small children at home with her husband’s brother and was hurrying home that he might take the next train for Detroit.

Packers outlet store to open

2011-12-05T06:33:00.001-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, December 1, 1936.

Announcement is made today of the opening of a complete food market at 27-29 E. Michigan Ave., by Packers Outlet. The new store carrying all food products and operating on a self-serve basis will open Wednesday.

Groceries, meats, dairy products, fruits and vegetables are included in the stock. The Packers Outlet are owned by a Michigan wholesale grocery firm and are located in Detroit, Redford, Royal Oak, Pontiac and Ann Arbor. There are nine stores in Detroit and one in each of the other cities.

Guy Primeau, Pontiac, has been selected to manage the Ypsilanti store. He established the first self-serve store in Michigan and has been identified with this style of merchandising for many years.

This store will employ many local people.

Firemen prevent explosion of oil

2011-11-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, November 28, 1931.

Chief Alonzo Miller, John Hadley and Gerald Kelly of the fire department prevented a major conflagration in the business district this morning when they risked their lives to prevent flames from reaching two 100-gallon oil tanks in the basement of the Grinnell store, 210 W. Michigan Ave.

The fire, which is believed to have started from defective wiring, was confined to the radio department in the basement but did damage estimated at $2,000 before it was brought under control. Every piece of equipment was summoned from the fire barns.

Mr. Miller, Mr. Hadley and Mr. Kelly were the first to enter the room in which the flames were creeping toward the oil, and stationed themselfes between it and the fire. Other members of the darpment followed and bent their efforts toward keeping the flames away from the bid, stationary storage tanks.

A number of radios were burned and several machines in the repair department were damaged. Smoke and water were also responsible for considerable loss.

Mrs. Carrie Chadwick, manager of the store, discovered the flames.

Another mysterious fire

2011-10-31T06:45:00.001-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, October 31, 1911.

Fire broke out in the residence of Peter Stetson at 413 Monroe avenue Monday night about 8:45. The fire department was called and by their prompt action the flames were confined to the rear of the house where the fire started. There was no one in the house at the time and the origin is unknown. The house was owned by Charles Thompson.

Someone threw a match on Western Union awning

2011-10-31T06:44:00.001-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, October 30, 1911.

A small blaze in front of the Western Union Telegraph office caused considerable excitement in the business section Saturday evening about 7:30. The quick work on the part of the fire department, however, prevented any serious consequences.

Just how the fire originated is not definitely known but it is thought that some one passing by tossed a lighted match or a cigarette stub in the awning which immediately set fire to the front of the store. The chemicals used by the fire department together with the prompt assistance of those near by prevented the flames from spreading beyond the awning and scorching the paint on the front of the woodwork of the store.

Charles Richards killed in freak wind accident

2011-10-31T06:43:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, October 30, 1936.

Charles Richards, 48, Platt, employee of the Washtenaw County Road Commission, was fatally injured about 5 o’clock Thursday night, when he was blown or dragged from one of the county trucks as the men were returning form work. The accident occurred on Ellsworth Road just off US-23.

The strong wind apparently tore the canvas covering from the back of the truck in which Richards was riding alone at the time, said Kenneth L. Hallenbeck, county commissioner, and the covering either caught Richards, or he tried to hold it from blowing off and was dragged from the truck.

Mr. Richards was rushed to Beyer Hospital in Ypsilanti but was dead upon admittance, Charles St. Clair, 436 Second St., Ann Arbor, driver of the truck, said he saw the covering being whipped from the truck and stopped, but not soon enough to prevent the accident. The body was removed to the Muehllig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor.

Mr. Richards is survived by his wife, and three children, all grown up. He was not a member of the company local benefit insurance plan, but the members are meeting today to consider his case.

Fire destroys Johnson barn

2011-10-18T08:27:00.001-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, October 19, 1931.

Three fires in Ypsilanti over the week end caused damage amounting to more than $1,300 with the largest loss being the burning of the barn owned by Mrs. Adele Johnson, 507 Holmes Rd., Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

Ypsilanti fire department in answering the call was delayed by a freight train and when they reached the address it was too late to save the old building, which had stood for more than 50 years. The entire framework except the north and east sides burned to the ground and tools and stored articles in the barn were also burned.

Origin of the fire is not known to Fire Chief Alonzo Miller.

Fire department was also called to the rooming house above 201 West Michigan Ave., Sunday morning at 11 o’clock when an over-stuffed chair caught fire. The blaze was restricted to the chair and damage was slight. It is believed a cigarette was the cause.

The third fire came this morning at 9 o’clock when a defective chimney started a blaze in the home of R. R. Edmonds, 520 Harriet Street. Damage was confined to near the chimney.

Baby opossum on Downtown street defies populace

2011-10-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, October 17, 1936.

Some hunters may have to use a gun and tramp miles through field and wood for their game, but Gordon Teal, 922 Davis Street, merely walks on to East Michigan Ave., downtown and picks up a live baby opossum from the sidewalk.

The ‘possum crouched on the walk at 6 East Michigan Ave., and glared at storeowners this morning when they came to open for the day. No one knew quite what to do with the stubborn little beastie. It has been so long since wild animals’ roamed Ypsilanti streets tha the courageous pioneering spirit of the local natives had died away.

Then along came Mr. Teal, who is practically an authority on what to do with Ypsilanti opossum, for he picked one up a year ago near his home and kept it for several months as a pet. He grabbed Brer ‘Possum by the tail and popped him into a big sugar pail gotten from a nearby restaurant.

Now the opossum is being cared for in the Normal College science building, where he was taken by John Grinage, Jr., 550 Harriet Street.

Wife alarmed as husband leaves, plans unknown

2011-10-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, October 16, 1931.

The family of A. F. McDougall, 121 North Normal Street, are concerned to day for his safety, but expect his safe return soon, following his strange disappearance about 2 o’clock this morning.

Mr. McDougall had been worried financially, it is understood. He was heard leaving the house about 2 o’clock by one of the student roomers who thought little of it, and did not disturb Mrs. McDougall. About an hour later when their small son wakened her, she discovered that he was gone.

Mr. McDougall left only one note; it was a message of instructions to his broker.

Alarmed when she found the note and realized that Mr. McDougall had left with no word to her, Mrs. McDougall called the police. Search was immediately started. Officers even included the river bank and all trains and busses leaving the city, but found no trace of him.

Mr. McDougall took no clothing and left the family car. So far as his wife knows, he had very little money.

Officers doubt that he took his own life, or intends not to return. It is believed his worries made him feel it would be better to leave the city quietly for a short time, and be alone until he could settle upon the best course of action.

17 year old son gets drunk

2011-10-12T08:42:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Record on Wednesday, October 12, 1921.

Last Friday before Justice Stadtmiller a father brought his 17 year old son, stating that his son had left home the previous night sober and came home under the influence of liquor; that his son refused to tell where he got the liquor. Before Justice Stadtmiller the boy admitted the truth of the charge and said he got the whisky, a quart, in Belleville. He said that he could point out the house but did not know the party’s name that sold him the whisky.

The father took the boy to Belleville with the intention of getting out a search warrant and also arresting the offender. Belleville being in Wayne County, the arrest and warrant would have to be made in that county.

Thieves rob restaurant of Charles Pullen

2011-10-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the Daily Ypsilanti Press on Tuesday, October 11, 1921.

Charles R. Pullen’s restaurant was robbed early this morning of $20, the theft occurring between 2:30 and 4 o’clock. The thieves gained entrance by breaking the glass in the front door just below the lock, reaching in and unlocking the door and then opening the cash drawer.

When the night watchman left at 2:30 he noticed two men in a car who followed him several blocks, and he thought they going to ask him to ride. However, they soon turned in another direction. At 4 o’clock in the morning the police found the broken glass and called Mr. Pullen up and telling him to come down and see if any thing was missing.

The glass was broken by a pop bottle, which ws discarded in the street. Pieces of glass were found at the other side of the lunch room when Mr. Pullen arrived. The drawer had been opened by someone who knew the combination, as the register was not broken.

The robbery is blamed to two strangers who appeared around town yesterday, apparently taking a look at things on North Washington Street. They went into Gilmore’s once, and into Hughes plumbing establishment three times, in both cases going to the rear of the store before anyone had a chance to ask what they wanted. They were also seen at the back of the stores, trying the doors once or twice. Practically everyone along the west side of that block noticed them, and it is thought that they were undoubtedly the ones who robbed Mr. Pullen. One of the men was tall, and wore a oravanet overcoat, the other was a shorter man without an overcoat.

This is the second time in two months that Mr. Pullen’s restaurant has been entered. The first time entrance was gained through the rear.

Antiques taken from Panek shop

2011-10-08T08:38:00.002-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, October 9, 1931.

The fifth robbery of outlaying business places in Ypsilanti since Sept. 6 occurred between midnight and 8 o’clock this morning when articles valued at $100 were stolen from the Frank Panek Upholstering Shop, 128 Towner St.

The loss was discovered this morning when Mr. Panek went to open the shop which is situated on the rear of his lot on Towner ST. Neighbors on Arnett St.., down which the robbers evidently carried the stolen articles to a waiting automobile stated to Chief of Police Ralph L. Southard this morning that they had remained up until midnight and heard no noise.

Among articles taken were a roll of imitation leather upholstering, approximately four yards of mohair upholstering, an antique small center table and another antique chest, both of which were being refinished and several tools, including saws, hammers, bits and braces.

The robbers entered through an unlocked window and shoe tracks make it evident that they carried the goods across another lot to an automobile on Arnet St.

The only clue left by the robbers were the tracks, evidently of large men, an investigation by Chief Southard revealed.

The two pieces of furniture were antiques brought from Scotland.

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, October 8, 1911.

2011-10-08T08:38:00.001-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, October 8, 1936.

A $19,248 WPA project for cleaning and beautifying the Huron River through Ypsilanti is one step nearer, it was announced today.

The project had been signed by the President and passed through the comptroller general’s office in Washington, but before reaching Ypsilanti, must be sent through the state office in Lansing and the county office at Ann Arbor. The process will require approximately six weeks.

Work will consist of cleaning the river bottom, constructing rip rap walls along the bank, finishing the stone dams already started near the Michigan Ave. bridge, planting trees and shrubs along the banks, and grading the banks through Ypsilanti.

T. Fred Older, the city engineer, says that work on the project will be started as soon as he has been officially notified.

Elm and maple will be the chief trees planted and they will be placed near the water works.

Sixty eight men will be employed for a period of six months and work will be started on the stretch of land along the banks of the river, from Cross ST., to Michigan Ave.

Farmer sleeps while horses go for stroll

2011-10-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, October 8, 1911.

Sunday afternoon, as Mr. and Mrs. William Alexander were driving in their car along the Ann Arbor road, they passed a team of horses, one a black and one a gray, coming by themselves hitched to a farmer’s wagon. Later, about a quarter before eight in the evening, as they came into Ypsilanti, they found the same team standing by the standtower. They came down town after Marshal Gage and took him back to the spot. Closer examination revealed that the horses had been hitched there and that huddled in the bottom of the wagon was a man asleep. Efforts to rouse him failed, and Marshal Gage got in the wagon and drove the team to one of the livery stables. On the way, however, the man woke up and gave an account of himself.

He was a Polish farmer from Sumpter and had driven to Ann Arbor he said, with a load of potatoes to sell. What he had done in Ann Arbor which had so long delayed his starting for his Sumpter home he did not state, but, after feeding the team he started home with horses.

Storm hit hard near Ypsilanti

2011-09-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, September 27, 1911.

Considerable damage was done by the heavy rain and electrical storm which visited this vicinity between four and five o’clock this morning.

A barn containing between six and eight tons of hay on the Watson Barr farm at Stony Creek was struck by lightning and burned to the ground before sufficient help could be secured to quench the flames. There is a possibility that some of the cattle may have been killed as not all have been located since the storm. Some harness and farm tools were also destroyed.

A shed on the farm of Frank Begole, who resides about three miles west of the city on the Saline road, was struck at the same time and was burned. A hog pen near by was also struck and a peculiar feature of the affair was that he pen where the hogs were was strewn in splinters but not an animal was injured. The shed which was burned was filled with straw and it was only the prompt assistance of the kind neighbors and friends that saved the adjoining barns. Not only the men but the women joined in the bucket brigade and saved the other property.

Three Damsels Find Selves All Dressed Up, No Place To Go

2011-09-03T07:44:00.001-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, September 4, 1936.

All dressed up and no place to go was the sad plight of three young women locked in a beauty parlor on N. Washington St. Thursday evening

After giving Miss Florence Hess, Ann Arbor, and Miss Ruth Gander, 11 N. Hamilton St., hair treatments, Mrs. Sara Yedley, proprietor of the shop, left instructions with the third member of the party, Miss Ellen Rowden, 1436 N. Prospect St., to comb their hair out when it was dry. Having left minute instructions, Mrs. Yedley left at 7 o’clock, intending to return at 8 to make sure that the building was locked.

Another occupant of the building, Dr. Howard Meritt, also entertained a sense of social responsibility and carefully proceeded to lock the building thoroughly when he left a few minutes later.

At 7:30 when the trio was ready to leave, lo! There was no way of exit except through the second story window. After telephoning in a vain effort to locate business occupants of the building, they called the police, who obtained keys from Joseph Fortunato, owner.

As the rescued damsels rushed past the officers, one sighed remorsefully, “And I had a date!”

Jewelry theft discovered here

2011-09-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

The following story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, September 2, 1931.

Police have been asked to investigate the disappearance of jewelry valued at $1,035 from the home of Mrs. George W. Hand, 303 Hiawatha St.

Mrs. Hand told officers that the articles had been taken from the dresser drawer of a second floor bedroom sometime between Aug. 18, when she last noticed them, and Tuesday noon. She reported the loss of pearl beads valued at $150; a rhinestone bag worth $35 and a watch, with diamond and onyx border, which she values at $850. She also misses one set of bronze and one set of cut steel slipper buckles. All were insured.

The onyx section of the watch was broken and she had gone to get it to send to a relative, who is a jeweler, when she discovered her loss.

Since Aug 18, no signs of the house being ransacked or of a window or door being forced open have been noticed by members of the household, officers were told.

Mr. Hand, who is a salesman, is to return her Friday, and has not been informed of the loss. He and Mrs. Hand moved here from Chicago early this summer.

Equipped with all modern machinery

2011-03-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Wednesday, March 9, 1921.

Ypsilanti’s Farm Bureau elevator has taken form in an attractive two-story building with an 80-foot elevator all of reinforced concrete and equipped with the best and most modern machinery made for such institutions.

Already the warehouse is well stocked with seeds, fertilizer and flour and is receiving and caring for eggs assembled for the Washtenaw hatchery. A spur from the M.C. R.R. tracks is being built alongside the building and as soon as this is finished, which will be within two or three weeks, the association will begin shipping grain. Five carloads of wheat contracted for shipment await the completion of this spur, and it is anticipated that wheat shipments will keep the association busy once they are ready to handle them, as about 50 per cent of the wheat grown in Washtenaw county last year is still in the granaries.

Very soon too, the association will grinding feed—would be doing so now had the first grinding machine received proved satisfactory. The necessity of changing for a better machine has delayed this work.

Livestock shipments are being made by the association right along at the rate of about a carload each week. Several carloads of hay also have been shipped.

False teeth, glass eyes only articles not left in theater

2011-03-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, March 5, 1931.

Glenn Harris manager of the Wuerth hasn’t found any false teeth or glass eyes in the auditorium of his theater, but almost everything else has been lost there. He makes a practice of keeping mismated gloves, neck scarves and innumerable other things in the box office for a 30 day period and then takes them to the basement for an additional 60 days. He is planning to very that practice however, with number of articles which have been unclaimed since the Christmas holidays and is going to turn them over to Miss Inez Graves, social service worker.

He has a box of hundreds of articles, most of which may be of use. Included in it are $50 worth of scarfs, gloves of every description, mouth organs, rubbers umbrellas, pocket books, cards, new handkerchiefs, belts, buckles, pins, neckties, hats, caps, and even plumbers’ supplies.

Mr. Harris has noticed that pictures which are sad enough or funny enough to change the mood of the onlookers result in more lost articles than less emotional films. During the stress of the play the audience forgets almost anything. Men have been known to leave their pipes and women their diamonds.

A not infrequent occurrence is the breaking of beads caused possibly by an unconscious twisting of the strand. These trinkets have been found in large quantities. Some difficulty has been experienced in recovering the complete assortment as sometimes they are broken at the back of the auditorium and roll down to the front, some lodging behind the chairs.

A man living out of the city was sent a pocketbook which had been found with his name and address in it and was apparently grateful to the theater for its consideration as a short time ago he was in the city and again patronized the theater. This time he left a check book.

Peculiar letter mystifies police

2011-03-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, March 4, 1936.

Ypsilanti police today are puzzled over a letter addressed to ‘city trustees’, which contains no writing, but several figures, which may convey a message or merely be from a fanatic.

The letter was sent from San Francisco, Calif. and was dated Feb. 29, 11:30 p. m. It came ti the attention of Mrs. Mabel I. Stadtmiller, this morning, as the scrawled penciled writing of ‘trustees’ resembled ‘treasurere.’ Ypsilanti was spelled Y-P-S-A-L-A-N-T-I and apparently to ‘Miss,” instead of ‘Mich.’

There is not one word of writing in the contents, but it contained a short newspaper clipping of the sudden manner in which a clergyman died, a cartoon of a man reaching out for children, who are playing in the street, a top section of a woman with an apparent halo drawn in pencil above her head, and a cross or dagger also drawn below her left hand. From the elbow to the end of her hand it is drawn in pencil. There is also the head cut of a man, with the left arm drawn in pencil from the shoulder and the right hand clutching at the heart.

The only possible clue as to whom might be the sender is offered by three letters cut from newspaper headings and pasted on a heavy piece of paper. They are ‘U. S. F.’

In is not known whether the ‘letter’ had any connection with the slaying of Richard Streicher, Jr., whose body was found with 14 stab wounds under Cross St. bridge, one year ago next Saturday, but Chief Southard is studying it carefully in attempting to solve the ‘message or puzzle.’

Old Post House damaged today by fire in attic

2011-03-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, March 4, 1931.

Between $3,000 and $4,000 damage was done to the home of Mrs. Mary Tuthill, 207 N. Hamilton St. when fire broke out in the attic shortly before noon. The flames had gained considerable headway before they were noticed by a passerby and an alarm was given.

Two trucks from the fire department responded to the first call at 11:40 and later the third was summond. Firemen played three lines of hose on the flames for nearly an hour and a half.

The fire was confined to the central portion of the house and the front and back parts were not damaged except for water and smoke. No furniture was burned though some was wet and suffered some smoke damage. Flames penetrated below the attic level, creeping through the walls.

The building is one of the oldest in Ypsilanti, having been originally the John Van Cleve property. It was used as a hostelry for many years and now is a rooming house, the property of the Samuel Post estate.

Origin of the fire has not been determined

Deputy Cook arrests two rum runners

2011-03-02T06:19:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Wednesday, March 2, 1921.

Saturday morning two rum runners were chased six miles by Deputy Sheriff Cook of Saline before they were willing to surrender to the majesty of the law. Not until the deputy had shot the rear tires of their machine were they halted in their mad flight to get away. The two men gave their names as Wm. Parker and Richard Wallace of Detroit.

Wallace made two unsuccessful attempts to escape. The first attempt was made when he jumped from the car and ran, but was captured and taken to Saline. He made the second attempt while waiting for the car to take him to Ann Arbor. He sent a boy out to get him a clean collar, and asked to go into another room, where there was a glass, that he might see to put on the collar. When he did not return the deputy went into the room and found that Wallace had once again made his escape through a window. Deputy Sheriff Dick Elliott of Ypsilanti was notified and shortly after picked up Wallace as he was getting out of a machine he hired in Saline to take him to Ypsilanti, where he said his wife was dying in the hospital.

Officer closes bar in one-man raid near here

2011-02-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, February 24, 1931.

A one man raid of a residence near the Ypsilanti Armory, Monday night, is the opening gun in a campaign to keep Washtenaw county dry, Sheriff Jacob Andres stated this morning.

One of the deputies stepped into the residence Monday night to “look things over’ and decided to conduct the raid single handed. He found the residence, a stucco house contained a bar with beer on tap, and an assortment of whiskey and wine. The stock of gin, he was told, had been depleted. As he entered, the bar tender, Gordon Parrington, R F. D. 1 had just placed a whiskey serving on the counter and informed a customer, “That’s good”. “I’ll take it then,” the deputy said and proceeded with the raid.

Contrivance for the serving of beer, well iced, was made of a garbage can in which the ice was packed around a system of coils. A faucet had been attached to one side of the can and a pressure gauge, air compression chamber and rubber tubing completed the outfit. There was no brass rail the deputy says, but there was an iron one, a bar and even an old spittoon.

He made the bar tender and the door keeper, Francis Guyer, 23, R. F. D. 1, empty out the beer on the premises and carry the apparatus to the county jail. Both are held on charges of possession.

“I was so darned anxious to let you in!” the door tender regretfully remarked, indicating to the deputy the men expected there was to be active trade.

The house is an eight room building of recent construction.

Numerous complaints had been received of the place Sheriff Andres says.

During the last week an intensive campaign has been made in Wayne county to drive out bootleggers and they are trying to “muscle” into Washtenaw county, the sheriff explains.

Officers fork hay Sunday evening

2011-02-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record of Wednesday, February 23, 1921.
Mrs. Adeline Beilek and Harry Merritt were both bound over by Justice Stadtmiller on a statutory charge preferred by Henry Beilek, husband of Adeline.
Sunday night Beilek told officers that his wife was in the habit of going out nights and coming back home about 2 o’clock in the morning. “She smells like a horse,” he told officers, “and I believe she stays in a barn.”
Officers Connors, Elliott and Laidlaw Sunday night on a tip from the husband went to the barn of Merritt, on Water Street, and broke into it. They went up in the hay loft and looked and listened. They neither saw nor heard. Then they began to fork hay. Chief Connors says he forked a ton, while Deputy Sheriff Dick Elliott thinks he forked more than a ton. Laidlaw and Beilek also forked some.
The latter was extremely anxious to find the man and kept jabbing his fork down in the hay continually, thinking he would run it into the man. After the officers were exhausted they finally uncovered Mrs. Beilek and she was taken to the detention room at the city hall and locked up. Tuesday she made a voluntary confession, stating that she had been guilty of the crime charged. Bail was fixed at $500 each. Merritt furnished bail, his two brothers coming to the rescue. Mrs. Beilek was unable to get bail and was committed to the county jail to await trail

Troopers raid Deihl shack at Hospital site

2011-02-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, February 7, 1931.

State troopers Friday afternoon swung axes freely at Ypsilanti State Hospital when liquor was found at the Frank Deihl restaurant, a temporary shack near the dormitory. Two men , who were found in the building at the time, were taken into custody and a warrant was issued for the apprehension of Deihl. He had not been arrested this morning.

Stanley Ferguson and Joseph Priestas, state troopers, acting under orders from the state department where a complaint had been sent concerning conditions at the hospital site, conducted the raid which occurred between 2 and 3 o’clock. Deihl is accused of possession of three had a half pints of whiskey and three quarts of wine.

Anthony De Mico and David McIntosh, both giving the state hospital as their address, were arrested and taken before Justice Bert E. Fry. Both pleaded not guilty and demanded examination which was set for Feb. 13. Bonds of $100 were furnished by William Deihl. Disorderly charges were lodged against them.

The state officers broke windows of the restaurant, a temporary structure 50 by 25 feet long and wrecked furniture and equipment

Aged man jumps to escape blaze

2011-01-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, January 30, 1931.

Forced to jump from the roof of a coal shed 10 feet high, to escape threatening flames, F. C. Lewis, 88 years old, narrowly escaped serious injury this morning at 4:30 o’clock when fire destroyed his home at 116 Factory St. Damage is estimated by Mr. Lewis at $7,000.

Mr. Lewis, who lived alone in the large one story dwelling, had been frying lard on a coal stove when the lard ignited and flames shot high around the container. Mr. Lewis hurried to his bedroom for a blanket to smother the flames, but before he could return, the interior of the kitchen started burning.

Flames and smoke blocked escape through the kitchen. With smoke choking him in the bedroom he shoved out tow wooden blinds, which covered a window, and with the aid of a plank crawled from the first story window to the coal shed, a distance of five feet.

According to Mr. Lewis as he jumped from the roof, flames were rolling out of the bed room window. He was not hurt, but badly shaken up by the drop.

Ypsilanti fire department saved the house from burning to the ground although the rear section and roof is a charred mass. Combined flames, smoke and water ruined the interior.

Mr. Lewis states the loss is covered by insurance.

The fire department was also called to the home of Serene Casler, 208 Catherine St., at 3:30 Thursday afternoon to extinguish a small blaze which had started. Damage was slight.

Garage burns, one auto lost

2011-01-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, January 29, 1931.

Fire at 2 o’clock this morning, believed to have originated from defective automobile wiring, burned a large sedan, purchased one month ago, and destroyed a one car frame garage belonging to George Crippen, 417 W. Michigan Ave. Loss is estimated at $1,500.

Work of the Ypsilanti Fire Department saved the two story house which stands only 10 feet from the garage. Siding at the southwest corner burned and fire started in an upstairs room but was controlled. The west side of the house was scorched.

When the fire was first discovered by Donald Wallace, 511 W. Michigan Ave. the roof and interior of the garage were in flames. The fire department saved the garage from burning to the ground, but only after the roof and three sides were badly burned. Futile efforts were made to keep the machine from burning.

The loss is partially covered by insurance.

Mr. Crippen in carrying furniture from the house, Slipped on the ice and dislocated his left shoulder.

The fire department was also called to extinguish a chimney fire at 609 Emmet St., Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock. Damage was slight.

Police establish identity of man killed near city

2011-01-30T12:13:00.002-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti daily Press on Tuesday, January 28, 1936.

State police at 3 o’clock established identity of a Monday
night traffic victim as Fred Fuseek, 1115 Knapp St., Flint.

An unidentified and poorly dressed man was almost instantly killed at 9:30 Monday night on Ecorse Road one and a half miles east of Ypsilanti when he ran in front of a car driven by Joseph Jarzynka, Rockwood.

Mr. Jarzynka said that the man had hailed him for a ride and then ran in front of his car forcing him to pull to the left side of the road. He was unable to avoid the accident and could not understand why the man ran into the path of his machine.

The dead man suffered a badly broken right leg, a broken left wrist and a number of bruises on his body and one on his right temple. He wore a dark gray plaid mackinaw. He is about 45 years old, five feet six inches tall and weights about 155 pounds.

The body was taken to a local undertaking establishment and finger prints were made this morning by Sergeant Lyle Merse of the Michigan State Police.

Officers probing death of frozen Sumpter Farmer

2011-01-30T12:13:00.001-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, January 27, 1936.

Herbert Whittaker, 62 year old Sumpter Township farmer, was found frozen and covered with blood in the yard in front of his home on Harris Rd. at 8 o’clock this morning by a neighbor, John Demsky, who was the last to see him alive. The two had been to a beer garden Sunday night and had returned at about 1 o’clock this morning. Mr. Demsky observed while on his way to work this morning that there was no smoke coming from his neighbor’s chimney and on investigation found the body lying in the snow. He admitted that they had both drinking strong liquor during the previous evening.

The circumstances so far determined do not point to foul play, according to Corporal Frank Walker of the Ypsilanti State police and Wayne County Deputy Harry Agge, who are investigating the case. Two windows were found broken in the front of the house and two in the rear. A bench beneath the front windows was overturned a few feet from the frozen body. The key to the house was found in the snow. A bill fold containing a one dollar bill was found in the dead man’s clothing and there was no evidence that a struggle had taken place inside the house.

Corporal Walker thinks it possible that Mr. Whittaker lost his key and then attempted to get into his home through the windows, injuring himself in the process and then dying of exposure. The body has been taken to the Wayne County morgue and will be examined to determine the nature of the injuries.

Mr. Whittaker was unmarried and lived alone. He has a brother, Walter, 64, who lives on Bemus Road about a mile from his home.

The following was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, January 28, 1936.

Farmer’s death caused by cold

Herbert Whittaker, 62, Sumpter farmer, died of exposure, according to findings of Dr. R. Robert Kallman, Wayne County medical examiner. Mr. Whittaker was found dead in the yard of his home Monday.

Deep cuts on the face and arms, which at first caused Wayne County deputy sheriffs to believe he had been slain, evidently were received when he broke a window while trying to get into his house. He had spent the evening before in a beer parlor with a neighbor.

Flames damage two dwellings

2011-01-26T06:31:00.001-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, January 26, 1936.

Two fires on Maple St. Thursday evening, resulted in an estimated damage of more than $700 as parts of two dwellings were destroyed.

The greatest loss, approximately $500, occurred at 301 Maple St. at 7:30 when the flames ruined the interior and parts of the contents of the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Parks and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Clark, who reside there.

Ypsilanti fire department, who reached the burning buildings in three minutes after the alarm was given, battled for nearly two hours in the zero temperatures before the fire was controlled.

The flames started in a dugout under the house where Mr. Parks was thawing water pipes with a blow torch and spread rapidly throughout the house. Within a few minutes the blaze, following the partition from the first floor to the second, burned a hole in the roof. Because most of the fire was confined to the walls it was difficult for the firemen to check thoroughly.

Most of the contents on the first floor were saved by both families but several articles of clothing and other furnishings on the second floor burned. A dog, trapped on the second floor, died of suffocation.

Within a short time after the firemen returned to the station they were summoned to Maples St. again, this time to Mrs. John Frentner’s home at 405 Maple St.

Fire of undetermined origin starting in the coal bin caused damage of approximately $200 at the Frentner dwelling. Several holes were burned in the flooring but most of the fire was confined to the basement. Water and smoke damage added to the loss.

Families forced to flee flames in scanty attire

2011-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday January 22, 1936.

Four families were forced to flee to the stret in their night clothing at 3 o’clock this morning with the temperature hovering at 14 degrees when fire swept their home at 315 N. Prospect St. causing damage estimated at more than $500.

Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Maloney, who reside in an upstairs section of the house were shut off by intense smoke and flames, and were carried to safety from the porch roof of the building by Ypsilanti firemen. The other families, Mr. and Mrs. John Allen and child, and Mrs. Ivan Marshall and child, and Mr. and Mrs., Paul Jordan and two children fled to safety in their night garments after the fire was discovered. They were cared for by neighbors until the blaze had been brought under control.

The fire was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Allen. Flames had gained rapid headway from the basement where they originated, and the house was filled with smoke. Mr. and Mrs. Allen aroused the other occupants.

The blaze was confined to wall partitions but reached the second floor before they could be brought under control by the firemen after a long battle. The walls in the house were charred and there was heavy loss from water and smoke.

It is not determined how the blaze started but it was near the furnace where the most damage resulted, leading Chief Alonzo H. Miller to believe that defective furnace equipment started the fire.

The building is owned by Mrs. Jennie Hadley, Ypsilanti resident, who has been staying in Detroit with her daughter.

Second dairy barn on Palma Farm burned

2011-01-24T06:59:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, January 21, 1931.

Valuable dairy equipment and 150 tons of hay were lost when fire early this morning burned to the ground the modern dairy barn on the Ferdinand Palma farm, situated on the east side of Stony Creek Road, one half mile south of the city limits. Loss is estimated at $50,000.

No cause of the fire could be given this morning by Mr. Palma or Fire Chief Alonzo H. Miller, but the possibility of arson is being investigated. A second theory advanced was that the stored hay caused spontaneous combustion, but Mr. Palma states that hay will not cause combustion at this time of year.

Flames were leaping high from the roof and the entire top section was ablaze when the fire was first discovered at 1 a. m. by one to the employees of the Bella Vista farms, which Mr. Palma owns.

The fire at time of discovery had gained such headway that it was impossible to save the barn, and attention was given other adjacent buildings.

Work of the Ypsilanti Fire department, and the fact that the wind was blowing flames from other buildings kept the fire from spreading. Only a milk house attached to the burning barn was damaged.

The roof of the barn caved in first, soon after the alarm was sounded, and a few minutes later the sides gave way. Fifty steel stanchions, a platform scale and feed truck were a jumbled mass of steel after the flames had finished playing havoc with the buildings.

The barn, which was 134 x 38 feet, had recently been repainted and put in good condition in preparation for housing 50 dairy cattle. Previously it had been standing idle and empty.

The loss was only partially covered by insurance.

H. J. Rhodes is manager of the farm where the barn burned. A barn standing in approximately the same spot, burned six years ago, causing heavy loss.

Bold attempt to wreck car

2011-01-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

On the night of Friday, January 14, 1921, Roy Burrell saw a large Paige touring car on the east bound track of the Michigan Central Railroad, at the Wayne and Washtenaw county line. He notified Justice D. Z. Curtiss at Ypsilanti just after 10:00 p.m. Justice Curtiss in turn informed Constable William D. Schneff. He quickly formed a posse and hurried to the spot. There they found the car directly across the tracks, with the emergency brake on the in low.

“Just as they arrived the headlights of an approaching train was seen, but by quick work they succeeded in getting the car off the track just as the whizzed by,” reported The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Saturday, January 15, 1921.

“The car was taken off the track about one-half minute before the east bound passenger train, due here (Ypsilanti) at 10:55 p. m., whizzed by,” noted The Ypsilanti Record of Wednesday, January 21, 1921. “The officers are at a loss to know what motive prompted anyone to place the car on the tracks.”

“Nobody was in the vicinity of the crossing, and the fact that the emergency brake was set with the power being in low, makes Justice Curtiss opine that either somebody was after the car insurance or that an attempt was made to wreck a M. C. R. R. train,” reported The Daily Ypsilanti Press.

“Monday Elmer Harden of Belleville, appeared at police headquarters and stated the car was his and had been stolen from a garage in Belleville that same night it was found on the track,” concluded The Ypsilanti Record.

Fire, Explosion wreck Washington St. House

2011-01-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, January 15, 1931.

Fire Wednesday evening, 6:30, followed by an explosion which rocked houses in the immediate vicinity was heard nearly ten blocks away, completely wrecked the two story frame dwelling at 420 S. Washington St., owned by Joseph Richardson and injured one tenant.

The force of the explosion which was caused by carbon monoxide gas hurled Mrs. Jennie Murphy, 20 years old, from the front room of the house, through the front door opening and down the steps nearly 15 feet from the dwelling. Mrs. Murphy had started to leave when the fire was discovered and as she reached the front door the explosion occurred. She was severely stunned and received cuts and bruises about her body, caused by flying glass and the fall. She required the medical treatment of a physician but was not taken to hospital.

Fragments of glass of the window panes were strewn within a radius of 75 feet of the wrecked house and flying missiles broke a window in a house 80 feet away. Other pieces of glass were found on roofs ad window sills of adjoining buildings.

The entire southern portion of the roof of the house was blown to the ground. North and south sides of the house were bulged approximately six inches, and pictures, wall paper and plaster were broken loose from the inside of the building. When the roof was blown off parts of bedding and household articles wre also catapulted from the house.

Furniture in the house was overturned, rafters, beams and floors loosened.

There are three families and two boarders living in the home. Viola Wright and her two children, Isabella, 17, and Anne, 10, and Mr. and Mrs. Murphy lived downstairs. Mr. and Mrs. Austin Patterson, two small girls, Margaret, five, and a two-year-old girl and Archie Fielder a Mrs. Abrams lived upstairs.

At the time of the fire only Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Patterson and her two children and Isabella and Anne Wright were at home.

Mrs. Patterson and children wre taken from the roof above the porch after smoke had blocked escape down the stairs. They groped their way back through the smoke to an outside window and to the roof, as the explosion occurred.

The fire was discovered by Isabella in the kitchen, in an opening where there had been a stairway at one time. She said flames were licking the walls and were climbing rapidly up the opening to the upstairs.

Smoke filled all rooms of the house, and lack of ventilation caused the explosion. The fire department arrived just as the blast occurred: according to Fire Chief A. H. Miller, it probably could have been averted if windows and doors had been opened.

After battling the flames for nearly one0half hour the fire was brought under control.

Origin of the fire is undetermined according to Chief Miller, an investigation failing to reveal any method by which it could start. No charged wires or stoves are near the opening where Isabella first saw the flames. Mice nests were found after the fire and it is possible mice may have been responsible.

“In 18 years of service on the local fire department,” states Mr. Miller, “this is the first time I have ever witnessed a fire and explosion of this character.”

Mr. Miller explains the gas which formed, and caused the explosion. “The first thing a fireman does in answering a call is to see that air circulates throughout the house, as there is gas formed in the black smoke of a flame which is highly explosive and as soon as a back draft hits this gas, it is almost sure to explode.”

Damage to the house was estimated well over $5,000. It was partially covered by insurance.

Unidentified man killed by M. C. Train

2011-01-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, January 14, 1931.

An unidentified man supposedly a tramp was struck by an eastbound freight train near Lowell about 4:30 Friday afternoon and instantly killed. The body was badly mangled both arms and legs being broken and the head partially severed. Mr. Cook of Lowell, who witnessed the accident immediately notified officers of this city and the body was brought to Wallace and Clarke’s undertaking parlors, where it is now awaiting identification.

The clothing would indicate that the dead man was a laborer. His shoes were worn and he was wearing a pair of yarn mittens which were badly in need of darning. A paper sack which might have contained a lunch and a paper with a small amount of tobacco were found in his pockets. No money was found about his person. He was probably about 35 years old.

Just a few moments before the accident Mr. Cook of Lowell met the man as he was walking on the tracks and was speaking with him. Mr. Cook passed on and as he noticed a train approaching stepped out of the way and turned to see if the stranger also had noticed its approach. He evidently had not so Mr. Cook called to him but was unable to make him hear on account of noise made by the train. The east and west bound trains pass each other at this place and in stepping out of the way of one train he stepped in the way of the other.

One theory is the bosy was thrown by one train to the small space between the two tracks against the second train and was bounded back and forth two or three times. This might account for the legs being broken and the top of the head being severed and the trunk of the body not being mutilated. The clothing was torn to shreds.

This is the second accident of the kind to occur at Lowell during the past few days, Mr. Smith, formerly of Ypsilanti, having met his death just below the crossing of the road with the railroad track and the unidentified man just above the crossing.

Intoxicated man found half frozen on porch, ordered to pay fine

2011-01-09T11:23:00.001-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, January 9, 1931.

George Roach, employee at the Recreation Lunch, was fined $10 and ordered to pay hospital coasts of $4 when he appeared before Justice A. M. Vandersall this morning on charges of being drunk and disorderly.

Roach was arrested by Officers Walter Laidlaw and Coy Rankin at shortly before 3 o’clock this morning when residents at 422 S. Adams St., reported there was an intoxicated man on the porch who refused to leave. Police found Roach in a half frozen condition and took him to Beyer Hospital where he was given a heat treatment and first aid for cut and bruises on his face. He was unable to account for his battered appearance.

Police after Bessie Gordon and Jos. Flick

2011-01-04T06:47:00.001-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, January 4, 1921.

Joseph Flick of Ypsilanti, until recently employed on the interurban line, and Bessie Gordon of Ann Arbor are both charged by Jesse Gordon of Ann Arbor, with desertion. Flick with having deserted his wife and five children and Mrs. Gordon deserting her husband and six children.

Chief Connors has been looking for Flick for some time. A couple of days ago he came into town, had a dispute with his wife, who, it is said, accused him of not behaving as a husband should. He said he would look around and try to et another job. He has not been seen since.

Mrs. Bessie Gordon left Ann Arbor early in the morning of December first, supposedly to visit her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Ollie Bargdill of Dayton. She has never been heard from since.

A country wide search was instituted. At first Mr. Gordon stoutly refused to believe than that his wife had been taken suddenly ill and had been unable to communicate with her family. Their married life, he said, had been happy and he was positive that no other man had any place in her heart.

However, within 48 hours after her disappearance became known, the husband said he was informed that his wife had for weeks been meeting Joseph Flick at a certain hour each morning in Ann Arbor.

In the meantime the Gordon children are scattered. Twines of 7 years are being cared for in the community house in Ann Arbor; the boy of 13 and a girl of 11 are with their father.

Man injured by severe beating

2011-01-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, January 2, 1931.

Charged with assault and battery, Mrs. Carrie Palmer, 36, Monroe Ave, was sentenced to 90 days in the Detroit House of Correction and Roy Mahaley, 50, 412 Monroe Ave, was given the alternative of paying $25 fine or spending 30 days in county jail by Justice A. M. Vandersall in municipal court at noon today.

The pair were arrested this morning by Patrolman Ernest Rowe after they had been released at noon Thursday for beating Charles Johnson, 628 Monroe Ave into unconsciousness at his home shortly after 3 o’clock New Years morning. They used a stick of fire wood one inch in diameter and one foot in length.

Johnson had returned to his home from a watch night service held on Watling Blvd at 1:30 a. m. and approximately one-half hour later Mahaley was admitted to the house.

Mrs. Palmer, Johnson’s housekeeper, who was also up, and Mahaley engaged in drinking; about 3 a. m. the fight occurred. At 7 a. m. when Johnson regained consciousness he found himself lying in a pool of blood and the club nearby was covered with blood. Both Mrs. Palmer and Mahaley had disappeared.

Ex-Soldier arrested charged with theft

2010-12-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

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.

Officer hurt in making arrest

2010-12-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-08T06:40:00.000-08:00

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.

House and contents burn, family away

2010-12-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

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.

Man ill is shed at hospital site dies, no inquest

2010-12-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Two in custody on theft charge

2010-11-28T11:31:00.002-08:00

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

2010-11-28T11:31:00.001-08:00

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.

Badly burned by hot grease

2010-11-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Frank Reynolds’ body found with bullet in heart

2010-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

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.

House knocked off Foundation by Automobile

2010-10-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Police Break Up Tire Theft Ring

2010-10-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

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.

Arrested Farmer for making Whiskey

2010-10-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

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.

She Walks, He Rides and Trouble Follows

2010-10-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Boy Frustrates Drowning of His Sisters, Mother

2010-08-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Historic Denton landmark burns, $15,000 damage

2010-08-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

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.”

Gaudrau boy, 8, drowned, body found at bridge

2010-08-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

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.

Ypsilanti home struck, damage to crops heavy

2010-08-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-03T06:41:00.001-07:00

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.

Raymond Bock killed by lightening in open field

2010-08-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-02T06:25:00.002-07:00

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

2010-08-02T06:25:00.001-07:00

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.

Boy Bandit is in the toils of the police

2010-07-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Six men injured, 22 cars derailed at Whittaker

2010-07-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Autos Damaged, Pedestrian hit

2010-06-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Cupid gets jolt as cars collide

2010-06-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

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.

M. C. Depot Burned

2010-05-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Prisoner fires bed and makes his escape

2010-05-29T07:28:00.001-07:00

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.

Says Ypsilanti must be pigless

2010-05-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Couple held up, gun fire riddles gasoline station

2010-05-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Man rides horse into front hall

2010-05-13T07:02:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

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.

1898 Firemen effective in dampening R. R. hopes

2010-01-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

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.

Farmer’s wife is killed

2010-01-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T06:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Nitro-glycerin caps discovered on Bennett Farm

2010-01-22T10:46:00.001-08:00

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.

Gotham has its Brooklyn Bridge, Platt its station

2010-01-18T10:50:00.001-08:00

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.

Driver of truck fears hijackers

2010-01-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Police probing two stabbings over week end

2010-01-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Martha Washington Installs New Organ

2010-01-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

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.