This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, May 5, 1909.
Struck by the fastest moving train on the Michigan Central railroad, the famous 24 hour Chicago-New York “Wolverine,” Elisha Petts47 years old, who roomed with Daniel Burden at 7 River Street, was thrown a distance of perhaps 50 feet, mangled almost beyond recognition and instantly killed Tuesday afternoon.
Petts was employed by the Michigan Central as a section hand.
He, with several others, was working near the Shanghai gravel pit, about two and one-half miles west of the city.
A few moments before the “Wolverine” was scheduled to pass that spot, a fast west-bound freight was seen bearing down upon Petts. One of the other section hands shouted to the unfortunate man, who forgetting that the east bound was scheduled to pass there at that time jumped from the west bound track to the other. As the fast freight swept by, the “Wolverine” rounded a curve and bore down upon the helpless man, who either did not hear the screech of the whistle or was paralyzed with fright. The engine caught the victim throwing him into the air and mangling him terribly. A few feet farther, the engineer of the “Wolverine” succeeded in stopping his train, which was probably going between 40 and 50 miles an hour at the time of the accident.
Petts was placed on the train and brought to this city, and the “Wolverine” went on in its mad effort to cut down the time lost.
Petts at one time was married but was divorced about eight years ago, by his wife, who resumed her maiden name of Mary Dingmann and who is now working for the Scotney Dairy Farms in Superior Township. Two children of their marriage are being taken care by the mother, Nettie, 14 years old, and Lillian, nine years old. It is said that Petts is survived by a sister living in Alma, Mich. Who has been notified of her brother’s death.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Building of 1870 goes as hazard
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, May 4, 1934.
The razing of the brick building on the alley just south of Michigan Ave., near Huron St., and opposite the Michigan Artificial Ice Co. storage house, is being carried on by a group of men under the direction of Ernest Maddux, city sanitary inspector.
The building which is a fire hazard and dangerous because of the dilapidated condition, has been condemned and is being wrecked by the crew. All materials are being salvaged and will be sold.
The structure was erected in 1870 on the rear of the Samuel Post property, according to John Matthews and was used for a number of years after it was first built as a whipsocket factory. Since then it has served many purposes, but recently has stood vacant.
Mr. Maddux is also warning owners of chickens in the city that they are liable for damage done by their fowls to neighbors’ property. Already several complaints have been received that chickens have destroyed gardens and ruined flower beds. Owners must either keep the chickens in an enclosure or at least confine them to their own premises, Mr. Maddux states.
The razing of the brick building on the alley just south of Michigan Ave., near Huron St., and opposite the Michigan Artificial Ice Co. storage house, is being carried on by a group of men under the direction of Ernest Maddux, city sanitary inspector.
The building which is a fire hazard and dangerous because of the dilapidated condition, has been condemned and is being wrecked by the crew. All materials are being salvaged and will be sold.
The structure was erected in 1870 on the rear of the Samuel Post property, according to John Matthews and was used for a number of years after it was first built as a whipsocket factory. Since then it has served many purposes, but recently has stood vacant.
Mr. Maddux is also warning owners of chickens in the city that they are liable for damage done by their fowls to neighbors’ property. Already several complaints have been received that chickens have destroyed gardens and ruined flower beds. Owners must either keep the chickens in an enclosure or at least confine them to their own premises, Mr. Maddux states.
Memorial Gate given St. Johns
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, May 3, 1929.
During the past week the Catholic Study Club has erected a beautiful gate at the entrance to St. John’s Cemetery, thus completing a project undertaken last fall.
The cemetery, lovely with spring flowers, and with the Sacred Heart Monument, as a background, appeared more beautiful as the new entrance was placed in its beauty and simplicity, a memorial to those who have passed beyond.
Last November, Mrs. T. S. Wedder proposed the erection of the entrance to the Catholic Study Club as a project for this year and she was made chairman of the committee to carry out the undertaking. Up to the past week she worked, assisted by Mrs. Lawrence Bibbins, Mrs. Hugh Morrison, Mrs. M Sinkule, Mrs. D. B. South and Mrs. Fred Fischer. Mrs. Webber solicited all lot owners, bridge parties and bake sales have been held, and $600 raised for the work.
Three pillars of Bedford stone form the entrance, two large (?) designating the main gate entrance and one smaller pillar the foot gate. Two large white crosses, carved of solid stone, are placed on the large pillars, and a simple inscription, “Erected by the Catholic Study Club, A.D. 1929” appear at the (?).
Joseph Arnet had charge of the work, and the architectural plans were donated by Frederick Arnet, a senior in the U. of M. architectural College.
During the past week the Catholic Study Club has erected a beautiful gate at the entrance to St. John’s Cemetery, thus completing a project undertaken last fall.
The cemetery, lovely with spring flowers, and with the Sacred Heart Monument, as a background, appeared more beautiful as the new entrance was placed in its beauty and simplicity, a memorial to those who have passed beyond.
Last November, Mrs. T. S. Wedder proposed the erection of the entrance to the Catholic Study Club as a project for this year and she was made chairman of the committee to carry out the undertaking. Up to the past week she worked, assisted by Mrs. Lawrence Bibbins, Mrs. Hugh Morrison, Mrs. M Sinkule, Mrs. D. B. South and Mrs. Fred Fischer. Mrs. Webber solicited all lot owners, bridge parties and bake sales have been held, and $600 raised for the work.
Three pillars of Bedford stone form the entrance, two large (?) designating the main gate entrance and one smaller pillar the foot gate. Two large white crosses, carved of solid stone, are placed on the large pillars, and a simple inscription, “Erected by the Catholic Study Club, A.D. 1929” appear at the (?).
Joseph Arnet had charge of the work, and the architectural plans were donated by Frederick Arnet, a senior in the U. of M. architectural College.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Lodi Townsip youth accidentally kills self with revolver; sheriff and Police scout attack story
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, May 3, 1909.
One of the most mysterious shootings that has ever startled Washtenaw County occurred in Lodi township Sunday at midnight.
Jacob Lombard, aged 19, a farmer lad, and son of immensely wealthy parent, died almost instantly after accidentally shooting himself with an old fashioned revolver which had belonged to his father.
The story told by the lad to his mother before he died is scouted at by Deputy Sheriff Stark. Following is the lad’s story:
About one mile from the house he was halted in a dark spot in the road by two men whose faces he was unable to recognize. They pulled the horse up short and then seized young Lombard, roughly hauling him from the vehicle.
The pair wasted few words, as though they feared their voices would reveal their identity, and began to beat Lombard unmercifully. After pounding him until they were tired they threw him down and dragged him by the heels through a nearby pond of stagnant water and mud. Then they walked away, leaving Lombard to return home the best he could.
According to the story told by the young man’s mother, when he returned home in a state of semi-collapse, he begged her to let him take a rusty old revolver she owned. He explained that he wanted it as a protection when he should return to his work near Saline, fearing, he said, that he would be set upon again by the two thugs. Mrs. Lombard had just given him the weapon and he was apparently examining it, when she heard a shot and found the youth dying, the having taken effect in his nose and penetrating his brain. He was dead in a moment.
Mrs. Lombard declares that he son’s death was accidental and that the trigger evidently had been pulled as he was examining the weapon’s old-fashioned mechanism.
A third sister of young Lombard said that her brother, until his beating, apparently did not have an enemy stifled over the episode. The mother and sister are inclined to the belief that either robbery was the motive or that Lombard was mistaken for someone else.
Deputy Sheriff Stark, however, is of the opinion that Lombard was not beaten at all, but merely dragged by the horse, which, he maintains, ran away with the youth, as had often occurred before. Stark learned that Lombard had frequently been reproved at home for the horse’s running away. He thinks that while Lombard was returning, a dog ran into the doorway, frightening the horse, which ran, throwing Lombard out. He says there is no evidence on the body of Lombard having been beaten, but the bruises and cuts appear as if made by the victim being dragged, as at the end of the reins. He thinks Lombard, on arrival at home, for fear of being reproved, told the story of thugs. He also believes that the young man’s death was purely accidental and that the single bullet in the revolver was discharged while Lombard was trying to “center” it. The buggy was badly smashed up.
Lombard is survived by his mother, three brothers and three sisters.
Lombard was employed by his uncle Christ Lombard, and it is said that he was returning home after taking his sisters to the interurban railroad station when the shooting occurred.
One of the most mysterious shootings that has ever startled Washtenaw County occurred in Lodi township Sunday at midnight.
Jacob Lombard, aged 19, a farmer lad, and son of immensely wealthy parent, died almost instantly after accidentally shooting himself with an old fashioned revolver which had belonged to his father.
The story told by the lad to his mother before he died is scouted at by Deputy Sheriff Stark. Following is the lad’s story:
About one mile from the house he was halted in a dark spot in the road by two men whose faces he was unable to recognize. They pulled the horse up short and then seized young Lombard, roughly hauling him from the vehicle.
The pair wasted few words, as though they feared their voices would reveal their identity, and began to beat Lombard unmercifully. After pounding him until they were tired they threw him down and dragged him by the heels through a nearby pond of stagnant water and mud. Then they walked away, leaving Lombard to return home the best he could.
According to the story told by the young man’s mother, when he returned home in a state of semi-collapse, he begged her to let him take a rusty old revolver she owned. He explained that he wanted it as a protection when he should return to his work near Saline, fearing, he said, that he would be set upon again by the two thugs. Mrs. Lombard had just given him the weapon and he was apparently examining it, when she heard a shot and found the youth dying, the having taken effect in his nose and penetrating his brain. He was dead in a moment.
Mrs. Lombard declares that he son’s death was accidental and that the trigger evidently had been pulled as he was examining the weapon’s old-fashioned mechanism.
A third sister of young Lombard said that her brother, until his beating, apparently did not have an enemy stifled over the episode. The mother and sister are inclined to the belief that either robbery was the motive or that Lombard was mistaken for someone else.
Deputy Sheriff Stark, however, is of the opinion that Lombard was not beaten at all, but merely dragged by the horse, which, he maintains, ran away with the youth, as had often occurred before. Stark learned that Lombard had frequently been reproved at home for the horse’s running away. He thinks that while Lombard was returning, a dog ran into the doorway, frightening the horse, which ran, throwing Lombard out. He says there is no evidence on the body of Lombard having been beaten, but the bruises and cuts appear as if made by the victim being dragged, as at the end of the reins. He thinks Lombard, on arrival at home, for fear of being reproved, told the story of thugs. He also believes that the young man’s death was purely accidental and that the single bullet in the revolver was discharged while Lombard was trying to “center” it. The buggy was badly smashed up.
Lombard is survived by his mother, three brothers and three sisters.
Lombard was employed by his uncle Christ Lombard, and it is said that he was returning home after taking his sisters to the interurban railroad station when the shooting occurred.
Broken tree endangers
This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, May 3, 1909.
A mammoth tree standing at the intersection of Congress and Adams streets, yesterday endangered the lives of many pedestrians, until Officer Thomas Ryan notified the street commissioner who had it pulled down by attaching a rope to it.
The storm of Saturday night split the tree lengthwise, and but for a large knot projecting from it about half way up, the tree would have crashed to the ground several hours before, as every gust of wind caused it to sway back and forth, while people walked under it, totally unconscious of any impending danger.
Officer Ryan, noticing the condition telephoned to Street Commissioner Lewis who immediately ordered men to have it pulled down. The tree was perhaps 50 feet in length
A mammoth tree standing at the intersection of Congress and Adams streets, yesterday endangered the lives of many pedestrians, until Officer Thomas Ryan notified the street commissioner who had it pulled down by attaching a rope to it.
The storm of Saturday night split the tree lengthwise, and but for a large knot projecting from it about half way up, the tree would have crashed to the ground several hours before, as every gust of wind caused it to sway back and forth, while people walked under it, totally unconscious of any impending danger.
Officer Ryan, noticing the condition telephoned to Street Commissioner Lewis who immediately ordered men to have it pulled down. The tree was perhaps 50 feet in length
Two of the three open
This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Monday, May 3, 1909.
The “closed indefinitely” sign tacked on the door of the Hixon lunch room and bar last Saturday by the owner and lessee will undoubtedly be changed to “closed for good” if the reports circulated through the city are to be believed.
It is said that Mr. Hixon will not reopen the bar at the Occidental, but will accept a position with a local company as traveling salesman.
The fixtures are said to be owned by the Hoch Brewing company who resume possession. It is not known whether the bar will be continued at the hotel or not but it is probable that it will.
Mr. Frank Bowerman has leased the Hawkins House bar and opened for business this afternoon. The bar was closed Saturday for repairs.
The Congress hotel bar was opened Saturday afternoon, the license was secured by Mr. Caldwell, the owner.
The “closed indefinitely” sign tacked on the door of the Hixon lunch room and bar last Saturday by the owner and lessee will undoubtedly be changed to “closed for good” if the reports circulated through the city are to be believed.
It is said that Mr. Hixon will not reopen the bar at the Occidental, but will accept a position with a local company as traveling salesman.
The fixtures are said to be owned by the Hoch Brewing company who resume possession. It is not known whether the bar will be continued at the hotel or not but it is probable that it will.
Mr. Frank Bowerman has leased the Hawkins House bar and opened for business this afternoon. The bar was closed Saturday for repairs.
The Congress hotel bar was opened Saturday afternoon, the license was secured by Mr. Caldwell, the owner.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Three Ypsilanti hotel Bars Closed
This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Saturday, May 1, 1909.
Saloon licenses for the three hotel bars of Ypsilanti have not been taken out by the lessees or owners.
Today the bars of the Hawkins House, the Congress Hotel and the Occidental Hotel are closed to the public.
The café and lunch room in conjunction with the Occidental Hotel bar is also closed and the owner, Mr. Ford Hixson, refused to make any statement concerning whether or not it would ever be reopened.
Guests who are regular boarders of the Hixson café going there this morning for their breakfast discovered a sigh on the door to the entrance of the dining room which read as follows: CLOSED INDEFINITELY.
Inquiries as to whether service could be expected in the near future were met with unsatisfactory answers.
A reporter for the Press calling at the Occidental endeavored to have Mr. Hixson issue a statement for the benefit of the patrons of the bar and café.
“I have absolutely nothing to say,” declared the proprietor.
“Will you open again in the near future?” he was asked.
“That is my business.”
The Hawkins house Bar Closed for Repairs?
An interview with Mr. Joseph Burchill, proprietor, was far more satisfactory. Mr. Birchill said:
“No we have not taken out any license as yet, but do intend to renew Monday.
“We have simply closed the bar for necessary repairs and redecorating. We expect to open again shortly.
Mr. Caldwell of the Congress Hotel Communicative.
Mr. Louis Caldwell, proprietor of the Congress Hotel bar, declared that he had telephoned to the county treasurer’s office at Ann Arbor, assurance that he would secure a license either this afternoon or Monday, and in turn was given permission to open up this afternoon. Money for Mr. Caldwell’s bond has been deposited in the bank.
Change of Ownership Contemplated?
It is said that a change of ownership will be made in the Occidental hotel bar and lunch before the establishment reopens.
Saloon licenses for the three hotel bars of Ypsilanti have not been taken out by the lessees or owners.
Today the bars of the Hawkins House, the Congress Hotel and the Occidental Hotel are closed to the public.
The café and lunch room in conjunction with the Occidental Hotel bar is also closed and the owner, Mr. Ford Hixson, refused to make any statement concerning whether or not it would ever be reopened.
Guests who are regular boarders of the Hixson café going there this morning for their breakfast discovered a sigh on the door to the entrance of the dining room which read as follows: CLOSED INDEFINITELY.
Inquiries as to whether service could be expected in the near future were met with unsatisfactory answers.
A reporter for the Press calling at the Occidental endeavored to have Mr. Hixson issue a statement for the benefit of the patrons of the bar and café.
“I have absolutely nothing to say,” declared the proprietor.
“Will you open again in the near future?” he was asked.
“That is my business.”
The Hawkins house Bar Closed for Repairs?
An interview with Mr. Joseph Burchill, proprietor, was far more satisfactory. Mr. Birchill said:
“No we have not taken out any license as yet, but do intend to renew Monday.
“We have simply closed the bar for necessary repairs and redecorating. We expect to open again shortly.
Mr. Caldwell of the Congress Hotel Communicative.
Mr. Louis Caldwell, proprietor of the Congress Hotel bar, declared that he had telephoned to the county treasurer’s office at Ann Arbor, assurance that he would secure a license either this afternoon or Monday, and in turn was given permission to open up this afternoon. Money for Mr. Caldwell’s bond has been deposited in the bank.
Change of Ownership Contemplated?
It is said that a change of ownership will be made in the Occidental hotel bar and lunch before the establishment reopens.
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