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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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RtTYNOLDS Hl^TGRlC^AJL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
VASSAR, MICH
AN ILLUSTRATED DESCRIPTION OF
70
ITS BMTErRPRISErS
AND THE MEN WHO HAVE BUILT THEM.
♦fl/^ F^STLING cosily upon either bank of the 11^ Cass, where once the Indian stalked the forest path and the red deer slaked his thirst nearly half a century ago, stands today the thriving town of Vassar. It is not the purpose of this modest little book to turn back the musty leaves of life's calendar, and recount the trials of pioneer days in this city's history, but to give the outside public the story of Vassar " as it is today." When we turn aside from the picturesque beauty of her environment, and look upon her commercial strength and importance, the advantages that sh: offers to the man who wants to build a home, the air of thrift and refinement that prevades her business places, her importance as a railway point, as a manu- facturing town, and as a cultured atmosphere in which to rear the youth, it is not wonderful that her growth has been both strong and lasting.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES.
Vassar's policy in things educational has always been of the broadest sort and characterized by the greatest liberality. The fruits of the wise and salu- tary methods that have been carried forward from year to year, have never been made so conspicuously manifest as under the present regime. As an illus- tration of the thoroughness of the course obtained in the Vassar High School, and that the system employed has recognition among the best colleges, it is only necessary to state that graduates from Vassar are admitted to the Michigan University without examination, and to any college in the state, and the advance standing in the State Normal at Ypsilanti and Agricultural College at Lansing. The steady advance of our schools is shown by the statis- tics for the past eight years under the supervision of Prof. Ira L. Forbes: In 1886-7, the enrollment
in all the departments was 437 and the average daily attendance 257. During the present year, with but slight increase in the school census, the enrollment is 439 with an average attendance of 354, showing an increase of about 50 in enrollment and 100 in daily attendance. This increase is found largely in the High School. In former years the enrollment was 50 and the average daily attendance 37. For the present year the enrollment has been 115 and the attendance 77, an increase in each of more than 100 per cent. This increase required and received an increase in the teaching force.
vassar's water supply. The supply of water that is furnished by the Holly system for private use and manufacting pur- poses is without a peer in any city of equal size in the state of Michigan. Nine flowing wells of pure, sparkling water furnishing, according to the analyt- ical test of the State Board of Health, the most per- fect article for domestic use that it is possible to obtain. This is a sanitary item that is worth framing. Physicians whose opinions carry weight, say that it was owing to the source of pure water supply that Vassar was spared the epidemic of typhoid and other fevers that have ravaged many Michigan towns this year. In addition to the power obtained from the city system of waterworks for use in factories, excep- tional facilities for milling and other purposes is to be had from the dam in the Cass river at this point. A mammoth flowing spring possessing curative pro- perties that rival those of Mt. Clemens and Alma, is located a stone's throw from the railway statio'ns. Although this water is bottled here and sold in many sections of the state, it has never received the adver- tising that has pushed it prominently before the public.
VASSAR S INDUSTRIES.
Page after page ot this book would be required to detail the various industries that thrive and give employment to hundreds of her citizens. The city's location as a railway center, the cheapness of fuel and power make it pos?ib'e for the manufacturer of almost anything at the smallest possible outlay, and a market for the goods. Who has not heard of Vas- sar flannels? Who has not heard of Vassar brick? Who has not heard of Vassar flour? Not many in Michigan, we think. During the year 1S95, the milling firm of M. and C. Miller handled 100,000 bushels of wheat at their mills here. Upwards of 2ri,000 bushels of corn, :ir.,nOO bushels of barley, 00,000 bushels of oats, and 10,000 bushels of buckwheat brought the highest market price at their elevators.
numbers. His bed and table factory, started two years ago, gives employment to 12 or 15 men, and turns out an article that has within the past six months tested the capacity of the factory. Having no traveling salesmen other than the goods them selves, and in placing large consignments through out twenty-five different states, it speaks volumes that furniture can be made much cheaper and that the raw material is more accessible here than at any other point in the 'Thumb" of Michigan.
The Vassar Brick & Tile Company, that hsfs been in existence for six years past, is composed of F. Miller and C. O. Evans. They employ from 35 to 40 men and have a capacity of 3,000,000 brick and .100,000 tile. Anything from 2% to 8 inch tile is made. The quality of the goods this firm market is
When you figure 875,000 paid out by this firm dur- ing 1S95. to the farmers of this county it means that most of this money is spent among the business houses. The capacity of this mill is 300 barrels of flour per day. The Cooper shop will turn out from 400 to 500 finished barrels per day.
During the present year Frank Miller shipped from his warehouse in Vassar 80,000 bushels of potatoes, 40,000 bushels of oats, 00 000 bushels of barley and 23,000 bushels of corn. In addition to these enormous figures he handled upwards of SO, 000 pounds of marketable wool. His 'aw mill at this point cut nearly 3,000,000 feet of lumber, and gave good wages to 50 hands. It will surprise the average reader to stop and thinlc that this mean^ the pay roll ior the closing year fogt.s up $10,000.00 in round
attested by the fact that the contractors on the Lapeer home for the feeble minded were compelled to use Vassar outside brick in building because of its vast superiority over anything obtainable. Ship- ments from this company to Saginaw, Detroit, Bay City and other Michigan cities show the possibilities in this business.
In 1808 the Vassar Woolen Mills began opera- tions. At first wool carding and cloth dressing con- stituted the business of the mill, but the product of the concern was gradually extended to the manufac- ture of yarns, cloth, etc., until at the present day nearly everything that can be made in woolen goods is turned out. During the past year the business of this institution was upwards of §100,000.00, which means that the wool-growers of the county were paid
1626792
a whole lot of money. Thirty-five to forty men and girls are given employment here year in and year out. The officers of the company are T. W. Atwood, President; C. T. Jarvis, Vice President; J. G. Seldcn, Secretary and Treasurer. The reputation of this company's product is everywhere in Michigan a synonym for high and honest value. The " Vassar Blanket," "Vassap Skirt," "Vassar Cassimeres," " Vassar Yarns," are household words in every hamlet in Michigan.
Parker's Foundry & Machine Shops is one of the growing industries of Vassar. " Parker's Plows," turn the rich loam of many a Michigan farm every year, and " Parker's Sleighs" jog smoothly along a large number of Michigan roads every winter. Al- though the shipments of this concern have increased
VASSAR S FIRE PROTECTION.
Almost the hardest thing that small towns have to contend with is ability to keep fire within safe bounds. In Vassar this important item has received proper encouragement. The city council appropri- ates $2.00 per man for each response to an alarm, thereby giving something more substantial than in- dividual pride in turning out. The No. 1 hose com- pany is composed of fourteen men, acting under the direction of Fire Chief William Grant, and they are as well trained and consistent a lot of men as ever donned the red shirt and helmet. In addition to the hose reels, they have a hook and ladder equipment for use in cases of emergency.
LIGHTING.
The city obtains her light from two electric
over thirty per cent during the past year in the face of the stringent condition of the country the business will be run on a larger scale during the coming year. The Vassar Pump Company, owned and oper- ated by D. C. Atkins and Son, does a nice, profitable business down on River street. During the summer months they give work to a large number of men and manufacture all kinds of force, suction and chain pumps, tanks and cisterns.
dynamos capable of running two hundred and fifty incandescent and forty arc lights. The light for private use is obtained from the same source at a figure that is considerable lower than the cost of oil lamps. During the past year the city has undergone a series of improvements on the east as well as on the west side. Huron avenue has been macadamized, stone and cement side walks laid on the business streets, and outlying avenues opened and graded.
Dassaic's Business flbcn
Among the pioneers of Vassar there is no one better known or more universally respected than Hon. B. W. Huston. He was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1881, and came to Ypsilanti with his parents at the age of five years. He was educat- ed at Ypsilanti, and admitted to the bar at Ann Arbor in September, 18.')4, and
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B. W..HU3T0\. ,
came to Vassar in March, 1855. In 1858 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, in 1867 a member of the Constitutional Con- vention, a member of the state House of Representatives in 1869-1871, and a mem- ber of the Senate in 1879. Mr. Huston was a Democrat until the rebellion, when he laid politics aside to keep until the war was over, and entered the service in 1862 as Captain of Company B, '2.3rd Regiment Michigan Infantry. Was promoted to the rank of Major in 1864 and mustered out in 1865. Mr. Huston has been singu- larly successful both in his profession and as a business man, has borne a [irominent part in ]->ublic affairs, and has been identi- fied in nearly every movement in the wellfare of \'assar.
Hon. David G. Slafter was born at Norwich, Vt., January 1, 1817. February 16, 1843, he married Ann Calista, daugh- ter of John Lucas, of Pierrepont, \. Y. She was born December 6, 1826. In the fall of 1849 they settled in the town of Tuscola, and since that time Mr. Slafter has occupied a prominent position in
D. G. SLAFTER.
busmess and public atfairs. With the exception cf one year, he has held the office of justice of the peace ever since 1852, and during all that time he has never had a case reversed. He was judge of pro- liate four years, enrolling officer and deji- uty provost marshal from 1863 until the close of the war, and a member of the legislature in 1863 and at the extra session of 1864. Mr. Slafter's business has been mainly real estate and lumbering. He is now extensively engaged in buying and selling pine lands, and at the present time is largely interested in pine lands in Alabama. He is a stockholder and p;esi- dent of the First National Bank, of this |ilace, and is also agent of the State Board of Charities and Corrections for Tuscohi
county, by appointment of the Governor. Mr. Slafter is a pioneer of the county and one of \'assar's best citizens.
Edwin J. Hovey, \'assar's popular dentist, first saw light in Washtenaw county, Michigan, in 1841. Mr. Hovey 's education, aside from the rudiments of a d'strict school, was obtained at Dickinson institute at Romeo, and later at the Phil- adel|)hia Dental College, at which place he received his degree. His residence ill Vassar has covered pretty much all the years of his professional life, exce|it a short time si)eiit at Fenton and Hough- ton in this state. In addition to his jirac- tlce he at one time owned the Times of this city, and was a member of the city council for three terms. Mr. Hovey is prominejit in Masonic circles, and is one of Vassar's clever business men and good
E. J. HOVEY.
R. G. LYON.
Robert G. Lvon, the subject of this sketch, was born in Washtenaw county, this state. Beginning his education in a district school he soon afterward attend- ed the union school at Ann Arbor until seventeen years of age. The next five years was mostly spent in farm work and teaching school. When the war broke out he was driving team for a lumber- man in Pennsylvania for the large sum of twelve dollars per month. On May 16th, 1861, Mr. Lyon enlisted in Co. F,N. Y. Vol., then stationed at Elmira, N. Y.
He served his time and when discharged on May 22nd 1863, received an excellent recommend from his'captain. Returning to Michigan he enlisted December 18, 1863, in the 14th Michigan Battery Light Artillery and served until the close of the war. Mr. Lyon came to A'assar in 1880, and embarked in the hardware business. Since that time he has been honored by the people for five years as mayor, three years as chairman of the Board of Water Commission, and six years as a member of the School Board. Mr. Lyon is essen- tially a selfmade man, is popular with the masses, and sells hardware as cheap as he can consistently.
ued for four years. Mr. Bullard is the kind of a man that towns like \'assar want. Since coming here he has built three houses, a pump factory and a store and boomed the upper end by plattmg "Bullard's Addition to X'assar." Mr. Bullard held the office of Secretary of the Masonic lodge for thirteen years, is Past Commander of the G. A. R. post, has been in the city council for two terms county supervisor one term and is at pres- ent a member of the school board and village assessor.
E. A. BULLARD.
E. A. LuLLARU, the farming imple- ment anil machinery dealer, is one of the old standbys in Vassir. He was born November 10, 1840, in Oakland county, Michigan, and tilled the soil religiously until the war broke out, when his patriot- ism got the better of him and he enlisted at Brighton in Company I, Fifth Michi- gan Infantry. He participated m the Peninsular campaign underMcClellan and was before Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and in the seven days fight before Ivichmond, In the battle of Charles City Cross Roads he was wounded and dis- charged in December, 1862, from the Philadelphia hospital. Returning to Michigan he located at Hartland, in the pump business until September. 1864, when he enlisted again with Battery H, Fir^t Michigan Light .ArtillerN and stayed until the close of the war. In 1866 he came toj V'assar and commenced the manufacture of pumps which wa5 contin-
R. W. Miller was born in 1836, and was a native of New Jersey. In 1854 he went to California with his brother Frank, and engaged in mining in the Sierras. Together they owned large interests in one of the richest mines in the mountains, over a million and a quarter dollars being taken out in gold dust and S500,000 in div- 1 iens declared in three years. After clos- ing up their mining interests in Califor- nia, Mr. Miller came to \'assar in 1872. before cars ran over the Detroit and Bay City railroad, and formed a partnership under the firm name of R. W. and F. Miller and dealt in farm produce and farmer's supplies. The following year they built a large elevator near the depot and bought over 300,000 bushels of wheat, besides a large amount of oats, corn, etc, and shipped over 100 carloads of corn to the retail trade during the following win-
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RICHARD W. JMILLER.
ter. The volume of business over their counters run from S2,000 to §5,000 per day. In 1880, R. W. Miller severed his connec- tion with the firm and went to Colorado
and mined over a good portion of that state. Panicky silver markets and hard times were not to his liking and he re- turned to Vassar and opened up in the boot and shoe business at the corner of Huron and Cass avenues. Mr. Miller is one of the staunch men of Vassar. The fact that he invested heavily in real estate is sufficient evidence that he believes in her future.
J. M. S.MITH, Vassar's crack harness dealer, is a native of New York, and was born in Jefferson county in 1848. When Mr. Smith was still wearing knickerbock- ers his family removed to Ontario and
J. M. SMITH.
located at London. It was at St. Thomas, in the province of Ontario, that he first learned the trade of harness-making, which he has followed successfully in nearly every large city in the Dominion and the United States. After putting in a good many years rambling about the country, Mr. Smith finally located in \'assar five years ago. The only avail- able place for his business at that time " in Vassar was in the Barnum block, and It was here that he remained for three years, removing two years ago to the brick building he now occupies near the corner of Huron avenue and River street. From the modest beginning his busmess has finally branched out to be one of the best in Vassar. Mr. Smith's specialty is collar work and light harness. His work in these two branches being the peer of any no matter where made. He has manufactured some of the best track harness seen in this part of the state, one
set of which is used by \'assar's game lit- tle race mare, American Lady. A num- ber of other horse owneis in this section come to his place when they want the right sort of an article. Mr. Smi'h's stock of other goods in the saiMft^'y line is the best in A'assar, and his place the only one in the county that does not han- dle factory work. Personally, Mr. Smi:h is popular and well liked, is a member of the Knights of Pythias and ihe Foresters
CHAS. D. jniLl.ER.
Charles D. Miller, of the firm of M. tS; C. Millur, was born in Birmingham, Oakland County, Mich., July 15, 1850. He was the second son of Abraham Miller, a farmer of sterling worth and repute in Oakland county. Until the age of thirty years he stuck to the plow, and first made his debut in the milling busi- ness at Auburn, in this state. Peculiar adaptibility to this branch of trade brought success, and he naturally sought a larger field. In May 1884, he turned his face toward Vassar and in comiiany with his brother, Mark, jiurchased the Fenner Mills on the east bank' of the Cass. This was followed some time after by the purchase of the jilant of the Vassar Milling Company, and the output of the concern was pushed with restless energy. Mr. Miller was married in 1874 to Miss Nettie Boyd, a Birmingham young lady, and they have -three children, Charles E. Miller, who is in the milling business at Owosso, Howard M., and Miss Bessie. In the busy affairs of life Mr. Miller finds time to be a prominent Mason and a good citizen.
E. H. TAYLOR.
E. H. Taylor was admitted to jirac- tice May, 1873, located in \'assar and has continued in practice to the present date. He served for two years as Circuit Court Commissioner and Prosecuting Attorney for Tuscola county; Secretary of the School Board for nine years; member of the common council of Vassar eight years; village Attorney five years; member of the Grand Army of the Republic and served as Commander four terms in suc- cession. Socially he is identified with various orginazations, such as the Ma- sonic fraternity, Independent Order of Foresters, Knights of the Loyal Guard, United Friends, and other like orders. The subject of our sketch was born at Lyth, in the county of Westmoreland, England, and emigrated to America when quite young. He located at Ran- somville, Niagara County, state of New York, and during the summer season worked on the farm and in the winter attended district school. At the age of eighten;n he enlisted, August 8, 1H)2, as a private soldier in Company E, l'29th Regiment NewYork Infantry \'olun- teers. During the fall of 1862 the regi- ment was transferred and changed to the 8th New York Heavy Artillery, and com- prised twelve companies of rank and file, 2,000 men. The regiment joined Gener- al Grant at the Battle of the Wilderness in the the spring of 1864, and remained with the army of the Potomac until the close of the war as a part of the 2nd Bri- gade, 2nd Division, 2nd Army Corps, commanded by General Hancock. He participated with his regiment in the many battles and skirmishes, was also
present m Ime ol battle when General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Ap- pomattox, April 9, ISG.J. During his ser- vice he rose from the ranks and was com- missioned 2nd and 1st Lieutenant of Com- pany E, 8th Regiment N. \. Heavy Ar- tillery during the month of June, 1865; was transferred by order of the War De- partment from Company E,Sth Regiment, to Comi)any B, 10th Regiment N. Y. Vol- unteer Infantry as Captain. Remained with the regiment until it was mustered out at New York City, July 1865. After retur':iiig lo U s home, he taught school and read law until April, 1872, when lie removed with his wife and children to \'ass)r and located at this jjlace where he has continued to reside.
WiLLiA.M H. Merner was born in Huron county, Ontario, in 1858, and came to \'assar in 1892. Mr. Merner has, smce a young man, followed the business of funeral director and undertaker. He graduated from the Toronto Embalming School and the Grand Rapids School of Enbalming, in addition to which he took a special course at Detroit. For a num- ber of years he managed the large under- taking estalilishment of Samuel Merner,
W. H. MERNER.
at London, Ontario. In 1892 he came to \'assar and purchased the furniture and undertaking business of F. R. Fales. Mr. Merner was married in 1882, to Miss Sa- lome Fisher, of Godrich, Ontario. He is a prominent Mason, a solid business man and a good citizen, and has since his residence in Vassar built up one of the best business concerns in the city.
JAHES P. CLACKnORE.
J. P. Blackmore, who has just retired from the p-oprietorship of the Columbia Hotel, is a native of London, Ontario. He came to Lapeer couuty in 1873, and for five months was in the employ of the Detroit and Bay City railroad. In 1S74 he had a timber contract with the Flint and Pere Marquette, after which he re- turned to Canada and aided in the con- struction of the Great Western car shops at London. After engaging in bridge building in Indiana for a year he returned to Vassar and in company with his bro- ther purchased the Central House which they conducted for four years. Soon after he purchased the Jewell House, and greatly improved the property in build ing and refurnishing. After he had dis posed of the Jewell House to R. V. Bray he built the Columbia Hotel in 1892 This is one of the most substantial build mgs in the city and is furnished as neatly as any in this part of Michigan. Mr Blackmore has done his share in the im provement of Vassar, and has been large- ly interested in the breeding of blooded horses. He has also been secretary of the Agricultural Society and interested in the race meetings in \'assaT since the organization of the driving park.
Mark Miller, of the firm ( C. Miller, is a native of Michi was born at Birmingham, July At the age of twenty years he with the George Morris Milli pany at Birmingham, and first the rudiments of the business in afterward became so proficien to Nebraska some years later.
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14, 1852.
engaged ng Com-
received which he t. Going ht estab-
lished a mill at Marysvillf, where he remained for two years, returning to Michigan at the end of that time. In 1884, in connection with his brother C. D. Miller, he came to \'assar and took the old Fenner mill plant. The firm's ability to make good goods soon increased the business until a larger plant was requir- ed, and the McHose plant where the firm now do business jiassed into their control. Mr. Miller is very prominent in Masonic circles and is a member of \'assar Lodge.
John L. Root, one of Vassar's stanch citizens, was born in Litchfield, Ohio, Se()tember 2.'5, 1846, and came to Tuscola county with his parents at the age of thirteen years, and settled near Watrous- ville. One yeai after their settlement here the war broke out and John's two
MARK MILLER.
elder brothers enlisted and went to the front, leaving him to look after the farm interests in common with his father who was in poor health. By a diligence that has characterized Mr. Root's after life, he obtained a good education at the Watrousville schools, and afterwards re- ceived the finishing touches at the Vassar High School and at Oberlin, Ohio. From the winter of 1867 until the spring of 1872, Mr. Root taught in a number of the graded schools in this part of .Michigan, and in the last named year went on the road for Hill and Brothers, of Detroit, at a salary of Si 2,000 a year and expenses, continuing with the firm until they went out of business in 1875. Having an es- tablished trade of no small proportions, the Stephens tea, coffee and spice house
placed him for three years in charge of their trade in the cities and large towns of Michigan. At the end of this time he purchased the store of G. W. Rogers and Company, of Watrousville, extending it to a big branch concern at Ree^e. Ten days after, the Reese store burned to the ground and between S4,000 and S5,000 uf Mr. Root's good money went up in smoke. Although this was a serious blow to the young man, he sacrificed his personal property and paid out d'^llar for dollar- He retired to his old home, remaining there for two years before again taking the road for the Stephens company, a position that he holds today. Mr. Root has been identified with everything that has Vassar tacked to it, and has been popular with the people, having served as Justice of the Peace, as a member of the city council for two years and a mem- ber of the Board of Education, an office he holds at the present time. Socially, Mr. Root is a member of \'assar Lodge, F. and A. M., Caro Chapter, Bay City Commandry, and Moslem Temple of Detroit. His farm near the outskirts of the city is one of the finest in Tuscola county and his residence one of the pret- tiest that grace our city. Mr. Root was married in 1870 to Miss Christie A. Stack, of Reese, and they have one daughter.
Miss Mabel.
Frank Miller, proprieter of the Vas- sar elevator and lumber yards, is a man who has little to say, but conducts more business in his line than any other man in the thumb. At his elevator he purchases all kinds of grains and farm produce at
JOHN L. ROOT.
the market price, and for this reason Vas- sar has be cornea great grain market. He l>urchases annually from 80,000 to 100,000 bushels of potatoes alone and his ship- ments in all departments are from 700 to 1,000 cars per year. At his sawmill he cuts from two to three million feet of lumber each year, and during the sum- mer months gives employment to fifty hands, with a weekly pay roll of $400. He carries a full line of rough, dressed and manufactured lumber, lath, shingles, coal, lime, salt, plaster, etc. A planing mill and bed factory is also conducted in connection with tliis business and quite a shipping demand is made for the beds. He owns and ojierates the Caro Electric Light Works and also owns an elevator at Caro. Mr. Miller handles a large- amount of grain and produce for numer- ous smaller buyers throughout the county. ISeing acquainted and doing business di- rect with the largest dealers in the United States, he is able to furnish them the best of the metropolitan markets.
EiJWARD G. Beckerson was born in llalderman county, Ontario, in 1864, and followed the occupation of agricultural pursuits until about ten years ago when he came to \'assar. His first position here was the management of the Justin Wenthworth farm, where he remained about a year, going to the T. North farm the five years following. He then came to Vassar and purchased the livery busi- ness of E. A. Bullard, which he has con- ducted since that time. Mr. Beckerson in connection with Nelson G. Spaulding,
CITY RESIDENCE OF JOHN L. ROOT.
FRANK MILLER.
this fall purchased the Jewell House, one of the best hotels in this section of Mich- igan. Good management and liberal busi-
ness methods continue to make the house popular and profitable. Mr. Beckerson was married in 1885 to Miss Lizzie Slahl. He is one of the popular business men of the city and is always to be counted in on anything that concerns the welfare of the town.
Edwin E. Andrus was born in As- tabula county, Ohio, on January 28, 1862. Six years ago Mr. Andrus came to \'assar and opened up business for the Singer
F. MILLER'S FURNITURE FACTORY.
E. J. BECKERSON.
Sewing Machine Company, handling in connection pianos, organs and all kinds of musical merchandise, which he has car- ried on successfully since. Mr. Andrus IS a member of the Maccabees and Knights of the Loyal Guard. He was married in 1883 to Miss Alyeda E. Clay of Painsville, Ohio.
E. E. ANDRUS.
John Parker, iiropriutorof the Vassar Foundry, is truly a selfmade man. His opjioitunities for education when a boy were limited, but he made the best of this and by pluck and perseverance he has be- come one of Vassar's representative citi- zens. When he came here he learned the pumpmaker's trade and followed that occupation until about two years ago, when he started into the foundry business in the old building where several other turns had made a failure. He manufac- tured numerous different agricultural im- plements, among which might be mention- ed the" Parker Plow," which is fast gaining the favor of the farmers of the surround- ing country. Being a good mechanic he makes most of his own patterns, and if you are in need of a heavy or light casting call on Mr. Parker, and he will supply your wants.
Prescott L. Varnum was born July 25, 1850, in Lapeer county, and came to Vassar in 1875. He immediately engag- ed in the shoe business here, and has been closely identified with the city's growth and interests since that time. Mr. Varnum has held various offices of public trust, being an alderman eight years, city treasurer two years, county supervisor five years, and a member of the Board of Education for ten years, a position he now holds. M'. Varnum has in connection with his shoe business been the agent of the American Express Com- pany at this point.
C. J. Teeters, of the firm of Knowles and Teeters, was born in Columbus, St. Clair county, Mxhigan, December 31,
JOHN PARKER.
P. L. VARNUn.
1865, and received his education at Romeo. Mr. Teeters' debut in the butcher busi- ness was marked by a whole lot of hard work, but it proved a good stepping stone to the progress he made in later years. In 1885 he opened a market at Washing- ton, Michigan, which he contmued for two years, removing to Reese, where he remained three years. In company with W. O. Knowles he formed a partnership three years ago, and the firm have contin- ued at their present quarters since that time. This is one of the young business houses cf the city and that people endorse the square-toed methods of these two young men is evidenced by the patronage accorded them. Mr. Teeters was mar- ried in 1889 to Miss Maude Pardee, of Reese, Michigan.
C. J. TEETERS.
The subject of this sketch (Mr. J. W. McLellen) was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1858, was afterwards apprenticed and worked in that city for several years and has had over twenty years experience in Vassar, Toronto and Detroit. He re- moved here from the latter place three years ago, filling the position of head cut- ter for the Vassar Pant Company, and six months later established his present busi- ness. Mr. McLellan comes honestly by his adaptibility to the trade, his paternal grandfater, two uncles, father and three members of this family being engaged in the business. In addition to the trade that is accorded him at home he also does an extensive business at Caro, Mil- lington, Mayville and adjoining towns. Mr. McLellan employs a force of skilled workmen that enables him to turn out an article of work second to none in the state.
J. W. McLELLAN.
Gilbert H. Moore, the subject o this sketch is a native of Michigan, anc was born in Mt. Clemens, Macomb coun ty, May 18, 1857. In boyhood he was de prived of many advantages generally en joyed by the youth of the count -y, and when he made a start in the world the only thing he had to recommend him- self was gcod health, industry and energy, and they proved a good stepping stone to success. Mr. Moore came to \'assar six years ago, and opened up neat tonsor- ial jiarlrrs, where he made cleanliness and diligence the ruling feature. Social- ly, Mr. Moore is a Mason, holding the office of Senior Deacon, is a Knight of Pythias, a member of the Knights of the I^oyal Guard, and has represented Vas- sar Lodge of Odd Fellows in the Grand
a. H. MOORE.
Lodge. Always willing to lend a hand in anything that pertained to the welfare of Vassar, he has made for himself some- thing that is always beneficial, "a good name at home."
Charles O. Evans was born January 12, 18G2, in New Boston, Michigan. Ever since he was able to wear long pants he has been in the brick business, working first for his father at his New Boston yards, and later was twelve years in busi- ness for himself at Caro. Six years ago Mr. Evans came to Vassar and in com- pany with F. Miller organized the Vassar Brick and Tile Company. The concern is one of the best institution in Vassar, giving employment to a large number of men and doing an evtens've "-h-ppin?
business. Mr. Evans is an unassuming, straightforward business man and belongs to Vassar lodge of Masons. He was married in 1890, to Miss Kate Adams, of Vassar.
CHAS. O. EVANS.
O. Knowles, the subject of
sketch, is a Canadian by birth, being born at Dorchester, Ontario, April 3, 1867. Mr. Know'es had only passed the second mile stone of his existence when his fam- ily removed to Vassar, and it was here that he received his edu' ation at our high school. T hree years ago Mr. Knowles in company with C. J. Teeters, formed a partnership and established the meat and poultry business at their present lo- cation. Strict attention to business and
W. O. KNOWLES.
square busmess methods win for the firm a good patronage. Mr. Knowles was married in 1889 to Miss Anna A. Lewis, o' ^'■a'■sar.
The county of Lapeer has contributed some pretty good citizens to the domain of Vassar during the past twenty-five years, among whom we mention W. R. HoUenbeck. He was born on November 11, 1862, and received a common school education, that was afterwards polished off at the Otisville grade 1 schools. At the age of twenty-one years Mr. HoUen- beck embarked in the grocery business at Columbiaville, removing to Vassar two years later, being may ir of Columl)ia- ville at the time. During his res'dence in Vassar Mr. HoUenbeck has served as township clerk for three years, been a member of the board of alderman for two years, and in 1893 was honored by being elected supervisor7 on the republican ticket. He has always been looked upon
W. R. HOLLESBrCK.
as a consistent worker for the interest of the people, and is at present a member of the Water Board of this city. Mr. Hollen- beck's grocery business is located at the corner of Cass and Huron ;
James A. Trotter, editor of the Tus- cola County Pioneer, was born in 1862, in Schoharie county. New York. In 1863 he removed to Vassar where his educa- tion was completed in the Union schools. In 1869, when he was about seventeen years of age his father purchased the Pio- neer and in conjunction with the two sons, J. A. and William, began its publication. In 1875 the two purchased the father's in- terest and two years later the interest of William was bought by the present owner. Mr. Trotter was clerk of the city from 1876 to 18S0, wns for four years a
11
J. A. TROTTER.
member of the Common Council and served six years on the Board of Educa- tion. He has been connected with the Tuscola County Agricultural Society for many years and that organization owes a measure of its popularity and success to Jim's good head work. Mr. Trotter is conspicuous in Masonic circles and has served as Master of the Vassar lodge for a number of years.
\V. T. Watson was bom in New York state in 1S64, and removed with his par- ents to Mecosta county, Michigan, at the age of one year. Mr. Watson is the son of Rev. R. H. Watson, a Congregational minister of considerable repute in Mich- igan. His first venture in the art of pho- tography was at Bellevue, Michigan, and afterward at Shephard. Three years ago he came to X'assar and purchased the gallery at his present location. His work embraces every branch of photography. Mr. Watson was married in 1892 to Miss Alice Monroe, at Calamo, Michigan.
E. Emmett Miller, one of the "young crowd" of Vassar, was born January 1, lS7:i, in this city. He attended the Vassar high school and got a good start in the world by staying around thc- old Times office on " press days," and "learning the cases" by the ruddy glow of an oil lamp at nights. Six years ago he- was given the charge of the mechanical department of the Tuscola County Pio- neer, one of the best county papers in Michigan, a position he now occupies. One year ago he assumed the manage- ment of Miller's Opera House, one of the prettiest and most substantial theaters in the "Thumb." The liberal and consis- tent methods that characterize his man- agement has given the house a "good name at home," and as theatrical people express it, "a good place to come to."
E. E. MILLER.
The class of attractions that have visited Vassar since he assumed charge have been of the highest order.
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M. AND C. MILLERS FLOURLNQ MILL.
W . T. \S ATSON.
W. J. Spe.\rs, of the law firm of Huston and Spears, was born thirty-two years ago in Arbela, Tuscola county, and by his own ]iluck and energy pushed him- self to the front in his profession. In 18.5-J he began the study of law in the office of which he is now a partner, was admitted to the bar of Tuscola county in 1885, and in June, 1886, graduated from the Univer- sity of Michigan receiving the degree of Bachelor of Law. He returned to \'assar the same year, was elected Circuit Court Commissioner, and re-elected in 1888. Mr. Spears was elected City At- torney in 1892, an office he holds at the present time. He is also Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Michigan School for the Deaf, and has been honored in various ways by the people.
W. J. SPEARS.
One of the substantial business con cerns of Vassar has for its founder and perpetuator, C. A. Mapes. His business was established in 1887 and the trade that has been accorded him has been , nothing short of phenomenal. The stock of clothing, furnishing goods, hat, caps, etc., is the largest carried in Tuscola county and his sales foot up the heaviest of any local concern doing business here- in that line. Mr. Mapes has vast inter- ests in Vassar, bemg one of the directors of a local bank and holding various other business interests. He was honored by the people by being elected alderman and is prominent in the Pythian and Masonic fraternities.
The Tuscola County Agricultural So- ciety is one of the few successful county fair organizations in the state. Organized over thirty years, the society has each year met with the hearty approval and liberal support of the people and every succeeding fair seems to be an improve- ment over its predecessor. The society is an institutibn believed in and appre- ciated by the farmers of the county, who realize its value from an agricultural as well as the commercial standpoint. In addition to its distributing many hundred dollars yearly to patrons, it is through the stimulus of its exhibitions that the best products of the farm and household have been developed and the " scrub " been forced to give way to the thorough- bred, until no county in the state can boast of finer or better bred horses, cattle.
CORNER IN MAPES' BIQ CLOTHING HOUSE.
sheep or swine, than can ours. The an- nual fairs of the society are held at \'assar.
WILLIAH GRANT.
rASSAR BRICK AND TILE COHPANVS YARDS.
the railroad and commercial center of the county. The fair grounds comprise twenty-three acres, artistically laid out and fully equipped with commodious buildings excelled by no town or city in the state. The half-mile track is pro- nounced by hoursemen to be the best in Michigan. The grounds and improve- ments represent an outlay of nearly $20,000.
The officers for 1895 are. President, Wm. Kirk, Fairgrove ; Vice-President, N. E. York, Arbela ; Secretary, R. S. Weaver, Watrousville ; Treasurer, J. A. Trotter, \'assar.
William Grant, crack laundryman, is a native of this city, and was born Feb- ruary 5, 1864. Nine years ago he opened an unpretentious hand laundry that re- received so much encouragement in both the city and surrounding towns that a steam plant was soon necessary to keep apace with the volume of business. This was put in six years ago. Since that time new and approved laundry machin- ery has been constantly added and facili- ties for handling out of town work materi- ally increased. Regularagenciesat Yale, Columbiaville, Reese, Richville, Brown City and fifteen other Michigan towns give the shipping department of the busi- ness plenty to look after. Mr. Grant is purely a Vassar product and by a persist- ant exhibition of pluck, together with a general popularity, nas gained a success that anybody could be proud of.
.DlIk.MAN C. C. HILl.
ALDERMAN J W. QOLLAN.
ALDERMAN T. Al. STEPHENS.
VV. H. STARK, Hayor.
ALDERMAN H. J. MILLER.
ALDER.MAN SANFORD.
-DERMAN J. E. VESCELIUS.
l^aeeav's Common Council
William H. Stark, the present Ma- yor of Vassar, was born in Port Dover, Ontario, July 15, 1861. In 1862 he remov- ed with his parents to Saginaw, where he worked in the soap factory owned by his father. At the early age of sixteen he began in the livery business for him- self, which he carried on successfully four years, turning his hand to railroad contracting next, at which he was especi- ally fortunate. In 1883 Mr. Stark return- ed to \'assar and engaged in the livery business which he conducted for six years, and later was in the boot and shoe business for three years. After selling out his boot and shoe business he became one of the firm of Stark and Mapes, now known as the ^'assar Pant Company, and after a year of successful business pur- chased the entire interest which has since been carried on by him. From the mod- est beginning, the business of this concern has grown so rapidly that it requires a working force of thirty employes. In the past year the business of the concern covered every town north of \'assar in Michigan and many Wisconsin cities. Something over §10,000 was paid during the year just ending for labor, which rates this institution among the best. Mr. Stark is a member of ^'assar Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Foresters, Knights of the Maccabees and Loyal Orange Lodge. In politics he is a Republican and has been honored by being elected township treasurer in 1889 and 1890, and in 1891 was elected Mayor of Vassar, an office which he fills efficiently at the pre- sent time. Mr. Stark was President of the Tuscola County Republican Club for one year and is at present a member of the Republican County Central Commit- tee. He was also honored in the Sena- torial Convention at Lapeer by having the solid vote of his county for 104 ballots for the nomination of Senator for the twenty-second senatorial district. It was in this memorable convention that John L. Preston was nominated on the one hundred and fifth ballot by a unanimous vote. Mr. Stark possesses more than or- dinary force of character, which is guided by a clear discernment and excellent business capacity.
The subject of this sketch, Mr. Sanford, was born in Green county. New York, in 1842, and came to Michigan in 1870 and settled in Ingham county. It was in 1881 that Mr. Sanford came to \'assar and started in business in the hardware line, a branch of trade with which he had been identified since his boyhood days. His success is not therefore the result of chance, but the fruit of wise and consist- ent methods and business vigilance. His store in Vassar is located in the Huston block and is one of the most centrally located, and his stock the peer of any in Tuscola county. Mr. Sanford has always been identified with the best intsrests of V^assar and has backed his faith in the proud city of the Cass by encouraging all of her institutions. He was elected by the people as a member of the board of aldermen two years ago, a place he holds at the present day. Socially Mr. Sanford is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the \'assar lodge.
Charles C. Hill, the shoe man of Vassar, was born in Birmingham, Michi- gan, April 20, 1863, and was a son of Rev. S. N. Hill, the widely known pastor of the Presbyterian church in \'assar. Mr. Hill received his education at the \'assar high school, and in 1881 allied himself with the Vassar Woolen Com- pany as house salesman, continuing in that capacity until 1894 with the excep- tion of two seasons. Three years ago he formed a partnership in the shoe and fur- nishing goods business under the firm name of Hill and Lewis. On January 1, 1895, Mr. Hill succeeded the firm, and has conducted the business since that time. He was elected alderman last year on the Republican ticket, is prominent in Ma- sonic and Pythian circles and is well liked by patrician and plebian. Hill owes his success in business to the liberal use of printers ink and common sense. There are not many homes in Tuscola county that have not heard of Hill, the shoeman. In addition to the shoe business he finds time to act in the capacity of City Clerk and secretary of the Business Men's As- sociation. Mr. Hill was married in 1885 to Miss Alice Hough, of .Almont.
The subject of this sketch, J. E. Ves- celius was born October 10, 1848, in Em- field, New York. In 1857 he removed with his family to Tuscola county, and settled on a farm three miles south of Tuscola. Mr. Vescelius came to \'assar in 1877 and engaged in thegun and sport- ing goods business. His business house is located on Cass avenue near Huron. He also buys raw furs in season and does considerable business in this line. In 1885 he organized the ^'assar Rifle Club with twenty-five members. The range of the club is located within the city limits, and its members enjoy the distinction of win- ning a large number of first prizes in the state shoots. Mr. Vescelius is a member of the board of aldermen of the city of Vassar and is one of her good citizens.
Alderman Thomas M. Stephens was born in Almont, Lapeer county, Michigan, November 24, 1855, and was satisfied to till the soil of Lapeer county until he was twenty-five years of age. In 1880 he was married to Miss Hattie A. Hough, of Al- mont, and removed to Vassar and formed a partnership with M. T. Butts in the grocery business. The firm continued in existence for three years. Mr. Stephens then removed to Romeo and entered the store of J. J. Cochrane where he remained for four years. He then took the road for H. P. Baldwin and Company, a Detroit shoe house, and removed his family to Vassar. Mr. Stephens was elected last spring to the office of alderman, he is sup- erintendent of the Baptist Sunday School and is an active worker in church affairs. Mr. Stephens is the kind of citizens Vas- sar is glad to hold.
As an evidence that it pays to attend to business and follow the straight and narrow path, it is only neccessary to point to the career of H.J. Miller, one of \'as- sar's crack druggists. He was bora on September 6, 1866, at Lawrence, Ontario, and received only a common school edu- cation. At the age of sixteen he entered a drug store at Fort Gratiot where he remained for ten years. In March, 1891, Mr. Miller came to Vassar and started in business for himself with but little money
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and whole lots of energy. By a liberal use of tfie latter he sot a good fund of the former and has one of the best con- ducted drug concerns in this county. He has served two years as alderman of this city, and is trustee and treasurer of the M. E. Church, is a Mason and a member of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Miller was married in 1892 to Clara A. Swartzfeiguer- of \'assar, and has one of the neatest little homes in the city.
John \V. Goll.\n was born in Ran- somville, New York, in 1861, and received his education at Lockport, Xew York. In 18S0 Mr. Gollan came to X'assar and entered the dry goods store of McHose and Gage, remaining there something over a year when he was engaged as sales- man for William Barie and Son, of Saginaw. In 1888 he formed a partner- ship with J. T. Stecker in the dry goods business which continued up to the time of Mr. Stecker's death, when Mr. Gollan assumed the entire business. This was in 1890. The business has been conduct- ed by him on a strictly first-class plan since that time, and is one of the model places of business in \"assar. and is pop- lar socially. He was married in 1890 to Miss Birdell Garman, of Vassar.
Mr. Gollan was elected alderman of of the city last year.
IRA L. FORBES.
Ira L. Forbes, superintendent of the \assar schools, was born in Wayne coun- ty, Xew York, in 1842, being fresh from school in 1862, when his patriotism caused him to enlist in the 18th Michigan Infan- try. After nine months in camp and field, his education and attainments
RICHARD nORRIS, H. D.
caused him to be released from field duty and assigned to duty in the Provost Mar- shal's department as clerk of the military prisons at Nashville, Tennessee. He was soon made chief clerk, a position which he filled to the satisfaction of the General in charge to the close of the war. After the war he was again at school for a year, after which he began his career as a teacher of the young, which he has fol- lowed continuously ever since. He is now in his ninth year as Superintendent of the \'assar schools, having successfully held the position against a most wicked attack by the County Board of E.xaminers in the interest of one of their number. Not one of the corrupt board is now in the teaching profession in our county. Mr. Forbes is always prominent in any move- ment for culture or advancement and it is due to him that Vassar's schools are in a prosperous condition.
Richard Morris, M. D., one of the most successful practitioners of Tuscola county, is a native of Limerick, Ireland. When he was less than a year old his parents emigrated to the new world and settled in Xew York State, removing later to Canada, where he received his educa- tion. Dr. Morris is a graduate of the Toronto School of Medicine, of the Buffa- lo University and of the Military School of Canada. In 1870, Dr. Morris came to Tuscola county and settled at Watrous- ■ ville, in which place he continued the practice of his profession until 1883 when he removed to Vassar. He was married in 1870 to Josephine Jilson. Dr. Morris
is a close student and an able diagnos- tician, is a Mason and has held the office of county coroner most of the time since his residence here. At the present time he holds the office of health officer of \'assar.
Arthur S. Rogers, M. D., Ph. C, is one of Tuscola county's own sons and first saw the light of day thirty-two years ago at Watrousville. Dr. Rogers receiv- ed his education at the ^"assar high school, and in 1882 entered the pharmacy depart' of the University of Michigan, taking a literary course in connection, finishing the Ph. C. course in 1885 with a credit of three years on the A. B. chemistry course. In the spring of 1885 he opened and assumed the management of the Eagle drug store in Saginaw, remaining in that capacity until the business was disposed of two years later. As the drug business was intentionally preparatory to the study of medicine, he returned to the University of Michigan and entered the medical department upon advanced standing and finished in 1890. During the year following he practiced medicine and taught pathology in the University,, and came to Vassar in 1892. Although he took only temporary quarters in this city his success as a practitioner among the people of his own county have made
A. S. ROGERS, n. D.
them permanent. Dr. Rogers is a mem- ber of the Washtenaw Medical Associa- tion and holds the position of Health Offi- cer of Vassar. His practice is one of the most lucrative m the county, and a pleas- ing personality has made him popular with the masses.
REV. C. H. MORGAN.
Rev. Charles H. Morgan, Ph. D., pastor of the First M. E. Church, Vassar, was born in Oakland county, Michigan, November IS, 1852, his ancestors for two generations back being natives of New York and New Jersey. He is a graduate of the Northwestern University, Evans- ton, Illinois, IS'il, and of Boston Univer- sity, Schtol of Theology, 1879, School of all Sciences, degree of Ph. D., I*s3. In 1.S79 he became a member of the Detri.it Annual Conference, and his previous ■ jiastorates have been at Marquette, Fow- lerville, Komeo, Jefferson Street, Sagi- naw, Fast Side, Adrian, West Bay City, and Howell. He married Miss Emma D. Webster, of Farrington, Michigan, June 22, 1887. They have one child, Leslie Webster, born March 10, 1894. Dr. Mor- gan has always given close attention to work among the children and young peo-
ple, and was a member ol the convention which organized the Epworth League at Cleveland in 1889. Revivals, temper- ance and other social reforms are a pro- minent feature of his work. He is the author of a system cf galher'ng and class- ifying newspajier material and of various lectures, the most popular of which are " The Seven Wonders of the Nineteenth Century," " Five-Fifths of a Farmer," and " Social Movements of our times."
The First Presbyterian Church of Vas- sar dates back ta the spring of 1865. Although the church organization dates from 1865, there was no regular minister until 1856 when Rev. George Winter, then located at Brandon, Oakland county^ made a visit and preached for the first time in the frame school house opposite the tannery. The first church edifice was built and dedicated in August, 1859, and the jiresent spacious building was erected in 1891. Mr. E. A. Huffman, the present pastor, is a man of broad views and liberal education.
The Vassar Class of the United P.reth- em in Christ was organized with thitty- five members in 1880, in the old town hall ( verthe 7>V;/« office, and in the following year built the house which they now oc- cupy on the east side of the river. Rev. A. E. Serbert was the organizer and builder of the first house of worship. Since that time ten pastors have had charge of the interests of the little flock- Rev. Ira J. Tripp, the present incumbent, was admitted to the ministry in 1893 and
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took the pastorate of the L'nited Brethern Church at Petoskey in 1894. In 1895 he came to Vassar, and interest in the work has increased materially since that time. The Methodist Episcopal Church Soci- ety was formed by S. P. Lee, preacher in charge of the Genesee Circuit, in Octo- ber, 1851, and consisted of L. W. Van Kleeck, Emily Van Kleeck. Ebenezer Morse, Elizabeth and Harriet Gibbs, wives of Sabin and Orin Gibbs. This class was afterwards disbanded, but was aga'n organized in 1864 by Charles Haines, preacher in charge of the Tus- cola Circuit and consisted of six members, from which has grown the present flour ishing society. Vassar was connected with the Tuscola Circuit and had preach- ing by pastors appointed for Tuscola until 1863, when the name was changed
REV. IRA J. TRIPP.
to \'assar and J. H. Horton appointed pastor. The services were held in the school house until ihe Presbyterian church was dedicated, and which was used until they built a church of their own. At the conference of 1867, J. O. Bancroft was appointed to Vassar in view of building a church. At this time there were but thirty five members in the church and it looked almost an impossi- bility to build a church, but with thebnsi- ness men of the town on the board of trustees and the indefatigable labor of the pastor and his wife, a substantial church was built and furnished at a cost of S7,400. It was dedicated July 11, 1869. A Sunday school was also organized and has been carried on very successfully un-
FIRST PRE5BVTERIAN CHURCH.
der the efficient superintendency of the Hon. B. W. Huston for the past twenty- five years. The present home of this so- ciety was began in May of this year and is one of the finest specimens of church architecture that can be found. The basement consists of a reception hall, dining room, kitchen and furnace room with all the necessary equipments. The audience room has a raised floor with cir- cular seats and will accommodate four hundred and fifty people. The Sundav school room is in immediate connection and is separated from the main room by a rolling partition. This new edifice was dedicated September 1, 1S95.
REV. W . H. ISr.TTC^S
The First Bapiist Church of \'as?ar was organized April IT), lbS8, with a char ter membership of nine persons In May, 1889, the society incorporated under laws of the state, and was recognized as a regular Baptist church. The services are for the present held in the Grand Army hall on Huron avenue, while the magnificent temple of worship that the earnest and willing workers of the society are building, is in the course of erection. A brief description of the dimensions of this church is given. The total length is 78 feet and the width 60 feet; the auditor- ium is 45x47 feet, with a Sunday school room separated by rolling partitions. The general style is Romanesque, built of Grindstone City quarry stone and the best Vassar brick to finish. The public's responses in aid of the church has been liberal and satisfying and while it was not designed to erect a structure of
elaborate proportions, it will compare favorably with any church in Tuscola county. The present pastor. Rev. W. H. Betteys, is a conservative and consistent man, has the polish of a brilliant educa- tion and a business ability that would do anybody proud.
A CHAPTER OF VASSARS PAST.
In 1847 an appropriation of 3,000 acres of land was made by the government to build "White Bridge" over the Cass river at Bridgeport. The contract was awarded to Townsand North, Judge J. M. and Newton Edmunds. At the comple- tion of their contract Mr. North was made agent for the company to select the lands, and he proceeded up the Cass and select- ed some fine pine lands where the flourish- ing city of \'assar now stands. In 1849 the c mpany erected a small shanty near the present site of the \\ illiamson tan- nery, and proceeded to b nld up a town.
towns springing up around us for honors, on June 15, 1866, Caro, then called "Cen- terville," by the aid of Tuscola, secured the plum.
During the month of August, 1854, the village of \'assar was surveyed and the plat recorded. In 1858 the Presbyterian church was erected and a'so tlie first drug store in the county opened. The Woolen factory was erected in 1867 and and Vassar began to assume the airs of a modern town.
In 1872 the Michigan Central railroad was built and the village incorporated.
HOTEL COLUHBIA.
This is one of the finest hotels in the city and county. The building, a large structure, 80x100 feet, two stories, is built of brick in excellent design. It was erected three years ago at a cost of S9,000 and Vassar is indebted to J. P. Blackmore for its good hotels as he also built ^n ad-
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
They soon had a sawmill in operation, where the Phillips and Sturgis plant now stands and in the meantime opened a general store near the same place.
S. P. Lee organized the first church society, and the small band of worshipers, composed of six members, held their first meeting on October 14, 1851.
Judge F.dmuTids presided over the first court, held in the county in 1852. \'assar was then the county seat, but owing to a fight which was bemg carried on by the
dition to the Jewell House, thereby doubling its capacity at an expense of S6,500 and erected several buildings on the Fairview farm costing §5,000. He has been a friend to the laborer as can be seen by the above and has always worked hard for the growth and interest of the village, taking an active part in the building of Recreation Park to which he donated S7.50 besides other improve-
Thei
■ arrangement of the H'-tel
Columbia is excellent. On the lower floor to the right is the commodious office, with reading, baggage and sample rooms, bath and toilet rooms in rear, while to the left of the hall is the large dining room with seating capacity for fifty persons' and the cuisine is first class. On the upper floor are attractive parlors for ladies and gentlemen and thirty guest chambers all' well furnished and the etjuipment is first class throughout. The house has an excellent transient
well known throughout the county and state, having been in the hotel business for years in this city. His reputation as a host is proverb'al, and his house one of the best in the state.
A fine livery and feeding stables m connection with capacity for fifty horses and in that line is well patronized by people in surrounding towns and country, customers often coming from fifteen to twenty miles. A full line of light and heavy carriages are constantly on hand.
Miller's Opera House is a building highly creditable to the flourishing city. It was erected in 1879 by R. W. Millur, at a cost of SlO,000, and is located at the corner of Main street and Huron avenue The auditorium is reached by a wide range of stairs from Main street. The exterior is of red brick, a steel stair case being attached to the outside as a means of escape from fire. The seating capacity of the house is about 800, the gallery holding, perhaps, .300 of this nuin
HOTEL COLUnBlA.
trade from travelers and others ; also a liberal patronage from residents of Vas- sar and Tuscola county.
S. Blackmore, the present proprietor, is
enjoying an excellent livery trade and first class rigs are ready at any time of the day or night.
A SQUINT OF THE CASS BELOW THE DAM.
ber. The interior decorations are the fin- est in this quarter of Michigan outside of Saginaw and the scenery of such quality and abundance that would do credit to a much larger city. The destinies of the house are presided over by E. Emmet Miller and nothing but the best attrac- tions are booked. The stage is reached by a covered stairway connected with the Jewell House, which provides easy access to the visiting theatrical companies.
W. B. Cavers, has been connected with the meat business in Vassar for sev- eral years. He first started in business in the Davis building but later purchased the Jones block and removed his business there. Mr. Cavers does a strictly cash business and his large sales and steady increase of trade shows that this method may be successfully carried out. He al- ways keeps a full line of fresh and salt meats, poultry and fish in season.
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BAV CITY. MICHIGAIST.
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FREE TIBIAL.
This school alwa3s gives one week's trial free.
Enter the International at Bay City for one week and pa}' no money, then enter any other in the Valley, and if you do not prefer this school you will be ffi\en one year's
FREE !
When . . . Interested
In such woi-k as we do liere,
write us for terms, etc. Visit our School if possible. Try our School, and Last, but Not Least, PAY NO MONEY
IN ANY SCHOOL till you have tried it.
Address :
mtematioiial Business College,
Bay City, Michigan.
Varnum's Bazaar.
\ \ \ \ \\ \\N \ \\N \ \ \\ \ \ N \ \\ \ N \ \ \ S
AATe Ceiter to t\\<^ People wlio Wisli to Ecor|omize.
It's our business to tell j-ou that our prices have been on the jack-plane and are scaled down to the quick. We sell the staples of the Dry Goods business at prices that no other house can touch, for we're satisfied to sell you oftener, and in any quantity.
All the man)' departments of Bazar Meixhandizing can be found with us.
Lamps, Tinware, UQderwear, fOiXxzy Goods, F^ibbons, Toilet Sets, Perfumery, Etc.
Standard Patterns.
We are the only store in Vassar that carr}- in stock a full line of Patterns.
You don't have to wait two weeks after you,ve found what
you want, for we have it here.
The Standard Patterns are the best made.
Newspapers, Magazines
-—-""■■ "™->r^-s V \ \ \ \ ..\ ;4\.s^^:^^^::s^^'%*:: \ n \ \ \:*^^i^^^--
A new feature of our business is the adding of a stock of Magazines,
Newspapers, etc. AH the late and popular periodicals
can be found on our counters.
By the way, we're headquarters for anything in Stationery.
R. D. Varnum's Bazaar,
NEARLr OPPOSITE POST OFFICE,
^^. VASSAR. MICH.
...A Man or Woman...
Speaking SEVEN LANGUAGES may not know the right price of things needed for the home everyday
In our Block of Stores may be found pretty much every thing needed in the Dry Goods, Carpet and Gloak line for Women's needs and Men's wear, with a certainty that the qualities can be depended upon, and the
RRICES ALWAYS AT THE LOWEST POINT.
ESTIMATES FURNISHED
ON ALL KINDS OF -^
Wioi Mil Cufiate, HI m Mm I
II, io*s « cuiifci GQfpeis.
WE PARE THE PRICES DOWN ON
Dfess Ml Sis, M
GW8, ips. mmi \tm\i umii %mi NecteQf, Ml [m ifl Wm.
TRY OUR MAIL ORDER DEPARTMP:NT FOR SAMPLES AND INFORMATION.
. . . . BRING THE STORE INTO YOUR HOMES ....
THE MAILS makes us all neighbors, and our Mail Order Deparlment is Prompt, Accurate and Intelligent. MONEY BACK if you want it. Should your order bring you the wrong thing, don't keep it. Send it back with instructions to recall your money and the next mail will bring it.
Porteous, Mitchell & Co.
Dry Goods, Carpets and Cloaks,
<^i^ Saginaw, West Side, Mich.
Many %,
Days
— One whole year's trial,
We are willing to give the riders of good Bicycles the benefit of our long study and practical ingenuity.
We will simply state that we have made the most valuable im- provements on Ball Bearings now out.
If You ^
Are Interested
Write us, and when we get our Catalogue out we will mail you one, then you can see that we have something that is worth a great deal if it is speed and perfection that you are after, besides, we charge you no more for our BEST than you would have to pay elsewhere.
We also put a wheel on the market, made of good material, at a less price, only it has the usual style of ball bearings, not so good as our best, B//f quite as o-ood as any produced up to date.
Fischer Bros.
Factory and Office
214=216 N. Franklin St. Saginaw, E. 5., flich.
THE LARGEST LINE OF . . . .
Mall iC^apere
©rugQiete' Sunbriee
Scbool JSoohe
IN VASSAR.
We meet any kind of a price on goods in the -
or
p J.
WIMDOW
SMV^DErS,
THE BEST MAKES AT CITY PRICES.
PERFUMES, TOILET SOAPS, CREAMS POMADES, ETC.,
FroiiT tine Cleanest Stock in Tuscola County.
We have constantly on hand a full stock of Diamond Dyes and recommend them to our customers as the best and most reliable.
We call especial attention to the valuable new colors just added to the list : Black for Silk and Feathers, Fast Bottle Green, and four new cotton colors, all fast to washing with soap and will not fade or crock. Fast Pink, Fast Orange, Fast Garnet, Fast Purple.
OUR STOCK OF DRUGS, MEDICINES AND FANCY GOODS IS COMPLETE, AND WE INVITE YOUR PATRONAGE. ^ ■
H. J. MILLER, Druggist,
VASSAR, MICHIGAN.
162679^
Saginaw...
Dry Goods & Carpet Co.
128, 130, 132 and 134 '• North Franklin St
Saginaw, East Side.
OUR GREAT STORE . . .
Cein be broLigflit to your doors }^y rising" our COnPLETE MAIL ORDER DEPARTHENT and asking for Saiiix:>les of aiTV tliiiio- you \A/aut.
THE GREAT METROPOLITAN
HOUSE OF SAGINAW.
.... gVERY DAY A BUSY DAY HERE ....
FROM OUE-
Jaiuiary Clearing Sale, Ending January Jisf,
Neiu Spring Goods in February,
And so on each month all the year,
Tliere can be IVLucli Time and THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ^^A/^ELL INVESTED.
Our Great System of Seventeen Departments supplies every demand.
Bear us in mind ; make our acquaintance either in person or by mail.
AGENTS FOR BUTTERICK'S PATTERNS.
25
W. B. GAVERS,
WF^olesale and F^etail Dealer in -
Fresh and Salted Meats
POULTRY, BUTTER, §GGS, OYSTERS, RISM ^KD (a^ME:
.... IN SEAS(3N ....
'^^^mMk
w-
AA/E sell strictly on a CASH basis and are thus enabled to give you the best Meats, etc., at the lowest pos- sible prices. We do not handle anything but the very choicest Meats, and pay cash for all Poultry, Butter, Eggs, Hides, Pelts and Tallow.
^^\ B. COVERS,
Huron Avenue ^^^>' 2d Door from Post Offce,
VASSAR, MICH.
DR. FLOI^ENTINK'S HOSPITAL,
SAGINAW,
on High Grounds and surrounded by beauti- ful Lawns and Shade
principal Depots and Street Car Lines.
Every convenience of a well regulated Hos- pital, together with all the comforts of ho.ne. Heated by means of furnace; cozy, open fire places and gas stoves. Lighted with electrici- ty and gas. Each room newly and elegantly furnished with all con-
formed under most I Drable conditions.
unsurpassed. None but affable and Trained Nurses employed. No pregnant, coiilagious.
TERMS:
I Rooms, Board.
LiRht. Fuel, Medicine and Nursing, from ,S10 to .-2.5 per
ladv
for opera
A PRIVATE HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN.
For further particulars address F. B> FLORENTINE, M. D., 507 S. Washington Ave., Sajinaw, E. S., Mich.
Did You Ever Stop to Think
99
That it pays to buy good goods, and that they cost no more than an inferior article would?
What we mean is that we can give you new and well
selected goods for the same money (and
perhaps less) than you can buy old
and shelf-worn goods for at
other places.
Come in and look at our stock and you cannot help but say that we have one of the neatest and most complete stocks of BAZAR GiOODS in the county.
We also carry the finest line of Cream Candies that we can buy.
Thte Fair.
A. H. SPEARS &. CO.
Opp. Jewell House, Vassar.
oni
We keep on hand at al times the largest and best line of
Finished . . Monuments.
Our prices are as low as possible for
Good Material and Workmanship.
We guarantee satisfaction, or no pay.
Call and inspect our new stock for 189G.
We have erected most of the best monuments
in Vassar and surrounding country.
We are not in the White Bronze humbug.
A. F. BROGK, Prop.
Main Street, VASSAR.
WIGHTMAN'S
Store is Located in the
UNION BLOCK, VASSAR.
I own the block and am here to stay, a fact well worth remembering when you are buying a
WATCH . . .
or a piece of
SILVERWARE
on a guarantee.
I am prepared to do first-class work in Watch Repairing,
Engraving, and Fitting Eyes with Glasses.
You can always depend upon
finding a nice present
for a Wedding or Birthday
in the way of a Watch,
a piece of Sterling Silver,
Gold Ring or piece of
Fine China.
All Goods Guaranteed, and
Engraved Without Charge.
lUiluu
VASSAR. MI6H.
BECKERSON & SPAULDING,
PROPRIETORS.
FIRST-CLASS LIVERY IN CONNECTION.
VASSAR, MI6H.
Hlways Has First-Class Httractioqs.
E. EMMETT MILLER
Manager.
J. E. BUCK & SOU,
— DEALERS IN —
w
Huror) fivenue, VASSAR, - MICH.
R. A. BOYD & CO.
Near m. G. \. \. Depot,
VASSAR, - MICH.
Accuracy
in Fine Ordered Clothing
Dickhout & Eastman
Excel all
Others. ^.^^-^ We have a large assortment of Imported Woolens, of Best Quality. .....
Excellent Business Suits for
$18.00
First Glass Clays for
$2000 to $2300
Also Fine Dress Suits for $25.00
You will Save Money by giving Us a Gall.
Perfect Fit and Woi'kniansh ip Guaranteed.
mimiwrn..,,
me Reimie weictiaot Tailors 01 mssor, iicn.
Over Harrison's Drug Store.
(VRRftNGED ANO COMP(LeD BY
ntLOCLYNE o» FRED VOILAND
VASSAR, MICH
Press of VALLEY PRINTING CO., Saginaw, Mich.
5223