Luce County Historical Society

06/18/2024

Hello everyone. Well today would have been opening day for our 97th season but, as you know we have not found a buyer for our business. The Hiawatha is waiting for someone to buy her and get the trips going again. I am so very sad to not be on the river today. We are keeping the business for sale for a while longer just in case there is someone out there with the means to buy her. So spread the word and lets get find a new owner to get the trips going again.

06/18/2024

Newberry’s Tahquamenon Logging Museum is now in possession of a set Big Wheels, which were just installed on museum grounds.

06/03/2024

Farming

06/03/2024

Farming News

1886
Land Company planted several thousand celery plants. 50,000 more to planted this season.
Celery growing experiments started by W. Strong on 2 acres east of town. 20,000 heads raised, equal (and better) than Kalamazoo (Michigan) celery.
P.S. Hamilton found good clay on his farm. Only good place between St. Ignace and Marquette.
Detroit Journal said, "Newberry is celery growing center of U.P. A sort of U.P. Kalamazoo."
Unable to supply celery demand in Chicago.
Newberry soil is not muck soil. It is a regular "moulp" or humus of great depth and improves with culture. Quality of celery has improved every year. D.M.M. Land Department hopes to plant 160 acres to celery in 1888.

1888
New Celery and Improvement Co. was formed. W.O. Strong, C. McMillan Wetmore Hunt, and Sydney B. Wight.
"Grasshoppers are never so numerous. They stripped gardens of everything green."
Boys paid 50 cents for watching hoppers. They wanted 75 cents. Boys flew to pastures new and so did hoppers. Strikers are out of a job.
Mike Hammis, head gardner, spending winter in Detroit.

1889
Newberry Celery Co. to build large building for washing and packing celery for shipment. A windmill to be used for pumping. Old buildings have outgrown their usefulness.
Harry L. Harris returned from Duluth. "Newberry celery sells like hotcakes in that city."
Newberry Celery Co. supplying Soo Line and Canadian Pacific cars, also order for New York Central dining cars. Shipments doubled. Land adjacent to our village well adapted, double output for next season.
Celery Co. received large order from Montreal. Newberry celery commands fancy prices. Dealers have the fancy prices as celery doesn't cost any more than the lesser article at Kalamazoo.

1890
Newberry Celery Co. to erect 4 new houses on property east of Hardware Co. Truman and Harrie Street. Three of buildings to have 3 rooms, kitchen, and pantry. The fourth will be a modern 2 story building.
Mike Hammes has 200,000 plants in his care. "Rain the few days has made Celery Mike smile.'
A.G. Louks is owner of 256,000 acres of best pine land.
Emory Barr to plant 10 acres of potatoes; he's busy clearing land.
Peninsular Land Co. bought new thresher. Farmers can now raise all oats needed for home market and whest for export.

1891
Charles Carlson is clearing a homestead in Pentland Township.
Isaac Pentland has a fine orchard.
James Gandsey has a thriving orchard.

1893
Farmers of Lakefield are pasturing a lot of horses for Luce. Co. lumbermen.
Celery Co. is setting out one million plants.

1894
Mr. H.L. Harris is sole owner of Celery Garden.
Geo. Smathers has first sheep in Luce County for breeding purpose.
August Hedberg bought 60 acres in Pentland Township.

1895
Mr. Harris engaged a practical gardner named Henry Herder to succeed Mike Hammes.

1896
Potatoes are 15 cents a bushel.
P.S. Hamilton of Maple Leaf Farm boasts of having finest field of fall wheat.
Ed Johnson is clearing his farm north of the railroad. Soon 45 acres will be under cultivation.
Newberry Celery is now in market. It will drive out the Kalamazoo celery.

1897
John Stark and August Hedberg framing barns for Palms Estate farm, opposite the county poor farm, and soon expect to raise the barns.
Ed Johnson has material for new barn on farm north of railroad. He has a fine crop of oats.
Palms Estate farm (S.N. Duthcher) has corn, potatoes, and artichokes planted. 60 acres were seeded. Two large barns and more for stock (sheep and cattle).
30 to 60 Amish families from Northern Indiana and Ohio came to settle on land belonging to Palms Estate. They are peace loving and thrifty and wear hair long.

05/27/2024

05/22/2024

Sharing

05/22/2024

Sharing

04/25/2024

ENTERTAINMENT

There are events every month in the form of music, plays at the opera house, sports, circus events, just about everything.
I have chose to list events that contain local names of Newberry

1900

Gossipulakulas Club met at home of Lena Newmark.
Tahquamenon Club President - Dr. FP Bohn; Vice President - DN McLeod; Secretary - Perry Leighton; Sergeant - Ed Cyr.
FL Harris billard parlors were opened to public.

1901

Thomas Webster skating rink is open to large crowds. Fine prizes for skaters. A flat rate of 10 cents is charged skaters and spectators.
Mrs. AG Louks had "peanut social" at her home for the benefit of Presbyterian church.
Newberry ladies have organized a physical culture club. They will wear bloomers and play basketball.

1902

Promotion exercises at Bank Opera on June 12. In class were: Caril Vardon, Marie Van Tuyl, Frank Mulvaney, Grace Mackey, Grace Halt, and Geroge Crane.

1904

"Longfellow" night at Mrs. DN McLeod's history class. Members were dressed in costumes representing longfellow characters. Husbands' wardrobes were raided. No men were allowed to peep in, and ladies had the time of their lives -- a "splendiferous occasion."

1905

Handerkerchief shower for Maude Campbell by Edith McPhee and Anna Besley. "Approaching nuptials of honored guest."
Informal reception for Dr. Chamberlain and Dr. Neal who are leaving our little city for wider fields of activity.
Goodwill Farm Brass Band (ages 7-13) will give concert at Presbyterian church on July 7th.

1907

Moving pictures shown at Town Hall.
Farewell reception for Mary Brebner who is joining her husband in Idaho.

1908
Newberry band was reorganized with Chas. Marshall Smith, director. He is good musician --proficient and capable.
JA Baetz, violinist, and JA Sundberg, pianist, furnish mussic for Woodsmen's Masquerade Ball.
Band stand erected on corner of Newberry Ave. and John St. for Newberry Band is lighted by electricity.

1910

The Finnish Temperance Society is making elaborate plans to entertain the Sault Society on Aug 7th. Special train from the Sault.

1913

Ladies went on sleigh ride party to Fyvie's camps. Mrs. John Garland had the luncheon for 50 ladies.

1914

Booster Clam Bake at Dead Man's Farm. Generalissimo Ivan Hunteroff; Surgeon General Bohnevitch; Commanding General - Westinowski. Menu: Newwberry celery, steamed lobsters ( alive), Copenhagen s***f, ci**rs, peerless ci******es.

1915

200 People went on the free excursion down the Tahquamenon River. Dinner was served at McNearny Farm.
Chautauquan committees: Advertising - A. Westin & Charles Surrell; Tickets - Perry Leighton and A. Sayles and Scott; Grounds - W. Murphy, Perry, Sundstrom; Entertainment - John Hunt, O. Sundstrom, and D. Campbell.

1916

Carnival at Sherman's Hall.
Pathe Phonograph Concert at high school. Mr. Beaulieu was in charge.
Newberry Study Club had A.L. Sayles lecture on South America, illustrated with stereoptican slides.
Chas. Fyvie is building a dance pavilion at S. Manistique Lake. 40 x 60 ft. Weekly dancing parties will be scheduled.
Reception for Shatttucks in annex of Presbyterian church. They are leaving for California.

1917

Red Cross dance at Fyvie's Pavilion.
Box Social and dance at Hendrick's Quarry.

1918

Half mile fast race at the Roller Rink. Charles Magnus and Harry Mattson.
JE Quinlan went to Boscobel, Wis. to a racing meet. His string of fast horses preceded him.

1919

Memorial Day program at which President Bohn presided. Father Eiling gave the invocation, and AL Sayles, Rev. Nicholson, and Rev. Colenso spoke.

1921

Alma Glee Club will give concert at the new auditorium of the Community Building under auspices of Presbyterian church on April 2nd. Sid Foster, Carl Dahlgren, and Ewald Swanson are in the group.
Newberry State Hospital minstrel show. Solo - Jack Mahar ("My Home Town"); Others - Smith, Vage, Florence Swanson, Harry Gunton, & Jewell.
"Chuck" Henry is on Newberry baseball team; Phil Hamilton, Hammes, G. McDonald, Walker, Henry Johnson, Si Young, Belanger, and McMullen also on team.
Harvey Nelson has scheduled two dancing parties at the Community Building.

04/07/2024

03/21/2024

Sharing from Jim Dwyer

03/03/2024

Entertainment in the late 1800's
Numerous Monthly events listed in the history book. Too many to list. But heres a few:

1886

Brass Band organized.
"Charcoal Burner" by Newberry Drama Club.
Masquarade at rink.

1887

Play "Among the Breakers" performed. Actors: W.A. McArthur, E.L. Chamberlain, J. Trueman, M.N. Jenney, C.W. Hecox, L.L. Buffam, Miss Myrtle Bird, Mrs. E.L. Chamberlain, May Hayden.

1888

Odd Fellows party surpassed anything ever attempted in Newberry.
Merry party at Newberry Hotel. Mr. Gandsey and wife gave party before Lent..
Dance at Land Company Wood Camp. Free ride on narrow gauge railroad. Tickets 75 cents. Malcom McPhee is manager.
Fruit Festival at R.W. Weller's for benefit of Presbyterina parsonage repairs.
Thanksgiving observed without usual sleighing parties - no snow for first time in history of village.

1889

Star Opera Co. at Village Hall for 5 nights. "Farmer's wife", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Mr. Quinn, no. 1 actor; Florence Lytelle is leading lady.
Objec of Catholic Fair is to ge money to finish up cemetery grounds.
"if you want a genuine good time, just get up a party and call on P.S. Hamilton's at their farm? Sleigh ride party to farm house at hmiltons, dancing, oyster supper.

1890

Royce and Lansing's musical comedy at Opera House on Monday.
Dramatic event: Mr. J.S. Murphy in "Kerry Gow", Irish Drama at Town Hall.
Snow's Circus in Newberry.
Galloway Comedy Co. at Opera House.

1891

Social hop at Mike Hammes (foreman of celery garden).
Newberry Fire Department will present a minstrel play. In charge are Peters, Pattterson and Hulburt.
Masonic Ball. Supper served at Newberry Hotel.

1892

Lyceum debate: "Resolved that use of the lash as means of punishment of certain types of criminals is desirable."
Maple Sugar festival was held in chapel of Presbyterian church.
Newberry Lyceum subject for debate: "Resolved that no person should be allowed to be worth more than a million dollars." Lyceum society is 3 months old and has a fair membership..
Band boys erect a stand on vacant lot, corner of Newberry Ave. and John St.

1893

Fancy Dress Ball at bank hall - for world's fair.
Dave Picket and troupe of colored ministrels entertained at Bank Opera House.
George w. Sharp gave free talk at Bank Hall - "Wisdon versus Whiskey".

1896

Piano recital by Mamie Louks (Edith McPhee, Mabel Hubbert, Sara Rosenthal, Ernest Russell, Mamie Somerville, Etta Harrison and Clara Johnston).

1897

Gramophone, clarinet, and vocal solos. Quartet (Corn, Case, Bettes, Danaher). Coronet solo - J.A. Baetz.

1898

Mamie Louks' piano students gave recital: Frank Gormely, Neil McLeod, Margaret Danaher, Erna Ivey, Mabel Caine, Mary Brebner, Cornelia Danaher, Kate Little.

1899

Newberry Social Club had a dance and oyster supper at home of T. Miller.

02/15/2024

Dollarville one more time:

1919
Young son of Mr. & Mrs. CW Storey of Dollarville was hurt when he fell in front of the circus wagons and was trampled by the horses.

H. Rasmussen lost two fingers at the Dollarville Mill

1920
Twilla Stephens is teacher in place of Dorothy Campbell who resigned.

Born on July 12 to Mr & Mrs St. John were two sons - Alfred and Albert.

There is a deal for sale: Dollarville Mill, plant, lumber, and timber holdings. It is in hands of the receiver; needs enough to cover the liabilities of the company.

1925
James Hardy, age 74, one of first settlers, died. He came in 1880 when Dollarville South Shore Railroad was built. He got the timbers for the first sawmil. He lived in Dollarville until recently moving to Newberry. Wife and four daughters Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Zelley, Mrs. Newland, and Mrs. Morrison and two sons Albert and William.

1926
Ed C. Underwood has received a consigment of muskrats for Dollarville farm.

1927
Dollarville, the old Mill Town, will soon be a memory. In 1872 the land was obtained by David Preston and John Harper when Luce County was part of Chippewa County and ten years before a tree was cut at Newberry (1882). H.L. Harris arrived when Preston-Harper holdings were taken by American Land Co., a Scotch concern. Robert Dollar of Marquette was member and manager. HL Harris was bookkeeper for Dollar firm. The mill was rebuilt and town platted in 1887. Charler did not permit them to cut lumber, so Dollarville Company was organized. In 1913 there was a fire in the railroad station. The post office was closed and school wrecked.
"It is delapidated town now. Houses have a way of losing doors and windows as soon as families moved. out. Mill is a heap of scrap and now used by new owners." There are wood operations 8 miles northwest of village.
A sternwheeler like those used on the Ohio River was used by James Hurst, the lame man. Ruins were still on the bank in 1927.

1929

In the Dollarville marsh which was burned by fire two years ago. $8,000.00 worth of blueberries were harvested.

02/05/2024

A little more of Dollarville

1904
The mill has been repaired and recodeled. It will open June 1. The company owns 12 000 acres of hardwood lands.

Elmer McPhee, bookkeeper for Danaher Lumbe Company, moved family to Dollarville.

1905
John Tracy moved family from Dollarville to ewberry to the old Richardson residence on McMilan Avenue.

1907
Principal is Lewis. Teachers are Rachel Brown and Anna Guest. Cassie McKay is at woods camp. Miss Graham of Owasso to take Rachel 's place.

Phillip Quayle will devote his time to Dollarville business. He resigned from job at furnace (chemist).

1908
Albert Conkie of Grand Rapids purchased general merchandis store, business of Quayle and Osborn.

1909
Dollarville mill to cease operations first of August. It has been 30 years in operation making finished lumber. First American Lumber Company and Peninsular Land Company to 1892. Dollarville Lumber Company to 1895. Danaher-Melendy Company to 1903. Danaher Hardwood Lumber Company for 5 years. Payroll was $4,000 a month. Mill will not be dismantled or remain idle as there are still large tracts of tibmber.

Dollarville shingle mill closed.

1910
Dollarville mill was wrecked by Wuck Brothers of Dollarville.

Detroit Cedar and Lumber Company bought mill, site, yards, and houses in Dollarville.
Also 520 acres of land. A wood-working establishment will be started.

Postmaster needed in Dollarville.

Bert Nelson, age 41 years, formerly of Dollarville was successful candidate for legislature of Idaho, from Kootinac County..

1913
D.S.S. Cedar mill at Dollarville burned. Mr. E Underwood had $11,000 loss and only $7,000 insurance.

1916
New mill of D.S.S. & Cedar Co. is now completed and steam and machinery turned on.

South Shore Cedar Mill has a 6,000 acre tract 4 miles north and west of Dollarville. Mr. E. Underwood said mill can be in operation for 10 years. A log railroad will be built.

Sunday School was organized in Dollarville by Rev. Colenso. 71 pupils enrolled.

01/14/2024

Lets look at Dollarville a little more.

1894
Both saloons were closed in Dollarville.
70.00 was contributed by Newberry businessmen and cyclists for a sidewalk to Dollarville. a boulevard for wheeling purposes.
Sidewalk is nearing Newberry at rapid pace. It will be carried as far as cemetery gates from Dollarville end.
George Hollingshead is janitor at Dollarville school for $10.00 a month.
50 enrolled in Dollarville School.

1895
Log pile at Dollarville - 11 million ft of logs.
James Craig rented Pentland Bros. building and will open up saloon.
Sidewalk to Dollarville completed along with an extra plank, 4 ft wide, for owners of bicycles.
Miss Hamilto, stenographer for three years at Newberry State Bank, accepted postion in office of Danaher and Melendy in Dollarville.
Charles Beaulieu of Dollarville accepted postio with James Craig, bartender.
Alexander Pentland and Anna Maude McIntyre were married with Rev. V.K. Beshgetor officiating.
Two sleigh loads of Dollarville people attended the Swedish concert in Newberry.

1896
Professor John Foster laid aside his books and "cat-o-nine-tails" and has taken to farming.
Dollarville is right up to date on electric lights.
Dollarville is to have hotel and Danaher Lumber Company store. Building will accommodate 60 guests - three stories high. The mill will run night and day, so an increased force of men is needed.

1897
Ed Cyr has a barber shop in Dollarville where he goes twice a week.
Ed Johnson is new mnger of C.D. Danaher's store. He sold interest to Walt Smith. Ed succeeds A.E. Burbant who resigned.

1898
Nearly 100 pupils are enrolled in Dollarville school.

1890
Bert Bell sold interest in Dollarville grocery to C.D. Danaher. Bert will become a traveling salesman.

1901
The Dollarville Boarding House is now Bell Holtel with Dan Bell in control.

1902
Fire in Dollarville, destroyed warehouse and dry shed of Danaher-Melendy Co. It destroyed all sleighs and farm machinery, and 100 tons of hay stored in warehouse. Flour and provisions of Kremple and Taylor were destroyed as well as all dressed lumber. Origin of fire unknown.
Yardmen at Dollarville struck for higher wages - mostly Finlanders. Demands were refused and men fired. Foreman Johnson went to Sault to get more men.

1903
The Post Office at Dollarville has been discontinued - moved into general store from the depot.

01/01/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL.

Just a few tidbits regarding DOLLARVILLE

1886
School has 76 pupils

1887
Walter Smith runs a meat wagon to Dollarville every day.
Dollarville Perry Camp was scorched by fire and 2 valuable horses were burned.
Its a good 3-mile drive to Dollarville.
The Dollarville mill cut 250,000 ft of lumber this fall.

1888
Mr. Dollar engaging men for work in California at $50.00 a month.
Dollarville is dry no longer. Mike Conway secured license for saloon in building formerly occupied by David McGrath.
John Hartwell of Dollarville captured a large eagle. 6 foot 8 inches across from tip to tip.

1889
Thompson and Griffin lost valualbe cows. Train broke legs, valued at $75.00 each.
Mrs. Merchant beats state record in dressing chickens.

1890
Harry Bouchard made proseffional trip to Seney.
Dollarville is popular summer resort for Newberryites, etc. "Our boulevards were thronged with crowds"
Beaullieu oped a saloon, working the soft drink racket.

1892
Old planing mill was destroyed by fire. Valuable machinery and 10,000 feet of lumber lost. Smallest of boilers was blown up. New mill will be commenced earliery and ready in two weeks. Extra planing machine ordered. Orders for 48 car loads.
Log train of 24 cars daily hauling from Sault branch.

12/13/2023

Sharing from Dec 7.

12/03/2023

Deer Park, Two Hearted River, Crisp Point, and Vermillion were built in 1876 and put in operation in 1877. The builders operated out of Whitefish Point for shelter in case of storms.
Deer Park was called Sunker River, then Muskallonge Lake, and then Deer Park.

1888
Cooks Mills L.S. gets mail from Newberry. There are 200 to 300 people in Deer Park.

1889
Joe Kellog has 36 saws to keep up at Cook & Wilson

1890
Deer Park is on peninsula between two lakes. Mill is owned now by E.E. Bradley & Hall of Saginaw. There are 130 million acres of standing pine. Logs run diret to mill. Lake Muscalonge bridged over.
John Braniff has stage line between Newberry and Deer Park.

1891
Frank Ackeman has a saloon in Deer Park.
Dan McLeod's dog team, Grover and Cleveland, carried mail to Deer Park. Frank Powell was teamster.
Carload of Cows at depot for Bradley and Co. They were driven to Deer Park from Newberry.

1894
School has 32 pupils enrolled.
Miss McCutcheon was transferred from Deer Park to Dollarville. Only one male teacher for Deer Park schol, Joseph May.
James Craig took school census.

1895
Mr. James Davies of Bridgeport is new principal - $60.00 a month.
54 pupils. 31 in higher grades and 23 in primary.
Deer Park mill cut 1,000,000 feet of lumber in 1894. 20,000,000 feet this season. The mill is operating day and night.

1899
Deer Park is to be deserted except for lighthouse station and ruins of few houses. EE Bradley and Sons have stripped the pine. All machinery shipped to Bay City. Mill and houses torn down.
Daily mail discontinued.
School discontinued, only two pupils.
Schooner "Nelson" sank in Lake superior.

1904
Marden, the Deer Park Swindler, was convicted in Chicago courts. He organized the Deer Park Improvement Association to sell a few acres of pine barrens with an attractive propspectus. "Many of his victims are still paying taxes on worthless property."