The following news items are reprinted from the Manistee Daily News for the week Sept.1-7, 1922 and are compiled by Teena Kracht from the newspaper archives of the Manistee County Historical Museum. 

“J. Pluvius, after breaking his bonds Monday night, apparently found the going easy, for he unloaded the rest of his accumulated rain last night.  Most of us were in bed when the bulk of it came down, but you have the assurance of the local weather bureau that it literally rained pitchforks.  Their records show a precipitation of a little better than two inches between midnight and the early hours of today…

“Except for clogged catch basins, the rain did little damage in the city.  At Orchard Beach scenes of the Mississippi flood were recalled.  In the declivity at the foot of the shore hill, west of the refreshment stand, a good-sized pond was created, the water climbing into several tents close by. 

“Today the tourists were hanging out wet and stained blankets, quilts, and even wearing apparel.  In the open space west of the band stand whole tents were laid out to dry.  

“All along the country roads washouts can be seen. 

The full 100 Years Ago section can be found online at manisteenews.com.

“Manistee’s marriageable young people are apparently taking a better liking to the month of August in which to be married than the month of June, according to the number of licenses issued by County Clerk Kruse during each month.  Including two which were issued yesterday…24 licenses were issued during August, while in June only 17 were called for. 

“Registration of Freshmen at the High school is fully up to expectations, according to Prin. S. Lyttle… 

“One hundred and eleven students who have finished the required work in the grade schools…had been classified by this noon…It is known, however, that quite a number of students who have not yet appeared to be registered have signified their intentions of entering the school… 

“It is to the advantage of the students to be classified at once, Mr. Lytle stated, because of the large enrollment this year, some of the classes being already filled.  Both the manual training classes for boys and domestic classes for girls are full…

“The commercial and college courses are about equally popular this year, but as only a limited number can be accommodated in the commercial classes, students who have not yet classified [registered] and expect to take this course, are urged to do so at once, as only a few more students can be taken care of in this department…

“Nine per cent of the students in the Manistee public schools during the past school year were neither absent nor tardy, according to a report…by Supt. Klager.  This report shows that 131 students, 30 from the High school and 101 from the grade schools were neither absent nor tardy.  

“There were altogether 1,496 students in the Manistee schools during the year, 343 in the High school and 1,153 in the grades…

“As an inducement to students to try to maintain a good attendance and scholarship record, it has been announced that the student who in the future fulfills the requirements of good scholarship and promptness in attendance–an average scholarship of B or above, no tardy marks during the term, and attendance of 98 per cent–will be excused from semester and final examinations….

“Two hundred and more Masons…last night witnessed…the initiation of the new DeMolay chapter of Manistee, comprising 42 boys.

“An interesting program preceded the ritual…Mayor John H. Rademaker was master of ceremonies…

“The Order of DeMolay for Boys was originated in a boys’ club of a dozen members in Kansas City, Mo., in 1919…Since that time it has spread over the entire country and now has a membership of 150,000.

“The purpose is to make better boys, better men and better citizens….

“While officially summer will not end until Sept. 20, there is something in the removal of the August sheet on the calendar that brings an anticipatory shiver.  Summer is not entirely a matter of temperatures and zodiacal signs–it is a state of mind and the first of September just as certainly marks the psychological end of summer as the change in the equinox will mark its seasonal ending.  

“With September comes a falling off in tourist travel.  The end of bathing season is near and each time the water is warm enough for a swim it is considered the probable last time. 

“The first of September is the last day brook trout may be legally taken and thus ends one of the best excuses for a day’s outing. 

“September’s advent also marks the beginning of school.  The bells will toll a dirge for the passing of vacation and the pupils will drag their unwilling feet to the several temples of learning. 

“So while there will no doubt be many more pleasant days and probably some hot ones to compensate for the cold ones of the past weeks, the thought that fall is at hand and winter is not far away, will take away the joy that otherwise would be felt–especially with the coal situation uncertain. 

“Winston Kuehl, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kuehl, Second street, broke his left arm at the wrist yesterday morning at Orchard Beach while playing on the slides.  This is the second accident to occur on one of the slides the last few weeks.  Little Stewart Hansen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Hansen, broke his collar-bone about two weeks ago. 

“Barber shops will be closed all day Monday, Labor Day. 

“As Noah Heap puts it:  As things get higher people feel cheaper. 

“The ringing of bells is considered a sign of public joy, but a lot of Manistee kids will manage to conceal any elation they may feel when the school bell rings next week.

“Such was the command unheard of in Manistee for a long time, which was given this morning at 1 o’clock to A. O. Hendricks, watchman and operator at the sub-station of Consumers Power company in the old car barns, on Vine street. 

“Hendricks was making his usual rounds of the buildings and…he sensed a ray of light coming from a flashlight played upon him and heard the command to put up his hands, followed by the threat that if he didn’t he would be shot. 

“After complying to this request he was ordered to give up whatever valuables he had.  These, including a watch and chain and a pocket book which only contained a little change and some bus tickets, were taken by the robber, who then made his escape. 

“The police were notified of the hold-up and are working on the case.  As Hendricks was blinded by the ray of light from the flashlight, he is unable to describe the thief. 

“The local medical fraternity is to be increased again by another newcomer.  Dr. Joyce T. Sheridan [a male] will open offices Monday, Sept. 4, in the First National bank building, for the practice of general medicine, obstetrics and minor surgery. 

“Dr. Sheridan is a graduate of Northwestern University Medical college…He has had several months additional training in psychopathic work and allied branches at the University of Chicago. 

“Dr. Sheridan’s obstetrical training was received under Dr. Joseph B. DeLee of the Chicago Lying In hospital.  He spent last year as resident physician in the Kansas City General hospital.  

“Last month Dr. Sheridan was married to Miss Doris Payne of Manistee.  For the present they are living with Mrs. A. S. Payne, 400 Maple street. 

“With the arrival today of several representatives of the Michigan Oil & Gas Co…interest was revived in the quest for oil in Manistee county.  They went out this afternoon to locate a site for the first well….

“As a shock absorber Red Blanchard of Battle Creek is the goods, but as a boxer in the same class as Eddie Busque of Petoskey, his opponent in the chief altercation in last night’s boxing carnival given by the Elks club, he just isn’t at all…As a boxer Blanchard was outclassed, but as a good, game fighter we are constrained to accord him due meed of praise…

“The attendance must have been disappointing to the promoters, there being more seats empty than occupied.  About a half dozen women were present.  Fair-sized delegations from Cadillac, Ludington and Frankfort helped out with the gate receipts.  

“With the close of the trout fishing season last night, local sportsmen are turning their interest to the hunting season and are shining up their hunting paraphernalia in preparation….

“With little doing in the way of special attractions over Sunday and the holiday, Manistee baseball enthusiasts have the prospect of two good diamond contests to look forward to.

“Traverse City Tigers are the Sabbath attraction at Sands park…

“Eastlake, which on August 24 gave the Independents the hardest argument they’ve had this year, will be the holiday visitors on Monday, and they’ll come across the lake with a firm determination to make things as unpleasant as possible for the home team….

“The library will be closed all day, Labor Day. 

“There will be no edition of The News-Advocate Monday, Labor Day. 

“Dick Papenguth and Billy Guimon, Manistee’s two swimming instructors, made a number of fine exhibition dives from Maple street bridge this afternoon. 

“There will be no mail delivery made by either city or rural carriers on Labor Day.  The general delivery window will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for general delivery patrons. 

“One of the great evils from which the American people are suffering is the inability of most cooks to produce apple pies with a well-done undercrust.  

“The chief family attraction Labor Day in Manistee, will be a combined picnic at Copemish of the Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges.  Members of a dozen lodges in the towns and villages in this vicinity including Manistee, will take part.  

“Neysa McMein, recently selected what she claims are the twelve most beautiful women in America.  A dozen American beauties, as it were.  The list was published [front page, center, with photos–T. K.] in The News-Advocate Thursday.  But Miss McMein failed to name one Manistee woman in the lot.  This shows that the selections were not on the square.  The dozen live right here in the city.  Any local woman, without a moment’s hesitation, can name the other eleven.  Of course, if the contest, if it may be called such, was not to be on the square, which is quite evident from the fact that the twelve women named were not from this city, no one here cares anything about the selections made by Miss McMein.  So far as can be learned, she has never even visited this city and therefore is not entirely to blame.  Not entirely so!  But almost!  Manistee has the twelve best looking women in America living right here, and besides that there are dozens of others just as beautiful making this city their home.  No, we are not running for office, but in the event that we should this ought to secure us the unanimous support of the women voters of the city, and then this tribute to our local fair ones would not have been in vain.  

“If a young man loves a girl–that’s his business.  If a girl loves the young man, that’s her business.  If they marry, that’s the preacher’s business.  My Business is to Feed Them.  Square Meal Restaurant.  OPEN DAY AND NIGHT. 

“The true wealth of the world is its man-power–LABOR.  To its proper application we owe all past accomplishments and depend for future achievements. 

“With respect and regard we, therefore, accord our congratulations–and thanks–for our glorious progress and attainments. 

“This is our tribute to the trades and industries.  May we all join to create a new era of prosperity and perpetuate our commendable past!  

“Our store will be closed all day Monday.  Frank’s Store.  F. J. ZIELINSKI & CO.  

“A family touring party, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hineline, Ford street and Second avenue, their five children…and Mrs. Hineline’s father, Peter Beay, came to grief Sunday noon when the front axle of their Willys-Knight touring car broke, causing the car to turn over twice.  The accident occurred in the loose gravel stretch about three miles south of Harrietta…

“Three of the occupants were seriously injured, four escaped with only minor bruises and scratches and the eighth was seriously injured. 

“The grandfather…Mrs. Hineline, and young son, Louis Jr., 11 years, were the three seriously injured.  Mr. Beay suffered a dislocated back, which was further distressed by being burned with gasoline.  Mrs. Hineline was severely bruised about her hips, while the head of Louis Jr. …[required] seventeen stitches…to close a cut in his forehead…The fifth child, Norma, had her left arm bruised and her leg burned with gasoline.     

“Mr. Beay, Mrs. Hineline and Louis Jr. are in the hospital at Cadillac…The others were brought to Manistee yesterday…Miss Norma Hineline is confined to her home.

“...Saturday night the Ford touring car belonging to Adam Hoffman of Stronach and driven by him grazed the Ford roadster belonging to Ellsworth Warnes…standing on Vine street…causing his machine to tip over, pinning him and the three occupants, all men, under it. 

“Miraculously all escaped with only a few bruises and cuts.  The…car was very badly damaged…How Hoffman, who was pinned under the steering wheel, escaped serious injury is a mystery, as the wheel and its braces were badly bent…

“[Another] accident occurred…in the middle of Merritt’s hill, when the steering rod of the Chevrolet car…broke, causing the car to go through the fence.  It was stopped from going over the embankment by a small pine tree.  There were three occupants in the car.

 “...Manistee Independents on Labor Day strengthened their claim to the independent championship of northern Michigan by administering a 7 to 0 trouncing to the Eastlake Colts...

“Although Traverse City Tigers late Saturday night cancelled their scheduled game with Manistee Independents…local fans were not denied diamond festivities at the Sands park.

“Eastlake and Arcadia… just moved the game and most of the population of the suburb over to the city lot….[Eastlake winning, 6 to 1.–T. K.]

“The school bell this morning called back to the classrooms about 1,700 of Manistee’s youngsters who have been enjoying a fine summer vacation for the past two months and a half.

“Attendance at all the grade schools is up to expectations, while at the High school the attendance is the largest which has ever enrolled in the school for a new term….

“Noah Little says:  The poorest excuse in all the world is:  ‘I didn’t think.’

“The average girl would rather put a needle in the talking maching than use one in sewing on buttons. 

“Having duly observed Leisure Day, let’s get this off our minds while we think of it:  We have only 112 days left in which to do our Christmas shopping. 

“As Noah Heap puts it:  The only way to attain perfection is to follow all the advice you give other people.

“LOST–Small green gold wrist watch at Orchard Beach or Bathing beach.  Finder kindly return to News-Advocate.  Receive reward.

“The members of the Lakeside club are looking forward to another season of activity after a vacation of several weeks.  The first meeting of the season will be in the form of a luncheon to be given at the Country club at 1 o’clock Monday Sept. 18….

“Mr. and Mrs. Chas. A. Zobel returned last evening from Detroit where Mrs. Zobel has been visiting for the past two months while Mr. Zobel was abroad visiting relatives and friends in Germany.  He was gone for three months.  

“The proceedings of the city commission last night were marked by a negative vote, the first, perhaps, in the history of this form of government in Manistee. Rather than go on record as favoring an action which he did not apparently understand [involving building setbacks on Water street], Commissioner Soren P. Nielsen chose the safe side by voting ‘nay.’ 

“...Put to a vote, the motion of Commissioner Thompson was adopted, namely that the building line for that block on Water street be established at the sidewalk, the vote showing six ‘yeas’ and one ‘nay.’  

“Teachers and students in Manistee’s public schools today settled down to their regular routine of work and all of the schools have assumed their usual smooth-running, business-like atmosphere, both teachers and students going about their work with renewed interest….

“With the opening of the High school yesterday, prospects for a successful football season for the team are again looming up big in the minds of football enthusiasts…

“A very fine schedule of games has been arranged, with six local games and three games away from home.  This will give Manistee fans ample opportunity in seeing the team in action and thus increase local interest….

“After observance of a rather sketchy summer schedule, due to a multiplicity of conflicting attractions and the distractions of the resort season, the Manistee Exchange club will resume its regular weekly noon luncheon program at the Chippewa next Monday….

“During August there were 29 arrests made and seven fire alarms answered.

“Age brings wisdom, but the trouble is it doesn’t leave us much time to use it. 

“With the time of collection of next year’s taxes less than three months away, Manistee still has in bank $80,152.76, which is an unusually healthy condition, according to City Treasurer G. T. Swansby, who submitted his month’s report to the city commission last night. 

“Right after a week off comes an off week. 

“As Noah Heap puts it:  There’s always at least one smart fellow expecting the unexpected. 

“Students who graduated from high school last June and who are anticipating their freshman year at some college, are busy these days getting ‘knock ‘em dead’ clothes ready for the initial parade across the campus. 

“Paint and whitewash, liberally applied, will brighten the setting for the coming Manistee county fair, to be held on the Onekama grounds, Sept. 26, 27, 28 and 29…

“The unkempt baseball diamond directly in front of the grandstand will also undergo some vigorous treatment…

“On account of the bad condition of the track and inability to get a sufficient number of classy entries, the trotting race program has been dropped.  Instead there will be a farmers’ race…and a running race.  The usual program of minor sports, including boys’ and girls’ races and similar events, will be arranged.  A baby show will also be given, with suitable prizes to the bonniest, the fattest, etc…

“Heads of various departments are much enthused over prospects of big exhibits, especially in produce and fruits.  The concession spaces are all bespoken, and President Maurice Jones is confident that the 1922 Manistee County Fair, with favorable weather conditions, will class with the best of them.

“Checking up the report published in state papers that the Onekama Canning company had been forced to shut down as a result of the coal shortage,…a representative of the state fuel administration and attorney-general’s office was in Manistee and Onekama today.

“Inquiry at the canning company’s plant disclosed that the arrival of a car of coal yesterday had averted danger of a shut-down.  Mr. Hoffman declared that the news item [of the canning company - T.K.] which appeared in the Grand Rapids paper…had put him to the annoyance of posting notices at his stations advising farmers that the company did not expect to shut down…

“‘It was a close shave, but we got the coal on time,’ Mr. Hoffman said.  ‘The car was enroute a month, but we finally located it at Kaleva and got it thru. We have promises of another car which will enable us to pull through the season without any trouble.’  

“Aroused by the United States government exploitation of foreign travel, the railroads, hotel men, resort owners and tourist associations of the country are planning a joint campaign to ‘Sell America to Americans’ and encourage the American people to ‘See America First.’

“This plan [came] following the appearance of an elaborate, profusely illustrated booklet prepared under the direction of the United States Shipping Board…which describes the attractions of European travel…It is pointed out that ‘250,000 will journey to Europe, South America or the Orient within the next twelve months.’

“It is the purpose of the ‘See America First’ advocates to stem the tide of this tremendous efflux to foreign shores…and give to American business the billion dollars–a conservative figure–those travelers will spend abroad in a year….

“Five young men found out this afternoon in Justice Greve’s court that jokes pulled on policemen don’t go unpunished.  A sixth is still to be arraigned for taking part in the joke–turning in a false alarm early Wednesday morning…calling Officer Dahlke to Eighth and Kosciusko streets, where, it was said, a fight was in progress. 

“Dahlke hastened to the corner in a taxi, but found that the report…was a fake. [The five] pleaded guilty and each paid the costs of prosecution, $4.42….

“‘Muzzle your dogs’ is the order issued today by police and health officials.  Symptoms of rabies appeared in four dogs and they were immediately killed.  

“While no persons have been bitten, the order to have the animals muzzled is a precautionary measure, and the public is asked to be on guard.  Cats, too, are subject to rabies. 

“City Health Officer Homer Ramsdell this afternoon explained that the strap muzzle is better than the metal, as it enables the animal to drink. 

“One of the four dogs killed will be shipped tomorrow to the Pasteur Institute at Ann Arbor for an examination.  

“Charles Christopherson’s joy at finding an old jug of hard cider in the cellar of his home on Meacham street was turned to grief yesterday afternoon when he was picked up at River and Maple streets by the police, charged with being drunk. 

“He was taken to the county jail for the night to sober up.  When brought before Justice Greve this morning, he told the court of finding the jug and partaking of its contents too freely.  He paid $5 and costs.  

“More than one and one half inches of rain fell last night and this morning during a combined thunder and wind storm which struck the city shortly after 9 o’clock.  

“The downpour was preceded by a burst of wind which attained a velocity of 40 miles an hour.  In the city it created a dense fog of dust, and in the rural districts it caused much fruit to fall to the ground. 

“The arrival of the storm was announced by a remarkable display of lightning…The lightning caused interruption to electric light service at several times throughout the night.  A number of telephones were also put out of commission. 

“The rain as usual clogged catch basins and sewers and formed a number of ponds in the streets, but otherwise there was no serious damage. 

“This is a story with a moral.  In the first place it emphasizes the fact that it pays to advertise.  In the second place it proves that there are still honest people in the world. 

“Mrs. Emma Snell of Traverse City lost her valuable green gold wrist watch Tuesday between Orchard Beach and First street bathing beach.  She told Henry Mertens of her loss.  He advised inserting a small ad in the News-Advocate.  She, however, expressed doubt that it would be of any use, as the watch was worth at least $100 and it wouldn’t be likely that the finder would give up such a desirable piece of jewelry.  

“Mertens persisted.  He pointed out that if the watch was that valuable it was worth taking a small chance on.  She finally was persuaded to insert a single ad Tuesday night, at a cost of 38 cents. 

“Yesterday Harry Peterson, a helper at Swensen’s stone-cutting works, produced the watch.  He had found it near the new Penney store.  It was forthwith sent to Mrs. Snell, after she had been apprised by long distance telephone. 

“Needless to say, Mrs. Snell is now a staunch convert to the merits of advertising.

“Through the generosity of the trustees of the North Side Mission chapel, the building has been loaned to the Salvation Army for the purpose of using it as a gymnasium and clubroom for members of the Salvation Army boy scout troop…a place where boys can enjoy themselves indoors during the winter months.

“Besides the gymnasium, a library will be installed.  Plans are already being made to lay out a basketball court.  

“This move…is met with approval by a large number of people, as the chapel was fast going to ruin through disuse. 

“Putting it on ice won’t always keep a secret. 

“Chippewa Hotel annex is being treated to a new coat of paint, greatly improving its appearance. 

“Noah Heap says:  The longer an argument lasts, the more convinced each side gets that the other side is wrong. 

“Few persons are wearing out shoe leather running away from temptation.  

“A man who did not seem to see a short skirt.  A boy who went right past a window filled with school books.  Several girls who were not talking about dresses.  A motorist who waited for a pedestrian to pass.  

“What did you see?  Let us know.

“A campaign has been launched for automobile courtesy throughout the country.  Under the new rules, when two flivvers approach at a crossing both are to stop and this greeting be made:  ‘You first, my dear Gas Pipe.’  This argument as to who shall have the right of way should not continue for more than five minutes, at the end of which both are to start.  If it is a Lizzie and a Henry, the latter should hesitate to permit the ladies to pass on.  If you are hogging the road and you hear a squeal behind you, run into the ditch.  Chickens ought not to be rundown.  They belong in the front seat.  If you have a tire blow out and there are women present you should remark, ‘Oh, dear me, goodness knows it does make me so unhappy.  Please excuse me if I stop the car and repair the damage.’  If ladies are not with you, this rule does not hold good.  To be right keep right and do not make others cross by crossing cross lots.  When you pass a stalled car or barely miss hitting a pedestrian, try not to smile distainfully.  When presented with a repair bill at the service station, merely say:  ‘You scoundrel, you robber, you profiteer, here, take the car,’ and then pay the account.”