The Fowlerville Observer

Squint Shot 030312

2012-03-03T01:00:00.002-08:00

I took a few more exterior shots before leaving the large white house on East Grand River avenue -- the following is above the front door, tucked under the porch roof. The paint is crackled and wavy, giving it the true look of the age of this house. There may be layers and layers of paint on this wood, giving it a very unique look.

Squint Shot 030212

2012-03-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

A bird's nest -- that is today's squint shot. As I looked around, up and down, and closer to the front porch of the house we've toured the last couple of weeks, I noticed this bird's nest tucked above one of the pillars. Made me wonder how many bird's nests may have been built in the trim of this house over the years.
By 1910, Dr. Defendorf and his wife were moving and it was reported in the local newspaper as:

Dr. B. Defendorf has purchased a good brick residence in Chelsea and will move to that place in the near future. The doctor has lived here for over 40 years and Fowerville will hardly seem the same with himself and wife gone from our midst.

When Dr. Defendorf left the village, after arriving 47 years earlier in 1863, the house we've been looking at still stood at the southwest corner of East Grand River and South Second.

Squint Shot 030112

2012-03-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

As we look at the second floor front part of the house at 701 East Grand River, I went looking for more Defendorf information and came across the wedding article for Grace Defendorf, whom was mentioned yesterday, published in the local paper in 1900. She was one of two daughters of Dr. Byron Defendorf. It follows:
Cambell-Defendorf~~Dr. Perry Cambell of Ionia, and Grace A. Defendorf of this place, were quietly married in the presence of the immediate relatives and a few invited friends at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Defendorf on Wednesday at four o'clock p.m. the Rev. J.E. Ryerson performing the ceremony.

Elegant refreshments were served and the occasion was a very enjoyable one to all present. They were the recipients of some very useful and valuable presents in which was manifest the warm place the worthy couple occupy in the esteem of their friends. Dr. Cambell has a fine business at Ionia where he enjoys a liberal patronage and the respect of his professional associates and the entire community in which he lives. The bride is one of our accomplished and esteemed young ladies. For years she has been one of the prominent and faithful workers in the M.E. church, Sunday school and Epworth league. She possesses a musical ability that has been fully appreciated by the church in her services in the choir, both as organist and vocalist. She served the Sunday school very ably both as organist and secretary and she will be greatly missed from the social circles of the church and village and all will unite in extending their best wishes for the future prosperity and happiness of the happy couple in their new home at Ionia, where they will make their future life.

Squint Shot 022912

2012-02-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

As we are looking at a few more exterior squint shots of the old "Defendorf" house on East Grand River, I thought it would be fun to go looking for some information on that family. Hulda(h) and Byron Defendorf had four, maybe five, children -- doing a quick search on this website showed there were two daughters (Grace and Gertrude) and possibly three sons (Charles, Ernest and maybe Edgar, or a census should have noted him as Ernest).

I found an article about Grace and Gertie (Gertrude) and thought I would pass it along. In 1897, the following accounting of a mishap was published in the local newspaper:

A Narrow Escape~~On Saturday afternoon, Grace and Gertie Defendorf started for Bancroft and when about four miles from this village, they met George Meeker and stopped for a moment to talk with him when a carriage came along and in going past them, caught the rear wheel of their carriage, overturning the vehicle and throwing both of the girls to the ground, but very fortunately neither of them were injured to any extent. Of course, such an accident frightened the horse who ran with the top dragging on the ground and it was soon a total wreck, although the running gear received but little damage. The driver of the carriage that caused the accident manifested no interest in the matter, not even ascertaining if the girls were hurt, but drove off complacently without revealing his identity, probably to avoid a case of damages.

There will be more to follow.

Squint Shot 022812

2012-02-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more shots of the front of the old Defendorf house - both of the southeast corner. Be sure to look back over the last few weeks for inside and outside pictures.
As a little extra history, this house stopped being the "Defendorf" house long before it was moved in the 1920s. In 1916, Dr. Byron Defendorf has sold his residence at Chelsea and may move to Fenton, where his youngest son, Dr. Ernest Defendorf, is now located, having moved there from Chelsea recently, as reported in the local newspaper. When Dr. Defendorf retired from practice in Fowlerville, he sold the house to William Peek, and then moved to Chelsea.

Squint Shot 022712

2012-02-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

As I continued to look at the outside of the house at 701 East Grand River avenue, I stepped back from the front porch. As many times as I've driven by this house, I never noticed the way the trim above the door was created to give some diagonal lines.

Squint Shot 022612

2012-02-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

As you can see, I have stepped outside the house at 701 East Grand River avenue, and took a picture of the front door. If you head back over the last couple of weeks, you can see some photographs from inside of the house. The front entrance has some wonderful detail in the trim. If you look closely at the following picture, courtesy of Clayton Klein, of the southwest corner of East Grand River and South Second, the house at the left hand side of the photograph is the old Defendorf house before it was moved. The photograph was taken in 1917. The top portion of the front porch is just barely visible but does not appear to have a cover over it.

Squint Shot 022512

2012-02-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

This vent may not be particularly old but it beautifully goes with the rest of the house. We are back on the first floor of the old Defendorf house, after checking out the beams in the basement (look back over the last couple of days). Tomorrow we head outside.

Squint Shot 022412

2012-02-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you check out yesterday's squint shot, there is an additional picture of these hand-chopped beams in the basement of the house at 701 East Grand River avenue. As you can see, some dove-tail work was done to hook the two perpendicular beams together. Tomorrow, we head back up to the first floor for a couple more pictures and then outside. There will also be a surveyor's map from 1922 showing when the house was located at its original spot.

Squint Shot 022312

2012-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

After checking out the first floor bathroom in the old Defendorf house, the current owner was excited to show me some interesting beams in the basement. We headed downstairs. The basement is beautifully finished with a bright-white ceiling and old, very old beams visible. As you can see from this squint shot, the wood was chipped away to create a square beam. So cool.

Squint Shot 022212

2012-02-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot gave a bit of a glimpse of this window but today's is a better view.
In previous squint shots, I have mentioned this house was moved by the Peek family, after they purchased it from the Defendorfs in the 1920s. William Peek's son, Leslie, served in World War I. In 1917, he was promoted to the position of corporal in Battery A, Michigan Field Auxiliary, and very quickly moved onto acting battalion supply sergeant. Leslie would write back home and these long letters would be republished in the local newspaper, The Fowlerville Review. The first of many letters was entitled "Somewhere in France" and was mailed March 17, 1918:

Dear Dad and All:

Have arrived safely in the land of wine, woman and song, but the place has evidently changed some since it was dubbed the above name. I will be unable to tell you anything about this country, but will write a few lines about some of the things I saw in merry England.

I am in the best of health and am located in an exceedingly fine camp. It is strictly American in every respect. I am picking up French rapidly and will no doubt be able to carry on a little conversation in a month or so.

I have seen some of the most interesting castles in France and England; visited a certain town in England which I will endeavor to tell you something about. I will be unable to mention several names but will give them when I return . . .

He went on to describe in great detail the town founded about 50 B.C., populated with Brittans, Saxons, Danes and Normans. Upon doing a little research, it may have been Colchester, possibly the oldest recorded town in Britain. Leslie Peek returned to the United States, and made it home to Michigan, in 1919. An article regarding a reception held in Bancroft was reprinted in the local newspaper:
Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Peek entertained 32 of the immediate relatives and friends Sunday in honor of Lieut. Leslie E. Peek, their nephew, who has just returned from overseas with his company, the 119th Field Artillery. Harry Hunter was also a member of this company and during the heaviest fighting, he and Mr. Peek were close together. He was invited as an honored guest. The occasion was a very enjoyable one, long to be remembered.~~Bancroft Commercial.

Squint Shot 022112

2012-02-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Off the dining room in the old Defendorf house on East Grand River, there is a small bathroom. The current homeowners hope to remodel it at some point but, for now, it has this beautiful stained-glass window facing east. Tomorrow's squint shot will be more of a close-up.

Squint Shot 022012

2012-02-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

The following squint shot shows a wonderful detail in a door that leads to the basement of the house we have been touring the last week or so. The mirror is beveled and set in the wood of the door, not added and hanging separately. It is a beautiful mirror that makes the dining room seem even larger than it is. In a couple of days, we head downstairs for some interesting pictures.

Squint Shot 021912

2012-02-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks ago, as squint shots showed a few more bits of interesting hardware found in the second and third floors of the Harmon building, I'm showing you some of the hinges found in the house at 701 East Grand River. Everything old -- meaning late 1800s or early 1900s -- had detail that we don't find as often.

Squint Shot 021812

2012-02-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Early last year, I showed a series of squint shots from the old Nellie Glenn house, which is situated at the southwest corner of East Grand River and South Collins. It is a large, red house facing East Grand River. While it was empty, I toured through it and took a number of pictures of hardware, radiators, doors, trim; basically anything that needed to be preserved digitally. Between two large, first floor rooms -- probably one a living room or parlor and the other a dining area -- there were pocket slider doors. Still in great condition.
As I toured the old Defendorf house, the current owner showed me the archway between the living area and the dining room. As you can see, the width of the wall indicates there may have been, at one time, pocket doors separating the two rooms. It is thought that the custom in the late 1800s and maybe into the 1900s was that a visitor coming in the front door would be welcomed into the living room but not necessarily able to see the rest of the house where the family lived. It makes sense to me as it would appear, behavior seemed a lot more formal than we find today.

Squint Shot 021712

2012-02-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

As the very old house at 701 East Grand River has been renovated over the years, it would appear the doorknobs and hardware have been preserved. Here are a couple of pictures of doorknobs I found as I wanted through the house with Jamie. I'd like to thank her for her wonderful graciousness to let me take pictures of trim, hardware, and everything else you will seeing in the next few days.

Squint Shot 021612

2012-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Before we move onto other areas of the house we are wandering through -- check out the last few days -- here is the trim under the front windows. There are lots of layers of wood creating trim six to ten inches in width.

Updates

2012-02-15T03:53:00.000-08:00

As this website grows, I am continuously adding information on the other pages than just the home page. As of yesterday, I have added our first paranormal experience offered by one of my readers.

Also, under the Remembrances tab, you can read a bit about my friend, Bruce BeVier, who passed away late last week. His funeral was yesterday. It was a wonderful celebration of a life well-lived.

Squint Shot 021512

2012-02-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed nearly the full window -- one of the front windows of the house at 701 East Grand River -- and today's is a close-up of the painted trim. This house was moved in the 1920s from its original location a few blocks east to its current location. I have to wonder if any of this trim had to be reinstalled after the house was rolled down the street on large logs.

I tried looking online for a picture of a house being moved on logs around this era in the early 1900s. I didn't have any luck but I did find this intriguing picture of large wheels that were created in 1922-23 and used for moving large buildings and houses of all sizes.

Squint Shot 021412

2012-02-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are spending some time looking at squint shots of a beautiful house on East Grand River -- sometimes still referred to as the "old Defendorf" house. If you check back the last few days, you will see the windows are the front door (including a glass bubble in one window) and the doorbell.
In the living room, I thoroughly checked out the beautiful trim around the front and side windows. This trim was all hand-cut and created by layer different types of trim together. It has been painted over the years and the size of the trim commands the room. Looking closely at the corners that were created, they were not always cut at exact 90 degree angles -- so much of the cutting must have been done by estimation. It is certainly unusual and gorgeous to look at.

Squint Shot 021312

2012-02-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

So did you guess that yesterday's picture was the backside of this door-knocker? Before we moved on from the front door of the house at 701 East Grand River -- considered to be the oldest house in Fowlerville -- the owner showed me the "doorbell." When the knocker portion is clanked against the door, it creates an additional sound inside the box on the other side of the door. It is a cool sound.

Squint Shot 021212

2012-02-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

This squint shot is a bit of a contest. The first one to send me an e-mail telling me what this picture is of will receive a recycle-style tote bag from the 175th celebration. We had some printed with the logo designed by Dan Whitt -- they are natural color with purple print. You can use the bag for groceries or other shopping and help save the earth just a little bit each time you use it. Contact me by scrolling down the website to my picture and clicking on it to contact me. Good luck.

Tomorrow, the answer will be given.

Squint Shot 021112

2012-02-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

A bit of a strange squint shot? Well, if you've been reading this website for very long, you know I like the unusual. Before we moved on from the front door and foyer of the old Defendorf house, a "bubble" of glass was pointed out to me in one of the side-light windows next to the front door.

The current owner of the house, my tour guide through her house, said as far as they knew, this was some very, very old glass. I think we can be fairly certain it is not the original glass since the house is over 150 years old, but it may well date back to the mid-1920s or so. The house used to stand at the southwest corner of East Grand River and South Second and was moved to its currently location nearly 100 years ago.

Squint Shot 021012

2012-02-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a slightly bit of a close-up of one of the front door windows, showing the extensive trim and lattice in the windows. The pictures for the next couple weeks will be showing views of the old Defendorf house, which is now situated at 701 East Grand River. Take a look for the house as you travel East Grand River. It is on the north side of the street, a tall two-story white house with green shutters. I found some interesting things to photograph and hope you enjoy the next few squint shots.

Squint Shot 020912

2012-02-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

And, now . . . onto a visit to a very old, quite possibly the oldest, house in Fowlerville. I looked forward to this over a period of two weeks after setting the date with Jamie Hernden of Shear Image. She and her husband live in the "old Defendorf" house at 701 East Grand River avenue.

As a little backstory, this house used to be located at the southwest corner of East Grand River avenue and South Second street. Currently, that lot is a parking area for Chase bank. It has been estimated by Nellie Glenn, a historian for the village until her death at around 90 years old in the 1970s, this house was built around 1855-56. It has been called the "old Defendorf" house on occasion because one of the long-time physicians in the village lived in this house and had his office attached to the house -- Dr. Byron Defendorf. In later years, the house was sold to William H. Peek, who also owned the building directly to the west of the house. He fashioned that storefront into a theatre and showed silent movies, and eventually "talkies," held meetings there, and commissioned live performances for the residents. Mr. Peek was the one to have this house relocated sometime around the late 1920s-early 1930s (sometime I'll post the exact date, when I find it).

According to the current owner of the house, when it was moved to this location, it was rolled down the street on large logs -- can we only imagine what that may have looked like?

In later years, the Eaton family, who originally had the Standard station located where the house used to stand, and then Ron and Tomye Daly owned the house.

Over the next week or so, I will be showing squint shots -- and offering more history on the house -- of what I found intriguing and interesting. Today's picture begins with the inside of the front door. Lots of windows!

Squint Shot 020812

2012-02-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

My friend and I finally felt it was time to leave the Harmon building and its two upper -- very interesting, step-back-in-time -- floors. I'm sure I'll be back for another visit because there's just more to find -- I know that for sure. As we stood at the curb talking, I happened to look up from street level. I'm intrigued at the detail the brick-layers gave to this building, even in what looks like a simple line, but must have been somewhat difficult. Were those bricks fired to be curved or did the workers chip away at each one to create this look? We laugh sometimes that I act like a tourist in this town -- but if you see someone wandering around, looking up, holding a camera -- be sure there will be more squint shots of what I find interesting.

Squint Shot 020712

2012-02-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are now on the second floor of the Harmon building. As I've mentioned the last couple of days, this particular visit to the upper floors was with a curious friend. If you look back through the squint shots for the last week or so, you will see where she found a shade still workable, attached to the canopy where the Masons and members of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows used to meet. I'm glad she looked a little closer than I ever had.

So the same thing happened here. A heavy green oilcloth hangs over a slatted door. She lifted it up to expose the slats to see how this door must have been very secure at one time from any break-ins. There are even two locks on it. It is an inside door so I'm curious what may have been in this room and why was it so important to lock it in or those out from it.

We let the oilcloth drop back in place and it was obvious there was no way to see through the door. Very interesting to me.
Any thoughts?

Squint Shot 020612

2012-02-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you check out the last few days of squint shots, you will see that my friend and I, as we wandered through the upper floors of the Harmon building late last summer, rummaged through an old wooden bin that had a bunch of pieces of wood as well as what appears to be a hand-carved candle-holder. We also found a few small bird and animal skeletons! But I also found another interesting piece of hardware on the windowsill behind the bin, and if you've read this blog before, you know things like this catch my eye. This latch was layered with dust but the pattern still showed beautifully.

Squint Shot 020512

2012-02-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, so now maybe we are getting a little crazy, but as my friend and I checked out what else might be in the wooden bin of trash -- where we found the candle-holder that we've looked at the last three days' of squint shots -- we found this rope. It may be very old but just how would someone judge the age of rope? It was coiled braiding, somewhat stiff, but sturdy feeling. Of course, the rope wasn't the only thing we came across -- there were also a couple mouse skeletons and at least one bat skeleton! At about that moment, I was wishing I had some heavy-duty gloves!

Squint Shot 020412

2012-02-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

The last two days' worth of squint shots have shown what appears to be a candle-holder that may have been used as a ceremonial item by one of the organizations that used to meet on the third floor of the Harmon building. As my friend and I looked at it closer, as you can see, the top has been hollowed out to hold something. Upon closer inspection, we did find what appears to be very old wax -- hardened but still slightly pliable. In the early days of Fowlerville, there were numerous men's organizations -- the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Post 114 consisted of Civil War veterans, the Odd-Fellows met in this building, the Masons also met here until it was decided to add a third floor to the building at the corner of Power Street and North Grand which now houses the township offices (as a side note, originally that building was only going to be two stories but the Masons wanted a new "home" and so they offered to subsidize the cost of adding a third floor). Now it would appear there are only two organizations that remain today -- the Masons, who meet in their current building on the east side of the village, and those that meet at the VFW hall on Veterans Drive.

Once again, I am asking if anyone knows what this may have been used for, I would love to have you either contact me or leave a comment.

Squint Shot 020312

2012-02-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you go back to yesterday's squint shot, you can check out a lengthy post as well as a full picture of what appears to be a long-handled candle-holder. After you read yesterday's article, come back to this one and check it out a little bit closer. Tomorrow's photograph will show another close-up. Anyone have thoughts if this may have been used by the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows or the Masons?

Squint Shot 020212

2012-02-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a new mystery . . .
As my friend and I were wandering about the third floor of the Harmon building, my friend began scrounging around with the contents of a big, wooden bin that appeared to contain wood trim and miscellaneous due to be discarded. She pulled out an odd, very smooth, and slightly curved stick. Of course, I immediately tried to figure out how to photograph it. It leaned nicely against a wall.

Upon closer inspection, the top is carved out about 3-4 inches deep. Tomorrow's squint shot will show a close-up.

Knowing a little bit of the backstory of this building, we started trying to figure out what this might have been used for. Both the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of the Odd-Fellows) and the Masons (before moving over to the third floor of what is now the Handy Township building) used to hold monthly meetings on the third floor of the Harmon building. It was then known as the Palmerton block and in later years, the Sidell block.

To our untrained eyes, it looks to have been some sort of a candle-holder that may have been held by a member leading in the procession of members -- anyone's thoughts? I have tried repeatedly to get information from the modern-day I.O.O.F. organization with no response. I haven't had a chance to determine if the Masons may have used it either.

If anyone has any information on what this unique piece of wood may have been used for, I would love to hear from you. We may just have an interesting piece of history that could have landed in the landfill if it weren't for my friend.

Squint Shot 020112

2012-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a close-up of the suitcase handle. Yesterday's squint shot showed some of the contents inside. I am just so very curious about this piece of luggage I guess I'm going to have to bug Paul Harmon one more time to head up to the third floor of his building and inspect the contents a bit closer. As I look at the handle, though, I begin to wonder just how much this was really used. The leather is somewhat worn but not as much as I would expect for as old as it looks. I guess this will be one of those mysteries we will never solve.
And, speaking of mysteries . . . tomorrow and for a few days, we will be looking at quite a find as my friend and I dug through a bin of discarded wood and trim. Check it out tomorrow.

Squint Shot 013112

2012-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed the inside of the lid with a farm scene picture clued to it -- we were, once again, in the Harmon building, third floor. My curiosity about this suitcase keeps me wondering who it belonged too -- possibly a young gal. As shown in this picture, there's a comb and some buttons. Everything has a layer of dust and grime on it so I didn't finger anything.
I've about decided my curiosity comes from the fact the third floor of this building has always been used as a place for meetings but not necessarily a place where someone would stay overnight. So, how did a suitcase get here?

Squint Shot 013012

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Another squint shot -- a picture, in fact -- as my friend and I continued our tour of the third floor of the Harmon building. A year ago, I showed some pictures of an old, very worn out suitcase that sits on the floor, collecting dust and making me wonder who carried this and how it ended up where it remains.

On the inside of the lid, this farm scene can be found. It makes the suitcase seem like it was for a child and even some of the items -- which will be seen in the next few days -- indicates it may have been used by a young lass.

I may have to get back up to the third floor to take a closer look at it to see if there's any identification on it. I just hope Paul Harmon doesn't get too tired of my asking! He has been great about it.

Squint Shot 012912

2012-01-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

After looking at yesterday's squint shot of a window handle, I looked upward. There are some very interesting curtain or drapery hooks at the upper corners on the window trim. They nearly look a bit deadly!
I've looked at this picture for some time and cannot really figure out how curtains were held on this apparatus. Maybe the fabric was draped somehow -- any thoughts?

Squint Shot 012812

2012-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I showed a hinge located in a former office on the second floor of the Harmon building, formerly known as the Palmerton block. A friend and I were spending a late summer, very warm afternoon, wandering through the darkened rooms of this three-story building. There's no electricity, heating, or cooling so we were feeling the heat particularly hard that day. But it was still great fun.
As we were looking out the east windows, I noticed this hardware. Similar hardware can be seen in the old Nellie Glenn house at the southwest corner of East Grand River and Collins. If you search on "Nellie Glenn," you can find various squint shots of the inside of that house, and especially some of the hardware.

But back to the Harmon building. Along the east side of the third floor, it has been reported that some lawyers may have used these rooms as their offices years earlier. J.B. Munsell is one name that has been mentioned. Before that Judge A.E. Cole may have had an office here.

Squint Shot 012712

2012-01-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed some old wallpaper on the second floor of the Harmon building. As my friend and I wandered through the rooms, her observations zeroed in on a piece of carpeting I had probably walked on in other visits but never truly looked at. The International Order of Odd-Fellows met on the second floor of this old building and this carpeting actually looks like it may have appropriate symbols on it -- could this be from that era?

This building was built in 1891 after a devastating fire that took out the entire northeast quadrant of wooden buildings and then jumped North Grand and destroyed this building. It is the third building at this corner -- the first one was wooden and burned in 1876 (no pictures available), the second one stood until the 1891 fire and had basically the same footprint as this third building. The ones reconstructing this building may have been able to use the foundation as a guide as the previous building had the corner cut at an angle also.

If you search this blog for the Palmerton block, you will see various old pictures.

Squint Shot 012612

2012-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

There are layers and layers of old wallpaper peeling off the walls in the second floor of the Harmon building. There has been some water damage, making for quite a bit of mold on the walls. Unfortunately, since the second and third floors are not handicapped-accessible, they are not currently being used and so they continue to be kind of like a time capsule to an era long-gone.

But the interesting part of all of these layers -- as relayed to me by the my friend who is a bit of an expert in what wallpaper can tell us -- pointed out one of the parts of the wallpaper that created "archways." Imagine a room full of Greek or Roman columns and archways in the wallpaper and how it must have looked so formal, if not a bit daunting. Now, thanks to my friend, I will be looking for other layers of wallpaper, wondering what a room may have looked like.

Squint Shot 012512

2012-01-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

As with yesterday's squint shot, my friend and I were checking out the canopy still attached to the south wall of the second floor of the Harmon building where members of the International Order of Odd-Fellows (and at one time the Masons) would meet. The front shade, which showed red on the outside when it was pulled down, was retracted and hid by the fabric hanging from the wood structure. The whole thing is basically being held to the wall by a few screws and guy wires. No other supports are visible. Years ago, when a member of either order passed away, a Resolution of Respect would be published in the local newspaper. There is no longer an I.O.O.F. order in Fowlerville but the Masons are still here. They are now located on East Grand River, in the second floor of the building just east of the driveway for the Niblack Funeral Home.

Squint Shot 012412

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are on the second floor of the Harmon building -- a huge ballroom where the International Order of Odd-Fellows used to meet. At one time, even, before the three-story building at the corner of North Grand and Power Street was built, the Masons would meet in this room.

While touring the room with my friend (whom I've mentioned helped me see more than I had on previous visits), she happened to look up and behind the canopy at the south end of the room. She pulled down a shade -- the red fabric -- to show how someone may have sat or stood behind the shade before a presentation. There were no shades on the sides of the canopy so I can only assume it was to shield someone temporarily.

I have to admit my imagination has been working overtime trying to figure out the real purpose for the shade -- if anyone has an idea of what kind of ceremonies would have been held by the I.O.O.F. or the Masons, I would love to have you leave a comment.

Squint Shot 012312

2012-01-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is both a squint shot and a history lesson. This name -- Chris Ludtke, May 9, 1919 -- was written on one of the walls on the second floor of the Harmon building. My friend noticed it as we wandered through the upper floors on a late summer, very warm day. Quite seriously, I don't know how I missed it during other photograph-taking escapades! I love when someone has decided to make their presence be recorded.

The Ludtke name has been around Fowlerville for a very long time and I have come across it numerous times while doing research for the upcoming biography. I thought I would look back in my records around 1919 to see if I could find the Ludtke name. I did, but it wasn't until 1921 I recorded an obituary. It follows:

William F. Ludtke died at his home in East Handy early Monday morning after an illness of only a few days.

He was born at Gross Dallentine, Germany, August 13, 1848, where he spent the first 40 years of his life, and was there married to Miss Amelia Engfer in 1873, coming to the United States in 1888 and settling in this township, where he resided until his death, his wife having preceded him to the better land.

He was the father of 13 children, Paul H., Max, Chris and Pauline of Handy, Mrs. Edith Risch and Martha Hagerman of Howell, Mrs. Alphonso Bicek of Oceola and Mrs. William Veith of Cohotah, who survive hime.

He was a faithful member of the Evangelical Lutheran church for many years.

The funeral services will be held at the Lutheran church Wednesday, the Rev. J.B. Sause officiating.

Squint Shot 012212

2012-01-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

The Harmon building has housed many different businesses, including being a hardware store, so I guess it should be no surprise to find a nail scale left behind! From the looks of this one, which was found on the second floor, toward the back of the building, it hardly looks used. At one time, there was an entrance at the back of the building, off of North Grand Avenue. The stairway goes up from street level for about half a floor, then turns 90 degrees and arrives at the second floor. This may well have been additional shopping area when it was a hardware store. As a side note, today marks the third anniversary of The Fowlerville Observer, originally named The Ville. On January 22, 2009, I began this website for a couple of reasons. I was looking for an outlet for wanting to write and I was becoming more and more interested in knowing about how Fowlerville came to be. When I set the website up, I also thought I would do more current reporting but that isn't always possible -- having a day job prevents me from spending much time "getting the story." But I have become fully-steeped in the history of the area and find it so rich.

Since that day three years ago, I have compiled and edited The Fowlerville Chronicles, took on the task of monitoring the historical collection and trying to help those with questions, worked the temporary museum for the 175th celebration, and am now in the final editing stages of the biography of G.L. Adams, editor and publisher of The Fowlerville Review, from 1874-1929. Whoever thought three years ago would start this snowball of events -- certainly not me -- but I sure have enjoyed it. I hope you do too!

Squint Shot 012112

2012-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

I notice old hardware -- not because I do any sort of construction -- but because I find it interesting how intricate even door hinges were made. It was all part of the artistry and character of a building. While my friend and I were still on the second floor of the Harmon building, we looked at how walls had been added or cut away, noting especially where an archway had been filled in and a door added. The line of the arch can still be seen where the seam, whether it was wood or the drywall, has separated. But my friend also made sure we were looking closer at the doors -- thus today's squint shot.

Squint Shot 012012

2012-01-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Now here's maybe a rather strange squint shot but even old flooring has a story to tell. As my friend (yes, those are her toes) and I were wandering around the second floor of the Harmon building -- and, by the way, it was a very warm day and with no air conditioning for the second and third floors, we were "glowing" within minutes -- my friend picked up a scrap of old carpetingn to expose this vinyl flooring. I'm supposing the 1960s or 70s -- anyone's thoughts? Or did anyone have similar vinyl?
The rooms on the second floor were mostly made up of offices for doctors, lawyers, and dentists -- I'm thinking this may well have been in the dentist office.

Squint Shot 011912

2012-01-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Toward the end of last summer, I headed back to one of my favorite buildings -- the Palmerton block, maybe better known now as Harmon Real Estate. But this time, it was from a different viewpoint. I had a friend along with me that is very much into local history and has a great eye for detail. She noticed things I hadn't in my previous visits to the second and third floors where time has stood still.

Fluorescent lights have not been around since the building was rebuilt in 1891 after a devastating fire, so it would be fun to know when this light was installed. I took a picture of it because it has got to be old -- at least we don't see this kind of detail in the newer lights.

For the next couple of weeks, I will be showing squint shots of items my friend discovered and then will be moving onto some indoor shots of a very old, but very well-kept-up house in the village.

Squint Shot 011812

2012-01-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

If you check out yesterday's squint shot, you will see the other side of this decommissioned cannon, dedicated in1898. Tomorrow, I head back to one of my most favorite buildings to explore -- the Palmerton block or as I like to call it, the Harmon block.

Squint Shot 011712

2012-01-17T01:10:00.000-08:00

I've been going back through various photographs taken over the last six months or so and am going to post these as squint shots. Today and tomorrow's shots will be about the cannon that be found at the Greenwood cemetery. If you drive north on Cemetery road from Grand River avenue, go to the second entrance to the cemetery which will get you to the original location, turn right into the area and head pretty much straight away, the cannon will be in front of you.Today's shot shows one side of this cannon, dedicated May 30, 1898. It was a decommissioned weapon by the government and offered to anyone wishing to display it. The G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) made it a project to get this cannon delivered to the village and then created a monument in the cemetery.

Squint Shot 011612

2012-01-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading this website for very long, you may remember I have been puzzling over where that school might have been -- or even where Break O'Day was located. Local news items in the early late 1800s and early 1900s could be read about but I could never find a map that showed where this little burg might have been. The most I could come up with is what south of Webberville, in Ingham County.

Well, last month I had the pleasure of talking with someone that remembered reading some history on the area referred to as Break O'Day. The school was located on Howell-Mason road, west of Nicholson road but before you get to M-52. It is at the northeast corner of Howell-Mason and Risch roads, now a private residence. Of course, we had to drive by and snap a picture.

My friend also related that how this little area originally got its name was because the farmers in the area did most of their shipping of produce out of Stockbridge and they had to leave by the "break of day" to get to market. Isn't that just the coolest way to name a burg?!

He also mentioned the book where he came across this information; a book we happen to have stored in our historical collection. The next time I get that way, I'll look up any additional information and pass it along.

Squint Shot 011512

2012-01-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

One more shot of a barn south of Fowlerville that is being renovated. The owners showed me pictures of this barn when they bought the property -- it was so bad! The previous owners had even scheduled it for an intentional burn by the fire department. For the sake of preserving our heritage, glad the flames didn't get to it!

Squint Shot 011412

2012-01-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

As I was getting ready to head out from the farm, after taking pictures of the silo and some etchings, I looked toward the back of the barn where the wind turbine and now-partial silo stand. Check back to the last few days to see other squint shots of this barn and silo.

Squint Shot 011312

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

For the last two days of squint shots, you can read about my visit to a farm south of town where the owners are dismantling a silo built around 1919. I stepped back from the operation and looked up -- pretty cool shot on a cool January afternoon!

Squint Shot 011212

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's squint shot, I headed out to a farm, south of town, to take a picture of a date etched in a silo (shown at the right of this photograph). As I looked up, a former windmill is now equipped with a wind turbine. The cistern at the bottom of the picture fills with rain water off the barn roof and is given to the farm animals. Me being the self-proclaimed city-girl that I am, I found all of this quite intriguing.

Squint Shot 011112

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

I received an e-mail the other day from one of my readers letting me know they were dismantling a silo behind their barn. I didn't think to ask what would be going in its place but, after arriving at the farm, I could see they were in the processing of modernizing so I would hazard a guess something more efficient will go in its place. The barn is being restored and is being used.

But back to the silo. As the owner was checking out the silo a bit closer in working to dismantle it, he came across etched initials and date in one of the rectangles. Following is a picture of that: What we could make out was "J S" vertically, then the date of "June 14 1919" stacked at the right side. The family could trace back the farmland for quite some time back but didn't have any idea who J.S. might have been. Fun to wonder.

Squint Shot 011012

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

As with yesterday's squint shot, we had been out of town a few days so there was a lot of progress to see. But now I'm wondering, if it is a duplex being built on South Ann Street, what will this old building be used for? Any thoughts?

Squint Shot 010912

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

We were out of town over the holidays and when we returned I was curious to see if work had been done on the lot on South Ann Street, behind the BP gas station. It would appear a duplex is being built in place of the house that was so badly damaged by fire. Here is a picture taken December 31, 2011.

Squint Shot 010812

2012-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Isn't it odd in today's world, when a new-build is going up, it is so noticeable. But anyhow, the building on South Ann Street, behind the BP station, had one wall standing the other day. I couldn't get a clear shot of the whole lot because there were so many workers busy as could be. I'll get back and get more progress pictures, and maybe ask a few questions. I think it's about time I find out what is going on.

Squint Shot 010712

2012-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed the levelled ground on Ann Street where a house had burned about six months ago. No basement was dug, but a foundation was in place a couple days after I took a picture of the graded dirt.

1940 Peter Iskra

2012-01-06T01:10:00.000-08:00

Peter Iskra was a jeweler in the village of Fowlerville in the mid-1900s. His store was located in the G.A. Newman building (where the eye doctor and Shear Image are now housed). Following are two pictures provided by one of my readers (thank you very much). The second photograph was taken of him while dining in the Twin-Q Inn, formerly located where Save-On is now located. I would love anyone having memories of Mr. Iskra to leave a comment for all of us!

Squint Shot 010612

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-08:00

The next few days of squint shots will show a lot front on South Ann Street, behind the BP gas station. About six months ago, the house standing on this lot burned -- not to the ground but damaged enough it was torn down. I'm not even sure it was inhabited at the time of the fire, but the house was very old and may have cost too much to repair. So then one day, as I was leaving Curtis Grocery after doing one of my usual quick stops there, I noticed the land had been cleared of the rubble and levelled.

1937 Lepard Saleslip

2012-01-05T01:10:00.000-08:00

As I continue to wade through so many treasures that were loaned to our temporary museum this last summer, I will try to post as much as possible. I took pictures of everything with my trusty Nikon SX130. The following saleslip was particularly fun to check out. In 1937, the Kallek family bouth a Chevy for $765, getting a $100 worth of accessories, and it would appear not having to pay any sales tax. The salesman was "Doug" -- anyone know who that might have been?

Squint Shot 010512

2012-01-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

We are still on our little summer walk, last year on an early morning weekend day after breakfast at Olden Days. As many times as I've looked at the storefront where you will find beautiful bouquets, plant arrangements, knicknacks, and cards, at Aleta's, I had never noticed the old coal shoot below the front windows. When this building was refurbished a few years back, how great this wasn't removed.

1881 Round Schoolhouse

2012-01-04T01:10:00.000-08:00

While doing research for The Fowlerville Chronicles, I remembered seeing something about an original schoolhouse for Fowlerville burning -- but then when I wanted to put my hands on that information, I couldn't find it. Well, lo and behold, as I'm finishing up some fine points of the biography of G.L. Adams (a book that is going to be over 300 pages long!), I found this small blurb that was published in his newspaper in 1881:

Wouldn't that have been wonderful if a picture had been taken of this schoolhouse before it burned -- was the building round or was it named after a family in 1880?

Squint Shot 010412

2012-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today's squint shot shows a close-up of yesterday's picture of the radiator in the old Sozo's coffee shop in the old hotel. Isn't it wonderful how someone detailed sculpting with gold.

1892 New Year Calendar

2012-01-03T01:10:00.000-08:00

An early single-day page calendar -- now there are so many!

Squint Shot 010312

2012-01-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Two of the storefronts in the old hotel, across from Curtis Grocery, are empty -- the good news is three of them have businesses in them -- a photography studio, a hair salon, and an insurance office. The location in the center of the first floor had been a coffee shop for many years, with numerous owners, the last being known as Sozo's. I've noticed some refurbishing or maintenance being done in that slot but am not aware if anything is going in there. But, in the meantime, peak in the window and you will see this ornate radiator -- pretty cool.

1901 Miracle Cure

2012-01-02T01:10:00.000-08:00

Do you need a miracle cure from "whatever ails ya?" It would appear in 1901, and through the early 1910s, Dr. W.C. Walker may have been the man.
The good doctor would show up at the Lockwood Hotel once a month, working 9 am until 8 pm, where consultations were free. You only had to pay if he could cure you -- I wonder how often that happened! He had "the most successful methods in the treatment of all chronic diseases known to medical science" and was "a friend to the afflicted."

Squint Shot 010212

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

As we continued a walk around the downtown last summer, on an early morning after breakfast at Olden Days Cafe, we wandered along the alley behind the building in the southeast quadrant. Anyone familiar with this site will know I'm always on the lookout for "doorways to nowhere" and even "windows to nowhere." Over the years, windows and doors have been bricked or cemented in and painted over. Another example of this is at the back of what was the Blackmer's Clothing store and then Utter's Menswear, back in the day -- early to mid 1900s. Take a minute and notice -- and then maybe do like I do and wonder what those times were like.

2012 Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

I love the inter-webs! There are so many creative things to do. In taking a moment to step back from the history of Fowlerville, I would like to wish all of you a very prosperous new year in 2012 and show you the card we are sending to our friends and family. Hope your New Year's Day is a wonderful one and that all those resolutions you dream up are do-able!

Squint Shot 010112

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last summer, on an early Saturday morning, my husband and I had breakfast at Olden Days (which we like to do quite often, by the way). The morning was sunny, refreshingly comfortable, and the downtown was mostly quiet of traffic. We decided to take a walk around the downtown, and of course, I had my camera in hand. Part of our walk took us to the backs of the buildings in the southeast quadrant.

Anyone reading this website for very long would know I'm always looking for "doorways to nowhere" and the following picture fit that bill -- although this was more likely a window at one time that is now bricked in. I suppose it could have even been a larger doorway then what stands there now. Does anyone remember?

Over the next few days of squint shots, I'll be showing more pictures from that nice summer morning. Also, while we were taking that walk, I was formulating a creative thought which became some artwork. If you look under the page tab for "Artwork," you will see how I was able to spell out "Fowlerville" using architectural and other sights found around the downtown. If anyone is interested in purchasing a one-of-kind piece of artwork, please feel free to contact me. I am also muddling around the thought of doing postcards and notecards -- I would love some feedback as to whether anyone would be interested in purchasing such items.

1905 Main Four Corners

2011-12-31T01:10:00.000-08:00

According to Chester Clark, an historian very familiar with Livingston county history in the mid-1990s (now deceased):

Top photo, Grand Avenue looking north, circa 1902 to 1909. Notice tall brick building, opposite hotel, where IGA parking lot now is. Whose Grocery, Restaurant, and Bakery? Lower photo, Grand River Avenue, looking east. Notice brickwork arch, now Doug and Mary Burnie's hardware. The cooking exhibit by Laurel Ranges was in town. Early auto, right hand drive, drove down the center so as not to scare the horse.
These two photographs were republished in The Fowlerville News and Views when Mr. Clark was writing historical articles for the area. According to his farewell valedictory, he wrote over 200 articles and they are in our historical collection -- I am happy to report. He preserved so much information for the rest of us.

If you are interested in looking at our collection, I am there every first and third Tuesday of the month at 9 am. The collection is located in a locked closet in the village office in the council chambers.

Squint Shot 123111

2011-12-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

After looking a little closer at Kim's Barber Shop building, I happened to go behind the Handy Township building to park and head into the hardware store. Of course, I had to look up for anything I might have missed over the years of taking squint shots. Maybe because of some clouds moving and the sun shining on the back of the building, I noticed this patched circle in the brick of the township building wall. Was this maybe, at one time, where a stove or heating pipe evacuated smoke from the warming system?

1938 Ted's Service Station

2011-12-30T01:10:00.000-08:00

Before we leave the Christmas scene through the years in Fowlerville, following is an advertisement placed in the local paper in 1938 -- does anyone remember Ted's Sinclair Station?

Squint Shot 123011

2011-12-30T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's squint shot showed what might have been a fleur d'lis pattern on Kim's Barber Shop. Following are other patterns that were carved into the stone and are visible just under the overhang of the building.

This building is attached to the house just north of it. That house was built as a doctor's residence and office by the Greenaway family in the early 1900s. Some local residents still remember having minor surgeries done in the second floor of the house.

1903 Christmas Furs

2011-12-29T01:10:00.000-08:00

Although this may not necessarily be about Christmas, I would almost imagine quite a few ladies received furs this winter --

A Fowlerville Boy~~Clare Hess, son of W.H. Hess, one of the founders of this paper, and born in this village, went to Korea about three years ago with a mining company. He saw that a fortune could be made in buying fur from the natives and shipping to the United States and severed his connection with the mining company and devoted several months to learning the native languages and securing valuable passports all over Asia.

He returned home to Columbia City, Ind., and organized a company with a capital stock of $100,000 and will soon return to Korea and commence the purchase of the fur.

He brought some of the fur home with him and sold it at an enormous profit, thus demonstrating the success of the business. He has many friends here who will wish him abundant success in his new undertaking.

Squint Shot 122911

2011-12-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

If you look closely, and usually high up, on many of the buildings in the downtown area, you will start to notice all of the various versions of fleur d'lis carved into stone. Over the last couple of years, I've taken what I thought were shots of all that I could find. But I missed one. On the front of Kim's Barber Shop, right up at the overhang, the following more modern style of what may have been a fleur d'lis pattern can be seen:

1935 Holiday Movies

2011-12-28T01:10:00.000-08:00

At various times throughout Fowlerville's history, there were one, two, and sometimes three theaters for movie-goers to enjoy. In December, 1935, the "new" Fowlerville Theatre was showing a Laurel & Hardy film, "Bonnie Scotland."

Click here to check out more about the movie.

Squint Shot 122811

2011-12-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2004 . . .
Well, this is the end of the line for class composites. If anyone has pictures of later years, please feel free to send them to me and I will post them on the website. Tomorrow, we move on to some miscellaneous squint shots of things I've noticed around town.

1897 Christmas Visiting

2011-12-27T11:10:00.000-08:00

The local section of the newspaper reported the comings and goings of its residents -- especially those that would let the editor know. A sampling follows:

William Alsbro visited friends at South Lyon on Christmas.

J. Ashley Cooper spent Christmas with friends at Howell.

J.C. Walton and wife of Howell spent Christmas at this place.

B.B. Roberts and wife spent Christmas with relatives here.

Mary G. Seaver spent the holidays with relatives at Lansing.

F.J. Cook and wife spent Christmas with her mother at Howell.

Thomas Kingsley of Wayne, is visiting relatives in this vicinity.

Will Miller of Thamesville, Ont., is visiting his parents of this place.

(And then stuck in the middle of all of this) . . . Intelligent boy wanted at this office to learn the art of printing.

F.D. Parker and wife visited relatives at Howell on Christmas.

Mrs. J.K Stanley visited her sister at Brighton on Christmas.

F.J. Peek and wife spent Christmas with his parents at this place.

C.H. Bristol and wife spent Christmas with relatives at Williamston.

Mrs. H. Laughlin and daughters, Aggie and May, spent Christmas at Howell.

M.M. Abbott and family spent Christmas with their daughter at South Lyon.

Ira J. Bean and wife of Detroit spent Christmas with his parents at this place.

M.J. Dunn and wife spent Christmas with their son near Webberville.

Mrs. F.E. Sherwood of Clinton visited her parents, J.A. Canfield and wife, this week.

Edward Greenaway of Williamston spent Christmas with his father at this place.

And so on . . . the list was long with so many of the names so familiar to my research. But I truly wonder if an intelligent boy showed up to learn the art of printing!

Squint Shot 122711

2011-12-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2003 . . .

1879 Snow Drift

2011-12-26T01:10:00.000-08:00

Well said . . . G.L. Adams, the publisher and editor of The Fowlerville Review had a way with words, whether it was spring, summer, winter, or fall.

Squint Shot 122611

2011-12-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2002 . . .

2011 Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T01:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my readers -- thank you for visiting this website throughout the year!

Squint Shot 122511

2011-12-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2001 . . .

1988 Skating Rink

2011-12-24T01:10:00.000-08:00

Back in the winter of 1987-88, Larry Davis was featured in the Fowlerville News and Views as he created an ice skating rink in what is now Centennial Park, but was Centennial Field then. Larry is now the directory of the Department of Public Works for the village but still will be making the time to create a rink this winter -- weather permitting -- just west of the hardware store. Same as last year. It would be fun if anyone recognizes themself or a friend in the picture of skaters and would leave a comment.

Squint Shot 122411

2011-12-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 2000 . . .

1895 Christmas Circle

2011-12-23T01:10:00.000-08:00

During nearly every holiday season, I would come across numerous articles on family get-togethers. The following description of two families' event was found in The Fowlerville Review:

The Van Riper-Hughes Christmas Circle is a regular organization, with a constitution, by-laws, etc., and holds its annual meetings on Christmas at the residences of its members. This year the circle met at the pleasant home of our townsman, F.E. Van Riper, on Second Street, and as usual was a great success, as more than thirty of the direct relatives joined in the social pleasures that go so far toward making this life worth living. It seems to us that the originators touched a chord that many of our older families would do well to emulate and cement a fraternal feeling that will be as lasting as time. As hostess Miss Clara Van Riper did all that the most fastidious could expect and as master of ceremonies, Floyd did exactly what everybody expected he would do and did it with the rare skill that left no chance for criticism. Miss Clara, as chef, performed her culinary labor with the skill of a professional and her tables were loaded with all the substantials and most of the luxuries of the season. The turkeys were done to a turn, and all else upon the spacious tables grew elegant under her magic skill. She not only cooked the choicest and most delicate viands for her friends, but she found time to entertain the relatives by her presence and enliven them with music of the choicest kind. Too much cannot be said of her and her father as entertainers and all joined in the acknowledgement that nothing was forgotten or left undone. From ten in the morning to the wee small hours, the circle clung together and the Christmas evening entertainment consisted of speeches, declarations, readings, recitations, interspersed with music by the young ladies, and the mystic ring was only broken by just such a glorious supper as Clara knows her well how to serve. The circle now consists of 33 members, all being relatives in the two families and by unanimous vote, the next reunion will be held Dec. 23, 1896, at the residence of A.H. Hughes, in the village.

Some years, the circle was a bit smaller, other years, more of a celebration:

A Pleasant Reunion~~The members of the Christmas Circle held their annual gathering at the pleasant home of E.P. Stowe, in this village, on Monday, Dec. 26. The hours passed swiftly and pleasantly, and about 1:20 pm, the roll was called and eighteen members responded to their name with a quotation, after which the company repaired to the dining room to discuss the good things set before them. After dinner, a fine program was rendered, including an address of welcome, readings, recitations, instrumental music, solos, quartettes, etc. All had a good time and returned home with a pleasant anticipation of the next meeting of the Circle, which will be held at D. VanRiper's next Christmas.~~Secretary

Squint Shot 122311

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1999 . . .

1900 Marriage License

2011-12-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

Even though this isn't about Fowlerville and even though this isn't really a Christmas posting, I couldn't resist adding it for all the hunters in the area:

Squint Shot 122211

2011-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1998 . . .

1900 Christmas Shopping

2011-12-21T01:10:00.000-08:00

The "Local and Otherwise" news in The Fowlerville Review was full of shopping information and advertisements. A sampling follows:

Holiday neckwear at Blackmer's.

Fine dress shoes at Blackmer's.

Mufflers of every description at Blackmer's.

Christmas books and fancy goods. A.R. Gardner

Highest price paid for turkeys and chickens. Miner & Luce

The windows in the various stores present a very attractive array of holiday goods this week, showing much taste and skill upon those who had the decorations in charge.

The merchants of this village seem to be enjoying a good holiday trade this year. They are certainly offering every inducement by way of low prices and fine goods.

Solid silver and plated spoons, knives and forks, and gold spectacles at A.R. Gardners.

To make your family love you and your home happy, use an aluminized steel range for cooking. Purchase it at Hugh Loughlins.

Squint Shot 122111

2011-12-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1997 . . .

1896 Masquerade Ball

2011-12-20T01:10:00.000-08:00

The Maccabees, a ladies' group associated with the Masons (I believe -- please correct me if anyone knows differently) was quite active in the village at the turn of the century. Following shows a masquerade ball they were hosting at the Bell opera house:

Squint Shot 122011

2011-12-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

1899 Misplaced Present

2011-12-19T01:10:00.000-08:00

On Friday afternoon, Mrs. Richard Gott purchased a fine wrap at the special sale of wraps and furs at the store of A.H. Hughes & Son and it was wrapped in paper and placed on the counter until she was ready to go home, when it was found to have completely disappeared. The store was searched but no trace of the garment could be found. A smaller package, however, lay upon the counter and it was finally concluded some one had made a mistake. On Saturday morning early a man living north and east of Bell Oak came back with the package. He had taken the wrong package and did not discover his mistake until he had reached home.

It makes one wonder if this wrap was purchased as a gift. If so, since it was returned, how wonderful for the future recipient. And, I wonder if there was a recipient, did that person read this article in the paper and feel even more fortunate it was properly returned!

Squint Shot 121911

2011-12-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1995 . . .

1923 Christmas Decorations

2011-12-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

Complaint is being made from several sources that some one is marking the trees, stores and even the new school building with colored chalk. This kind of Christmas decoration is not at all pleasing and should be discontinued at once.

On one level, G.L. Adams scolded those marking things with chalk, and then the very next paragraph . . .

The Christmas exercises at the Baptist church Sunday evening were largely attended and the program was greatly enjoyed by all. Old Santa did not disappoint the children but came in all his glory to their complete satisfaction, which the older ones enjoyed as well.

Squint Shot 121811

2011-12-18T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1994 . . .

1913 Ashley Cooper Store Robbed

2011-12-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

Just because it was the holiday season, it would appear not everyone was in the spirit of giving -- but some in the spirit of taking. The following was found in the local newspaper for the end of the year, 1913:

Store Robbed of Small Amount~~Nightwatchman Albright tried the door of the post office and of J. Ashley Cooper's store on his usual rounds Friday night and found them securely locked. About two o'clock, as he came down Grand River street, he saw a small man start on a run from the post office. He called to him and started to run, but the other man could run three rods to his one. He went to the office and found both the post office and store doors unlocked. Mr. Cooper was called and they looked over the office and store and found nothing missing, locked up the doors again.

Saturday morning, it was discovered that the cash register in the store had been robbed of about $1.50 in nickels and pennies.

Squint Shot 121711

2011-12-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

Class of 1993 . . .