Belding banner., May 15, 1918, Image 1

About Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918

Image provided by: Central Michigan University, Clark Historical Library

                
ID) A TTTTT?
TO ADVERTISERS '
Til lrculatida boM of tta Banner
r open to laipctiun at any tlma.
rnry
Aa Ideal Mpapr ana1 a aapar
with Idaalt. It far an. read by
all clauai.
XL
Belding Bigger and Better''
TWENTY-NINTH YEAR. NO. 51.
BELDING, MICHIGAN, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, MAY 15, 1918.
THREE CENTS THE COPY.
EELB
MO
DEDICATORY EXERCISES HELD
FOR till fl
MAMMOTH CROWD WITNESSES THE PRESENTATION OF FINE NEW
EDIFICE TO CITY TUESDAY AFTERNOON
IF!. BELDIilG OAS UNABLE
TO ATM THE EXERCISES
Was Driven to Rig Tent For Few Minutes to Greet Crowd Assembled in His
Honor. Senator Wm. Alden Smith Was Speaker
Belding's citizenship, business
houses, factories and all lines of in
dustry stopped Tuesday afternoon to
do honor to Alvah N. Belding donor
of the new library dlifice, on the oc
casion of its dedication and presenta
tion to the city. A perfect day per
mitted the fulfillment of every plan
ned detail, the only feature marring
its completeness being the slight ill
ness of Mr. Belding. He was able,
however, to come to the large, com
pletely packed chautauqua tent a few
minutes and greet the mammoth au
dience. In his absence his son, Fred
N. Belding, acted for his father.
The platform was profusely dec
orated with potted and cut flowers
and flags of the United States and
her Allies. Seated upon it were the
speakers of the day, representatives
of the Belding Bros. & Co. interests
from all over the United States and
Canada. The program, as printed
last week, was carried out in its en
tirety, except the presentation by Mr.
Belding, which was handled by his
son in a most creditable manner.
General E. C. Young, vice -president
of Belding Bros. & Co., in his
address. "Ideals' reviewed the early
life of the donor and his parents andi
enlarged upon the noble worth, of his
influence to this community. His
address was masterful and sincerely
received by everyone.
jIn presenting the keys to the
library for his father, Fred N. Beld
ing was most sincere and emotional.
His act was especially touching as
symbolizing the inherent pride in the
city's welfare always displayed by 4iis
father. In fact, he said he almost
wished that he was giving the library
himself. In addition to the keys and
deed to the property Mr. Belding
gave 'the city a government bond of
$1000 the interest from which is to
be used in the upkeep of the library
grounds.
Mayor E. E. Fales accepted the
gifts for the city in an efficient way
and expressed the sincere apprecia
tion of every citizen. He then pre- J
sented the donor, through the son.'
with an engraved copy of the official
resolution of acceptance passed ,by
the common council at a recent meet
ing. H. J. Leonard. Dr. G. F. Smith and
E. C. Lloyd were other speakers of
the day, each bringing some message
to the people to make the day long
to be remembered. Rev. W. A. Biss,
and Rev. P. Ray Norton also assist
ed in the service. The male quartette
from the Fountain Street Baptist
church, Grand Rapids, and the City
Band, delighted with several selec
tions. The principal address of the after
noon was given by Hon. -Wm. Alden
Smith. He paid the highest tribute
to the thousands of boys in the Amer
ican armies today. After enlarging
upon the grave situation confronting
the world and upon the past activi
ties of Mr. Belding, Senator Smith
asserted that "there never was a time
in the life of Mr. Belding. now over
eighty, that is so vital to this country
and all its interests as now. Germany
will offer peace plan after peace plan
in an effort to gain a vantage in the
world settlement. But the United
States and the Allies will be content
with nothing less than complete vic
tory for democracy. There is noth
ing greater than to die for one's
country. Such a death is not really
death. It is Iutriotic Immortality.
Right here and now I want to suggest
to the governing board of the library
that a record book be kept, started
now, in which the name, address and
branch of service of every boy going
out from Ionia County is recorded.
Also get their pictures if possible and
collect all the flags under which these
boys march and tight.
"Then, I have another suggestion.
I would urge young Mr. Belding to
have produced, an oil painting, life
size, of his father." Have it framed
and hunjr in the new library which
honors his name. He can do it and
should do it. The son is young and
has opportunities and yet age, such
as the donor's ripe years, is also op
portunity no less. It is only clothed
in different dress. I hope Mr. Beld
ing may be spared to come again and
again and to enjoy the fruits of his
worthy life."
A communication was read by
Chairman Dr. J. H. Armstrong from
Fred N. Belding in which he inclosed
a check for $1000 to be used in pur
chasing books for the edifice. Anoth
er communication from Mrs. Florence
Belding Knuckols carried a $100
check and an endowment for ten
years for a like amount for the same
purpose. President Geo. E. Wagnef
of the library board accepted the do
nations and also told of the receipt
of the museum of the late C. M.
Slay ton.
Near the close of the program a
mammoth bouquet of American
Beauty roses was presented to Mr.
Belding (Fred N. as proxy) from the
schools by Miss Mildred Shores.
Young Mr. Belding was almost over
come by the presentation, but was
able to express -thanks in no uncer
tain terms. The roses were later
taken to the hotel and given to Mr.
Belding, who was deeply moved and
asked several times for the young
lady that he might personally thank
her in words to carry back to her as
sociates. Immediately after the close
of the program a meeting of the
members of the board of commerce
was called in the hotel where Presi
dent R. 11. Hafl presented Mr. Beld
ing with a gold headed cane as an
additional mark of appreciation.
Following the exercises of the day
the library was thrown open for in
spection and hundreds availed them
selves of the opportunity. An or
chestra furnished music throughout
the afternoon, and evening. ' It was
the unanimous sentiment of the vis
itors that too much praise cannot be
given Frank P. Allen & Son, archi
tects, for their beautiful designs in
the plan of the building and Charles
Hoertz & Son, builders, for the thor
ough manner in which the building
wa erected; and especially to Mr.
Belding for the magnificent building
that will stand as a monument to his
philanthropy and commendable char
CALL FOR MORE
MEN NEXT WEEK
The next call for men will be during
the week commencing May 25. During
this period Ionia county will send 37
men either to Camp Custer or to Camp
Wheeler in Georgia, definite instruc
tions on this point have not yet been
received. The list itself is not yet
completed, but the names of Forrest
Beemer, Homer G. E. Mcintosh, Er
nest Tupper, Arthur N. Hansen, Geo.
H. Trimble, Geo. L. Everhart, and
Wm. Case of Belding, and Rudolph
Laux of Smyrna, are in.the list.
CHARITY BALL
FOR THE HOSPITAL
The ladies interested in the city hos
pitaj have arranged to give a charity
ball Wednesday evening, May 29 in
Crawford hall, the proceeds of which
are to be used in replenishing the
treasury of that worthy institution.
The music for the ball will be fine,
and the bill is only seventy-five cents.
The ladies are anticipating a large attendance.
Chester O. Lyon Dead
Old friends in this locality of Mrs.
Elma Lyon of Ashtabula, Ohio, have
received word of the death of her hus
band, Chester Otis Lyon, which oc
curred recently at his home in that
city. He was married to Elma C.
Keeler of Oakfield township, Kent
County. February 16, 1887.
Besides his wife he leaves five chil
dren, Lena M. Geary, Gertrude E.
Steiner, Chester A., Harry T., and
Clarence O. Lyon. ' ' "
Mrs. Lyon owns the Gooding block
in this city and has been a resident
of Ohio for many years and up to a
few years ago was a frequent visitor
here.
FUNERAL' SERVICES
FOR MRS. WILL WHITE
f
Funeral services over the remains
of Mrs. Will. White were held in the
Church of Christ Friday afternoon,
Rev. H. S. Ellis, officiating.
The remains of Mrs. White were
brought here from Detroit for burial,
where she died Tuesday, May 7.
Mrs. White, whose maiden name
was Jennie L. Chapman, was thirty
two years, seven mohths, and seven
days old. She was born in England
and when her parents came to Ameri
ca they went to Greenville to reside.
For the past year she has been in poor
health, being confined to her bed sev
eral weeks.
The family went to Detroit to re
side about eight years ago and she
had a very large circle, of friends
there. She was a member of the Py
thian Sisters and also affiliated in a
social way with the order of the East
ern Star. Many beautiful flowers
covered the casket from Detroit
friends and friends here.
Besides her husband, she leaves
three children, Gertrude, sixteen years
old, Walter, ten, and Ellen six.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George
Chapman and son, George, ir., and
Mrs. Nellie Timerson were here to
attend the funeral. A brother, Ser
geant Joseph Chapman, is on his way
to France. Much sympathy is ex-
fressed for the family over her tak
ng awav at this time in life.
Ben White, father of Will, has re
turned to Detroit with the family and
will hereafter make his home theVe.
Roy A. Reynolds and his daughter,
Elizabeth, of Chicago, were the guests
of his mother, Mrs. J. Ward Wells, a
few days last,week, returning home
Sunday evening. Mr. Reyrfolds is still
with the Sears Roebuck & Company
and is holding down a very respon
sible position as general manager of
the shoe business of the company. 1
Belding 's Neu)6Public Library
. ,, t ,. . ! n , , : ; , , ,
L . i
Belding City and its citizenship will henceforth take a backseat to no other town or
city when heralding the excellency and value of its handsome new public library presented
to the municipality by Alvah N. Eelding, Tuesday afternoon, May 14. The Alvah N.
Belding Library stands second to none regardless of size and location. It is a supreme
monument of excellence that will immortalize his name to future generations. .It will
stand as a lasting memorial of the true worth of the donor and his sincere interest in the
future educational and moral welfare, of Belding's citizens. His gracious act places Mr,
Belding head and shoulders above every other resident as Belding's first former citizen.
As the visitor approaches the handsome new library he is impressed with the com
pleteness of its exterior. Se"t on the banks of Flat River, with rear windows overlooking
the stream, it is still brought within the limits of the city's business section by fronting
upon a wide paved Main street. Directly in front of Hanover, street, which street is the
natural entry to the city by automobile from Ionia, Lansing, Detroit and other Eastern
points, every traveler will be impressed at once with the substantial thrift of the city and
its industries.
Neatly graded lawns are starting around the building proper. As you mount the
spacious steps leading to the main entrance, the massive pillars of Ionic Architecture,
prepares the observers to at once expect a combination of the more solid and delicate in
the building's appointment. Burnished copper light posts surmount the granite caps to
pilasters. Over the door is inscribed in gothic letters ALVAH N. BELDING LIBRARY
A. D. 1917. S s
Entering the doors inlaid with mahogoney you come immediately within a vestibule
finished in marble. On the wall to the right of the entrance is a heavy bronze tablet bear
ing the following inscription. x
This Library
was erected in the year 1917 by
ALVAH N. BELDING
as a memorial to his Father and Mother
HIRAM BELDING
and
' MARY WILSON BELDING 7 ' ,
It was dedicated to their memory on May 15, 1918
and presented to the City of Belding, Michigan.
To the left is a commodious cloak room where wraps may be left before entering
the lobby. Then passing through massive glass paneled doors you are within the lobby.
Over the doors just entered are the life size pictures of Hiram and Mary Wilson Belding,
and between them is hung one of Alvah N. Belding, the donor. Immediately to the left is
a porcelain drinking fountain. A comfortable settee in the middle enables the visitor to
be comfortable while viewing the room. Across the loboy from the entrance is the libra?
rian's desk, built in as part of the building. It is provided with lights, drawers, a swivel
chair an all things necessary for efficient wdrk. To hen back is a series of five large
' racks, almost completely filling the stack room. Over her head ticks a large built in clock.
Passing to the left we enter a large reading room, fully equipped with broad tables
and comfortable chairs. All available space around the wall is taken up with book and
magazine racks. Over the low down radiators window seats have been built, upholstered
with leathered cushions. The windows in the room, as in all the others, are draped with
rich green draperies fringed with silk and operating almost automatically. To the rear of
the magazine room you enter, through heavy inlaid doors, enriched with oval glass centers
a small reading room bearing an air of privacy and restfulness. The furnishings and out
look to the river4end an additional feeling that here the thoughtful will want to retreat
when delving into the heavier volumes within the buildings compass.
Reentering the front lobby we pass to the east' room, where shelving and furniture
is very similar to the magazine room. Here the chairs and desks are lower, to serve the
juvinele interests. Plenty of light is shed down onto the desks by overhanging chandel
iers. The later are of the inverted type and are of heavy hammered brass and opaque
china. Here toO'Window seats provide secluded places for more careful reading.
To the rear of the juvenile room we enter, through doors inlaid with mahogany,
the librarian's office. Over the flat desk is a convenient light. Office chairs, waste bask
ets and other paraphernalia afford every convenience. A cloak room is along the west
wall and to the rear of this a toilet room is fully equipped. A convenient passage leads
to stock room and librarian's desk. Within the passage is an entrance to the basement
Leaving the librarian's room we return to the front vestibule, where a door is found
leading to the basement. Descending we find ourselves in another small lobby. Going to
the right we find a room set apart for the museum (contributed by the late Chester M.
Slay ton). Another door leads to the furnace and fuel room. To the north of the lobby is
a large assembly room furnished with cane seated folding chairs. This room is accessablo
from the side through a broad alley which connects with outside doors on the east side of
the building. When the chairs are cleared the floor of hard maple, becomes an excel
lent place for dancing if desired.
To the east of the assembly room and lobby and also connected to the east outside
entrance is the ladies' room. This is furnished with rich rugs, bamboo and wicker chairs
stands, desks, waste baskets, etc. The upholstery of the furniture adds to the restful
atmosphere which fills every piece of the room's equipment. By opening the doors into the
lobby and also the doors into the assembly room a speaker may address the occupants of both
rooms with complete satisfaction. This gives space for holding a large gathering if desired.
Under the front entrance and accessable from the basement lobby are the toilet rooms for
men ane women: ' .
The building is constructed of Bedford Ind.J cut limestone roofed with the best tiling
obtainable. The floors are of concrete and covered with heavy battleship linoleum. The
finish of the interior woodwork and furniture is silver grey. Marble baseboards add to the
grandure of the librarian's desk and the interior pillars. The whole structure presents an air
of individuality that takes it away from the usual type common to so many cities, Words
cannot half describe the elegance of Mr. Belding's gift, neither can the people express their
appreciation too strongly to him for his' generosity.
DORIC CHAPTER 0. E. S.
INSTALL NEW OFFICES
i
Follouintf a sumptuous six-thirty
supper in the dining rooms, Doric
Chapter No. 75 O. E. S. installed of
ficers for the ensuing year at their
meeting Tuesday evening. A very en
joyable evening was spent and the
work of the year under the new offi
cers started with bright prospects.
The officers installed were as fol
lows: Worthy matron, Mildred
Brown; worthy patron, Fred Rodgers;
associate matron, Alta Arnold; secre
tary, Bessie Peterson; treasurer, Mina
Haviland; conductress, Mary Purdy;
associate conductress, Effie Frederick;
chaplain, Hattie Weaver; marshal,
Edith 1 Burris; Adah. Augusta Dim
mick; Ruth, Mary Wright; Esther,
Mildred Elsby; Martha, Mabel Wells;
Electa, Myrtle Hubbell; warder, Edna
Rogers; sentinel, Will Haviland; or
ganist, Flossie Cook,
NDUSTR
ML
T
FOR BEST SUCCESS
RIG INSTITUTE HELD IN GRAND
RAPIDS. RIG INSTITUTE OPENS
MAY FIFTEENTH
The patriotic mass meeting of the
War Industrial Training Institute held
at the armory, in Grand Rapids, was
all the success its managers anticipat
ed. On the night of the meeting more
than 3,000 men not curiosity seek
ers, but men vitally interested in the
meeting-were on hand. Prof. Geo.
E. Myers, professor of industrial edu
cation at the University of Michigan,
gave them some plain facts about the
Government's needs: A. P. Johnson
made a patriotic address in which he
urged the men to become skilled me
chanics; Lee H. Bierce, secretary of
the Association of Commerce acted as
chairman, and Private John A. Red
ding, one of General Pershing's
heroes, just back from the front line
trenches, gave an interesting talk of
the fight in France. Miss Flora
Overly and the The Press and Furni
ture city bands furnished the musical
program.
The War Industrial Training Insti
tute will open May 15, and in the
meantime enrollment will continue.
From present indications the classes
will be completed long before the date
of opening,, and as only 500 men can
be taken on at first, those who get in
the fijst applications, will be the first
to be fitted for preferred positions in
the army.
l 'VWE FINE
. PATKiOTIC PROGRAM
At the meeting of the' Equitable
Fraternal Union held recently for the
purpose of raising funds for the Red
Cross there were about 100 members
and guests present to enjoy the oc
casion and listen to the patriotic pro
gram. State manager of the order, J. H.
Ellis, was present and gave a fine ad
dress on fraternal societies with es
pecial emphasis in the interests of the
E. F. U..
Judge Haight of Lansing gave a
talk along war lines and W. F. Brick
er urged the purchasing of Thrift
Stamps as being one of the ways in
which every one could help and 'do
their bit" m winning the war. The
program was interspersed with music
and song. Refreshments were served
and a general good time indulged in.
Edward Belding was the lucky
guest to whom the five dollar Thrift
Stamp was awarded.
Library Opening
The new Alvah N. Belding Library
will be open to the public beginning
this week Saturday, afternoon and
evening. The present library books
and magazines will be moved to the
new building and ready for use at that
time. Open hours will remain the
same: 3:00 to 5:30 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.
m., daily, except Sunday.
Mary Barnes, Librarian.
Ml
L
one sim
CO CERT
MS
LYON RECITAL MAY 17
THIRD BIG EVENT WILL BE
HELD IN OPERA HOUSE FRI
DAY NIGHT. ATTEND!
The next big event in Belding will
be the Third Annual Symphony Or
chestra Concert and Jarvis-Lyon Re
cital, which comes in the opera house
this week Friday evening. The man
agement of the recital is under heavy
expense, over $200, and a large crowd
is necessary to meet it. One of the
former concerts sustained a loss and
the other barely made expenses. How
ever, a concert and recital such as
this is most enlightening and benefi
cial to a city and should be maintain
ed. Should there be a surplus this
year the balance will be applied on
the expense of the next concert.
Harold Jarvis is noted all over the
United States as a tenor and has nev
er failed to delight his audiences. His
accompanist and reader. Miss Mary
Lyon, is equally well liked by her
hearers everywhere. The orchestra
will be composed of Michigan's best
talent.
Tickets may be procured at Sparks
& Camber's or Wortley & French's
stores.
SAN DELL'S BANK HAS
STARTED POULTRY CLUB
A backyard poultry contest has
been started by Sandell's Bank. It is
open to school children, the general
public and the farmer ' Thev nri
divided into classes competing for dif-
iereni prizes, ine contest is now
open and will not close until October
1. next year.
Employees of the bank will be glad
to explain the contest and give every
contestant a complete, authoritative
booklet on the care of poultry. The
movement is started to lud the gov
ernment in producing more food
stuffs. Besides being healthfuf work
and remunerative it is ultra patriotic
and should receive much favorable at
tention. Ask the bank for full ex
planation. 0TISC0 RED CROSS
DRIVE COnniTTEE
At the meeting of the directors of
the Ionia County Red Cross Chapter,
for the purpose of organizing for the
war fund drive the week of May 20
27, the apportionment of the $16,000
to be raised, there was apportioned to
the township of Otisco $400.
The following committees have been
appointed for the work in each school
district, who will make a ' house to
house canvas that Otisco township
may not be numbered among the
slackers thereby failing to do her
whole dutyjby our boys at and going
to the front for humanity and right:
Mr. and Mrs. Verne LaDow, Mr. and
Mrs. Clyde Cooper, Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Zahm, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Con
don, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Norton, Mr.
and Mrs. Lewis Jenks, Mr. and Mrs.
Frank L. Moon. Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Kemp, Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Cook:
Last week, says'the Ionia Sentinel,
under Red Cross notes:
"One of the most generous contri
butions received by Mayor Green for
the special $3,500 Red Cross Deficit
fund was a check for $165, which
came yesterday from Maj. Frank R.
Chase of Smyrna ana which covered
contributions from people living in
Otisco township, in or near Smyrna
and Cook's Corners."
Board of Commerce Election
The annual election of the Board
of Commerce officers will be held in
the city hall auditorium May 21, 1918,
6:30 p. m..' Luncheon committee,
Earl Wilson, Secretary F. A. Puffer.
F. & A. M. Communication
Special communication of Belding
Lodge No. 355 F. & A. M. Thursday
evening, May 16 for work in the EA
degree. A. B. Foss, W. M.
What the Red Cross Does
O VER and over again Red Cross solicitors in any campaign for
membership or funds are asked the question: "What does
the Red Cross do?"
The Red Cross work is not only the making of socks and sweat
ers and surgical bandages, nor the providing of nurses, physicians
and hospital supplies. Such medical aid and hospital work, those
sweaters, socks and wristlets made in million quantities by earnest
women for our soldiers and sailors are important, but beyond that
there is the great Red Cross work of looking after ,the families of
men who need help. The quiet work of encouragement, the benefit
of advice, sympathy and fellowship is given from the heart and with
out publicity. Such help is as important as any financial aid which
is shown in the report of "What lias Been Done With the First War
Fund."
v, WAR FUND APPROPRIATIONS UP TO MARCH 1st, 1918
. Foreign Relief :
Relief in France....... . $30,936,103.04
Relief in Belgium.... 2,086,131.00
Relief in Russia 1,243,845.07
Rel ief in Roumania 2,676,368.76
Relief in Italy : 3,588,826.00
Relief in Serbia 875,180.76
Relief in Other Foreign Countries 3,576,300.00
Relief for Prisoners, etc. 343,304.00
Equipment and expenses of U. S. Personnel for Europe 113,800.00
Total Foreign Relief $47,325,609,38
United States Relief:
U. S. Army Base Hospitals ?.......$ 54,000.00
U. S. Base Navy Base Hospitals 32,000.00
U. S. Medical and Hospital Work 531,000.00
U. S. Sanitary Service 403,000.00
U. S. Camp Service 6,451,150.86
U. S. Miscellaneous 1,118,748.41
Total U. S. Relief
$ 8,589,899.27
Restricted as to use by Donor. $ 2,520,409.57
Working capital for purchase of supplies for resale to
Chapters or for shipment abroad $15,000,000.00
Working fash advances for France and United States.. $ 4,286,000.00
Total War Fund Appropriations $77,721,918.22