Mackinac Langdons Revisited

By James M. Langdon

Newspaper Articles Reporting Happenings of the Langdon Family of Mackinac County, Michigan

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365306495

Book preview

Mackinac Langdons Revisited

Mackinac Langdons Revisited

Newspaper Articles Reporting Happenings of the

Langdon Family of Mackinac County, Michigan

Compiled and Edited by

James M. Langdon

On the Cover: Charles Langdon, circa 1906

Copyright © 2016 by James M. Langdon.

All Rights Reserved.

2016

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016906273

isbn: 978-1-365-30649-5

Preface

The articles that follow were taken from several newspapers published at St. Ignace, Michigan from 1897 to the present:

St. Ignace News

Republican News

St. Ignace Enterprise

Republican News & St. Ignace Enterprise

I gratefully acknowledge the St. Ignace Public Library for making electronic versions of these newspapers available to the public for research and enjoyment. I also thank the St. Ignace News and its publisher, Wes Maurer, Jr., for providing me access to the paper’s archives of original newspapers.

The following articles were identified through an electronic search of scanned newspapers and a visual examination of printed editions for the word Langdon. However, not all editions published during the period searched were available for review. Given these imperfect research methods, some published articles referencing the Langdons were likely missed and therefore are not included in this collection.

In several cases, lengthy articles were abridged in the interests of space to focus on Langdon family members. Also, repetitive articles—particularly during the period of competing St. Ignace newspapers—are presented once.

This collection focuses largely on the homesteading family of William and Elizabeth Langdon including their children and grandchildren. Articles mentioning Langdons not related to the Mackinac clan (e. g., tourists, the actor Harry Langdon) are not included.

Biographical data following these notes were taken from the articles and other personal and online sources. Special thanks to Dr. David Rife, Sandy Langdon, Ariana Rife, Jud Coveyou and Eileen Langdon for their contributions.

Finally, no articles were omitted or edited because they could be perceived to cast a person in a negative light. To the contrary, such articles are included to provide the fullest record of public joys and sorrows experienced by the Mackinac Langdon family. Such articles caused me to have an even more loving understanding of my ancestors—particularly my father.

Jim Langdon

About the Editor

James M. Langdon is a great-grandson of William and Elizabeth Langdon, grandson of Charles and Jennie Langdon, and son of Lester Langdon and Jeanette Langdon Emer. He resides with his wife, Eileen, and daughters, Anna and Sarah, near Madison, Wisconsin.

The William Langdons

William Langdon

Bill Langdon was born on January 10, 1851 at Penatanguisaine, Ontario. He and Elizabeth Vallie married on May 2, 1875 at St. Lukes, Tiny Township, Ontario. The couple and their two young sons emigrated to the United States in 1885 and were among the first non-native settlers of Allenville, Michigan. He and Elizabeth were farmers and had seven children—John William, James Edmond, Albert Wellington, Charles Edward, Daniel, Lillian Elizabeth and Roy Graydon—and one adopted child, Florence. Family records indicate Bill died on March 9, 1920 at Detroit, Michigan where he is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Ferndale Section.

Elizabeth Vallie Langdon

Elizabeth Vallie was born on December 16, 1856 at Penatanguisaine, Ontario. Following her husband’s death, she lived in Detroit and finally Soo Canada. Elizabeth died on November 13, 1942 at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and is buried at Brevort Township Cemetery, Allenville.

John William Langdon

John Langdon was born on August 9, 1876 at Penatanguisaine, Ontario. He married Louise Orr on August 20, 1907 at Prescott, Michigan. John and Louise had two children, Donald and Genevieve. He was a school teacher and Saginaw (Michigan) High School Principal. John died on June 27, 1924 at Saginaw where he is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

James Edmond Langdon

Ed Langdon was born on September 30, 1877 at Penatanguisaine, Ontario. He married Lenna May Ruston on August 6, 1910 at St. Ignace, Michigan. He was part owner of a large taxicab company in Akron, Ohio. Ed died on April 21, 1927 in Summit County, Ohio.

Albert Wellington Langdon

Bert Langdon was born on February 14, 1880 at Allenville. He married Etta B. Shields on December 30, 1909 at L’Anse, Michigan. Bert and Etta had eleven children including Albert M., Ervin, William, Keith, Shields, Elizabeth, Leona and Kenneth. Bert died on February 8, 1960 and is likely buried at Owosso, Michigan.

Charles Edward Langdon

Charlie Langdon was born on September 10, 1886 at Allenville. He married Jennie Erskine on June 21, 1910 at Allenville. Charlie and Jennie had seven children—Jud, Dorothy, Donna, Jane, Anne, Les and Larry. He was a school teacher and Mackinac County School Commissioner. He died on August 12, 1969 at Petoskey, Michigan and is buried at Brevort Township Cemetery, Allenville.

Daniel Langdon

Dan Langdon was born on November 12, 1889 at Allenville. He married Ida Whitehouse on October 12, 1910 at Manistee, Michigan. Dan and Ida had at least three children including Iva, Doris and Ronald. He worked at a woodworking firm at the time of his death. Dan died on June 19, 1959 at Atlanta, Georgia and is buried at Hillcrest Cemetery, Fulton County, Georgia.

Lillian Elizabeth Langdon

Lillie Langdon was born on February 28, 1892 at Allenville. She was a school teacher and married J. Arthur Richards on June 26, 1924 at Detroit, Michigan. Lillie and Art resided at Soo Canada and had at least one child, Langdon. Family records indicate she died on January 8, 1968; the places of her death and burial are unknown.

Roy Graydon Langdon

Roy Langdon was born on April 7, 1895 at Allenville. He married Sylvia Thompson on August 6, 1921 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; they had at least one child, Marie. Roy farmed at Allenville and was a longtime mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. Roy died on September 22, 1960 at St. Ignace where he is buried at Lakeside Cemetery.

Florence Langdon

Florence Langdon was born on February 5, 1901. She married Louis Wiartalla on February 26, 1918 at Allenville. She and Louis had six children—Alice, Helen, Marjorie, Louis, Donald and Norman. She later married Paul Litzner. Florence died on July 1, 1983 and is buried at Brevort Township Cemetery, Allenville.

Introduction

Who was Charles Langdon?

As reported in newspaper articles of his time, Charles was born in 1886 to Allenville homesteaders Elizabeth and William Langdon. He left the farm to pursue studies in education. Education—of rural youth and his own—would remain the central interest of his forty-year career in and around Mackinac County: first as a teacher, then as county school commissioner, and finally, again, as a teacher.

Charles’ interest in the welfare of children extended beyond the classroom. He organized county-wide events to build appreciation in youth for community affairs and athletics. He led the creation of Mackinac County 4-H clubs to develop practical skills in children and help them grow into productive adulthood. He advanced programming in music and extracurricular activities as essential elements of a well-rounded education. He supported initiatives to improve the hygiene and health of poor children. He organized several parent-teacher associations to strengthen the support children received from their schools and homes. He was elected and re-elected county school commissioner by large majorities—once with no opposition.

Charles and Jennie Langdon had seven children born to them between 1911 and 1929 suggesting they had an enduring, intimate life together. They were a well-known couple in their community who socialized in private homes and at public events with their many friends. They were active in their church, danced, played cards, traveled, organized fundraisers, and hosted and visited family members.

Based on public reports, they were a happy, supportive couple—until 1935 when Charles left the family home in St. Ignace and eventually returned to the Allenville farm. They never divorced.

The Charles Langdon I knew of growing up—I met him just once when four or five years old and recall sitting on his knee—abandoned his family when my father was nine years old. My father and his younger brother only spoke of Charles in cold, resentful terms; understandable for two men who were raised by their mother after their dad left the household in the midst of the Great Depression.

Interestingly, my father’s older siblings were kinder in the few observations they shared with me about Charles. They knew him differently, of course, as he was present in the home until they reached adulthood. My aunt (b. 1915) recalled Charles was the parent who got out of bed on a cold winter night to warm a raisin on the wood stove to relieve her childhood earache. My uncle (b. 1911) referred to Charles as my father, a modest term of deference that nonetheless made my father (b. 1926) and his younger brother (b. 1929) cringe.

I knew nearly nothing of Charles’ background until I began work on this project. Minimally, I now know he was a respected community figure who was smart, charismatic and engaged. Charles was a man with the vision, talent and energy to get things done. He was—and perhaps still is—a good guy to know and even emulate.

But while the following articles answer many questions about the public lives of Charles and Jennie Langdon, new questions about their private lives emerge as old ones remain unanswered.

Why did Charles dedicate his life to the betterment of children in his community, but abandon the children of his own home?

Did Charles leave Jennie for another woman? Surely there was one: the 1940 Census lists him as living with his housekeeper, a woman who would remain with him until his death three decades later.

Did Charles leave because of differences with Jennie, a woman described to me as loving but at times difficult?

Did Charles provide financially for his estranged family—his annual salary as school commissioner during the Depression was $1,800 per year—or was Jennie left to support her young children alone?

Why did Jennie’s father continue to socialize and even travel with Charles after their separation?

Why did Jennie’s sister host Charles and his little son at her home well after he and Jennie split?

Did Charles’ absence from the home contribute to my father’s youthful misadventures in petty crime, or was his delinquency due to poverty, an anxious mother, the wrong group of friends, all of the above, or something else entirely?

The fact is while these articles provide illumination into the public lives of my grandparents, they do not reveal why they separated. Such deeply personal details of their relationship were no doubt shared during long drives, at the dinner table and in the bedroom, but not in the local newspaper. Unless particulars of their intimate moments are found in yellowed diaries or personal correspondence, that part of their story may never be told.

Jim Langdon

December 4, 2015

1897—1919

September 14, 1897

mAckinac county agricultural fair

The Mackinac County Agricultural Fair is announced from Epoufette with the following officers and directors: President, Frank Mellon; secretary, Allan Parcels; treasurer, G. Gamble; directors, Wm. McRea, Bois Blanc; James Doud, Holmes; Don Cheeseman, Moran; A. Reavie, St. Ignace township; L. LaRocque, St. Ignace; Wm. Langdon, Brevort; Louis Paquin, Hendricks; George Tucker, Garfield; Walter Smith, Portage; John Blanchard, Newton.

(Editor’s note: This article, found in the September 14, 1916 edition of The St. Ignace Enterprise under the title, Nineteen Years Ago, is the oldest report of Langdon family activity.)

August 25, 1898

ALLENVILLE ITEMS

The Allenville school will have blackboards painted and other small repairs made. John Langdon will teach the Allenville school, Wm. Luepnitz the Brevort school and a Mr. Johnson the Moran school. Each teacher will receive $40 per month. We think our officers pretty liberal.

(Editor’s note: This article is taken from the August 23, 1917 edition of The St. Ignace Enterprise under the title, Nineteen Years Ago.)

June 10, 1909

King Edward a Busy Man

Even Theodore, the much occupied, is a person of leisure compared with Edward VII. The Langdon correspondent of Town and Country reports the contents of a note from one of the king’s equerries stating that his majesty’s engagements do not warrant him in the disposal of a single hour before September. And the note was written early in June. No matter what your station in life it is well to equip yourself for the trials of every day life by the daily use of Golden Grain Belt Beer. This delicious beverage rests you while you work and is good for everybody at all times. Order some of your nearest dealer or be supplied by Fred S. Hogen, Sault Ste. Marie.

July 13, 1909

COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

Gentlemen: Your committee on finance to whom was referred the several bills against the city would most respectfully report that they have had the same under consideration and would recommend that they be allowed:

Ed. Langdon’s rig for getting wrenches Furnace fire, $1.00

J. E. Langdon rig hire, $6.00

…

March 5, 1910

LaSalle School Notes

Miss Gladys Welden accompanied Miss Lillian Langdon to Allenville Monday evening and will visit over Sunday at the latter’s home.

March 19, 1910

LaSalle School Notes

Miss Lillian Langdon, Editor

High School Days.

These are days that try our courage.

Prove the real worth of our soul,

Let us then make every effort,

So we’ll safely reach the goal.

If the old saying that Jimmie’s idea of politics is the same as his dad’s is true, every one in the high room has a pretty good idea of how dad intends to vote.

Basket ball seems to be the nearest approach to an ideal exercise for girls. It strengthens the muscles, cultivates quickness of thought, alertness of action, and keenness of eye. A sharply contested game develops powers of both body and mind that one’s everyday school work can never do. Is this not true, girls?

…

March 26, 1910

A Heavy Loss

Three horses were drowned Monday last—team hitched to a cutter, belonging to J. E. Langdon, driven by J. W. Hill with Win Schlosser as passenger who was going to the Snows, and a horse driven by C. M. Whiteside. The accident occurred off the south end of Big St. Martin Island and the men had no chance whatever of saving their horses, although Mr. Whiteside did save his sleigh. The cutter belonging to Langdon only helped to draw his horses down. Mr. Hill says that the team went down very quickly, the current helping, and that the whole outfit was out of sight in a very short time. The robes floated and he was able to save them. The loss to Langdon is fully $350 and that to Whiteside not less than $150. Mr. Langdon, after hearing of the accident, drove out to meet his teamster but Messrs. Schlosser and Whiteside walked to shore where they met Robert Harris, who gave them a lift to their journey’s end.

Republican Ward Nominations

Republican caucuses were held in the several wards of the city last evening and nominated the following:

Second Ward, Constable, J. E. Langdon

…

April 2, 1910

The Republican Ticket

At the Republican City Convention held in the city hall Monday afternoon, the following ticket was placed in the field:

Second Ward Nominations:

For Constable, James E. Langdon

…

April 23, 1910

MORAN-ALLENVILLE NEWS

Bert Langdon has made up his mind he will go sailing this summer and left the first of the week for the Soo.

LaSalle School Notes

Miss Lillian Langdon, Editor

Felis sedet by a hole

Intents she eum ameni soul

Prendere rats;

Mice cocurruut over the floor

In numero duo tres or more

O blike cats.

…

April 30, 1910

CITY HAPPENINGS

John Gorman, of Carp River, purchased Ed Langdon’s driving mare Kit, last Wednesday.

May 7, 1910

Golden Rule Livery Sold

Chas. Madison, proprietor of the City Livery, has purchased the Golden Rule livery from J. E. Langdon and will be found hereafter at the Golden Rule. He intends using the other barn for the storage of rigs, cutters, etc. With the two barns combined he now has a very complete and nice assortment of carriages and also a good number of horses. When you wish to take a drive, Chas. Madison can give you the right kind of a turnout.

May 14, 1910

CITY HAPPENINGS

J. E. Langdon made a business trip to Newberry Wednesday.

LaSalle School Notes

Misses Avara Rustin and Maud Rock accompanied Miss Lillian Langdon to her home in Allenville Friday night, returning Monday evening.

June 4, 1910

CITY HAPPENINGS

Frank Lampman and Ed Langdon were cruising in the woods adjacent to Moran yesterday.

June 11, 1910

City Happenings

Miss Lillie Langdon of Allenville who has been attending LaSalle school during the past year returned to her home today.

June 25, 1910

City Happenings

Announcement is made of the coming marriage of James E. Langdon and Miss Lena M. Ruston, eldest daughter of Supt. Ruston of the brick-making plant. The young couple have the congratulations of many friends.

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Married, at four p. m. Tuesday, at the home of the bride, Mr. Charles Langdon to Miss Jennie Erskine. Mr. Jas. Erskine acted as best man and Miss Lillie Langdon was bridesmaid. Only the relatives of the young couple witnessed the ceremony which was performed by Rev. McCorgle of Brimley. After the wedding a bounteous supper was served and enjoyed by all. The young couple went to St. Ignace that evening and took Wednesday morning’s D & C for a wedding tour. They left with the best wishes and congratulations from their many friends, and we wish them a happy and prosperous married life.

John Langdon and wife of Amasa, Mich., arrived Friday morning for a few days’ visit with Mr. L.’s parents, Wm. Langdon and wife.

E. J. Langdon of St. Ignace was here Tuesday on very important business—Allenville notes, St. Ignace Enterprise. Wonder what that important business was, Ed., pointers for July 6th?

July 9, 1910

Ruston-Langdon

Miss Lena May Ruston and James Edward Langdon were united in holy matrimony at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Ruston, at four o’clock Wednesday afternoon. The ceremony was solemnized by Rev. H. J. B. Marsh, Miss Maude Rock acting as bridesmaid and Mr. Dan’l Langdon, a brother of the groom, was best man.

While the wedding march was being played by Mrs. Ed Reavie, the bride entered, leaning upon her father’s arm, and was met by the groom under a bower of flowers and ribbon specially prepared for the occasion.

After the ceremony the happy couple received the congratulations from their many friends and sat down to a bountiful 6 o’clock dinner which all enjoyed, then conducted the young couple to the depot where they departed on the evening train for Lower Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Langdon are expected home tomorrow and, with a party of friends, will go camping for a couple of weeks at Brevort Lake. The Enterprise band and a host of friends gave them a merry send-off at the depot and there was plenty of rice, too.

The bride, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Ruston, was very prettily dressed in a gown of cream colored satin, and has made a large number of friends during her short residence in our city. Mr. Langdon is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Langdon of Allenville and is a promising young man of good business ability and now engaged in lumbering in the vicinity of Moran. The Republican News extends to them our best wishes and hearty congratulations.

July 30, 1910

ANNUAL STATEMENT

Of the Receipts and Expenditures of the Public Schools of the City of St. Ignace for the Year Ending July 11, 1910

Sept. 10, J. E. Langdon, team work, $15.00

Sept. 10, Ed Langdon, cartage on coal, $98.80

…

September 3, 1910

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Mrs. A. W. Langdon was in St. Ignace Thursday.

J. E. Langdon and wife have moved their household goods to Moran, and will make that town their home in future.

John Langdon arrived Tuesday morning from Ann Arbor, where he had been attending the summer school at the U. of M. He will visit his parents here a while before returning to his home near Escanaba.

September 10, 1910

LaSalle School Notes

The following non-residents have returned to the high school: Harry Martin, Lee Porter, Lillie Langdon, Sadie Eccleston, and Guy Eccleston. But we are sorry to note that Guy was unable to attend the first few days on account of it being the close of the fishing season.

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

A. W. Langdon and wife were visiting in St. Ignace Wednesday last.

Miss Lillie Langdon has returned to St. Ignace to attend school another year, stopping at the home of Thos. Welden.

Chas. Langdon and wife returned to Cedarville Tuesday. Mr. Langdon will teach the Cedarville school again this year.

October 1, 1910

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Hiram Kelly and Wm. Langdon were in attendance at circuit court in St. Ignace Thursday.

October 8, 1910

CITY HAPPENINGS

Wm. Langdon of Allenville contemplates moving to this city for the winter, leaving his farm in charge of his son Dan.

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Daniel Langdon, who has been preaching near the Soo for some months past, has returned home.

October 15, 1910

Married at Onekama

Mr. Daniel Langdon of Allenville and Miss Ida Lillian Whitehouse of Onekama were united in marriage Wednesday last at the home of the bride. The groom is a promising young man of sterling qualities and his bride is one of Onekama’s fairest maidens. They will make their home at Allenville and take charge of the farm owned by the groom’s parents, Wm. Langdon and wife. St. Ignace friends extend congratulations and wish the happy young couple a long and happy married life.

CITY HAPPENINGS

Wm. Langdon and family of Allenville will move to this city and hereafter make St. Ignace their home, residing in the Green residence in the fourth ward. Their son Daniel, who was married this week, will take charge of the farm.

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Daniel Langdon and bride arrived Thursday. We are glad that they are to live here.

October 22, 1910

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Wm. McCauley tells us that he has taken a contract to skid all the short timber for J. E. Langdon, who is lumbering on the S ½ of S. 28, T. 42, R. 4 W.

October 29, 1910

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Mrs. Bert Langdon and children went to Newberry Thursday. Mr. Langdon has been there for a month and they have decided to make that town their home.

November 12, 1910

LaSalle School Notes

Roy Langdon of Allenville, whose parents now reside in St. Ignace, entered the eighth grade Monday morning.

November 19, 1910

CITY HAPPENINGS

Mrs. Wm. Langdon left on Tuesday for Ann Arbor where she will make an extended visit.

November 26, 1910

CITY HAPPENINGS

Miss Lillie Langdon spent Thursday at Allenville.

December 31, 1910

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Chas. E. Langdon and wife of Cedarville are visiting relatives in Allenville until after the holidays.

1911 Articles Unavailable

February 3, 1912

FOR SALE

Draught horse, weighing 1300; in prime condition. For particulars apply Wm. Langdon, St. Ignace.

CITY HAPPENINGS

Herman Hoffman is working in Charles Wenzel’s place and has moved over from Mackinaw City. He lives in the house vacated by A. W. Langdon. Herman formerly lived here and old friends welcome his return.

February 10, 1912

DO WE WANT IT?

William Langdon made a trip to Pickford, thirty-five miles, to get wheat ground at the roller grist mills. The Clarion last week mentioned his being there.

Surely this should stir up the lethargy of St. Ignace. If farmers go to Pickford with their wheat, they’ll go to Pickford with their trading.

But how many will go with their wheat? Not many. What will they do with their wheat? They won’t raise any.

What will the farmers do for their flour? Now this is where a big point sticks up visibly.

There never will be a real farming tributary to St. Ignace until farmers can get their wheat ground into flour.

There is real farming around Pickford, just because the farmers can get their wheat ground into flour.

Do we want a farming community and a farming trade?

February 17, 1912

EPOUFETTE

Last Sunday Bert Langdon and wife from up the beach, formerly of St. Ignace, were here calling on friends.

April 13, 1912

LOST

An order issued on Neil Docherty by his foreman, J. Harrison, to Daniel Langdon, dated January 9, for the sum of forty ($40) dollars. It was not numbered. If presented to Neil Docherty it will not be cashed. Daniel Langdon, Allenville, Mich.

May 18, 1912

CITY HAPPENINGS

Mrs. Ed Langdon of Moran spent the last half of the week in the city visiting with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Wm. Langdon. Mrs. Ed Langdon has been very ill and her many friends are pleased to see that she is able to be out again.

Ed Langdon of Allenville was in the city Wednesday. He returned with his wife days before from Ohio, where Mrs. Langdon had been visiting her parents, Thomas Ruston and wife, for several weeks, and had been taken ill while away.

June 1, 1912

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Ed Langdon and wife have moved to St. Ignace where they are occupying rooms in the house rented by his parents. He has sold the remainder of his standing timber.

June 15, 1912

EPOUFETTE

Bert Langdon, wife and son called at Mellonville Sunday. Ed. Langdon and wife of St. Ignace were the guests of his brother, Bert and wife, last Tuesday at their home on Sproule beach.

June 20, 1912

Epoufette

Mr. and Mrs. Bert Langdon visited Mrs. Peter Goudreau on Sunday.

August 31, 1912

MORAN-ALLENVILLE

Mrs. William Langdon of St. Ignace spent Thursday here visiting friends.

September 21, 1912

ALLENVILLE

A letter received from Ader Langstaff from Bridges, Mont. informs us that Ed Langdon walked in on them and we can imagine the chat the two would have over old times, as they hunted together for years.

MORAN

Mrs. J. E. Langdon was in town Wednesday. She hopes to be able to leave soon for the west, where she will join her husband.

Daniel Langdon moved his family to Saginaw Thursday last. Mr. Langdon is one of our most prominent young men and we wish him success in his new field of labor.

November 2, 1912

ALLENVILLE

Mrs. William Langdon and Mr. Daniel Langdon spent Friday visiting friends.

Word received from Ed Langdon, who is out west, says he likes the west fine and has taken up a homestead. He also says Ader Langstaff has a fine farm and is doing well.

November 9, 1912

ALLENVILLE

Those that ate dinner with us election day from St. Ignace was Chas. Conner, John Soucie, James LeFever, Dr. Sherk and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Langdon.

November 30, 1912

ALLENVILLE

Mrs. William Langdon spent Thursday and Friday in our burg introducing the new patent churn in a few of the homes here.

January 4, 1913

EPOUFETTE

William Langdon of Langdon’s point went to St. Ignace to spend the holidays.

February 1, 1913

EPOUFETTE

Bert Langdon, the prosperous lumberman of Hog Island, is now the proud father of another baby boy, born Jan. 3 at St. Ignace. We hear that Bert intends naming his fourth son, Shields.

February 15, 1913

CITY HAPPENINGS

Wm. Langdon, who is interested in the lumbering operations of his son, Bert, between Epoufette and Rexton, went up to the latter place Wednesday morning.

EPOUFETTE

William Ogle, the popular young blacksmith, is working for Bert Langdon at Langdon’s point.

March 1, 1913

High School Class of ‘13

The high school senior class this year consists of Sadie Eccleston, Lillie Langdon, Catherine Ryerse, Bernadette Lennon, Myrtle Crawford, Mabel Eckman and John Kolar. The juniors are Emma Perry, Grace Fournier, Fern Brabb, Gladys Welden and Evar Fuser.

EPOUFETTE

Now the girls of Rex.

Don’t disappoint,

Those two little boys

From Langdon’s point.

Mrs. F. Mellon, Jr., and children spent last Sunday at the Langdon home, at Langdon’s point.

Phoebe Prout of Rexton is employed as domestic at Langdon’s camp.

The young people of Langdon’s point, accompanied by their charming chaperon, Mrs. Bert Langdon, made a pleasant surprise on Frank Mellon, Jr., and family at Hog island last Wednesday evening. Roy Langdon and Ward Smith of Allenville were chief entertainers, the former being an expert musician while the latter, who is fast gaining fame as an orator, was very amusing with his witty speeches. Come again, people.

March 8, 1913

EPOUFETTE

Phoebe Prout and Warren Smith of Langdon’s point spent last Sunday at Rexton.

The lumbermen all around here are busy these cold days, especially so the lumbermen of Hog island and Langdon’s point although one promising young lumberman at Langdon’s point always finds it too cold to work on Monday’s. We wonder why?

March 15, 1913

EPOUFETTE

Phoebe Prout and Warren Smith of Langdon’s point made a pleasure trip to Rexton last Sunday.

Mrs. Bert Langdon and son, Shields, visited Mrs. Archie Beaudois at Beaudois’ Woods last Sunday.

Chas. Mellon of Mellonville was a pleasant caller at Hog island and Langdon’s point last week. We understand why you visit Hog island, but why Langdon’s point, Charley?

March 29, 1913

EPOUFETTE

Phoebe Prout of Langdon’s point spent Easter at Rexton.

Bert Langdon, the hustling lumberman of Langdon’s point, made a business trip to Rexton Saturday.

Bert Langdon made a business trip to Hog island Monday of this week. On such occasions Bert drives a little pony that goes some over the road.

April 5, 1913

CITY HAPPENINGS

Downed the Antis

A debate was held in the high school on Woman’s Suffrage Friday evening. The affirmatives, Lillian Langdon, Sadie Eccleston and Myrtle Crawford, were the winning side. The negative was upheld by Catherine Ryerse, Bernadetta Lennon and J. Kolar. The chairman was Jamie Boynton; Prentiss Brown, A. E. Cross and Miss Helen Kynoch acted as judges.

April 12, 1913

EPOUFETTE

Bert Langdon, the popular lumberman of Langdon’s point, is on the sick list this week.

May 17, 1913

EPOUFETTE

Bert Langdon and Bill Ogle of Langdon’s point were pleasant callers at Hog island on Tuesday.

May 31, 1913

LASALLE COMMENCEMENT

Invitations Sent Out for Graduating Exercises Next Week

A very neat invitation has been sent out by the senior class of LaSalle high school to the commencement exercises to be held in the Grand Theater Thursday evening. The class numbers seven members—Bernadette Catherine Lennon, Lillian Elizabeth Langdon, Myrtle Lillian Crawford, Catherine Pearl Ryerse, Mabel Susannah Eckman, Sadie Mary Eccleston and John Elias Kolar.

Across the Alps Lies Italy, is the metaphor that expresses its aspirations; the class colors are crimson and silver, and the crimson carnation the class flower.

Class day exercises will be held the preceding evening—Wednesday—when a pleasing program will be presented. An admission of 15 cents will be charged on this occasion.

The program for the principal evening is as follows:

March—Miss Margaret R. Kress

Invocation—Rev. H. D. Bedford

Piano Solo—Maiden’s Dream, Carl Heins

Salutatory—Catherine Pearl Ryerse

Essay—Across the Alps Lies Italy, Lillie Elizabeth Langdon

Vocal Solo—A Perfect Day, C. J. Bond, Mrs. Harry J. Monteith

Valedictory—Myrtle Lillian Crawford

Piano Duet—After the Charge, H. Engleman, Misses Helen Kynoch and Grace Fournier

Address—The Courage of the Commonplace, E. C. Hartwell

Presentation of Diplomas, Supt. A. E. Cross

Class Song—Dear Old Alma Mater, Now Good-Bye

Benediction—Rev. H. D. Bedford

The customary baccalaureate sermon to the class will be preached at St. Ignatius’ church tomorrow evening by Rev. Fr. H. A. Buchholtz, pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic church, Negaunee.

The orator of the occasion is Supt. E. C. Hartwell of the public schools of Petoskey.

Whether John Kolar, Jr., who is gone to Detroit, can return in time to receive his diploma, is uncertain. It is hoped he may. There is much sympathy felt for this promising young man in his illness just at the end of his school course.

June 7, 1913

CLOSE OF SCHOOL

Picnics for the Grades and Commencement for Seniors

The exercises incident to the closing of the public schools of the city began Sunday when the high school graduates attended evening service at St. Ignatius church, and listened to a discourse by Rev. Fr. Buchholtz of St. Paul’s Catholic church, Negaunee.

It was a fervent, inspiring and uplifting exhortation, the noted eloquence of the preacher rising to thrilling heights in the inculcation of precepts of religion and patriotism, and noble principles of manhood and womanhood. All the other churches of the city abandoned services for the occasion, and the edifice was crowded.

Wednesday was class night. A program was given in the Grand theatre and attracted a number, the small charge of 15 cents, intended to defray expense, realizing $42. The program closed with a short play by the high school juniors.

Commencement day exercises were held in the Grand theatre Thursday night when the program published by the Republican News was followed. The young lady graduates were all dressed in white and occupied a front row of seats on the stage, which was prettily decorated for the occasion.

When Superintendent Cross presented the diplomas, the following received them: Bernadette Catherine Lennon, Lillie Elizabeth Langdon, Myrtle Lillian Crawford, Catherine Pearl Ryerse, Mable Susannah Eckman, Sadie Mary Eccleston. In the case of John Elias Kolar, Mr. Cross alluded most touchingly to his absence through illness, and his hope for the boy’s speedy recovery was echoed by all.

The address by Supt. E. C. Hartwell of Petoskey was a studiously prepared effort but its prosaic character made its length, unrelieved by the sparkle of occasional wit, too exacting upon the powers of attention of his audience.

The graduating essays, judiciously divided between the class night and commencement programs, were well delivered, and gave evidence of cultivated expression.

Picnics furnished treats for the children in the grades. The First and Third ward schools had their own features in this regard, the latter on Ryerse hill, or Sco-bo-go-nowis heights. The grammar grades of LaSalle pupils held theirs at Pte. La Barbe.

June 14, 1913

EPOUFETTE

Bert Langdon and wife of Langdon’s point were pleasant visitors here Tuesday.

June 28, 1913

Methodist Episcopal Church

Program

Sunday School Drill—Miss Langdon’s Class

…

July 12, 1913

Forbidden Meat

Bert Langdon, lumbering up the shore of Lake Michigan beyond Epoufette, was visited by a deputy game warden the other day who found a venison entree to be the principal dish on Bert’s table at the camp that day. An alleged find of three or four hides convinced the deputy that venison must be a frequent viand on the bill of fare. Justice Reagan yesterday assessed a fine of $10 for the unlawful possession of venison out of season.

July 19, 1913

CITY HAPPENINGS

Born to Chas. E. Langdon and wife of Allenville on Monday morning, a girl.

August 2, 1913

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Meeting Held in St. Ignace Tuesday Resolved to Organize

On Tuesday afternoon a few citizens of St. Ignace and some visitors from Brevort township met and decided to take the necessary steps to form a county agricultural society.

The meeting was called to order by Michael Hoban, who having briefly announced its purpose, nominated J. D. Erskine for chairman of the meeting, and the latter took the chair. Bert Highstone was selected for secretary.

Mr. Hoffman explained that it would be necessary to prepare articles of incorporation, which should be signed by ten or more incorporators; and he then moved that a committee be appointed to prepare the necessary articles for an adjourned meeting. This was done and Saturday, August 9, was set as the date to which adjournment was made.

Some informal talk as to the availability of a building for the holding of exhibits brought of the suggestion of the pavilion as a suitable place, with some field for the stock exhibit.

Those present Tuesday were J. D. Erskine, P. E. Gallagher, M. Hoban, H. Hoffman, O. C. Boynton, J. B. Rapin, H. Kelly, John Luepnitz, C. E. Langdon, L. Winkelman, Bert Highstone, and representatives of the Republican-News and the Enterprise.

Three years ago similar steps were taken, an organization being formed at a meeting held at the courthouse, when articles of association were duly prepared and signed, and filed with the secretary of state and county clerk. This went no further in practical accomplishment but it is possible the organization may be found available to be revived.

August 16, 1913

REXTON TO GARNET

McLeods Took Over the Garnet Sawmill Plant Last Week

Pursuant to the deal whereby the D. N. McLeod Lumber Co. of Rexton acquired by purchase the plant and standing timber of the Hudson Lumber Co., of Garnet the new proprietors took possession on Monday of last week. Work is now being pushed, under the direction of Neil McLeod and a skilled millwright, on a thorough overhauling of the mill, with the hope of having it ready for operation by September 1.

Prior to their disposal of the property, the Hudson concern had shipped out the last vestige of their sawed lumber, and they turned over a cleaned up yard to their successors.

Fred Graunstadt, manager of the company store under the Hudson regime, has been retained by the new proprietors. He is an able man, well acquainted and thoroughly in touch with the patrons and conversant with the business and demand.

Just what the future has in store for Rexton is a matter of speculation. Rumor has it that the McLeod mill will hence forth be operated as a shingle and tie mill. The McLeod timber, which is brought down the dinky line now, will have simply to be switched hereafter from that track on to the Soo line and hauled to Garnet, three miles west.

But Rexton at present has a big industrial business of varied and diverse interests. There is more freight shipped to this point than anywhere along the Soo line from Rudyard to Manistique. Two local stores—Peter Goudreau and G. W. Warren—are both doing a large business.

A number of lumbering jobbers have camps through here. There are J. J. Derusha & Son, David Minor, Heaton’s camp, Ed Christenson, J. Gillespie, Jerry Madden Co., George Tappan, Charles Gravelle, the Grimes concern, Alvin Paquin, and Bert Langdon down at the shore, all operating in the vicinity, and more or less tributary to Rexton. The McLeod concern finished its cut for the season some time ago, and has been shipping the lumber out.

September 6, 1913

CITY HAPPENINGS

Wm. Langdon has moved his family from the Johnston residence they were occupying to his farm at Allenville.

September 27, 1913

CITY HAPPENINGS

Misses Mary Ogle and Lillian Langdon leave for Ypsilanti today to take the teachers’ course at the State Normal school.

October 18, 1913

ALL ROUND SUCCESS

Brevort Township Fair Monday Had 167 Exhibits, Many Went from St. Ignace—Good Features Were Fine Weather, Good Displays, Good, Peaceable People, Said Manager Dave Erskine

The first strictly township fair held in Mackinac county was successfully carried through by the grangers, their ladies, and the people of Brevort township on Monday; and J. D. Erskine, the genial mayor of Allenville, booster-in-chief and official happiness promoter of the township has all the honors, well earned, of the occasion.

Foremost in Mr. Erskine’s personal delight is the way everybody rallied to make the affair a go; and he freely admits his indebtedness to the ladies who just put the crown on the whole arrangement with one of the choicest suppers ever dished up, prompted, perhaps with a whiff of pride just to show the city folks what they could do, without much fuss.

Summed up, the good features of the fair were fine weather (even the weather man was good natured towards the venture) good displays of everything, and a splendid attendance, St. Ignace folks being there in numbers, and had a really fine time.

This is a good place to say that Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walker were presented with the biggest cabbage, as being the best looking couple at the fair.

Judges were selected largely from the St. Ignace visitors, as being disinterested:

Live stock and poultry—Don A. Cheeseman, Wm. Langdon

Prize List

1st, apples, 8 oz. Pippins, Wm. Langdon

3rd, butter, Mrs. Wm. Langdon

…

November 1, 1913

CITY HAPPENINGS

A. W. Langdon was in the city from Rexton Monday.

December 15, 1913

Allenville

John Langdon, who is principal of the high school at Saginaw, together with his wife and son are here to spend the holidays at the home of Mr. Langdon’s parents.

Miss Lillian Langdon is home from Ypsilanti for the holidays.

C. E. Langdon, principal of the Cedarville school, with his wife and children and Miss Elsie Erskine have arrived here for the holiday vacation.

Roy Langdon, William Pechta and James Erskine arrived home from the Ferris Institute, Big Rapids, Friday, for the holidays. Jim and Bill are looking fine, but Roy has lost considerable flesh while away. A damsel fair with golden hair is attributed as the reason—otherwise, lovesickness.

December 20, 1913

CITY HAPPENINGS

A. W. Langdon of Rexton transacted business here Friday. Cheboygan Tribune.

May 28, 1914

Allenville

C. E. Langdon, wife and family came over from Cedarville last Saturday to visit her parents. They will leave for Saginaw in about ten days for a visit with John Langdon.

June 6, 1914

CITY HAPPENINGS

A. W. Langdon, who has been lumbering in the Epoufette vicinity, was a business visitor to the city Monday.

October 3, 1914

CITY HAPPENINGS

Miss Grace Fournier left Sunday night to enter the Ypsilanti Normal; Miss Lillie Langdon of Allenville was also a passenger of the train for Ypsi, going for her second year.

December 24, 1914

Allenville

Miss Lillian Langdon is home from Ypsilanti for the holidays.

James and Nellie Erskine will spend the holidays with Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Langdon at Cedarville.

March 4, 1915

MANY PEDAGOGUES SEEK KNOWLEDGE

Attendance at Teachers’ Institute Breaks All Records

The largest teachers’ institute ever staged in Mackinac county, in point of numbers attending, is now in progress in the LaSalle high school room in this city, having begun a three days’ session yesterday. County Commissioner Lachance is in charge of the institute with Prof. E. C. Hartwell of Petoskey, conductor and Miss Sydney Harring of the Northern Normal of Marquette, instructor.

The enrollment at noon yesterday was 130, the following being a partial list of attendants:

C. E. Langdon

…

May 20, 1915

Allenville

Mrs. C. E. Langdon and children arrived from Cedarville Monday for a visit at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Erskine.

June 24, 1915

Allenville

Mrs. Ruston and daughter, Mrs. Ed. Langdon of Akron, Ohio, are visiting relatives here. The latter is in very poor health.

July 8, 1915

Allenville

Mrs. Ed. Langdon and mother, Mrs. Thos. Ruston, who have, been visiting friends here for the past three weeks, leave for their homes in Akron, Ohio, tomorrow on the D. & C.

Miss Lillian Langdon arrived home from Ypsilanti last week where she was a member of the Normal graduating class. She will teach near Ann Arbor during the coming school year.

Last week Mrs. Wm. Langdon, Mrs. George Acha and Miss Elsie Erskine were delegates from the local Congregational church to the association meeting at Brimley last week. Mrs. Langdon represented the church, Mrs. Acha the Ladies Aid, and Miss