Lake County Special Interest Pieces

Transcriptions by Chi (Rouse) Benedict, unless otherwise credited. If you would like to contact the transcriber,

Please contact her by E-mail.

To submit a Lake County, Michigan Special Interest Piece to be put on this page,

go HERE.

Surname Index:

Index is only for first letter of Surname at this time. Will be subject for change as more submissions are made.

Articles with 5 or more Surnames in them are listed under Multiple Surname Articles.

Click the First Letter of the Surname you are Searching For:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Multiple Surname Articles

Kenneth E. Blass

Unknown Grand Rapids Paper

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Tuesday, August 2, 1960

[Picture of Hank Rouse with Kenneth Blass]

Baldwin Mail Carrier Retires After 44 Years

After 44 years in postal service in Detroit and Baldwin, Kenneth E. Blass, in car, retired Monday as rural mail carrier on Baldwin R1, one of the longest routes in Michigan.

He receives mail on his last run from Hank Rouse, one of his oldest customers.

The route had been started on Oct. 15 1915, by a substitute carrier and Blass took over March 1, 1916, when he

was 19. He used a horse-drawn rig to deliver mail to patrons on the 22.5 mile route. He left the route in 1918 to serve with the army for one and one-half years, part of that time in France.

After his discharge, he worked in a factory for four years, but spent a few days each year working for the postoffice. He carried mail in Detroit for 25 years, then

returned to Baldwin, serving R1 the last seven years and nine months.

Mr. Blass and his wife are active in civic affairs. He is a member of the trustees section of the Michigan Library association; adjutant of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, vice grand of the Baldwin IOOF and a member of the Luther Masonic lodge.

Clarence Drilling

Lake County Star

Baldwin, Michigan

Before July 1953

		Clarence Drilling, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Drilling, has had a recent promotion to Airman First Class. Clarence telephoned his parents on his mothers birthd’ay October 21st to wish her a happy birthday and inform her of his promotion. He is an Aircraft Controller in Radar at Tyndall Air Base, Florida. Clarence, who is an extremely modest young man didn’t go into much detail, according to his mother, other than to say that he is now beyond K. P. duty, which is enough to gladden the heart of any soldier. He expects to be home for Christmas and hopes to coincide his arrival with the vacation of his fiancée, Miss Mary Jane McGarr, who will be home from Kalamazoo Teachers College.

Daniel McDonnell

Lake County Star Lake County Star Lake County Star

Baldwin, Michigan Baldwin, Michigan Baldwin, Michigan

August 25, 1881

Volume: IX Number: XVIII Volume: Number:

Page: 1 Page:

		Convicted of Larceny.—Daniel McDonnell was arrested by Dept. Sheriff Mullin, at Chase, some days ago, charged with having stolen a satchel and some clothing belonging to Chas. Lanphere. The trial of the case took place before a jury in Esquire Campbell’s court, at Baldwin, last Friday, and resulted in a verdict of guilty. The evidence was circumstantial; a part of the missing property having been found in possession of the prisoner. His statement of the affair was so flatly contradicted, in some respects, by three sworn witnesses, as to virtually compel the jury to disbelieve it. He was sentenced to sixty days in the Detroit House of Correction, and he was conveyed there by Sheriff Grant, Monday.

Lake County Star Lake County Star Lake County Star

Baldwin, Michigan Baldwin, Michigan Baldwin, Michigan

Volume: Page:

Hank Rouse

Gotch’s Northland News

Published By Gotschall Realty

Baldwin, Michigan

November 1969

Volume: 6

[Picture of Hank Rouse on the Pere Marquette]

THE HANK ROUSE STORY –

A LIVING LEGEND

Hank Rouse lives on a 3 acre patch of ground near the Pere Marquette River. He has had 84 years of experience, most of which has been on that river.

Hank and his wife, Dorothy, were soft-shoe dancers in Vaudeville. When he was 14 years old Hank began his dancing career and toured most of the country. In 1910, he opened the “Little South Camp” which is now Wards located on M37 and Big Star Road. Although he took roots in this community, both he and his wife danced on tours through the winter. After about 7 years he opened “Hank Rouse’s Pere Marquette Camp” the present site of Ivan’s Marquette Camp. Here, he operated one of the most unique and best known camps in the United States until 1955!

Hank’s specialty was a floating camp that extended from two to ten days. He had a helper who would setup camp downstream from the fishing party. They would meet in the evening for camp fried rainbows, camp-fire tales, and undisturbed sleep far from the noise of civilization. The fisherman were awakened with camp-fried bacon and would soon be fishing downstream. During the day, the helper would pass the fisherman and pole on down stream to set up camp for the next evening.

Hank’s clients included many famous people: Amos & Andy, The Two Black Crows,BillSterns & Carey Ford…just to name a few. In fact, Carey Ford wrote several interesting articles which were published in the Saturday Evening Post about Hank including “Hank’s Birthday.” In this story Hank alerted the fellows to a giant rainbow around the next bend. Upon being urged by Carey to try for him; Hank cast a spinner and “whambo,” the fish was on! Much to Carey’s amazement Hank jumped into the river (his favority trick when he hooked a lunker-this enabled him to keep up with the rainbows lightning runs). Hank had mis-figured, however, and in concentrating on the fish, he did not realize the depth of the water, and went completely out of site. After bobbing up & down for several bends, an exhausted Hank beached an exhausted giant rainbow. He was called to action quickly to rescue an awed Carey Ford who was trying his first turn at a pike pole and his boat was spinning like a pinwheel end for end.

Hank’s friends and clients speak highly of him. One such person said a little piece of Hank rubbed off on every client & that Hank was responsible for the fine sportsmanship shown by many of our tourists; he was certainly responsible for many fine persons settling in our area. Doctors especially liked Hank; and Hank liked “his doctors.” Among these were Dr. Curtis, and it was through mutual friend Hank that the Gotschall Clan finally acquired, their Middle Branch property.

Hank loved his clients and started meticulous records called Hank Rouse’s “Hall of Fame.” He preserved these records on Butcher Paper, and any fish caught on bait which was over 3 lbs; or any fish caught on a fly over 1 ½ lbs. was eligible. A mark was drawn around the fish, and the fisherman’s name, date, size of the fish and on what the fish was caught, were duly recorded. Hank still has these records dating back to 1910! The yellow scrolls reflect some of the most accurate history in the county. We noticed that Dr. Curtis’ wife’s name appeared many times on the records. Hank attested to the fact that she was a fine fisherwoman. Norbert Fleckenstein who had but one leg appears on the list; Hank said he was a fine sportsman.

Hank’s two sons went through World War II. At this time, one lives in Sparta, and one in Marshall.

Hank’s photos also reflect the history of photography. He has some tremendous photos of trout and partridge taken of his most successful trips.

Hank and his wife tied flies for their customers. They developed some original patterns such as the hot mustard (yellow, red and green bodies), the red & white, and also the stream coachman without hackle. Hank interested many of his Vaudeville friends in the area. At one time there were ten to twelve on L Lake including Pat Barret (Uncle Ezra), and Ernie Hiatt.

Hank still enjoys talking of the old days, and when he talks of “Hank’s Hall of Fame” his eyes sparkle. The crinkles in his face reflect a life of smiling, and his eyes reflect the color and the wisdom of the river he loves.

James A. Rouse

Lake County Star

Baldwin, Michigan

May 1930

JIMMY ROUSE MAKES HIS RECORD EARLY IN LIFE
Jimmy Rouse, son of Hank, and 12 years old, proved that the chips are made of the same material as the block Saturday when he went out and caught himself a rainbow that weighed 11 ¼ pounds. Then he proceeded to further prove the chip-and-old block idea by claiming that if the fish had been weighed when it was caught, instead of six of eight hours afterward, it would have scaled a full twelve pounds. Hank, Jimmy and Bob McNeal, the latter purchasing manager of Wurzburgs, took a flatbat trip down the Pere Marquette and near the Walhalla Flats Jimmy tied into his big job. Hank said “Keep your rod up” and left the rest to fate and a tough constitution. Jimmy is no weakling, if he is only twelve, and he tied into that rainbow like his dad ties into a T-bone steak when he gets down to GR. Youthful wrists tire, but youthful spirit is tough fibre, and the only thing Dad had to do was slip the net under His Majesty after the war was over. Hank and McNeal took in an eight, a five and a quarter and a four pounder on that trip, but they had nothing like what the Kid had in the live box, and Pops wasn’t handing out any advice on How to Catch Trout. Jimmy and the fish were duly photographed Sunday and we hope to run their pictures next week provided Ray Barnes will loan us the cut in exchange for the picture.

E. P. Smith

Lake County Star

Baldwin, Michigan

December 9, 1955

E. P. Smith, Driver of Death Car, to Be Examined in Scottville Today
Examination of Elvin P. Smith, 25, of Flint, on a negligent homicide charge in the death of two women in a two-car accident on US-10 just west of the Lake-Mason county line will be held in justice court in Scottville on December 9. Smith demanded examination at his arraignment on the charge before Justice George Griswold Friday. Smith was a driver of a car involved in an accident November 20. Smith’s car crashed into the rear of one driven by Mrs. Elsie Sanders of Baldwin, causing both cars to overturn. Mrs. Sanders died four after the accident in Reed City hospital while Smith’s wife, Rochelle, died a week later.

Ewald Thieman

Lake County Star

Baldwin, Michigan

Friday, May 6, 1955

[Picture of Ewald Thieman.]

[Picture of a knick-knack shelf.]

E. H. THIEMAN, one of Baldwin’s busiest citizens, who celebrated his 85^th birthday January 26, poses between two specially designed table lamps. A unique holder is pictured in the foreground.

KNICK-KNACK rack is shown in background with a few of the many articles Mr. Thieman has designed for practical use. Knife holder and sewing holder represent but a cross-section of his work.

E. H. Thieman, undoubtedly has very little spare time after making many varied articles in demand by tourists and novelty business men by special request.

Thieman is a former piano builder having spent many years employed at Newcastle, Indiana where he was employed at the Krell-French Piano Company of that city. Later he spent some time as a chain maker.

The Thieman’s came to Baldwin in 1913 for Mrs. Thieman’s health. After remaining here for

a few years they moved away, but came back again on account of Mrs. Thieman’s condition. This time they took no chances and have remained in Baldwin a total of 43 years.

Mr. Thieman who belies his 85 years, may well attribute his long life to his hobby and keeping busy. Also it’s a profitable pastime. Sale of novelty articles suppliments his income. Mr. Thieman invites all those who are interested to contact him at his residence on East Seventh Street.

Multiple Surname Articles

Lake County Star

Baldwin, Michigan

Friday, December 9, 1932 [#]

Trounce Custer 34 To 13 Friday	DeLong scored the tying point after time was called, making good on a foul toss. Overeagerness lost the game for the locals. They shot at around the hoop after outplaying their opponents in getting the ball. They missed dog after dog that cool shooting would have scored but there was nothing to be said against their speed in getting possession and passing up to the shooting station. Wallace had an off night but sank two from the field and one charity toss for five points. Bobby Smith chalked up four points on two field goals, following one free shot in to score a deuce. Jimmy Rouse, the pint-size cyclone, lofted two through the hoop, and if the testimony of lip readers were accepted in court, might be sentenced to a naptha-soap mouthwash after one he missed. Trucks played a consistent support at guard and tossed one bsket and DeLong, playing in the final quarter, sank the tying counters. Hodgins paired at guard with Trucks through most of the game and showed up fine, making a big improvement in his second time as a regular.Taking Gray out of the line-up weakened the team, as his shooting has been a factor. He and the two Bajaks are bidding for the regular berth on the high team. Laiskonis Stars The story of the girls’ game can be written in one word: Laiskonis. It is not an Abracadabra, but yet a name to conjure with in basketball. This tall forward of the Custers popped nine tosses through the hoop for 18 of her teams 24 points, the other six going to Miss Donora. On the Baldwin side Mary Zdebski counted all four baskets, the Custer gaurds making a business of covering Rosa Vigna, who has given them plenty trouble in the past. There was not a foul shot scored in the game. The zoning restriction of the girls’ game makes it tame in comparison with the open court game of the boys and hampers individual performance. The average spectator would prefer to play five minute quarters boy style, and in point of physical exercise the open game is worth two to one of the other.									Custer Take Third Quarter Custer scored seven points in the third quarter to Baldwin’s five all but two on foul shots. The locals took it easy with two subs in the lineup but worked sneak plays for two open shots toward the close, ending at 25 to 11. The game speeded up materially in the last quarter and shot after shot bounced around the basket before being tipped in, usually by the lanky Dorian. One of these he tipped in from a toss-up and the last basket in the game he scored with one of the most remarkable plays seen on the local floor. He dribbled from a scrimmage down the floor at top speed, leaped from the double foul like and literally dropped the ball into the basket. Eight of the ten points scored in the last quarter were his. Field got three fouls in the first quarter and was pulled. They were not rough fouls, but his opponent had a faculty of pulling him in which the next man will not be able to do. Duffing lasted until the last quarter before he went out but he put a lot of brilliant guarding behind him first. It was heads-up guarding that kept the ball in Baldwin’s possession 70% of the time. Gray played a nice game in his first appearance as a regular. Both Walt and Stanley Bajak and Ford Trucks worked into the line-up without a ripple, showing the effectiveness of Coach Bigelow’s team-work training. Youngsters Call It A Tie At the end of some forty minutes of milling in which the lead changed hands with the regularity of clockwork, the junior teams decided to call it a day instead of playing an overtime period to break a 16-16 tie. Anything but a tie would have been an injustice to the losing side, for two scrappier little teams never entertained an audience. The score was 2-2 at the quarter. Custer led 7-6 at the half and Baldwin led 13-12 at the third quarter.
BALDWIN HIGH ROMPS OVER VISITORS IN MAJOR TILT AND JUNIORS BREAK EVEN ------------ CUSTER GIRLS LEAD 24 TO 8
Custer High school was hopelessly outclassed by Baldwin High’s bewildering attack in the final of Friday night’s court tourney and Bigelow’s boys chalked up a 34 to 15 victory over their Class C rivals, making thte second major win of the season. The junior teams from the two towns tied at 16 all by the Custer girls put up a classy game to win 24 to 8. Dorian Wilkinson’s superb performance at center was a major factor, ten field goals and one foul going to his credit for 21 points, while Varl Wilkinson scored four from the field and two from the circle for ten more and Duke Duffing contributed the other three counters. However, it was the great team work and speedy passing tha won, an aggressive offense running up the score while an air tight defense kept the visitors away from the hoop and held them to three field goals, two of which were tossed from the center of the floor by the deadly Roche. Two of Baldwin’s gaurds, Field and Duffing, went out on foulds, but thte game was not rough. Baldwin hit a fast pace from the outset, scoring nine points before the visitors sank a free throw. Dorian Wilkinson scored two baskets almost before the echo of the opening whistle died away, Buz followed with two, Dorian one and Duffing with a foul toss for 11 points at the quarter while Mallison sank a putt for the visitors and just before the whistle Roche lofted one from center for the third counter. The second quarter gave the locals nine to one for the visitors. Four points were scored on relays from the tip-off. Then the visitors massed under the basket and the locals put on a fast passing attack that could not be covered. Dorian tipped in a wobble shot of Varl’s and Duffing counted neatly on a gaurds-up play speeding to the basket to take the pass as Dorian and Buzz cross-fired a relay down the floor. Dorian scored one basket but was fouled and had to take a singleton instead. Peterson counted the only point for the visitors in the middle of the quarter.
	Score by quarters:
	Custer		3		4		11		15
	Baldwin		11		20		25		34
		FG		FT		TP		PF
	V. Wilkinson		4		2		10		0
	D. Wilkinson		10		1		21		1
	Gray		0		0		0		0
	W. Bajak		0		0		0		1
	S. Bajak		0		0		0		0
	Duffing		1		1		3		4
	Field		0		0		0		4
	Referee—Hardimon of Newaygo

Notice:

These electronic pages may NOT be

reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any

other organization or persons.  Persons or organizations

desiring to use this material, must obtain the written

consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of

the submitter, and contact the listed transcriber

with proof of this consent. The submitter has given

permission to the transcriber to store the file

permanently for free access.

Notes:

Most of the Articles on this page are about Residents of Lake County, Michigan. Newspapers used for this section are from within and outside of Lake County, Michigan.

# = This publication date was calculated by me as it was on the back of a clipping that my great grandmother had put in her diary about my Grandfather playing on a high school Basketball team. Knowing the year he graduated in high school in 1937 I checked all 4 years he would have attended high school to find out which year had a Monday, December 5^th. That year happened to be 1932 (My Grandfather’s Freshman year) and it does coincide with the birth year (1857) that the obituary on the back gives for Nick Foster. The obituary states that the funeral was on a Thursday (and that it was “Yesterday” in the paper), which makes the publication date of the Article & Obituary Friday, December 9, 1932.

Home

This site may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without my consent.