Paw Paw River Journal
Noteworthy eating places
Lately I’ve been thinking about restaurants, perhaps occasioned by friend Larry Holland describing some of the eateries they encountered on a trip to Florida. We have enjoyed meals at many of the same places, and they stand out in our memory. In fact, our travels around the country have been the occasion for many good meals. I’m going to mention just a few. Let’s see if any of you know of them and have dined therein. Attending a conference at Harvard University, the Chief Accountant and I had the kids with us. So this was back a while ago. We decided to tour Boston one of the days we were there… We walked the Freedom Trail and were delighted with all the history we were seeing. Touring Faneuil Hall was most rewarding, and then we ate at Durgin Park. This is a huge local restaurant with a long history. We had clam chowder, and I remember a group of Harvard undergraduates were eating there. One of those kids had a bowl of strawberry shortcake so big a greyhound couldn’t jump over it! That place is a must see for tourists……baked beans, and all the dishes that New England is famous for! And there was the Pretzel Bell in Ann Arbor, right here in our own state. While we lived there, whenever we had company, we always took them to the P Bell, as it was called. The ceiling was covered with beautiful Tiffany Lamps, and the food was most excellent. We tried never to go there on U of M game nights, because it would then be filled with raucous students, testing their beer capacity! That place was owned by a family with a Hartford connection. Many of you will know of Richter’s Insurance Agency and the one time owner, Paul Richter. Paul and his family were friends of ours, and his sister, Helen, married Clint Castor. They were the owners of the Pretzel Bell for years. But, alas, it is no more. The place closed and the furnishings were auctioned off….including all the beautiful lamps! They also had another eatery named The Village Bell. It was located closer to the U of M campus. Another famous place that comes to mind is The Old San Francisco Steak House in San Antonio, Texas. It is now closed for general dining, but caters to wedding parties, receptions and such. The huge dining room is tastefully decorated, and the tables all had right in the center a huge block of cheese with crackers and plates all around. Customers could whack off a slice of cheese and tickle their appetites as they waited for dinner. Over the bar was suspended a swing from the high ceiling. From time to time a girl (gorgeously dressed) would come out, climb up on the bar and sit in the swing. She would go higher and higher until she could kick a bell suspended from the ceiling, and on the backswing would reach out and hit another bell. Very impressive! And in between times, customers would bring their young daughters up to take a picture of them sitting in the swing. That whole thing made me think of “The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing.” I’m sure that’s where they got the idea. It was long, long ago in New York City a show girl (Evelyn Nesbit) would go back and forth on such a swing. She was at the center of a murder and huge scandal of the day! Look it up for a most interesting story! Another great place in San Antonio was the Texas Tumbleweeds Restaurant. I tried to Google it, but could not tell if it is open now or not. It was closed a few years ago. When we visited the place we ordered mesquite broiled steaks…..they were delicious. The waitresses were attractive, efficient, and each one had a gold name tag. Our girl was named “Sapphire.” I commented on what a great name that was. The girl said, “Well, I’ve got a friend coming to work here next week, and she’s having trouble finding a good name!” I said, “Look no more! I’ve got a great name for her……how about “Ruby Begonia?” She thought a moment, then said, “Oooooh, that’s beeyutiful! I’ll tell her about it!” There are so many great places to eat in this country. And we have enjoyed trying them out on our trips. One chain of restaurants that has never disappointed us is the Cracker Barrels. I know, I know, they are noisy and crowded at meal time. But I’m a fool for a dish of grits…..and they have never failed me on that. One way we beat the crowds when we are traveling is to be just a little off schedule. Then it is quiet and doesn’t take so long to get a meal. We like to get started early in the morning, and I’ll tell you about just one…….on the east side of Tallahassee, Florida, just off I-10, we liked to get a motel room. Then we’d be up early and go to the Cracker Barrel next door. Walk in and there was always a blazing fireplace, hot coffee, delicious pancakes, eggs, and sausage, with little bottles of maple syrup………and a steaming bowl of grits! Doesn’t get much better than that! And I’m getting hungry…. we were grocery shopping this morning. So I’m going to take a couple of long buns, then I’ll nuke some onion and green peppers (chopped up) to take some of the “pizzazz” out of them….butter and mustard on the buns, then shaved ham and a couple of slices of mozzarella cheese. Then pop them in the microwave for a minute………and there is lunch! Noontime in our story book town along the Paw Paw River as we weave more golden threads into the tapestry of our lives.
Coloma Library News
4th of July Closings
The library will be closed on Saturday, July 2 thru Monday, July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Summer Reading Club“On Your Mark, Get Set…Read!”
Readers of all ages are welcome to sign up today for Coloma Public Library’s “On Your Mark, Get Set…READ!” Summer Reading program. The 2016 Summer Reading Program is open to young people, infant through young adult, with programs, prize drawings, story hours, a reading club, and more. Keep checking for dates for many fun and interesting programs. For more information, call the library at (269) 468-3431 or visit our website, www.colomapubliclibrary.net. All programs are free of charge.
Book Club
The Coloma Library Book Club is meeting for a book discussion on Thursday, July 7 @ 5:30 p.m. The title to read before the discussion is “The Little Paris Bookshop” by Nina George. Generally, depending on demand there are titles available for check-out at the front desk. The book club regularly meets every other Thursday and is always looking for new members. If you are interested in more information please stop in the library or call 468-3431.
Story Hour
Story Hour meets on Wednesdays, at 10:30 am. Join Ms. Amy for a craft, story and song time! Story Hour is for children ages 3 and up. It is asked that all children be accompanied and supervised by an adult. There is no sign-up or fee required.
Hartford Library News
The Hartford Public Library will be closed on Monday, July 4 in celebration of Independence Day. Summer Reading programs will resume on Tuesday, July 5 with “Lego Challenge” day at 1 p.m. On Wednesday, July 6, Stevens Puppets will perform a new version of “Aladdin” at 1 p.m. Thursday at 1 p.m. is Art Expression day, three projects are available to complete. On Friday, July 8 at 1pm the movie is “Angels in the Outfield” All programs are free. Join the reading club and read for prizes. For complete listing of all programs is available on the library website or call 621-3408 for more info.
Watervliet Library News
We have a new website – check it out. www.watervlietlibrary.net
2016 Reading Challenge
12 reading challenges, one for each month throughout the year. If you finish you will be entered to win a prize. Slips will be due back on Dec 30, 2016. Come in for more info.
Looking ahead –
Yoga every Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Summer Reading Program – On Your Mark, Get Set…Read! The reading portion of the program runs from Jun 20 – July 30. Don’t miss out on our free, fun, exciting and educational summer reading program events. Jun 28 – 10:30 – Face Painting with Anna Jul 5 – 11:00 – Wildlife Safari Jul 12 – 10:30 – Steven’s Puppets Jul 19 – 10:30 – Extreme Duct Tape Jul 26 – 11:00 – Come to the Races The Great Watervliet Duck Race – July 3, 2016 Sponsored by the Watervliet Business Association You can buy tickets here at the Library. Tickets are $5. Adult Coloring Night – every last Monday of the month.
Coloma
100 YEARS AGO – 1916
The Pere Marquette is not in bankruptcy for the reasons commonly accepted. What it needs is business to support its millage and fair rates for handling it. Former Coloman Floyd “Fitz” Fitzsimmons prepares for the race at the Benton Harbor Fairgrounds. He is one of the fastest dirt track automobile racers. It is thought that a sign is needed to guide automobile parties touring from Benton Harbor to South Haven. The dangerous crossing in question is at the corner of the park near Hewitt’s shoe store.
60 YEARS AGO – 1956
The Self Culture Club Library announce additional summer hours. They will be open Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Charles Bates, a farm laborer, was killed in a traffic accident west of Coloma near MyKoloma on US-12. Mr. and Mrs. William Viet and daughter Candy returned home from a 10-day vacation trip to the East. Mr. and Mrs. A. V. Walther will be honored at their Boyer road home celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. They were married by the late Justice of the Peace, Arvin R. Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Preston will play host and hostess at the Preston Family Reunion.
30 YEARS AGO – 1986
Anthony Bertuca recently reopened “The Water Works” ice cream parlor in Hartford. “The best part,” said Anthony, “is being my own boss…not to have someone looking over my shoulder.” Compliments abound for “no smoking” inside. Sidewalk reconstruction is complete. There are 1,145 feet of new sidewalk along Center St. Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club bridge tournament hostesses are Paddi Sage and Bernata Pappalardo. The 6-week tournament will end with an awards presentation. Coloma High School class of 1936 held its 50th reunion at the Paw Paw Lake Village Inn. Fifteen members, spouses and two teachers attended.
Hartford
100 YEARS AGO – 1916
A large barn on the Orville Fowler farm was struck by lightning during the heavy storm of last Friday evening and burned to the ground, together with much of its contents, entailing a loss estimated at $1,600. One horse was rescued from the burning building, and a number of farm tools and vehicles were saved. The contents which were destroyed consisted of 100 bushels of oats, three tons of hay, a number of hens and 125 small chickens, several small tools and harnesses. Hartford furnished at least one recruit to the Michigan National Guard, who are responding to the government’s call for troops to do service on the Mexican border. Lyle Adams, who for some time has resided with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Challans on west Main Street has enlisted as a member of Co. D. 32nd Michigan Infantry and is now at the state mobilization camp at Grayling. W.H. Dunbar, has installed a fine new refrigerator counter in his meat market, which provides for the display of meats in a neat glass case, the meats being under refrigeration and removed from flies or other sources of contamination.
75 YEARS AGO – 1941
One of the oldest remaining relics of Hartford’s pioneer business days is being razed this week as Milton Boze tears apart the ancient timbers of the frame building on South Center Street that for the last fifteen years has housed his second-hand store. With it will come down one of Hartford’s first photograph galleries, also a pioneer frame structure that has served as an addition to the Boze store. Upon the site of these old landmarks, Mr. Boze is planning to erect a cement block building with a brick front to house his business enterprise. The old store building that Mr. Boze is razing in its day housed a harness shop, dentist’s office, general store, a furniture store, a saloon, bakery, shooting gallery, pool hall, cigar factory, feed mill and closed its career as a second-hand store containing many antiques as ancient as the building itself.
50 YEARS AGO – 1966
Troop 95 of the Boy Scouts reports their recent paper drive as a success. They collected 19,820 pounds of paper, just 180 pounds short of ten ton. The next paper drive is planned for October, but if anyone was missed or has too much to wait that long call 621-4416 and arrange for a pickup. Open house will be held for Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Winslow Sunday, July 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Methodist church to honor them on their 25th wedding anniversary. It will be hosted by the family.
Watervliet
90 YEARS AGO – 1926
In a letter written to the editor on July 16, 1926: The old school house property should be owned by the city of Watervliet. Our fine paper mill, the subdivisions of valuable property, Paw Paw Lake, our resorters for the summer, and any other natural advantages will, in the near future, give us an increased population. This old school property should be owned by the city. The building could be repaired and used as a city hall, storage for fire engine, and the balance rented and be a source of revenue to the city. The city owns a large proportion of the property now. It’s the last available space that is centrally located for a park and the hollow could be used as auto parking space. In a very few years this property will be needed or some other property the city will be required to purchase. If this property is sold to someone who will not improve it then it will damage the properties of the whole city. People buy property and settle permanently in cities that are progressive. Our natural advantages are apparent to everyone who visits our city. As a permanent asset to this city this property should belong to it and now is the time to buy it.
H. Sherwood
60 YEARS AGO – 1956
Mrs. Sonnie L. Sloan of Watervliet, Miss Majorette of America in 1953, with Miss Mary Evelyn Thurman of Alma, Michigan. Women’s internationally known Twirling majorette who holds more than 100 first place awards, will conduct the fourth annual Twirling School at McNeese State College June 24 – 29, 1956. Miss Carol E. Beall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beall, Watervliet, has been named to the Deans’ List at Kalamazoo College for high academic achievement during the past semester.
30 YEARS AGO – 1986
A total of 1,381 persons are on the official list of those who received degrees from Western Michigan University at the end of the 1985-1986 school year. Among them from Watervliet is Loretta Brewer who received a master’s in social work.
Randy Bauer has recently been appointed Community Hospital of Watervliet’s first marketing intern. The internship, which lasts three months, offers “hands on” experience in hospital marketing and will help Bauer achieve his goals for a career in hospital marketing and health-care administration.
Do you remember?
Fourth from left, Bill Latham. Can you identify any other of these Watervliet Paper Mill workers? To share information, please contact NBHS at 468-3330.
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