Mrs. Brown, wife of the late Fred Brown, of Central Lake, received her insurance from the Aetna Life Insurance Company, of Detroit. She received $3,000.

In loving memory of my dear husband, Red Earl Brown, who died suddenly at Detroit, Mich., January 2, 1917:

No loved ones stood around him,

To bid a last farewell--

No word or message could he leave

To those he loved so well.

All is dark within our dwelling,

Lonely is our home today--

For the one who used to cheer us

Has forever passed away.

Inserted by his loving wife and two children, Beloit, Kansas.

Seven Store Buildings Laid Waste by the Flames.

For the second time this year the fire fiend has visited the beautiful village of Central Lake. Fortunately no lives were lost this time, as was the case when the Walter home burned earlier in the year, and poor Jim Mullen perished in the flames. The financial loss was much heavier, however.

Last Thursday night about the hour of midnight several persons were startled to see flames issuing from the rear of the back of stores on the west side of Main street, between State and Maple streets. Who first discovered it is not positively known, but several of those who lived in the immediate vicinity were on the ground about the same time. As near as it is possible to learn the fire started on the outside of the stores, and probably between McFarlan's store and THE TORCH office. It was, without a doubt, of incendiary origin, as there were no fires in or about the buildings, nor had there been for many days previously.

The rear part of McFarlan's store was an addition only recently built and was not yet sided up. The cracks between the sheathing boards on each side made an excellent draft that drew the flames right into the store, which was filled with all kinds of merchandise, that made good food for the flames. In a very few minutes the two buildings, McFarlan's store and THE TORCH off ice were a mass of flames and, the stairs leading to the upper story of Cameron's store were all ablaze, down which James Cameron and his whole family were obliged to descend in their night clothes to escape a horrible death awaiting them if they delayed but for an instant. Mr. Eagleton, a brother of Mrs. Cameron's, was staying there over night and materially assisted in getting the children out of the burning building.

Mr. Truax, with his wife and child, occupied the rooms over their store building, located next north and adjoining THE TORCH office. They were compelled to flee in scanty apparel but managed with assistance to rescue a few of their household goods.

The next building north was a store owned by F. M. Sears of Charlevoix, and was vacant except the upper story which was occupied by John Grawn and family as a residence. Mrs. Grawn has been very sick for a long time, and was very feeble, but under the excitement, arose and walked down stairs barefooted and unassisted. She was helped to place of safety and willing hands soon secured what was possible of their household furniture, including a valuable piano.

Mr. Sisson's store was next south of the Cameron lumber Company's, except for a small office building located between them, and that was used until recently by Dr. Ellis, as a dentist office. Sisson's store being the last to ignite, the stock of dry goods and groceries was nearly all saved.

While THE TORCH office and McFarlan's store were burning the fiercest, the building on the opposite side of the street, owned by J. A. Cary, and occupied by him for a meat market, and by John DeZote for a harness shop, caught fire and went with the rest. As that burned everybody realized that the whole of the business portion of town was doomed clear to the railroad, at least, and possibly to the river, unless it could be immediately checked. There being no water except what little could be drawn from the few pumps close at hand, it seemed impossible to do anything, but Davis Bros., got out their teams and drays, loaded on barrels, and with their teams on the dead run brought water from the river, and with the aid of many brave men, who worked on Thurston & Co.'s store amid the flames and heat, the fire was soon checked, and the balance of the town was saved.

There was scarcely a breath of air stiffing that night, which was a very fortunate thing, for with even a light breeze nothing could have saved the town from being completely annihilated. A line of hose was laid from Wallbrecht's grist mill, but was not in use soon enough to be of service. A list of losses is about as follows:

Henry Sisson, store and stock $1400. Insurance on building $400.

Cameron Lumber Company, stock and building $8000, insurance $3500.

James Cameron, entire household goods, no insurance.

Phillip Roach, building $1000, no insurance.

McFarlan, Stock $2000, insurance $800.

C. E. Ramsey, building $800, no insurance.

Gray & Ramsey, TORCH office, $1500, no insurance.

W. A. Truax, building and household goods, $800, building insured for $500.

F. M. Sears, building $1200, insurance $600.

John Grawn, portion of household goods, no insurance.

J. A. Cary, building $600, meat market $400, no insurance.

John DeZote, harness shop $600, no insurance.

Thurston & Co.'s stock was damaged by smoke and water, and by being moved out. Damage unknown.

It was a fierce and hot fire while it lasted, and swept over the whole block so quickly that there was no chance to do anything in the way of saving goods.

THE TORCH building and McFarlan's store were not opened at all and consequently nothing was saved from them. Neither place contained a safe, so that all books and papers were destroyed. The Cameron Lumber Company had a safe and their books came through in good order.

It is too early yet to predict what will be done in the way of rebuilding, but there is no doubt but that the whole block will be occupied inside of a year, and by a much better class f buildings than heretofore. It is the best location in the village and will be in demand. Mr. Sisson already has brick and stone on the ground and will immediately erect a brick store about the same size as the one that burned.

The unfortunates are under obligations to all those who worked so faithfully to stay the progress of the flames, and save goods, and feel very grateful for the assistance rendered. Many ladies worked heroically and rendered much valuable assistance. It is a bad blow to Central Lake and especially to a few individuals thereof, but our citizens are not of the kind to sit down and mourn over a thing like that and business will go on as usual and Central Lake will still be the most thriving village of its size in Michigan.

The Cameron Lumber Company opened for business as usual the next morning after the fire in Green's building on State street. They telegraphed for a carload of groceries and had them on hand Saturday. Sisson moved his stock into his dwelling in the rear of his former location. McFarlan had nothing to move and consequently is not troubled about it. Cary is completely out of business for the same reason. DeZote saved a few harnesses and they can be found in Hammond's store on Maple street. All that is left of THE TORCH is the editor, and his is camped on the ruins in a tent, kindly loaned by Fred Fisk. Friend Parker presented us with a stool and we are prepared to receive subscriptions as usual. Back subscriptions especially solicited. Every dollar looks as big as two to us now.

We trust our subscribers will excuse us this week for the meager paper that we are obliged to send out. We hope and expect to be able to resume our size in a week or two.

THE TORCH is under obligations to publishers of the Bellaire Independent for allowing us to print at their office for a short time. The editors of the Mancelona Herald and the Bellaire Breeze also kindly offered us the use of their material until our new outfit arrives.

Special train to the circus at Petoskey on Saturday, August 10^th. Leave Central Lake 8 o'clock a.m. Arrive at Petoskey 9:15a.m Returning leave Petoskey 10:30 p.m. Fare for round trip, including circus ticket, $1.50.

This picture of the ladies of the Rebekah Lodge of Central Lake was taken in 1906 in front of the O. P. Barber residence. From left to right in the top row: Mrs. Gail Tompkins, Mrs. O. P. Barber, Mrs. Jennie Quigley, Mrs. Ed Strom, Mrs. Charles Garrison, Mrs. Vina O'Dell and Mrs. Sam Ruggles. In the second row: Mrs. Louis Nurko, Mrs. Alfred Pruner, Mrs. Frank Sisson, Mrs. Beckman, Mrs. Elizabeth Mathers, --?, --?, Mrs. Hi Hastings, Mrs. Bill Sherman, Mrs. Puttifoot. In the front row, seated on the ground, are Mrs. Frank Smith, Mrs. Wallace Foote, Mrs. Lou Bailey, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. LePaar, Mrs. Bert Clow, Mrs. Bert Lewis and Mrs. Frank Corner.

Too Heavily Loaded Boat is Cause of Death of Bellaire Young People Tuesday.

A party of six people composed of four ladies and two men met with a disastrous accident Tuesday evening, when a row boat in which they were starting for a pleasure trip, capsized in Intermediate river, just above the lower bridge. The entire party was thrown into the stream and before assistance could reach them, three of the party were drowned, their bodies being recovered later, the balance of the party escaping a like fate by a narrow margin.

The little party, consisting of Mrs. L G. Ball, Misses Cora Freeman, Leone Wallace and Stella Coombs, Mr. Sol Bricker and Dr. J. E. Dobson started for a boat ride about 9:30 in the evening and had just left the wharf north of River Street bridge when the boat overturned, precipitating the entire party into the river which, at the point where the accident happened, has a depth of about seven feet.

The first at the scene of the accident was Harry Friend, who happened to be on the bridge when the parties started out on the fatal trip, and who was the first to render assistance to the imperiled party and who is entitled to the credit of saving the life of Sol Bricker. Harry also sounded the alarm bringing people from all nearby quarters to assist in rescuing the survivors and search for those lost.

The rescue of Mrs. Ball and Miss Freeman was soon accomplished and they were taken from the overturned boat--some distance down the river--to which they had secured a firm hold when the boat capsized. Next in order came the finding of the bodies of Miss Wallace, then Miss Coombes and later, Dr. Dobson.

Owing to the extreme darkness at the time of the catastrophe, and the rough and irregular shore lines of the river, the searching parties were seriously handicapped and their work greatly retarded, but every thing possible was done as speedily as the conditions would warrant. The citizens all worked heroically from the time the accident first happened until the last body was recovered and then turned to render such assistance, comfort and sympathy to the families who have met with such serious and sad conditions.

In the rescue work, done by willing helpers, Frank Wilks and son, Ora Wilks, Coryell Sevrey, Harry Morrison, Elwin (Bud) White and Harry Friend worked like trojans and demonstrated the kind of material that genuine heroes are made of. There are many others who were valuable assistants in the work; space however is limited and the list of names too large to publish as it would comprise nearly every person in the large crowd present.

The remains of Dr. J. E. Dobson, who lost his life in the river tragedy, Tuesday evening, were shipped yesterday to Albion. Rev. W. A. Exner accompanied the body from this place to its destination, according to instructions received by telegram earlier in the day.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock for the deceased Leone Wallace at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George S. Wallace.

At the present time (Wednesday evening) no arrangements have been made concerning Miss Coombs, owing to the fact that her parents reside in LaGrange, Ind. They have been notified of the distressing accident. Her father is on his way here and is expected Thursday morning.--Bellaire Independent.

Wednesday afternoon Mr. Cedric McDonald and Miss Edna Cornett drove to Bellaire and were quietly united in marriage. Mr. Howard McDonald, a cousin of the groom, and the groom's sister, Miss Agnes McDonald, accompanied them and acted as best man and bridesmaid. Rev. Exner did the tying of the knot.

After their return early in the evening, a wedding supper was served at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cornett.

The young couple has been very popular in the social circles of Central Lake. The bride has taught school here for several yeas. They have the best wishes of their friends for a happy and prosperous life in the future.

Mr. and Mrs. McDonald will leave for their new home in Muskegon the first of the week. Mr. McDonald drives a motor truck in that city.

Monday evening was the occasion of a very delightful family gathering at the Smallegan home, here when Miss Dora and Miss Hattie officiated as hostesses, the function ushering in the new year.

Refreshments in the nature of an oyster supper was one of the pleasing features of the evening, those participating being Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Smith, Miss Frances, and Miss Cora Smith.

One of the very pleasant social functions which greeted the in-coming of the New Year was a watch party which occurred at the home of Mrs. Cora Fox her, daughter, Miss Muriel, being hostess to a party of some twenty-six young people, many of who were at home from other places on their Yuletide vacation.

Games of different character, composed the entertaining features, and music and mirth ran riot until midnight, when a pot-luck supper was indulged in, the Elf of Time being greeted with happy laughter as he crossed the portals of 1918.

It was an occasion, the pleasures of which will linger long in the memories of those present.

A crowd of Methodists and their friends surprised Mrs. Minne Blissett and Miss Ruth Doane last Thursday evening by arriving at their home for an old fashioned party, as both leave Central Lake for the winter, Miss Doane having reigned her position as editor of the Torch. The surprise was absolutely complete. A jolly evening was spent and refreshments were served. The guest presented their hostesses with two beautiful vellum bound books as reminders of the occasion.

On Friday evening several of the young ladies of the town surprised Miss Doane the second time by marching to her home and taking possession. Music and games made the evening pass very quickly. Delightful refreshments were served and everyone present announces a jolly good time, and an evening not soon to be forgotten. The young ladies presented their hostess with a beautiful traveling case as a token of high esteem. Miss Doane has many friends here who are sorry to see her leave, and wish her a speedy return in the spring.

While attending the exhibit it with his parents Friday evening, Willard Briggs accidentally stepped from the platform in the high school room and fell with his legs crumpled beneath him. Dr. Vis was summoned, and an examination showed that the bones in his left leg just above the ankle and in his right leg above his knee were broken. A stretcher was hastily made and Willard was carried down stairs and taken home in an auto. He was remarkably brave and hardly made a murmur during the necessarily painful trip. Plaster casts have been placed on his legs, which are healing as rapidly as possible. Willard is a member of the eighth grade, and it is to be regretted that he can not appear with his class at the graduation exercises.

George Hastings, a popular young business man of this place, associated with his father in the produce and commission business, became a bene[fit] on December 19, when he led to the altar Miss Caroline Farrell, an estimable young lady of Lansing, the ceremony being performed in that city.

The happy couple arrived here last Thursday for a permanent residence, and the "Torch" together with the residents of the entire community, will extend congratulations and wish them a life of unlimited happiness.

Some of the friends of the "Torch" kindly contributed the following experience of the Bay View neighborhood and some of their comical sayings of last Friday evening, when they saw a huge areoplane to the southeast of them.

Stinging raps of agony clattered at the hearts of the Bay View dwellers again Friday evening when the report came dangling over the wire informing the residents of this vicinity that a monster air craft again gigantically loomed up among the many shining little twinklers that thickly inhabit the Big Blue Heavens. This time it was seen in the southeast. Friday being generally termed unlucky, those of superstitious minds readily began to wonder.

One little Miss of some sixteen summers innocently declared that it must be the "devil himself" looking for sympathy. Another little fairy of the same number of summers earnestly took it for granted that the huge monster must be nothing less than one of the birds that builds its nest in the top end of a German Coo Coo clock, while Mrs. A. E. Sage viciously pounded the sand with one foot and repeatedly declared it was nothing more than a German submarine.

We have no reason to doubt any of the above statements, for scripture teaches us that before the end, the world must change. "Seven women shall cling to one man." Poor fellow, close the drug stores when you see him coming, for further on we learn "the end is not yet" and so many things are to happen. Water lilies may some time bloom in the heart of a California desert; a ship wrecked cook may be seen swimming ashore with a six lid cook stove tucked snugly under one arm. Old maids may turn to human icebergs, while the Statue of Liberty at Sandy Hook may startle New York City by bursting forth the sweet sounding notes of "On the Trail of the Lonesome Pine." So we shouldn't be surprised at anything.

If the Kaiser himself looms up in your kitchen door some morning and demands six dozen slapjacks for his breakfast, take things easy, edge your chair nearer the stove and light your pipe. Pleasantly tell the names of your seven wives and the eight words: "I'll be ____, the end is not yet."

The news reached here last week of the marriage of Miss Ethel Ison of this village to Mr. William Guidry, the telegraph operator who worked at the local depot last summer, at Michigan City, Indiana. The wedding took place at four o'clock on Wednesday, June 6, at the Presbyterian parsonage of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Guidry have rented a cozy little five-room flat, furnished in Michigan City, where they will live, as Mr. Guidry has a position as night telegraph operator there.

Friends of the bride and groom in Central Lake were surprised to hear of the wedding as they were not in on the secret, and thought Miss Ison had merely gone away on a visit. However, they wish the couple much happiness and prosperity, and regret the bride's departure from Central Lake where she has been one of "the bunch" for several years and will be missed in many social and lodge affairs.

Mrs. Guidry has been employed in the Traverse Bay telephone office for about three years.

At noon Sunday, Rev. E. C. Eldred of the M. E. Denomination, performed the ceremony uniting in marriage James D. Frost and Miss Luecretia I. Henderson, both well known and popular young people of this community.

The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Henderson of this place. She served as local postmistress at one time, and as clerk in the post office preceding her appointment as postmistress, and has a host of friends.

Mr. Frost is a son of George Frost, a prominent farmer living south of town two miles. He is now in the employ of the Central Lake Canning Co., and they will reside here.

The "Torch" joins with their other friends in wishing them happiness and prosperity.

Park Corner, a Central Lake boy who is in service at Camp Custer, arrived home Saturday on a four day's furlough to visit his father, Frank Corner. Park is a bugler in the 337^th Inf., and is confident he will go to France early in January, to assist in taking the Kaisers' scalp, which event he says, will occur just as soon as the Michigan boys get across the pond. Here's hoping!