Both Daniel Hadcock and John Hooper Sustain a Heavy Financial Loss.

Fire, last Thursday evening, completely destroyed the farm home and contents of Daniel Hadcock, two miles north of Central Lake, the family escaping without injury.

Mr. Hadcock, it seems, stepped out doors about 5:25 for the purpose of securing a pail of water from the well, and hearing a crackling noise, glanced upward, finding the roof in a blaze-the first intimation they had of the fire.

Mrs. Hadcock was ill at the time, confined to her bed, and running back to the house Mr. Hadcock told the family the building was on fire, and began directing the removal of such household goods as could be saved. He wrapped his wife in bedding, and then carried her to a sleigh which was in the yard, and she was conveyed to the home of her brother, William Watson, nearly a mile away.

The weather was very cold at the time, and it is almost a miracle that she did not suffer injury which might have resulted in her death.

As soon as the blaze was seen the neighbors and friends made haste to lend assistance; but little could be accomplished in the way of saving the household goods. The light from the burning building was plainly seen from Central Lake, and parties from here drove out to the farm to give any help necessary.

Aside from the household goods, Mrs. Hadcock lost a large quantity of canned fruit, which was in the cellar. Something over 300 bushels of potatoes were also in the cellar, sacked, ready to be brought to town the next day, and they too, were ruined by the fire. The building was insured, but by no means sufficient to cover the loss. Mr. Hadcock has formed no definite plans as to rebuilding, but their many friends hope they will decide to erect a new home.

Tuesday morning between nine and ten o'clock, the fire fiend visited Eastport neighborhood, destroying the farm home belonging to Frank Hooper of Rapid City, So. Dak., and occupied by the family of his brother, John Hooper. Absolutely nothing was saved, as the family were away from home at the time, and the building and contents, together with several hundred bushels of beans and potatoes in the cellar, was a total loss.

Mrs. Hooper and her two children were at the home of her mother, Mrs. Thomas Guyer, a mile northwest of there, and Mr. Hooper and Mr. Guyer had started to Atwood. When perhaps half a mile away, one of the men glanced backwards and could see smoke issuing from the house. They made all haste back, but by the time they reached the building it was a mass of flames and nothing could be saved.

The building was lightly insured as also were the household goods, but regardless of the fact the loss is heavy one

It is not known whether the building will be re-built, but Mr. Hooper expects to move his family to Eastport in the near future, and will operate his own farm, adjoining the Thos. Guyer place, the coming season.

Through the courtesy of C. W. Hastings, several members of the Ladies of the Maccabees from this city were enabled to attend the funeral of David Tillstson, which occurred at Charlevoix, Monday of this week. Those from here were, Mrs. Mary Eckhardt, Mrs. Hattie Gier, Mrs. Ritta Muckle, and Mrs. Flora Lincoln.

The ladies from Central Lake attended the funeral as a mark of respect for Mrs. Tillotson, who has been a prominent worker in the order for many years and who had visited the local lodge in her official capacity at different times.

The Smallegans Write of Some Interesting Incidents on Way to California

Excelsior Springs, M>, 974 miles from home, 31 miles on east side of Kansas City

October 7, 1917

This letter is especially dedicated to Albert Byers and all of his crew in both garages, the kids in the store and their fathers and mothers, Deacon Rich and the rest of the congregation, C. W. Hastings and all who are acquainted with him:

We have a very fine trip so far and enjoyed ourselves beyond expectation. Found frosted corn as far down the middle of Illinois, but the most of the corn in Illinois and Missouri is ripe. Corn is a big crop through most of Illinois and western Missouri. Will send one ear each of Illinois and Missouri corn home where it may be seen at our store.

Roads through Illinois were mostly all dirt roads but as we had no rain they were as fine as the best boulevards nearly all the way across the state. No sand except a few small spot through a small town called Bluffs just before we came to the Illinois river. Bloomington and Springfield are beautiful cities. We crossed Illinois river on a ferry and then we had nine miles of clay hills, up one and down another, all yellow clay, but as it was dry the road was smooth and hard. The soil here was poor for farming but seemed especially adapted for growing fine apples.

We had a very interesting experience here. A big fine Packard car was standing by the side of the road. Three ladies were in the car and three men were trying to pump up a flat tire. They stopped us and asked if we were in a hurry, saying that their tire pump did not seem to pump air as the tire stayed flat, and asked if they could use my pump. After pumping with my pump for a while with no better result they thought best to examine the inner tube which they found had a rip in of about a foot long. The owner of the car was J. E. Moon of Moon Bros. Mfg. Co. of St. Louis and happened to be the maker of the air pump I had. The make them for the Ford, the Reo, the Overland and some other cars. This Mr. Moon was also a big apple grower and asked us if we were in no hurry to wait until he put another tube in and pumped in air, and follow him about two miles (which was right on our way) and showed us one of his orchards where they were packing apples in up-to-date style. The orchard we were in contained sixty-five acres and I never saw in all my life such a sight of fine Ben Davis and Grimes Golden. I am sending two of the Grimes Golden along with the ears of corn for you to see. I did not see any wormy apples but Mr. Moon said they sprayed four times. The apples sold for $4.50 a bbl. Fob cars, so you may judge what the fruit was like. It also happened that Mr. Moon was acquainted with people in Long Beach who live near us and we know them real well. They loaded us down with fine apples and we had a nice visit. I told them we met so many nice people all along the way and that so far it had been a real joy ride. Mr. Moon said meeting kind people from day to day was what made life worth living, and I guess he was not far from the truth.

The following morning we crossed the Mississippi river over a bridge nearly a mile long and we were in the city of Hannibal, Mo., the childhood home of Mark Twain and a city of other interesting places. From here we went straight west across the upper part of the state to the city of Chilicothe and then ninety-six miles southwest to Kansas City. Crossing Missouri is all hills, up one and down another for over 200 miles, some long heavy grades and some short and very steep. But as the road was hard and smooth it is surprising how heavy a grade we could make on high. But woe unto the one that gets caught here when it is rainy weather. The eastern third of the state where we crossed it ia all yellow clay and very poor soil. The western two-thirds is from fair to very good and here we found some very fine fields of corn. Good cattle, horses, muler and hogs.

I still hold the record of being a slow driver. Everything passes us on the road except old men on foot and women carrying babies. Still I must say that we did pass two cars, but they were broke down by the side of the road.

The Tramps

Mr. and Mrs. J. Smallegan

Ben Cutler, driver for John Muckle, made his appearance on the streets Monday in a manner that fairly startled the natives. Every few minutes he would emit a war cry that would cause a Comanche Indian to turn green with envy; then he would indulge in cart-wheel gyrations that were a cross between an Indian scalp dance and an Irish wake.

When questioned regarding his hilarity he could give no account of himself except to say it was a girl; that the little one answered to the name of Alberta and had just arrived that morning.

Dr. Rifke of East Jordan was the attending physician and mother and child are getting along nicely.

The following, reprinted from the Merrill Monitor, evidences the high esteem in which Joseph R. Whitney was held by those who knew him best. He was a son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Gill of this place.

Joseph Ray Whitney, 23 years old, a most highly esteemed and well liked young man of this town passed away at the home of his mother, about five o'clock Thursday afternoon after an illness of two weeks with typhoid fever. His death is a severe blow not only to his family, but to the community as well, and it is sad to give up one whose influence among men would doubtless have been for good.

He was born in Merrill, March 10, 1894 and received his preliminary education in the Merrill Public schools.

Besides his sorrowing wife, he is survived by one son, Joseph Ray, Jr., his mother, Mrs. Jos. H. Whitney, one sister, Mrs. C. H. Spendlove, and two brothers, Carl and Frank, all of this city.--Merill Monitor, Jan. 10

Simple but impressive funeral services for Joseph Ray Whitney, on eof Merrill's leading young man, who died so suddenly last Thursday evening from typhoid fever and heart trouble, were held at the home of his mother, Mrs. J. H. Whitney at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning and was largely attended, Rev. D. C. McNair of the Congregational Church officiating. Deceased was a third degree Mason. The floral tributes were very beautiful. The remains were taken on sleighs to the Hemlock cemetery and placed in a vault in the family lot, where a short service was held.

Those attending the funeral from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Gill of Central Lake, Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Thomas and family of Breckenridge, Mr. L. Thomas and son Laverge Jr., and Mr. Jas. Thomas of Saginaw, Mr. E. Thomas and daughter and Mrs. Vina Ault of Hemlock.--Merrill Monitor, January 17, 1918

Margaret Ardyce Mae Hadock, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hadcock, passed away at her home, Thursday January 11. The funeral services were held at the home Saturday, Rev. Eldred officiating. Interment took place in the Southern Cemetery.

The family has the sympathy of the entire community in this bereavement.

Written for the Torch

Cards are out announcing the marriage on September 29, 1917, of Mr. Duncan Crawford and Miss Mina Stewart at Marquette, Mich.

The news comes as a surprise to their many relatives and friends who in turn extend to them their best wishes for a happy voyage down the stream of Life.

They had not intended being married at such an early date, but on account of Mr. Crawford being drawn in the selective draft they thought it best to have the ceremony before his orders to report to Battle Creek came.

They are among the best known and most appreciated young people of Charlevoix and Antrim counties. Miss Stewart will be remembered as one of our best teachers and a lady of fine character and refinement. Mr. Crawford was formerly a member of Co I. M. N. G. and saw service on the Mexican Border, after being in the employ of the Everett B. Clark Seed Co. of East Jordan for several years. This makes any further introduction of either unnecessary.

Mrs. Crawford will remain a teacher in the Crystal Falls school for the school year, while Mr. Crawford awaits his call to the colors. It is impossible to make any further plans until his discharge from the army.

Lansing, Oct. 30.--In these war times of shorter shoe tops and appeals to the poor consumer to save his money for the next Liberty bond campaign the state of Michigan is buying $20 waste baskets, $75. Swivel chairs and $285 roll top desks.

The $20 waste baskets have captivated the capitol. Two of them, fancy, walnut finished, cane sided, have recently been installed in the private office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Fred L. Keeler. Their list price cost, as given by the seller, the Allen & De Kleine company of Lansing, was $20, but because the state pays cash it got a 25 percent discount and the waste baskets only cost $15. Each, a mere "bag of shells," so to speak, along with about $1,000 for thirteen other pieces of furniture that nearly prostrated Auditor General Fuller when the bill came in o. k.'d by the board of auditors. As the bill was o. K.'d Fuller could do nothing but pull his hair.

Donald McDonald was born in Vernelshire, Scotland, on the 25^th of October, 1853. In 1865 he came to America with his parents and located in the province of Ontario, Canada. In 1873 he came to Michigan and made a permanent location in Antrim county, securing a tract of wild land in Echo township where he has since made his home. The land was covered with native timber, and it was his task to reclaim it to cultivation, which he did successfully, transforming it to one of the thriftiest homesteads in that section. On April 11, 1876, he was untied in marriage to Margaret J. Joynt, and to them nine children were born, four having passed to the other world.

After an illness of several weeks, Mr. McDonald died June 6, 1917. The funeral was held from the home last Saturday morning, with Revs. Huff and Eldred in charge.

Mr. McDonald is survived by his widow, four sons, Richard of East Jordan, Angus, Ray and Aura of Central Lake, one daughter, Mrs. George Ramsey of East Jordan, foster son, Howard of Muskegon, six grandchildren, two brothers, John McDonald of Owen Sound and D. J. Of Corcoran, Calif., and a number of other relatives.

Although never uniting with a church Mr. McDonald lived a very moral life. He was brought up a Presbyterian, and always had family worship in his home. He aimed to live at peace with his neighbors, and was loved and respected by them. During his last sickness he sought a closer relationship with God and became fully reconciled to the change; by his request he untied with the Free Methodist church and received communion.

The relatives have the sympathy of a host of friends in the time of great bereavement.

Citizens Turn Out to Honor Enlisted and Drafted Boys of the Township

This morning three of Central Lake's boys--Parker Corner, Ivan Whitbeck and Andrew Wynsma--left for the training camp at Battle Creek, preparatory to serving Uncle Sam during the remainder of the World War. In view of this, and to do honor to all drafted and enlisted men of this township, the citizens of the village tendered a big reception last night in the opera house which was filled to overflowing with people anxious to show their appreciation of the splendid courage and patriotism of these boys.

Music by the band and "America" by the audience opened the program, after which T. D. Meggison took charge of affairs. He gave a short talk in which he expressed the purpose of the gathering and the people's desire to do honor to the departing boys. Rev. Eldred invoked the blessing of God on our country and its soldiers and asked divine guidance in the conflict. Two patriotic solos were rendered by Mrs. Prentice. Mrs. Sutten gave a humorous reading ,and Paul Sutton a recitation. Mr. McKay played a medley on his bagpipes. An address along patriotic lines was delivered by Re. Prentice , and the ladies' quartet rendered a selection. In behalf of the Relief Corps and Red Cross Chapter, Mr. Meggison presented the three guests of honor with small copies of the New Testament, with advice to make practical and frequent use of them. A drill by the veterans of the Civil War was followed by a demonstration of flag signaling in the navy code by J. H. Hemphill, spelling out the message, "Bill, we're going to get your hide." Some good words of advice from the old "vets" were spoken to the boys. Another band concert concluded the exercises.

Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served to everyone present by the Red Cross Chapter assisted by school girl waitresses.

The expense of the reception was borne by the business men and private citizens in generous donations. A collection taken for the benefit of the Red Cross and the proceeds from the sale of cake which was left over netted that organization about thirty dollars.

DIES OF INFLUENZA [1918]

Charlevoix, Feb. 25.--The third death from influenza in its most malignant form took place Sunday night when Miss Cecil Barkley, housekeeper for County Clerk Richard Lewis, died for the disease. She contracted the disease from the Nowland family, where both father and mother died within a week.

Word reaches here from Jackson to the effect that Miss Bethel Knight of this place, and Jacob Youngedyke of near Ellsworth, were untied in marriage in that city Tuesday and that Percy Empey, also of the Ellsworth neighborhood, and Miss Ruby Wilson of Pleasant Valley, assumed the marriage vows at the same time, the ceremony being a double one. The newlyweds, it is understood expect to make their homes in Detroit, at least during the coming winter. The new Mrs. Youngdkyke has two sisters, Mrs. D L. Moore and Mrs. B. A. Halloran, residing in Detroit. Both of the happy young couple are well and favorably know here, and their many friends will unite with the Torch in wishing them every happiness as they sail the seas of matrimony.

Camp Custer Man Captures Bride in Central Lake.

Miss Ila Herrington of Central Lake, and Sgt. Geo. Hall of Camp Custer, were united in marriage Tuesday, April 9, at Bellaire, by Rev. N. F. Jenkins.

Sgt. Hall returned to his duties at Camp Custer, Wednesday, but Mrs. Hall will remain with her parents for a short time before going to Battle Creek, where they will reside in the future.

Mrs. Hall has many friends in Central Lake, who will wish them a long and happy life.

Entire Community Participates in Beautiful and Impressive Ceremonies.

One of the most enthusiastic and patriotic demonstrations that has ever transpired in northern Michigan was that which occurred at Central Lake Saturday, and which marked the dedication of the Central Lake township service flag.

The exercises were to have been held in the forenoon, but the heavy rain of the night before and the threatening aspect at that time necessitated a delay until after the dinner hour.

Regardless of weather conditions farmers and residents of other communities began arriving in town early and long before noon the streets were lined with automobiles and teams, and business places were crowded with buyers, who came for bargains in merchandise as well as to take part in the dedication ceremonies. Gaily decorated cars were flitting along the streets presenting an appearance of activity and patriotism that was most gratifying, and a spirit of keen Americanism was evidenced on every hand.

About two o'clock the Central Lake band made their appearance on the street, playing a short concert on the street. The parade of automobiles and the schools of the township was formed at High building, and headed by the band and members of the G. A. R. Bearing the Stars and Stripes, the patriotic procession passed through the business district tothe site of the township flag-pole, where a large stand had been erected for the occasion, and from which the exorcises were conducted. Automobiles were parked on two sides of the speakers' stand, and a conservative estimate of the crowd placed the number at more than 1,000.

O. W. Sisson thanked the people for the evidence of American patriotism which they expressed by so liberal attendance. Following music by the band, Rev. E. C. Eldred invoked the blessing of the Deity, expressing a hope for protection to the American boys with a prayer for an everlasting "peace on earth, good will to men." Mrs. John Tribplett gave a patriotic recitation entitled, "The Day Star of Liberty," which was most appropriate for an occasion of that nature. Then followed music by the band.

Rev. C. E. Peterson was called on for a patriotic address, and responded in a most pleasing manner.

A chorus composed of people from the Bay View neighborhood rendered a song, "Our Flag," and were the recipients of extended applause. The theme of the song was strictly in accord with the spirit of the occasion, and residents of the Bay View community are certainly to be congratulated for their evidence of patriotism.

Prosecuting attorney T. D. Meggison spoke feelingly on the spirit of patriotism so strongly manifest in our country, and many stated that his address on that occasion was the best they ever heard. He commended the boys who have already offered their services for the suppression of Kaiserism, and for each of whom a star had been placed on the service flag. He spoke of the noble impulse which has prompted loving fathers and mothers to send their sons to the training and the military camps of the country-to the battleships and to the trenches of the shell-torn fields of France. His remarks were roundly applauded by the large crowd present.

At the conclusion of Mr. Meggison's address, Miss Martha Burns, Miss Dorris Burr, Harold Meggison and John Cameron were called to the platform, and Mr. Sisson, in a few well-chosen words, placed the service flag in their hands with instructions to prepare it for unfurling. During the process of arranging the emblem for its ascension John Cameron very cleverly recited a few verses from "The Service Flag." At the close of the recitation he saluted the flag, just as the band broke into the strains of the "Star Spangled Banner," and the Service Flag for the township of Central Lake, waving majestically, was slowly raised to its position with the Stars and Stripes floating proudly above it, while the big crowd fairly cheered themselves hoarse in an inspiration of patriotic enthusiasm and loyalty.

From every view-point the dedication of the service flag was a complete success and a most enjoyable occasion.

Earl Lesle Mudge

John Allen Brown

Park Harold Corner

Norman Addington

Cyril Potter

George O'Dell

Gordon Kirby

Charles Garrison

George Parker

Russell Gray White

William Arthur Brown

John R. Henderson

Ralf Larson

Charles Church

William Forest Carney

Clare Upthegrove

William Cameron

Homer Fox

Chester Roman

Harold Lamb

Dr. E. W. Vis

Alfred Earl Larabee

Clarence Smith

Archie McDonald

Ray Sissons

Clyde Roller

Percey Edwards

Sherman Pickerd

Cecil Kennedy

Harry Ludbrook

Fredrick C. Thurston

Don Buhland

Wilford Clnton Brown

Practically Every Section of the county Sends Visitors to Central Lake.

Central Lake, on Wednesday evening of this week, was hostess to one of the largest and at the same time most appreciative and orderly crowds that has been within the gates of "The Busy Town" for many moons. A conservative spectator placed the number at 3,000, more than half of whom were from out of town. Automobiles were parked on all the side streets, and on Main and State the machines were lined two deep on each side. And teams were more numerous than automobiles.

It seemed in reality that Antrim county had turned out enmasse in patriotic appreciation of the spectacular W.S. S. Demonstration staged by Central Lake, and visitors from other localities were unanimous in their expressions of praise. They stated freely that the parade was one of the best and most appropriate they had ever witnessed.

About 8 o'clock the patriotic pageant was formed at the school house and moved onto Main street from the Wilson Hotel corner, proceeding north on that thoroughfare almost to the Canning factory grounds, where they counter marched.

The demonstration was headed by the Central Lake band marching in the military formation of a hollow square.

Immediately following came "Miss Liberty" and "Uncle Sam," the former impersonated by little Miss May Bowers and the latter by Master Dorman Kirby, both of Bay View community. Each was mounted on a prancing Shetland Pony, the little animals seeming proud of the distinction conferred on them. The youthful riders were garbed in costumes of red, white, and blue, appropriately portraying the characters they represented.

The large U.S. flag carried by twelve husky young boys came next, followed by a like number bearing the Service Flag for Central Lake township, and upon which patriotically enthused spectators showered coins all along the line of march. These boys with the flags were in charge of Mrs. Martin Smith. Following the flags were 48 young ladies, clad in spotless white from the flowing ribbons in their hair to the slippers on their feet. They marched in columns for four in solid formation, each wearing a sash obliquely draped from the shoulder and upon which was printed in brilliant red the name of the state represented. The military precision of their movements, the perfect alignment and correct step of this division brought founds of cheers from the spectators who lined the streets. They executed quite a spectacular drill at the conclusion of the parade, forming the letters "W.S.S.," indicative of present-day War Savings Stamps. Miss Lena Bowers directed this feature of the big demonstration.

A living Red Cross was next in the line of march, and was in charge of Miss Frances Smith. This feature struck the popular chord and appreciative rounds of cheers greeted them at every step. This division comprised some forty little girls marching in the formation of a cross. Each individual was garbed in a gown of red excepting those at the points of the emblem, which were characterized by four little girls in robes of absolute white. This particular feature has found favor in patriotic parades all over the country, and was appreciated here.

Following the Living Cross were 12 little Misses from the Bay View community, representing the school of that locality. Each carried the U.S. emblem, and at the intersection of Main and State streets, they executed a flag drill which met with hearty applause from the assembled spectators.

Immediately following this contingent came the big automobile truck belonging to Jno. Muckle. The vehicle was beautifully adorned in a canopy of red, white and blue, and, with a trailer, also highly decorated carried twenty-five young ladies garbed in the uniforms of Red Cross war nurses. Leon Barber, swathed in bandages, characterized a wounded soldier, and occupied a stretcher on the truck, attended by the nurses. Miss Eila Garland, in the regulation khaki uniform of the army truck driver, manipulated the throttle, and the appearance of this float elicited enthusiastic cheering all along the line of march, being one of the notable features of the parade.

Near the Canning factory grounds the parade re-formed, heading southward, and again passed through the business district, disbanding at State street, following the drills previously mentioned.

At the conclusion of the patriotic demonstration the Central Lake band assumed their concert formation, and for over an hour entertained the crowd which was generous in their applause, many expressing their surprise that an organization playing such music existed in this section of the state.

The usual band concert will occur next Wednesday evening, and every resident of the community is invited by the Central Lake business men, to attend and share in the enjoyment of the occasion.

Body Reached Home Wednesday and Funeral Occurred on Fourth of July.

Chris Empey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Empey, residing three and a half miles west of Ellsworth, died at the army cantonement at Waco, Texas, last Friday, June 28.

With the death of this young soldier occurs the first casualty that directly concerns Antrim county: and while his demise did not occur on the fields of far-off France, yet the cause which induced him to offer his life freely to the need of his country was of the same noble impulse. The spirit of patriotism and devotion was as predominant in his make-up as is the case with those who are fighting hand to hand with the "beasts of Berlin," and the honor of having died in the service of the Stars and Stripes is just as great.

The body of the young soldier reached Ellsworth on Wednesday of this week, accompanied by a detail from the cantonement, and the funeral occurred Thursday, the Forth of July.

It was most fitting that this young man, who died while serving the Stars and Stripes, should be placed at rest on Independence day.

The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.