Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. ========================================================================== THE LUDINGTON RECORD, Ludington, Michigan Thursday, March 3, 1881 VOL. XIV. OLD SERIES, NO. 26 VOL. I NEW SERIES, NO. 41 LOCAL MATTERS ------------- Civil Engineer Mitchell finished taking soundings of Ludington harbor yesterday. Goodsell & Crawford have the contract to furnish cast-iron chocks for Lyon's scow. A crew of caulkers left here yesterday for Pentwater to caulk the schooner CHALLENGE. The finest drafting we have ever seen are the charts of Frankfort and Manistee harbors made by John A. Mitchell. Lyon's folks are casting around for someone to take the contract to prepare the edging dock for launching the scows, and to build it up again. PETITION FOR HARBOR IMPROVEMENT Just at this time the country seems to be much exercised over the bill for appropriations for river and harbor improvements. The large amounts claimed for certain small and unimportant streams in the central and southern part of the country, certainly do appear to be out of all proportion to their usefulness, present or prospective and on this account, it seems that an appropriation for the harbors of the great lakes is in great danger of falling far below what it ought to be. We would respectfully remind the committee on appropriation that the present petition is not for the purpose of securing an appropri- ation to coax or build up commerce, but for the purpose of providing a much needed place of safety for a great and constantly increasing merchant navy. The question of safety for life and property on the lakes, should be of national importance, when we consider the mag- nitude of the business done. Harbors should be so improved that vessels can enter safely during stormy weather, and such harbors as the one in contemplation are fast becoming a necessity. When it is seen that Ludington is situated about half way down the lake, on the dangerous and most dreaded side of Lake Michigan, and is a point that has to be passed and repassed by the entire fleets run- ning between Chicago or Milwaukee and the lower lakes, its claims as an eligible site for a harbor of refuge appears at once. In further support of this claim is its fast increasing importance as a shipping center and railway terminus, and backed by it great natural advantages and adaptability, as set forth in the report made by Major Harwood to the chief of engineers at Washington. When we consider the tremendous gales that sweep the lakes during the latter part of the season of navigation, and so frequently strew the shores of Lake Michigan with lifeless bodies and stranded ves- sels, we can then realize how necessary it is, from motives of humanity, to provide safe and commodious harbors for the safety of sailors. These feelings of humanity may be an "unknown quantity," but should have great weight in considering the question. Among the signatures on the petition, lately sent, are many of experienced sailors, and of companies residing in Chicago, Mil- waukee and Ludington, whose interest in vessel property and in ore's, grain, lumber, and many other valuable commodities to be shipped, represents many millions of dollars, and could be greatly increased if it was considered necessary to do so. PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE with the appropriation bills, and nearly all are passed. The river and harbor bill as amended by the senate committee, contains the following amendments: For inner harbor, Michigan City, $15,000; for the harbor and river of Au Sable, Michigan, $2,000 increase; for Muskegon harbor, Michigan, $10,000 increase; for Pentwater harbor, Michigan, $4,000 increase; for the river and harbor of St. Joseph and the water channel leading up to Benton Harbor, Michigan, $2,000 increase. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE LUDINGTON RECORD, Ludington, Michigan Thursday, March 10, 1881 VOL. XIV. OLD SERIES, NO. 27 VOL. I NEW SERIES, NO. 42 LOCAL MATTERS: -------------- Propeller GRACIE PATTERSON makes daily trips between here and Manistee The entrance to the harbor is entirely free from ice. There is nothing to prevent steam vessels from running if they could get clear from the other side of the lake. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE LUDINGTON RECORD, Ludington, Michigan Thursday, March 17, 1881 VOL. XIV. OLD SERIES, NO. 28 VOL. I NEW SERIES, NO. 43 LOCAL MATTERS: -------------- The steam barge TRUESDELL, came into port on Wednesday morning. This is the first arrival from across the lake for a considerable time. We have been waiting with open harbor for the last two weeks, and are glad that Chicago and Milwaukee have some prospect of getting out of the cold at last. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE LUDINGTON RECORD, Ludington, Michigan Thursday, March 24, 1881 VOL. XIV. OLD SERIES, NO. 29 VOL. I NEW SERIES, NO. 44 LOCAL MATTERS: -------------- Schooner MERCURY is getting new spars aboard. The N. T. boats are expected to run regularly after the present time. The propeller TRUESDELL, of the Goodrich line, in now running on regular time. O. N. Taylor is getting a new steam launch built at Grand Haven, somewhat larger than the one he has used for some years back. The new boat will be thirty feet long, and six foot beam, and will draw about twenty inches of water. The engine is to be 6 x 6. Thos. E. Davies is building the steam boiler. The boat will be ready for service as soon as the spring is fairly open. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE LUDINGTON RECORD, Ludington, Michigan Thursday, March 31, 1881 VOL. XIV. OLD SERIES, NO. 30 VOL. I NEW SERIES, NO. 45 LOCAL MATTERS: -------------- The launching of the first of Thos. R. Lyon's scows, took place a few minutes after four o'clock last Tuesday afternoon, and was accomplished neatly, and without accident. The ways had been carefully lain, and the vessel let down to them by means of jack screws. Three heavy tackles were brought into requisition to hold her in position until all else was cleared away, when at a given signal the lines were cast, and a few seconds of time saw the craft floating nicely, ready for business almost. There has been considerable casting around for names for these monsters. Og, Gog, and Magog, seem to be suggestive as anything we have heard. NEWS OF THE WEEK: MICHIGAN -------------------------- The river St. Clair is open and navigation between Marine City and Port Huron has commenced. Grand Haven harbor is at present unobstructed by ice, and the Good- rich transportation company's steamers - DEPERE, MENOMINEE, and CITY OF LUDINGTON - are making trips between Milwaukee and Grand Haven as fast as they can unload, reload, and make the trip. ===========================================================================