February 14th, 1857

Things are very quiet today-but a dropping, not the dropping of the sanctuary, but a steady drizzling rain, which we are told fall on the just and unjust, of which the latter is the most numerous.

Our town people have been considerable interested of late in a certain road, or a bill originated by our Honorable Representative to lay out and establish a State Road commencing at the end of Oldfield’s log dock and running thence west to sundown or somewhere. And rumor says it can be done, only it isn’t done yet but will be as soon or sooner than the Pacific railway.

 And some are anxious to invest some of their surplus funds in locating some of Uncle Sam’s soil along the line of said road.

Quiz says our place has rather a lop-eared name-the first part he thinks has an affinity to the canine race, or a close resemblance to the rind of a certain tree. And the latter he thinks is significant and analogous to the place. But I don’t respect his judgement, although the wise man has said “a good name is a good thing”, which we admit, yet we think ours is quite a good one.

February 16th, 1857

 We have just learned from our friend, Watrous, who by the way is a good sociable sort of a fellow and willing to give as well as take a joke is in rather hot water about these times concerning a certain woman who left our place last summer. If we have been rightly informed the said lady, honors or dishonors which we don’t pretend to say, him being the effective source of adding to the population of our blessed country. Yet for the life of us we can’t see why he should feel so bad about it but ought to rejoice to know that he is capable to perform such a necessary act.

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It is rumored that the honorable Mr. Mead, who lately lost a noble turkey from his roost has been fortunate. The said turkey remembering his good fare returned last night and appeared this morning with a laughing countenance, ready and willing to devour more corn.

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 The markets are dull, pork is heavy and holders are firm with rather a lean supply. Flour is rising, with a fair demand & the supply not large. Beans are held at $4 per bushel. Shingles are coming in slowly, the quality being fair average $2 to $2.50 per M according to quality. Sugar is sweet but tastes some of money.

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Our thaw still continues and we fear a general breakup, but we would rather see it cold through this month and March and a warm April, but we must take it as it comes.

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Our friend W.V.C. (Wm VanCamp) is in a sweat today having learned he has taken a security on a piece of soil on the top and over another security. And the land not being worth half as much as the first amount on it.

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Our friend Richard (Mead) feels considerably better after beholding the pleasant countenance of his turkey.

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Times are woeful hard-no money in the county-produce up to the highest pitch and going higher. When will this state of things end? Notes coming due and no money to pay. Bust up is the only thing left us poor devils.

February 17th, 1857

This is a glorious morning, clear beautiful and warm. It reminded us of the innocence of childhood, when everything looks bright with hope and a longing after some unknown future good.

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Correction: We have to correct a statement made yesterday. We were misinformed about the return of the turkey and to set all right we will give a correct version of the case. Our honorable neighbor (Merchant) we mean dealer in dry goods, groceries, whiskey, etc, one day or night last week, lost one of his noble fat bipeds. Some mean, cowardly, small souled, if he or she had a soul at all, which we doubt, went under cover of a dark night and robbed our neighbor of one of his best birds. Such an act or deed is too mean for any man. The creature who did it ought to sit under the droppings of a hen roost the rest of his days.

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Disgraceful: We noticed last evening that our learned and highly accomplished, venerable neighbor and friend Mr. John McKenzie was considerable the worse for drinking liquor. A man with the intellect he has to degrade himself to the level of a brute beast. Shame-Shame-Shame.

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Our thaw still continues, which is uncommon at this season of the year. We shall anticipate a cold, stormy blustering March and perhaps all through April.

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Improvements-We are glad to see an effort being made by A. Oldfield of our place to build a dock that steamboats can come to and discharge freight, the want of which for two or three years has been a serious drawback to our place. But we almost fear that the weather is going to be against the completion of it. But we hope that Oldfield will go ahead with his accustomed energy and make a good job of it seeing he has commenced and expanded so much. Yet we have serious doubts about its standing if it is left in its present unfinished condition. We think in the spring after the lake is clear of ice, if we get a heavy north-easter the swells will wash all over it and lift the top logs off & when that is done it will soon go and then goodbye to the dock.

February 18th, 1857

The weather-our thaw, to use a common phrase, has catched a cold and we are getting a moderate sort of a norther. O for a few more flakes of snow.

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LEFT-We learned last evening that one of our fellow mortals left our place to seek a better or to better his condition. He, Mr. McDonald and his wife took up their bed and all their effects on their backs and walked towards Lexington rejoicing. That is the way to get through this world, not to be bothered and weighed down with the weight of accumulated stuff. But where can a better place be found than Bark Shanty?

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Removal-We have learned from a reliable source that Mr. Jas. B. Armstrong, Sheriff for Sanilac County, has seen fit to remove S. Boddy from the office of deputy sheriff. The reason for his ousting said Boddy we don’t know, perhaps it is because he is all body and no soul or perhaps he came to the same conclusion that we did that he is made of rather coarse material.

We are glad to learn that our friend H.G. Wheeler now has the appointment and we are sure that he will do up everything in his line to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. And in a gentlemanly manner and not mixed with border ruffianism as the last incumbent was guilty of.

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Bark Shanty is getting to be a smart business place and we look forward to the time when it will be equal in business and size to the now renowned Lexington, for even this year we have a Representative whose business capacity cannot be equaled in the county. And we have three more miles of territory, we have a prospect of the finest dock on the shore and if our place continues to progress it will not be long before we shall send a man from here to fill the Presidential chair and it may be our present representative. So much for the B.S. Times.

February 19th, 1857

Independent in everything.

We noticed in the last number of the Leader, that notable sheet, a communication from someone who styles himself a Republican-Julius Ceaser-What an outburst of indignation. The perpetrator of that article we think would make a good fish monger or a swine herdsman. “No respectable person here reads the thing or pays any attention to it”. How wonderful and respectful the correspondent of the leader is, I wonder if he is as nice about what he drinks, eh. Talk about respectability. No doubt it would be an advantage to be elevated a peg or two in that line. It is an old and we think true saying that  “the wounded bird flutters”. Perhaps the leader’s republican has been hit. Would it not be a joke if he is among the number that has escaped from Canada, for “their country’s good.” Truly he will make a flourish yet in the literary world if he survives his maiden essay.

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He is going to go-Scarcely had we recovered from the panic occasioned by the intelligence of the mysterious disappearance of Mead’s turkey, when we are again appalled by the lamentable tidings that our gifted townsman, Lewis S. Daniels is about to leave us.

It has been truly said that “misfortune comes not singly but in battalions” and it is well verified in our case.

Tis but a little while since we fondly imagined that we should still continue to enjoy the light emitted by our worthy pastor, Mr. Black, but we esteemed him too lightly, therefore he was taken from us and we are left in darkness.

But even this gloomy as it was, was eclipsed by the loss of the turkey. We all grieve this deeply, through sympathy for Mr. Mead, but the loss falls with stunning force upon him. Doubtless he often beguiled his leisure hours with bright anticipation of the time, when divested of his feathery coat, the turkey should be carried in state to the banquet table, there to return in sweeter form the corn and other dainties which he had in his life received.

If the departure of Lewis S. Daniels is not such a heavy loss as this, yet it is one that we shall feel keenly. No more shall the school house echo with the thrilling strains of Divine music, for none so well as he could execute Ortonville, Boylston and other similar productions.

So great a genius is he that in the earlier stages of Bark Shanty history he constructed a mill for the purpose of sawing stove wood and strange as it may seem he induced the wind to turn it, and with great success. We are assured on good authority that the wind, Lewis and his brother in twenty hours sawed the enormous amount of ¼ cord of wood.

Rejoice-We have been asked a number of times lately where is turkey. For the information of all we would state that Turkey may be found in the southeastern part of the continent of Europe.

February 19th, 1857

Correspondent to the Bark Shanty Times.

Mr. Editor:

Sir: In reviewing the past history of our village and its inhabitants we have every reason to feel proud of our progress. Seven years ago the stately pines, those giant monarchs of our woods occupied the place on which our village now stands, in all their primeval grandeur. But they like thousands before them have gone down to the (saw) dust from whence they sprung and left in the shape of stumps an evidence of their former greatness.

 The steam engine, that great civilizer of our race has raised its voice amongst us and declares that pine shall be no more. And that mighty voice must and will be heard, for the day is nigh at hand when the produce of our soil will be required to feed a-grist mill.

For the information of your numerous readers, I give the following according to the last census taken in our village,

No. of inhabitants 164, Houses 34, Stores 6, Wholesale store 1, Sawmills 1, Blacksmith shops 2, Carpenter shops 1, Cooperages 2, Taverns 2, Gunsmiths 1,

Schools 1, Shoemakers 2, Jewelers 1 and 5 places where whiskey is sold and two places where they---.

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So you now perceive that the growth of our village is without precedent.

February 20th, 1857

Notice- We have learned that the party to be held at the Erskine House (tavern) this evening will go off and we presume in good style as Miles Watrous the king of fiddlers is the musician. And, also the fare is reduced to one dollar.

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Imposition-Our friend H.G. Wheeler, who resides here in our village and is a good mechanic and by the way quite a genius as he can turn his hand to almost anything in the line of mechanism. He can build a boat, make a gun or frame a mill & all in a workmanlike manner. The said Wheeler is working gunsmithing this winter and has turned out some fine rifles as well as repairing many more. In almost every village there are a number of hangers on loafers about-lazy devils that don’t work themselves and are not willing to let others that are disposed to.

There is just such a set hanging about Wheeler’s shop, to his great annoyance and injury. Able bodied, lazy, corn fed set that might better be earning an honest dollar. And if they have no work to do let them call at the office of the Times and we will set them to work.

February 21st, 1857

We are glad this morning to see that we have good sledding. Snow fell yesterday and last night, about six inches. Business is a little more brisk. We are in hopes of seeing the No 1 shingles coming in today in numbers.

We learned by the sound of the heavy tramp of many feet last night that the party at Erskines went off for the noise disturbed us much. Whether there were any bones broke or not we have not heard.

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For the information of the writer of the above we are informed that the shank bone of a ham was broke. Correction-We are assured that the party did not go off till 5 o’clock this morning and not last night as stated above.

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Review of the markets-Corrected occasionally for the Bark Shanty Times. Shingles-This article is in fair demand but the supply is rather short. They are quoted at a barrel of flour per 4 thousand. Sellers have a great shave on them. Barrels remain firm and are likely to remain so until warm weather sets in. Guns-sales rather slow but a good stock on hand. Whiskey-In good demand for 75 cents per gallon. To parties living at a distance and who get it done up in parcels while the weather remains cold. Beware of spurious articles, none genuine but what is froze. Snow-a considerable fall in this article of late, quoted at 6 inches.

February 23rd, 1857

Our representative, Mr. James Erskine has returned from his field of labor and so far as we have been able to learn he exceeded our most sanguine expectations in the duties imposed on him. He truly looks careworn and fatigued and certainly has done a great work for our place in which I sincerely acquiesced. Altho not my choice at first, still through his zeal for his constituents and the success which has crowned his labors I say “let him that is faithful over a few things be ruler over much”.

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 Why is it that men that are well to do in the world-that have everything that necessity calls for-and more too-that luxury surrounds-and the comforts and temporal things that can make this life desirable-why are they not satisfied-why do they want to add farm to farm and thousands to that they already possess?

 “Can gold buy friendship-as well a man an angel might beget”. There is something in the nature of man that the material things of this world cannot satisfy. Show me the man or woman that is satisfied with what they have or are. We may look forward to a station or situation in life-in the world-and think if we can only attain it and have things as would suit us we would be content it is all we would ask-“But disappointment lurks in many a prize-as bees lurk in flowers-and stings us with success.

February 24th, 1857

Neutral in nothing.

More territory-We now have three miles of the Township of Forester added to our town which gives us a little more than a full town, being if we mistake not some 43 sections. There always is more or less strife in town meetings-one part of the township opposed to the other. We anticipate seeing some excitement in our next annual meeting.

Who shall we run for supervisor this spring? I have always been opposed to the plan of changing town officers every year, but think it decidedly the best policy to re-elect the same officers as long as they tend to their business and give general satisfaction.

Therefore I think we ought to support Mr. James Erskine for supervisor for the coming year as he has as far as we can learn given general satisfaction and is capable and is in as good circumstances to do the duties of the office as anyone we know of.

But our present treasurer we have a different opinion of.  He has given general dis-satisfaction, is too stiff & exalted rather too high by a petty town office. We are sure he cannot run in again and then the question is, who will be our next town treasurer.

February 25th, 1857

To the editor of the Daily Times:

We the citizens of Bark Shanty ought to feel ourselves under a deep obligation to you for the very able and public spirited stand you have taken in commencing our public paper.

Some people will undoubtedly hold the idea that a paper got up in the style and conducted in the manner of the Times can exert no influence over the minds of the community, but it certainly is wrong for no matter in what shape or however humble the garb in which knowledge comes to us we ought to make it welcome.

 Our circumstances (pecuniary I mean) at present are not we are sorry to say, all that could be wished for, but thanks to the liberality of our editor, who with his usual disinterestedness and a strong desire to disseminate that which tends most to elevate his fellow man, he has furnished his paper at so trifling a cost as not to deprive anyone, no matter however humble their means from participating in the benefits equal alike to all. Let each of us then endeavor to aid and encourage him in the laudable effort he has made in opening up a new method of giving expression to our thoughts, of giving publicity to matters hitherto kept hid for want of a proper source of information and of checking wrong and injustice in whatever form it appears.

 We are told that from small beginnings great things arise. May it be applied in your case, is the wish of a                     READER.

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Conservatism-Conservationism-An epurtial characteristic in the institution and principles of any government or community is conservationism and according to the profusion of want of same decides the progress we make, too much being as profitless as too little is dangerous.

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Things look very quiet today and seem more like April than February- Now 7 PM and things have changed, it has turned cold, wind north & looks like snow. Got a letter from our old friend Morris Todd today and amongst other things he tells us the reason why pork is so scarce & dear. It is this that it has been so cold out west that all the seed pork is froze and those that did not freeze shook off their stones last dog days and consequently they have run out of seed.

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We are sorry that our contributor to the Times, J.S.T. (probably John S. Thomson) has been slightly indisposed today and hope he will soon recover and enjoy his usual good health.

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We learn that the Hon Anson E. Chadwick, late a resident of Bark Shanty, has about sold out and takes up his residence in Lexington. We hope he may be of some service and do well. A little more energy would be advantageous.

Thursday, February 26th, 1857

Devoted to all kinds of useful knowledge & advocates the largest liberty.

Times Office  Lot 45  Lake Street  Port Sanilac

(Notice above the first use of the title Port Sanilac)

For the Bark Shanty Times-The markets-Our money market is extremely stringent-very little offered for sale. Exchange is light and balance of trade is rather against us, although the supply is good at present & but little movement in stock exchange. Our imports exceed our exports so far, sugars are very wet and heavy and teas are of moderate quality. Cotton has advanced 1/8 cent and supply good. Pork, our market is bear and lean, butter is very strong, whiskey is liquid again since the weather has moderated. Shingles are very light & thin & rather a poor supply-notwithstanding holders are firm and expect big prices. Hay, none for sale, cork very light, cordwood in good demand at 10/ and 12/. Sawed lumber the supply not large and the quality not very good. Potatoes all froze--.

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The Hon Mr. Heman Deyoe was in town last night, but left early this morning for his field of labor near Forestville & we wish him well & hope he will have good luck and get a wife.

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February 28th, 1857

Times continue very stringent and money scarce and we may look for no better here until our settlers clear their land and commence raising grain, all they want for their own use & some to sell. But as long as all the provisions used in the community have to be brought here from abroad and the whole county depends on lumbering & making shingles, barrels etc we will be poor as Job’s turkey. But let everyone that has land clear off some if no more than an acre and plant it with corn, potatoes, beans, oats and garden sauce. All that can sow a piece of fall wheat and get in well and then take care of it and a good crop is sure.

Lumbering pays well if it is carried on well. But to make this part of our country any way desirable for a residence, we want good roads, cultivated fields, good buildings, orchards and so on and in time such a state of things may be seen here, but usually the first generation passes away before.