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GIFTS AND LOANS, JUNE, 1908-JUNE, 1909

Three books, presented by Mrs. John Clear, Lansing, Mich.

Newspaper, October 20, 1883, presented by Dr. Von Rosenberg, Lansing, Mich. Calash bonnet, worn by Gen. Macomb's daughter, Mrs. Rucker of Grosse Isle, loaned by Mrs. Ferrey.

Glass door knob and picture from John Rucker's home on Grosse Isle-the house is now in ruins-loaned by Mrs. Ferrey.

Ink stand brought from Scotland, used about 1758, and a candy heart bought in Jackson in July, 1862, presented by George Mower, Lansing, Mich.

Tea caddy and several old bills (fractional currency), presented by Mrs. Lottie Mower, Lansing, Mich.

Card receiver, Pearl Pope, Coldwater, Mich.

Two pictures, Mr. and Mrs. Elder, old residents of Lansing, presented by their daughter, Mrs. Perry, Lansing, Mich.

Six books, presented by Judge Patterson, Marshall, Mich.

A runlet and a pewter whale-oil lamp, presented by Miss Burr, Grand Ledge, Mich.

Picture of Judge Long, presented by A. C. Chapin, Lansing, Mich.

Four mineral specimens, presented by C. E. Davis, Marcellus, Mich.

Post card, with Declaration of Independence written on it, presented by A. G. Carr, Nashville, Mich.

Brown pitcher, very old, white glass spoon holder, presented by Mrs. Mary E. Bascom Henry, Albion, Mich.

Large Indian basket, belonged to Mrs. W. G. Wiley, presented by Mrs.. T. L. P. Miles, Lansing, Mich.

Piece of lace work, 22 by 30 inches, framed-design, American eagle and flags, made by Mrs. Delphine Miller and loaned by her to the Society. It is valued at $1,000.

Trammel and andirons presented by Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Smith, Haslett Park,

Mich.

Two vases, presented by Mrs. Reiley, Lansing, Mich.

Picture of John Okemos, son of Chief Okemos, and a spectacle case, loaned by W. L. Cheney, Mason, Mich.

Brochure, "White Pigeon," presented by the Ladies Alba Columba Club, White Pigeon, Mich.

Bible which belonged to Jesse Crowell, presented by Mrs. Smith Chatfield, Albion, Mich.

Commission, dated July 4, 1820, signed by Dewitt Clinton, presented by H. N. Rowley, Albion, Mich.

Picture of Miss Emily Ward, given by Marine City Women's Clubs.

Eight Continental bills and 107 foreign coins, presented by Major J. W. Harrar, Deputy State Treasurer.

Two iron bake dishes given by Mrs. Leonora Kimball, Detroit, Mich.
Piano case melodeon, presented by Mary L. Barnes, Duluth, Minn.
Bronze replica of Gov. Mason, presented by Hon. Daniel McCoy.
Mosaic jewelry, presented by Mrs. Mary Clarkson, Lansing, Mich.

Book, by Alonzo Thompson, Delhi township, presented by E. A. Calkins, Mason, Mich.

Prohibition handkerchief, with temperance lessons, loaned by Tim. Miles, Lansing, Mich.

First prayer in Congress, 1776, embroidered and framed about 1882, presented by Sarah Brisbin, Lansing, Mich.

Several very valuable pieces of china and pottery, four very old books, tin candle stick and snuffers, presented by Mrs. Palmyra Hahn, Leslie, Mich., collected by

Mrs. Ferrey.

Basket made by Menominee Indians, presented by Col. Michael Harris, Harrisville, Mich.

Chopping knife made about 1800, presented by Mrs. Becker and daughter, Leslie,

Mich.

Railroad bank bill, framed, and autograph letter of Gen. U. S. Grant, presented by George Sidman, Philadelphia, Pa.

Epaulette, loaned by Fred. Hadrich, Lansing, Mich.

Bread dish, very old, presented by Mrs. John S. Hicks, Tecumseh, Mich.

Flail, presented by William Foster, Lansing, Mich., who made and used it on his farm in Delta township fifty-two years.

Cup and saucer with Stewart coat-of-arms, handed down for 200 years, loaned by a member of the Stewart family, Albion, Mich.

A photograph of Mr. Augustus Porter Gardner, one of the first pioneers of Albion, presented by his daughter, Mrs. Gale.

Two copper luster vases, brought from the State of New York, 1865, loaned by Mrs. William Henry, Albion, Mich.

TREASURER'S REPORT.

Annual report of the treasurer of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society from May 29, 1908, to the close of business May 30, 1909:

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July 13th, Florence S. Babbitt (agreement regarding china)

100 00

Sept. 11th, Refund for express money (Mrs. Ferrey). . . . . .

10 00

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Balance on hand at close of business June 1, 1909

$964 51

$100.00 additional in special fund.

Respectfully submitted,

B. F. DAVIS,
Treasurer.

MIDWINTER MEETING AT FLINT, JANUARY 25 AND 26, 1910

The fifth midwinter meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church at Flint, January 25th and 26th, 1910. The program was carried out with few changes. Rev. Seth Reed made the opening prayer. The music throughout the meeting was of a high character, consisting of instrumental and vocal, and also the Victor Victrola operated by Mrs. Wisner, wife of Judge Wisner of Flint. The sign recitations by pupils from the School for the Deaf and Dumb were exceedingly interesting, evincing much study and thought. In the absence of Mayor Selby, City Attorney Homer J. McBride delivered the address of welcome.

It was to be regretted that Mrs. J. W. Begole was unable to be present to second this greeting. The response by President C. M. Burton expressed appreciation of the interest shown by the citizens of Flint, and displayed his familiarity with all matters of history. The thoughtful and scholarly paper on Michigan Early Emigration by W. V. Smith of Flint followed.

Reminiscences were indulged in by John R. Benson and other pioneers from the townships of Genesee County. Mr. Benson's home is at Mt. Morris. He came into the county in 1840 when two years old. The Pere Marquette railroad cuts into his farm on its way between Mount Morris and Clio. He particularly called attention to the skill and ingenuity acquired by the pioneers to provide their necessary tools and furniture, or adapt themselves to the urgency of conditions. Manufactories were unknown, stores merely trading posts, and nearly everything bore the stamp of being homemade. The scarcity of money made barter and exchange about the only way of doing business.

President Willson read a letter from A. C. Lyon of Chicago, a former recorder and abstract business man of Flint. Dr. Burr of the Oakgrove Asylum made a motion to instruct Secretary H. R. Pattengill to send a telegram to Hon. Thomas W. Palmer whose eightieth birthday occurred January 25th, 1910.

It was very gratifying to see so many of the old pioneers present from the county, fully one hundred of whom listened to the papers, and at the close of the session remained to greet each other and recall old times. A number of portraits and early pictures had been collected, which were hung or displayed in the church parlors. These were largely from the collections of F. H. Rankin to whom is due many thanks for his interest and assistance.

The program for the evening was opened by a vocal solo by Miss

Anna Louise Gillies of Flint, accompanied by Miss Mabel Green, pianist. An address was given by Henry R. Pattengill, the keynote of which was Emerson's sentiment, "The best servant of the republic is one who knows its past, foresees its future, lives in its present, and is ready for the next step." He deplored the neglect of teaching the rising generation the history of our State, proving the lessons from it are fully as practical and valuable as those drawn from the dark ages or medieval times. Loyalty and wisdom were in Austin Blair, as well as in Cromwell, and as much knowledge gained from modern heroes and Peter White as from Peter the Hermit. Michigan boys and girls should be masters of the biographies and historical events of our State. Pontiac, his wigwam village and pilgrimages through Michigan should be studied; old Detroit with its quaint French customs and characters printed on memory as plainly as treasured in books; the Toledo War and its origin, early improvements, early privations and other features of our history should be studied and digested and Douglas Houghton's valuable and romantic life made familiar. The great men in judicial, executive and civil life should be read and remembered. In this way one would be able to foresee the future. He empathically declared that foreseeing was not prophesying but the larger vision coming from knowledge and experience. The ability to foresee the future is the best guide to present actions. Mr. Pattengill's earnest, forceful, and eloquent remarks brought a hearty response from the audience.

After another solo by Miss Gillies, James V. Barry, Michigan Commissioner of Insurance, gave an address on how the State lost in artificial property and national resources by imperfect fire restrictions. Comparison of losses to the disparagement of the United States was made with Europe, the former amounting to $3.02 per capita, and the latter running as low as thirty cents. The American people had no realization of the prevention of fires but excelled in appliances to allay their destructiveness. In Prussia an alarm of fire in a dwelling was given, and the fire was soon extinguished, but the builder was called into the fire-marshal's court and made to report the cause, which was from a defective stove. For this he was fined and imprisoned. Insurer and insured alike are interested in just such stringent regulations which should become part of the statutory laws of Michigan.

Hon. Lawton T. Hemans gave an eloquent tribute to Michigan standing at the verge of her seventy-third birthday. "If the history of the past and its wonderful discoveries and achievements has been gratifying, no less so are the promises of the future. We should say, and see to it, that 'the best is yet to be.'" He extolled historical work and its great value to the State, whose standing army were the pioneers and their work. He asserted that the founding of the pioneer home required as

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