In 1867, J.B. Sutherland, hailing from Detroit, Michigan, designed an improvement to the innovative Reefer Car (Refrigerated Railroad Car). The innovation allowed farmers to ship food through the nation, preserving freshness. Before this time, folks could only enjoy locally grown food. The cars would hold a block of ice to keep the food cool on … More J.B. Sutherland and the Reefer car
A new series previewing biographies of prominent and popular residents of Belding’s past. He was the youngest of four brothers. As a teen, Alvah worked at neighboring farms to earn money. There he earned 12.5 cents per day. Wanting to advance his earnings, he started working for W.W. Root & Brothers in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, selling … More Belding Biographies: Alvah N. Belding (1802-1925)
The election of 1876 would prove to be the closest in US history. Rutherford B. Hayes (Republican) and Samuel J. Tilden (Democrat) were both known for their stout integrity and opposition to political corruption. On the night of the election, Hayes went to bed early because he realized he would not win the election. But … More The election of 1876
Here is a link to an article, written in 2018, but still good. It is about a timeline of how voting changed over time in the United States. In my readings, I often come across stories of fraudulent voting practices in the 1800s. So, I searched this topic and found the article. Rather than re-blog … More History of Voting in US
Notes from a round table I attended at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/ in 2000. Before 1794 colonists’ used British weapons because they brought their standard issue with them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_military_rifles#Brunswick_rifle French allied with colonists and gave them their rifle. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_rifle 1794 US called for arsenals to store weapons. 1795 US cloned … More Evolution of US Military Rifles
A new series on Belding History as told in the newspaper archives. Belding is Growing March 3, 1906 Belding is Growing. Great demand for houses in the Silk city. Never in the History of the City Were Houses so Scarce. Good chance for man of Cash to Invest. Belding is growing fast these days… Mentioned … More Belding History: Belding is Growing
River Ridge Cemetery, located 1.4 miles north of Belding, Michigan, was formed on November 27, 1905, by the newly formed cemetery association. The group met at John Cooper’s home to discuss plans. The wanted to build the cemetery for the community of Belding. In April of 1906, they officially met to organize and find ways … More River Ridge Cemetery
A city so fair, whose residents so true, Delight to tell people far and near The beauties of their hustling city here. For on Flat river’s hilly banks she stands, And sends her products to most distant lands; At home, abroad, in Italy, France and Spain, In inland marts and on the raging Main. From … More Mary Wilson Belding and Her Family
In 1836, George W Dickinson erected a sawmill near a creek, later named after him. Michigan was not a state yet because it needed a certain amount of settlers to live in the territory. Michigan was short these numbers. Advertisements went up all over New York to entice folks to relocate to Michigan to boost … More Kiddville
