Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

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P'IONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

EARLY DAYS IN LANSING.
By DR. F. N. TURNER, North Lansing.
It is appropriate in meetings of this kind to present something
we think will be of interest to those present. In pioneer meetings
we always hear historical subjects-something pertaining to the
past. We are apt to write or relate some of our personal history,
some of our impressions-something of how certain events that
transpired in the past impressed us and shaped our lives. Impressions received in our younger days are very lasting, and we
like to review them and with a judgment of mature years to recall
them.
This is a human trait, for even among barbarous nations and
semi-civilized tribes they have their story tellers and sages. In
order to tell you something about the early days of Lansing, the
city of my birth, my home during my boyhood and the residence
of my mature years, I will have to take you with me and try to
show you what the city was fifty-five years ago.
Let us take a walk and describe some things we see, locate some
spots that are now covered with buildings and factories suited to
an up-to-date Capital City. We will start at Franklin street
bridge, North Lansing. The time some day in May, 1864. The
bridge is built of wood and from the beams and floor extends an
upright framework of 2 x 8 planks, in the form of a lattice work.
Where the planks cross are wooden pins inserted to hold them
together, and this lattice work extends across the top binding the
whole into a firm structure. These two frames separate the foot
walk on each side from the main driveway in the center, and help
to brace and strengthen the beams below. This was an up-to-date
bridge in those days.
On the south side, as we go west, we notice a log house and large
frame barn in the rear. This house is the only log house left in
this vicinity, and is occupied by Mr. Van Gorder.
In the barn he keeps a mule of the masculine gender that voices
his plaint for green fields and clover pasture. Some passing ladies do not recognize the voice of this animal and stop to make
inquiries.