History of Saginaw county, Michigan; together with ... portraits ... and biographies ... History of Michigan ...

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HISTORY OF SAGINAW COUNTY.

First organization of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Union, September, 1879.
What changes have been effected since these events were first
chronicled are noticed in other pages. The march of progress has
not for a moment been impeded. Commercial, political, religious
and social organization has so advanced that each has risen almost
to that standard which the civilization of our time demands.
LIGHT AND SHADE OF EARLY TIMES.
Among the many stories in circulation, connected with pioneer
times, a few have been handed down through the press. That
there is every reason to believe them is conceded, and as they
tend to give a good idea of the habits, customs and manners of
the early settlers of Saginaw county, as it was known previous to
1857, they are given in these pages.
THE LOCAL FTSHERMEN.
Among the pioneers of Lower Saginaw were Julius B. Hart and
George Lord. Both gentlemen were the proprietors of fisheries
on the bay shore, and carried on their fishing operations within a
short distance of each other, where, in proper season of the year,
they caught and shipped to Detroit and other pa)ints the results
of their endeavors, often realizing large amounts of money in
successful seasons, and at other times resulting in "fisherman's
luck " generally. Both enjoyed, and each knew how to give and
take a joke.
One cold bright morning in the fall of 18-, the two met near
the foot of Third street, and after passing the time of day, turned
to separate, when Iart exclaimed, l By the way, Lord, I'd nearly
forgotten; I was down to the shore this morning, and Joe (Lord's
foreman at the fishery) told me to tell you that the fish were running like blazes, and lie wanted you to send him down a lot of
dressers [men to dress and pack fish], salt and barrels." LThunder!" shouted Lord, Is that so?" and away he sped to pick up all
the adepts in dressing fish he could find, and in an hour his large
boat was loaded with fish barrels, salt and men, and ready to start
for the shore, with Lord along to enjoy the rich harvest in prospect
awaiting him. Just as the boat was shoved away from the dock
to start on her trip, Hart came hurriedly to the dock with, " Hold
on, Lord; I've just heard from the shore again; the fish have
stop ped running, and Joe don't want anything more than lie's got."
Lord saw that he was sold, the boat was hauled to tle dock and
unloaded, and with vengeance in his eye, Lord went home. Weeks
passed by, and the joke was almost forgotten by those who had
enjoyed a hearty laugh at Lord's expense. Not so with the chief
victim, however. Tlis opportunity came at last. The saloon in
the basement of the Wolverton House was the fashionable resort
of that day, and looking in at the door one afternoon, Lord esp ied