2021.41

Schmiechen, James A.

Donation

11 in

8-1/2 in

SAUGATUCK COMMERCIAL, October 9, 1869 DOUGLAS VILLAGE.--Douglas, named after the great statesman by that name, was founded by Dutcher & Stickney in 1857, who first built a steam sawmill which is now running. The village is in the town of Saugatuck, in this county, and located on the left bank of the Kalamazoo river, just opposite Saugatuck. It contains a population of some six hundred inhabitants, and is beautifully located on a little elevation, which affords a commanding view of the country adjacent. Mr. Densmore has the contract for building a bridge, which, when completed will connect Saugatuck and Douglas an enterprise which will be a mutual benefit to both places. Douglas like its more powerful neighbor and rival, view with 1t in the way of affording educational facilities. It also has a union school building, which from its appearance must have cost some six or more thousand dollars. They have several large tanneries in this place, those of Mr. Gerber and Mr. Perottet being the largest. They employ a large number of hands and manufacture thousands of dollars worth annually, it is located in the midst of a rich farming country; and one advantage which they might have which they enjoy, is that they have no one there who is buying grain. We saw that the usual business transacted in towns of its size was dry goods stores, drug stores, hardware stores, boot and shoe stores, grist mill etc. The trades and professions are all represented. They have a good hotel, kept by W. D. Roberts, formerly of Allegan. Mr. Roberts is also engaged quite largely in the growing of fruit, as is many others. This section is especially adapted to the culture of fruit, and a vast amount of it is being shipped to other points. M. B. Spencer one of the pioneers of this county, lives in Douglas. He keeps the warehouse in Saugatuck and Douglas, and is actively engaged in business. He is firm in the belief that the Democracy will soon be in the ascendency. We had the pleasure of meeting John Kirby, Esq., a former resident of Allegan, a staunch Democrat, and who served with the gallant 13th infantry, and was with General Sherman in his march to the Sea. We did not spend as much time in this place as we would have liked to owing to the pressure of business. They have a fine and good working Masonic lodge in Douglas.