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Newspaper
The Alma Record
Location
Alma, Michigan, United States of America
Date
Aug 05, 1908
Page
6
The article highlights Elwell as a developing neighbor to Alma on the western edge, emphasizing its shift toward thrift and farming industries as a new center of regional activity. It notes growing commerce, cooperative farms, and small business formation driving local prospects.
Elwell four miles west of Alma on the P M railroad hosts a busy rural hub with under 100 residents and 50 homes. Fronted by two general stores a hardware shop a meat market blacksmith and a growing telephone company the town also features a post office church district school and a sanitarium. Notable figures include J F Hilsinger of Hilsinger Mercantile Company along with local leaders J S Phillips R Almstead and J Slingluff who run major businesses and oversee the post office. Dr. Mac Lachlan, a physician and early sanitarium founder, has built a lasting medical practice backed by physiological therapeutics and community generosity.
For over 25 years a town pump on Elwell main street near Pugsley’s store has supplied excellent water from a well sunk by Chas Whelps. A steady stream has flowed since its depth was found, attracting thousands of visitors and locals who come to taste the nectar from the famous well.
The Maccabees and the Giraners maintain large fraternal lodges in Elwell. Twelve years ago the Mac cabees acquired the old Grange hall and moved it to the village. It has been fitted inside as a lodge building measuring 7 by 30 feet and often serves as a public venue.
The Elwell region is a wealthy farming belt with fine farms adjoining the town. Land values reach up to 75 dollars per acre, and some properties are said to be unavailable. A dozen families form the core of Elwell’s growth, including the Hilsinger, Lathrop, Phelps, Slingluff, Pugsley, Mac Lachlan and Miller households.
The old building used as a schoolhouse remains standing and is now a barn owned by Geo Tafft. Forty years ago Hellsinger family lived on one side while the other housed a district school taught by Miss Alice Hilsinger. The Methodist Episcopal church is the town's only church with Rev Hart of St Louis filling the pulpit as part of his circuit duties.
An district school in Elwell reports regular attendance of 60 or more pupils and solid management by trustees. After expenses, $800 remained in the treasury at the recent annual meeting, and the present schoolhouse, built 35 years ago by "Uncle Ike" Helsinger, remains in excellent condition.
Miss Aubrey Layman resumes duties at Elwell Telephone exchange after a three month layoff due to quinsy. The wheat crop is strong with many yielding up to 45 bushels per acre, while rye appears light and shorter grain may tighten supplies. Gan Covell of Traverse City spoke on Congress from the district. Elwell hosts noting sentiment for Frank Doilds. Dr McLachlan visited the Hilsinger family in St Bonis. I P Taylor plans a new two story cement block building to house a market and general store, Taylor a former farmer. Gen Clerk works on cement blocks for the project.
Advertises ladies shirt waists described as dainty and stylish, plus a range of patent oxford shoes for ladies and men. Mens pants and gun metal oxfords listed with prices from 1.00 to 3.50, including patent leather options and regular values.
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