THE "THOMAS FRIANT"

One of the most popular of the small steamers of the Eighties and Nineties was the "THOMAS FRIANT," shown above in 1888, tied up at the Belvedere dock in the upper channel. Obviously a special occasion, the only clue to its meaning would be the presence of the Ithaca K. of P. band, which might possibly have had something to do with the formation of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. 

REFLECTIONS ON OLD RIVER

Originally OLD RIVER, being the channel through which the high waters of Lake Charlevoix flowed into Round Lake, was called THE UPPER RIVER. The new channel stilled the flow of water in THE UPPER RIVER. It was soon referred to as THE OLD RIVER.

THE OLD RIVER was soon almost completely blocked off from the new channel and Round Lake, with old logs rotting in the stagnant water, and its banks overgrown with brush. THE OLD RIVER was being forgotten.

MORE REFLECTIONS ON OLD RIVER

Before many years had passed the Chicago Club was formed. The bed of the river was cleaned and deepened, the river banks cleared of brush. A small bridge was built to the island. Boathouses lined the banks. It was soon a place of tranquil beauty, referred to simply as OLD RIVER.