- Featured History Subject -

The Trombley House (1837 - Present)
Veterans Memorial Park, Bay City

The Trombley House is 168 years old, and that in itself is remarkable. What is also remarkable about Bay City’s oldest building is that was able to survived over 140 years of private ownership until the Bay County Historical Society was able to take control of its future in 1981.

It’s hard to believe the Trombley House ever looked better than its does today. The society has done much to make the old homestead what it use to be when it was known as the Centre House. Their hard work certainly shines out, especially when you compare the looks and features of the house today versus the condition that it was in when they moved it across the river by barge from its original location between Lafayette and 24th street to Veterans Memorial Park, where it could be preserved and become accessible to the public.

Joseph

Mader

I’m sure Joseph and Mader Trombley, the brothers who built this frame house, never thought it would be around this long. They certainly didn’t have that longevity in mind when they made making plans in their log-cabin to build a larger building that would accommodate their growing trade with the Indians and new boarding room business. Being the only operation of its kind north of the Saginaw settlement certainly provided the incentive needed to go through all the trouble that building a frame house in a wilderness entailed. They had to have most of their building materials shipped in from Detroit by boat.

The good news is that they did, and the city’s first frame house survived the service it provide for its different owners, and that it now is now available for the public to enjoy. There is no better time to see the Trombley House than during the Christmas Season while it is decor glistens with traditional decorations.

The links below will take you subjects related to Trombley House, including an article on the history of the house and an events calendar where you can check for the Christmas Season activities at the house.

Articles/ {The Remarkable Trombley House}
Calendar / {Community Events}
Maps Library / {Tromble Plat Maps}
Heritage Library /
{Trombley House, Pioneer Christmas}
{Mader Trombley Recalls 60 Years Ago.}
{Trombley House, 100th Anniversary}
{Trombley House, Owner History}
{Tromble Genealogy}
{Residents of Bay County in 1847}
{Joseph Trombley}
{Sarah (Chapoton) Tromble} (Wife of Joseph Trombley)

- Bay-Journal Commentary - by Marvin Kusmierz, Editor

Statistics

Nov. 2005 Visits: 44,979 Pages: 7 YTD 2005 Visits: 353,592 Pages: 170 Since Apr. 2002 Visits: 568,592 Views: 901,941 Pages: 1,012

The Christmas Holiday Season is now underway and in keeping with our long tradition established three years ago, we’re carrying the message of goodwill during the month of December.

Our featured history subject is the Trombley House which has seen Christmas’ come and go for 168 years, and is the scene of some special activities for adults and youngsters during the holiday season. In addition, this history will point you to an article written in 1981 by Eurdine Ringwelski that tells what a Pioneer Christmas was like at the Trombley House when it was owned by the McCormick family. Our Christmas them is also carried in the website being featured this: Nate and Mary Ida Doan Santa House, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth.

I’m sure you’ll also enjoy browsing the pages of our Christmas Remember section where you’ll find some history, music, stories, recipes and lots of images.

May you and you love ones have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday, that is filled with joy.

- Featured Websites -

Featured websites from Bay-Journal's White and Yellow pages directories.

Contact us for a free listing.

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Nate and Mary Ida Doan Santa House
Veterans Memorial Park, Bay City / [Visit Website]

How many cities can you think of that have a Santa Claus House?

If you're having trouble thinking of one outside of Bay City, that's because there's not many that do! Sure you can see Santa's helpers most everywhere you go, but your missing out if you having been to his work shop in Bay City. .

Santa’s special volunteers there have done a marvelous job in helping Santa to get the house ready for this season. Did you know that Santa has about one-third of the displays changed every year? That's so he can make room for some of his new creations. ations.

Whatever your age, whether or not you been there before, you won’t want to miss out on seeing Santa's amazing displays at the Santa House in Bay City.

Visit the Santa House website, then take a peak at the Santa House slide show in the Christmas Remembered section of Bay-Journal for a preview of some of the things you see.

{Christmas Remembered}

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Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.
25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth / [Visit Website]

Almost everyday is Christmas in Frankenmuth thanks to the Wally Bronner, who founded this family owned business in 1945.

The store is open 361 days a year, and it is so huge that it’s impossible to see everything on display in only one day. But, don’t take my word for it. On their website click the “About” link then look at the “store directory” and see their “slideshow” and decide for yourself.

- Highlighted News & Articles -

Index to Stories: Menu - Click to jump to article. Dec. 31 - Midland-Gladwin Youth Put TWIST Into Red Cross. Dec. 28 - End Near For First Library Building On Bay City's East Side. Dec. 27 - Good Planning Keeps Standish Schools In Good Shape. Dec. 23 - Funding On Completed Historical Projects Comes Up Short. Dec. 23 - Chippewa Indians Claim Sovernity To Portions Of Issabelle Co. Dec. 22 - Good Samaritan Mission And Lions Club Share Christmas Message. Dec. 21 - Smoking Ban In Midland County Being Discussed. Dec. 21 - Salt and Sugar Beet By-Product Effectively De-ices Roads. Dec. 20 - $600 Million Jobs Incentive Tax Cuts Signed. Dec. 18 - Bay County May See Some Economic Progress In 2006. Dec. 18 - The Times Reveals Amazing Retirement “Perk” At Taypayer's Expense! Dec. 17 - "Sizzlin Shiver Fest," in February At Midland. Dec. 15 - Giving Increases As Christmas Draws Closer. Dec. 15 - Dress Code At Saginaw Schools Being Considered For Teachers Too! Dec. 14 - Local Business Has Been Making High Tech Products For 60 Years. Dec. 14 - High School Freshmen May Face Higher Standard in 2006. Dec 13 - Bay City School Board Will Resubmitted Defeated Bond Proposal. Dec. 13 - Legislators Pass Medicaid Whistleblower Bill. Dec. 13 - Two State Representatives Seek Expansion of Home Heating Credit. Dec. 11 - Bay City Considering "What If" Scenarios For Future Revenue Losses. Dec. 11 - Bay City To Host 2006 State History Conference. Dec. 10 - Bay County Salvation Army Needs Donations To Help Needy. Dec. 10 - MBS Internatonal Airport Getting $5.5 Million Radar System. Dec. 10 - Bronze Statue of Jesus To Comemmorate Church's Fifty Years. Dec. 08 - Ceremony Honors 64 Year Old Memory Of Pearl Harbor. Dec. 06 - Bay City Aborts Sewer Contract, But Not Because of Costs. Dec. 05 - Midland & Saginaw To Benefit From State Bridge Repair Program. Dec. 05 - Ground Broken For Wind Enegery Project in Huron County. Dec. 04 - Times May Be Right For Another Bay City Shipbuilder. Dec. 04 - More Questionable Road Commission Spending, But In Saginaw! Dec. 03 - Bay City Commission To Consider Dumping Current Sewer Contract. Dec. 02 - Carolers Open Holiday Season At Dow Gardens. Dec. 01 - Senator Levins Reads Dr. Seuss To Young Consitutents. News Icons: Regional National World B-J Article Updated Online News Sources: Bay City Times Bay-Journal Headline News Michigan News (Michigan.gov) MichigansThumb (Huron Co.) Midland Daily News My Bay City (Local articles) Pioneer Times (Tuscola Co.) Saginaw News Bay County Courts: December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 Other B-J Resources: {Articles} {Events} {Forum} {Photos} (Tourist)

Opinion Column: Thinking Out Loud! December 4, 2005 You Can Have Your Holiday, I'll Keep My Christmas! - by Marvin Kusmierz November 1, 2005 Bankruptcy Signals the Need for Change. - by Michelle Krueger

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Please note: The featured news is an editorial service for our viewers. Its primarily focus is on local stories appearing in various public news sources. The headline and brief description for each story is prepared by the editor of Bay-Journal. Refer to the "Online Local/National News Sources" listing for additional news coverage.

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^ Dec. 31 - Midland-Gladwin Youth Put TWIST Into Red Cross.

MIDLAND: Teens Working Interactively Showing Teamwork (TWIST) are ready to provide a helping hand to the local Red Cross whenever there is a need for volunteers. The TWIST group is made up of students from grades 6 - 12. Each grade has its own board and meets monthly.

Full story: [Dec. 31: Tony Lascari] - Midland Daily News

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^ Dec. 28 - End Near For First Library Building On Bay City's East Side.

BAY CITY: The historic Central Library will come to an January, and a new chapter if the library's life will begin with the opening of the Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library, which is a block north of the old building on Center Avenue. When the building that housed the Central Library opened in 1922 it was the first one erected on the east side of the river for a library, ending a period of over 50 years during which the library operated out of temporary quarters that included the sheriff's office, city hall and several commercial buildings. The old building has been purchased by the Thumb National Bank and Trust for opening a new banking office.

Full story: [Dec. 28: Karly Satkowiak] - The Bay City Times
History reference: Heritage/Groups/ [Bay County Library System]

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^ Dec. 27 - Good Planning Keeps Standish Schools In Good Shape.

STANDISH: School systems struggling with financial problems may want to look at the Standish-Sterling Community School system for an example of how to manage a sound educational system. For decades the system has been tightly managed setting aside money for future needs without effecting the quality of education for its students. The success of this approach is based on maintaining constant control over budgets, continuous reevaluation of future needs, and avoiding expenditures that may be desirable but offer little direct value to the education of students.

Full story: [Dec. 27: Helen Lounsbury] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 23 - Funding On Completed Historical Projects Comes Up Short.

BAY CITY: The Bay County Historical Society is in need of some quick cash to help me its debt obligations as donations supporting two major projects have been less than expected. A costly new roof on the historic Trombley house was essential to preserved the old pioneer homestead that is over 160 years old, and a new Bay County history and educational display was opened in April. Donations are being sought help pay off the loan that was required to compensate contractors.

Full story: [Dec. 23: Scott E. Pacheco] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 23 - Chippewa Indian Tribe Files Suit Against Michigan For Land.

DETROIT: The Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe wants the land they were promised over two hundred years ago by two 1800s treaties. The land today is comprised of six townships in Isabella County.

Full story: [Dec. 23: David Shepardson] - The Detroit News

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^ Dec. 22 - Good Samaritan Mission And Lions Club Share Christmas Message.

BAY CITY: The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission and Essexville-Hampton Lions Club teamed up to share the Christmas message of goodwill and help with fifty-three children and their families on Wednesday.

Full story: [Dec. 22: Patti Brandt] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 21 - Smoking Ban In Midland County Being Discussed.

MIDLAND: A public hearing was hosted yesterday by the Midland County Health Department on proposed clean air regulatons for Midland County. The topic of discussion was a smoking ban on businesses within the county except for bars and restaurants.
-- Editorial comment: It should not be the business of government to create laws that constrain the "legal choices" of any segment of society. The constitution is designed to protect the rights of every citizen from being controlled by majority opinion.

Full story: [Dec. 21: Kathie Marchlewski] - Midland Daily News

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^ Dec. 21 - Salt and Sugar Beet By-Product Effectively De-ices Roads.

BAY CITY: A sugar beet by-product is catching on as a better de-icing agent for roads that reduces the amount of salt required and saving money.

Full story: [Dec. 21: Jeff Kart] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 20 - $600 Million Jobs Incentive Tax Cuts Signed.

LANSING: Governor Granholm signs legislation that will provide $600 million in business tax breaks designed to help create jobs by providing incentives to businesses investing in Michigan.

Full story: [Dec. 20: Michigan Newswire] - Michigan.gov

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^ Dec. 18 - Bay County May See Some Economic Progress In 2006.

BAY COUNTY: Dave Rogers, reporter for MyBayCity.com sees some opportunities for progress locally during 2006. He cites the expansion at Monitor's industrial park, a consolidation of area state departments into a central office in Bay City, and a number of other items already in the works. Another subject that Dave has written about recently is on the the history of ghosts in Bay City's past which he has published as a book at a price most everyone can afford.

Full story: [Dec. 18: Dave Rogers] - MyBayCity.com
Dave's new book: [Ghosts, Crimes & Urban Legends.] - MyBayCity.com

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^ Dec. 18 - The Times Reveals Amazing Retirement “Perk” At Taypayer's Expense!

BAY CITY: Yet another story from The Bay City Times pertaining to the questional use of taypayers money. This time its about an unusal quirk that increased the retirement pay of a former employee by 60 percent!

Full story: [Dec. 18: Steve Neavling] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 17 - "Sizzlin Shiver Fest," in February At Midland.

MIDLAND: A winter festival with chain-saw ice sculpturing, "fire-ice" shows and cross-country skiers being pulled by dogs through downtown Midland, will take place Feb. 10-11. If you would like to volunteer to help with this fun event, call 989-839-8433.

Full story: [Dec. 17: Cheryl Wade] - Midland Daily News

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^ Dec. 15 - Giving Increases As Christmas Draws Closer.

BAY CITY: Many charities has a concern during the first part of the Christmas season as donations were down, but as Christmas draws nearer donations have increased substantially. It appears the spirit of Christmas is alive and doing well inspite of the present difficult economic times.

Full story: [Dec. 15: David Crary, AP] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 15 - Dress Code At Saginaw Schools Being Considered For Teachers Too!

SAGINAW: What's good for the goose is good for the gander according to the Saginaw Board of Education. After establishing a new dress code for students that will be effective in January, the board is now turning its attention to addressing a more stringent dress code for teachers and staff members.

Full story: [Dec. 15: Corey Mitchell] - The Saginaw News

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^ Dec. 14 - Local Business Has Been Making High Tech Products For 60 Years.

BAY CITY: Carbone of America's Ultra Carbon Division will be investing $2.5 million dollars to add 12,500 square feet to its facilities located at 900 Harrison street. The expansion will add 10-15 new jobs. The company is one of only a few around the world with its unique capabilities to precision machine, purify and coat graphite required by companies involved in electronics, glass, aerospace and other industries. The company's strength has been its ongoing commitment to employ leading edge technologies to produce advanced graphite materials.

Full story: [Dec. 14: Patti Brandt] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 14 - High School Freshmen May Face Higher Standard in 2006.

LANSING: Michigan's State Board of Education unanimously approved a higher standard of education for high school graduates clearing the way for the Michigan's Executive and Legislative branches to enact complementary legislation.

Full story: [Dec 13: Michigan Newswire] - Michigan.gov

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^ Dec 13 - Bay City Public School Board Will Resubmit Defeated Bond Proposal.

BAY CITY: School board members approved putting the same bond proposal on the ballot this coming May 2nd that was previously defeated by voters on November 8th. The proposal amounting to $68.8 million is considered the minimum required to update school facilities to serve the educational needs of students.

Full story: [Dec. 13: Scott E. Pacheco] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 13 - Legislators Pass Medicaid Whistleblower Bill.

LANSING: A bill designed to take fraud out of the Michigan's Medicare program is on its way to Gov. Granholmn for signing. The bill provides legal protection along with a financial incentive to encourage individuals to report medicaid practices that may be fraudulent, which are estimated to waste up to $800,000 yearly of medicaid funding.

Full story: [Dec 13: Michigan Newswire] - Michigan.gov

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^ Dec. 13 - Two State Representatives Seek Expansion of Home Heating Credit.

LANSING: Representatives Roger N. Kahn of Saginaw Township and Tim Moore of Farwell will push a bill to increase the income level to expand the number of low-income families qualifying for home heating assistance. The costs impact to the state for the new bill has not been calculated.

Full story: [Dec. 13: News Item] - The Saginaw News

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^ Dec. 11 - Bay City Considering "What If" Scenarios For Future Revenue Losses.

BAY CITY: What if state revenue sharing continues to erode or disappear? What if auto industry cut backs include Bay City's GM plant? These "what if" possibilties will be an agenda item at a city commission in January.

Full story: [Dec. 11: Dave Rogers] - MyBayCity.com

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^ Dec. 11 - Bay City To Host 2006 State History Conference.

BAY CITY: Next years River of Time even will be extra special as the Michigan Historical Society has scheduled the State Historical Conference at Bay City to coincide with the event. The conference will be held at the Bay City Double Tree Hotel, September 22-24, 2006, and is expected to be attended by 150-200 history buffs from around the state.

Full story: [Dec. 11: Dave Rogers] - MyBayCity.com

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^ Dec. 10 - Bay County Salvation Army Needs Donations To Help Needy.

BAY CITY: Bad economic times has taken its toll on the Salvation Army of Bay County, which is about $25,000 behind in reaching its goal of $200,000 required to help needy local families and individuals. If you are fortunate to be in better financial shape, it is important to increase the amount you give this year towards helping those who are in need. -- Kettle donations can be made at many local stores, or directly (including non-perishable items) to Bay City Corps, 401 10th St., Bay City, MI 48708.

Full story: [Dec. 10: Pattie Brandt] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 10 - MBS Internatonal Airport Getting $5.5 Million Radar System.

TRI-COUNTIES: MBS International Airport will be getting about $5.5 million from the Federal Aviation Administration towards replacement of airport's radar system which dates to the 1970s. The new system is digital and will give traffic controllers a better view of air traffic and weather conditions.

Full story: [Dec. 10: Jeremiah Stettler] - The Saginaw News

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^ Dec. 10 - Bronze Statue of Jesus To Comemmorate Church's Fifty Years.

SAGINAW: The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Saginaw Township will have a statue this coming spring to mark their 50th anniversary. Dennis L. Dittenber, president of Caterino Builders, Inc. of Thomas Township, has been commissioned to build a ten foot tall replica of Jesus Christ in the image of the good sheppard, which holds a staff in one hand and a lamp in the other arm.

Full story: [Dec. 10: Dean Bohn] - The Saginaw News

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^ Dec. 08 - Ceremony Honors 64 Year Old Memory Of Pearl Harbor.

PEARL HARBOR: Their numbers are fewer than they were one year ago, and many of those still alive will not be here next year. Soon all of their voices will be silent. It will then be the sole responsibility of this generation to honor their sacrifices. To recall the great sacrifice they and other generations made to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. May we have the courage and wisdom to meet the challenges of our day so that the legacy may be preserve for the next generation to carry forward.

Full story: [Dec. 8: William Cole] - HonoluluAdvertiser.com

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^ Dec. 06 - Bay City Aborts Sewer Contract, But Not Because of Costs.

BAY CITY: City commissions followed the recommendation of city manager, Robert V. Belleman, voting 5 to 2 to terminate the city's sewer contract with Liqui-Force Services. However, it wasn't because of their higher costs or performance for work already done under the contract, it was because they never submitted the performance bond guaranteeing which guarantees their work as required by the contract and state law.

Full story: [Dec. 6: Pattie Brandt] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 05 - Midland & Saginaw To Benefit From State Bridge Repair Program.

LANSING: The state of Michigan announced today that an additional $62 million in grants towards repair and rehabilitation of 137 city and county owned bridges, which includes four bridges each in the counties of Midland and Saginaw.

Full story: [Dec. 5: Michigan Newswire] - Michigan.gov

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^ Dec. 05 - Ground Broken For Wind Enegery Project in Huron County.

BAD AXE: The chilly breeze this past Friday's didn't dampen the enthusiam of community leaders, government officials, and businessmen who that gathered for the ground breaking ceremony establishing Michigan's first commercial-scale windpark. Noble Thumb Windpark is located in Ubly is projected to have 32 turbines on 4,700 acres of farmland that is expected to generate 48 megawatts of electricity.

Full story: [Dec. 5: Josh Fahlsing] - The Huron Daily Tribune

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^ Dec. 04 - Times May Be Right For Another Bay City Shipbuilder.

1963: Destroyer Voge launching.

BAY CITY: Dave Rogers, a local writer and historian, believes the opportunity may exist for Bay City to return to its historical roots as a shipbuilding community. He points out that things have changed considerably since Defoe Shipbuilding Company shut down its shipyard in 1977. Today there is a shortage of U.S. builders, and an increasing concern that China's navy will dominate the seas within the next two decades.

Full story: [Dec. 4: Dave Rogers] - MyBayCity.com
Reference: [Defoe Shipbulding Co. History] - Bay-Journal

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^ Dec. 04 - More Questionable Road Commission Spending, But In Saginaw!

SAGINAW: It appears that Bay County isn't alone when it comes to questionable use of tax dollars. The Saginaw News following the lead of its associate, The Bay City Times, did some checking on expenditures of the Saginaw County Road Commission, which resulted in two stinging stories being published in their paper today.

Full story #1: [Dec. 4: Joe Snapper] - The Saginaw News
Full story #2: [Dec. 4: Editorial] - The Saginaw News

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^ Dec. 03 - Bay City Commission To Consider Dumping Current Sewer Contract.

BAY CITY: The Times newspaper has learned city's current sewer contract will be on the agenda during the commissioners meeting on Monday evening which may result in the termination of the current sewer contract the city has with Liquid-Force Services. The city has been under pressure since the Times story of October 29th that questioned the bidding process which has cost the city more for work completed to date.

Full story: [Dec. 3: Patti Brandt] - The Bay City Times

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^ Dec. 02 - Carolers Open Holiday Season At Dow Gardens.

MIDLAND: A joyful crowd enjoy the opening night of caroling at the Annual Christmas Walk in Dow Gardens. Don't fret if you missed it! Another one is planned tonight and again on Saturday.

Full story: [Dec. 2: Tony Lascari] - Midland Daily News

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^ Dec. 01 - Senator Levins Reads Dr. Seuss To Young Consitutents.

CASS CITY: Campbell Elementary School students in the class of Brenda Fulcher had a surprise substitute teacher on Wednesday. Senator Carl Levin took time out from his regular duties to read them a Dr. Seuss book.

Full story: [Dec. 1: Traci Anderson-Weisenbach] - Huron Daily Tribune