Early
Memories of
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company;
CHARLES E.
BIRD
The son of Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Bird, on preceding page, is Charles E. Bird, who
now holds the distinction of being the longest on the job at one business and
one location in Saugatuck. Fifty-nine years on the same corner.
Mr.
Bird came with his parents in 1866, having been born in
In his youth he worked
in several mercantile firms and in 1874 he bought the C. A. Ensign drug
business where he served apprenticeship. O. R. Johnson, one time lumber king, financed
him in the enterprise.
In 1876 he was united in
marriage with Miss Hattie Wright, daughter of Dr. E. B. Wright, pioneer
physician.
For fifteen years he was
more or less interested in Boat business, being of the firm of
Mr. Bird well remembers
when Saugatuck was a booming lumber town, with nine saw mills, a grist mill,
shingle mills, and when schooners plied up and down the river carrying lumber. Then came the great peach era, followed by the resort and tourist
business.
Mr. Bird has always been
a foremost booster for the town and enjoys the respect of everyone.
He is a Republican, and
was an ardent supporter of
Of the seven children
born to this couple five are living. Carl, Gary, John, Hazel
and Elita. Helen died in infancy and Harry in
an accident, in his young manhood.
Mr. Bird is about to
retire and will be succeeded at the Bird's Corner Drug Store by his son, John.