The little village of Charlevoix was just about complete. Our house was
built just beside the river, not far from the shore, with just room for
a foot path between the house and the river bank. A high hill was on the
other side of us. One night a storm came up with a great tidal wave and
Mr. Cable's house was almost washed away. The whole village turned out
and helped to save the goods. Many of the neighbors had advised him not
to put his house so near the water, but he said he always liked to
"experiment." Next time he built his house farther up the river, several
rods below where now stands the Lewis Opera House. Fishing being good,
those that had not had their nets stolen put them out, catching all the
fish they could take care of. Mr. Cable had a cooper shop which employed
several men. He kept a store, supplying groceries and provisions to the
little village, and having a few dry goods to supply their needs. When
Christmas and New Years came the people had many little parties and took
their dinner together. Many of them employed their time by preparing
their nets and knitting new ones for the next season's fishing. There
was no sickness and all felt very happy and secure from the Mormons, at
least while the winter lasted.