Lake Monster or Giant Snake?

Milwaukee [Wisconsin] Sentinel

September 4, 1886

THE SEA MONSTER IN MICHIGAN.

Charlotte, Mich., Sept. 2. – Charlotte is somewhat stirred up over the report that a genuine sea monster exists in the water of Narrow lake, ten miles south of this city. The monster, it is claimed by the habitués of that vicinity, raises itself out of the water on moonlight nights to a height of ten feet and then disappears. Its body is said to be about the size of a stovepipe and its head to resemble that of a serpent. A party is being organized for an investigation.

(Thanks to Jerome Clark for this archival find.)