Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Death of William Mager: Courier story!
Dusty D has been editing her book all. daaaaaay. Since 7 this morning and I'm not done yet. Well, not editing, really, but doing stuff like putting captions in (wrote 50 captions today for pix) and format stuff and so on. Making sure everything is absolutely perfect and correct; deadline is tomorrow. Anyways, maybe you'd like to read my latest Courier story! It's a pretty dark one, be warned. Dusty D was pretty much in a funk for some time after I wrote it. Here it is.
Wednesday Mystery Spot
Fool that I am, I thought that the Thompson Building's being cut to a mere sliver on the right would be sufficient to baffle eagle-eyed readers in this westward view from Cross Street hill.
You'd think I would have learned by now.
No fewer than 4 people instantly guessed this view, with Dan Duchene past the finish line first, closely followed by Building Place, BF, and cmadler. So I have to level up my game this week!
Instead of sliver-clues from existing buildings, let's see if kind readers can suss out this mysterious building. At least three different firms occupied it over the years, and later there was a gas station on the spot, in the 30s. The site is near that of a famous unsolved, and tragic, murder. ALl righty, that's as far as I'm going with clues! Take your best guess!
You'd think I would have learned by now.No fewer than 4 people instantly guessed this view, with Dan Duchene past the finish line first, closely followed by Building Place, BF, and cmadler. So I have to level up my game this week!
Instead of sliver-clues from existing buildings, let's see if kind readers can suss out this mysterious building. At least three different firms occupied it over the years, and later there was a gas station on the spot, in the 30s. The site is near that of a famous unsolved, and tragic, murder. ALl righty, that's as far as I'm going with clues! Take your best guess!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
December Ann Arbor Observer: Elijah Pilcher, Itinerant Methodist Preacher
God willin' and the creek don't rise, my story about itinerant Methodist "circuit rider" preacher Elijah Pilcher will be in the December Ann Arbor Observer. That's worth a subscription right there. :D
He was a driven man who did not have too high of an opinion of the pioneers he preached to, nor of the rude log-cabin, bed-buggy accomodations they kindly offered him, not having anything better, on his route.
I seem to gravitate over and over to these stories of vinegary, difficult, grouchy, obstreperous people. Brain echo: 'Some say that every artwork is a self-portrait.'
Hmmmmm.....bah, "some" don't know what they're talkin' about. Grrr.
He was a driven man who did not have too high of an opinion of the pioneers he preached to, nor of the rude log-cabin, bed-buggy accomodations they kindly offered him, not having anything better, on his route.
I seem to gravitate over and over to these stories of vinegary, difficult, grouchy, obstreperous people. Brain echo: 'Some say that every artwork is a self-portrait.'
Hmmmmm.....bah, "some" don't know what they're talkin' about. Grrr.
The mystery of the down-pointing hand
A walk in Highland Cemetery uncovers a mystery and later solves it.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Put the Hammer Down: It's Nailed!
I don't have many skills worth mentioning, but I do pride myself on nailing wordcounts. When I was writing 450-word art reviews for the Observer, I challenged myself to turn in reviews that were precisely 450 words long. Working on book manuscript now. I have to provide between 35,000 and 40,000 words. I pushed as close to 40,000 as I could to give readers the most bang for the buck. Just finished editing. Final wordcount?
(drumroll)
40,000.
(sighs with ultra-nerdy satisfaction)...
(drumroll)
40,000.
(sighs with ultra-nerdy satisfaction)...
Deadline Looming
Just to let kind readers know, I'm gonna be posting fewer things than usual this week 'cause my book manuscript is due Friday. I'm working on formatting it now. Please excuse the quiet. I'll be able to post a lot more starting again next week. I'll continue to post links to stories on the Citizen, Courier, and AnnArbor.com. Thank you for your patience!
The 1919 Diary of Ypsilanti High School Teacher Carrie Hardy
Part of a year-long weekly serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.Kind readers may recall that last week Carrie finished her afghan and was "glad the thing is done," celebrated Armistice Day (now Veteran's Day), and reported school running along as usual.
Nov. 11 Tues. Tried to celebrate Armistice Day this morning by calling on Geo. Beranck, and others for speeches. School as usual.
Nov. 12 Wed. After school went over to Lillian's for supper. She brought me home in evening. I get so tired -------------
Nov. 13 Thurs. Hutchins check for $60 received to day. They are now paid up to date i.e. till Nov. 1.
Nov. 14 Fri. School--H. Glass + Fred Bergin using same locker. At 3:30 the Parent Teacher club met in the Music Room.
Nov. 15 Sat. Washed clothes and my hair. Lillian drove me about town in their new Liberty Six purchased today. Bo't one gallon sweet cider.
Nov. 16 Sun. Left here at 9:30 with Lillian for Rob's; reached home at 1:10. Took him a gallon of sweet cider.
Nov. 17 Mon. After school went down to Temple for supper. Then went up to the Normal to hear a lecture on establishment of schools in Tennessee by York--a war hero.
Nov. 18 Tues. Goodbye Lady Maxwell. Dickered my sedan with Quay [?] Beyer for a Liberty Six coupe $2,590. Was allowed $1,090 for car + $1,500.
Thanks for reading; tune in next Tuesday for the next series!
Amid a Confetti of Fluffy White Chicken-Feathers
...the lives of three Ypsi chicken-men, in the Ypsi Citizen.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Upcoming Observer Story
A story of mine about itinerant Methodist preacher Elijah Pilcher is coming out in the December Ann Arbor Observer. It's pretty interesting. He had a jaundiced view of the homely log-cabin shelter offered him along his punishing route. Make sure to pick up the December Ann Arbor Observer to read it!
Between this, the book manuscript (due Nov. 15), stories for the Ypsi Citizen, AnnArbor.com, the Historical Society's "Gleanings," and the Ypsilanti Courier, your humble scribe is, indeed, a tad bit frazzled. But it'll all be good once the manuscript is submitted this Friday. In the meantime, my various deadlines make me disciplined and productive, a good thing. At any rate, be sure to peek in the Dec. Observer!
Between this, the book manuscript (due Nov. 15), stories for the Ypsi Citizen, AnnArbor.com, the Historical Society's "Gleanings," and the Ypsilanti Courier, your humble scribe is, indeed, a tad bit frazzled. But it'll all be good once the manuscript is submitted this Friday. In the meantime, my various deadlines make me disciplined and productive, a good thing. At any rate, be sure to peek in the Dec. Observer!
Historical Docents...
...are the single biggest spreader of the virus of historical misinformation. So it's said. Is it true? It was when I recently visited Highland Cemetery for a tour. Story to come, in the winter "Gleanings."
Monday Mystery Artifact
...over on AnnArbor.com. Take your best guess! See if you can figure out the term best sooted to this item.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Local History Fact of the Day
How Washtenaw County's many onetime sheep farmers used to amuse themselves, way out there in the lonely fields.
The 1874 Diary of Ypsilanti Teen Allie McCullough
Part of a year-long weekly series of excerpts from Ypsilanti teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 diary, from the last year of her life.You may remember that last week Allie gave the mitten to Mr. Blair, "had a good time flirting last night," almost nodded off in church, and got a new beaver coat for winter.
Nov. 6 Fri. Marion came up to school for me this afternoon with the horses. We took a long ride. Then I got home; I had to fly around, get ready to go to a party in the country. Laura Eaton went with us. Had a magnificent time. Danced almost every set and gave someone the mitten, every time I didn't dance. A delightful ride down.
Nov. 7 Sat. Did not get home till four this morning. I never had much better time, tried to please, believe that I succeeded as much as I cared to. Carrie and Minnie B. came and called on me. I was uptown, went to dancing school in the evening. Had a splendid time. Better than I expected.
Nov. 8 Sun. Went to Church and stayed to S. S. It is raining. Am glad of it. Had a compliment today. Read a great deal and wrote a good long letter to Annie Rice. Have just heard that a little boy of my acquaintance has had his leg and arm cut off by the [railroad] cars. Have finished "Grace Lee" (book).
Nov. 9 Mon. Marion went up to Aunty's to stay all night. Carrie was down today and she is almost sick. i don't know what to make of her. I came around depot way tonight from school. Had ever so much fun as usual. Lora E. says that I made myself very agreeable last Friday night and an old Batch [bachelor] said he thought I was a pretty nice girl.
Nov. 10 Tues. There has [sic] been four funerals today. Miss Brower, a Normal student and Belle Chase, a teacher from the North, but living here, a Mr. Lee and the little boy whose arm and leg were cut off. Mr. Stoddard died this morning. Went up to Carrie's after school. Durbin acts just the same as ever and I believe feels the same.
Nov. 11 Wed. Had a jolly time in school today and had all of my lessons. Read a long time in the evening. Carrie W. and Minnie Bramble called for a few minutes. I got a letter from Emma Stone. It was excellent. Got an invitation from Cora Guy to another surprise party Friday night. It is a very urgent one.
Nov. 12 Thurs. Haven't done anything in particular today. Saw John Stoddart [spelling in diary is different than the aforementioned Mr. Stoddard who died on Tues.] and spoke to him. He smiles and acted just the same as usual, but it seems as if he would be different. The girls have gone up to Aunt Lizzie's to tea. Tried to study, but got so sleepy that I had to go to bed early.
Nov. 13 Fri. Miss something in Philosophy yhis morning but recited all the rest of the lesson and had it better than the others. Did the same thing in History and in Latin. Prof. C. asked me a question I could not answer and he said, "I would not forget all I ever knew on this particular day." Was provoked enough to kill him, but did not show it the least bit. Did not go to Lyceum. Went up town and got trimmings for my sack.
Thanks for reading; tune in this coming Friday for another chapter!.
Postal Memory Map of Washtenaw County
Have you ever heard of a "postal memory map"? Well, educate yourself! :D And look at some neato pictures, in my latest story for annarbor.com.
Thanks to blog reader jml for introducing me to this map!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Ypsilanti had its own time zone in 1883
Kind readers, did you know Ypsilanti once had its own time zone? Yep! You can read about it in my story for today's Courier!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday Mystery Spot
Though I thought I'd picked a "goodie" for last week's Mystery Spot, once again it was, of course, guessed! Lisele commented, "Ahhh, is it the place called BirdBrain in Depot Town?" Yep! But it was a tie: BF guessed as well at the same time by emailing me a photo, here 'tis:
The original:
Now, don't let those victories go to your head, Lisele and BF and other readers, 'cause we have a vexing one this week, yessir. Take a peek if you will and see if you can guess! Good luck!
The original:
Now, don't let those victories go to your head, Lisele and BF and other readers, 'cause we have a vexing one this week, yessir. Take a peek if you will and see if you can guess! Good luck!
Millage Failure=Bloated School Administration? A Look at the Past
With the failure of the WISD millage last night, criticism in part has focused, in comments on AnnArbor.com, on the number of school administrators and support staff. Many opined that there are far too many administrative and non-classroom positions (e.g., counselors) in local schools. Ann Arbor's Pioneer and Huron high schools each have one principal and four assistant principals. Ypsilanti Public Schools has two persons in charge of...lunch--which is contracted out, complete with menus. Dusty D became curious to see what YHS school administration was like in the past, by way of comparison.
In the 1905 "Ypsi-Dixit" high school yearbook, the administration consists of:
William B. Arbaugh, superintendent
Charles S. Jacobs, principal (and instructor in Greek, Latin, and History)
That's it.
The YHS also had classes today considered "extra," such as music, geology, and art.
In the 1917 "Ypsi-Dixit" high school yearbook, the administration consists of:
William B. Arbaugh, superintendent
Stanley Morris, principal
Again, that is the extent of school administration as listed in the yearbook.
Aside from the basics, YHS also offered instruction in Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, public speaking, manual training, domestic science, German, French, and Latin.
In the 1927 "Ypsi-Dixit" high school yearbook, the administration consists of:
Arthur G. Erickson, superintendent
W. M. Land, principal
John O. Grimes, former principal (assuming he left sometimes in school year?)
Aside from the basics this year, YHS also offered instruction in Latin, Chemistry, Physics, shorthand, typewriting, music, sewing, Algebra, Geometry, cooking, and French.
It is interesting to see that for decades a school that graduated students educated in Greek, Latin, and Art did so with an apparent administrative staff of 2.
In the 1905 "Ypsi-Dixit" high school yearbook, the administration consists of:
William B. Arbaugh, superintendent
Charles S. Jacobs, principal (and instructor in Greek, Latin, and History)
That's it.
The YHS also had classes today considered "extra," such as music, geology, and art.
In the 1917 "Ypsi-Dixit" high school yearbook, the administration consists of:
William B. Arbaugh, superintendent
Stanley Morris, principal
Again, that is the extent of school administration as listed in the yearbook.
Aside from the basics, YHS also offered instruction in Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, public speaking, manual training, domestic science, German, French, and Latin.
In the 1927 "Ypsi-Dixit" high school yearbook, the administration consists of:
Arthur G. Erickson, superintendent
W. M. Land, principal
John O. Grimes, former principal (assuming he left sometimes in school year?)
Aside from the basics this year, YHS also offered instruction in Latin, Chemistry, Physics, shorthand, typewriting, music, sewing, Algebra, Geometry, cooking, and French.
It is interesting to see that for decades a school that graduated students educated in Greek, Latin, and Art did so with an apparent administrative staff of 2.
Glimpses of Ann Arbor life in 1889
A spooky picture, a speedy fire horse, and etiquette tips from 120 years ago may be found in my latest Ann Arbor.com story. Hope you like it!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Ypsi Janitor and the Empress Josephine
...is a story I am pleased to present to you, newest one in the Citizen! Thanks to them for running it--I am grateful! Hope you enjoy it!
Sweetie read it and said it made him a bit misty...that really took me aback. I had tried my best to make a touching story, since I was touched by it, but seeing my own humble words have the power to make someone misty made me think..."whoa!" It was a pretty awesome moment.
(then I came to my senses and realized that nice comments from sweetie as always say more about his own generosity than anything else)
Sweetie read it and said it made him a bit misty...that really took me aback. I had tried my best to make a touching story, since I was touched by it, but seeing my own humble words have the power to make someone misty made me think..."whoa!" It was a pretty awesome moment.
(then I came to my senses and realized that nice comments from sweetie as always say more about his own generosity than anything else)
The 1919 Diary of Ypsilanti High School Teacher Carrie Hardy
Part of a year-long weekly serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.Kind readers may recall that last week Carrie visited Rob in Detroit, bought a new skirt, and "broke down and cried" one night. She returned to YPsilanti and said it was good to be home.
Nov. 4 Tues. Hamilton Holt, editor of the Independent lectures at Pease Audit on the League of Nations tonight.
Nov. 5 Wed. Finished the "afghan" for the couch in the rest room today. Am glad the thing is done.
Nov. 6 Thurs. Lunched up stairs. Teachers' meeting after school. Reports were given of the state Teachers' Ass'n. Ate supper at the Mission.
Nov. 7 Fri. School about as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary routine of work.
Nov. 8 Sat. Van cleaned for me. Paid all my bils. Went alone to the Martha in the evening. Van locked himself out at night. Mrs. King called [un?] $1.00.
Nov. 9 Sun. Went to church both morning and evening. In afternoon, drove a little. Made bread, cake, and fried cakes.
Nov. 10 Mon. Went to school-usual. Rained, so I went to the lunch room at noon. Came home later. Had a big dinner at night.
Nov. 11 Tues. Tried to celebrate Armistice Day this morning by calling on Geo. Beranck, and others for speeches. School as usual.
Thanks for reading; tune in next Tuesday for the next series!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ypsilanti Citizen's First Birthday!
The Ypsilanti Citizen is celebrating its first birthday with a party on November 21. That makes the Ypsilanti Citizen a...Scorpio. No, Sagittarius. Bah--[Googles] Scorpio on the cusp of Sagittarius. Horoscope: "You are a unique mix of playfulness and passion. Although you can light up a room with your sunny personality, you are also determined, deep, and ambitious. You will often deliberate on a problem for some time, and then ignore your analyses and jump into a decision impulsively. Your desires are deep, and you want to experience life on all levels. No one can rightfully label you superficial! "Sounds about right to me. Happy birthday, Ypsi Citizen!
"Ypsilanti had its own time zone in 1883"
...is the title of this week's Courier story that I just turned in. It details a weird chronological chapter of Ypsi history and is packed with amusing and strange information--I like it. So pick up a Courier this Thursday if you would, please, and I hope you enjoy it!
Monday Mystery Artifact
This week's obscure Mystery Artifact was successfully guessed by one resourceful reader! A new one's been posted; take a gander & your best guess!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Mager Case Notes
Mager Case: Newspaper Articles
SALEM FARMER, SON MISSING, SHOTS, BLOOD POINT TO CRIME
William Mager Believed Slain by Son, Officers Unable to Find Body
BLOOD INDICATES SHOTS TOOK EFFECT
Sheriff’s Officers Unable to Trace son, Family Quarrels Thought Responsible
Nov 9, 1925
Unable to find any trace of Harold Mater, 24, and with the license number furnished at that of the machine he was driving apparently wrong, Washtenaw sheriff’s department is today facing a difficult task in solution of the disappearance and probable slaying of William Mager, 49, Salem township farmer. Strife in the Mager family which led to the
decision of the children and their mother to leave home three years ago and finally resulted in the suicide of the wife, is believed responsible for the clash between the father and son Sunday.
Shots heard in the barn at the rear of the home Sunday morning by the hired man, who found, upon investigating the son had driven away and the father was missing, caused him to notify the sheriff’s department.
Posse Searches Woods
Led by Undersheriff Dick Elliott a posse of farmers and sheriff’s officers searched the neighborhood all day Sunday, but failed to find either the body of the elder Mager, or any trace of the son.
According to information given by the hired man, Clifton Adams, Harold Mager drove to the farm Sunday morning and asked excitedly for his father, who was in the barn. A few minutes later he heard two shots fired. The officers found where one had gone through the barn door and blood on the barn floor indicated the other had taken effect.
After the shots were fired the man said he saw the younger mager drive his car around to the barn door and a little while later he left. The man then went to the barn, found the blood stains, and called the officers.
Tracks Visible
Tracks of the car in the newly fallen snow enabled officers to follow the car to a clump of bushes near McCormack Lake where the machine stopped. Behind the bushes officers found blood stains, but no body. The tracks went from there to the main highway where they were lost.
Checking up upon Harold Mager’s activities the past few days the officers found he had left his last rooming house, 331 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, last Friday. The family did not know where he moved to when he left their house. The license number furnished by the hired man as that of the car which Mager was driving was apparently wrong. The car was issued to Charles mead, Jr., Adrian, a student who says he traded it in South Bend, Ind., some time ago.
Quarreled Over Land
Quarrels between members of the family arose over the desire of the son to be given part of the 350 acres of land the elder Mager owns neighbors informed the officers. Three years ago the son asked for one of the two farms and the father refused. Quarreling finally resulted in the decision of Mrs. Mager, her son and two daughters to leave home. Mrs. Mager filed suit for divorce but ended her life before the case was heard. Since then the son had attempted at different times to work for his father but on each occasion left after quarreling with him. Their final quarrel before the tragedy of Sunday occurred a week ago.
The elder Mager was born in Germany but lived in Salem township nearly all his life. His age is given s 57.
Harold Mager is described as 24 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weight 135 or 140 pounds. His description has been sent to all police in this vicinity.
Acted Queer
That young Mager has been acting in a peculiar manner for some time is the information coming to sheriff’s officers as the investigation continues today. Henry Mager, a brother William Mager, who lives in Ann Arbor, and one of the sisters, Mrs. R. B. Newton, Ann Arbor, admitted to officers that for some time he had not appeared well-balanced and an Ann Arbor attorney admitted today that the young man had threatened to shoot him when he was engaged as counsel in the divorce case of a young woman whom Mager has become interested in. An Ann Arbor garage employee today told officers that when the elder Mager was in Ann Arbor only last week he had said he was worrying about the boy, who had threatened to kill him.
Renewed search of all abandoned buildings, woods, and marsh land in the vicinity of Mud Lake
Today has failed to reveal ant trace of the missing man.
Sheriff Robison, Undersheriff Elliott and Deputy Osborn are handling the investigation.
MAGER, MIND BLANK, FOUND ON GRAY FARM
Ypsilanti Police Arrest Man believed to Have Killed William Mager
OFFICERS CONTINUE SEARCH FOR BODY
Young Man Admits Identity, has No Memory of Events Since Last Friday
Nov 10, 1925
Harold mager, 24, is held in county jail today while Undersheriff Dick Elliott, assisted by Chief of Police John Connors, searches and swamp land in the vicinity of the Mager farm for traces of the body of his father, William Mager, whom the young man is believed to have killed early Sunday morning. Mager, according to the officers, is plainly mentally unbalanced.
The man was arrested Monday evening, 8 o’clock, by officers Maurice Miller and Herman Oltersdorf of the city police force after Mrs. Annie Dexter Gray called police to report that a man had been sitting in an automobile near their home since 6 o’clock in the evening. She had no idea who he was as neither she not Mr. Gray had questioned him
Admitted Identity
Driving out to the Gray farm, just north of the city, the officers found the machine parked near a small woods. Mager was sitting huddled up in the front sear. When Officer Oltersdorf opened the door of the car and asked him his name he readily admitted he was Harold Mager.
Mager was held in police headquarters here until the officers could reach Undersheriff Dick Elliott, who took him to county jail. Questioned last night, he said he had been looking for work for days. He had driven until a flat tire compelled him to stop, and as it was night, he decided to stop and sleep in the car until morning when he intended to repair it and drive on.
Mind a Blank
Apparently Mager had no recollection of what had transpired since he left his rooming house in Ann Arbor last Friday. He had not been seen since by anyone except the hired man on the Mager Farm, Clifton Adams, who reported to officers he had driven to the farm early Sunday morning, asked for his father, met him in the barn where two shots were fired, and driven away.
In the back sear of the car were his trunk packed with his clothing, and a 32 revolver which was empty. Preliminary investigation failed to reveal any traces of blood on the machine which was taken to Ann Arbor where it will more carefully examined today.
Condition Not feigned
Mager wore a cowhide coat, was spattered with mud, haggard and hollow-eyed. The officers who saw him believe that his mental condition is not feigned. His mind seemed to wander, and he talked incoherently of events which had transpired years ago.
Questioned concerning his father he seemed not to realize that anything had happened. He said his father was out on the farm when asked where his father was. The officers then asked him where he and his father went Sunday when they drove away and he replied that he did not know.
Daily YP November 11 wed 1928
SANITY COMMISSION TO EXAMINE MAGER
Man who killed Father will probably be placed in Ionia Institution
Body Found Buried in Webster Township
All Day Search Ends at Nightfall at shallow grave, con confesses crime.
Standing beside the shallow grave in which he had placed the body of the father whom he had slain, while late afternoon shadows deepened in the stark woods and the damp chill of early November increasing as the sun dipped nearer the horizon’s rim, gathered penetratingly about him. Harold Mager shuddered, made one made one lunge backward as if to escape the scene, then stood with the same blank look which has marked his features since his arrest here Monday night. Handcuffed to one of the officers who, with a few farmers comprised the little group which had uncovered the body of William Mager, escape was impossible. Mager did not try again.
It was late Tuesday afternoon before the officers found the grave in which young Mager had buried his father just two days before at nearly the same hour. All day they had driven through the county following the trail Mager pointed out, turning first right and then left, over rough clay country roads. He had directed them almost as far east as Plymouth, through Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, over all the roads in Salem Township, in the vicinity of his father’s farm where the crime had been committed early Sunday morning. At last, after repeated questioning he had led the way into Webster township, but when the road narrowed, and led into a hollow, with woods on either side he said ‘drive on, farther on.’
Find Fresh Track
It was Chief of Police John Connors who was driving as the trail led to the woods on the Ralph Williams land. He passed the first drive which led into the woods, but when he came to the second entrance he saw fresh car tracks and stopped. Following the path about four rods into the woods, the officers saw where a track led from the roadway and following it they found the grave at the foot of an embankment, about two rods from the drive.
Without shovels it was impossible to uncover the body, but William Scadin, Ralph Williams Sr., and Ralph Williams, Jr. farmers in the neighborhood, readily offered help, and returning to the woods the body was soon uncovered. It had been buried, face downward, in the shallow grave, covered with leaves, then clay, and leaves and brush placed over the top.
Strap about neck
The elder Mager was dressed in blue overalls, a rough work coat, and rubber boots. About his neck was a mail strap, such as his son had used in carrying mail.
It was chief Connors who spoke after the gruesome e task of uncovering the body had been finished.
“Aren’t you sorry? There is your father, the man who played with you when you were a boy, and you killed him. Aren’t you sorry?”
“Yes, in a way. In a way, I’m not.” And that was all the answer his son would give.
Back in the sheriff’s office in Ann Arbor the man admitted to Undersheriff Dick Elliott, Deputy Osborn and the Chief that he had planned to kill his father for some time. He had purchased the shovel with which to dig the grave at a store near Whitmore Lake some days before. The shovel has not been found.
Afraid of Mob
It was only after the officers had threatened to take Mager back to his father’s farm, where a crowd of neighbors had gathered yesterday morning when news of the arrest reached them, that Mager was at all willing to direct the men to the place where he had left the body. Plainly unbalanced, the officers now believe that a great share of the time he merely feigned lack of memory.
Failing to find the body near the Waack or Gray farms, north of here, where Mager was arrested, the three officers took the prisoner first to the farm in Salem township where he remained unmoved by the sight of blood on the barn floor and in the clump of bushes where had first taken the body, returning later and taking it away again. All day the party drove over the county roads. Once Mager attempted to escape and it was then he was handcuffed to Deputy Osborn, while Connors and Elliott took turns driving the car. At last, near nightfall, he told them to drive into Webster township, and the grave was found.
Shot from Behind
Examination of the body by Coroner Burchfield today revealed that the elder Mager had been shot twice, from behind, one shot entering his head and coming out through the left ear, the other entering the head and lodging in his body. The strap about his neck had been put on after he was shot and did not cause his death.
Officers believe that absence of blood stains in the car which Mager drove is explained by the young man’s care in wiping them off. His trunk had the appearance of having been washed.
If present plans are carried out by the officers, mager will be arraigned here, remanded to jail, probably without bail, and held pending examination by a sanity commission. It is expected he will be placed in the Ionia hospital for criminally insane.
TRIAL OF MAGER TO START TODAY
Nov. 18, 1925
Prosecutor has witnesses ready for appearance this afternoon
Trial of Harold Mager, accused of killing his father William Mager, is to start in circuit court this afternoon. Mager is to be brought before Circuit Judge George Sample at 2 o’clock.
The report of the committee of physicians named by Judge Sample to examine his sanity, will not be heard until after the trial. It is necessary to prove him guilty of the crime, before he can be committed to a hospital for criminally insane, as is now the plan of the prosecution.
Assistant prosecutor Floyd Daggett is to handle the case in court against Mager.
Nov. 19 dyp
Mager Sent to Ionia Hospital After Hearing
Judge Sample Sentences Youth who killed own father
“I’d just as soon go to Pontiac. That was Harold Mager’s only response when sentenced to Ionia State Hospital for the Criminally Insane by Circuit Judge George Sample Wednesday afternoon for killing his father, William Mager. Standing before the bar, cap in hand, stoic, uncomprehending, his expressionless blue eyes fixed on the judge’s face, he heard sentence pronounced without a trace of emotion. Asked if he had anything to say, he returned to one of his original contentions; that there were “others in the gang” which killed his father. Questioned as to who they were, he said he did not know their names.
Then it was that Judge Sample found him guilty of the crime and mentally incompetent, according to testimony of witnesses who were heard during the afternoon, and accordingly sentenced him to the state institution. If at any time he should sufficiently recover to be released from the hospital, within 60 days he will be returned to Washtenaw city to answer the charge to which he is now judged incompetent to plead, either guilty or not guilty.
Physicians Testify
Testimony of Mr. Theophil Klingman and Dr. Howard H. Cummings was first introduced in the hearing yesterday. The 2 physicians had been appointed as a sanity commission to examine Harold Mager by Judge Sample last Thursday. They found him suffering from a mental disorder, testifying he was devoid of emotion, suffered illusions of prosecution, was incoherent, had no realization of the seriousness of his situation and no regret for what he had done. Dr. Klingman testified that he was in nearly the same mental condition a year ago when he first examined him. At that time he was a patient at St. Joseph’s sanitarium.
Testimony of other witnesses in the case followed. Clifton Adams, hired man on the William Mager farm, told of events on the day William Mager was slain. He had directed Harold Mager to the sheep barn, where his father was at work, heard the shots, saw Harold drive his car to the back of the barn and then drive away. When he went to investigate, he found only the pool of blood. Mr. Mager was gone.
Brother Testified
Henry Mager, the dead man’s brother, testified to quarrels Harold had had with his father only the day before.
Dick Elliott and John Connors then told of the search for Harold, which ended when he was arrested by Ypsilanti police officers and the long ride over country roads before Harold finally directed them to the grave where he had buried his father. There, and later in the sheriff office, he had confessed that he alone had committed the crime.
After hearing all evidence Judge Sample pronounced sentence. Deliberations by the jury were waived by Lewis Burk who had been engaged to represent mager’s two sisters, who are to be appointed his guardians.
Nov. 20 TAKEN TO IONIA
Sheriff’s officers are today taking 3 prisoners to Ionia. Harold Mager goes to the hospital for criminally insane. Claude Way has been given a sentence of 2 and ½ to 10 years for stealing a car in Ann Arbor and Carl Wright 1 to 10 years for burglary.
SALEM FARMER, SON MISSING, SHOTS, BLOOD POINT TO CRIME
William Mager Believed Slain by Son, Officers Unable to Find Body
BLOOD INDICATES SHOTS TOOK EFFECT
Sheriff’s Officers Unable to Trace son, Family Quarrels Thought Responsible
Nov 9, 1925
Unable to find any trace of Harold Mater, 24, and with the license number furnished at that of the machine he was driving apparently wrong, Washtenaw sheriff’s department is today facing a difficult task in solution of the disappearance and probable slaying of William Mager, 49, Salem township farmer. Strife in the Mager family which led to the
decision of the children and their mother to leave home three years ago and finally resulted in the suicide of the wife, is believed responsible for the clash between the father and son Sunday.
Shots heard in the barn at the rear of the home Sunday morning by the hired man, who found, upon investigating the son had driven away and the father was missing, caused him to notify the sheriff’s department.
Posse Searches Woods
Led by Undersheriff Dick Elliott a posse of farmers and sheriff’s officers searched the neighborhood all day Sunday, but failed to find either the body of the elder Mager, or any trace of the son.
According to information given by the hired man, Clifton Adams, Harold Mager drove to the farm Sunday morning and asked excitedly for his father, who was in the barn. A few minutes later he heard two shots fired. The officers found where one had gone through the barn door and blood on the barn floor indicated the other had taken effect.
After the shots were fired the man said he saw the younger mager drive his car around to the barn door and a little while later he left. The man then went to the barn, found the blood stains, and called the officers.
Tracks Visible
Tracks of the car in the newly fallen snow enabled officers to follow the car to a clump of bushes near McCormack Lake where the machine stopped. Behind the bushes officers found blood stains, but no body. The tracks went from there to the main highway where they were lost.
Checking up upon Harold Mager’s activities the past few days the officers found he had left his last rooming house, 331 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, last Friday. The family did not know where he moved to when he left their house. The license number furnished by the hired man as that of the car which Mager was driving was apparently wrong. The car was issued to Charles mead, Jr., Adrian, a student who says he traded it in South Bend, Ind., some time ago.
Quarreled Over Land
Quarrels between members of the family arose over the desire of the son to be given part of the 350 acres of land the elder Mager owns neighbors informed the officers. Three years ago the son asked for one of the two farms and the father refused. Quarreling finally resulted in the decision of Mrs. Mager, her son and two daughters to leave home. Mrs. Mager filed suit for divorce but ended her life before the case was heard. Since then the son had attempted at different times to work for his father but on each occasion left after quarreling with him. Their final quarrel before the tragedy of Sunday occurred a week ago.
The elder Mager was born in Germany but lived in Salem township nearly all his life. His age is given s 57.
Harold Mager is described as 24 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weight 135 or 140 pounds. His description has been sent to all police in this vicinity.
Acted Queer
That young Mager has been acting in a peculiar manner for some time is the information coming to sheriff’s officers as the investigation continues today. Henry Mager, a brother William Mager, who lives in Ann Arbor, and one of the sisters, Mrs. R. B. Newton, Ann Arbor, admitted to officers that for some time he had not appeared well-balanced and an Ann Arbor attorney admitted today that the young man had threatened to shoot him when he was engaged as counsel in the divorce case of a young woman whom Mager has become interested in. An Ann Arbor garage employee today told officers that when the elder Mager was in Ann Arbor only last week he had said he was worrying about the boy, who had threatened to kill him.
Renewed search of all abandoned buildings, woods, and marsh land in the vicinity of Mud Lake
Today has failed to reveal ant trace of the missing man.
Sheriff Robison, Undersheriff Elliott and Deputy Osborn are handling the investigation.
MAGER, MIND BLANK, FOUND ON GRAY FARM
Ypsilanti Police Arrest Man believed to Have Killed William Mager
OFFICERS CONTINUE SEARCH FOR BODY
Young Man Admits Identity, has No Memory of Events Since Last Friday
Nov 10, 1925
Harold mager, 24, is held in county jail today while Undersheriff Dick Elliott, assisted by Chief of Police John Connors, searches and swamp land in the vicinity of the Mager farm for traces of the body of his father, William Mager, whom the young man is believed to have killed early Sunday morning. Mager, according to the officers, is plainly mentally unbalanced.
The man was arrested Monday evening, 8 o’clock, by officers Maurice Miller and Herman Oltersdorf of the city police force after Mrs. Annie Dexter Gray called police to report that a man had been sitting in an automobile near their home since 6 o’clock in the evening. She had no idea who he was as neither she not Mr. Gray had questioned him
Admitted Identity
Driving out to the Gray farm, just north of the city, the officers found the machine parked near a small woods. Mager was sitting huddled up in the front sear. When Officer Oltersdorf opened the door of the car and asked him his name he readily admitted he was Harold Mager.
Mager was held in police headquarters here until the officers could reach Undersheriff Dick Elliott, who took him to county jail. Questioned last night, he said he had been looking for work for days. He had driven until a flat tire compelled him to stop, and as it was night, he decided to stop and sleep in the car until morning when he intended to repair it and drive on.
Mind a Blank
Apparently Mager had no recollection of what had transpired since he left his rooming house in Ann Arbor last Friday. He had not been seen since by anyone except the hired man on the Mager Farm, Clifton Adams, who reported to officers he had driven to the farm early Sunday morning, asked for his father, met him in the barn where two shots were fired, and driven away.
In the back sear of the car were his trunk packed with his clothing, and a 32 revolver which was empty. Preliminary investigation failed to reveal any traces of blood on the machine which was taken to Ann Arbor where it will more carefully examined today.
Condition Not feigned
Mager wore a cowhide coat, was spattered with mud, haggard and hollow-eyed. The officers who saw him believe that his mental condition is not feigned. His mind seemed to wander, and he talked incoherently of events which had transpired years ago.
Questioned concerning his father he seemed not to realize that anything had happened. He said his father was out on the farm when asked where his father was. The officers then asked him where he and his father went Sunday when they drove away and he replied that he did not know.
Daily YP November 11 wed 1928
SANITY COMMISSION TO EXAMINE MAGER
Man who killed Father will probably be placed in Ionia Institution
Body Found Buried in Webster Township
All Day Search Ends at Nightfall at shallow grave, con confesses crime.
Standing beside the shallow grave in which he had placed the body of the father whom he had slain, while late afternoon shadows deepened in the stark woods and the damp chill of early November increasing as the sun dipped nearer the horizon’s rim, gathered penetratingly about him. Harold Mager shuddered, made one made one lunge backward as if to escape the scene, then stood with the same blank look which has marked his features since his arrest here Monday night. Handcuffed to one of the officers who, with a few farmers comprised the little group which had uncovered the body of William Mager, escape was impossible. Mager did not try again.
It was late Tuesday afternoon before the officers found the grave in which young Mager had buried his father just two days before at nearly the same hour. All day they had driven through the county following the trail Mager pointed out, turning first right and then left, over rough clay country roads. He had directed them almost as far east as Plymouth, through Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, over all the roads in Salem Township, in the vicinity of his father’s farm where the crime had been committed early Sunday morning. At last, after repeated questioning he had led the way into Webster township, but when the road narrowed, and led into a hollow, with woods on either side he said ‘drive on, farther on.’
Find Fresh Track
It was Chief of Police John Connors who was driving as the trail led to the woods on the Ralph Williams land. He passed the first drive which led into the woods, but when he came to the second entrance he saw fresh car tracks and stopped. Following the path about four rods into the woods, the officers saw where a track led from the roadway and following it they found the grave at the foot of an embankment, about two rods from the drive.
Without shovels it was impossible to uncover the body, but William Scadin, Ralph Williams Sr., and Ralph Williams, Jr. farmers in the neighborhood, readily offered help, and returning to the woods the body was soon uncovered. It had been buried, face downward, in the shallow grave, covered with leaves, then clay, and leaves and brush placed over the top.
Strap about neck
The elder Mager was dressed in blue overalls, a rough work coat, and rubber boots. About his neck was a mail strap, such as his son had used in carrying mail.
It was chief Connors who spoke after the gruesome e task of uncovering the body had been finished.
“Aren’t you sorry? There is your father, the man who played with you when you were a boy, and you killed him. Aren’t you sorry?”
“Yes, in a way. In a way, I’m not.” And that was all the answer his son would give.
Back in the sheriff’s office in Ann Arbor the man admitted to Undersheriff Dick Elliott, Deputy Osborn and the Chief that he had planned to kill his father for some time. He had purchased the shovel with which to dig the grave at a store near Whitmore Lake some days before. The shovel has not been found.
Afraid of Mob
It was only after the officers had threatened to take Mager back to his father’s farm, where a crowd of neighbors had gathered yesterday morning when news of the arrest reached them, that Mager was at all willing to direct the men to the place where he had left the body. Plainly unbalanced, the officers now believe that a great share of the time he merely feigned lack of memory.
Failing to find the body near the Waack or Gray farms, north of here, where Mager was arrested, the three officers took the prisoner first to the farm in Salem township where he remained unmoved by the sight of blood on the barn floor and in the clump of bushes where had first taken the body, returning later and taking it away again. All day the party drove over the county roads. Once Mager attempted to escape and it was then he was handcuffed to Deputy Osborn, while Connors and Elliott took turns driving the car. At last, near nightfall, he told them to drive into Webster township, and the grave was found.
Shot from Behind
Examination of the body by Coroner Burchfield today revealed that the elder Mager had been shot twice, from behind, one shot entering his head and coming out through the left ear, the other entering the head and lodging in his body. The strap about his neck had been put on after he was shot and did not cause his death.
Officers believe that absence of blood stains in the car which Mager drove is explained by the young man’s care in wiping them off. His trunk had the appearance of having been washed.
If present plans are carried out by the officers, mager will be arraigned here, remanded to jail, probably without bail, and held pending examination by a sanity commission. It is expected he will be placed in the Ionia hospital for criminally insane.
TRIAL OF MAGER TO START TODAY
Nov. 18, 1925
Prosecutor has witnesses ready for appearance this afternoon
Trial of Harold Mager, accused of killing his father William Mager, is to start in circuit court this afternoon. Mager is to be brought before Circuit Judge George Sample at 2 o’clock.
The report of the committee of physicians named by Judge Sample to examine his sanity, will not be heard until after the trial. It is necessary to prove him guilty of the crime, before he can be committed to a hospital for criminally insane, as is now the plan of the prosecution.
Assistant prosecutor Floyd Daggett is to handle the case in court against Mager.
Nov. 19 dyp
Mager Sent to Ionia Hospital After Hearing
Judge Sample Sentences Youth who killed own father
“I’d just as soon go to Pontiac. That was Harold Mager’s only response when sentenced to Ionia State Hospital for the Criminally Insane by Circuit Judge George Sample Wednesday afternoon for killing his father, William Mager. Standing before the bar, cap in hand, stoic, uncomprehending, his expressionless blue eyes fixed on the judge’s face, he heard sentence pronounced without a trace of emotion. Asked if he had anything to say, he returned to one of his original contentions; that there were “others in the gang” which killed his father. Questioned as to who they were, he said he did not know their names.
Then it was that Judge Sample found him guilty of the crime and mentally incompetent, according to testimony of witnesses who were heard during the afternoon, and accordingly sentenced him to the state institution. If at any time he should sufficiently recover to be released from the hospital, within 60 days he will be returned to Washtenaw city to answer the charge to which he is now judged incompetent to plead, either guilty or not guilty.
Physicians Testify
Testimony of Mr. Theophil Klingman and Dr. Howard H. Cummings was first introduced in the hearing yesterday. The 2 physicians had been appointed as a sanity commission to examine Harold Mager by Judge Sample last Thursday. They found him suffering from a mental disorder, testifying he was devoid of emotion, suffered illusions of prosecution, was incoherent, had no realization of the seriousness of his situation and no regret for what he had done. Dr. Klingman testified that he was in nearly the same mental condition a year ago when he first examined him. At that time he was a patient at St. Joseph’s sanitarium.
Testimony of other witnesses in the case followed. Clifton Adams, hired man on the William Mager farm, told of events on the day William Mager was slain. He had directed Harold Mager to the sheep barn, where his father was at work, heard the shots, saw Harold drive his car to the back of the barn and then drive away. When he went to investigate, he found only the pool of blood. Mr. Mager was gone.
Brother Testified
Henry Mager, the dead man’s brother, testified to quarrels Harold had had with his father only the day before.
Dick Elliott and John Connors then told of the search for Harold, which ended when he was arrested by Ypsilanti police officers and the long ride over country roads before Harold finally directed them to the grave where he had buried his father. There, and later in the sheriff office, he had confessed that he alone had committed the crime.
After hearing all evidence Judge Sample pronounced sentence. Deliberations by the jury were waived by Lewis Burk who had been engaged to represent mager’s two sisters, who are to be appointed his guardians.
Nov. 20 TAKEN TO IONIA
Sheriff’s officers are today taking 3 prisoners to Ionia. Harold Mager goes to the hospital for criminally insane. Claude Way has been given a sentence of 2 and ½ to 10 years for stealing a car in Ann Arbor and Carl Wright 1 to 10 years for burglary.
Friday, October 30, 2009
“Cabbage Night” was Ypsilanti’s original Halloween
Howdy all. If you didn't get a chance to read yesterday's Courier story, here 'tis, just in time for Halloween. Perhaps you'll be inspired to give out individual cabbage leaves as treats this year--economical, healthy, AND historical! Hope you enjoy it!
“Cabbage Night” was Ypsilanti’s original Halloween
“‘Hollow Eve,’ or ‘Cabbage Night,’ was celebrated Wednesday night in a wondrous manner,” said the November 3, 1877 Ypsilanti Commercial. “Several citizens, Thursday morning, found their cabbages missing. They were strewn on many door-steps, and ornamented front doors. And silly lovers of mischief. . . piled all the barrels and boxes that could be found athwart and midway Congress street [Michigan Avenue, pictured].”
Though one of our most ancient holidays, Halloween wasn’t celebrated widely in America until the latter part of the 1800s. Ypsilanti likely didn’t celebrate Halloween for half a century after the city’s founding in 1823—the quote above is the first Halloween story to appear in old newspapers dating back to the 1840s.
Originally the Celtic New Year, celebrated with dressing up in animal heads and skins, making a bonfire, and telling fortunes, the holiday in America coincided with the end of harvest time. Not much more than a few rotting cabbages remained in the fields, which mischief-makers grabbed to throw on porches.
Cabbage-hurling was about the extent of Halloween mayhem then. The holiday was not yet popular. Only a few people celebrated it, with low-key house parties. “Halloween was remembered by Misses Claribel Champion, Leila Spencer, and Mollie Wise at the home of the former, a party of friends being invited to participate,” says the November 7, 1885 Commercial. The November 2, 1893 Ypsilantian notes, “One of the pleasantest of the Halloween parties. . . [was] at the residence of Miss Caroline Hay. The house was tastefully decorated, and illuminated with candles set in Jack lanterns. Bobbing for apples, a trip to the cellar for a cabbage, to see what good things were in store for the future, a hunting contest for apples, and carving the cake for a ring, were among the many incidents that went to make the gathering one long to be remembered.”
The association of apples with Halloween may date back to about 40 A.D., when Romans, conquering Celtic territory, combined the Celtic New Year with two festivals of their own, one for Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees whose symbol was the apple.
Around the turn of the century, parties began to be celebrated in schools. The October 29, 1908 Ypsilanti Daily Press says, “The ghosts of the Tuttle School will be glad to see their friends at a shadow and box social. . . come and let Mother Witch reveal the mysteries of your future life.”
The next day the paper described a party at Cleary hall. “Prof. and Mrs. Cleary chaperoned the young people. Jack-lanterns and black cats were used to decorate.” The Beta Nu sorority also held a chaperoned party.
The ancient tradition of fortune-telling was a feature of many Ypsilanti Halloween parties well into the 20th century. At one 1913 house party, according to the November 6 Daily Ypsilantian-Press, “Guests were taken into a darkened room where a ghost was waiting to receive them. An auction sale was held, the various articles selling for not more than 10 cents. Peggy the Spirit Fortune Teller was very popular, also the Gypsy Queen.”
During the 20s and 30s, increasing vandalism led to more large community parties meant to distract kids from destructive behavior.
“Three hundred Ypsilanti boys enjoyed Halloween night in a different manner than customarily,” said the November 2, 1925 Daily Ypsilantian-Press, “when they gathered at Pease Auditorium Saturday night for an evening of fun. . . Two reels of movies were shown. . . Prof. Carl Pray told stories for an hour, after which the boys enjoyed a pie eating contest and an apple-eating contest.”
Trick-or-treating first shows up in the November 1, 1934 Ypsilanti Daily Press. “Dressed in old clothes with faces blacked or covered with masks, groups of children stalked about in a threatening manner. They sneaked around to back porches and demanded of the lady of the house, ‘Give us apples, give us candy or else we’ll tear down your shanty.’”
Though three police cars were patrolling the city that night, things were quiet. The Press said, “There was so little doing that Officers Arthur Kramer and Cyril Ray wearied of their tasks of riding continuously and stopped with children on Wallace Blvd. for a ‘weiner’ roast.”
The paper continued, “The only serious damage reported was on Perrin Street where cabbages and tin cans were thrown on the porch of Mrs. Alexander’s residence breaking a stained window glass in the door. Street and stop signs were reported missing at several locations this morning and officers are pondering what to do with a 60-minute parking sign which came here from some other city.”
By wartime, community efforts to discourage destruction were expanding. “Halloween mischief was held to a minimum in Ypsilanti Saturday evening,” said the November 1, 1943 Ypsilanti Daily Press, “when children throughout the city were guests of the American Legion, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs at Halloween parties in city schools and at Gilbert House. Games and stories and the showing of motion pictures occupied a part of the evening’s entertainment. . . prizes of war stamps were awarded the best and most original costumes.”
By 1950, Halloween parties were held at every school in town, but the efforts only went so far. Destructive behavior climbed that year as police responded to 40 calls. One car was pushed into an apple tree and a convertible had its top slashed. Someone was shooting at cars on the expressway. Multiple leaf-piles were set on fire, as well as a Franklin Street outhouse.
But it wasn’t all bad. When Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were startled by an indoor bat, “Mr. Anderson put on a pair of heavy gloves and woke the bat from restful slumber,” said the October 30, 1950 Ypsilanti Daily Press. He temporarily put the bat in an empty canary cage. Mrs. Anderson planned to turn the tables on trick-or-treaters, said the paper, and show the bat (eek!) “to any interested ‘beggar’ who comes around to her house.”
“‘Hollow Eve,’ or ‘Cabbage Night,’ was celebrated Wednesday night in a wondrous manner,” said the November 3, 1877 Ypsilanti Commercial. “Several citizens, Thursday morning, found their cabbages missing. They were strewn on many door-steps, and ornamented front doors. And silly lovers of mischief. . . piled all the barrels and boxes that could be found athwart and midway Congress street [Michigan Avenue, pictured].”Though one of our most ancient holidays, Halloween wasn’t celebrated widely in America until the latter part of the 1800s. Ypsilanti likely didn’t celebrate Halloween for half a century after the city’s founding in 1823—the quote above is the first Halloween story to appear in old newspapers dating back to the 1840s.
Originally the Celtic New Year, celebrated with dressing up in animal heads and skins, making a bonfire, and telling fortunes, the holiday in America coincided with the end of harvest time. Not much more than a few rotting cabbages remained in the fields, which mischief-makers grabbed to throw on porches.
Cabbage-hurling was about the extent of Halloween mayhem then. The holiday was not yet popular. Only a few people celebrated it, with low-key house parties. “Halloween was remembered by Misses Claribel Champion, Leila Spencer, and Mollie Wise at the home of the former, a party of friends being invited to participate,” says the November 7, 1885 Commercial. The November 2, 1893 Ypsilantian notes, “One of the pleasantest of the Halloween parties. . . [was] at the residence of Miss Caroline Hay. The house was tastefully decorated, and illuminated with candles set in Jack lanterns. Bobbing for apples, a trip to the cellar for a cabbage, to see what good things were in store for the future, a hunting contest for apples, and carving the cake for a ring, were among the many incidents that went to make the gathering one long to be remembered.”
The association of apples with Halloween may date back to about 40 A.D., when Romans, conquering Celtic territory, combined the Celtic New Year with two festivals of their own, one for Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees whose symbol was the apple.
Around the turn of the century, parties began to be celebrated in schools. The October 29, 1908 Ypsilanti Daily Press says, “The ghosts of the Tuttle School will be glad to see their friends at a shadow and box social. . . come and let Mother Witch reveal the mysteries of your future life.”
The next day the paper described a party at Cleary hall. “Prof. and Mrs. Cleary chaperoned the young people. Jack-lanterns and black cats were used to decorate.” The Beta Nu sorority also held a chaperoned party.
The ancient tradition of fortune-telling was a feature of many Ypsilanti Halloween parties well into the 20th century. At one 1913 house party, according to the November 6 Daily Ypsilantian-Press, “Guests were taken into a darkened room where a ghost was waiting to receive them. An auction sale was held, the various articles selling for not more than 10 cents. Peggy the Spirit Fortune Teller was very popular, also the Gypsy Queen.”
During the 20s and 30s, increasing vandalism led to more large community parties meant to distract kids from destructive behavior.
“Three hundred Ypsilanti boys enjoyed Halloween night in a different manner than customarily,” said the November 2, 1925 Daily Ypsilantian-Press, “when they gathered at Pease Auditorium Saturday night for an evening of fun. . . Two reels of movies were shown. . . Prof. Carl Pray told stories for an hour, after which the boys enjoyed a pie eating contest and an apple-eating contest.”
Trick-or-treating first shows up in the November 1, 1934 Ypsilanti Daily Press. “Dressed in old clothes with faces blacked or covered with masks, groups of children stalked about in a threatening manner. They sneaked around to back porches and demanded of the lady of the house, ‘Give us apples, give us candy or else we’ll tear down your shanty.’”
Though three police cars were patrolling the city that night, things were quiet. The Press said, “There was so little doing that Officers Arthur Kramer and Cyril Ray wearied of their tasks of riding continuously and stopped with children on Wallace Blvd. for a ‘weiner’ roast.”
The paper continued, “The only serious damage reported was on Perrin Street where cabbages and tin cans were thrown on the porch of Mrs. Alexander’s residence breaking a stained window glass in the door. Street and stop signs were reported missing at several locations this morning and officers are pondering what to do with a 60-minute parking sign which came here from some other city.”
By wartime, community efforts to discourage destruction were expanding. “Halloween mischief was held to a minimum in Ypsilanti Saturday evening,” said the November 1, 1943 Ypsilanti Daily Press, “when children throughout the city were guests of the American Legion, Kiwanis, and Rotary Clubs at Halloween parties in city schools and at Gilbert House. Games and stories and the showing of motion pictures occupied a part of the evening’s entertainment. . . prizes of war stamps were awarded the best and most original costumes.”
By 1950, Halloween parties were held at every school in town, but the efforts only went so far. Destructive behavior climbed that year as police responded to 40 calls. One car was pushed into an apple tree and a convertible had its top slashed. Someone was shooting at cars on the expressway. Multiple leaf-piles were set on fire, as well as a Franklin Street outhouse.
But it wasn’t all bad. When Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were startled by an indoor bat, “Mr. Anderson put on a pair of heavy gloves and woke the bat from restful slumber,” said the October 30, 1950 Ypsilanti Daily Press. He temporarily put the bat in an empty canary cage. Mrs. Anderson planned to turn the tables on trick-or-treaters, said the paper, and show the bat (eek!) “to any interested ‘beggar’ who comes around to her house.”
Fun with Prepositions
My new weekly column in the Ypsi Citizen is called "To the Archives." Heh. My weekly column in the Ypsi Courier is called "From the Archives." Dusty D's husband found this hilarious and immediately started riffing on it. "If you get another column, you'll have to call it 'Near the Archives'. Or maybe 'Under the'--no, that wouldn't work. 'By the Archives'. 'Somewhere Within Spitting Distance of the Archives'." And so it goes.
Adoption Puzzle
Here's a puzzling situation I'd like to present to y'all for your ideas. I am researching a guy who "according to family stories, was adopted by his wife's parents." Huh? This apparently happened when he was an adult. Odder still, he himself adopted a girl quite late in life, whose parentage was "unknown". Even odder, her name appears to change from Minnie to Mary, unless those were 2 different individuals. At any rate, that strange story of his adoption has the ring of a strange truth...but why on earth would his inlaws do this? Sweetie says something about an inheritance...but--they could just give him stuff, right? Why would he need to be adopted? Bit flummoxed here....
AnnArbor.com: Eclectic Oil and catholicons
Feeling a little run-down on this drippy & rainy day? I've got just the pick-me-up for you, brother--a good big shot of Eclectic Oil!
Dusty Diary in Ypsi Citizen!
Dusty Diary takes great pleasure and pride in telling you that the first of my weekly columns for the Ypsilanti Citizen has just been published in the Citizen's new "Voices" section!
My first story is about a onetime festival that brought a bit of color and joy to kids during the Depression, with carnival rides set up right on Michigan Ave! Read all about it here!
My first story is about a onetime festival that brought a bit of color and joy to kids during the Depression, with carnival rides set up right on Michigan Ave! Read all about it here!
The 1874 Diary of Ypsilanti Teen Allie McCullough
Part of a year-long weekly series of excerpts from Ypsilanti teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 diary, from the last year of her life.You may remember that last week Allie went to Lyceum, helped out at home by washing the kitchen walls, and was approached by a Mr. Blair who asked if he could accompany her home, but she "gave him the mitten" (rejected a suitor). She also said, on watching Will leave to hunt, "Wish I was a boy."
Oct. 30 Fri. Did not go to school in the afternoon because Jennie S. did not come. Got ready and went up to the Normal with Will. Fell down on the way up there. Had a jolly good time. Got with Minnie B. and C.M. Mr. Blair came and sat down with me and asked my company home. He is nice, but I gave him the mitten. Did not get home until almost one.
Oct. 31 Sat. Had a good time flirting last night. The other night when I was up to Carrie's I was coming away and something was said about going to prayer meeting. I said, "If you go, pray for me." Carrie said that Durbin said he never would respect me again for that. No love lost but he shall not despise me. If I know it, I shall do all in my power to make him change his mind. C. and Joe called on mt this afternoon. I went to dancing school in the evening. Lots of fun.
Nov. 1 Sun. Went to Sunday School in the morning. Minnie B. was there. Had a good talk with her. Read all the afternoon. Carrie came down about dark and went to Church with me. Seemed almost impossible to stay awake. C. stayed all night with me. Durbin has gone home.
Nov. 2 Mon. Carrie went home before school time. We have had a nice visit. Had some fun in school today and the girls have made Lane mad as hops at them. Jennie Shipman has a new calico dress. Quite pretty.
Nov. 3 Tues. Jennie S. and I went up to Carrie's tonight. Had a magnificent time. Named apples and did almost everything that could be thought of. Never had a better time. Carrie came down town with me. Did my hair up a new style today.
Nov. 4 Wed. Have got a new Beaver coat. It is nice. Four dollars a yard. Would like a new dress but cannot have it now. Have a terrible cold. Received an invitation to a surprise party down below Raisinville [Rawsonville].
Nov. 5 Thurs. Rained this morning but has grown cold. Was terrible sick this afternoon in school, bur feel better now Have written in Lydia Day's Album tonight. Jennie S. and I had a good talk this morning and I told her what Durbin said about me.
Nov. 6 Fri. Marion came up to school for me this afternoon with the horses. We took a long ride. Then I got home I had to fly around, ger ready to go to a party in the country. Laura Eaton went with us. Had a magnificent time. Danced almost every set and gave someone the mitten, every time I didn't dance. A delightful ride down.
Thanks for reading; tune in this coming Friday for another chapter!.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
NOTICE.
NOTIFICATION--The saloons, drug stores, and hotel bars are hereby notified not to sell intoxicating beverages to Thomas Honey, James Morris, John McCauley, Sr., John McCauley, Jr. All parties selling will be prosecuted. --MARTIN CREMER, City Marshal.
FOR SALE--Old Papers cheaper than dirt at the COMMERCIAL office.
NOTICE--My wife, Mrs. J. G. Drake, having left my bed and board, without any just cause or provocation, I hereby warn any person harboring or trusting her on my account.
--Ypsilanti Commercial October 31 1885.
FOR SALE--Old Papers cheaper than dirt at the COMMERCIAL office.
NOTICE--My wife, Mrs. J. G. Drake, having left my bed and board, without any just cause or provocation, I hereby warn any person harboring or trusting her on my account.
--Ypsilanti Commercial October 31 1885.
Upcoming Stories
Today's story in the Courier--don't forget to support your local newspaper and buy a copy!--deals with an interesting history of Halloween in Ypsilanti. The holiday was quite different in days of yore. Read all about it in today's Courier, God willin' they print it.
Tomorrow's story in AnnArbor.com deals with some of the shadier sorts of patent medicines. This article has been previewed by my sweetie, who pronounced it "Fun!!!" Three exclamation marks, there. A lighthearted historical piece to leaven your Friday. Hope you enjoy both of 'em!
Tomorrow's story in AnnArbor.com deals with some of the shadier sorts of patent medicines. This article has been previewed by my sweetie, who pronounced it "Fun!!!" Three exclamation marks, there. A lighthearted historical piece to leaven your Friday. Hope you enjoy both of 'em!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday Mystery Spot
Well, true to form, you guys guessed last week's Mystery Spot (sigh). It is the revivified Luna Pond in Prospect Park, now a habitat for native plants!
But I've got you this time. Heh. Try your luck with this vintage photo from a mysterious spot in town. Beer-drinkers from across the city used to come here...but where is it? I defy you to identify this Mystery Spot!
But I've got you this time. Heh. Try your luck with this vintage photo from a mysterious spot in town. Beer-drinkers from across the city used to come here...but where is it? I defy you to identify this Mystery Spot!
James Mann tour this Friday: $5
Dusty D is pleased to publish the following press release about her friend James Mann's tour this Friday:
"Today the Depot Town section of Ypsilanti is quiet and peaceful, a fun place to take the family for a meal or shopping, but it was not always so. The history of Depot Town has its share of murder, crime and sudden death, as well as vice and other good things. Local historian James Mann will lead a Ghost Tour of Depot Town this Friday evening and tell some of the tales of death and ghosts of the area. The tour will include a tale of murder at the Michigan Central Railroad Depot, the ghosts of the Newell Block and explain the real reason for the tunnels of Depot Town."
"The tour will be Friday, October 30, at 7:00 PM, beginning by the Michigan Central Railroad Depot at Cross and River Street. Cost is $5 per person."
"Today the Depot Town section of Ypsilanti is quiet and peaceful, a fun place to take the family for a meal or shopping, but it was not always so. The history of Depot Town has its share of murder, crime and sudden death, as well as vice and other good things. Local historian James Mann will lead a Ghost Tour of Depot Town this Friday evening and tell some of the tales of death and ghosts of the area. The tour will include a tale of murder at the Michigan Central Railroad Depot, the ghosts of the Newell Block and explain the real reason for the tunnels of Depot Town."
"The tour will be Friday, October 30, at 7:00 PM, beginning by the Michigan Central Railroad Depot at Cross and River Street. Cost is $5 per person."
Let's Go Riding with the Rural Route Mailman
Hi there. Time to come with me. Yep, just leave your cubicle, there--tell the boss you feel swine flu coming on. OK, let's go. We're gonna ride with Lawrence Buland, the rural route carrier for route No. 1 south of Ypsi. Got your coat? OK, just step on the wooden wheel hub, there--up you go! OK, Lawrence, let's go! Giddyup!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Views of Rome
Hey, are you busy tonight? There's a stereopticon show down at the Methodist Church. I was thinking of going. It's views of Rome.
It's only 10 cents. Paper says "Sunday School teachers and scholars will be especially interested." Well, we're neither of those, but it beats working on my quilting squares. Like to go? OK! I'll come by your house at 7. See you then!
--April 25, 1885 Ypsilanti Commercial
Ypsilanti Woman, Eliza Kimball, Invents New Apple
Kind readers, did you know a whole new type of apple was invented right here in Ypsilanti?It was invented by an amateur Ypsilanti backyard botanist, Eliza Kimball. She had wash every Monday and three meals a day to fix from scratch for her four children, Frances, Valeria, James, and the little one, John--but that didn't stop her from botanizin'. Her apple was displayed at the Ann Arbor Pomological Society and named the "Josephine." The Josephine still exists today and is known as an excellent keeper--it will last all winter in your cellar. A book called "Our Common Fruits" says this of the Josephine:
"...one very large and fine apple, of American origin, having been once called the Josephine Apple, though it had been known also by other names. . . and Poiteau, in thus dedicating it to this honored memory, only wishes, in order that the memorial might be more appropriate, "that this were the best of apples, as she was the best of women." The Josephine Apple has the peculiarity of approaching in internal structure to the special characteristic of the quince, the cells of the core containing each three or four pips, instead of only one or two, as is usually the case in apples."
Here's the original news item, from the April 18, 1885 Ypsilanti Commercial:
"Mr. Isaac B. Kimball brought a couple of specimens of a new apple to the office. Some sixteen years ago, Mrs. Kimball was in the garden. She was a natural horticulturalist and made many experiments. She shook the pollen of a Talman Sweeting on a Rhode Island Greening, only got one apple from that branch. This was saved until this next spring and the seed planted, when three years old set out in the orchard. All but one came to nothing bearing miserable fruit. At the end of thirteen years this one that bore the new apple produced a bushel. The next year three bushels and last fall seventeen bushels of a uniform, fine size and now the middle of April, sound and healthy. It is fine grained and juicy, a sweet apple and very pleasant tasting. It fills a gap long desired. Mr. Kimball is advanced in years, but would like some nurseryman to take hold of this fruit and so bless the coming generations. The pomological society at its session in Ann Arbor last week commended this apple highly and named it the Josephine."At the time of this news item, Isaac was a 70-year-old widower, with a 5-acre farm just south of town, south off Harriet Street and west of Hamilton (between the modern-day Michigan Ave and I-94). His dearest Eliza had passed. He lived with his oldest daughter, 46-year-old Frances and her 23-year-old daughter Mary. Though Eliza was gone, her tree still stood in Isaac's yard, blooming every spring and yielding apples every fall, to put away in the cellar every winter, from which, in April 1885, Isaac selected some Josephines to bring downtown to the newspaper office.
Dusty D's hat is off to our own apple-inventing botanist Eliza Kimball!
The 1919 Diary of Ypsilanti High School Teacher Carrie Hardy
Part of a year-long weekly serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.Kind readers may recall that last week Carrie and the other teachers chipped in to buy their superintendent a watch. She weighed herself at 144 pounds and bought a pen for $2.88--including war tax.
Oct. 28 Tues. Report that Beatrice Camris a Junior is married. A party at Mr. Omans for Mr. Arbaugh. The teachers present him a watch.
Oct. 29 Wed. After school Lillian + I went down to Rob's. We arrived about 6 o'clock + dinner was ready. Stayed all night.
Oct. 30 Thurs. We went down town + shopped in the morning. I bo't a skirt (corduroy) to make. Gage's for dinner. Concert in the P.M. Was at Rob's at about 6:30.
Oct. 31 Fri. Sewed on skirt. Rained. Went down town + tried to register. Then went to Arcadia to hear Mr. Kilpatrick.
Nov. 1 Sat. Still in Detroit. Went down to do a little shopping. Sewed after dinner. Broke down + cried. All right in a little while.
Nov. 2 Sun. Stayed at Rob's until after dinner. Rob + family + Paul brought us (Lillian) + I home. They went back in evening.
Nov. 3 Mon. School again and it seems so good to be home. Wore my new skirt + several said they liked it. The plaid skirt.
Nov. 4 Tues. Hamilton Holt, editor of the Independent lectures at Pease Audit on the League of Nations tonight.
Thanks for reading; tune in next Tuesday for the next series!
Monday, October 26, 2009
"Cabbage Night" in Ypsilanti
Phew. Just finished a story for this Thursday's Courier: a history of Halloween in Ypsilanti. It took a 1.5-centimeter-thick wad of newspaper printouts to research properly, from 1840 to 1950; I kid you not, and I barely submitted it in time. Do you know why Halloween used to be called "Cabbage Night" in Ypsi? Be sure to pick up a copy of the Courier this Thurs to find out! (assuming they run it---there are always last-minute issues at any paper).
Reader Feedback: Saleratus
One kind reader has sent in a tidbit regarding the "Saleratus" listed as one item for sale in the grocery list in the "Great Western Hotel" ad shown in the recent "1840 Mystery Spot" post. He says:
I didn't want to sidetrack the 1840's Mystery Spot discussion, but I noticed one of the grocery items for sale in the Great Western Hotel was salaratus, a term I didn't recognize.It turns out that saleratus is "Sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda", which has a tenuous link back to the discussion about Royal Baking Powder earlier in the year. Thought you might be interested...
Absolutely! How much more elegant is this term than "baking soda." Dusty D wants to revive this term. Next time I go to Meijer's I will enquire of the nearest employee, "Pardon me, would you by chance have any saleratus?"
"Any...what?"
"Saleratus! Saleratus! What you young'uns call 'baking soda.' Incidentally, is it anywhere near the Michigan Made Beet Sugar? You DO carry Michigan Made Beet Sugar, don't you? In the hundred-pound sack? And saleratus? Where's the saleratus aisle?!"
I may end up recognizing myself on Customerssuck.com, but if 'saleratus' reenters common parlance, it'll all be worth it.
Monday Mystery Artifact
Last week's winner and this week's stumper may be found here at AnnArbor.com. Good luck!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Ypsilanti's Depression-Era Zoo
Howdy. Did you have a chance to read my story in the latest Courier? It's the tale of Ypsilanti's Depression-era, home-made zoo. In case you didn't catch it, here's the text. Hope you enjoy it!
In 1937, “Miss Ypsi” the monkey, ponies, bears, foxes, a parrot, a collection of snakes, and other animals lived in an improvised zoo in Tourist Park (now Waterworks Park). The animals came from western Michigan, Iowa, Florida, Canada, and South America. Several were purchased with money raised by Ypsilanti schoolchildren.
“Two baboons will soon be installed in their quarters at the Tourist Park,” said the April 21, 1937 Ypsilanti Daily Press. “Free will collections are to be taken among the school children. . . to furnish money to buy the animals.”
“Within a week’s time,” the paper continued, “it is expected that the $75 will be raised by the children. That about covers the cost of both baboons.”
The baboon cages stood in Tourist Park, a public campground just off Catherine Street in today’s Waterworks Park. Families came from as far away as Virginia to park their trailers or pitch their tents in the park while they attended summer classes at the Normal School (EMU). It was an economical mode of life in a difficult time.
The park entrance featured the bronze statue of a woman. Once the top half of Ypsilanti’s 12 and ½ foot high Starkweather Fountain, which stood outside the present-day City Hall, the statue had been detached from the fountain in 1932. The graceful Hebe, goddess of Youth, gazed benevolently over the children running to the nearby zoo to see its latest additions.
“The plot thickens at the Ypsilanti Tourist Park zoo with the arrival of a second crow, donated by a Saline resident who read in the Daily Press that the camp’s original bird had been sadly gored by a menagerie mate, the billy goat,” noted the Ypsilanti Daily Press in an undated story.
Warming to his subject, the reporter continued, “Crows. . . have individual personalities—there’s determination and a buoyant zest for life in the way Old Black Joe cocks his head; there’s grim disillusionment and cynical aloofness in the jaded eye of Oscar. Joe is much given to chasing bantam chickens in the park, and Oscar, who no longer sees the world through the rosy haze of innocence, bides his time until Joe will receive his inevitable punishment for his carefree disregard of the chickens’ cherished rights to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. One day, gloats Oscar, Joe will learn that the little feathered beasties, for all of their empty-headedness, have a mind of their own.”
The bird collection included two parakeets, “Their shimmery blue and turquoise coats laced with black and white grace the menagerie with an air of aristocratic elegance,” said the Press. “Their manners are impeccable, a lesson to the monkey if she were only quick to catch on to things of that sort. The parakeets, from South America, also lend a romantic note to the otherwise hard-headed, practical zoo inhabitants. They sit close together, spooning all day long and far, far into the night, oblivious to everyone else in the world.”
The parakeets lived with Mac the parrot and several smaller birds in an improvised bird house. “One of the cleverest arrangements which Mrs. Flagg and her brother Mr. Welsh have contrived is the new bird house,” said the June 30 Press. “It was formerly seen on Ypsilanti streets as a popcorn booth, but it is singularly well adapted for its present purpose. In a very neat and workmanlike manner, the open spaces on three sides have been fitted with solid blinds, which drop down and the fourth side has been outfitted with heavy canvas curtains which when unrolled make excellent protection against wind and cold.”
Two animals arrived from Canada. “Two brown bears, gift of Ypsilanti school children, are in Ypsilanti Tourist Park today,” said the May 22 Press. “They are both a deep brown, weigh about ten pounds apiece, and are two months old.”
A month later, the paper gave an update. “A surprising attachment has sprung up between the little bears and the little white dog; the dog is allowed in the cage to play with the bears at intervals. . . In the evening the bears are taken out on chains which run along a wire, and the place where they chase each other and tramp back and forth is worn bare.”
Foxes from Iowa joined the zoo. “Two red foxes two months old. . . scamper about their cage and already seem a little less wild than on their arrival,” said the May 22 Press. “They are pretty little things with light brown eyes looking directly at visitors and with neat black legs that are carrying them forward and back in the cage playing at present with a tin can.”
The collection included a king snake, several garter snakes, and blue racers sharing quarters with a big frog. “How to help the snakes shed their skin was somewhat of a problem until Mr. Welsh lined the floors of their cages with small gravel,” said the June 30 Press. “Several have shed their skins this week. A corn or red rat snake, coming from Florida, is very handsome since shedding his old skin Monday and is a distinct red in parts.”
At the end of June, two ponies appeared. “Both are jet black,” said the June 30 Press. “Joe is distinguished from Lucky in having one white spot. They have bridles and saddles and look lively even when standing at rest occasionally under the trees with children clustered about them.”
Though the zoo’s animal housing and care were not up to modern standards, the little home-made zoo brought fun and diversion to Ypsilanti children and families in a difficult time. It was one symbol of the resourcefulness and grit of Ypsi residents, who, though pressured by poverty and want, created something beautiful.
In 1937, “Miss Ypsi” the monkey, ponies, bears, foxes, a parrot, a collection of snakes, and other animals lived in an improvised zoo in Tourist Park (now Waterworks Park). The animals came from western Michigan, Iowa, Florida, Canada, and South America. Several were purchased with money raised by Ypsilanti schoolchildren.“Two baboons will soon be installed in their quarters at the Tourist Park,” said the April 21, 1937 Ypsilanti Daily Press. “Free will collections are to be taken among the school children. . . to furnish money to buy the animals.”
“Within a week’s time,” the paper continued, “it is expected that the $75 will be raised by the children. That about covers the cost of both baboons.”
The baboon cages stood in Tourist Park, a public campground just off Catherine Street in today’s Waterworks Park. Families came from as far away as Virginia to park their trailers or pitch their tents in the park while they attended summer classes at the Normal School (EMU). It was an economical mode of life in a difficult time.
The park entrance featured the bronze statue of a woman. Once the top half of Ypsilanti’s 12 and ½ foot high Starkweather Fountain, which stood outside the present-day City Hall, the statue had been detached from the fountain in 1932. The graceful Hebe, goddess of Youth, gazed benevolently over the children running to the nearby zoo to see its latest additions.
“The plot thickens at the Ypsilanti Tourist Park zoo with the arrival of a second crow, donated by a Saline resident who read in the Daily Press that the camp’s original bird had been sadly gored by a menagerie mate, the billy goat,” noted the Ypsilanti Daily Press in an undated story.
Warming to his subject, the reporter continued, “Crows. . . have individual personalities—there’s determination and a buoyant zest for life in the way Old Black Joe cocks his head; there’s grim disillusionment and cynical aloofness in the jaded eye of Oscar. Joe is much given to chasing bantam chickens in the park, and Oscar, who no longer sees the world through the rosy haze of innocence, bides his time until Joe will receive his inevitable punishment for his carefree disregard of the chickens’ cherished rights to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness. One day, gloats Oscar, Joe will learn that the little feathered beasties, for all of their empty-headedness, have a mind of their own.”
The bird collection included two parakeets, “Their shimmery blue and turquoise coats laced with black and white grace the menagerie with an air of aristocratic elegance,” said the Press. “Their manners are impeccable, a lesson to the monkey if she were only quick to catch on to things of that sort. The parakeets, from South America, also lend a romantic note to the otherwise hard-headed, practical zoo inhabitants. They sit close together, spooning all day long and far, far into the night, oblivious to everyone else in the world.”
The parakeets lived with Mac the parrot and several smaller birds in an improvised bird house. “One of the cleverest arrangements which Mrs. Flagg and her brother Mr. Welsh have contrived is the new bird house,” said the June 30 Press. “It was formerly seen on Ypsilanti streets as a popcorn booth, but it is singularly well adapted for its present purpose. In a very neat and workmanlike manner, the open spaces on three sides have been fitted with solid blinds, which drop down and the fourth side has been outfitted with heavy canvas curtains which when unrolled make excellent protection against wind and cold.”
Two animals arrived from Canada. “Two brown bears, gift of Ypsilanti school children, are in Ypsilanti Tourist Park today,” said the May 22 Press. “They are both a deep brown, weigh about ten pounds apiece, and are two months old.”
A month later, the paper gave an update. “A surprising attachment has sprung up between the little bears and the little white dog; the dog is allowed in the cage to play with the bears at intervals. . . In the evening the bears are taken out on chains which run along a wire, and the place where they chase each other and tramp back and forth is worn bare.”
Foxes from Iowa joined the zoo. “Two red foxes two months old. . . scamper about their cage and already seem a little less wild than on their arrival,” said the May 22 Press. “They are pretty little things with light brown eyes looking directly at visitors and with neat black legs that are carrying them forward and back in the cage playing at present with a tin can.”
The collection included a king snake, several garter snakes, and blue racers sharing quarters with a big frog. “How to help the snakes shed their skin was somewhat of a problem until Mr. Welsh lined the floors of their cages with small gravel,” said the June 30 Press. “Several have shed their skins this week. A corn or red rat snake, coming from Florida, is very handsome since shedding his old skin Monday and is a distinct red in parts.”
At the end of June, two ponies appeared. “Both are jet black,” said the June 30 Press. “Joe is distinguished from Lucky in having one white spot. They have bridles and saddles and look lively even when standing at rest occasionally under the trees with children clustered about them.”
Though the zoo’s animal housing and care were not up to modern standards, the little home-made zoo brought fun and diversion to Ypsilanti children and families in a difficult time. It was one symbol of the resourcefulness and grit of Ypsi residents, who, though pressured by poverty and want, created something beautiful.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
James Mann "Ghost Tour" in Highland Cemetery
Dusty D were privileged to take part in a tour of Highland Cemetery last night with local historian James Mann. Bonus: atmospheric kerosene lanterns!About 15 people showed up at 6 p.m., mostly young people from a local History Club (?). James lit the lanterns and leading the way with one, led us through the side gate that the caretakers had left unlocked for him. We walked under the huge yellow trees lining the driveway, over yellow leaves like decals on the wet asphalt.
James led the group south past the graves of O. E. Thompson and his wife, onetime merchant in the THompson Building. He stopped at two small graves under an incandescent yellow maple tree. "How many of you know what green stamps are?" he asked. Three adults raised their hands, and James proceeded to tell the story of Shelly Hutchinson's rise as the pioneer of these consumer "points" stamps.
A pause at the Soldier's Memorial was followed by a stop at pioneer doctor Helen McAndrew's grave, near the spot where last week's SLAPS tour had had an encounter. We turned at the southwest corner and headed north along the back of the cemetery.James paused at several graves and gave talks about the person resting in each one. The high point for Dusty D came when we visited lumber baron Scoville's family plot. James talked about the iconography on three graves standing together. One showed clasped hands. The next, a hand pointing up. The last, the grave of Elizabeth Scovill, showed a hand pointing down. James said that none of the researchers at the Archives had been able to find any information about her--not even an obituary, for one of the most well-known families (that included a mayor) in the history of Ypsilanti.
You can be sure that Dusty D was intrigued. I also noted that the top of this monument had been broken off at one point, and replaced. Hmmm.
Night and rain fell. James continued to lead the umbrella'd group around in the northern section of the cemetery, but sweetie and I said a goodbye and scooted off. Dusty D was glad to see James in action and observe how he conducted a tour. It was a pleasant evening in a stunningly beautiful red, orange, green, and yellow October-evening.
Friday, October 23, 2009
A Brief History of Scholastic Inebriation
A lighthearted "Historical Tidbits" to counter the rain: here 'tis, on AnnArbor.com!
Another Testimonial for Michigan Beet Sugar
The Farmers and Manufacturers Beet Sugar Association (Saginaw, Mich.) had a lot of good ideas for their obviously in-house ads. Why hire outside talent when you can sit around a table with a couple other guys in overalls* and dream up these inspired creations? We've seen the branding triumph, the threatening matron, and to add to our ongoing Beet Sugar Gallery here's the racial stereotype!This ad must have cost a mint, entailing as it doubtless did an extensive nationwide survey of all of the best chefs in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, L.A...but it paid off, since in the end the beetmen were able to state conclusively that "The Best Chefs use BEET SUGAR Made in Michigan." That's settled then.
"The ancient idea that Beet Sugar is not as good as cane sugar [which does not merit capitalization] was exploded long ago," the ad claims, despite the fact that the American beet sugar industry is only a few decades old at this point.
Dusty D waved this ad in the airspace between my husband's face and the Ypsilanti Courier he was attempting to read. He contemplated the ad for a moment and then loudly brayed something I found horribly insensitive, deeply offensive, and politically incorrect:
"Is da firs' t'ing I put een my spa-GHET-ti when I come-a to A-MER-ica!"
After which we laughed like maniacs. Seriously now, readers: remember, Buy, Use, and Boost Michiagn Beet Sugar!
*No offense meant. Dusty D shambles around in ratty old jeans most of the time, so there's a kinship there.
The 1874 Diary of Ypsilanti Teen Allie McCullough
Part of a year-long weekly series of excerpts from Ypsilanti teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 diary, from the last year of her life.You may remember that last week Allie was examined in History, read her essay on Slang Phrases "and the boys fairly roared," and made her friend Joe mad, remarking "I do not care. . . I ought not to say very polite things."
Oct. 23 Fri. Went to Lyceum. Mr. Lamb was there. He and I had quite a chat. Gay came. All the girls wanted him the worst way, but did not dare to speak to him. I did, after a while. We went to promenade and we had a good talk. He acts as if he thought I was about right. Got a note from him in the evening and had ever so many compliments.
Oct. 24 Sat. Helped to clean the kitchen this morning. Washed all the walls and read to Alex almost all of the afternoon, then went up to Carrie's. Mr. Blair was there. Had quite a nice time. Gave Joe a little call. Will is 20 today, went hunting. Expect he had an elegant time. Wish I was a boy.
Oct. 25 Sun. Went to Sunday school. Did not stay till it was out. Read almost all day, "Grace Lee." It is a lovely book. Went up to Aunt Lizzie's in the later part of the afternoon with Mary. We had made quire a call. Did not go to church in the evening.
Oct. 26 Mon. Have had all of my lessons today and ever and ever so much fun. Jennie S. came home from school with me and we had just more than a talk and riddled every one and every thing to pieces. Carrie N. came down and stayed for supper.
Oct. 27 Tues. Got a letter. had some fun in the Library this afternoon. We have some new books. They are very nice. Did not go to bed until real late. Sat up and read. Stayed this noon with Cora Burt [?] Had jolly time.
Oct. 28 Wed. Went up to Carrie's tonight. Had just been there a few minutes when Joe came. Had a good talk then. I stayed and visited with Carrie. She came down town with me and we met Joe. She came down back again with us. She is going off to teach Sunday and will not be back until Christmas.
Oct. 29 Thurs. Expected Carrie down tonight, but she did not come. Aunty was here and stayed to tea. Have commenced to write a composition, but find it hard work to do it. Sat up quite late to read, found that ----- have enough work to do.
Oct. 30 Fri. Did not go to school in the afternoon because Jennie S. did not come. Got ready and went up to the Normal with Will. Fell down on the way up there. Had a jolly good time. Got with Minnie B. and C.M. Mr. Blair came and sat down with me and asked my company home. He is nice, but I gave him the mitten. Did not get home until almost one.
Thanks for reading; tune in this coming Friday for another chapter!.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Answer to Ypsi Trivia Question
"In 1906, there was only one business open at night. It wasn't a saloon--those closed at 10:30 p.m., and weren't even open on Sundays. Or weren't supposed to be. It wasn't a 24-hour gas station, of course, or a 24-hour big box store, naturally. But it was big! In the darkness, when almost all the lights in town were doused, one place burned with light, noise, and energy!"Several people answered on the blog and on FB. Guesses included "railroad station," "Western Union," "hospital" (Beyer did not yet exist) and "gas station" (there weren't any yet--folks bought gas, early in the car area, at grocery stores in Ypsi).
In 1906, the city imposed a curfew. The January 16, 1906 Ypsilanti Daily Press said, "[The curfew] provides that children under 16 be under police supervision after 8 p.m. unless they are accompanied by their guardian or parents. It gives the police powers to arrest any child without a warrant, but that such child must be taken to its home before anything else is done. It also provides that the curfew shall be sounded five minutes before the time mentioned."
But who would sound the curfew? The police didn't have any big whistles or sirens. The answer came a few days later in a January 22 story called, "No Booze Next Sunday."
The cops were cracking down on saloons. Would you believe--some were actually open on Sunday! That was gonna stop, and now. "If the law on Sunday closing has not been observed in the past it will be in the future, and I can promise you that next Sunday will be a dry one," said the paper. "The police have their orders and will carry them out. There will be no discrimination shown, and if any one breaks the law he will have to answer for it in court. Attention will also be paid to the closing of saloons at 10:30 o'clock standard every night. I also wish you would call attention to the fact that the curfew ordinance foes into effect next Wednesday. From then on the curfew bell will ring, or rather the whistle of the Peninsular mills will blow. Mr. Quirk says he will be pleased to do this, and as that is the only establishment that remains open at night it will probably be the only warning given."
There you have it. As Ypsilanti slumbered in the darkness, the flywheels whirled, the rollers spun, the lights blazed, and the paper dust flew far into the night at the Peninsular Paper Mill. In an era without Internet, TV, or radio, the sound of Peninsular Mills' machinery clanking and roaring across the river was the precursor to the thwack! of a million Chicago Tribunes landing on front porches hundreds of miles away.
Ypsi Trivia Question
In perusing some 1906 Ypsilanti Daily Presses, Dusty D learns that in 1906, there was only one business open at night. The only one in town.
It wasn't a saloon--those closed at 10:30 p.m., and weren't even open on Sundays. Or weren't supposed to be. It wasn't a 24-hour gas station, of course, or a 24-hour big box store, naturally. But it was big! In the darkness, when almost all the lights in town were doused, one place burned with light, noise, and energy!
See if you can guess what it was! Answer this evening.
It wasn't a saloon--those closed at 10:30 p.m., and weren't even open on Sundays. Or weren't supposed to be. It wasn't a 24-hour gas station, of course, or a 24-hour big box store, naturally. But it was big! In the darkness, when almost all the lights in town were doused, one place burned with light, noise, and energy!
See if you can guess what it was! Answer this evening.
1840s Mystery Spot: Can You Identify These Two Ghostly "Taverns"?
A story in the June 10, 1844 abolitionist newspaper the Signal of Liberty describes a visit to Ypsilanti by an abolitionist from back east. The paper quotes this gentleman's impressions of Ypsi and mentions two large buildings, one abandoned. But what were these buildings?The article begins, "A correspondent of the Countryman, a N.Y. Liberty [abolition] paper, is travelling through this State, and publishing his ideas for the benefit of the New Yorkers. He praises the country and people, quite as much as they deserve, perhaps more. [heh]. Some of his sketches are quite amusing."
Readers will kindly indulge one brief sidetrack to one such atmospheric sketch that occurs as the Countryman writer is travelling on a train, perhaps straight to Ypsi:
"As I seated myself in the cars, a sun-burnt young man seated himself at my right. In his hand he held a large straw hat, designed for summer use, and in it two cloth bound volumes, and some rolls of paper.
'See your book, sir' said I. I took it and on the back in large capitals, read the 'Life and Speeches of Henry Clay.'
'What, sir! do you vote for a duelist and slaveholder, when that noble man, JAMES G. BIRNEY, lives so near you?
'I am,' says he, 'as much an abolitionist as any body--think slavery a great evil; but, I don't carry it into politics.'
'You pray against it?'
'Yes.'
'Are you ashamed to pray and vote alike?'
He looked confusion and coon skins*, and cast his eyes upon his big brim hat, and was silent. Soon, a shrewd looking stranger roused him up, by asking him for some 'better measures,' but could get none; but the flint was struck, and light flashed upon Clay, Van Buren and slavery, in every part of the cars."
Now. On to the mysterious buildings. When the Countryman writer's train pulled into the Ypsilanti depot and he disembarked, this is what he saw that June day in 1844:
"The place shows some noble signs of 'wild cat' [banking] times. A large brick edifice, designed for a tavern, will probably be converted into a College. Another on the opposite side, near the depot, 100 feet in front, 80 broad, or nearly, surrounded by a piazza. It was great in its conception, great in its ruins, doors and windows all gaping--the winds of heaven blow through it, the wild cats mew there, I guess, and somebody would complete the picture by poking their bare heads out of its countless windows. Both these were designed for taverns, but the 'pressure' squeezed the spirit out of all the men that built 'em; the money out of all the pockets of the workmen, and the old nick out of the drunkards they would have made. So the 'pressure' has done some good.
"[Ypsilanti] contains eight doctors, not an abolitionist among them; four clergymen, one or two 'as good abolitionists as any body'--twelve lawyers, whigs and democrats, of course."
OK. Detective time, fellow Mystery Spotters! There are some deductions we can make from this report:
1. Both buildings were near the one-time Depot.
2. The buildings were near each other, "on the opposite side" of something--the river? a road? The new 1838 railroad tracks?
3. Building A was of sufficient size and of a style that it could be converted into a college.
4. Building B was abandoned and empty in the summer of 1844. It was large and had "countless windows." Made me think of the Thompson Building, which wasn't built till almost 20 years later.
Dusty D went to her Colburn to check and found this on page 76:
"The enterprising Mark Norris, in 1838, materialized the vision of another tavern for Ypsilanti, by erecting the "Western Hotel," on a triangular piece of ground just south of the site of the present Michigan Central Station [the old wooden depot, preceding the 1864 fancy brick depot which burned, leaving the remnant of the present-day depot]. The building was of brick with stone facings, and the enterprise was of considerable magnitude for the period. Shops occupied the ground floors two or three steps down from the walk and the hotel proper was above. The place was opened in May, 1839, under the management of Abiel Hawkins and Abraham Sage. Hawkins later bought out the interest of Sage and continued in the management until his retirement from business. The building was subsequently removed to make way for an extension of railroad property, its brick being used in the construction of the Thompson Block and neighboring buildings."
Is the Great Western Hotel the building described by the Countryman writer as a "ruin"? If so, it wasn't in business very long.
To add to the mystery, I found this August 1845 advertisement in the Sentinel. It appears the hotel is open, and run by one S. J. Barber. Did he buy it from Abiel Hawkins, said to be the proprietor of the GWH in the Colburn clip above? Did Abiel sell the GWH so that he could concentrate on his Hawkins House hotel, across town at Michigan Ave. and Washington? Was the hotel abandoned for some time and then rehabbed by Barber?
Quite confusing. Interestingly, the GWH in my 1856 plat map seems to be a building called the "National Hotel." Tidbit: Shortly after the Normal School's founding in 1849, the original school building pictured at left burned to the ground in 1859. The school temporarily moved into the National Hotel, which seems to have been empty at that time (?)OK. What about the other building, the one the Countryman writer said was to be a school?
At first I thought it might be the Seminary, which opened in August of 1844. It stood at Washington and Cross and was a large, imposing building. Does "opposite side of" mean the river, or perhaps the opposite side of the railroad part of town? Was the "Sem" the building referenced?
But then I also found this:
"1844:...Miss Jane Willard opened a school for children in common branches of English in a building near the depo. ('Sentinel' 4-25-1844)."
This seems more likely, but I could find nothing, here at home or in my copies of the 1844 Sentinel, about Ms. Willard's school.
Readers, those of you with more knowledge than me, what are your thoughts? What did the Countryman writer see that summer day in 1844?
* Dusty D has filed this 1840s slang expression away, reverently, for definite future use.
Thanks to Ypsilanti Archives intern Derek S. for tipping me off that the Signal of Liberty is available online at the AADL site!
Call for Help: Eileen Harrison, Recently Profiled on AnnArbor.com, is 107 Years Old and Living in Ypsilanti!
Kind readers may remember that on Wednesday I wrote about the contents of Eileen Harrison's WWII ration book for AnnArbor.com.Turns out, says a friend, she's still allegedly alive. 107 years old.
At age 107, she is still living somewhere in Ypsilanti. Dusty D searched and searched for her phone number, to respectfully ask Ms. Harrison if she might be amenable to an oral history, if that would not tire or inconvenience her.
I can't find any information anywhere--not even with the mighty Zabasearch. Not gonna go with any of those online fee-for-info sites either, as I ditched my stupid AMEX after getting ripped off. So. An impasse.
Ypsilanti is a small town. And time, needless to say, is of the essence. Kind readers, does anyone know how to reach Ms. Harrison? Please don't post any personal information about her here, needless to say, but if you would be so kind as to connect me, privately via email to ypsidixit@gmail.com, to her phone # or to an intermediate person or family member who has contact with her, I would be EXTREMELY grateful.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ypsilanti's Slum Children of 1939
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Note: The photos illustrating this 1939 Ypsilanti Daily Press story are of Depression- era children, but not Ypsilanti children.It is difficult to realize the need of such an institution as the Nursery School here in Ypsilanti. On the surface there seems to be little dire poverty but a very little investigation will prove this a misapprehension. A trip with Mrs. Charles Lamb, director of the project, into the homes from which the children come shows than in Ypsilanti there are people living in housing and general economic conditions which it would be hard to find surpassed in a large city.
The average rent that a family living on WPA wages can pay is about $12 a month, it has been estimated, and for that amount it is almost impossible to find good living quarters here. There are many instances of family groups consisting of ten to 12 members living in one or two rooms, often above stores so that children have no place to play except the streets. Others are living in shacks without adequate heating facilities, without proper sanitation and without a means of obtaining adequate fresh water. This latter condition is especially true of a subdivision east of the city just off Ecorse Rd. where there are a hundred or so people, all of whom must go more than half a mile to a gas station to obtain water which they carry home in pails and which, before the day is over, becomes very stale and unfit to drink.
There are people in Ypsilanti also who are living on an absolute minimum of food, according to welfare authorities--an amount and quality upon which adults are able to subsist but which is not adequate for growing children. One case in point is that of a tiny child at the nursery school who after eating all she could hold at dinner at school sighed happily and said, "This is so good. I won't even be hungry when I get home." Upon questioning she told that her father would not allow her anything to eat at home because there were older children who were not in the nursery school and who had to be fed their one meal a day from the family income, which would not cover the child in nursery school. While the children are playing happily together or scrapping healthily it is very difficult to realize the conditions from which some of them come. No one would guess what one little four year old with the big brown eyes, soft dark hair and angelic pale face was almost starving only a few months ago when her father deserted her, her mother and two sisters and left them in a one room tar paper shack in a subdivision near Ypsilanti without means or support.
It seems almost impossible that a sprightly boy, just three and full of mischief enough for twice his years, comes from a tumble-down unpainted two room shed in the northeast section of town where he exists in absolute poverty with his parents and numerous brothers and sisters, without furniture or bedding, except a few rags, and without seeing the slightest attempt at beauty of cleanliness until he gets to school.And then there is a fragile little three-year-old girl with enormous eyes in a pinched, two-old face. She hasn't been at the school long enough to forget the too-soon-learned tragedy of her home environment--her young mother has a fatal disease which has doomed her to death in a short time.
Perhaps one of the most amazing personalities among the children is a sparkling four-year-old girl with round black face, mischievous eyes and irrepressible pig tails sticking up all about her well shaped little skull. She is the only child of a family of several who is still left with her mother who is considered an incorrigible moral delinquent. The older children have been taken from their mother by social agencies and this one may be very soon as the environment in the home is considered absolutely degenerate. Fortunately the child is still too young to realize the conditions in which she lives--she still chuckles and beams, plays puckish pranks and thinks the world is a fine place and nursery school just made for her. She loves to "dress up" in "party dresses" and big hats from the cardboard box of old costumes with which the children play. When she dresses up she puts on a song and dance show for the other children and they love it. She is only one of the many underprivileged children in the first ward.
Among the saddest stories are those of the children above the stores in the business section of town. One from which one of the nursery school babies comes consists of two rooms reached after a long, hazardous trek up a dirty stairway, through a dark, loose-boarded hall past several store rooms. The father works a few days a week but he likes to drink too well. He seems to like drink better than he does this boy or his two brothers or his baby sister who is making what looks like a losing fight to recuperate from pneumonia. There is practically no furniture in these two rooms and no bedding on the dirty mattress-covered beds.Story after story could be told, for nearly every one of these children playing so contentedly together in their clean, bright basement rooms at Woodruff School comes from a home environment similar if not worse then those of the cases cited.
--April 6, 1939 Ypsilanti Daily Press
Photos:
"The Children of Erskine Place" by F. Oswald Barnett
Uncredited, but I believe this is a photo by Walker Evans
Uncredited photo labeled "Rirl and mother"
Uncredited photo labeled "The Malone children; five children, teen boy with teen girl and young girls at the edge of a corn field; barefoot and coveralls"
Uncredited photo labeled "depression"
Wednesday Mystery Spot
Have I really done it?
Did I really defeat all the eagle-eyed Mystery Spotters out there with Big Bowl of Fruit? The closest guess was "I bet this is the brick house on East Cross that was on the home tour last year -- with all the fancy brick work. It's maybe on the corner of Campbell???"
Heh.
(Politely) I'm afraid not, my dear (chokes back triumphant giggles).
Big Bowl of Fruit may be seen (from the sidewalk) in the central garden area of the beautiful, sublime St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Huron. The church is so exquisite it almost makes me wish I were a member, just to enjoy being inside such a magnificent architectural space.
So that's that. Now then, we're ranging away from downtown for our next Mystery Spot. It has something to do with a recent reader comment. And I'd better shut up now, or I'll give it all away! Take your best guess; answer next Wednesday!
Did I really defeat all the eagle-eyed Mystery Spotters out there with Big Bowl of Fruit? The closest guess was "I bet this is the brick house on East Cross that was on the home tour last year -- with all the fancy brick work. It's maybe on the corner of Campbell???"
Heh.
(Politely) I'm afraid not, my dear (chokes back triumphant giggles).
Big Bowl of Fruit may be seen (from the sidewalk) in the central garden area of the beautiful, sublime St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Huron. The church is so exquisite it almost makes me wish I were a member, just to enjoy being inside such a magnificent architectural space.
So that's that. Now then, we're ranging away from downtown for our next Mystery Spot. It has something to do with a recent reader comment. And I'd better shut up now, or I'll give it all away! Take your best guess; answer next Wednesday!
Peek Inside an Ypsilantian's WWII Ration Book
Many families are "rationing" luxuries and treats--even some staples--today. Back in WWII it was mandated. Take an image-rich peek at the contents of Eileen Harrison's ration-book purse and see what she carried around town in 1942 just to do her shopping!Here's the story; enjoy!
Michigan Beet Sugar: A Testimonial
Some time ago Dusty D instructed kind readers to use, and boost, Michigan Beet Sugar.Here is Vrouw Boerenkool to check up on you and testify. "All authorities tell me," she says in her heavy, guttural accent, "Michigan Made Beet Sugar has no superior. . . In addition, I believe in standing by Michigan farmers."
"Every 100 pound bag of foreign refined sugar bought in Michigan means that one American worker loses a day's work."
Dusty D is gonna make sure her next 100-pound bag contains only pure, delicious Michigan beet sugar. As the gruff yet caring voice of the Farmers and Manufacturers Beet Sugar Association (Saginaw), Vrouw B. is pretty convincing. --Ypsilanti Daily Press, January 11, 1940
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Bones of "Stud Bunnies"
Dusty D spent the morning laying out the Table of Contents, or ToC, for her book "Stud Bunnies and the Underwear Club: Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives," due out this winter.It turned out to be a very interesting and rewarding experience. Originally I'd just piled all my stories into a list to submit to the publisher. Time was short and I didn't have time to make thoughtful arrangements. But this morning I cut up my ToC list into the individual stories and had a wonderful time seeing relationships, finding thematic segues between stories, and imagining the reader's experience and what would please them most. I'm particularly happy with a section dealing with the Depression:
You Use Witch Sugar? (humorous, food-related)
Luminous Pork Chop Comes to Light: So Does Cause (humorous, food-related)
Ypsilanti's First Supermarket (food-related, more in-depth story)
Locavores in 1930s Ypsilanti (also deals with city groceries, Depression)
The Sadness in a Depression-Era Grocery Receipt (groceries, Depression, sad)
Needles, Rags, and an Old Peach Tree (Depression, food preservation, upbeat)
The Angel of the Depression (Depression, food, social services, uplifting!)
Ypsilanti's Depression-Era Zoo (Depression, offbeat, fun)*
Cash for Clunkers in 1938 Ypsilanti (Depression, interesting, offbeat, cars)
The Golden Age of Free Parking in Ypsilanti (cars, funny)
New Motoring License Requirement Grievous Imposition to Ypsilanti's Elite (cars, funny, the privileged class)
1906 Letter from a 20-Year-Old Servant Girl Working at 118 South Huron Street, Ypsilanti (rare artifact**, lots of images, stark contrast to privileged class)
And so on. It's really fun to try to knit them together in an alluring way while spreading out stories with images and those without, plus 3 super-long stories among lots of shorter ones, plus not juxtaposing frothy fun ones with stories about death and murder. At any rate, I sure am grateful I'm blessed to be in the position to make a book! Very thankful, mostly to my sweetie. Back to work now!
*this will be in this Thursday's Courier, God willin' and the creek don't rise.
**thanks to Kristin P., who gave her permission to use these images (I'll thank her in the book too)
Upcoming Stories
Tomorrow's AnnArbor.com column will examine the contents of the 4 by 6-inch World War Two ration book purse that every Ypsilantian carried around. Lots of images!
Thursday's Ypsilanti Courier story explores the onetime home-made Ypsilanti Zoo in Waterworks Park. Bet you didn't know Ypsi once had its own zoo!
I'll post 'em here and on FB. Hope you like 'em!
Thursday's Ypsilanti Courier story explores the onetime home-made Ypsilanti Zoo in Waterworks Park. Bet you didn't know Ypsi once had its own zoo!
I'll post 'em here and on FB. Hope you like 'em!
Highland Cemetery Ghost Photo?
This photo was taken in Highland Cemetery last Saturday night while ghost- hunting. SLAPS member Jennifer says, "Here is the picture that we took when Gerry started yelling that the car was moving. It was taken by our ghost hunter T."
This photo was taken in the extreme southwest section of Highland Cemetery.
Traffic Boners Are On The Way Out
Traffic authorities say 25% of all Stop-and-Go driving will be ended if we end traffic boners. Public opinion can do it!
My Shell station is local headquarters for the Share-the-Road crusade.
We'll attach the emblem to your car--give you the booklet showing how "Screwdrivers" snarl traffic.
Now you're all set to help cut Stop-and-Go driving 25%!
That's swell!
--Ypsilanti Daily Press, January 10, 1940
The 1919 Diary of Ypsilanti High School Teacher Carrie Hardy
Part of a year-long weekly serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.Kind readers may recall that last week Carrie paid $20 to Dr. Hull, was paid herself, did some ironing, and cleaned up her apartment.
Oct. 21 Tues. Rec'd Mr. Hutchins check for $60.00 for Aug. + 1/2 of Sept. Was at Mrs. Fletcher's for supper.
Oct. 22 Wed. School went fairly well. After supper at 7:30 went over to judge the debaters--Mrs. Omans, Miss Covell + myself.
Oct. 23 Thurs. Went up to Chapel for the first time this year. Was very tired at night. Bed early. Bo't new pen $2.88 including war tax.
Oct. 24 Fri. After school completed my report. Mr. Piper, Mr. Omans, Mrs. DeWitt + myself went down town to select Mr. Arbaugh a watch.
Oct. 25 Sat. Cleaned + washed a few clothes. Went down to bank and for groceries. Just awfully tired.
Oct. 26 Sun. Went to church and Rob came. We had a good visit. Lillian here in P.M.
Oct. 27 Mon. Collected $23.20 toward Roosevelt fund. After school went to temple for supper. On committee pd $1.00 Weigh 144 lbs.
Oct. 28 Tues. Report that Beatrice Camris a Junior is married. A party at Mr. Omans for Mr. Arbaugh. The teachers present him a watch.
Thanks for reading; tune in next Tuesday for the next series!
