Tintypes in the Ypsilanti Archives

Some of the photos in the Archives' collections are tintypes. This a freaky technique in which images were exposed onto an actual piece of metal--a thin sheet of iron (not tin) that has been "japanned", or, covered with a coating of black enamel or lacquer. The iron plates used for tintypes were cut with tinsnips, sometimes resulting in an irregularly-shaped plate. Corners were often clipped, as here, to help the tintype better fit into photo album pockets. Tintypes came in a variety of sizes, with "gems" being tiny photos that could be inserted into a brooch or pendant.

Since the image from the lens is exposed directly onto the metal plate, without the use of a negative, it appears as horizontally reversed from the actual real-life scene. Some photographers had cameras with mirrors to correct this reversal. In this unlabeled Archives photo, the dog would likely have been facing left in the studio. You can see that the photographer hand-tinted this tintype by rouging the cheeks of the child.

Tintypes were popular with Civil War soldiers because they were durable and could be mailed without worry that they would be damaged. Tintypes originally became popular in the mid-1850s and waned in the 1890s as new technologies took over, but they continued to be produced into the 20th century, often at fairs or carnivals as a novelty. To this day, tintypes are some of the best-preserved photographic prints in the Archives.

New Courier Story

My husband called this story "CSI Archives." :D

Favorable Book Review from Michigan History Magazine!

The kind folks at the magazine I hope to publish in some happy day, Michigan History magazine, have published a favorable review of my book in their July/August issue, on newsstands now! Yowza! "Hollowed Ground" sounds good, too--maybe I'll put that on my birthday list.

Which New Diary Would You Like Serialized? Readers Vote!

Kind readers, we have sadly reached the end of the year-long serialization of Allie McCullough and Carrie Hardy's diaries. Through them we learned about the Lyceum, wartime rationing, "giving him the mitten" and taking mercury for medicine. They never dreamed that their private thoughts would be read by, and would touch, so many strangers of a different time.

It's time now to begin a new serialization. Reader's Choice. You have 3 candidates to choose from. Enter your vote in Comments and I will start off on the most popular vote posthaste.

CANDIDATE #1: J. R. MOWRY. An elderly farmer just northwest of Ypsilanti, J. R. Mowry farmed dairy cattle and raised a variety of crops with the help of his sons. Like to know about the day to day life of a farmer?

EXCERPT: "July 20, 1901: I took milk [into Ypsilanti]. Tom and Charley helped Johnny thresh in A.M.; in P.M. they helped Will Elliott thresh. I went to John Wise's funeral, took leave and surry. We all went home in P.M. Four rode to Ypsi, Mich."

CANDIDATE #2: JEROME ALLEN. A city surveyor writes about his job, daily life, and the prices of things he buys around town. Like to ride along and oversee ditch, road, and sewer projects?

EXCERPT: "July 20, 1910: With William Campbell and Steve Hutchinson I was engaged as special assessor in measuring curbs built by Gass. Rec. draft for dividend on Stock in Denver and Rio Grand RR, $25.00."

CANDIDATE #3: ABBA OWEN. This 16-year-old was the daughter of Ypsilanti magical mineral water baron Tubal Cain Owen. Her diary, begun in the summer of 1888, begins with a fabulous family trip to Niagara Falls and offers insights into the life of a teen in a well-off, well-known Ypsilanti family.

EXCERPT: "July 20, 1888: This morning mama and I got up early so as to be ready if the boys came on the 7 o'clock train but they did not come so we sat down to breakfast and when we were almost threw I espied a young man walking across the street and I thought it was [brother] Eber but I waited a minute so as to be certain and then called out "It is Eber," and ran to the door. We were all very glad to see him.

"Fred has been in Buffalo all day yesterday and came home this morning on the ten o'clock train.

"This afternoon Aunt Libbie rented a carriage (we called it the Ark) and we all went up to Fort Niagara and it was very interesting; we went all through the different departments also the dungeon where Morgan was kept until he was thrown into the river.

"This evening Eber and Fred went for a row on the river and also to make a call on the Crageys. When they returned there was quite a party of visitors here: Mrs. & Miss Hauss, Mrs. Hotchkiss, Mrs. Marrell, and Mrs. Candler Cooke and we had a very pleasant evening."

There you go. Vote for your favorite; voting closes on Sunday, July 25th, after which we'll blast off on a new journey with another Ypsilanti diarist. Thank you!

Tension Builds on July 21, 1905

Kind reader, have you ever lolled and lazed around in bed on a summer's morn, enjoying the breeze from the window and the silenced alarm clock and the chance to doze for another hour? Then--suddenly--your neighbor's lawnmower roars into life for an early-morning mowing/torture session. You try a pillow over the head (too hot), closing the window (too stifling), or just ignoring it (too distracting). Ahh, what's the use...muttering something or other, you get up to start the old percolator. Dangit!

Friend, you're not alone. You have a brother in 1905 Ypsilanti. Same problem. Read for yourself:

"'I have a theory,' said an irate citizen to the reporter recently, 'that there should be an island way out at sea about 3,000 miles from nowhere, for those persons who want to get up at 3 or 4 a.m. and mow their lawns and perform other noisy and disagreeable household duties. They ought to be made to stay there too, all of them, and tolerate the noise the other fellow makes when they want to sleep,' he added viciously.

"'The gist of the matter is that in my neighborhood it is getting simply unbearable. Yesterday morning I was wakened about 4 o'clock by my neighbor on one side mowing his lawn. This morning at 4:30 the man on the other side got the fever, caught it from the other fellow I suppose, and maybe thought he'd pay him back.'

"'Neither one of those men have anything to do during the day, and it is beyond me why they want to get at it so early. About the time other people in the neighborhood want to get up they are ready to sit down and take a snooze or rest up for awhile.'

"The reporter listened with patience and admitted that there was some justice in the complaint."

Yessiree, there's nothing as raucous, loud, and obstreperous as...a push reel mower.

The 1919 Diary of YHS Math Teacher Carrie Hardy

Last entry of a year-long weekly serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.

July 13 Sun. Took 7:30 [interurban light rail?] car for Detroit. At 10:00 boarded steamboat Thousand Islander [pictured at right] for Chatham, Ont. Returned at 11:00.

July 14 Mon. No classes. School election. Mrs. Fletcher and Prof. Cleary were re-elected. New Prospect School building carried. Mr. Loosee made Robert's cart. Home.

July 15 Tues. All classes on. Prepared to take Robert's cart down to Detroit. Cleaned and looked over the Maxwell [Carrie's own car; a Maxwell is pictured at right]. Purchased gas.

July 16 Wed. All classes on. At 4 o'clock Lillian + I left for Detroit with cart socks, [?] etc. Supper by roadside. Home at 7:40.

July 17 Thurs. All classes on. After school drove Mr. + Mrs. Arbaugh to Ann Arbor for Dorothy-operation removal of tonsils.

July 18 Fri. After school went down town. Then attended the Laird party for Saginaw teachers.

July 19 Sat. Worked all day. Cleaned and swept, dusted. Changed furniture in bed-room.

July 20 Sun. Was home all day.--Not even fully dressed. Looked over Arithmetic blue books all day. Not very well.

July 21 Mon. No classes. Not well so called Dr. Breakey who came at 11 A.M. He gave me calomel tablets and in evening I took Pluto water. Mended some.

And here, in medias res, ends our year with Carrie Hardy. Thank you for reading and learning with me about the life of a wartime YHS math teacher. R. I. P., Carrie Hardy.

Ypsi Archives Subject of Upcoming AnnArbor.com Story!

Dusty D had the pleasure today of meeting AnnArbor.com reporter and former Detroit News reporter James Dickson. He recently wrote an excellent, well-written review of an Ann Arbor historic tour that puckered the sphincters of several Ann Arborite commentors because Dickson dared to say something other than that it was wonderful. He was honest. Which makes me respect him. A breath of fresh air.

Dickson impressed me as a very good reporter with a crucial gift--he makes people feel comfortable. I am not a Chatty Cathy by a long shot but there I was, babbling away, hand gestures, the whole thing. His pleasant nature and interest in the speaker really encouraged conversation.

Then Mr. Dickson sat at the table where a big and successful research project was going on with a visitor from Texas. Again, (I was secretly observing Mr. D. while scanning some photos), Mr. Dickson's laid-back, positive, and interested nature made the visitor and the researcher open up and happily talk at length about the project in an animated back-and-forth conversation. All of us felt happy to have met him.

Mr. Dickson really has a gift for relaxing interview subjects so that they open up. He took a lot of notes and everyone's contact info too, which impressed me as to thoroughness.

The story if it runs should be in AnnArbor.com soon. I'll be excited to read it. Mr. Dickson, kudos to you for your most recent story about the tour and I look forward to your future stories!

(Photo borrowed from AnnArbor.com site).

"A Little Excitement...Neighborhood Entertainment"

That is the excerpted headline of a July 20, 1910 story about domestic violence.

Hamilton Avenue resident Anna, or Hannah, Staenke worked as a domestic for local lawyer John Kirk's wife Mary, who had 4 children ranging in age from 17 to 3 at home. Anna walked each morning from Hamilton to the Kirk home at 427 Ballard near Washtenaw. Her husband Frederick worked as a day laborer.

The family was under strain. A month and a half earlier, Anna's 26-year-old son Arthur had deserted his 22-year-old wife of 2 years, Myrtle. She was left alone with their 7-month-old daughter Clara in a small apartment within the home of Edward Hotchkiss and his wife Mary at 704 Congress, between Ballard and Normal.

"[Arthur] Staenke, who is twenty years old, had been in the employ of the construction department of the D. J & C. R. R. Company until recently," noted the May 12, 1910 Ypsilanti Daily Press. "After he lost that position he would go frequently into Detroit, coming home very late. He would act disagreeably sullen after these trips and would vent his ill nature on the seven months old baby. His wife he married about a year and a half ago and until the advent of the child had been a kind and affectionate husband.

"His desertion left his wife destitute. When fuel and food were exhausted, she applied to Justice Gunn for a warrant charging her husband with desertion. She applied for relief also to Poor Commissioner Milo Gage, who assisted her. Kind hearted neighbors also came to her relief.

"On May 9 Mrs. Staenke heard at last from her recreant husband. The first news came on a card giving views of the United States Navy, on which was written: “May 9. Dear Myrtle: This is the place I will be in a few weeks. May never see you again Yours A. Staenke” to the baby he addressed a card reading: “May 9, I leave here today and am going to Texas. Good bye. From so and so” The mother, Mrs. Frank Staenke, like wise was the recipient of a card which ran: “May 9. Dear mother: I leave today for the west. Good bye. A. Staenke.”

"Deputy Sheriff Charles Hipp went to Detroit and at Delray and River Rouge made a thorough search for the missing man. He had had worked in that vicinity, but had not been seen for several days. He had been in the habit of staying at the Central hotel. Mr. Hipp notified the Detroit police of the case and was promised assistance. If arrested in Detroit, Deputy Sheriff Hipp will go after him, and in this event, the man Staenke will face a charge of desertion and a possible state prison sentence."

Anna had even more to deal with, however. After work, trouble awaited her at home. Her husband had already been drinking.

"Considerable excitement was caused among the neighbors on Hamilton Street last evening about 6:30," said the July 20, 1910 Ypsilanti Daily Press. ". . . As she started to enter the house she found the house locked, and 'hubby' refused to unlock it. She sat down on the porch and waited. He finally relented and opened the door. As she started to enter, it is said that he kicked her in the face, and started to strike her." The paper said that Anna's screams attracted the neighbors and police were called.

The paper goes on to say that Officer Ryan arrived and calmed the two down. Frederick was not arrested or detained. Instead, he promised to behave himself thenceforth. Officer Ryan left.

Frederick and Anna disappear from city directories soon after, but Arthur reappears in the 1912 Ann Arbor directory, apparently reunited with Myrtle and Clara. It would be years before incidents like Frederick and Anna's would cease to be called "A Little Excitement...Neighborhood Entertainment."

12 Quarts of Ypsilanti Beer for $1

Ypsilanti once had a father-son beer brewery, at 414 South Grove road, where Grove and Prospect meet. Lucky for you if you lived within a three-mile radius of their brewery: they'd deliver a dozen 1-quart bottles right to your house for only $1. The brewery, under a variety of names and owners, existed from around 1866 to 1943. Here is a selection of 1905 Foerster's ads from the Ypsilanti Daily Times.


Text of above: "WITHOUT BEER. What would frankfurters and sauerkraut be without the accompaniment of generous draughts of genuine beer? Real German flavor actually lost. Console yourselves if you fancy that sort of luncheon by having on hand a case or two of Foerster's beer which aids appetite, increases digestion. Case of 12 bottles delivered to any local address for $1. Phone 139."


"TO ALL GOOD AMERICANS. There is nothing too good for a 4th of a July celebration. For that reason the best of beer is required for those who like that most wholesome of beverages. Foerster's beer fills the bill in every respect, as it is as pure as the purest patriotism. It is bottled by the Foerster Brewing Co., who will fill your 4th of July orders promptly and faithfully."


"FOR YOUR SUMMER OUTING. A supply of Foerster's beer will be found a very necessary essential. It is very unsafe to drink water taken from lakes and brooks as it may be polluted, but when you drink beer bottled by us you know it is absolutely pure, not to speak of its invigorating and refreshing qualities after a day's tramp or fishing."
Are those three empties there beside that crate? I believe these are quart bottles, which may explain the abstracted smile on Mr. Tramper's face.


"AN AMERICAN PRODUCT equal to the best German or Bavarian is the now justly celebrated Foerster Beer. To be sure, the secret of successful beer brewing was learned in the Fatherland. But the best hops in the world are grown in Oregon, U. S. A., as foreign brewers know full well, for they buy them; the water here is as pure as anywhere, and cleanliness marks every stage from malting to lagering and bottling. Buy Foerster Beer and you have a prime article."


"HERE'S WHAT MAKES YOU WANT YOUR DINNER: A glass of Foerster beer is just about the finest thing to create an appetite for a worth while meal you ever struck--beats any cocktail concocted. Doesn't go to the head, does prepare the stomach for more solid nourishment. We guarantee its purity--you will swear by it as to the taste and its appetite provoking quality. Yet it costs only $1 for case of quart bottles delivered within three miles of this plant."

Washtenaw County's Pumpkin College School

Dusty Diary was researching Ann Arbor Township's Popkins School last Friday. I had found an intriguing attendance sheet for said school in the family file of J. R. Mowry, whose diary I'd been reading for possible serialization here...the usual daisy chain of odd connections leading to new things.

In the "Rural Schools" subject file, I found a 1943 copy of "Washtenaw Impressions," the publication of the Washtenaw Historical Society. It offers highlights from a community history project involving students in Washtenaw County's 129 (!) rural schools that culminated in a two-volume, 500-page history. (Wish I knew where THAT is).

One of the Lyndon Township schools summarized in Impressions bears the unlikely moniker of "Pumpkin College School." Even more unlikely are the apocryphal stories offered as explanation for its name.

Pumpkin College School

"The origin of the name of this school is undetermined. The most likely story is that a young pupil drew a picture of a pumpkin on the building. Another story is that in the old log building lived an old man who called on the teacher. His head was bald and the pupils called him "Pumpkin-head." Another is the building is near a pumpkin field, and when two men were shingling the school, one asked who went to this school, and the other answered, "Pumpkins." Still another story says that one summer a pumpkin vine grew in the window and a ripe pumpkin grew on the end of it, and when school started that fall the children called it 'Pumpkin College'."

Let's examine these dubious claims one by one.

1. The most likely story is that a young pupil drew a picture of a pumpkin on the building.

Why would this be the most likely story? It doesn't seem likely at all. Since when are students in the habit of graffiti-ing their schoolhouses? Never heard of that before.

2. Another story is that in the old log building lived an old man who called on the teacher. His head was bald and the pupils called him "Pumpkin-head."

This also seems unlikely. The teacher at Popkins School was an 18 year old woman. I really doubt the community would have taken kindly to a young unmarried teacher sparking with an 'old man.' And I don't see why the school would be named for the teacher's alleged aged beau.

3. Another is the building is near a pumpkin field, and when two men were shingling the school, one asked who went to this school, and the other answered, "Pumpkins."

The possible presence of a nearby pumpkin field as a source for the school's name is certainly more convincing than any other explanation thus far, but the convenient device of two guys shingling the roof seems apocryphal. Presumably they were shingling the school after hours; who would have overheard them?

4. Still another story says that one summer a pumpkin vine grew in the window and a ripe pumpkin grew on the end of it, and when school started that fall the children called it 'Pumpkin College'."

Maybe. Here's another reference to nearby pumpkin fields, which I have to conclude, after shaving away those ridiculous fantasies with Occam's razor, is the most obvious and likely explanation for the name.

School didn't exactly start in the fall, however; but that's a story for another time.

Allie McCullough Obituary

Allie McCullough died on July 19, 1875.

Her obituary in the July 24, 1875 Ypsilanti Commercial:

"DIED: At Ypsilanti, July 19, of consumption, Allie, youngest daughter of William and Catherine McCullough, aged 17 years.

"The deceased was a young lady of noble traits and was very highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and relatives. Her tranquil death gives us a sublime illustration of peaceful resignation to the will of God.

"Waking up about four o'clock in the morning, she asked her Mother what time it was. On being answered, she said, 'I am afraid I shall not die tonight, but God knows best.'

"A few moments later she asked her Mother to move her a little and just as the sun was illuminating the eastern sky with golden splendor, raising up her hands, she sxclaimed, 'O Mother,' and passed to her final sleep."

There are Mouths in the Skin

Kind readers, you may not be aware of this but your skin is covered in tiny mouths. Take a look at the picture in this 1905 Ypsilanti Daily Press ad if you don't believe me--there's a handy magnification. And those millions of mouths need food. Have you fed them lately? When was the last time you took a bath in some nice chicken noodle soup?

Never? I think I hear a tiny scream--no, a chorus of agony. Those millions of mouths are toothless and craving food. When they are hungry the skin gets in rough shape. Don't feed those mouths poisonous "cosmetics," "creams," lotions, "skin cures," etc. Give them food--nutrition--and Nature will create a new skin--a healthy skin.

Nutriola Skin Food is the only real skin food made. Took our Chemists 10 years and $50,000 to learn how to make it. It grows new skin fast--off goes the old one. The new skin is soft as velvet--glows with health--fits like a glove. Ye itching, scratching, tortured, disfigured sons and daughters of Adam, try it at our risk.

Sold and guaranteed by Frank Smith, Ypsilanti, Michigan (104 Michigan Ave.).

Let's see what the book "Nostrums and Quackery" says about this wonderful food:The Nutriola Company of Chicago was a Maine corporation organized about 1894, with authorized capital stock of $150,000, divided into 150,000 shares of the par value of $1 each. The capital stock was later increased to $500,000. Edward I'. Hanson was the promoter of the company. The actual business of the concern was that of selling its stock on the installment plan to small investors throughout the country; its ostensible business was the manufacture and sale of certain medical preparations known as "Nutriola" and "Nutriola Preparations." The mail was the principal instrumentality used in the conduct of the business, and practically all of the stock disposed of was sold through that medium. The sale of stock was accomplished by advertisements and the dissemination of various pamphlets and circulars through the mail.

One of the principal arguments made by the company to induce people to buy its stock was that investors would secure an interest in the concern which would earn tremendous profits because the medicines sold by it were new and wonderful. Hanson claimed that the remedies exploited by him had been discovered only after the expenditure of over $50,000.

Analysis of Nutriola showed that this nostrum was 9Q per cent, vaselin with a small quantity of zinc compounds. Nutriola remedies were used chiefly as the means of selling- stock on the mail-order plan. The concern was declared fraudulent by the government.

As a matter of fact, there was nothing either new or wonderful about these remedies, which were actually made for the Nutriola Company by Parke, Davis & Co., Detroit, Seabury & Johnson, New York, and C. L. Patch Manufacturing Company, Stoneham, Mass. The Nutriola Company's medicines consisted of the following products: "Blood and Nerve," "Skin Food," "Liver and Kidney Treatment," "Vaginela" and "Laxative Granules."

"Blood and Nerve" consisted of three different kinds of tablets: red, white and yellow. The red tablets were nothing more than Blaud's mass—that is, simply iron pills; the white tablets were essentially strychnin pills, while the yellow tablets, apparently, consisted of nothing but ginger.

"Skin Food" was an ointment-like substance consisting essentially of over 90 per cent, petrolatum (vaseline) with 7 per cent, of zinc compounds.

"Liver and Kidney Treatment" consisted of brown tablets, containing, as the essential drugs, buchu and potassium nitrate, both of which have a distinct action on the kidneys. Nothing having any selective action on the liver was found by the Government chemists.

"Vaginela" consisted of a greenish-colored, highly aromatic tablets containing large amounts of starch, borax and boric acid with small quantities of salycilic and tannic acids.

"Laxative Granules" consisted of red pills containing cascara, jalap and rhubarb.

The post-office department investigated this concern, examined its advertising claims and the reports of the government's chemists on their analyses of the Nutriola remedies and came to the conclusion that the concern was fraudulent. According to the newspapers, at the time, Hanson was sentenced to one year in the penitentiary at hard labor and fined $5,000. (Abstracted from The Journal A. M. A., April 28, 1906.)

Reader Submission Mourning Picture

A kind reader sent in an example of an Ypsilanti mourning picture, in response to my recent column on Victorian mourning pictures.

They comment: "Attached you will find a picture of . . . Ann E. Shutts. It is a "mourning picture". You notice her little daughter is holding a picture of her daddy, Worgor, who has died. On her lap is that man who latter became a dentist and was the school board member that George School was named after. The 2 young men are Worgor's only remaining children from his first wife Emily."

Thanks for sending it in! Fascinating and poignant.

Allie McCullough Memorial Service at Highland, Monday, 7 p.m.

Allie McCullough died on July 19, 1875, of tuberculosis.

Her diary has meant much to readers, like me, over the past year. On Monday, July 19, out of respect to a couple readers' emailed questions, there will be a short service at Highland to honor her memory.

Participants will meet at Starkweather Chapel at 7 p.m. on Monday. We will walk to Allie's grave. You can bring, if you like, a bouquet picked from your garden. Participants can say whatever words they like, or not, as they place their flowers on her grave. I will read her obituary and place my flowers. Very low-key. After everyone has made the remarks they care to make, we'll leave.

I hope you can join us for this quiet ceremony to honor the memory of a long-ago teenager who came to say so much to us.

Ypsilanti Teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 Diary

Part of a year-long weekly series of excerpts from Ypsilanti teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 diary, from the last year of her life.

July 10 Fri. Cora came down this morning and stayed until evening. Ella Seymoure was here and spent the afternoon. Carrie N. came down after supper and we took a long walk. She told me some conundrums that were too killing for anything.

July 11 Sat. Went up to Carrie's this afternoon and stayed all of the afternoon. Joe went with me and called. I had an elegant time. Selinda Curtis called while I was there and said that she had been to see me. I had a perfect tussle with Durbin and he made a most ridiculous mistake. "Work".

July 12 Sun. We went to Church and stayed to S. S. Joe was there. Carrie was not. "Someone was." Went and took a long ride in the afternoon, went way out in the country. Went to Church in the evening with Joe W. and the girls.

July 13 Mon. Went to pick raspberries today. Stayed until about four o'clock. Went home and washed up. After supper Carrie N. came. We had a good talk. Joe was down and made arrangements to go out to Gill's for a few days. Expect to go tomorrow.

July 14 Tues. Alex took us down to Gill's. Joe W. went as far as her grandmother's with us. We got down there about ten o'clock. Had a very nice time all day. Played croquet in the evening. Slept in the parlor bedroom. After we were undressed and the lights out, we opened the parlor outside door and sat down and talked for a while.

July 15 Wed. Did not braid my hair all day, only did it up in a knot on he top of my head. Went out in the woods in the morning. Had a nice time. Killed a snake and saw some more. When we came back we sat up in one of the trees in the orchard about an hour and talked.

July 16 Thurs. Packed out clothes this morning so that we would be all ready to go tonight dressed for a visit. Went to the school house and then to Mrs. Betts. Intended to leave about three, but she would not have it so stayed. When Mr. Betts and his brother came, we went over to one of the neighbors with whom Joe was acquainted. (My property) (Mine). Have had an elegant time all day. I think that Mr. B. and Bro., are O.K. Coming home I sat on the front seat.

July 17 Fri. Mrs. B. brought us over to the depot. They all want us to stay very much, but Joe would not. Had ever so much fun. Got in Dentonville [now known as Denton] half an hour early and had to wait when we got in the cars and were seated. Mr. Clark came and talked to us. Got home at nine. Went up town in the afternoon and got a new dress and then went up to Carrie's. Told Durbin I hated him. Carrie came in evening to see about her dress.

July 18 Sat. Made a hat, black. Sewed on my dress this afternoon and pitted cherries until my hands are so stained I cannot get it off. Joe W. and Selinda Curtis came down and I took a walk with them. Had so much fun and Joe and I made up our minds to go to B.'s (Betts) when they thrash. They want us to.

July 19 Sun. Did not go to Church. Stayed home and sewed. Mary B. was here for dinner. Looks very much like rain. Hope it will. Fearful warm. It has rained. Did not go to Church tonight. Came upstairs real early and sat by the window. Wonder what C. N. is thinking about.

Thanks for reading; tune in this coming Friday for another chapter!.

Memorial Photo of J. Frederick Schmid

Photo of the memorial flower display for one J. Frederick Schmid. One of the memorial photos that didn't make it into the Chronicle story. One photo is of the coffin plate. This is the metal plate bearing the deceased's name and date of death that is attached to the interior (I think) of the coffin prior to burial. You can also see one floral element forming an anchor. This does NOT, as is so often and erroneously repeated, an infallible sign that the deceased was a sailor (though the anchor does sometimes appear on a mariner's tomb). It is more usually a reference to one's steadfast anchorage or hope in a Christian God--steadfast faith. The date on the coffin plate seems to say 1891. The deceased is buried in Highland Cemetery. R.I.P., J. Frederick Schmid.

Victorian-era Death Photography

An examination of some of the dozen or so examples of memorial photography to be found in the family photo albums in the Ypsilanti Archives.

Sad, heart-rending testaments to a time without personal cameras, snapshots....or vaccinations. The story.

Wednesday Mystery Spot: Micro-Beautification

One citizen of our city attempts to ameliorate the view with a strategically-placed tiny pot of flowers, attached to a chain-link fence.

Since this photo the plant has been replaced once--at present the pot is sadly empty.

But where?

New Serializations of Ypsilanti Diaries Imminent

Dusty Diary would like to go back in time and supply each and every Ypsilanti diarist with a lifetime supply of Office Max ink gel pens. J. R. Mowry: I'm looking at you, Ann Arbor Township farmer. With all due respect, sir, pencil neither cuts it nor photocopies well. Also, I've gathered that you take the milk to Ypsilanti every day. Since it's mentioned. Again. And again. Still, it's your diary, so whatever. I do smile when you say that you put your sons to work in the beans and the corn while you "rest in the shade and didn't do much."

Florence Smalley, no more pencils for you either. Also, I know you're just a child, dear, but you must strive for better penmanship. In addition, you failed to keep your diary safe from, apparently, your little brother, who scribbled all through the second half. Though the little pictures of the chickens and the yard pump are cute, and the lady in the hammock. I hope that's your mom, resting up after bringing home a wagonload of gel pens.

Evangeline Lewis: You were the literary star in high school--I've read your essays in the old yearbooks, and have seen your confident, smiling portrait--and you certainly are wordy. Wordy, wordy, wordywordywordywordywordy. I've read enough about tennis to learn the game's finest intricacies. And you're constantly chatting about flitting about with this friend and that friend and a jaunt to here and another thing and something over there, and--FOCUS PLEASE. Though I will say your diary is the most sensible in design. The "Line-A-Day" system presents four spaces for each day of the year for four years' worth of reflections. That's cool as you can see what you were doing on previous years as it slowly fills up. Good choice; I wouldn't mind one myself. And, praise be, you used ink pens.

The two ongoing year-long serializations of Carrie Hardy and Allie McCullough's diaries are about to run out. Yes--it's already been a year! Will yours, Evangeline, be the diary that's chosen as the successor to our present ones when readers vote in a few days? Or will it be Farmer Mowry's? Or Florence's? We shall see.

The 1919 Diary of YHS Math Teacher Carrie Hardy

Part of a year-long weekly serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.

Bit o' catching up to do here.

June 9 Mon. Junior-Senior Tug-O-War. Juniors won. After supper I went riding with Lillian. Swept, dusted the front room + hall. Mrs. Arnold is sick.

June 10 Tues. Nothing much doing. Drove with Lillian before school in the morning and worked hard after school sweeping + dusting, etc.

June 11 Wed. Chapel with discussion of the new Constitution. After school L. + I had a lunch together in Recreation Park. Then went to the Martha [Martha Washington movie theater, now Deja Vu] to see Nazimova in Red Lantern.

June 12 Thurs. Drove over for Miss Steere before school this A.M., then took Miss Webb + Lillian to school. Mr. Simon wanted help after school. P.L.S. after supper with election of officers.

June 13 Fri. Took Miss Webb over to her school. At noon went into Bank + paid for my liberty bond. In evening Lillian + I attend a recital at Normal.

June 14 Sat. With my car full of people (Mr. + Mrs. Erickson inc) attended a picnic with Mr. & Mrs. Lyman, Dr. + Mrs. Gorton, etc at Rawsonville. Lillian staid all night. Drove to Ann Arbor in eve.

June 15 Sun. Up at 4:30 + Lillian + I drove to Detroit. Arrived in time for breakfast. Were home again by 10:000, so we did not stay long. Rob painting the kitchen. Baccalaureate tonight.

June 16 Mon. Trig. off; but I heard rehearsals in Auditorium. Took May Webb and Lillian to school. Am working on reports. Am worried about [my brother] Rob. Getting ready for Class Day Exercises.

June 17 Tues. D. Lurkins + C. Whit rehearsed again today. Am trying to close reports for the year. Cleaned my car tonight and sowed lettuce seed again. Drove about town this A.M.

June 18 Wed. Test in S. [senior?] Geom. Drove over for Miss Steere this A.M. Senior Chapel with new orchestra, presentation of Numerals. Class Day exercises.

June 19 Thurs. Exams finished. No school after this noon. Senior party this evening. All going well. My! but it's warm. Reports nearly done.

June 20 Fri. Cleaned up school room. Drove M. Webb and Lillian over to their school + home again. Cried + felt so bad that I drove alone to Belleville. Lillian goes to Chicago tonight.

June 21 Sat. Bad day all round. Felt sad and depressed all day. Went down town and did a little shopping. Also prepared to go to Detroit.

June 22 Sun. Up early and drove to Detroit. May, the children + I drove to Belle Isle by way of the Blvd. Rob not very well. Catherine did not pass in school.

June 23 Mon. With Mrs. Curtis, May, the children & Gladys drove to the East side. Gladys & Catherine to visit a friend. May, Robert & I went for Rob after work. Car fine. Rob better.

June 24 Tues. Came home this morning. Hate to leave Rob. Bro't some croqueting home to do for May. Feel "bum." Two letters from Lillian. Miss Laird over.

June 25 Wed. Washed and ironed. Crocheted. In evening my car would not start. Went down to Nye Motor Sales Co. and bargained for an Overland for Rob. No letter from Lillian.

June 26 Thurs. Paid $500 Liberty Bonds for Rob's Overland. Hear from Lillian nearly every day. Took Rob's Overland done to him. He was very much pleased. Cried. He drove on the B'lv'd.

June 27 Fri. Rob took the car out of the barn alone & drove out to his work with all of us in. I drove back. Helped May with her work + went for Rob in evening. He drove us all home.

June 28 Sat. Came home this morning. Am trying to clean the house. Miss Carr from Williamston called. A good visit. Took bath. Went downtown for groceries.

June 29 Sun. Went to church. After dinner Miss Scultes and I drove to Ann Arbor, then to Willis. Catherine Webb and Miss Carr called in evening. Catherine is to attend summer Normal.

June 30 Mon. Went up to Normal this A.M. [for commencement exercises?] Came home, washed, and ironed. Miss Laird came in for 1 min. Catherine came in after supper. She is very discontented. Wrote a testimonial for Susan Platt.

July 1 Tues. Met my classes at Normal. Some shifting is to be done. Susan Platt called. The Backers moved out. Mrs. Jennings moved in. Alley Festa opens today-trimming for it. [Alley Festa was a sort of DIY community carnival-festival]

July 2 Wed. Pd. Milk + paper bills [presumably Carrie had home milk delivery to her apartment at 223 River St.]. Taught at Normal. Classes changed again 7-8, 1-3, 3-4. All classes in #54. Cleaned car and painted screens. Finished cap. Lillian's letter came. Went to Martha [Washington Theater, now Deja Vu].

July 3 Class at 7 o'clock-8. Classes from 1-4. Darned 5 prs. blk stockings. Let down gingham dress [as opposed to buying new stockings or a new gingham dress; perhaps Carrie was either thrifty or not paid as well as she'd like, or the culture at the time was less of a throwaway culture] Alley Festa was good. 2 letters + a card from Lillian.

July 4 Fri. Took Mrs. Webb and May in car, down town to see the parade. In booth at Alley Festa from 12-3:30. In evening attended Alley Festa with Mrs. Fletcher.

July 5 Sat. Cleaned bathroom + kitchen. Moved ice box to back porch. Slept, bathed, hoed garden. 5 gals. of gasoline. May telephoned that Rob would not come Sun.

July 6 Sun. Did not go to church-feel mighty blue without reason. Did some cleaning + sewing. Wrote to Lillian in St. Paul. Rode in car to cemetery [According to information from Carrie's Bible, recorded on her father's obit card, Carrie's father had died July 16 four years before and was buried in (Union)-Udell Cemetery at Huron River Dr. & Textile Rd.; perhaps she visited his grave. Carrie's mother had died in 1874, which is probably the year Carrie was born; she may have died in childbirth. At the time of this diary writing, Carrie is around 44 years old.]

July 7 Mon. Washed & ironed. Dusted car. Trig from 1-3. At four attended Summer school faculty picnic. At 6:45 Victrola concert at Pease Aud.

July 8 Tues. Rec'd card from L.-She is homesick. She returned home about 5:30 this P.M. She stayed all night with me.

July 9 Wed. 1-3 class off today + the 3-4 class did not meet on account of extra assembly. Mr. Burton, Pres. of Minn., spoke. Student-faculty get-together in eve.

July 10 Thurs. After 7-8 class we went berrying. Mrs. Fletcher, Miss Lambie, Lillian, little Mary, and I. Martha in eve-S. Lewis, May Webb, Lillian & I.

July 11 Fri. All classes on. Miss Creech called on Miss Gieske. After supper went with Lillian for her father at huckleberry marsh.

July 12 Sat. Bo't 7 qts. of cherries from Miss Creech and canned 10 pts. Was sick from noon on. Lillian stayed all night with me.

July 13 Sun. Took 7:30 [interurban light rail?] car for Detroit. At 10:00 boarded steamboat Thousand Islander for Chatham, Ont. Returned at 11:00.

There we go. Carrie's diary is about ended for the year's serialization. Readers will have a choice to vote on one of several diaries to succeed it; stay tuned and thanks for reading!

Victorian-Era Memorial Photography in the Ypsilanti Archives

It was an era without digital cameras, much less cheap snapshots or even Brownies. Death was prevalent. One early 20th-century census had a column in which to record how many children a woman had had and how many were yet living.

Sometimes families memorialized their departed loved ones with an expensive photo with which to remember them, before consigning them to the grave. The Ypsilanti Archives has examples of such photos. Most are of children. One shows the common method of arranging the child on a bed as if he or she were sleeping. Another shows the child surrounded by flowers in its small coffin. An examination of these poignant artifacts will be published in the Ann Arbor Chronicle tomorrow, assuming they run it.

For now, here's the most ambiguous one in the set. Is this an example of a memorial photo? It was labeled "Mrs. Chas. Woodruff and Tully." Note that I have not yet done the tiniest bit of research on these people; that, and the others, are my afternoon project, plus the mindful effort to write them up in a respectful manner.

Photo Puzzle: Why was This Photo Taken?

A photo from one of the family photo albums stored at the Archives. But why was it taken? And when?

The Improved Quackenbush Bicycle Rifle

Cyclists: How well you know the frustrations of biking around town. Normal Ypsilantian politeness notwithstanding, there are still cars that cut you off, trucks parked in the bike lane, and motorcyclists that give you a withering look of superiority. Don't just suffer in silence. Reclaim your turf with our handy Bicycle Rifle.

It's not just our standard bicycle rifle--it's IMPROVED. That's right--we listened to you, we had a confab, we dusted off the drawing board, we retooled our machine shop, we increased our caffeine ingestion, we doodled on the backs of envelopes, we stayed late, we cracked open a bottle of Old Toad, and a few more--and we reinvented the idea of the bicycle rifle. New for 1902.

Strap this model on your spandex pants and ride with confidence and authority. Enough authority to overcome the silly ostentation of spandex pants. Or mount it on your handlebars for maximum convenience in aiming. Throw a box of ammo in your pannier and hit the streets. See what those wiseacres say now. Order the Quackenbush Improved Bicycle Rifle today.

The Threat to Ypsi's Local Economy in 1906 Wasn't Globalization

Cheap goods shipped from distant places hurt the local economy. It’s better—no, vital—to shop locally. It’s also a waste of money to buy a cheap but inferior product from afar when a better, if more expensive local one will last longer.

These were the themes of a talk given at an Ypsilanti business association. The themes sound familiar in a globalized Internet age that offers the choice of whether to buy goods made elsewhere or online, or patronize an Ypsilanti store. “Buy Local” is now a familiar idea.

But it isn’t new. The talk at the business meeting occurred not in 2010 but in 1906. The goods from afar undercutting the local economy weren’t from distant countries or the Internet. Read more...

The Mysterious Record of 1860

Dusty Diary examined with great interest today an attendance sheet from an 1860 schoolhouse in Ann Arbor Township. (click for larger image).

The schoolhouse was located just north of Plymouth Road, more or less near the confluence between Green Rd. and Plymouth Rd.

Several interesting facts jump out from an examination of this document. First, the school year was November 7 to February 28. This implies the kids were needed throughout the harvest season and perhaps autumn hog-killing season.

You can see that the kids ranged in age from 4 (!) to 18. This schoolhouse was an all-in-one: elementary, middle school, and high school.

You can also see that attendance was at best spotty from week to week.

The kids were drawn from nearby farms in this section of the township. Despite all the "I had to walk 10 miles through snow uphill" mythology, it appears that no kid was more than a mile and a half from the school. On this map, the school is marked in purple and the neighboring farms contributing kids are marked in yellow.

You can see that the worst attendance was from Lily and Merrin Cook, who checked out after only 4 weeks of school. Why?

What else do you notice from this document? I'd be grateful for any reflections you had on it.

Ypsilanti Teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 Diary

Part of a year-long weekly series of excerpts from Ypsilanti teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 diary, from the last year of her life.

May 1 Fri. Stayed out of school this afternoon and wrote all of the afternoon for the paper and it is just splendid. Got all ready, ate my supper, and Carrie N. came; we’re just starting when Joe came. I dressed all in black. We had a pleasant but not very gay social. I read the minutes and then the paper. Everyone seemed to think it was gay.

May 2 Sat. Got up in the morning with a raging headache and ear ache, but did not say anything until almost nine o’clock, then I went to bed. Had a raging fever all day. No dinner, blisters on back and both feet. Carrie N. came down about dark. I felt a little better and had some supper.

May 3 Sun. Ear commenced running in the morning, ached very much all day. They all went riding in the afternoon.

May 4 Mon. Joe came down after school and told me all the news. Seemed to be very sorry I was sick.

May 5 Tues. Ear has been terrible today, but I slept most of the time or rather dozed. The doctor came. He said that it was very bad, one of the worst pain[s] anyone could have. A great deal worse than the tooth ache. Joe and Carrie came, but I was so bad that I could not see them. It almost kills me to have anyone talk or make any noise.

May 6 Wed. Not any of the girls have come today. I feel very lonesome. Am nearly crazy.

May 7 Thurs. Carrie N. was here. I saw her and had a talk, but it made me worse. Joe came, but I could not see her.

May 8 Fri. Instead of going to Lyceum as usual, went to bed very early, head and ear pain me as much as ever. If I did not take powders, do not know [what] I should have done. Joe came tonight. I saw her and had quite a talk.

May 9 Sat. There have been several callers today. Feel a little better. Carrie did not come. I expected her though.

May 10 Sun. Was quite bad, but better than last week.

May 11 Mon. Joe came down. It is fearful warm. Carrie came and we had a good talk.

May 12 Tues. Have read almost all day. Am improving slowly. Joe came at night.

May 13 Wed. Carrie came down tonight and told me some things of importance, as usual. She is not feeling very well. I am very much afraid that she will be sick. I would not have it for anything. Carrie W. came down after supper. She made a long call. The fire engine came down, watered the house and ground all over.

May 14 Thurs. Joe came again and told me much of school news. Miss Pierce is sick. I guess that they do very much as they please up there. Would give anything if I could go tomorrow night, but of course, I cannot. The boys at school are going to get up a picnic and I am afraid it will be before I can go. Hope not.

May 15 Fri. Ma and Marion went down to Gill's and left me all alone to get dinner. It was alright, but I burnt the meat a little but Will said it was first rate. Did up all of the dinner work. About four o'clock Tom and Barnard came from Milford. I had to get dinner for them. They went out to the shop and I got supper. They are to stay all night. Ma got home after supper.

May 16 Sat. It rained this morning. Ma got her teeth. My ear is running yet, have a fearful headache. Miss Carson came over this afternoon. Ma and Marion were gone almost all of the afternoon calling.

May 17 Sun. Felt bad enough all day. Read some. Wrote a letter to Ida and sent her three cards (gave her some good advice).

May 18 Mon. Expected to go to school today, but did not. Read French and find that it makes my head ache fearfully, but if I go to school next week, must get used to the headache, for I shall have to study hard enough. Carrie was down tonight but made a very short call.

May 19 Tues. Joe came down after school. Her visits always cheer me up. I feel ten per cent better. Went out to the gate with her. It is the first time that I have been out since that Friday night. Mrs. M. and son and Miss W. were here and spent the evening. We had quite a nice time. Will brought me some medicine to take.

May 20 Wed. Felt quite a little better today. Dressed and went up town (but with my head done up). Went to Mary's and stayed until supper time. Went home and found Aunt Clara from Detroit. After supper Carrie N. and Joe W. came. We had a splendid time. They think that I look terrible poor. They stayed until after dark.

May 21 Thurs. Have read French and translated some Latin and slept the rest of the time. Have had quite a nice visit with Aunt Clara. Have tried to make myself take up the Geometry to study, but cannot come to it. Am afraid that I shall have a fearful time when I go back to school.

May 22 Fri. Nothing must do but that Will and Pa must have a doctor so Dr. Patterson came. Gave me a lot of horrid medicine to take every hour of the day; a pill every other hour and it has made me feel horrid sick. Have not cared all day whether I live or die. Ma and Aunty went up to Ann Arbor, had a very nice time. Got back about 4:30.

May 23 Sat. Dressed and went up to Carrie N's. Joe was there and we had a good chat. I stayed until about six. Carrie came down town with me. Saw Mr. VanCleve and almost all of the boys. Miss Pierce came down this morning on her little pony to see me, so I have seen them all. Carrie W. came down town with us. Aunty got me a lovely lavender tie. I went up to the Post Office about dark.

May 24 Sun. Read all of the morning. Wrote in the afternoon. Will M. is upstairs with Will. Aunty is out on the stoop with Pa and Ma. Mary Basom is in the parlor with the girls. I am alone in the sitting room. Wish some of the girls were here to talk with me. Believe I will play on the organ and see if I can dispel this feeling of lonesomeness.

May 25 Mon. Went to school today. All seemed glad to see me. Don't know whether they were or not. Have heard nothing all day but "how pale you look," "How poor you are," and I am tired of that. Mr. Stickland was there, said very little to him and after he went, I found that he had come to bid good-bye. He is going East.

May 26 Tues. Have had me lessons today. It is very warm. Stayed after school a long while. Sung those college songs. Had ever so much fun. Did not get home until quite late. There was a wash woman.

May 27 Wed. Carrie N. came down tonight. We had quite a nice talk. I have written some on my essay for Public Lyceum. It is hard work to write and especially such weather as this. Had a talk in the Library with Alfred Legrand.

May 28 Thurs. Terrible hot. Looked all the afternoon as if it would rain. Has not. Went up to Carrie N's after supper. Had a nice time. Had an introduction to Mr. Canfield. Addressed no more than two sentences to Durbin.

May 29 Fri. It was so very warm in the afternoon that I could not go back to school. Put on as cool clothing as possible. Laid down, went to sleep about an hour. When I awoke the wind was blowing and it was raining. It stopped in time for Lyceum so I went. Was chairman and had some fun (Pinch Bugs).

May 30 Sat. Did quite a little work this morning. Carrie N. came down about three in the afternoon and we took the horses and went to Spencer's Woods for flowers. Had a jolly time. Got home about six o'clock and then went to work and made a rockery and put the vines and flowers in it.

May 31 Sun. Didn't go to church but stayed home all day. Had a very good paper to read.

June 1 Mon. Very cool today. Stayed up to school all noon. Had ever so much fun.

June 2 Tues. There is a show in town. It is show enough to see the people go by for it is upon this ground past our house. Came home from school, found a letter which surprised me very much. Went up to Aunt Lizzie's. Came home and Will insisted upon my going to the show, so I went and stayed to the concert.

[Will is Allie's four-years-older brother, and Marion is her sister, seven years older and a twin to Allie's other sister Mary; click on family tree below for larger image]:



June 3 Wed. Marion brought home her flowers today. They were very nice. Aunt Lizzie and Clara B. were here all the afternoon and stayed to tea. Carrie N. came down. Had a splendid time. She stayed and went up town to get my hat and lace for my cape. Did not go home until almost nine.

June 4 Thurs. Stayed this noon in the Library and Alfred Lucking and J. S. was there too and we had a splendid time. Never want a better time. Have written on my essay. Am afraid that it will not be very good.

June 5 Fri. Intended to go to the Lyceum at the Normal [EMU] and it commenced to rain very hard and did not slack up enough so that we could, so that we could not go. It is perfectly terrible and Will is out in every bit of it. I pity him. Got a letter from Ida tonight.

June 6 Sat. Fixed my shirt waists [blouses] this morning and did several other things. Went up to Carrie N.'s and stayed all the afternoon. Went down to Jennie Carson's and her babe is lovely. Went up town all over and then went to Miss Coe's for Mary and then went up town for her.

June 7 Sun. Didn't go to church this morning. Had some splendid stories to read. Mary [Allie's older sister, twin to Marion] is sick, almost fainted away. Joe Whilock came down and I went to church for the first time in four weeks. It is very warm.

June 8 Mon. Had a jolly time in school today. Was getting ready for Public Lyceum at the Normal (for it was postponed) when Carrie N. came. Marion and I went up there with her. Durbin walked up there with me and sat with me. Had a very nice time and he exercises were splendid.

June 9 Tues. (Young Ducks) It rained fearful hard when school was out tonight and we had to stay. Never had a better time. Laughed too much for my own good. Started home and met Elmer [Allie's 11-year-old younger brother, who by 1901 was running the foundry] coming with rubbers, shawl, and umbrella. Did not get home until almost six o'clock. Jennie [Carson?] and her babe were here.

June 10 Wed. Am fearful mad at everything and everybody tonight. Went up to get my shoes, then I went to Carrie N.'s. Had a splendid time. It is turning cold. Stayed a little while in the Chapel tonight.

June 11 Thurs. Had a most elegant time today. Practiced my essay at noon in the chapel and all of the girls were there. We had a rousing time.

June 12 Fri. Went up to Carrie's tonight after school and had a real nice time. She was not at home and I waited for her with no one there but Durbin. Had just got home when she came and wanted me to go up to Lyceum with her. I went. J. J. S. was there and came over and talked with us. I went on a perfect strain [?] while he was there.

June 13 Sat. Carrie came down early and stayed to tea. We had a real nice time. When she went home I went up to the school house to practice. Was just opposite Joe's when I met [Alfred] Lucking. He asked my company or rather that he would like to go if I would let him walk with me. Did not get home until about eleven. Had ever so much fun.

June 14 Sun. Went out riding this afternoon. Went up to the Burying Ground [likely the Old Catholic Cemetery, now part of EMU's campus, or Highland Cemetery--Prospect Park was no longer a cemetery in 1874] and then up to Jennie S., then home and up to Carrie N.'s. Took her a long ride and then came home. Wrote a letter to C. B. and commenced one to Ida. Went to the M. E. [Methodist Episcopal] Church. It was trimmed beautiful for the children [in 1868 the Methodist and Methodist Episcopal church decided to celebrate every 2nd Sunday in June as Children's Day].

June 15 Mon. It rained tonight after school. We stayed to trim the hall. Had ever so much fun. Came home, copied my essay. Went up town and then got ready for Public Lyceum. Everything went off splendid and I was told that I had the best essay and read the best of several. Jen. S. came home with me. I looked all right, well, so they all told me and I got quite a good many bouquets.

June 16 Tues. Went up to school this morning. Everyone told me that I did the best. Have an immense boil on my back. Stayed home this afternoon from school but went with Marion, Anna V., and Mrs. Woodruff up to Mary V.'s with the horses. I drove. Had a very nice time and a splendid drive.

June 17 Wed. Stayed at home all day. About eleven o'clock Aunt Lib and Delia, Uncle Robert, Clara and C. came. We had a splendid time. Went boat riding in the evening. Carrie N. came down in the evening. We had a good talk. She was just going away when Uncle Joe came, so we have six here now.

June 18 Thurs. Went to school. Had a jolly time. Went up to Carrie N.'s after school. Uncle Robert went home today and I miss him more than I would all of the rest. While I was up to Carrie's Mr. Becker came and I had an introduction to him. He seems real nice.

June 19 Fri. There was a meeting of the Lyceum after school tonight so I did not get home until real late in the afternoon. Then I had to go up town. Got ready and went to Lyceum. It adjourned to go to Public Zealots. Went there. Got a seat near Carrie. Went to Stebbs and had ice cream. All of the folks went up to Ann Arbor today and Joe went home in the evening.

June 20 Sat. It is terrible warm. Went up to school about four o'clock. While there it rained. We had a glorious time. When I went home I stopped in Joe's, had a good talk and she went down town with me. Had candy tonight and a good time.

June 21 Sun. Did not go out of the house today, but read and slept almost all of the time. It is very warm. Clara is sick; Charlie not very well.

June 22 Mon. Stayed after school at night, down in the basement to help them make wreaths for the Chapel. Had a glorious time. Did not get home until they had got through eating supper. Tore my dress in front, put a band on my over shirt and did some other work. Charlie and Will have gone up to Ann Arbor.

June 23 Tues. Stayed after school tonight. Did not have as much fun as before, but more in the school hours. Went over to the depot after school. Got there just as the train started but I saw them all and waved them my goodbye.

June 24 Wed. Stayed after school tonight until after six o'clock. Had ever so much fun. John and Fannie were not there, but were gone up to Ann Arbor to the University Commencement. They came though before we came away and I think John and Fannie especially are nice.

June 25 Thurs. Was examined in Latin. Passed 95. Had a magnificent time after school. Helped for the programs. Did not get home until seven o'clock. Then I had supper and dressed myself for the Lyceum. Had a nice time. Am elected Vice President for the next term. (Got a drink) (Climbing fences) (Dove)

June 26 Fri. Was examined in French and Geometry this forenoon. Passed both. In the afternoon I went up to school with the horses and took a lot of plants. Stayed there all the afternoon working and tying programs and making letters. The mottoes are very nice and the hall is trimmed beautiful. Jennie S. came home with me, then went back to hear the graduating exercises. They were very nice. Came home with Carrie N.

June 27 Sat. Went up to school this morning with the horses to get the plants. Stopped for Joe. All of the boys and girls were up there and we had a splendid time. Stayed almost all of the forenoon. Joe came home with me, then I went up town with her. Bought some nice bouquets. Joe told me something good that J.S. said about me. I have Joe's and Selinda's pictures.

June 28 Sun. Went to church in the morning, stayed to S. S. It is terrible warm. Read all of the afternoon. Went to Church at night. Carrie and D. came home with me. Did not stay. Go to [?] until real late.

June 29 Mon. Worked quite hard this morning and ironed my muslin this afternoon. Went up stairs, took off all that I could and laid down just for a nap, but I slept from two o'clock until five. Had just got off of the bed when Carrie N. came and I did not have my hair combed and was not dressed, but she came upstairs while I dressed. We had a good talk.

June 30 Tues. Ironed some in the morning and sewed almost all of the afternoon. Went to the graduating exercises of the Normal in the evening. Had a very nice time. Sat with C. and D. The exercises did not amount to much. The hall was trimmed very nice.

July 1 Wed. Went to the graduating exercises this morning. They were very good. Got home about one o'clock. Carrie N. came home with me and stayed to dinner. Went up to Jennie Shipman in the afternoon. Had quite a good time, especially going and coming. Did not get home until real late. Received a word from J. J. S.

July 2 Thurs. Started early this morning for Cora Guy's. Got almost there when we met Mr. Guy and Ed. They were just moving. We went with them and got home about one, time for dinner. Joe N. made a call in the afternoon. Carrie N. came down.

July 2 Fri. Had a good deal of work to do today. Went up town in the afternoon to do the marketing. Carrie N. came down and wanted me to go up home with her to see the baby. Marion and I went after supper. It (the baby) is real nice. Everyone is busy with the Fourth. They have made beautiful arches across the streets and the stores and houses are decorated.

July 4 Sat. There was enough noise this morning. Got ready and went up to Joe's, then up to the Fairground. Had a delightful time but worked hard though. All of the soldiers came in our booth to eat and I had as much--as the rest of the girls. Mary Dugall came out in the morning and we all stayed up on the grounds until after the fire works. They were grand. Carrie N. was with me at the fire works.

July 5 Sun. Did not go to Church in the morning. Went riding in the afternoon and to Church tonight. Commenced a letter to Ida. Quite a good many of the Cadets stayed over night and are around town today.

July 6 Mon. Went over to the depot with Mary. She went on the early train and there were many students going off. Finished my letter to Ida in the afternoon. Slept most all of the afternoon.

July 7 Tues. It has been very warm all day, warmer than any day this summer. I went up to Carrie's, stayed quite a little while and went down to Joe's, but she was not home. Met Mr. Wendel and John Stoddart, the first time I have seem John this summer vacation. It rained very hard after I got home.

July 8 Wed. Went out and picked berries this morning. Went up to Joe's after supper. We took a long walk and I did not get home until nine o'clock. We had a splendid time and I like Joe better than ever. A. E. L. has gone off and I suppose that she will be terrible lonesome without him (La me)

July 9 Thurs. Cora Guy has called this morning. Mary is staying home from the shop today. It has rained all of the afternoon and I have been piecing on my quilt and am just as lonesome as I can be. Wish that Ida was here.

July 10 Fri. Cora came down this morning and stayed until evening. Ella Seymoure was here and spent the afternoon. Carrie N. came down after supper and we took a long walk. She told me some conundrums that were too killing for anything.

Thanks for reading; tune in this coming Friday for another chapter!.

Senior Center Talk a Success

The most poignant part of last night's talk at the Senior Center came afterwards. One very sweet older lady asked me during Q&A if I would continue Dusty Diary. "I read you every day," she said. My heart was touched, and I've truly been a slaggard at maintaining this blog during vegetable-gardening planting season. That was lazy and rather irresponsible of me. The lady's kind words, and some nods in the audience, have given me resolve to return to and do a responsible job of maintaining this blog.

Last night's talk at the Senior center was fun. About 30 folks attended. We blasted off with a game of Ypsi Jeopardy, which folks enjoyed. I had set up chairs into 2 teams and asked each team to pick a team name. One picked the Towers, the other the Braves. And we were off, with a game set up on an old slide-projector screen. James kept score, sort of.

Afterwards James gave a talk on Oscar Lawrence, a man possibly linked with the Dan Corey murder. I did not vet this talk. The talk was based on secondary source material. Primary source material available at the Archives that includes census records, grave records, genealogical records, and a WWI draft registration card collectively present a factually different portrait of this man--and of his character. Afterwards I gave a talk on Depression-era social worker Inez Graves. There was a raffle for two of my books and two of James's books--his book comes out in late July and will be available at Salt City, Mix, and Amazon.

I noted several aspects of my presentation skills that need improvement. I need to relax more, monitor the pace of my speech, and I was wearing heels that made a distracting sound on the floor. Also, I later realized I'd talked about Inez before at a former talk, and there might have been at least one of the same audience members--think I recognized one--at that former talk. Not too bright. An oversight. Mistakes are an opportunity for me to learn and get better.

As folks drifted in my husband manned the Victrola, changing needles and rewinding as necessary. The whispery, tinny music created a nostalgic atmosphere. This beautiful machine was recently renovated by an Ypsilanti artist. It's now at the house of a fellow Ypsilantian "Victrolian" [term coined by husband] who lent me a few of his 78s for the talk. Today's Courier contains a story about its renovation. So welcome back to DD, and hope to have the compliment of a visit tomorrow!

The 1919 Diary of Ypsilanti High School Teacher Carrie Hardy

Part of a year-long serialization of Ypsilanti high school math teacher Carrie Hardy's diary.May 27 Tues. School attendance in P.M. awful on account of May Day on the Green at Normal. Saw Little Women with Lillian at Martha.

May 28 Wed. Student-Faculty Council met. Lillian's 21st birthday. Was at Lillian's home for supper + went with her to the Martha in evening.

May 29 Thurs. After school there was a meeting of the Student Council and the Constitution was completed. Went driving in evening.

May 30 Fri. No School. Took May Webb over to Cemetery--was with the Webbs for dinner. Saw Mr. Rogers. Miss L. was over twice. Lillian stayed all night. Arbaugh and school census. Bath.

May 31 Sat. Cleaned and washed windows. Washed my hair. Went down town for groceries. Went to martha and both banks. Worked in garden. Rode with Lillian and Iva in Eve.

June 1 Sun. Worked all A.M. Marked cards and sent Lillian for ice cream and wafers. Watered garden. Rested in eve + went to bed early.

June 2 Mon. Took down my porch curtains + delivred them to Mrs. Hodges. Drove Lillian + May Webb to school. Teachers meeting. Mrs. Bentley's birthday party at Temple.

June 3 Tues. Very, *very* warm. Am going to the Martha to see Mar. Clark in Mrs. Wigg's Cabbage patch. School fair. Drove L and May Webb to school this A.M.