Sidewalks, Bloomers, & Bicycles

Ann Arbor is considering whether to ban bicycles from sidewalks. But it's hardly news--this has been going on since the very first time bikes came to town. Like to read about that, and some other juicy, mildly racy tidbits? It's right here in today's Ann Arbor Chronicle!

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!

Can Anyone Tell Me Why Home-Based Gasoline Lighting Systems Never Caught On?

A reader of my "Must-Have Appliances" article in yesterday's AnnArbor. com kindly sent me this picture of a lighting system I'd never been aware of, for people not connected to city gas.

It's a home-based gasoline lighting system, featured in the March 1912 Popular Mechanics. The ad claims the "Instanto" system is "as perfect, handsome, and modern as city gas. . . Fuel is gasoline; perfectly safe."

The Ann Arbor company was looking for salesmen. "A splendid opportunity right now for hustling agents in large cities to sell to owners of summer cottages, country homes, and resorts."

The lamp fixture itself is lovely. The thought of gasoline running in pipes through my walls in every room of my home is less lovely. One wonders how long the Superior Manufacturing Company was in business. Thanks for this fascinating ad and new thing, reader!