The Twin Cities

Rev. Edward S. Shaw, a former resident of Ypsilanti and a student at ihe University, writes in the Benzie Banner a description of a recent visit here, in the course of which he says: "I should fail to do my duty if I did not give something of a description of Ypsilanti and Aan Arbor. They are called the 'twin cities.' I am told Ann Arbor does not take kindly to the name, but nevertheless there is much of suggestiveness in it. They are situated only eight miles apart on the banks of the Huron river. The river furnishes water power for manufacturing purposes, as well as skating during the winter and fish for the patiënt angler. The land along the river is sufficiently rolling to give good drainage and beautiful scenery. The soil is of a gravelly nature and for this reason not only the cities but surrounding country furnish beautiful drives. They are alike in the fact that each has a large number of Germán citizens, Ann Arbor having by far the larger number. Both cities are lighted by electricity and are supplied with water by water works. Both cities are adorned with abundant shade trees and well kept lawns. Both cities are favored with state schools; the University at Ann Arbor with its 2,400 students and professors is the very life of the city. Though only a little over a half century old it is now the largest university in the United States. At Ypsilanti is the Normal devoted to the special business of preparing teachers. Both cities have well ordered and well equipped public schools. Ypsilanti has one of the largest and best business colleges in the state - Cleary's Business College. The fact that these cities are educational centers, with large demands for rooms and board has done much toward making them the possessors of large and beautiful residences. These two cities are this year called on to 'eat and sleep' between four and five thousand students. Think of it."