Michigan Argus Staff, ca. 1850

The oldest known Ann Arbor photograph, this daguerreotype shows the staff of the Michigan Argus, the city's Democratic weekly newspaper, circa 1850. Editor and publisher L. W. Cole (he was always referred to by his initials, even in his obituary) is in the center of the picture in black suit and top hat, surrounded by his youthful staff in rolled-up shirtsleeves.

Read more in L.W. Cole and the Michigan Argus by Grace Shackman.

Image courtesy of Henry Ford Museum.