Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester and Saline: Then & Now

Thu, 08/12/2010 - 12:19pm by amy

Thanks to local historian Grace Shackman, we've recently added to Ann Arbor Observer: Then & Now dozens of past articles from the Community Observer tracking the histories of our neighboring communities Dexter, Chelsea, Manchester and Saline. Some articles, including one about the origins of area libraries, another on the county's one-room schoolhouses, and a third detailing Christmases past cover the history of the subject in all four locations. You can also read many feature-length articles about the architectural landmarks, businesses and people that characterize the towns, from the Chelsea Private Hospital and the Dexter Underpass to the Manchester Mill and Saline Valley Farms. Grace has also written about the smaller villages of Dixboro and Delhi.

Anybody Lose a Cow: Ann Arbor Classifieds Then and Now

Sat, 05/08/2010 - 12:57pm by DavidQ

The classified ads are a window into what's going on in a community. For instance, even though most of the ads on Ann Arbor Craig's List are about lost pets and used things for sale, a post like this gives us hints to the exciting night life that our town has to offer:

Two dimes and a nickle - found (A2)
Date: 2010-04-16, 1:27PM EDT

I found two dimes and a nickle on the sidewalk in front of the Arena last night. If you
lost two dimes and a nickle please contact me, I would be delighted to return
them to you. Please be prepared to identify said coins.

Well, things were no less different in Ann Arbor in the mid-nineteenth century. Do you know about The Signal of Liberty, Ann Arbor's historic abolitionist newspaper. We have the Signal on our website, and it's a great resource for learning about the history of anti-slavery in this area.

BUT, it also includes many classified ads that offer an intriguing look into what Ann Arborites were up to in the 1840's.

Here's one from the September 22, 1841 issue from Michael Puttel.

Let's hope that Michael and Eliza patched things up.

These two from July 7th and August 4th seem to be 1841's version of a lost pet ad.

How does one lost a cow... or multiple horses? These two ads also contain the recurring offer for a free Signal subscription in return for Wood! Wood! Wood!

This ad, also from July 7th but recurring throughout the paper's run, is here simply to beg one question: What is a "smut machine"?

Forest Hill Cemetery Interpretive Tours

Wed, 10/21/2009 - 2:18pm by Caser

Founded in 1857, Forest Hill is Ann Arbor's oldest cemetery, rich in history and remarkably colorful this time of year. Indeed, it's a perfect time for an interpretive tour of the graveyard with local historian Wystan Stevens, who leads groups through the grounds with stories of Ann Arbor's history every Sunday from Oct. 4 - Nov. 8 starting at 2pm. Be sure to catch him this time around, for Stevens will end his popular 30 year tradition this year. The tours are $10 for adults and free for children, and they begin at the cemetery gate on Observatory, north of Geddes. Additional information is available at 734.662.5438. For a further glimpse into the lore of Michigan's past, try the books Ann Arbor Area Ghosts, and Ghost Towns of Michigan.

Celebrate the AA Farmers Market

Sat, 08/01/2009 - 3:52pm by annevm

A 90th birthday celebration for the venerable Ann Arbor Farmers' Market is Saturday Aug. 8. Stop by for gelato, music, birthday cake, and kids' activities. Vendors and market goers will tell stories at the Oral History Booth from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. To get excited about market history, see The Farmers’ Market Bounces Back and Reinventing the Farmers' Market in Ann Arbor Observer: Then and Now, a rich collection of more than 100 articles recently archived by AADL.

The Ann Arbor Observer: Then & Now

Mon, 06/22/2009 - 11:16am by amy

This Wednesday, June 24, we'll be launching Ann Arbor Observer: Then & Now, a new site with searching and browsing access to over 130 full-text articles on local history written for the Ann Arbor Observer over the past three decades by local historian and author, Grace Shackman. Stop by for a demonstration of the site, refreshments, and a lively discussion by Grace and Observer editor, John Hilton, at 7:00 p.m. in the Downtown lower level Multi-Purpose Room.

Riverwalks Ann Arbor: Walking Loops Along the Huron River

Fri, 05/29/2009 - 12:22pm by Van

Brenda E. Bentley has enhanced walker’s enjoyment of the Huron River through Ann Arbor by writing Riverwalks Ann Arbor: Walking Loops Along the Huron River. The walks are introduced by a geological, historical, cultural, and natural history of the river. The book has interesting reproductions of historical maps; old postcards and photographs; new crisp, clear maps with contour lines, major roads, park areas, and elevations; and current photographs. Each walk is a loop. Sometimes they can connect with other loops. The walks start at Barton Pond and move east along the river to Parker Mill. The descriptions of the walks are enhanced by historical asides, among others, on the Public Land Survey System, the ice trade on Argo Pond, and Superintendent of Parks Eli Gallup.

The Ann Arbor Chronicle did an article on the book yesterday and links to HD’s Teeter Talk with Brenda Bentley. The book is available for purchase at Downtown Home & Garden and at Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room.

The author lists three books as Companion Texts for Riverwalks:

Along the Huron: the Natural Communities of the Huron River Corridor in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Historic Buildings, Ann Arbor, Michigan by Marjorie Reade and Susan Wineberg. This book is featured in the library’s online Ann Arbor Architecture Archive

Ann Arbor Observed: Selections from Then and Now by Grace Shackman. These essays are being added to the library’s online Local History offerings. The library is hosting Grace Shackman and John Hilton Wednesday, June 24 at the Downtown Library (7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) for the unveiling of this new online product.

Cobblestone Farm Museum’s Country Christmas

Thu, 11/13/2008 - 10:49am by ecria7

Sunday, Dec. 7th noon to 4 pm
2781 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor
(734) 994-2928
Suggested donation of $1.50 kids, $3 adults, $7 family for program support

Cobblestone Farm will be presenting a 19th century Yuletide celebration featuring live dulcimer music with the Village Strings, a chance to meet Father Christmas, see holiday cooking on a wood stove, and go on tours of the decorated farmhouse with costumed interpreters.
The museums will also have an exhibit commemorating Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th) and showing examples of a 1940's era Christmas. The gift shop will be open and the animals in the barnyard will be out for the kids to see.

For more information on an old fashioned "country Christmas," check out The Pioneer Lady's Country Christmas: a gift of old-fashioned recipes and memories of Christmas Past by Jane Watson Hopping.

More History on the Streets

Tue, 09/30/2008 - 1:39pm by Debbie G.

The Downtown Ann Arbor Historical Street Exhibit will be unveiling three new plaques that expand on the history of the German community on Thursday, Oct. 2nd at 5 p.m. outside Sweetwaters Cafe at Washington & Ashley. The contributions of Germans to Ann Arbor are fully developed in the many books and articles available through the Making of Ann Arbor.

Cobblestone Farm is having a Fall Harvest!

Sun, 09/14/2008 - 3:10pm by ecria7

Sunday, October 12 at 12 (noon) to 4pm -- Located at 2781 Packard Road, Ann Arbor
Admission is $1.50 for kids, $7 for the family (Cobblestone Farm Members free – memberships available at event)
Hosted by Ann Arbor Department of Parks & Recreation and the Cobblestone Farm Association

Celebrate autumn with the 1850’s living history program! Experience the delicious aroma of cooking on the wood stove, a costume parade with prizes, or try your hand at pumpkin decorating. You can take pictures with the Headless Horseman or visit the animals in the barnyard. Play 19th century lawn games for children, take a tour of the farmhouse, or have cider and doughnuts! Want to learn more about the Headless Horseman? Check out The Legend of Sleepy Hollow or The Headless Horseman & Other Goulish Tales!

Cobblestone Farm is an 1844 farmhouse originally used as a double-family home. The farm is being restored to reflect its mid-19th century past and rural lifestyle in Washtenaw County. Try some 19th century activities at home with Pioneer Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, & Recipes!

Do You Own Property in a Local Historic District?

Wed, 09/03/2008 - 3:46pm by amy

The Washtenaw County Department of Planning & Environment, The Washtenaw County Historic District Commission, and the Michigan Historic Preservation Network are offering a workshop titled Owning Property in Local Historic Districts: Benefits and Practice, featuring Kristine Kidorf, Owner of Kidorf Preservation Consulting. The workshop will cover the basics of local historic district commission processes, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, and the 25% Michigan rehabilitation tax credit.

This workshop will be offered Saturday, September 6, 10:00am to 12:00pm at the Washtenaw County Library Learning Resource Center (LLRC), 4135 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Please RSVP to: miltonpungm@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 222-6878.