Published In:
Ann Arbor News, October 28, 1954
Caption:
THEY THINK IT'S SPRING: A prime example of this year's freak fall is this lilac bush blooming in the yard of Mrs. Catherine Gordon, 200 W. Jefferson St. Many local residents have reported "spring" flowers of various types in bloom this fall, but University botanists said the flowering lilacs were particularly unusual.

Published In:
Ann Arbor News, September 17, 1984
Caption:
PEDIGREED PUMPKIN - This giant orb, weighing in at 222 pounds, is rooted in hefty tradition. Grower Linda LeBlanc of Belleville bought the seeds from a Nova Scotia grower who is listed in the Guinness Book of Records for his beefy pumpkins. LeBlanc has been growing big pumpkins to sell as 'conversation pieces' for the last three years. This one, displayed at the Ypsilanti Farmers' Market on Saturday, was priced at $50. LeBlanc will hold her own 'pumpkin factory' Oct. 1-31 at her farm at 16421 Elwell Road in Belleville. The Halloween theme will include pumpkins, cider, Halloween masks, candy and pumpkin pie.

Published In:
Ann Arbor News, October 11, 1955
Caption:
BIG SQUASH: Ted Fry of 64 Longfellow Dr., Whitmore Lake, imported some special banana squash seeds from California this spring, planted them in his garden and awaited developments. The "developments" included the monster squash he's holding, which grew to be 32 1/2 inches long and weighs 31 1/2 pounds. Fry operates a grocery market at Pittsfield Village.

Published In:
Ann Arbor News, October 1, 1977
Caption:
BIG ONE -- It's an odd shape, but nevertheless it's a puffball mushroom, and an edible one, found by Susan (left) and Karen Berry of 2735 S. Wagner Rd. The 16-pound specimen is of a convoluted shape, rather than round as puffballs usually are. They range in weight from a couple of pounds to more than 20 pounds in large specimens. Mushroom fanciers peel the skin from puffballs, cut out the stem area (to make sure insects haven't entered there), slice the white meaty part and saute in butter or cook with vegetables. Mushroom experts warn, however, that puffballs should be eaten only if the meat is pure white. When it begins to disintegrate, it becomes streaked with yellow lines first, and when this happens it can cause severe diarrhea or stomach upset. Also, some people are allergic to many mushrooms [sic] safe and choice to others, so if you're eating a strange one for the first time, sample it first and make sure it is safe for you. (Photo by Larry E. Wright)

Published In:
Ann Arbor News, September 17, 1946
Caption:
Oh the Flowers that Bloom in the Fall: Edward R. Schlanderer, 727 Miller Ave, rubbed his eyes, but they were still there- the four blossoms on the French lilac bush in his back yard. A 78-year-old retired cabinetmaker, Mr. Schlanderer's hobby is flowers, and in all his experience he has never seen a September-blooming lilac, nor, for that matter, has he ever heard of one. The blossoms first appeared a week ago.