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AADL Talks To: Russ Collins, Executive Director/CEO Marquee Arts

Russ Collins

Russ Collins grew up in Ann Arbor and received a Masters degree in Arts Administration from the University of Michigan just before becoming Manager of the Michigan Theater in November 1982. Russ walks us through the evolution of the Michigan Theater over its near-100-year history, from the vaudeville and silent film eras through the ups and downs of the celluloid and digital eras. He also takes us into the weeds of technical changes over the years; discusses historical preservation efforts in renovations to both the Michigan and the State theaters; and touches on programming and marketing challenges following the collapse of the newspaper industry. Russ will retire in December 2024.

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AADL Talks To: Liz Brater, 58th Mayor of Ann Arbor (1991-1993)

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Liz Brater, December 1992

Elizabeth S. Brater is Ann Arbor's first female mayor, serving as a Democrat from 1991 to 1993. Prior to 1991, she was a member of Ann Arbor City Council. As both council member and mayor, Liz focused on housing and environmental issues, causes she continued at the state level when serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1995 to 2000, and in the Michigan Senate, where she represented the 18th district from 2003 to 2010. Brater talks with us about her time in office, its many challenges, and some of her initiatives and accomplishments, notably her campaign to start the Michigan Recovery Facility (MRF).

Martha Wilder House - 415 N. Ingalls Street, May 1987 Photographer: Larry E. Wright

Martha Wilder House - 415 N. Ingalls Street, May 1987 image
Year:
1987
Published In:
Ann Arbor News, May 13, 1987
Caption:
REVIVED - The previous owners had lived at 415 N. Ingalls St. since 1920 when new owner Michael Bielby bought the house in 1985. The classical revival style house (left), built in the 1850s, was moved to its present site around 1910. The porch was added in the 1880s. Bielby stripped and refurbished the decrepit house, creating three apartments with original woodwork. The fire escape was moved to the back and the 1880s color scheme resurrected based on internal evidence. It's known as the Martha Wilder house after its 1910 occupant. In celebration of Preservation Week, May 11-17, the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission has recognized Bielby's work with a preservation award. The News is presenting pictures of preservation award winners daily through Friday. The awards honor preservation of Ann Arbor's architectural heritage through respectful rehabilitation or - better still - excellent long-term maintenance. Awards will be presented at a reception for the Kempf House Center for Local History from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Laughlin House - 315 N. Thayer Street, May 1987 Photographer: Larry E. Wright

Laughlin House - 315 N. Thayer Street, May 1987 image
Year:
1987
Published In:
Ann Arbor News, May 14, 1987
Caption:
EYESORE NO MORE - After Robert Rubin bought the 1883 Queen Anne home at 315 N. Thayer St. in Ann Arbor, he removed synthetic siding, repaired the original wood siding - including fancy shingles and unusual details - and repainted it in a multi-color scheme, turning a neighborhood eyesore into a major asset. It was originally a boarding house run by the Misses Elizabeth and Kate Laughlin. In celebration of Preservation Week, which runs through Sunday, the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission has recognized Rubin's rehabilitation of Laughlin house. The News is presenting pictures of preservation award winners daily through Friday. The awards honor preservation of Ann Arbor's architectural heritage through respectful rehabilitation or - better still - excellent long-term maintenance. Awards will be presented at a reception at the Kempf House Center for Local History from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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AADL Talks To: Francis Blouin, Former Director of the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library

Francis Blouin
Francis Blouin

In this episode, AADL Talks To Francis Blouin. Francis joined the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library in 1974 and was director for over 30 years. Francis shares his memories of working at the Bentley, some of the special acquisitions and projects he oversaw during his tenure, and he discusses the many transitions he witnessed in the archives field.

Francis is Professor Emeritus in the History Department at the University of Michigan.

Historical articles and photos about the Bentley Historical Library.

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AADL Talks To: Susan Wineberg, Local Historian

Susan Wineberg
Susan Wineberg, October 1995

Susan is a local history institution in Ann Arbor. She’s been president of the Washtenaw County Historical Society, served on the Historic District Commission, and worked with several groups on prominent local history projects and exhibits. She's accumulated a vast collection of local history, including a slide collection documenting local buildings; and she co-authored the book on Historical Buildings in Ann Arbor. Susan talks with us about how she happened upon her love of local history and local architecture in particular. She shares several stories detailing the politics involved in historic preservation efforts and the many friends and colleagues she worked with over the years.

Historical articles and photos about Susan Wineberg

Susan Wineberg Collection

Read Susan's Historic Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan