A Day at the Dairy: Ann Arbor's Washtenaw Dairy

Thu, 10/10/2024 - 9:14am

"A Day At The Dairy brings viewers though the spectrum of a full day at Washtenaw Dairy in the summer of 2024 — opening with coffee and donuts before sunrise until the final ice cream is served after sunset. Since its founding in 1934 as an outlet for dairy farmers to sell their milk, through expanding with ice cream and a donut enterprise reaching all over town, "The Dairy" has provided commodities and served as a community hub in Ann Arbor for 90 years. Owner and President Mary Jean Raab recounts its history alongside a cross section of a day's customers who share what's kept them coming back for a tasty treat, time and time again." - Filmmakers Donald Harrison & Isabel Ratner

AADL Talks To: John Woodford, Longtime Journalist and Editor of Michigan Today

Thu, 08/15/2024 - 8:44pm

In this episode AADL Talks To John Woodford. John is a veteran journalist whose work has been published nationally. Upon moving to Ann Arbor John found work with the Ann Arbor Observer and went on to become executive editor of Michigan Today for two decades. John talks about his career trajectory, the many changes he has experienced in the journalism industry, and the continuing curiosity that fueled his career.

AADL Talks To: Zeke Mallory, Designer & Artist

Thu, 07/18/2024 - 5:19pm

In this episode, AADL Talks To Zeke Mallory. Zeke studied Fine Art and Commercial Design at Eastern Michigan University, worked at Mr. Flood’s Party, and has been a successful graphic artist since starting his career in Ann Arbor in the 1970s. Zeke talks about some of his signs and murals around town, his experiences working as an artist, and some of the influential people in his life.

See AADL's collection of Zeke Mallory's posters and artwork here.

AADL Talks To: Wei and Lisa Bee, Owners of Sweetwaters

Sat, 06/29/2024 - 9:30pm

In this episode AADL Talks To Wei and Lisa Bee, owners of Sweetwaters. Recently celebrating 30 years, the couple tell us about the origins of the business, what has changed over the years, and how they incorporate elements of their cultural heritage into their menu and marketing decisions. They also reflect on how the store has weathered recent changes like COVID-19 and street renovations.

A Historic Tour of Hertler Brothers and Downtown Home & Garden

Thu, 05/16/2024 - 7:40pm

Mark Hodesh takes us on a tour of the historic downtown Ann Arbor building he owns, which was originally built in 1896 as Hertler Brothers, and renamed as Downtown Home & Garden in 1997. The building located at 210 S. Ashley St. has provided services and supplies to the wider Ann Arbor community for over a century. While in some ways it remains unchanged—continuing to sell bulk seed, grain, and hay—it's also adapted to changing times and evolving customer needs. Current owner of the Downtown Home & Garden store, Kelly Vore, also adds her perspective on this legacy. —Donald Harrison

AADL Talks To: Margaret Parker, Artist and Arts Activist

Thu, 03/21/2024 - 8:13pm

In this episode, AADL Talks to Margaret Parker. Margaret has been working as an artist for seven decades. She talks about her parents’ influence on her desire to become an artist and the evolution of her artistic development, from working in different mediums to confronting social justice issues in her work. Margaret talks about her time with the Michigan chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art and her commitment to bring public to Ann Arbor through her work on the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission.

For more information, see our digital collections related to Margaret Parker, or visit the artist's website.