mannabouttown

Charred body of man discoveed after barn fire

2007-05-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Tuesday, May 3, 1927.

Identity of a man whose charred remains were found Monday evening in the debris of a barn fire, is being sought by sheriff's officers today.

A bullet hole in the man's skull and a badly burned 22 caliber rifle beside him, make either murder or suicide possible.

The initials E. D. K., found on a watch, and H. K., on a wedding ring, are the only clues so far discovered.

The barn, an old structure which had been unused for some time, burned Jan 16. It was located on the Pleasant Lake Road, about two miles from Lodi Town Hall, and across from the Burns School, and belonged to William Ossius, who lives in Ann Arbor.

Monday afternoon a ten year old boy, William Scbroen,who lives with William Fritz, Freedom Township, tried of his task of digging post holes and when in the vicinity of the old barn, started poking about in the charred debris. He found the skeleton, called Mr. Fritz, and the officers were notified.

Preliminary examination by Deputy Clifford West and Coroner E. C. Ganzhorn revealed that the man was of medium build. His body was badly burned, about all that remained being the skull, ribs and hip bones. A portion of the jaw had been torn away.

Beside the body were found a man's belt buclke with the initial E., some over all buckles scissors, looking glass, two jack knifes, a dime and a penny.

Mr. Ossius who was questioned after the discovery was made, could offer no explanation. He had not used the barn for a period of several months, was not living at the farm when it burned, and had never known haw the fire started. He collected about $400 insurance on the building, which he estimated to be about half its value.

The sheriff's department has no record of any missing person whose initials correspond to those found on the watch and ring.

Surprise has been expressed that the body was not found sooner. childern from the school have passed by the old barn daily, and the Schroen child said the skeleton was in plan view when he stumbled upon it.

Coroner Gazhorn has ordered the remains held, while sheriff's officers endeavor to determine identity.

That is the story. What do you think happened?

Hangs Head Down From Moving Car

2007-04-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Tuesday, April 23, 1907.

Harry Armstrong,night operator at Wiard's Crossing, (east of Ypsilanti) narrowly escaped death last night when dragged along head downwards by a moving freight car which he attempted to board. He miraculously escaped with a broken collar bone. Armstrong is the man who was slugged by a holdup man in the Wiard station last fall and was laid up for more than a month.

Armstrong's home is about half a mile from the station.

"It's such a nice night, come down and spend the evening with me," were his parting words to his wife and little daughter.

Twenty minutes later they found him lying beside the railroad track suffering agony from his injuries.

In attempting to board a freight train he slipped. His foot caught in the ladder on the side of a freight car and he was dragged along, head downwards for a distance of 10 to 15 rods. finally he dropped beside the track.

Dr. Byron Arnold of Denton was called and until his arrival Armstrong suffered intense pain. He was unable to sleep all night.

Joe King Almost Suffocated

2007-04-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press onSaturday, April 21, 1907.

Joseph King, the well known shoe man, narrowly escaped suffocation when the fire broke out in John Kuster's meat market on Congress street (now Michigan Ave.) shortly after 2:30 o'clock this morning. It was from Mr. King's rooms above his shoe store that the alarm was turned in to the fire department.

Smoke from the burning meat market, which was gutted and an entire loss, poured into Mr. King's bedroom. He has been lying very ill for several days. The smoke was so thick that the light could not be distingushed from the bedside. Mrs. King and her sister, Mrs. Bourke of Jackson, were there. Frank Minnis, Mr. King's traveling salesman, was dummoned and assisted in getting Mr. King from his bed to fresh air near a window. It was a long time before the rooms could be freed of smoke.

Today Mr. King complained of soreness in his lungs. They feel as if they were raw. The effect of the smoke may be very serious, taken inconjunction with the illness which has afflicted him.

Mr. Kuster carried $700 insurance with John P. Kirk's agency. The insurance will probably cover the loss. The origin of the fire in unknown. The fire department did good work, else the fire would have spread and done damage to adjoining stores.

It is a strange coincidence that just one year ago today John Kuster Jr. accidentally cut off his fingers in the meat market.

Drunk Tears Out Sewerage in Jail

2007-04-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

This story is from The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Tuesday, April 16, 1907.

Michael Smith known as Julius Smith was arrested yesterday charged with being a drunkard and tippler, first offense. In jail he gave an imitation of Carrie Nation.

He defied Officer Ryan, who warned him to get off the street. He attempted to show his pugilistic ability but was carried off to jail in a hack.

There he tore up the sewerage and broke all available furniture. Consequently, Deputy Sheriff Westfall took him to Ann Arbor last evening.

He was arraigned before the justice this morning and was fined $10 and $7.41 costs or 15 days in jail.

This jail sewerage, which was just recently installed, seems to be fated. A week ago a man named Martin Miller proved himsefl a destructive element by likewise tearing up the plaumming

Overtaken by Death

2007-04-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Monday, April 1, 1907.

Mrs. Charles Carr died at her residence, 16 Hamilton street, at about 8 o'clock last evening. Her death is a great shock to the community at large. She has been active and in apparently good health, and showed no signs of callapse yesterday. She attended morning service at St. Luke's and it was over exertion in hurrying to church last evening which undoubtly brought on a callapse of the heart.

Mrs. CArr expressed being somewhat out of breath from fast walking, entering the church, only to leave it almost immediately, stating that she was going home. When she arrived at the church steps Mr. M. M. Read noticed that she staggered and hurried to her assistance.

She again stated that she was going home, but when only a door from the church, she became almost helpless fro m exhaustion. It was thought best to take her inside, but this was impossible as the warm air seemed ti stifle her, and when her granddaughter reached her side, only a few minutes later, her suffering was intense. A carrage and physician were summoned, and she was removed to her home saying as she went that she would not live through the night. She best knew he own condation, for she died shortly after her arrival home.

Mrs. Carr, whose maiden name was Clara Harper, was born at Clyde, Wayne Co., New York in 1834. She was married to Chas. C. Carr in 1854, and their removal to Ypsilanti, where she has since resided, with the exception of three years, was in 1859.

Mrs. Carr's life has been a quit, unassuming one. Her chief attribute was thoughtfulness of others and her unselfish devotion toward any good cause has made her greatly esteemed by all who knew her. Her temperament corresponded to that chareteristie in that she was always bright and energetic.

Mrs. Carr was a member of St. Luke's Episcapal church and since her affifiaton with that church she has been faithful in attendance.

House histories, talks and tours

2007-03-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Houses are the stages on which we enact the stories of our lives. The stories are sometimes drama, sometimes comedy, and sometimes, sadly, tragedy. These stories can the daily life of a family, with the birth of children, and the death of parents, and the changes that occur as a part of passing time. As a result of these changes a house becomes a home, and home is the most important place in our lives; and in the end, that which we want most is to go home.

Every house has stories to tell, stories of the people who lived there. These stories are of their hopes and dreams, and the drama of their lives, and the changing times in which they occurred. The stories may not be earth shacking events, but were important to those who lived them. These same stories may be of interest to those who now live in the house, and would like to know more of those who lived there before.

I would like to offer my professional services to those interested to learning the stories of their house. I can research the history of your house, find out when it was built, the names and stories of those who have lived there, and write a history of your house. I charge $35 per hour, and am willing to work out a payment plan, so you do not have to pay me all at once. Please contact me at my email address if you are interested in taking advantage of my skills. My email address is: manjam@provide.net

I am also available as a gust speaker for your club or group, and can, if you request, research a subject of interest to your club or group, and give a talk or your enjoyment. The usual charge for this is $50. Again, we can work out an arrangement if that is a problem. I once gave a talk to a class of schoolchildren, for which I received payment in brownies.

I can also give tours of any section of the city, or can research a subject and present a tour of interest to your group of club on request. Again the usual fee if $5 per person.

I hope you are interested in taking advantage of my skills, and will email me at: manjam@provide.net

Recovers from awful shock

2007-03-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, March 14, 1907.

Burton Patterson, the electrician who was struck by a high voltage current at the power house Wednesday afternoon is resting easily at the Congress Hotel. There is every indication now that he will entirely recover from his awful experience.

Patterson owes his life to the prompt action taken by fellow workermen at the power house. His fall was broken by Roy Pringie, who was working beside him. Patterson was as stiff as a marble statue when laid on the ground. workmen ran to his side and began the life saving tacties. They are similar to to those employed to resusicitatn persons who have almost drowned. The arms are worked back and forth, to expand the chest, and start respiration and heart action. It was but a few minutes before he showed signs of returning life. A physician arrived and helped on the good work.

Two red spots in the head just above the temple showed where the current had struck the man. The hair was singed, too. Otherwise there were no marks on him.

Pattersonwas placed under opiates, and when he awoke during the night he showed much improvement. He rested well during teh remainder of the night.

It is the opinion of chief Engineer Curtis that Patterson's hair came in contact with the high voltage wire.

"The wire carried 22,840 volts," he said. "A high voltage current will leap but a very short distnace, although when established it may be drawn out to more than a foot. Patterson was a very careful worker. He came here from Detroit and was assisting in installing a new switchboard."

Find "Happy" Very Sick Man

2007-03-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

The following story was published by The Daily Ypsilanti Press on Friday, March 8, 1907.

Sleeping on rude trunks which he fitted up for his bed, and scantily covered with layers of burlap, that odd genius, popularly known as “Happy Hooligan,” was found in a bare, cheerless room in the Union block, ill with pneumonia. Today, under orders of the city physician, he was removed to the county house for treatment.

“The man is undoubtedly insane,” said the city physician to the Daily Press. “He was refused admittance to the University of Michigan Hospital, and fearing that he delay in getting him admitted to the asylum in Pontiac might be fatal, we removed him to the county house. With good treatment he will likely recover.”

Chief of Police Gage says that he man had a little fuel when he arrived. He had some bread and milk for food. He became delirious and threatened to shoot his attendant with a revolver. The weapon was taken from him.

“Happy” is a sign painter. He strayed into town several years ago. No one knows where he came from. Neither is his real name known. Chief Gage says that it is Harry Roman. That is the name he places on his signs. Another man told the Press that he once made out a check for him and “Happy” hesitated when asked what name should be written in. He finally said Leslie, but gave no initials.

Hooligan is about 40 years of age. He is slender and delicate-looking, with a pale face, and a sandy mustache. He wears a small gray hat.

“Happy” caries a big tin watch which he prizes highly. He tells that it was owned by one of his ancestors, whom he claims, was a duke.

Prize fighting is “Happy’s” hobby. He isn’t a fighter but he knows all about the fast ones that wear gloves. He keeps a scrap book in which he pastes newspaper accounts of all the big fights. He likes to quote scripture, too. He is pretty well versed in the bible.

“Happy” wears a leather belt to which is attached a plate. On the plate are initials, and the information that in case of death word should be sent to a bureau in Philadelphia, where he can be identified.

He always had a roll of bills, and boasted that he wasn’t broke.

Manresa Weekend

2007-02-26T11:16:00.001-08:00

There I was standing by the street, duffel bag at the ready, and my ride no where in sight. I thought I had heard correctly, that I would be picked up at 4:30 PM on Friday, but my ride was no where to be seen. I must have got it wrong, and was to have met them someplace else. I had been waiting for this week end for almost a year, and now I was going to miss it. How could I have been so stupid? Just as I was trying to decide which tree to bang my head against, a car came around the corner, and my ride had arrived. One of the guys had a flat tire a block from the driver’s house, and that is why they were late. Because of this, I knew, I would value the weekend all the more.

This is the fourth year I have spent the first weekend of Lent on retreat at Manresa House, a retreat house run by the Jesuits. Each has been a rewarding and enriching time for me. We arrived at the house at Woodward and big Beaver Road in Bloomfield Hills in good time. The house is set on almost 40 archers, a piece of the country in the middle of urban space. The traffic speeds by on Woodward right past the grounds, and one would never know it.

We were told this retreat is a gift from God, and God called each of us to the retreat for a reason. This is a rest stop from the world, a time to renew to ourselves and grow as persons. As is the tradition common to all Jesuit retreat house, this was a silence retreat. Silence is not a punishment or a disciplinary measure, but a way of listening for what God has to say. You will not hear God, if you are talking someone, and that person can not hear God as well, or the people around those speaking.

During the retreat we listened to presentations or sat in the library to read, wondered the grounds, whatever we chose to do. There was the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and mass.

Saturday, February 24, was the 27th anniversary of the death of my mother. I spent so quit time thinking of her. My mother had a horrible childhood, yet so tried her best to be a good mother. She did well, considering all she had to deal with in her past. My sister and I were lucky to have had her as a mother.

On Saturday evening a Healing Service was held, a time to deal with the pain of life, whether it physical, or personal. The cause may have been something done to us, an injury inflicted years before. This was a time to heal. Christ came to us as a healer, and spent most of his time healing the sink in body or is spirit. Chose what you want to heal, pray, take part in the service and allow yourself to recover. I feel better for having taken part in the service.

I was sorry the weekend came to an end, and on Sunday the time came for us to leave. Still, I have the next retreat to look forward to.

John Van Cleve is found dead

2007-02-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

The following story was published by The Ypsilanti Record on Thursday, February 15, 1017.

Apparently dead for many hours, the lifeless body of John Van Cleve, member of one of Ypsilanti's once most prominent families, was found in his room a the home of Mrs. Molly J. rice, 220 South Huron street, Monday, evening. Heart disease had evidently taken him away. It is presumed death came some time Sunday, as he had not been seen since Saturday evening.

Mr Van Cleve was about 75 years of age, son of John W. Van Cleve, Sr., once wealthy and prominent Ypsilantian. He is survived by one brother, Frank of Escanaba, and one son, Nathaniel, of Westchester, Pa. His wife died 20 years ago. The senior Mr. Van Cleve was a pioneer merchant of Ypsilanti and once owner of the Peninsular paper mill.

For several months the deceased had roomed at the Rice home. He was not in good health, but was able to be about. He was seen Saturday to leave his room. On Monday evening a neighbor lady, recalling that he had not been seen about either Sunday or Monday, went to call. Finding his room quit, a man roomer in the house was called, a light was turned on and Mr. Van Cleve was found dead in his bed.

A message was at once sent to the brother in Escanabe, telling of the death, and efforts were immediately made to locate the son in Virginia. Difficulty was met in locating him.

As soon as the death was discovered, the remains were cared for at a local undertaking establishment. Coroner Burchfield, of Ann Arbor, was called in on the case, and Tuesday morning he came and investigated. Mrs. Rice, proprietor of the rooming house where Van Cleve lived, is ill in a sanitarium at Mt. Clemens, where she went about three weeks ago for treatment.

Flames drive father out

2007-02-13T09:27:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, February 13, 1907.

William Densmore and his wife (Minerva), who reside at 426 North Huron street, parent of G. W. Densmore, manager of the Washtenaw Telephone Co., were painfully burned early this morning in attempting to extinguish a small blaze which originated in a couch in the parlor. Mr. Densmore leaped from his sick bed to fight the flames which threatened the destruction of his home. Clad only in his night dress, he suffered severely from exposure to the cold weather, and may suffer a setback which may be serious on account of his advanced age.

Mrs. Densmore has been sleeping on the couch in the parlor. When she arose this morning it is thought that in sticking match the head flew off and ignited the fringe of the couch. The fire communicated to the interior of the couch from the underside, making it a difflcult matter to get at it. Mr. and Mrs. Densmore and their daughter, Miss Lucia M. Densmore, principal of the Woodruff school, tried to smother the fire with rugs and blankets.

Failing in this they attempted to carry the couch out of the house. Mr. Densmore went ahead, but the couch could not be moved through the storm door. It stuck fast, and Mr. Densmore in his nightie was a temporary outcast in the almost zero weather. The fire department soon arrived and put out the blaze.

It was found that Mrs. Densmore's dress had caught fire, but little damage was done her. She sustained some painful burns on her hands. Three of Mr. Densmore's fingers were badly blistered. Carpets and curtains were damaged, too.

(Mr. Densmore died at the age of 77, on May 28, 1909.)

Old Roberts Taver

2007-02-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record of Thursday, February 8, 1917.

The recording of the deed of the Roberts farm on Michigan avenue, west of Ypsilanti, an old Pittsfielder recalls when there stood on it the old Roberts tavern. "Them was the good old days, boy!" Whisky was as common and cheap as mineral water is now--25 cents a gallon.

Shaking dice for the drinks was as common then as it is now, but the relator tells of a stunt which is novel as well as peculiar. There was a large fireplace in Roberts tavern, around which many have swapped yarns; into it they have gazed, empited their pipes and sizzled the coals with tobacco juice; broiled steaks thereon and toasted their shins by it. But to think that ths large old fireplace was used as a gambling device is truly interesting.

It was this way: When time lagged and excitement was wanted, someone suggested that they all lie down in front of the fireplace for the drinks. A circle was drawn from corner of the hearth to the other out and away from the fire about an arm's length. All stretched out on the floor with heir heads to the mark and extended an arm toward the fire. He who could leave his hand against the heat the longest time would be the winner. The one with the shortest arm usually won. The first to give up was the first to treat, and so on in turn. The lst one only would be the real winner.

Motorman, Thrown from top of car by electric shock

2007-02-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record of Thursday, February 8, 1917.

Knocked from the top of a car which stood in the car shed at the interurban station on Washington street this morning, Frank Wilkinson, motorman, struck his head and shoulders on the steel rail below and sustained a fractured skull, concussion of the brain and several broken ribs. His condition is serious.

Wilkinson is a freight motorman. He went to the roof of his car which stood at the freight dock about mid-forernoon for the purpose of repairing a trolley. He carried a switch bar, and this he used to make a circuit by which he hoped to run his car out. A short-circuit resulted and he got the force of a heavy voltage of electricity.

Force of the current knocked him from the top of the car to the ground. Stricking on his head and shoulders, he suffered concussion of the brain, his collar-bone was broken, three ribs were broken, and from the hemorrage from his ears and nose which resulted, it is believed fracture of the skull took place.

Medical aid ws summoned and Wilkinson was removed to his home out East Michigan avenue, beyond the bridge. He has regained consciousness, but is in a serious condition. He is about 35 years of age and hs a wife.

Suicides by taking acid

2007-02-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Record of Thursday, February 8, 1917.

Death by sucide came to Mrs. Florence Schroeger, residing in the rooms in the second story over the Daily Press office, corner Michigan avenue and Adams street, thuesday about 2 o'clock. An ounce of carbolic acid swallowed with intent to take her own life was the cause.

Doctors Hull and Clifford were summoned shortly after the dose was taken, but it was impossible to give her relief and death soon followed.

Mrs. Schroeger resided with ther mothe, Mrs. E. M. Curtis, and the mother is now left in charge of three small childern of the deceased. One of them has been ill with scarletina and the home has been under quarantine because of this fact.

In her youth Mrs. Schroeger was a leader in the younger set and was popular. She was adopted in infancy by Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Curtis and took their name. The was twice married, first to Roy Coleman. Three childern wer born to them. Separation finally resulted and last summer Mrs. Coleman was married to A. J. Schroeger, who was at one time propietor of a garage on South Adams street. Later she accompanied him west, but returned recently with her childern to live with Mrs. Curtis.

Owing to the quarantine the funeral of Mrs. Schroege will be private. It will occur this afternoon.

Loses hand in grinder

2007-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

This story appeared in The Ypsilanti Record of Thursday, February 1, 1917.

The past week was productive of three bad accidents, all occurring while the victims were engaged in their daily work.
George Meyer, of Michigan avenue east, was the most seriously injured. His injury occurred Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock, when his left hand was ground off in a power meat chopper.
While at work his fingers were caught in the spiral gear and drawn into the machine, which could not be stopped until the fingers were entirely torn off. In dressing it surgeons had to take the hand off half-way of the palm, and only the thumb is left. The injury was more painful from the fact the cords in the arm were drawn out of place, one being pulled from the elbow down
Simon Nissly, of South Adams Street, superintendent and designer of the plant of the Scharf Tag and Label Company, on Tuesday afternoon got his right foot crushed. The arch was broken down, but recovery is possible without amputation.
In assisting in moving a heavy die cutting machine, the machine slipped from a roller and onto his foot, crushing it to the floor.
Fred Foerster, 52 East Cross street, an employee of the Thompson Brothers factory, on Saturday lost the little finger of his left hand when he got his hand into a sticker.
Dr. Howard Post, who was taken to an Ann Arbor hospital a week ago for treatment, is suffering from an abscess due to an injury of several weeks ago. He at that time was inspecting a new barn in the country before the floor was laid. A board tipped and he fell breaking three ribs. An abscess eventually formed. Since going to the hospital he has improved nicely.

Chimney causes fire in Fletcher building today

2007-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

This story was published by theDaily Ypsilanti Press of Saturday, January 15, 1927.

Fire discovered in the Fletcher and Fietcher building (130 West Michigan) by Morris Mallion and George Sanders, two members of the city fire department off duty today, caused small damage to the floor between the second and third stories, but practically no damage to stock.

Smoke issuing through an upper window attracted the attention of the firemen who turned in the alarm at 9 o’clock.

A defective chimney is considered responsible. A spark ignited the floor and flames were burning there way through to the third floor when the fire was discovered, damage was confined to the one section of the floor, just over the office maintained by the firm in the center of the building.

Damage from smoke is negligible, as the third floor, where most of the smoke poured to, is not used. Some water leaked to the first floor, but canvassed were secured and spread over stock as soon as the fire was discovered. But very little water ran through to the first floor.

The fire department worked about an hour and a half before being certain every spark had been extinguished, and danger on fire breaking out again was eliminated.

Insurance is carried on the building, which is owned by Fietcher and Fletcher. The store was open for business at 1 o’clock this afternoon.

(Fletcher and Fietcher were a clothing and Men’s furnishing store.)

Dropped dead while hitching up horse

2007-01-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

This story appered in The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Tuesday, January 11, 1907.

Wm. Fuller dropped ded yesterday while hitching up his horse to return to his home in the country, after having attended the anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Allen (of Willis).

Mr. and Mrs. Fuller had been guests at this event and the latter had gone to the barn to hitch up his horse. The guest had just genially slapped his host upon the back and bid him farewell and Mr. Allen had started toward his dwelling, when upon turning around he found that Mr. Fuller lay dead upon the ground.

Dr. Smith of Willis was immediately called, who pronounced his death either due to heart failure or apoplexy.

It is stated that Mr. Fuller had not been in his usual good health for the past two or three months, but that with this exception he had never known what sickness was.

Courier is now empty space

2007-01-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

I stood on the sidewalk looking into the empty space that had been home to the Ypsilanti Courier for so many years. A great sadness swept over me as I looked into the darken room, and only a few slips of trash scatted about the carpet. The desks were gone, the computers carried off by the movers on Wednesday. I used to write for the Courier, back when it was a good newspaper.
I was the guest speaker for the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation and Judy at the Courier called me, to ask if the paper could do a profile on me. Of course I agreed, and was interviewed and a photo of me taken. The profile and a large photograph of me ran on the front page, as it must have been a slow news time. Soon after, Judy called me again, and asked if I would like to write a monthly column for the Courier on local history. Again, I agreed.
The name Footnotes in History was chosen for the column, and it became a weekly column even before the first story was published. That first story was published on April 1, 1999; an easy date to remember.
My deadline was noon of Thursday of the week before the column was to run. Every week I turned in my story and slowly came to know the people in the office. There was Judy, my editor, Dave the publisher, and the others there. Every week I turned in my story, and, as the paper was a weekly, I could spend time visiting. I learned a great deal from those visits, about newspapers, the city, and of human nature.
One day I received a call, asking me to stop by the office. When I got there, I was told the paper had been sold, but there was nothing to worry about. The new owners were pleased with what the Courier was doing, and wanted us to continue as we were. The only change was the paper would now have more resources. This state of affairs did not last long.
In two weeks the new owners were taken over by another company, which in turn is owned by a corporation. Quickly the good feeling of things to come changed to the realization that we were in for a disappointment. The idea of the newspaper these now owners had, was that of shopping news. Their interest was only in selling ads, and nothing in content. The moral in the office turned bitter. In time Judy, left fed up with the new owners, and Dave left as well.
I had been told I was one of the two writers the new owners wanted to keep on at the paper, and then My first paycheck was eight weeks late. It took some time for the problem to be solved.
In time I made the painful decision to leave the Courier, and move over to the Ann Arbor News. I came to realize I had no future with the Courier, and needed to move on. I still feel pain thinking of leaving my friends behind. I had been talking to Christine Uthoff of the News on and off for a few weeks, when I made the finale decision. That Monday morning I walked into Christine’s office and said, “Now is the time for all good rats to abandon the sinking ship.” I turned in my contract and felt better that the deed was done.
I then crossed the street and made my way to the office of the Courier, to tell them the news. I walked into an office of smiling faces, as the new editor who had replaced Dave was out, and everyone there already knew the news. They had read about my move to the News on the ypsidixit blog even before I had turned in my contract.
I have been happy at the news, everyone there is friendly and the paper has been kind to me. I am pleased I made the move when I did, as it clearly was the right chose. Still, I am sad to see the Courier go, as the office has been moved out of town. The Courier was in space that was rented, and is now moved to space the company owns.
I will always remember my time with the Courier with fondness, and enjoy good memories. What I am now, and will become, I owe in part to my time at the Courier. You see, I wrote for the Courier, back when it was a good newspaper.

Another Landmark has disappeared

2007-01-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

This story appeared in the Ypsilanti Daily Press of Thursday, January 3, 1907

One of the oldest homesteads in this city, that owned by Miss Helen Post, on the corner of Hamilton and Pearl streets, and for years the Hewitt residence, was moved this morning by Phillip Duffy to a site near the gas works (the the city DPW yard). This house was built by Cornelius Earl, who is now in his nineties, some time in the eighteen thirities, and was one of Ypsilanti's landmarks.

Downtown Coffee House on Main

2006-12-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

Can someone tell me what is going on with Downtown Coffee Shop on Main? This is on Michigan Ave., near Haab’s. The space occupied by the coffee shop in now up for sale, and as far as I can tell, was never open. I have never seen anyone in there, or a sign posting the hours of business. The display in the front window has held my interest for some time, as it is always changing and engaging. The interior of the shop looks more like an art project than a place of business.

So what is going on? Has it been open all this time, and I just missed it? Can someone please let me know?

Interurban good-bye

2006-12-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

This story was carried in the Ypsilanti Commercial of Friday, November 13, 1891.

It is said that just as the conductor (of an interurban) had signalled the motor to start on towards Ann Arbor from the Hamilton street crossing the other day, he beheld a Normal girl (that is a coed from the Normal College, now EMU)coming at full speed. He held the train until she arrived, when a U of M boy, her cousin (?), stepped off the rear platform, threw his embrace around her with a loud report, and boarded the train again. She said she was so glad she got there in time to see him; the conductor said something unsympathetic as he pulled the bell cord; everybody smiled with a roar, and the train moved on.

Building and Improvements

2006-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

The following story appeared in The Ypsilantian of Thursday, November 26, 1891.

Trim & McGregor are building a large house upon their lots in Scovill and Tuttle's addition, on the east side of Adams street extended. This is the first house in that addition since it platted

Broad walks of sawed flag stones are going down in front of the Post stores on Huron street, replacing the last of the rough planks on that block, and on the south side of Congress (Michigan Ave) street eastward from Mack & Mack's. Mr. Loughridge dose the job.

C. D. Bassett is putting a spacious porch across the east and south fronts of his residence at the corner of Washington and Ellis(Washtenaw) streets.

Prof. George has completed an extensive remodeling of his residence on Normal street, placing it on a higher foundation nearer the street, and adding to its size. It makes a very handsome appearance.

The incandescent Lights

2006-11-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

The following story appeared in The Ypsilantian of Thursday, November 26, 1891.

The Ypsilanti Elecric Company works are running successfully, with 250 lights now connected, and 80 or 100 more to be added this week. The Hawkins House is now being wired and will be lighted by electricity in a few days. The dynamo is now run only until midnight, but Mr. Rorison expects the business will next week justify running all night, and that within thirty days he will be suppling current for 450 lights. The engine takes steam from the Ainsworth & Cole's boiler. The incandescent lamps furnish the best light in the world.

Runaway horses

2006-11-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

This story was published by The Ypsilantian on Thursday, November 12, 1891.

tuesday forenoon, while Mr James Wile of Sheldon, who own a beautiful black team of spirited breed and frisky age was unloading his produce near Harris Bro.'s grocery on Washington street, the horses suddenly took fright and lit out at a tearing pace. Near Mr. Peter Carpenter's residence they collided with an elecric light pole and the light pole came out second best. It was broken in two pieces and the stump was pulled out bodily. The neckyoke was broken, and the tongue dropping plowed up the ground at the team continued to run, till it finally ran under the cross walk at the junction of Huron and Washington streets where the wagon became detached. The team with the air of horses returning from a fire, was finaly caught and brought back, none the worse for their exercise. No one was hurt and very little damage done.

It might have been terrible

2006-11-06T07:37:00.000-08:00

This tory appeared in the Ypsilanti Commercial of Friday, November 6, 1891.

What might have been a terrible affair occurred Wednesday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emerick, corner of Cross and Huron strets. They started a coal stove for the first time that evening, and the family and roomers, some eight or ten in all,retired as usual supposing all was right. But it seems that the chimney was stopped up, and all night the stove emptied the poisonous coal gas into the house. In the morning the first to awaken found it almost impossible to get to the doors and open them, but it was done, and a physician at once summoned. He found six of the inmates of the house nearly asphyxiated, but careful treatment has assisted nature, and all are now out of danager.

Quite a Nap

2006-11-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

The following story appeared in The Ypsilanti Commercial of Friday, November 6, 1891.

The curiious case of Miss May White, a former student of the Cleary College, who has slept continously for the last 127 days, has attracted national attention. In reply to numerious inquiries the editor of the Stockbridge Sun visited Dr. Brown at whome hame Miss White is staying, and October 22, reports the following:

Much has been said by outside papers as to the case of Mis May White, who as slept now over 127 days, and who os still sleepin; the majority of teh said reports, however were erroneous and false. Having received requests from several of the large daily papers of the state for full particulars, a representative of The Sun called upon Dr. Brown yesterday and learned the following facts.

Miss May White is 23 years of age and is the youngest daughter fo Mr. Palmer White of the town of Ingham who is a farmer and also keeps a general country store. Miss White is the youngest of three childern and has a brother and a sister, the latter now attending her. In 1890 Miss White was taking a course in bookkeeping and shorthand at Cleary's Business College, Ypsilanti, and only had a few weeks to complete said term when she was first taken sick of Nephretis on the 4th of August. While there she received an injury by falling on a slippery pavement, which caused an abscess in her side and she returned home. This Nephretis and abscess healed nicely after treatment, but in about three months there developed Hustorq Epilepsy and she would have from one to fifty convulsions in twenty-four hours, which twisted the nerves in all shapes. These convulsions she continued to have for about two months. The doctor had been driving over to Ingham, which is about two miles from this place to treat her twice a day during all this time, and when it had almost used him up he concluded to have her moved to his house in this village, where he culd devote more of his time and attention to the case.

About the middle of July last, she was removed to Dr. Brown's residence in this village, where she now is. About the 20th of last June she fell into this slumber and has been sleeping now 127 days. No one has ever succeeded to awake her excepting the doctor, although several have tried to do so. It took over five hours for his to awaken her the first time; she had then been sleeping twenty-six hours. The average time it now takes to awaken her is twenty minutes. The shorest period tha efforts have succeeded to keep her awake was twenty minutes and longest six hours, which was a few days ago. Today (Wednesday) she has been awake four hours thirty minutes. She has lost over seventy pounds in weight, and last time only weighed fifty pounds. However, she is now gaining flesh, the doctor says, and his opinion is, therefore, that she wear the sleep out and recover. As to nourishment, she is given ordinary diet twice a day. The doctor awakens her three times a day, viz; at 8:30 A. M. 2:30 P.M. and between nine and ten P. M. she will awaken easier if awakened at regular hours. When sleeping she is rigid and if not awakened would die of exhaustion.

When awake she recognizes all and has full power of her senses and spends most of the time reading books and newspapers, until she falls asleep; awakening she will pick up the book and continue to read from the place she was reading from when she fell asleep.

Miss May White is a young lady of sterling character and before going to Cleary's Business College taught several very successful terms in the district school near home and also in Mt. Pleasant schools.

No doubt this is one of the most singular cases on record and it is being talked about all over the world. Sketches have appeared in papers published in Germany, and also other countries in the world. Dr. Brown receives letters of inquiry from all directions, which if all answered would keep a few men busy.

Building and Improvements

2006-11-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

The following appeared in The Ypsilantian of Thursday, November 5, 1891.

Harlow Wells has his handsome new house on Cross street enclosed

Geo. M. Gaudy has the foundation walls of his house at the corner of Pearl and Ballard completed.

The Henderson house on Huron street north of Cross is being improved by porch in front.

The Peninsular Paper Co. are putting in the city water for fire protection, connecting with the main at the corner of Huron and Ann streets, and carrying their pipe across the river to reach the north mill. (This did not do them much good, as the mill on the north side of the river burned in 1898.)

The new proprietors of the Hawkins House are putting in steam heating apparatus.

Tour of the city

2006-10-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

On Monday, October 16, 2006, I hosted a tour goup of seniors from Aubern Hills. They had come here for the deal at Haab’s and to shop in Depot Town. They pick me up in front of Haab’s just after 9:30 in the morning, just as planned. I was then asked the first question of the day: “Can we go to the bathroom?”

Haab’s was closed and the bus was standing in the right turn lane of Michigan Ave., so we had to move. A good thing I knew the Convoncation Center at Eastern was open. I told the driver to turn onto Huron, and then onto Cross St., all the time telling the goup some good things about Ypsilanti. I pointed out Firehouse, the old high School, and the campus of Eastern Michigan. Then we turned onto Hewitt, and I pointed out University House, which they had heard of. We stopped in at the Convoncation Center, and everyone felt better for the break.

We then went around St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Washtenaw Community College, and all around the twon. We arrived at Haab’s in time for the deal on lunch, and then to Depot Town for shopping. They had finished by 2:00 PM, and were on their way home

Everyone had a good time, and it was a pleasant way to spend a day.

Body found

2006-10-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

On the afternoon of Saturday, October 21, 1916, Joseph St. Aubin, his son Fred St. Aubin and Errol Moore, were hunting on King’s flats, two miles and a half southeast of Ypsilanti, now under Ford Lake. At about 4:00 PM, the three found something they would have preferred never to have seen. Near the line fence dividing the John King and William E. Gotts farms, they found the nude body of a man hanging by his neck from a tree.
“The man had stood upon a stump, placed a rope around his neck, then shot and slashed himself and jumped from the stump. It was stated today that either the shot of the slashes would have been sufficient to cause death, the former piercing the body above the heart and the latter being inflicted in the abdomen,” reported The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Monday, October 23, 1916.
Coroner Burchfield, of Ann Arbor, was notified, as was Ypsilanti Chief of Police Cain. The two went to the site that evening to investigate. It was then they discovered the identity of the man as Edgar D. Slater, a former railroad worker and more recently employed at the Staib saloon in Ypsilanti.
“All of the suicide’s clothing had been removed, each garment folded and neatly placed in a pile near a stump. On top of the clothing, covered with the victim’s hat, was a bottle containing a note in Slater’s handwriting giving his name and asking that his children be brought up in the Christian way,” reported The Ypsilanti Record of Thursday, October 26, 1916.
“A bullet hole was found in his left breast, and suspended from the limb on which he hanged, and dangling at his side, was the revolver from which the shot had been fired, presumably when death did not result readily from hanging,” continued the account.
The remains of a fire were found near the body as was a loaf of bread, some bologna sausage and a razor.
Coroner Burchfield ruled that the cause of death was due to Slater’s own act.
It was said that Slater had been in ill health for two years, and his mind had been failing since July. He had been missing since Wednesday, when he left home for work as usual, but failed to return that evening or the next. It was on Thursday night that Mrs. Slater called her father-in-law in Mt. Pleasant. He arrived in Ypsilanti on Saturday, the day the body was found, to help in the search. There is nothing to show Slater’s disappearance was reported to the police until the body was found.
“his home was on South Huron Street, this city, and his family consisted of a wife, Ida A. and two children. Mrs. Slater is a member of Queen City hive, Lady Maccabees, and with her children she has the sympathy of a large circle of friends,” noted The Ypsilanti Record.
The body was taken to Mt. Pleasant, the old family home for burial.

Obstruction flagged train

2006-06-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

The following story appeared in The Ypsilanti daily Press of Thursday, June 28, 1906.

Passengers on the 9:35 train last night can congratulate themselves that they are in good repair this morning. Late yesterday afternoon a large bolder on a moving train fell off the flat car upon which it was loaded, near the Ypsilanti Paper Company's mill, making several bounds through the air and landing on the opposite track. The mass of steel settled upon the track in such a manner that the circuit of electricity was complete, and the single stooped the 9:35 train, else the train would have struck the obstruction, going possibly at 60 miles an hour. This would undoubtedly have caused a wreck.

As the train slacked up heads protruded from the coaches in anxious inquiry. The conductor and other trainmen removed the obstacle with pries and bars, and it was fully an hour before the train proceeded.

Rubbish Heaps of Ypsilanti

2006-06-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

This story appeared in the Ypsilanti Daily Press of Friday, June 22, 1906.

A fair sized, but very enthusiastic audience listened last night to a talk by Robert Hemphill, Jr. on the unsightly spots in Ypsilanti. The talk was accompanied by a series of views showing the places which the speaker thought might be improved.

Following the discussion Mayor Van Fossen talked upon the subject of removing the poles from the streets of the city and putting the wires underground.

President Cleary opened the meeting and introduced Mr. Hemphill, who said: In my own experience in visiting various cities of the country, I have found that the impression of the city which was most likely to remain fixed in my mind was the view about the railroad depot--the first and last sight that greets the visitor's eye. The buildings ad grounds near the railroad are like the front porch of the house. For this reason plans that have recently been adopted for beautifying our cities have begun at the railroad. In the plans that are now in progress to make of Washington one of the most beautiful cities of the country, the central point of the plan is Grand Union depot. So in Cleveland and other cities, they are beginning their work of beautifying the city by improving the appearance of the approaches to the city.

For this reason I have selected some of the views which are first to meet the eye of the visitor as he enters our city.

Mr. Hemphill then presented views of the unsightly places east of the river, which would meet the eye of the visitor as he enters the city on the electric line. The next view was a picture of the river down neat the bridge. To the right, as one enters the city, then turning to the left, one would catch a view of the city's dump.

The speaker said that the question of providing the city with a suitable dump heap was one that had presently been raised, but as yet no one has been able to suggest a place which would be convenient and at the same time would not disfigure the landscape.

The next views showed the bill boards which greet the eyes of visitors as they enter the city from Saline, and attention was called to the fact that these bill boards are used mainly by foreign business houses which draw trade away from the city, and not by our home merchants.

The Ark, the alley back of some of our stores, and near views of some resident property then came in for a share of the speaker's attention, and he compared the conditions along the river bank with the conditions in an English city of equal size and with a similar river running through it.

The society passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Hemphill and those associated with him in the preparation of these views, and then attacked the problem of putting the wires underground.

Mayor Van Fossen declared that while Ypsilanti had a wide reputation for its beautiful shade trees it was in serious danger of losing this distinction, because of the wanton destruction of the trees by the companies which run the electric wires through the tops of the trees. He declared that there were at least 200 trees dying in the city at the present time because of the live wires coming in contact with the limbs of the trees or because large limbs had been cut off and rot had run into the hearts of the trees.

The mayor was not a t all certain that the city would be able to compel the companies to put the wires underground, but he said that he was determined to have the matter put to the people for a vote, so that they could express their opinions upon the matter.

He urged individual property owners to begin suit against the companies to recover damages when the trees on their premises had been injured.

Mr. Hatch thought that the property owners would have difficulty in recovering from the company, but thought that the city could compel the companies to put the wires underground, provided they had not entered into contract to allow them to keep the wires overhead.

Taken altogether the meeting was one that aroused a great deal of interest and will probably have an influence in bring about some changed conditions.

Speaker, guide and researcher

2006-06-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

I hope I will be excused for indulging in a little self promotion, as I wish to remind everyone that my professional services are available as a speaker, tour guild and researcher. My terms are reasonable I think, as I am willing to work things out.

A few weeks ago, I gave a walking tour of Depot Town to a group of retired school librarians. I talked about the Thompson Block, the Depot, the first train to Ypsilanti, and the Lewis Horse Exchange. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. One librarian said later, “I learned something.” For this service, I received a free lunch at the Sidetrack.

In the past I have given tours of Depot Town, Highland Cemetery, and a Ghost Tour of the east side. I have also given bus tours of the city. I usually charge $5.00 per person for a tour.

The other week I was the guest speaker for a class of third graders in a local school. I told the students historical accurate ghost stories and tales of local murder. All through the talk they squirmed in their seats holding their hands up to ask questions and make commits. I had a great time, and the students seemed to enjoy themselves as well. For this service I received cookies. The usual speakers fee is $50.

I am also available as a researcher and writer on subjects of local interest, such as the history of a house or building, a person, or the story of an event from the past. I charge $35 per hour, and a cash advance is welcomed.

Anyone interested in contacting me about a talk, tour, or research project should do so by way of email, : manjam@provide.net.

Chief Gage takes charge of elephants

2006-06-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Tuesday, June 5, 1906.

According to last night's Council City Marshal Gage will change his occupation for a few days while Eph Thompson is here, when the chief will become elephant trainer, so that along about 5 o'clock this evening, when the elephants are expected to arrive in the city over the Michigan Central train from Toledo, one would naturally expect to see the chief escorting Eph and his elephants about the town to their quarters back of the Hawkins house. Mr. Thompson is the man who as a boy away from Ypsilanti and has become one of the most renowned of elephant trainers in the world.

Longing to show his home people what he has done he brings his troupe of four elephants to this city for three entertainments at the opera house, where they will appear Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock in a special matinee for ladies and children. He carries with him four elephants which have traveled all over Europe with him, and among which is the only somersault elephant in the world.

In addition to the elephants, a fine vaudeville program consisting of comedians, vocalists, instrumentalists and dances will be give.

Sat pan of gasoline onlight stove

2006-05-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

The following story is from the Ypsilanti Daily Press of Wednesday, May 30, 1906.

The carelessnes of a young lady roomer very nearly proved disastrous to herself and the household about 6:30 o'clock lst evening. Miss Spitzer who rooms at the corner of Cross and Hamilton streets at the home of Miss Minnis, sat a pan containing gasoline upon a lighted cook stove, leaving the can itself very near the fire.

In some manner the flue ignited and before the young lady could do anything the curtains and sashes about the room were ablaze. Her screams called the remainder of the household and George Morgan and Charles Webster, two Normal students, who happened to be passing the house. The young men did the fire laddie act very skillfully, throwing the can of gasoline out the window and smothering the blaze with the an old piece of carpet. The fire department appeared on the scene just as the flames were extinguished. The only damage from the scare were the badly scattered wits of the young people and the destroyed curtains.

It appears Miss Spiter started out to clean a garment with gasoline, but not knowing the danage of using it near a fire, carelessly placed the pan upon the stove. Everyone in the house is congratulating themselfs this morning tha the accident was not an infinitely more serious one.

Police After Bicyclists

2006-05-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

The following story appeared in The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, May 25, 1906.

The police are hot on the trail of bicyclists of the city who persist in violating the ordinance on this city relative to riding uppon the sidewalk. Coplaints have been coming in thick and fast for the last few days and they cover pretty near all the wards in the city, being especially thick from Chicago avenue (now Michigan AVe.)and River street, and streets about the Normal (now EMU). On Chicago avenue the grade is very steep and particularly inviting to coast on, so the cyclists indulge to the danage of themselfs, pedestrains and to the childern who live upon the street, until the residents have felt that somethingshould be done.

Already the names of several of the offenders have been secured, but the people making complaint do not care to go to the court room as witnesses, so they wil not be arrested until the offense is witnessed by some member of the police, all of whom are watching very closely to catch the offenders in the act.

The offense besides being a dangerous one is more serous haen one would at first think. Section 2 of ordinance 72 says that 'No person or persons shall ride any bicycle or other vehicle on the sidewalk within the limits of the city of Ypsilanti,' and section 8 says that any person violating will be fined not to exceed $50. or confined not less than ninety days in the county jail.

Several complaints have also been made about childern with speed carts riding down the sidewalk at breakneck speed. While the disposition of the complainants is not to put a stop to this practice entirely, they feel that parents should be more careful about restricting their childern about riding so fast, and should see to it that their instructions are carried out.

Ypsilanti once excelled Chicago

2006-05-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

The following story is from the Ypsilanti Daily Press of Thursday, May 15, 1906.

A relic of old days, when Ypsilanti was a town more important than the city of Chicago, has been found by George D. Lockwood, of the city, and is a circular issued by the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, of Newark, N. J., when their general western office was in this city.

In order to see what sort of a place Ypsilanti was then, the Daily Press sought out Mr. Robert W. Hemphill, and asked him if he knew S. M. Loveridge, who was general agent of the company in this city at that time, and where he kept his office.

"Do I remember Mr. Loveridge and where he kept his office," repeated Mr. Hemphill "Yes, I remember him, but I don't think he had any office, all of his business being done at his residence which was situated on the site where the postoffice now stands. There was no town in those days, as we have now, but instead of stores were gardens and flower beds. From Mr. Loveridge's house to the store now occupied by Mr. Stein's cigar store was all flower gardens. Only one store stood on Congress street (now Michigan AVe.) then that stands now, the one occupied by Frank Smith, who was then the junor member of the firm of Kinne & Smith, druggists. East and west of this store were gardens and across the road lived the father of Mr. Samuel Post. His residence sat just back of Kuster's market, and I think is still standing. Out by the east side, back of Griffen's law office was his garden. The only block in the village at that time was the three stores on the east side of Huron street, now occupied by Wilber's insurance office, and extending to Burtis' barber shop."

Mr. Loveridge live until about fifteen years ago, and was well known in this city. He was the grandfather of Mrs. Glen Seymour.

Another Victim of the Huron

2006-04-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

This story appered in The Ypsilantian of Thursday, April 16, 1903.

The Huron river, near the Peninsular mill, has an insatiable greed for human victims, and already it has claimed its yearly sacrifice this season. Saturday afternoon Ernest Splinters, aged 22, was working near the top of the new bridge that is being built just below the mill, when he slipped and fell into the water. George Williams, who came from BAy City with Splinters, made an heroic effort to rescue him but filed, and himself was exhausted by the struggle with the fierce current. The body was not recovered until Sunday afternoon, and was found lodged on the island a short distance down stream.

Mr. Splinters was said to be an exceedingly agile swimmer, but it is thought he must have been partly stunned by the fall. He came from Bay City, where his bride of three months resides. His brother took the body to Bay Cith Monday. Corner Watts holds the inquest today.

More News from April of 1896

2006-04-15T07:25:00.000-07:00

The following appeared in The Ypsilantian of Thursday, April 23, 1896.

Several slight accidents have happened to bicycle riders lately, all because the riders did not pay attention to the long established rule of "keeping to the right." If all persons driving or riding would adhere strickly to this rule, collisions would be next to impossible. Also if pedestrians would learn to igore the ever present bike and keep going right along, the rider will have no trouble in doing the turning out for both parties.

A few days ago a farmer drove into town and tied his horse in front of Crane's grocery store. To his surprise, a hen flew out of the buggy and started on a century run down the street. On investigation, a nest of eggs was found under the seat, the hen having selected that spot for the starting of a small chicken factory. The farmer paid a boy ten cents to catch the hen, tied her fast in the buggy and took her home

Last Thursday night fire was discovered in the barn of the Ypsilanti Lumber Co., and in spite of the objections raised by the fire department, the building was destroyed. Fortunately, the horses,wagons and harness were saved. Three firemen were working on the second floor when it gave way, giving them a sudden drop to the first floor. "Hay, there," howled fireman Kent, as he found himself buried under five or six feet of dried grass. After numerous jabs from pitchforks, he was released. The loss is estimated at $450, with $350 insurance.

News from April of 1896

2006-04-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

The following is from The Ypsilantian of Thursday, April 16, 1896.

Strange, what serious consequences often follow seemingly trivial occurrences. About two weeks ago Fred, the eleven year old son of C. F. Reinhart, looked at the sun through a piece of yellow glass, without apparent injury at the time. A few days later his eye-sight began to fail him, and an examination proved that the optic nerve was paraluzed, and is almost sure to result in the total destruction of his sight.

Joe McGrath is sicerely wishing that bicycle tires would stay where they are put, and not come off and couse the riders to fall and dislocate their collar bones, as he did last Sunday.

The finiliar click of the lawn mower is again to be heard in the land.

Several important changes are being made in Light Guard hall, by meands of which said hall will be fitted for the production of plays requiring not more three carloads of scenery. For what we are about to receive, let us be thankful.

Urban Chickens

2006-04-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Ypsilanti City Council meeting of Tuesday included the presentation by a man who would like the council to amend the city charter to permit the raising of chickens within the city limits. Chickens, he said, make great pets, provide a source of healthy food, eggs, and a little something to make the grass green. Freash eggs, he pointed out, are better for then store bought, which cna be thrity days old, and home grown will help people save money. You only need a few chickens to keep yourself supplied with eggs and good chicken coops are readily avalible.

I like the idea of bringing chickens back into the city, and, in fact, I know of one house in the city that already has chickens. Yes, I have seen a backyard in the city of Ypsilanti which holds at least two chickens, four ducks, and a chicken coop. This could once again become a common sight in Ypsilanti.

Keep Ypsi Rolling

2006-04-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

I attended the Ypsilanti City Council meeting Tuesday night, and was impressed by the presentation made by Laura Bien of Keep Ypsi Rolling. She did a fine job of suggesting alternatives for ending the bus service. There was a grand moment of theater, when she offered the members of the council an opportunety to sign an elarged copy of the petiton, and all of them did. The presentation by Laura Bien is an example of citizen participation in local government at its best. This was followed by committes from the audence, who told of the hardships ending the bus service will cause them. These committes put a human face on the issue.

Manresa Retreat Weekend

2006-03-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

I spent last weekend at Manresa the Jesuit Retreat House at Woodward Ave. and Big Beaver Road, in Bloomfield Hills. I belong to a group that goes on retreat at Manresa every year on the first weekend of Lent.

I knew before I left, the change of place and pace would do me good, but I was surprised at how badly I needed the time away. I came to realize me need for a peaceful setting right after my arrival at Manresa, while standing in the entrance with my suitcase still in my hand.

As is the tradition common with all Jesuit retreat houses, this was a silent retreat and talking was not permitted in the retreat house. This is not a disciplinary measure or a penance, but a way of maintaining a prayerful atmosphere. Each person stands alone in the crowd with God. It was also nice not to have to make social talk with anyone. The atmosphere was one of peace and rest.

The theme for this retreat was Holy Ground, so our presenter wanted to begin each presentation with all of us singing a simple song:

“This is holy ground; we’re standing on holy ground
For the Lord is present, and where He is, is holy-

(Repeat)

These are holy hands; He’s given us holy hands:
He works through these hands, and so these hands are holy—

(Repeat)

At a presentation on Saturday, the presenter told us we were not going to sing the song anymore. It seems that one of the men on the retreat told him, he had gotten up during the night to use the bathroom, and found himself singing: “This is holy ground; we’re standing on holy ground.”

I think the truth is, the presenter did not want to hear us sing anymore. We were not all that good.

Saturday began with Morning Prayer in the Chapel. The prayer was The Deer’s Cry, from 8th century Ireland:

I arise today

Through the strength of Heaven
Light of sun, Radiance of moon
Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning
Swiftness of wind, Depth of the sea
Stability of earth, firmness of rock

I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me
God’s eye to look before me
God’s wisdom to guide me
God’s way to lie before me
God’s shield to protect me
From all who shall wish me ill, Afar and anear
Alone and in a multitude
Against every cruel merciless power
That may oppose my body and soul

Christ with me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ in me
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ on my right, Christ on my left
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me

I arise today

The retreat included the Rosary, a Thanksgiving Service, a Healing Service, and the Stations of the Cross. There was also Confession. We could take part in anything we wished, or sit in the library and read, or sit with our thoughts in our room. I enjoy walking the grounds of Manresa, and this year I found the nature trail. It is such a peaceful setting that I was sorry to leave, and will be going back next year. In fact, I am going to the Manresa web site and make a reservation right away.

Manresa will hold an open house on Sunday, May 7, 2006, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, there will be food and refreshments, and be sure to simple the bread. You can visit their web site at www.manresa-sj.org for more information. Take the time to view the photographs of the grounds, it is worth the time.

Store at Stony Creek is Burned

2006-02-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

This story appeared in The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Monday, February 28, 1916.

Fire early this morning destroyed the store at Stoney Creek and the resedence occupied by the proprietor, Everett A. Dicks. Mr. Dicks succeded in saving the greater part of his house hold belongings but litte was saved from the store aside from the scales and two cases.

The blaze is believed to have started from a defective chimney and nearly the shole second story was in flames before the damage was discovered.

J. G. West of Belleville, formerly of this city, is the owner of both the buildings and he would have again assumed charge about March 15. At this time the Dicks family are to move to the Ed Burns farm. Mr. West's loss will be covered by insurance.

The store building was an old landmark and is believed to be at least 100 years old. It is the only store in the village.

The neighbors for miles around gathered and attempted to check the fire, but without avail.

Cross Cemetery

2006-02-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

I recently went to St. John's Catholic Cemetery, at River and Clark Road, to visit the grave of a friend who died last year. After the visit I took a walk around the grounds of the cemetery, and while at the north end happened to glance at the empty lot on the other side of Clark Road. There, standing amid the trees and bush, was a small white cross.

I happen to know that the lot is the site of an abondaned cemetery, known as Cross Cemetery. Why it is known as Cross Cemetery is something of a mystery, as no one named Cross ever owned the land or is buried there. A better name woould Petibone Cemetery, as the site was given to Superior Township by the Pettibone family in 1830 for use as a burying ground. The Pettibone family, Milton, his brother Lyman, and their sister Hannah, lived nearby and are buried in the cemetery. Hannah, who died in 1888, is the last person known to be buried in the cemetery.

Thrity-one pwople are known to be buried in the cemetery, which is about an arce in size. This is known because Louis White, the first Ypsilnait City Historian, recorded the inscriptions on the headstones there on September 13, 1931. The true number of those buried there is likely to be higher, as over the years the headstones have been covered over, carried off by pranksters, and damaged by vandals. Today only a few headstones are to be seen, some just corners of stone sticking out of the earth.

Honored in Brick

2005-11-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

I recently completed work on my new book which I have entitled: Honored in Brick: The Stories of the People for whom the buildings at Eastern Michigan University are named. The buildings on the campus are named for people who played a role in the history of the University. Their storeis deserver to be told.

The focus of the book is on the people, such as Carl Pray, profesor of history and remarkable storyteller. He was such a handsome man, it was said, almost every co-ed on campus had a crush on him. Estelle Downing, who in 1919, was the first woman elected to the Ypsilanti City Council. She was also most likely the first woman elected to a city council in the state of Michigan. The book, of course, includes the story of James "Bingo" Brown, perhaps the most loved man in the history of Eastern.

I had hope to have the book published by now, but lack the financial resources to pay for the printing. This is a book that will sell, as there is interest in the subject. The big market will most likely be the alumni of the university. There should also be interest in the subject from students, faculty, ans staff of the university.

The book will be soft cover with 161 pages of text with photographs, and be 9 by 6 inches in size.

I had hoped to have it out in time for the Christmas market, but that is no longer possible. Well, I can try to have it out by spring.

Farmer's Market Still Open

2005-10-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

Please help spread the word, tha the Ypsilanti Farmer's Market will stay open on Saturday into November. Come and see the produce from local farms and crafts. The market will be open from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM every Saturday, as long as the weather premits.

Human Bones Found

2005-10-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

The following is from The Ypsilantian of Thursday, June 9,1904.

Forty years ago George Hewitt, a resident of Belleville, walked to Ypsilanti to visit his daughter on Summit street, and started back in the evening. He was never heard from again, seeming to have dropped out of existence. This spring the floods washed away the river bank near the old hotel at Rawsonville, exposing some human bones. Justice A. L. Yeckley found them and investigated futher. The bones were about a foot below the surface and were covered with bottles and tin cans. Part of the bones were washed away, but enough were left to make sure it was a human skeleton. It is thought perhaps this accountes for the body of the missing George Hewitt.

A Ghost! A Ghost!

2005-10-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

The folowing story was published by the Ypsilanti Commercial onMarch 16. 1888.

About a year ago one of the Ann Arbor papers published a authentic (?) account of the doings of a ghost in the Court House there, and ever since, the Athens of America has been all puffed up because it had a sort of monopoly of the ghost business. But now it must come down. It has a competitor. Ypsilanti is at present the possessor of a copyrighted ghost, all rights reserved. Let no other twon think they can take it away from us. This, our own and only apparition appears on the streets of a night. It is from nine to twelve feet high, affects black garments, and wears sometimes a white and sometimes a black mask. It has been seen by several people we learn, principally in the fifth ward, but twice on Adams street. A large reward is not offered for its capture, dead or alive. Guesses as to what it is are in order. It may be some one masquearding on stilts to frighten timid people, it may be a ghost, it may be wind; can't tell. Its evident preference for the fifth ward is, to say the least, suggestive. In the mean time, let Ann Arbor remember that it is not the only city in Washtenaw that has spirit.

Telling tales

2005-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

I will be at the Whittaker Road branch of the Ypsilanti District Library to night to tell local ghost stories. I have been at work on this, and expect to have some good stories to tell. The program is to be in the story room in the first floor youth section of the building. Come and jooin the fun.

I will be telling ghost stories agian on Thursday, at the Michigan Ave branch of the Ypsilanti District Library. Both programs will start at 7:00 PM.

Ghost Stories

2005-10-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am scheduled to tell local ghost stories at the Whittaker Road branch of the Ypsilanti District Library on Wednesday, October 19, 2005. The program will start at 7:00 PM, and last about an hour. Then on Thursday, October 20, 2005, I am scheduled to tell ghost stories at the Michigan Ave. branch of the Ypsilanti District Library.

I am having fun putting the program together, and should have some good local stories to tell. All I need is for you to come and enjoy the show.

Search for the Missing Drinking Fountain

2005-09-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Would anyone like to help find a missing drinking fountain? Now I am not talking about just any drinking fountain, I am talking about the Starkweather Fountain. The founain was a gift to the City of Ypsilanti from Mary Ann Starkweather back in1889.

"The Fountain is a bronze structure, resting upon granite foundation, with an extreme height of 12 1/4 feet above the crub stone, the bronze work along being 11 3/4 feet high. An octragononal plinth 40 inches through, resting upon a base of the same form carries upon the north and south faces, drinking bowels for horses; upon the east and west faces, higher than those, smaller bowels with cup for people, and at the bottom faces, still smaller bowels for dogs. The bowels are fed by streams issuing from the months of griffin heads," reported the Ypsilantian of November 14, 1889.

At the top of the fountain, standing about five feet high was the graceful figure of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and cupbear to the gods.

The fountain was dismantled in April of 1932 and placed in storage. Then in 1933 the figure of Hebe was placed in what is now Waterworks Park. After that the fountain completely disappeared. It may ahve been scraped during World War II, and there is a story of someone selling it for their own profit. Then there is another story of city workers dumping the fountain into the Huron River.

So would anyone like to go search the bottom of the Huron River for the Fountain? The most likely place to start is the river by Waterworks Park. All we need is a good metal detector, and a boat to put it is,

Anyone care to take a look?

52 Presents to give yourself

2005-09-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

A close friend of mine died suddenly on Monday, and I am still reeling from the news. I went through some papers i have on grief, and found this, which I wish to share with you.

52 Presents to give yourself

Walk instead of ride.
Give yourself a compliment
Keep a secret
Practice courage in one small way.
Warm a heart
Laugh at yourself
Enjoy silence
Walk to the nearest park.
Break a bad habit, if just for today.
Get to know the neighbor's dog or cat.
Hug someone.
Sing in the shower
List ten things you do well
Walk in the rain.
Pay a compliment.
Throw away something you don't like.
Watch a construction crew.
Waste a little time.
Curl up with some hot cocoa
Buy a ticket to a special event.
Return something you've borrowed
Think about droplets on rosebubs
Try to feel another person's hurt or joy.
Organize some small corner of your life.
pop popcorn
Turn off the TV and do something else.
Gather shells on the beach.
Feed the ducks
Pick up some travel brochures and dream
Smell one flower.
Sand a card to someone for no reason
Take an early morning walk.
Tell someone how much you appreciate him or her.
Look into the heart of a flower.
Look at old photos
Encourage a young person.
Follow an impulse
Visit someone close by.
Listen to the rain.
Acknowledge when you are wrong.
Volunteer time to something you care about.
Give yourself a present for under $1.
Eat breakfast with a friend.
Let someone do you a favor.
Reread a favorite book.
Allow yourself to make a mistake.
Watch the sun set.
Allow yourself to make another mistake.
Drop a quarter where some one will find it.
Surprise a child.
Plant a seed.
Watch the sun rise.

Alternative Transportation

2005-09-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

With gas prices rising and no end in sight, it might be a good time to consider alternative means of transportation. There are, of course, the good old stand bys, walking, biking, and the bus; and there is, once again, discussion of a rail system in Southeast Michigan. Personally, I think we need to be a bit more imaginative, and consider still other ways to get around. For example, I think we should examine the practicability of bringing back the dog sled. The dog sled was in use in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan well into the 20th Century, and in some places may still be in use.

Now just sit back for aminute and think about it, as this is not as far fetched as it may seem. Think how nice it will be to wake up in the morning to the sound of cheerful barking dogs pulling sleds and people down the street. A dog team pulling a sled is a year round means of transportation; just replace the runners with wheels, and the sled is ready for the summer. A sled can carry a heavy load, depending on how many dogs are in the team. A person or two can ride on the sled, and only need to run behind the sled to keep from freezing to death.

There are a few problems that will need to be addressed, of course, such as the care and feeding of all of the dogs. Then there is the question of what to do with the wast product. Still, these questions can be dealt with in due course.

So let us consider the return of the dog team, as an alternative means of transportation. Then try and come up with a better idea. Have fun.

The Next Heritage Festival

2005-08-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Now that the 2005 Ypsilanti Heritage Festival is over, the time has come to start planning the 2006 Ypsilanti Heriage Festival. So, tell me, what do you want in a Heritage Festival? What new things do you want to be in the festival? Do you want a bigger and better Living History Encampment? How about less of the so called arts and crafts from people who come here once a year, to sell their junk and take money out of the city?

I am sure there are meny great ideas out there, and someone is willing to do more than complain. For the Heritage Festival to continue, if you want it to continue, then the community must take part in the planning and make it the festival the community wants.

Any ideas?

Festival is Past

2005-08-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

I survived the Heritage Festival. The walking tour of Michigan Ave. was successful, as I had small, but interested groups each tour. I think it went well.

I enjoyed the festival as well, in part by staying away from the arts and crafts booth where venders waited to take money from whose willing to pay. The crafts appear to be about the same every year, and somehow never fits in with the heritage theme of the festival. Some years there was a man with an old fashion camera, that made photographs that appears like the old glass plat ones. He has not been around for some time.

The Living History Encampment is only a faint shadow of the early years, in part because there are some other reenactor events taking place at the same time. There is also the problem, of reenactors willing to come only to events that are only reenactments. They want the whole festival to be one reenactor program. A pity, as the Living History Encampment was such a special part of the early festivals.

Those of you who wish to see the festival change, take heart. Planning for the next festival will start soon. Volunteers needed.

The Heritage Festial is coming!

2005-08-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

I took a walk though Riverside Park this afternoon, and saw everything is well underway for the Heritage Festival this weekend. The food booths are up and ready to go, and spaces are marked in paint on the grass to tell venders where to set up. The large tents are being set up and people are running here and there, doing only they know what. Looks like a great festival in the making.

Walking Tour

2005-08-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

As part of the Heritage Festival, I will be hosting a walking tour of Michigan Ave. on Saturday, August 20. The tours will begin at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 P.M., and start in front of bombadill's. Each tour should last about an hour, as i will have a lot to talk about. There is a lot of history to be found on Michigan Ave., from the first settlers, the fire of 1851, the battle of the sheds fought in 1899, and more. To find out what I have to say, take the tour. It is free.

Had to do some hard pumping

2005-08-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

This story was published by teh Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday,August 15, 1905.

It might be all right to be on the wagon, but there are several gentlemen in Ypsilanti today who have strenuous objections to going back on the water pump, where they put in a good share of the past night.

This week the excavations in the alley back of the store which is to be occupied by Davis & Kislar, were made. The excavation is several feet wide and as deep as the celler bottem, and as fast as possible a new wall was being erected for the new enterence to the second story of the building. Last night with the heavy rains the water from Congress (Michigan AVe.) and Washington, as well as all the water from the block of buildings along Congress on this side of the street, was poured into this alley, whith the result that the catch basin at Huron street, which was already partly filled up, was not able to carry it off. This deluge of water then poured over the side of the exvation, breaking down the wall and rolling a torrent into the basement of the store. Thr accident happened about 7 o'clock and by good fortune the proprietors were in the store and at once went to work to move their stock, which is housed in the basement, to the highest part of the store. About this time Mayor Gaudy appeared on the scene and together with Supt. Blanchard the pump used in keeping water back when sewer excavations are being made was put in commission and the water which had reached a height of six or seven inches in the basement was kept down finally lowered so that no damage was done the stock, but to accomplish this it took two men at the pumps constantly until after 1 o'clock thia morning.

Among those who are willing to testify that it is hard work pumping on a steady stretch for some hours and will probably be voting to increase the dily wage of the men who man the pump on ordinary occasions, are Attorney W. B. Hatch, and Messrs. Guy Davis and W.L. Kishlar. At 1o'clock, when the deluge had somewhat subsided and the water in the basement was considerably lower, these gentlement went home, leaving the matter in the hands of the night watch to call help if the rain began again.

Squab Farm Started

2005-08-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

This story is from the Ypsilanti Daily Press of Tuesday, August 10, 1905.

Ypsilanti is soon to have a new industry which bids fair to be a profitable and interesting one as well. It is a squab farm which has just been started at 107 Grove Street, on the former Hinkley property. This place, which contains about four acres, was recently purchased by Mr. A. H. Raymond, of Detroit, formerly of Philiadelphia, and prearations made to conduct a squab farm on a large scale. Already 300 squabs have been received and a good size flying pen is on the property so that work has begun in earnest. Later, as occasion demands, the pens will be added to and a large number of birds will be raised. Mrs. Raymond said this morning to a Daily Press reporter that so far the care of the birds seemed like a nuisance, although she was not yet ready to admit that she was tired of her job.

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond with their little daughter moved to Ypsilanti two weeks ago and purchased the property in question. Two days ago the birds, 150 pairs of them, arrived from Boston and were installed in their new home. The second story of a two story barn on the place has been fitted with nests for the birds and out of it opens the flying pen which is quit as high as the barn and covers considerable ground. Here are arranged ladders and perches and the birds enjoy the freedom.

The chief care of the birds is in feeding, which has to be done once each day. A mixture of red wheat and cracked corn is used and once in a while millet. Pails of water are kept in the house and the feed is put in a box with tiny openings for the birds to get the inviting grain.

"When we are settled," said Mrs. Raymond, this morning, "wewill have an automatic feeder, which will be less work than the present plan. With this we can place a lot of the grain in the pan and only so much of it will come into the box as the birds wat at a time. It will be much easier to care for the birds in this way."

The birds which Mrs. Raymond has are all thoroughbred homers and are of the finest stock. With these 300 birds they expect to raise not only a good marketable lot of birds, but to increase their present supply. A squab is marketable when it is four weeks old. Sometimes, when they grow quickly they are large enough to kill when when two or three weeks old. They are then killed and are easily markable at $2.50 per dozen. The average increase of the birds is about seven pairs per year.

While the birds are marketable at four weeks old they do not begin to breed until six months old, so the wise grower, as is the present case, startes with old birds, rather than younger ones, making the squabs pay the original cost of the investment.

Ypsilanti has several squab farms on a small scale, but one which promises to be so pretentious as this one, which is still, however, in the experimental stage.

Funny Bone

2005-08-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I were talking not long ago, and the subject of pain came up. One friend pointed at his elbow, and asked how what is known as the Funny Bone came to be called the Funny Bone, as there is nothing funny about hitting that bone on something. In, fact, the result of hitting the Funny Bone can be quit painful.

Well, it seems that what is known as the Funny Bone is technically the medial condyle of the humerus, that is the enlarged knob on the end of the bone of the upper arm, and is below the ulnar nerve. So it is likely that some punster saw the humor in the humerus bone and called it the Funny Bone.

Farmer's Market

2005-07-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

I will be selling copies of my books at the Ypsilanti Farmer's Market this Saturday, Jly 30, 2005, from 8:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. I would like to invite everyone to stop by, and say hello. I think it would be nice to met everyone, so please stop by to talk. I amlooking forward to meeting you.

The School Administrator's Dilemma

2005-07-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

I found this in the Eastern Michigan University Archives, and am now sharing it with you know.

If he's freindly with the clerical staff, he's a politician.
If he keeps to himself, he's a snob.

If he makes decisions quickly, he's arbitrry.
If he doesn't have an immediate answer, he can't make up his mind.

If he works on a day-to-day basis, he lacks foresight.
If he haslong-range plans, he's a daydreamer.

If his name appears in the newspapers, he's a publicity hound.
If no one has ever heard of him, he's a nonentity.

If he requests a large budget, he is against economy.
If he doesn't ask for more money, he's a timid soul (or stark mad).

If he tries to eliminate red tape, he has no regard for the system.
If he insists on going through channels, he's a bureaucrat.

If he speaks the language of education, he's a cliche expert.
If he doesn't use the jargon, he's illiterate.

If he's late for work in the morning, he's taking advantage of his position.
If he gets to the office on time, he's an eager beaver.

If the office is running smoothly, he is a dictator.
If the office is a mess, he's a poor administator.

If he holds weekly staff meetings, he's in desperate need of ideas.
if he doesn't hold staff meetings, he doesn't appreciate the vlue of teamwork.

If he spends a lot of time with the Board, he's a back-slapper.
If he's never wtih the board, he's on the way out.

If he goes to conventiions, he's on the grave train.
If he never makes a trip, he's not important.

If he tries to get additional personal, he's an empire builder.
If he doesn't want more assistants, he's a slave driver.

If he takes his briefcase home, he't trying to impress the Board.
If he leaves the office without any homework, he has a sinecure.

If he enjoys reading this description, he's facetious.
If he doesn't think it's clever, well, fe's entitled to his own opinion.

River Victim

2005-07-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Friday, July 21, 1905.

Vernon Brott, the young son of Mrs. Carrie Brott, of Ellis street, (now Washtenaw Ave.) was drowned yesterday afternoon in the Huron River just beyond the Forest avenue bridge.

The boy in company with his younger brother and a number of other lads had gone bathing at the "cool spring," just above the railroad bridge. While Fred, the younger brother, was still on the bank the older boy entered the water, gooing to the center of the stream. A few minutes later the younger boy turned to look for his brother, but failed to find him. Thinking, however, that he was hiding from his companions the boys were not at once frightened. Later, on his continued disappearance, the older boys reported the matter to the Michigan Ladder Company, and as soon as possible the police officers went to the scene of the tragedy, where divers quickly volunteeed for the search and several boats each manned by tow men equipped with grappling hooks and pikes searched the river in the vicinity, while a large crowd gathered on the bank to watch the searchers.

In spite of the thoroughness of the search, however, it was not until 8:20 that the body was found in about ten feet of water, in the center of the river, probably about twenty feet from the point where he went down. The body was found by Edgar Paully, who once before found the body of a boy drowned in the Huron River.

The river bottem at this point is treacherous. For a short distance from the shore the land shelves out stright from the bank. At this point a child ca easily wade out on the river bottem. A little way from shor, however, the bank breaks down abruptly to a considerable depth, while a strong current flows through at this point.

The explanation of the accident is that Vernon suddenly stepped off this shelving potion and was caught by the swift running waters.

Vernon Brott was the eldest son of Mrs. Carrie Brott, of 811 Ellis street, and would have been 11 years old the 23d of next September. He was a general faorite with his playmates and a good student. In addition he had a very sweet voice frequently took part in the childern's exercises in the Methodist church and school.

The boy had been living with his father, but came to Ypsilanti to make his home with his mother last October. He has one brother, Fred, younger, and two sisters, Alberta and Eugenia, both older.

Walking Tour

2005-07-19T11:21:00.000-07:00

There has been a change in plans for the Heritage Festival Walking Tour, as I am no longer to give the tour of North Huron Street. I will now be giving a tour of Michigan Ave. This is part of the effort to bring more foot traffic to Michigan Ave. The tours will begin in front of Bombadill's at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon of Saturday, August 21, 2005.

Now all I have to do is fgure out what I am going to talk about on the tour. Well, I can talk about the tornado of April 12, 1893, which ran down Michigan Ave., the Battle of the Cow sheds, these were wooden awnings that hung over the front of the stories on one side of the street, and the Kresge Building.

I guess I can think of something to talk aobut on the tour.

Ghost in Hover

2005-07-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Hover building on the campus of Eastern Michigan University is said to be hunted by the ghost of the gardener who killed himself in the greenhouse. The story is, late one night a grad student was working alone in the building. She heard a noise and went to take a look. She knew she was the only one in the building. Then she heard a door close. Time to leave, she decided.

St. Swithun Day

2005-07-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

It is said that if it rains on St. Swithun Day, it will rain for 40 days there after; but if it dose not rain on St. Swithun Day, if will not rain for 40 days there after.

Friday, July 15 is St. Swithun Day, and I think it is a good reason to do something special. Well, as good a reason as any. Now, how should one go about celebrating St. Swithun Day?

Grant Cracker Got in its Work

2005-07-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

The following story was published by The Washtenaw Times on Friday, July 6, 1900.

Night Watchman Andres Gibson met with a most distressing accident Wednesday morning, July 4, about 1 o'clock. He came up in front of the Bycraft restaurant where weveral persons were sitting on a pile of lumber. As related by one of those who witnessed the accident, he had a giant fie-cracker in his hand. He took a match and tried to light the fuse while standing near the end of the lumber pile. The wind blew the match out, however, whereupon he turned and stepping up to the corner of the restaurant building and with his back to the wind, he again lighted a match and touched it to the fuse and threw the cracker down by the north wall of the building, right under the building. Some one remarked that it woud shatter the window when it went off. Gilbson then leaned over the box at the corner and taking the cracker in his hand, just as he raised it up not far from his face it exploded, terribly lacerating the inside of the left hand and cutting a hole in his forehead just over the right eye. He staggered backward and declared that his eye was gone. Those sitting by thought he was joking until he turned round and they saw the blood streaming down his face. They then took him inside the restaurand and called Dr. Cornue, who found the man badly wounded. Later Dr. Copeland of Ann Arbor was called in consultation. It is the opinion of the physicians that the sight of the eye is gon, but they hope the eyeball may be saved. The wound in the hand is not such as to endanger the hand at all.

Mr. Gibson has made an efficient and capable night watchman and many regrets are expressed over the terrible accident which has befallen him.

Ghost Stories

2005-06-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

I will be giving a talk on local ghost stories, at the Michigan Ave. branch of the Ypsilanti District Library, on Thursday, October 20, 2005, at 7:00 P. M.. Now all I need to do, is find enough local ghost stories to fill a 45 minute talk. I know about a few places that are said to be hunted, such as the Cross Street Firehouse, but I am going to need more. I have wanted to research local ghost stories for some time, and now a have a reason to do so. Do you know about a place in Ypsilanti that is said to be hunted? Care to share the story with me? Please tell me.

Body of Infant found in gravel pit, unburied

2005-06-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

This sad story was published by the Ypsilanti Daily Press on Thursday, June 26, 1930.

A prematurely born baby was found dead in a gravel pit about four miles southeast of Ypsilanti Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 p. m. The body was discovered in a small pool of water in a pit on the Ford property by two workmen, Ben Rats and R. L. Bennett.

The two men, Ford employees, were working with tractors in an adjoining field, when Rats stopped at the end near the pit. Supplies for the tractor had been placed on the bank and while there Rats noticed a number of rags a few feet below him which at first he thought were wiping cloths from the trators which had been thrown away. Looking closer he noticed flies on the cloths. This excited his couriosity and he called the fact to Bennett's attentioin when he returned from his next round.

Upon looking further, from their position on the bank, the two men saw the body of a baby floating face downward in one of the pools of water several feet away. Apparently no attempt had been made to cover the body.

Chief of Police Ralph Southard responded to a call from the workmen and summoned Deputy Sheriff James Dunstan of Ann Arbor to work on the case.

Corner Edwin Ganghorn was called to the scene later and he ordered the body taken to the University of Michigan Hospital.

The chief clue to the finding of those responsible is a number of footprints made in the hard surface of the gravel pit. The rains had packed the bottem of the pit hard, and in this a man's footprints are plainly visible. The size of the footprint indicates about a number eight shoe.

The baby, prematurely born, is believed to be developed about seven months. Indications are that the body had not been there more than a day. However, with recent rains and hot weather the time element is difficult to determine exactly. The body had been in water apparently all of the time and had become distorted and swollen.

The gravel pit is located on the Ford property along the Huron River and within a short distance of the proposed dam site, about four miles southseast of Ypsilanti on the River Road. Gravel from the pit had been used for roads abd other work and a large quantity had been taken out as part of the gravel was of inferior quality, this poor material had been left in piles. Between these piles water had collected from recent rains, and the body lay in one of the small pools.

Questioning physicians has so far failed to reveal information as to the possible parentage of the child. If the mother is a local woman, her weakened condition should lead to discovery of her identity. There is possibility that the body might have been brought to the abandoned gravel pit from a distance, but no automobile tracks leading to the place were visible.

A Grave for a $1.25

2005-06-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

What is now Prospect Park was originally the city cemetery. The cemetery, known as the East Side Cemetery, was founded in the early 1840's, and remained in use into the early 1890's. The Common Council of the Village of Ypsilanti, passed an ordinance on December 28, 1843, regulating the management of the cemetery.

Under the ordinance, new graves were to be dug by the sexton for $1.25, which included the superintendence of the burial. A person attempting a burial without notifying the sexton was fined $10, but for 50 cents, a person, with the permission of the sexton, could dig their own grave.

The graves were removed from the East Side Cenetery in the early 1890's, when the site was turned into Prospect Park. The bodies were removed to Highland, and corn was planted on the site for two years to prepare the soil. Well. the city said all of the bodies were removed, but there is a rumor that 14 of the bodies still are buried in Prospect Park.

Farmer's Market

2005-06-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the Ypsilanti Farmer's Market on Wednesday for a few minutes, and enjoyed my brief visit. There were venders with nice things to eat, and cute plant holders that have to been seen to enjoyed. There was music, coffee and donuts, so everyone enjoyed healty eating. There was, by the way, a display of healty eating at the market. The market could use a few more venders, and more items to purchase.

I was pleased to learn that someday the bean under the freighthouse is to be replaced, and the walls braced, but still, I am concerned about the future of the market. As much as I enjoy the market, and look back at the many pleasent hours I have spent there, I am worried. We can not return to the good old days of the market. The market must change with the times, and become a self-supporting concern. The city can, and will not fund the market any longer, so the Friends of the Freighthouse will have to come up with a plan for the freighthouse to pay for itself.

Fire! Narrow Escape of the Woolen Mill

2005-06-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

This story is from The Ypsilantian of Thursday, June 21, 1888.

The new fire bell sounded its first alarm yesterday afternoon; when dense volumes of inky smoke were seen rising over the woolen mill and knitting factory of Hay & Todd. The fire proved to be in the picking house, a small building containing a picking machine and a quatitl of wool. That was entirely destroyed before the engine arrived. The fire which attacked the adjacent windows of the main building had been fought back by the mill hands with buckets, and no fire was inside the mill; but before the engine was got to work the flames had eaten through the cornice at the eaves, and soon gained access tothe attic, to reach which the hose had to be taken up through the building. Considerable delay ensured before this was accomplished, and it looked for a time as though the whole building would be on fire. The enemy was finally reached, however, and subdued with comparatively small damage to the main building from the fire; but the floors and machines were drenched with water, and the stock by hasty removal

Tje total damage will foot up about $5,000, with insurance suffcient to cover all loss.

Denny Corbeil Killed by Grand Rapis's Express

2005-06-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

This story is from The Ypsilanti Sentinal-Commercial of June 18, 1903.

"Denny" Corbeil, who was known to nearly everone in Ypsilanti, was killed Friday just this side of the Peninsular paper mill, by the Grand Rapid's express.

His mind has always been slightly unbalanced, but lately he had shown alarming symptoms. He worked at the Dewey cafe until a short time ago, when he began to sell candy on the street, having a table on the sidewalk near the waiting rooms, and a large sign tied to it entitled "The Ypsilanti Candy Works." Thursday he acted moore peculiur than usual and Mrs. Corbiel asked the nightwatch to see that he came to no harm.

He esceped somehow during the night and it is thought went to Ann Arbor as he was seen leaving there and walking this way. The train crew say he was trying to walk the track and paid no attention when they whistled. He was thrown a considerable distance. The body was picked up and taken to the baggage room, and was from there removed to Jay Moore's undertaking rooms. There were several bad gashes on the head and his facee was badly disfigured.

His parents reside in Lake Linden and he has no famlily. He was of a roaming character.

Coroner Watts at once empaneled a jury and after viewing the remains they adjourned until next Wednesday.

It is said, that he was a member of the Modern Woodmen of American.

Crosses In The Water Tower

2005-06-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

There is a cross set in the stone work above the west enterence of the Water Tower on Cross Street. This is the most clearly visible of the two or three crosses set in the stone work of the tower. Accoording to local folklore,the crosses mark the places where workers died during the construction of the tower. The story, however, is not true, as none of the workers died during its construction. The workers, it seems, were more accustomed to building churches, and the set the crosses in place for good luck. It must ahve worked, as all of the workers lived to finish the job, and the tower is still in use today.

Union-Udell Cemetery

2005-06-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

I was moved by the posting on the Ypsidixit blog, aobut the visit of her and her friend to the Uniion Udell Cemetery. I was sadden by the site of the headstone for the three childern of James and Mary Sherman, who died in such a short span of time. I decided to do a little research, and stopped by the Ypsilanti City Archives to pull the obit card for James H. Sherman. From the card I foound the following:

James H. Sherman married Mary Wright on MAy 4, 1867.
Childern:
Willie d. 8-26-1878 age 9y, 3m, 7 d
Ebir d 8-21-1878 age 1m 4d
Bertha d 9-1-1878

The childern died of dipthira.

Wives of James H. Sherman

Mary J. d 8-5-1859 age 24y 17d.
Caroline R. d 9-3-1853 age 17y 9m 18d
Elzabeth A. d 1-3-1865 age 27y 9m.

My guess is, he was married at least four times, and perhaps the last one out lived him.

James H. Sherman is buried in Union-Udell Cemetery, but he is alone in his grave.

Save the Water Treatment Plant

2005-06-13T07:33:00.000-07:00

time may be running out to save the Water Treatment Plant on Bridge Road, as the Ypsilanti Township Board may vote this Tuesday on its future. It is likely the majority of the board will vote to demolish the building. I personally think this is a wast as the building is in good condition and could be put to some good use.

To expresss your opinion on the issue, you can email Township Supurvisor Ruth Ann Jamnick, at rajamnic@twp.ypsilanti.mi.us. She will pass on your emails to the other members of the board.

The meeting Tuesday is open to the public and you will have time to speak to the board on the issue. See the township web site for meeting information at www.twp.ypsilanti.mi.us.

We can save this landmark, but only if we act now.

Shocking Casualty

2005-06-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

This story is from The Ypsilantian of Thursday, June 12, 1890.

One of the most distreesing tragedies that has occured here in many years, transpired at the M. C. depot in this city yesterday morning. Charles Lappeus, who has served as conductor of the switch engine at this station for the past five or six years, while engaged in coupling cars in the yard about half past 8 o'clock in some manner fell under the wheels and was so crushed that he died soon afterward. Just how it occurred is not known. They were having considerable difficulty with cupling, and he was assisted the the switchman. There had been considerable starting and backing, and the engineer did not think he moved the engine so much as a foot, when the accident occurred, but the slack in the train must have increased the movement, and the wheels passed over the unforunate man's body below the waist. He was conscious of his situation when extricated, and asked for a doctor, but expired in about an hour.

The family so rudly bereft, consists of Mrs. Lappeus and four young childern. They live on Oak street, a few doors west of Prospect. The blow which falls upon them with such cruel weight and suddenness, calls for the tender the helpful sympathy which this community is always ready to extend--and peculiarly so because Mrs. Lappeus is crippled, and only able to move about on crutches.

News Item

2005-06-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

This is from the Ypsilantian of June 12, 1890.

A man in Pittsburgh accidentally killed his wife with a Flohert rifle, the other day, and the incident suggests the liability to such results from the common use of those weapons by boys, in destroying sparrows. One of their bullets whizzed past our head the other day, and we should have strongly resented it if it had hit us.

Accidnets Nearly Fatal

2005-06-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

This is from the Ypsilanti Commercial of June 11, 1870.

Last Saturday s a young lady and gentiman of this City were on the River between the Woolen Mills and the Paper Factory boat riding for pleasure and to gather specimens, the lady, in attempting to reach a lilly, tipped the boat so far over as to fall into the water, which was not far from twelve feet deep, and must have drowned had it not have been that the gentilman with her, being an expert in the art swimming, even so much so as to be almost swan like, rescued her from the water without harm to either of them. We could give the names of the parties, but think it Wright, perhaps in this case not to do so, but have another case of a still more serious character. As Mr. Fletcher Moore of Saline and Miss Kanouse, of York, were returning from this city to the home of the young lady, on the evening of the same day, and when only about a quarter of a mile from her home, and in a deep ravine which the highway crosses, a sharp flash of lighting came so near and with such force as to completely blind them, meanwhile the horse stumbled off the bridge at a hight of ten to twelve feet, thereby throwing Mr. Moore over a substantial rail fence of more than ordinary hight, and in stricking on the ground received a severe wound on the head, while Miss Kanouse fell off the bridge to the ground but was not seriously hurt--After a few minutes they walked to her home. The carriage was badly broken up and the horse, a valuable animal, killed.

Ypsilanti Township Board

2005-06-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Strange, but when I went to the Ypsilanti Township web site, to find contact information on the members of the board, I found no email addresses for them. You can write the members of the board at Charter Townshhip of Ypsilanti, 7200 South Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. You would think there would be an address for voters to reach them at. By the way, the township website is at www.twp.ypsilanti.mi.us.

Tour of the Bridge Road Water Treatment Plant

2005-06-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

I consider my self lucky to have my name added to tose invited to take a tour of the Bridge Road Water Treatment Plant on Bridge Road, between Grove and Textile. The purpose of the tour was to give the Township Board a chance to see the building before deciding its future. There are those who wish to see the building demolished , and the land opened to development. Then there are those who wish to see the building renovated and put to some good use.

Entering the buuilding one sees the paint peeling from the doors and the thick layer of dust that covers everythiing. Broken glass litters the floor where vandals have smashed the windows. Shelves still hold the parts needed to maintain theplant. The parts are still there, because when the plant was closed in 1994, the workers locked the doors behind them and left everything in its place. There was a lively discussion of what the Township could get by selling the items, made of cast iron. The building is structurally sound, and there is no danger of the walls falling in any time soon. When this building was built, about 1940, it was built to last.

Behind the building is the water storage space, now empty, except for the occasional moouse, or other rodent. Past this are the two large blue storage tanks, but between these and the water storage space is another tank, this one underground, with a one million gallon capacity. There are also the smaller buildings on the grounds, the well buildings and the filter building. These to ar structurally sound and ready to be put to some good use.

The Water Treatment Plant building, I believe should be saved, renovated an dput to some good use that will benifit the community. I think it is in the perfect spot for a restaurant, or apartments. The community should be made aware of this resource in their midst, and rallied to the cause. Write a letter or email to the members of the Board of Trustees to say you want this building saved. There is still time to act.

David Gillespie was found dead in his room

2005-06-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

The following story is from the Ypsilanti Sentinal-Commercial of June 11, 1903.

David Gillespie was found dead Saturday morning in the old Masonic block, on E. Cross street, where he had lived alone.

Gillespie was a widower, and had been working in the Peninsular paper mill. Mabel Hauser has been taking care of his room and cooking his meals for him, but Saturday she failed to call him until after 8 o'clock. Receiving no reply to her call, she entered the room and found him lying on the bed, completly dressed and his eyes partially opened. Frightened because he failed to respond, she summoned help and the police were notitied. The body was removed to the undertaking rooms, and the relatives notified. When searched, it was found that he had over $125 on his person.

When seen last night by his friends Gillespie was in the best of spirits and in good health. Before leaving one of the his friends Friday might he bid him good bye, a thing that was noticed at the time to be unusual.

Gillespie has a family of grown up childern, but has refused to have anything to do with them for many years. His daughter, Mrs. Walmore, lives in this city, and his son, E. O. Gillespie, is a senior dental student in Ann Arbor. A second daughter, Miss Retta Gillespie, has just returned from Trout Creek, in the upper peninsula, where she has been teaching school.

An inquest will be held Friday.

Royal Visit

2005-06-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

Just north of Cross and River, just past the Depot, and across the tracks from the Freighthouse, where the parking lot is now, is where the once internationally known Michigan Central Gardens where planted. Every year the gardener, John Laidlaw, from 1891 until he retired in 1900, planted flowers in incredible patterns. The gardens were cotinued long after he retired, and was the scene of at least one touching event.

In about 1905 the Prince and Princes of Hohenlohe of Germany were touring the United States, and a stop at Ypsilanti was arranged. Once their special car had stopped near the Depot, the Prince and Princes stepped out, and the Princes was presented with a magnificent bouquet of flowers from the garden. The Prince and Princes were touched, and, in the words of tourists everywhere, asked where they were.

"Ypsilanti," answered the station agent.

"Ypsilanti!" repeated the Prince, who asked that the train be held five minutes. Then he and the Princes hurried to the Depot to purchase a great number of postcards and addressed the cards to family in Europe. They then asked that the postmark be clearly stamped on the cards.

"You Americans do things so gracefully, and with such fine regard for the fitness of the occasion," said the Prince, as he boarded the train. "Before our marrage, Princes Hohenlohe was the Princes Ypsilanti of Greece, and your agent's knowledge of this fact and the clever manner in which he took advantage of the opportunity touches us deeply."

The blushing agent stammered a reply, not having the courage to tell the Prince no one present had known his wife had been the Princes Ypsilanti.

North Hydro Park

2005-06-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

I turned my car onto the unpaved road just north of the Water Treatment Plant on Bridge Road, and followed it down the hill to the parking area behind the plant. Here I found a open flat peninsula formed by the curve of the Huron River. Along the river I found a few people fishing, camping, and enjoying the warm Sunday morning. I kept away from everyone, as I had no widh to intrude on their lives.

I walked by the fence that surrounds the plant and studied the buildings on the grounds as best I could. The grounds appear well maintained, the grass is cut and the fence cared for. The buildings on the grounds look to be in good condition, and most likeley could be renovated and put to some profitable use; perhaps as a restaurant or brew pup, or maybe as apartments. Better, I think to renovate the standing structures then demolish them to put in some development that would require the Township to spend a sumof money on sewer, water, and widening the road.

I then walked back up the hill along the fence to Bridge Road, past the power house and found the enterence to South Hydro Park. I walked down a steep path onto the open space across the river from the plant.

Again I followed the river and saw a boater slowly cursing past. Walking by the river I enjoyed watching the flow of the water and stopped to look down. Almost at my feet I saw a muskrat swimming right to where I was standing, its long naked tail streching out behind it. Knowing muskrats can be vicious, I moved quickly away. At the same time I felt thrilled, as I had never been so close to a muskrat before.

I turned to make my way back, and found the open field of the park covered with the globular heads of dandelion seeds, so thick, the field looked to be covered by a light snow fall.

I made my way back to my car, and set off. I know, however, I shall be back, perhaps with a special friend, to enjoy the peace and calm of the park and river.

A Beast and Two Brutes

2005-06-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the The Ypsilantian of Thursday, June 7, 1888.

A few days ago a certain man from the country drove to town with a load of wood. After getting rid of his load he hitched his horses on Huron street in such a position that when it began raining in the morning soon after, the water from the eaves ran down constantly on the horses. A young man's attention was attracted to it, before noon and again late in the afternoon found the team had not been removed, and what was still more surprising on passing by at half past 10 in the evening, found the team still waiting in the same place. The nightwatch was notified, and while waiting for the clock to strike eleven so he could remove the horses, went down to one of the saloons and found the animal that belonged to the team, who came and let his faithful horses draw him home.

Sneak Burglary

2005-06-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

This story is from The Ypsilantian of Thursday, June 7, 1888

Thieves removed a pane of glass from the rear door of Roger's book store, Sunday night and crawled in and rifled the money drawer, getting eight or ten dollars. They crawled out and carefully replaced the pane. The job was undoubtely executed by local thieves.

Immense Dam Considered

2005-06-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

Back in 1905 the Michigan Central Railroad considered the constructiion of an immense dam across the Huron River, at a place called Hudson, north of Dexter. This dam would have doubled the level of Portage Lake. It would affected the riveralong its length. The Michigan Central was considering the building of the dam to use the fall of the water as a source of power for its trains. The M.C.R.R. was thinking of turning all of its trains to electric power in place of steam. At this time the Michigan Central ran eight passenger trains daily, consuming twenty tons of coal each. The railroad was interested in finding a way to replace this fast diminishing product. The dam was never built, instead, Henry Ford built several dams along the Huron during the 1920's and 1930's to power his factories, including the one at Bridge Road.

It might be interesting to think about how the building of this immense dam at Hudson would have changed everything. Just think, the Michigan Central running its trains on hydo produced electric power instead of steam in the early 20th century. How would the Huron River, and perhaps how we live today, might have been changed if the dam had been built?

Candy Store in Depot Town

2005-06-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

The next time you are in Depot Town and feel the need for a candy bar, I suggest you stop in at Gordon's Five & Dime at 23 East Cross Street, next to Quinn's Essential. The store just opened and the owners, Katherine and Shannon Gordon, are working to give the place the feel of the old fashion five and dime stories. The story has plenty of candy, and popcorn made on a popcorn maker from old Tiger Stdium. They also sell ice cream and toys. None of the toys, by the way, require batteries. A nice place to stop in and shop.

News from the Past

2005-06-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

The following stories are from the Ypsilanti Commercial of June 3, 1865.

Fest Day

Thursday, the 1st inst., was closely observed in this city in the spirit of the proclamations of the President and Governor. No business was done, and severcies were held at all the churches. We understand the sermons were all extremely good, and several have expressed a wish to see them in print. We would be happy to receive them for publication. The only thing that seemed to mar the holy quit of that day was the continual "click, click," of the billiard balls in some of the saloons that persisted in breaking and causing others to break our national sabbath. It seems to us these propriutors, above all others, should observe such a day, or show a decent respect for those who do by closing their groggeres.

Capt. Morgan

By a telegraph dispatch to Mr. George, we learn that Capt. Jas. T. Morgan, who left his studies at the Normal School to enter the 17th Infantry, and who commanded the company of the 30th now stationed at Wyandotte, died very suddenly at that place on Tuesday morning. The Captain got up, feeling quite well and had eaten his breakfast with apparent relish; but while yet sitting at the table, he laid his head on his wife's shoulder and quietly and instantly breathed his last. He was a young man, scarcely 25, but idolized by his company, and loved and respected by all who knew him. A post mortem examination was had but we have not heard the result. The funeral took place on Thursday.

The Judas Tree

2005-05-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

The following is from the Ypsilantian of Thursday, MAy 31, 1888.

A beautiful and conspicuous object in many of our door yards for the past two weeks, for its ample dress of reddish purple flowers which precede the leaves, has been the Cercis Canadensis, or Judas tree, of which the popular name in this country is red bud. An old author say, "This is the tree whereon Judas did hang himself, and not on the elder tree, as it is said"--a piece of information which should give the tree an added interest. The wood of the Canadensis if fine grained and hard, and finely veined with green and black, very beautiful when polished; and the twigs make a nankeen dye.

The genus Cercis belongs to the order Leguminosae, a very large and important family of which the peas, beans, locusts and clovers are our most familiar representatives. There are about 500 genera and 7000 species, distributed in all parts of the world. They embrace such timber trees as the rosewood, laburnum with its olive green timbers; and produce such medicines and drugs as liquorice, senna, sweeet tamarind, gum Arabic, gum tragacanth, balam copavia and tolu, and such dyes as indigo, logwood, Brazil wood and reti sandal wood. The sensitive plant is among them, genus Minosa, from greek mimos, a buffoon, "because the leaves seem to sport with the hand that toches them." Some of the other species have sensitive leaves.

The pea has been so universally cultivated from time immemorial that its native country is unknown. The common bean is from the East Indies, the lima bean from India, and the scarlet pole bean from South America, which comes also the pea nut, with its singular habit of flowering in the air and then forcing the fruit into the soil to ripen. Very soon the locust trees, the most ornamental of all the species common to us, will perfume the whold country with their fragrance.

A Bold Bad Boy

2005-05-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

The following is from The Ypsilantian of Thursday, May 31, 1888

Last Friday, a youngster about seven years old, finding Dr. Oakley's horse and carriage at the curbstone with nothing to do, bethought himself a very suitable person to enjoy a little ride at the Dr.'s expanse. So unhitching the horse and planting himself well back in the carrage with feet sticking out horizontally, on account of the width of the seat, he started on his holiday escapade. Overtaking a larger boy near the forks on the road on Huron street, he shared with him his good luck and surrendered the lines. At an increased pace, they soon disappeared over Mr. Watling's hill. Meantime the Dr. had caught the trail and was after them, with blood in his eyes, and nobody knows what in mind. The older boy, on seeing the parties in pursuit, had no longer any desire to ride but tested his leg power in a run across the lots to the woods. The parties returned with the horse, but what was done with the boy is not reported. Evidently a little education as to the difference between meum and tuum is guite essential for the sake of the youngster's own good.

Otis Lee

2005-05-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

In Highland Cemetery there is a family plot with four square headstones standing in a row. These are the graves of Otis H. Lee and his three wifes. Mr. Lee was born in Dudley, Massachusetts inn 1802. He moved to Ypsilanti in 1838, and with the exception of four years residence in Janesville, Wisconsin, lived in Ypsilanti the rest of his life. He was engaged in the dry goods and grocery trade.

A member of the Whig party he occupied leading positions in the community. Lee was appointed postmaster at Ypsilanti by President Zachary Taylor in 1849, and held the office until the election of President Pierce in 1853. He would alos hold offive on the school board and was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church.

His first wife Lucy died in 1847 and his second wife Phebe died in 1850. He married his third wife Nancy in 1852, and she survived him. His wife Nancy died in 1877. Otis Lee had no childern.

"His life has been a peculiarly chequered one," noted The Ypsilanti Commercial in its obituary published November 14, 1874, "marked by misfortune and loss of property. His virtues many, his frailties few, and over these we throw the mantly of charity."

Otis H. Lee died at Ypsilanti on November 8, 1874 of delirium tremens.

News From the Past

2005-05-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

The following two stories are from The Ypsilanti Commercial of May 27, 1865.

Pickpockets.

On Friday, the 19th, the day of Dan Rice's visit to our city, two pickpockets were arrested by Marshal McComick and Constable Pierce from Ann Arbor, who was down from that city on their track, two others of the gang having been arrested there. They wre pursured from the circus ground to the railroad track near the residence of John Gilbert, where they were arrested. They were taken to the lock up, and when searched several hundred dollars were found on them. They were examined on Saturday before Justice Carpenter and committed for trail at the next term of the circuit court. The rascals found several "victums" here, among whom were Ben Miller, who they relieved of $143 and Mr. Kellogg, who lost between $40 and $50. The pocket books of both were found near the place were the arrest was made, having been thrown away by the thieves.--With all due sympathy for our friend Miller and all other losers, we look upon it as consumomate foolishness for a man to venture into a circus crowd with any large sum of money in his possion, and the loss of it as a justly sented punishment.

We understand some four or five female students of the State Normal School (now EMU) were expelled at the last sitting of the Faculty. We have not the particulars, but those who do not intend to obey the rules of an institution however arbitrary they may appear, should not enter it.

Selling Books

2005-05-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

I will be selling copies of my books, Our Heritage: Down by the Depot in Ypsilanti, and Footnotes in History, at the Ypsilanti Farmers's Market on Saturday, May 28, from 8:00 A. M. until 2:00 P. M. Our Heritage is a history of the Depot Twon section to the city, and includes the story of the the Michigan Central Gardens, The Lewis Horse Exchane a gambling operation, and the Great Ypsilanti Train Robbery of 1916, and much more.

Footnotes in History is a collection of the stories published by the Ypsilanti Courier, the first year I was with the paper. Stories include the strange hosue of Charles Jarvis, how the first blood spilled in the Civil War ended up on a shelf in the Michigan State Normal School (now EMU) Science Museum. As well as the story of Miss Mildred Young, whose life was saved by her corset; as well as the time a riot broke out at a meeting of the Salvation Army.

Copies of Our Heritage ($15) and Footnotes in History ($20) can also be purchased from me by writing to: James Mann, Post Office Box 980773, Ypsilanti, MI 48198. Please add $3.00 to cover shipping and handling.

You can order all of my books on line from www.eklecticstore.com.

Please stop by the market and say hello.

Found

2005-05-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

The following is from The Ypsilanti Commercial of Saturday, May 24, 1873

Last Wednesdy morning a child recently born, was found on the bank of the river in the rear of Mr. D. Wise's residence. It was doubless the intention to throw it into the river, but it was caught in the bushes. A jury was impanelled, consisting of the following persons: Dr. E. Batwell, J. Bickfond, A. Guild, G. Davis, H. Van Tuyl, J. Taylor. The infant was a seven-months' child, and upon examination was found to have been alive when born. The following is the verdict: "That the child came to his death by exposure and neglact at the hands of Margaret Simpson, a recent comer to this place and who claims to be a widdow 35 years of age." She came from Lansing here about seven weeks ago, and has been at work here since. The accused was around the house as usual at night, and was up and prepared breakfast in the morning. She has been arrested, and will be held to answer the charges against her.

Patron saint of Historians

2005-05-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Venerable Bede (673-735) is the patron saint of scholars and historians. He is also the only person in history to have the title vererable. Bede was born on land to the south of the Tyne which afterwards became the property of the twin monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow. At the age of seven Bede was given by his family to the care of Abbot Benet Biscop for an education. Here he was ordained a deacon at the age of nineteen and a priest at the age of thirty. He would spend the rest of his life at the monastery. Bede never traveled far from the monastery, yet he became one of the most learned men of Europe.

At the monastery he lived a simple uneventful but happy life, as a teacher and scholar. Almost all of what is known of his life is from his own words. "I have spent the whole of my life," wrote Bede, "within that monastery, devoting all my pains to the study of the Scriptures, and amid the observance of monastic discipline and the daily charge of singing in the church, it has been ever my delight to learn or teach or write."

St. Benedict Biscop had brought with him a large library from Lerins, and this enabled Bede to carry out his life work. His range of writing included orthography, meter, compurisitics, and chronology as well as the lives to the saints. He considered his most important work his twenty-five works of Scripture comentary. His earliest Bibical commentary was most likely his work on the Revelations. "From the time of my admmission to the pristhood to my present fifty-ninth year," wrote Bede, "I have endeavored for my own use and that of my brethern, to make brief notes upon the Holy Scripture, either out of the works of the venerable Fathers or in conformity with their meaning and interpretation."

His best remembrered writing are his historical works, especially The Ecclesiastical History of the Englishe People. This five volume work records the events in Britain from the landing of Julius Caesar in 55-54 BC to the arrival of the first missionary from Rome, Saint Augustine in 597. Bede was a careful scholar who wrote his account in a sober and objective manner. For his sources he claimed the authority of ancient letters, the "traditions of our forefathers," and his own knowledge of contemporary events. He was careful to cite his sources in the text, and asked the copyist to include the sources in later editions, which, unfortunately, many did not do. It has been called "the finest historical work of the early Middle Ages."

Bede explained his reason for writing the history: "For if history records evil of wicked men, the good religious reader or listener is encouraged to avoid all that is sinful and perverse, and to follow what he knows to be good and plesing to God."

Bede completed his history of the Englishe people in 731. To this he added Lives of five early abbots of Wearmouth ad Jarrow. He carried out all of his writing alone. "I am my own secretary; I dictate, I compose, I copy all myself." Not until the end of his life would he take on a secretary.

He was at work on a translation of the Gospel of St. John into Old Englishe when he fell ill from a lung infection. Knowing he did not have long to live, he pressed on with the work. On the Tuesday before Ascension Day he summoned the priests of the monastery, made them little gifts of pepper and incense and beged their prayers. Then over the next forty-eight hours he dictated the translation to his scribe, a boy named Wilbert, while propped up in his bed. Even in the face of death, Bede still took care in comparing the text and preserving its accuracy. "I don't want my boy's," he said, "to read a lie or listen to no purpose after I am done." His students begged him to rest, but Bede insisted on working. "we never read without weeping," said one.

At the end of the day, the boy Wilbert said, "There is still a chapter wanting, had you not better rest for a while?"

"Be quick with your writing," replied Bede, "for I shall not hold out much longer."

When night fell, Wilbert said: "There is yet one sentence not written."

"Write quickly," said Bede.

When the sentence was sritten, Wilbert said, "Now it is finished."

"You have spoken truly," replied Bede. "It is well finished. Now raise my head in your hands for it would give me great joy to sit facing the holy place where I used to pray, so that I may sit and call on my Father."

He died singing "Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost."

When news of his death reached the missionaries who used his Scripture commentaries, Boniface wrote the "the candle of the Church, lit by the Holy Spirit, was exinguished."

The title TheVenerable Bede, tha tis, worthy of honor, may have been used during his life time, it was certainly used within two hundred years of his death. Bede is the only Englishman Dante names in the Paradise. Pope Leo XIII gave Bede the title of Doctor of the Church in 1899, the year he was made a saint. His feast was originally on May 26, but was moved to May 27, to avoid a clash with the feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury. Since 1969, Bede's feast has been on Mya 25.

A Day at the Farmers's Market

2005-05-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

I had a good time at the Ypsilanti Farmers's Market Saturday, and even sold a few books. I sat at my table and watched as the people came and went. Saturday was a nice sunny day, with warm air and a gentil breeze, just right for planting in the garden. Those who came to the market were there for plants, so the venders with plants and floweres did very well this week. I saw some friends I had not seen for some time, and had a good visit with them. I will be back at te market this Saturday, May 28, and I hope to see you there.

Improvements

2005-05-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

This story was published by the Ypsilanti Commercial on May 22, 1869.

Oppsite the Hawkin's House Mrs. Mayne is erecting a nice store, designing a first-class fronts, beween the old Larzaleer block and Martins. We have already noticed Batchelder Bros., Post's and Van Tuyl's. Nearly opposite Rowley's Produce Store, Mr. S. Whitmarsh is erecting a Produce and Feed store of comely proportions. Passing Congress Street Bridge (Michigan Ave.) the reader can see a desirable improvement in part. You will discover tha the Huron Mill is being painted, presenting a tasty external appearance. If you have time go into the mill and you will see a still more important improvement. A complete and handsome stone foundation being built under the mil, and renovated in other particulars, under the supervision of Mr. Speer. The facilitics for custom work, always superior, and being made still more valuable. Going to the Depot, you noticeunusual activity going on in the corner of the Norris Block (Thompson Block). The new proprietor, Mr. O. F. Thompson, will inform you, for he is always genial and social, that he has bought this propeerty, and is going to renovate and repair it right up to the handle. He means to make one of the completest paint shops in the State, using the first floor for a store conected woth his business. You can see by the twinkle in his eye that he is glad to get out of the old barn in the rear, having for the small sum of $100 bequeathed the barn and apurtances belonging thereto to our good-natured friend Wm. Casey. Between Uncle Ben's wagong shop and the store you discover tha the old engine nuisance is gone and a good blacksmith shop takes its place, to be occupied by everybody's friend, Mr. T Vinian. If that corner block don't shine in less that three months, the pride of the Depot, set us down as a false prophet. The owners of property in the vicinity seem mightily pleased at the prospect. Unwittingly we passed Mr. Ferrier's Foundry (where the Co-op is now). You will notice that since the fire he is with his accustomed enegry putting his superior shop to rights again.

House of ill fame

2005-05-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

The following is from The Ypsilanti Commercial of May 21, 1870.

Broken up

A house of Ill-fame in the 5th Ward was broken up by officers Tinney, Waugh, and Forbes, Wednesday night, armed with a warrant issued by Justice Warner. A couple of frail women were arrested and fined $20.00 each. There were five men (so called) young and old. They hung their heads for shame, as well they might. It is a shame that there is no city ordinance to punish the male bipeds, as well aas the poor victems of lust--the women.

I Stand Corrected

2005-05-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I said in ansewer to a commitit that my books are not available on line. I was mistaken, as my books are available on line. The gife shop eKlectic carries all of my books on their web site. This includes the picture history books I did for Arcadia, Ypsilanti: a history in Pictures, and Ypsilanti in the 20th century. They also carried Our Heritage: Down by the Depot in Ypsilanti and Footnotes in History. All of my books can be found on line at www.eklecticstore.com.

You can also order copies of Our Heritage, and Footnotes in History from me through my post office box at: James Mann, P. O. Box 980773, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48198. Our Heritage is $15 a copy and Footnotes is $20 a copy. Please add $3.00 to cover shipping and handling.

You can also stop by the Farmers Market on Saturday and buy a copy from me. I will be at the market fro 8:00 A. M. to 2:00 P. M. Stop by and say "Hello."