Official publication of the Ypsilanti Histoical Society, featuring articles and reminisences of the people and places in the Ypsilanti area SPRING 2013

In This Issue... Y-Town 6 Cruisin’ Ypsilanti 7 By Fred Thomas MCRR find in the Archives 9 How did it get there? 11 B-24 bomber monument By Fred Thomas Model T Ford ad 12 Community Choir presents “Liberator” concert 13 By Val Kabat Sanscrainte III 14-15 By Michael E. Van Wasshnova Donald H. Porter 16 By Peg Porter Historic surnames 18

Hebe Fountain found 19 By Tom Dodd We’ve been Are you smarter than an 8th grader? 21 down this Horse thieves 23 By James Mann The Gilbert family 25 road before By Janice Anscheutz The skeletons of Bell Street By James Mann 29 There’s always been heavy traffic Farm gate controversy 31 on downtown’s Avenue By James Mann By Tom Dodd Michigan Avenue Where do you think you are? 32 US-12 Take another look at downtown Ypsilanti’s Michi- gan Avenue. Take away the cars and trucks; take away US -112 the concrete and asphalt. Let’s even take away what’s Society Briefs: Congress Street left of the Interurban tracks and the paving bricks and From the President’s Desk 2 The Road get right down to the dirt. Now we can see footprints Society Board Members 2 Military Highway on the bare earth. The traffic where this thoroughfare GLEANINGS Sponsors 3 Sauk Trail crosses the Huron River has been coming through for Museum Board Report 10 Mastodon Highway centuries. Welcome to our Real Main Street. Membership Application 30 [continued on page 3]

www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 By Alvin E. Rudisill Ypsilanti Historical Society From the President’s Desk Our major maintenance efforts over the past several weeks have been dedicated to: 1) Board of Trustees: the repair and painting of the stairways leading to the second floor and the basement and Maria Davis, Virginia Davis-Brown, the replacement of the kickpads; 2) the resurfacing of the floor in the front hallway and Kathryn Howard, Gerald Jennings, the painting of all the front hallway trim; and 3) the purchase and installation of runners in Jackson Livisay, Karen Nickels, the front hall. Our next efforts will be to repair and/or replace the front and back entrance Maxe Obermeyer, John Pappas, doors. Our sincere thanks to all those involved in these efforts, and to the volunteers who Alvin Rudisill, Diane Schick, moved artifacts around so the repairs could be completed. Robert Southgate Our February membership meeting program was presented by Bill Nickels on “The Stark- weather Farm.” Bill has become quite an expert on the farm and the next issue of the Museum Advisory Board: Gleanings will contain an article about the farm. Virginia Davis-Brown, Kathleen Campbell, Marjorie Fahndrich, There have been some changes in the EMU Interns that serve in both the Museum and Kathryn Howard, Jackson Livisay, the Archives. First, Lauren Carpenter is now Lauren Thomson due to a recent marriage. Fofie Pappas, Robert Southgate, Congratulations Lauren! Second, Deirdre Fortino graduated with a Master’s Degree in Nancy Wheeler, Daneen Zureich Historic Preservation and has been replaced by Melanie Parker. Congratulations Deirdre and welcome Melanie. Archives Advisory Board: We are continuing our efforts to raise funds to pay off the balance owed the City of Yp- Kim Clarke, Maria Davis, John Pappas, silanti for the purchase of the property at 220 North Huron Street. We are still approxi- Gerry Pety-ex officio, Hank Prebys, mately $20,000 short of our $125,000 goal and our Endowment Fund Advisory Board will George Ridenour, Diane Schick, be planning and implementing fundraising programs over the next few months to close Jane Schmiedeke, Lisa Walters, out this effort. Our thanks to all those who have made significant contributions in support Bette Warren of the YHS Museum and Archives over the past few years.

Endowment Fund If you are not currently on our email listserv, please call the Museum at 734-482-4990 Advisory Board: and have your name added. We are using the listserv only for program notifications. Your email address will not be shared with others. Also, please check the Event Schedule on our Kenneth Butman, Nat Edmunds, web site for upcoming special programs and displays. Lynda Hummel, Paul Kuwik, Don Loppnow Karen Nickels, We are looking for volunteers as docents for the Museum or research assistants for the Maxe Obermeyer, Steve Pierce, Archives. Both the Museum and Archives are open from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Alvin Rudisill Sunday. If you are available during that time and are interested in helping us preserve the historical information and artifacts of the area, or in educating the general public about our Ypsilanti Historical Society history, please give me a call at 734-476-6658. 220 North Huron Street Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 Museum: 734.482.4990 Archives: 734.217.8236 Up-coming Coming Events www.ypsilantihistoricasociety.org at the Ypsilanti Historical Society GLEANINGS Staff Editor Al Rudisill 31 March MUSEUM Assistant Editor Peg Porter Museum and Archives Design & Layout Tom Dodd Closed for Easter Sunday Advertising Director Lauren Thomson Finance Director Karen Nickels Distribution Lauren Thomson 18 April- 19 May Art Exhibit If you have suggestions for articles or if you have questions, contact Al Rudisill 19 May at 734.476.6658 or [email protected]. Quarterly Membership Meeting – 2 p.m. Ypsilanti GLEANINGS is published 4 times a year by the Ypsilanti Historical Society, 1 June 220 N. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Annual Yard Sale

2 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 Michigan/mastodon Avenue connected Rock Island on the [continued from the front page] Major Indian River to the River near modern tribes and Peru, with the trail along the north bank of trails - 1760 that river to Joliet, and on to Valparaiso, In- diana. It then ran northeasterly to LaPorte and into southern Michigan through Niles, Three Rivers, and Ypsilanti, ending at the River. The trail followed a winding Indian trails path along the ridges of dune and moraines of importance to Michigan that marked the earlier glacial period Lake Michigan shorelines. European settlers im- proved the trail into a wagon road and later into modern highways. This road is a path; Some early Indian trails There are even older trails a very old path are still in place Many will settle for tracing the origin of The earliest inhabitants of this Michigan • Sauk Trail, followed roughly the line these roadways back to the Native Ameri- peninsula traveled mostly by water and, of present US 12 from Detroit through Yp- cans but some of these ancient paths were for most Native Americans, by birch-bark silanti and to Lake Michigan through the here even before that. Sections of the trail canoe, along lakes and rivers. Few Indi- “smile” of prairie that extended across the followed the southern boundary between ans inhabited the upland, drier portions of bottom of the lower peninsula [continued overleaf] land––areas mostly seen while “just pass- • Saginaw Trail from Toledo through ing through.” Light Indian canoes were Saginaw to Mackinac, part of which forms easily guided through the rivers that kept today’s Dixie Highway a regular flow before deforestation took • Grand River Trail between Detroit and place. These same routes and their portages Grand Rapids, now followed by the trunk were later used by the first European trav- line US 16 elers. • Sault and Green Bay Trail east/west across the upper peninsula, now by US 2 Once on land, however, paths were created and State Rte. 35 Mastodon skeletons have been found near Tex- for foot travel. As those paths developed, tile and Carpenter Roads and in the gravel pits at least a few were the beginnings of high- The Sauk Trail ran through Illinois, along Michigan Avenue west of Saline (north of ways like downtown’s Michigan Avenue. and Michigan. From west to east, the trail Harry’s Furniture)

Ypsilanti Historical Society Online 220 North Huron Street - Ypsilanti, MI 48197 http://ypsilantihistoricasociety.org/ For information about upcoming Home GLEANINGS Administrative Society events, visit us online at: Sponsors Archives Welcome! www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org Collections The Anschuetz Family Contact Info The Ypsilanti Historical Museum is a museum of local history which is Jim Curran Donations presented as an 1860 home. The Museum and Fletcher-White Archives Fred & Maria Davis Event Schedule are organized and operated by the Ypsilanti Historical Society. We are all Virginia Davis-Brown Membershp volunteers and our membership is open to everyone, including non-city Earnest & Carolyn Griffin Publications residents. Kathryn J. Howard Search Engines A Matter of Trust Bob & Marcia McCrary Vets Project On-Line Bookstore: Click your mouse on the book at the right to visit Karen & Bill Nickels Visiting the YHS on-line bookstore that includes more than twenty books on the Max & Terry Obermeyer Volunteer history of the people, places, and things in and around Ypsilanti. You can John & Fofie Pappas Web Sites pay for your order using your credit card and the secure “Google Check- Al & Jan Rudisill Museum: out” system. Pick out a book for family members or friends and we will Diane Schick ship it to any address within the continental . Bob & Shirley Southgate 734-484-0080 Archives: Technical support for this site provided by Nonprofit Enterprise at Work’s Rita Sprague 734-217-8236 SBC Ameritech WebConnect Program. Domain and Web Hosting Ser- Nancy Wheeler click for a map vices provided by Huron Valley Community Network. Daneen Zureich 3 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Michigan/mastodon Avenue [continued from page 3]

U of M’s old fossil Paths through tall grass prairies connected the main Indian trails the dense forest and the mixed grassland Sections of the Sauk Trail still exist in some regions. The presence of a mastodon trail- form. There is a winding road still called way along the same path indicates that Sauk Trail which runs from Frankfort, Il- humans may have been using a long estab- linois to Dyer, Indiana, passing through lished game trail. Sauk Village, Illinois. Johnson Sauk Trail

Every generation of road-builders in his- State Park in western Illinois sits on an- tory has had to skirt the edges of the great other section of the trail. Sauk Trail forms the southern boundary of Sauk Trail Woods salt marsh between Ypsilanti and Saline. Pittsfield Township’s C. Edward Wall still park. When America’s first national trans- Your walkable harbors dreams of installing life-size sculp- continental highway, the , neighborhood tures of mastodons in that marshy area just was built, its route through western Indi- east of the City of Saline. ana followed the roads built over the Sauk Grocery Store Trail. and Bakery Side roads proliferated Treasures found along the paths Narrower tributaries from the major trails Along the many trails, archeologists have cut swaths through the prairie that ex- identified over 1,000 mounds, 80 - enclo tended across Michigan’s lower peninsula. 312 North River St. sures and embankments, 30 so-called ‘gar- “An Indian trail was merely a narrow path, den beds,’ 750 village sites, and 260 bury- Ypsilanti MI 48198 about 12 to 18 inches wide, permitting only ing grounds. Unearthed along the Indian 734-483-1520 single-file travel,” noted Dorothy G. Pohl, paths are miscellaneous artifacts such as Director of the Ionia County Road Com- arrowheads, hammers, knives, drills, hoes, www.ypsifoodcoop.org mission, in her report to the Association spades, pipes, fragments of pottery, and of Southern Michigan Road Commissions large and small effigies in stone. Open to all shoppers in 1997. “It was not until the coming of the white settlers, laden with supplies, that The ancient highway in Northwestern Low- 9 to 9 daily the trails were improved. The use of the er Michigan has revealed countless Native packhorse was the first step in the process American artifacts and campsites. Near of widening these pathways. Branches and Mesick, nearly 50 mounds have been dis- bushes were broken off from each side of covered. U.S. Forest Service workers have the trail and soon it was several feet wide. found 150 circular fire pits near Buckley. Later, when settlers flocked to Michigan MSU’s Randall Schaetzl has paraphrased Territory, bringing their possessions in from C.M. Davis’ Readings in the Geogra- oxen-drawn wagons, there was a need for phy of Michigan (1964): “Those who travel even wider roads.” its fading lanes often find themselves on a Henry Schoolcraft, at present-day Michigan journey that leads them back in time. Faded City, Indiana in 1820, described the trail, and worn stone markers remain at certain as a “plain horse path, which is consider- sections of the trail to point the way down ably traveled by traders, hunters, and oth- the old highway which has nearly been lost ers...” and said a stranger could not follow in the pages of time. The evidence that it it without the services of a guide because was also an old stagecoach route is that there of the numerous side trails. The Sauk Trail are tracks of wagon wheels found along intersected many important trails and early certain parts of the trail. Information avail- roads including the trails to Vincennes, able at the Forest Service also states that a Green Bay, Fort Wayne and north to Little silver oxidated cross, which is believed to Traverse Bay. have belonged to a Jesuit priest, was found 4 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 at Buckley. A sword and pieces of metal that resembled armor were additional relics “The Calf-Path” by Sam Walter Foss obtained at the site. Records indicate that a One day through the primeval wood The years passed on in swiftness fleet, sword and armor found at the location may A calf walked home The road became a village street; possibly have been from the French explorer as good calves should; And this, before men were aware, La Salle, who is known to have visited St. But made a trail all bent askew, A city’s crowded thoroughfare. Joseph, Michigan at one time.” A crooked trail as all calves do. And soon the central street was this Since then three hundred years have fled, Entire communities of Native American Of a renowned metropolis; And I infer the calf is dead. families walked these trails. The paths And men two centuries and a half But still he left behind his trail, followed the areas of least resistance and Trod in the footsteps of that calf. And thereby hangs my moral tale. crossed rivers where they were shallowest. Each day a hundred thousand rout The trail was taken up next day When European settlers arrived, many of Followed this zigzag calf about By a lone dog that passed that way; the trails became stagecoach highways. And o’er his crooked journey went And then a wise bellwether sheep The traffic of a continent. Roadways continue to follow the old paths. Pursued the trail o’er vale and steep, A hundred thousand men were led The Michigan State Highway Department And drew the flock behind him, too, By one calf near three centuries dead. was created by Governor Fred Warner in As good bellwethers always do. 1905 and the State Trunkline Act came into And from that day, o’er hill and glade, They followed still his crooked way. play in 1913. Pohl and Brown highlight the Through those old woods And lost one hundred years a day, 1916 Federal-Aid Road Act, the beginning a path was made. For thus such reverence is lent of snow removal in 1918, gasoline taxes in And many men wound in and out, To well-established precedent. 1925, and further legislation that created And dodged and turned and bent about, A moral lesson this might teach the infrastructure of today’s roadways. And uttered words of righteous wrath Were I ordained and called to preach; Because ‘twas such a crooked path; In her report to the Road Commission, Dor- For men are prone to go it blind But still they followed — do not laugh – othy Pohl’s study (with Norman E. Brown, Along the calf-paths of the mind, The first migrations of that calf, MDOT Act 51 Administrator) on the history And work away from sun to sun And through this winding of roads in Michigan goes far beyond early To do what other men have done. wood-way stalked Indian trails. Their study examines farm- They follow in the beaten track, Because he wobbled when he walked. to-market routes in 1805, military roads in And out and in, and forth and back, 1816, early State-sponsored transportation This forest path became a lane And still their devious course pursue, improvements, township road-building in That bent and turned and turned again; To keep the path that others do. 1817, private turnpike companies, swamp This crooked lane became a road, They keep the path a sacred groove, land roads of 1859, and on to the 1880s im- Where many a poor horse with his load Along which all their lives they move; pact of bicyclists. Toiled on beneath the burning sun, But how the wise old wood-gods laugh, And traveled some three miles in one. Who saw the first primeval calf. Pohl concludes, “Many of us in the road And thus a century and a half Ah, many things this tale might teach business have heard and used the phrase They trod the footsteps of that calf. But I am not ordained to preach. that the roads just “grew” there. Now we really know what happened!” The author used the above poem as a springboard lecture in his Creative Problem Solving classes

The mastodon is Mastodon vs. mammoth? our state fossil The American mastodon is different from The giant mastodon (Mammut america- the woolly mammoth. Mastodons had num) was designated the official state fos- straighter tusks and both the body and head sil of Michigan in 2002. This magnificent of the mastodon is longer and squatter than animal disappeared from the Ypsilanti area the woolly mammoth and its back doesn’t about 10,000 years ago. One of the most slope like a mammoth’s. Mastodons were complete mastodon skeletons was discov- about the size of an Asiatic elephant of to- ered near Owosso, and is now displayed at day, but its ears were smaller than modern the U of M’s Museum of Natural History. elephants. They had thick body hair similar The most intact trail of mastodon foot- to a mammoth, but mastodon teeth sug- prints (30) has been found along Michigan gest the diet of a browser, not a grazer. The Avenue west of Saline across from Harry’s mastodon also lacks the high, peaked knob Furniture. The campaign to adopt the mast- on the head seen on the woolly mammoth. odon as Michigan’s state fossil was led by Mastodons are an older species, originating David P. Thomas, Sr., a geology instructor in Africa 35 million years ago and entering at Washtenaw Community College. North America about 15 million years ago. 5 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 York AL Yakutat AK Some call it “Y-Town” Yuma AZ Ypsilanti has its sister cities all over the country Yellville AK Yolo, Yorba Linda, Y-town? Yosemite, Yount- During a recent election cycle, Ypsilanti learn that there are ville, York, Yreka, Well Township saw the appearance of t-shirts fifty-six U.S. Post Office Yuba City, with “Y-Town” emblazoned, and why not? addresses that begin with Yuculpa, Yucca Valley CA why We love the uniqueness of our name, even the letter Y? (Alas, nearly Yataha, Yulee FL if it’s only the first initial. Some locals half our states–twenty-two– Young Harris GA not? contend that only residents are allowed to have no post office names York Valley, use its cognomen: Ypsi. All others are con- beginning with Y.) Yates City IL demned to suffer with its exotic quality as Yorktown IN York is the most prevalent Yates Center KS we listen to detect a “yip” in its introduc- Y-town among our nation’s Yerkes KY Youngsville LA tion––a clue to help detect interlopers. Y-addresses. There are thir- Yarmouth, York Harbor, York Village, Yellow Springs MD Ypsilantians have long been accustomed teen Yorks (-town, -ville,-shire, Yarmouth Park MA to friends’ and relatives’ puzzlement at the or -Heights,) and the greatest Yale, Ypsilanti MI name of our city. They mispronounce it, concentration is in that state with Yazoo City MS misspell it, and often miss the reason for its York in its own name. Yorkville NJ, Yaphank, being named for the hero of the 1829 Greek Yonkers, Yorkshire, A We have Indian Y-names and Amish Yorktown, Yorktown, victory for independence from the Turks. Y-names but only one Greek Y-name, Heights,Yorkville, The misinformed even marvel at the fact although there are two more Ypsilantis–– Youngstown NY E Yadkinville, Yancey- that our postal address starts with the exotic not big enough to rate their own post office ville, Yaupon Beach letter Y, as if they had never heard of Yale, and ZIP code. Eight of the other Y-towns NC Yellow Springs, I Youngstown, or Yonkers. seem to be named for people: Youngstown Yorkville, Youngs- (two of them) and Youngsville, Yates town OH Yale, Sure, Yaphank, Yreka, and Yataha may Center, Yoakum, Yoder, Yanceyville, and Yukon OK O give pause for reflection––since they’re Yamhill, Youcala OR Young Harris. So far, no town seems to be not Greek––but would they be surprised to Yankton SC named for Old Harris. Yorkville TN Yoakum, Yorktown U Some of the Y-post offices might sound (and TX Yorkshire, sometimes) even funnier than Ypsilanti: Yulee, Yataha, Yorktown VA, Yazoo City, and Yolo sound pretty odd at Yakima WA, first but if we lived there we would prob- Yoder WY ably become just as accustomed to it as we Y have become with our own. Why did the character ‘y’ disappear in favor of ‘i’ in English spell- When we run down the list of other Ameri- ing? We notice this when advertisments try can Y-towns, we realize we have a pretty to sell something as archaic or old-timey, good player in the game. writing wife as wyfe, for example, or time Thank you, Chief Justice Augustus Wood- as tyme. ward; we’ve grown accustomed to the Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex, well name you placed upon us Yand gladly carry illustrates the phenomenon in plain English: the hero’s name forward into history. “I amongst other have indured a parlya- [VARIOUS SOURCES: A bunch of “Ys Guys” in ment which contenwid by the space of xvii the Fletcher-White Archives with not enough to hole wekes wher we communyd of warre do on a cold, winter afternoon. Consider spend- pease Stryffe contencyon debatte murmure ing more time in the Archives; you never know grudge Riches poverte penurye trowth what you will find there. Hey! Why not? falshode Justyce equyte dicayte opprescyon Roy Rogers used to sing, “Why, oh why did I ever leave Wyoming? Why, oh why did I ever Magnanymyte actyvyte foce attempraunce have to go? ‘Cause the sheriff back there’s Treason murder Felonye consyli … [con- looking for me high and low...” But Wyoming ciliation] and also how a commune welth does not count as a “Y-State.” Sorry.] myght be ediffyed and a[lso] contenewid within our Realme. Howbeyt in conclusyon we have d[one] as our predecessors have been wont to doo that ys to say, as well we myght and lefte wher we begann.” 6 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 American Graffiti is a 1973 coming-of-age The author’s first car that he used for Ypsilanti film by George Lucas. The movie is a study by Fred Thomas of the rock and roll and cruising cultures “Cruising Ypsilanti” was a 1950 Ford popular among post WW II baby boomers. Set in Modesto, in 1962, the film turn would come to join the seemingly un- your own vehicle. A friend pumped gas is a nostalgic portrait of teenage life in the ending caravans of cars. Finally I reached there, and would often assist me if business early 1960s told in a series of vignettes, the rite of passage. January 22, 1957 was was slow. featuring the story of a group of teenagers my sixteenth birthday and I got my driver’s Next a cleanup at home and a change of and their adventures within one night. license that same day. clothes was in order. Not to be forgotten One benchmark in life is the day you ac- was the extra time needed to apply a little In the mid 1950s Ypsilanti teenagers quire your first automobile. It signifies the dab of Brylcreem to my hair and assign cruised and listened to rock and roll music, cutting of the apron strings. Adult respon- each strand its proper place. In addition, too, much to the chagrin of their parents. sibility now belongs to you. Misuse of the my departures were often delayed as a rein- Cruisin’ scenes similar to those in American vehicle can spell disaster. However, that forcing ego demanded I check my appear- Graffiti were played out in our town before thought never enters your mind. All you ance in the mirror at least four or five times George Lucas was old enough to drive. can visualize is how neat it will be to drive in order to validate “how cool” I looked! your own car, going wherever you want, In my opinion, the boom years of the drive- As prearranged, two or three cohorts would whenever you want. Before long I bought in era in Ypsilanti were 1954-1959 when be picked up. Each passenger would throw my first car, a 1950 Ford. Thus began my the streets of our city and adjacent town- in a buck for gas. Driving responsibilities regular participation in the ritualistic activ- ship were alive with cruisers. Few ven- rotated from weekend to weekend, depend- ity commonly called “cruisin’.” tured out during the week as school or work ing on the drivability of our respective au- demanded their time. However, when the My ego depended on that car. I could feel tos. Immediately a consensus would deter- weekend arrived, they hit the roads, hoping my chest swell whenever someone made a mine the initial destination on the circuitous to sow wild oats. Local drive-ins attracted complimentary remark about it. Whether cruising route. Often it was Frostop. those in search of excitement like flowers arriving at a local high school or a drive-in, Frostop is a name that at its zenith was fa- lure honeybees gathering nectar. And, the vehicle provided me advance recogni- miliar to millions. In the 1950s, Frostop like bees in flight, carloads told each other tion. Friends saw it coming and knew im- experienced tremendous growth. The sig- which places were buzzin’. mediately who was driving. What follows nature brown and yellow, neon lit stands, is a summary of a typical evening’s cruise As adolescents my buddies and I could only with their gigantic, revolving in my black Ford. watch the older kids passing as we stood mug on top alerted drivers to locations curbside and longed for the day when our A Saturday afternoon phone call usually from considerable distances. Reddaway’s confirmed plans for an evening of drive-in Frostop location at 3015 East Michigan Av- hopping. That called for a meticulous car enue was the township’s easternmost drive- Reddaway’s Frostop Drive- cleaning at Talbot’s Mobil Service at 2851 in. Ingress and egress from either Holmes In at 3015 East E. Michigan Avenue at the corner of Ridge [continued overleaf] Michigan Avenue Road. For seventy-five cents you could scrub It was easy to see the large was a popular stop lighted neon sign at Cecil’s Drive-In at 1215 East Mich- One of the stops on the Old Chicago Road was igan Avenue. A Wurltzer Rea’s Drive-In at 1370 East Michigan, owned 200-play jukebox at Cecil’s and operated by Kelsie and Roy Tillman Drive-In blared the latest rock and roll songs

www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 7 Cruisin’ Ypsilanti [continued from page 7] Before turning left onto Ecorse we debated a right turn and a visit to the small Ecorse Drive- Road or Michigan Avenue made the lot In at 161 Emerick, but generally decided to conducive to cruising. forego it, and head to greener pastures. After a root beer float and cute comments to Another left hand turn onto Michigan and the car hops, we would head west, toward a right turn onto Prospect Street would town. The next stop on the Old Chicago lead us to a popular hangout, the Chick In Road was Rea’s Drive-In at 1370 East Mich- Drive-In at Prospect and Holmes Road. igan, owned and operated by Kelsie and Roy (See Gleanings, summer 2009, p.12 and p.22 Tillman. (See Gleanings, winter 2012, page for the history of this continuing business). Fol- 29 for more about them.) Their barbeques were lowing prolonged conversations with new- on our favorites list. We would occasionally Stan’s Cafeteria at 62 Ecorse became Elias ly met acquaintances, we would head south stop for one. However, the parking lot was Brothers Big Boy not long after opening. The on Prospect to the next traffic light where usually full and consequently not easy to ma- double-decker Big Boy hamburger and the Slim- Jim ham sandwich were available only there we turned right. neuver in and out of.

vice-only stand in 1935 and operated it for Forest Avenue took us to the intersection A quick shot across the highway took many years. The hot dogs were delicious, with Washtenaw where we turned right us into Covey’s Drive-In at the corner of but parking was all next to the highway and again (Forest now ends at College Place). Michigan and Burbank. A slow rolling in- to exit you often had to avoid traffic when Soon we would reach the westernmost spection of the crowd at this curved cafe backing out. Also, Bill was not happy drive-in, three hours after leaving Frostop and we would be on our way, barring any when cars sat too long and took up space. and covering a distance of only about six social contacts, of course. Besides, Bill’s employed only curb boys miles. McNaughton’s, at 1303 Washtenaw Re-entering Michigan Avenue was precari- and they were not particularly receptive to was a likely place to meet acquaintances ous due to a 50 mph speed limit. Cross- our offhand remarks. A dog and a beer, and from school who lived within walking dis- ing over to Bill’s Hot Dogs at 1294 East we moved on. tance. This made the extended driving ef- Michigan had to be done quickly and only fort worthwhile. Just west of Bill’s on the north side was Ce- after two oncoming traffic checks! Bill and cil’s Drive-In at 1215 East Michigan. You The drive-ins we visited were in no partic- Eileen Bristol opened the small curb-ser- could not miss the large lighted neon letters ular sequential order. Where we ventured spelling out “Cecil’s Good Food” to pass- was often a result of tips other groups had ers-by. A spacious parking area provided given us. The last loop before heading ample room for customers. Inside and out- home was normally through the Chick In side service was available at all hours. The or Cecil’s, as they stayed open later. The restaurant was well lighted and inviting excitement was over and we were ready to with red and yellow leather covered seat- go home. ing and the long, brightly polished stain- Take a ride down memory lane less steel soda fountain. A Wurltzer 200- Take a parent or grandparent with you. Be- play jukebox blared the latest rock ‘n’ roll gin at the Chick In. Turn left and follow songs outside, but was toned down inside. Holmes to the eastern end. Make a right Good food, seeing numerous cool cars, and turn. Frostop was at this corner. Head west chances to meet friendly females would on Michigan. Rea’s was near the Hana Ko- bring us back often to loop the busy lot. rean restaurant. Covey’s is now a Roy’s Our stays at Cecil’s could last more than Squeeze In. Bill’s Hot Dogs is now Bill’s an hour. Eventually we made our departure Drive-In. Cecil’s burned down in the mid onto US-12 and again headed west. At 1960s when it was called Barhops. I am Ecorse and Michigan a left turn steered us not sure about the status of Stan’s, or the to nearby Stan’s Carfeteria at 62 Ecorse. Ecorse Drive-In. McNaughton’s is no lon- If the name does not sound familiar, think ger there. Yes, some of the 1950s drive-ins of the Elias Brothers Big Boy which it be- still exist, and some don’t. But, your par- came not long after opening. The double- ents’ and grandparents’ stories of cruisin’ decker Big Boy hamburger and the Slim Ypsilanti still exist in their memories. Ask Jim ham sandwich were only available them to share a few. there. I recall prices being higher. For that [Fred Thomas moved to Ypsilanti in 1948, reason our routine was to pull through and graduated from Roosevelt High School in survey the place for people we knew. If the 1958 and then from Eastern Michigan in 1965. search was in vain, we exited. He currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.]

8 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 An exciting FIND of Ypsilanti railroad history –By Gerry Petty Every so often something is found in the YHS Museum/Archive that absolutely flab- bergasts me as to its very existence from so many years ago. We now have such a long- forgotten artifact in our possession from Michigan’s railroading past, as well as other business documents. They all concern Yp- silanti and its surrounding small towns in 1846 during the rebuilding of the Michigan “By Jove, I think we’re Central Railroad and other items of interest. on to something!” Although Ypsilanti had a railroad as early as September, 1838, it was a privately-owned services along the roadway/track laying a physical payroll, lots of small change–– line named the Detroit and St. Joseph Rail- operations from Dearborn to Denton, Yp- which included half cent pieces––and lots road. It was badly under-constructed and silanti, Pittsfield Station, and out to Grass of silver and gold coins as there was no under-funded becoming insolvent early on Lake Michigan! United States paper currency. Almost all and was eventually was taken over by the of the local banks were put out of busi- Contained on these MCRR payrolls were State of Michigan in 1840. After running ness during the panic of 1837, and people their pay rates, for the typical 10-hour through more than $5 million in funds and were very reluctant to accept ANY paper workdays, the names of the workers, and doing an equally sub-standard construction money from private banks. All of this re- their actual signatures. As an example: a job, the State decided to sell its stake in the quired a personal sign-off checklist to re- rail-layer made 87¢ a day, skilled work- Central Railroad of Michigan in 1846. By ceive the workers pay. It was not unusual ers made one dollar a day and a team of this time it went as far as Kalamazoo, a dis- for a railroad to have an express car that horses were contracted for a dollar a day tance of about 143 miles from Detroit carried cash payrolls and other valuable as we have the actual draying bill moving items to certified recipients and this prob- Investors in 1846 were able to raise $2 mil- rails and ties to the work area (the owner of ably was the way these men were paid. The lion to purchase the CRM with the hope of the team was a local worker putting down headquarters of the MCRR was Detroit, making it profitable and running the line to rails too). We also have a bill from one of about 39 miles away and the existence of Michigan City, Indiana and then to Chicago, our local restaurants for $5.25, which was this payroll document should have been de- Illinois. Beyond Chicago the railroad was never eaten as the labor crew was called stroyed when the last workers had all been to eventually serve several other states. The away from their dinner by a wood fire they paid and the payroll audited. It is all very now successful MCRR exceeded its own had to put out. Probably it was railroad ties quizzical as to why this payroll never made expectations and, by 1925, the MCRR had and wood braces needed to redo the badly it back to Detroit! 1,871 miles or roadway and 4,139 miles of built roadbeds that had caught fire. We also track. Finally, in the 1940s, the have a record of a Denton farmer submit- All of these wonderful MCRR documents Central line bought out the last of the bonds ting a bill for several hundred dollars from will be placed in a separate file, as the docu- and began to control the railway. a fire caused by one of the passing Michi- ments are physically large and the attendant gan Central Railroad steam engines. It did tertiary bills constitute a separate heading This last October, while looking around quite a bit of damage, according to the bill. for the MCRR business file. (MCRR: 1846 the archival storage area, Al Rudisill came Bus. documents/payrolls.) For people who across a very old accordion file. I had never In 1846, these workers were not paid study business history, these are just full of seen this file, even during our Archives weekly but ‘about’ monthly. They were information for the early development of move back in 2007. This ancient file had paid not by check, voucher, bank deposits, Michigan railroads, and 19th century busi- been given to the YHS sometime in 1954, but CASH-in-hand. Paying in cash requires ness documentation and forms of this era. gratefully accepted and evidently forgotten for 58 years! Just on its own that is some- thing too, but what was truly amazing was that it was a treasure trove of 19th century business documents: checks, promissory notes, deeds, doctors bills, a 1924 divorce document, demands for payment and best of all, the payrolls for about eight weeks of the newly formed, Michigan Central Railroad! Additionally, it also contained all of the information as to the workers, the amounts of pay and about 30% of the ad- ditional bills submitted to the railroad for 9 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Museum Advisory Board Report Barr, By Kathryn Howard, Chair, Museum Advisory Board Spring! Isn’t it wonderful for all of us who couldn’t be a snow bird? We had, in spite of Anhut & the severe weather, lots of activity at the museum. From Estabrook School we had several Associates, student tours of 3rd and 4th graders. Also, we had a group of “Questers” from Detroit. P.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW We are now getting ready for our Artists of Ypsilanti and area Art Exhibit of oil, wa- 105 Pearl Street tercolor and pastel paintings. We have so many talented artists. This year we are also Ypsilanti MI 48197 having photography, so if any of you are camera sharks, please let us know. The Art 734-481-1234 Exhibit runs from April 23rd to May 19th. Classes of 2nd and 3rd graders at the Willow Run School are studying the history of Experience you can trust Ypsilanti, will be making post cards, and have asked us to display them. We will be Karl A. Barr, J.D. excited to see their work. [email protected] New exhibits will be going into the showcases: Diane John M. Barr, J.D. Schick’s Hummel collection in the library and Donna Car- [email protected] penter’s Irish Beleek collection in the other large case. Wills, Estate Planning, Probate Lost Ypsilanti is in progress and will be exhibited Real Estate, Business, Family Law from June 4th through September 1st. Prominent Cit- Contracts, Municipal Law izen’s of Ypsilanti’s past will be featured. Litigation in all courts Highest “AV” Peer Rating In September we will be having a quilt show; if you have a quilt you would like to exhibit, contact me or Named “Super Lawyer” the museum. • Since 1959 • The front hall floor[at right] has been refinished and new carpet runners have been laid. A new carpet runner has also been placed in the upstairs hall. Both back stairwells Gary M. Moss, O.D. have been repainted by our Intern, Lauren Thomson. Doctor of Optometry Lauren will be graduating in the end of April, and so Serving Ypsilanti for 34 years! will be leaving her position as Intern. She has been a tremendous help in her two years with us. We will have a new Intern from the Graduate Historic Preservation Program by the first of May. Eye Health • Adult & Pediatric Comprehensive Our next long-range project for the museum is working to make our dining room more Eye Health Exams attractive. • Blood pressure & glaucoma testing, Diabetic medical exams We welcome new help and docents. We would also like volunteers for contributing • Treatment of common eye ailments desserts for our quarterly meetings and special functions. I hope you can come and see • Complete lab on premises • One-day emergency service our new exhibits and attractions. Have a wonderful spring. in most cases Premium Products • Designer/Fashion Frames & Sunglasses • Latest contact lenses Location Ypsilanti Animal Clinic. P.C. • 1769 Washtenaw, Ypsilanti 37 Ecorse Road at Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48198 Between EMU & Gene Butman Ford Dealership Telephone: (735) 485-1622 IN COURTLAND SQUARE Website: www.ypsivet.com

New Patients Welcome! Clinic Hours: Schedule an appointment today! Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 734.483.2100 Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gerald Glencer, D.V.M. www.GaryMMossOD.com Doctor’s Hours: By Appointment Peter Kunoff, D.V.M.

10 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 How-By Fred Thomas did it get there?

The Consolidated B-24 “Liberator” bomber Taken at Willow Run when 139 was transferred to Post 379 (photo courtesy of the Ypsilanti Historical Society)

Nowadays an Eby-Brown Company warehouse occupies the northwest corner of East Michigan Avenue and Spencer Lane. The large facility is hard to miss. However, had you passed the same location sometime between 1946 and 1950, what you saw would have left you wondering. Parked in an orchard at this intersection was a huge WWII airplane. Around it a gateless, four foot high, picket snow fence stood guard to keep onlookers from getting too close. It was a challenge to move 139 from Willow It was a B-24 Liberator bomber. From Run to the Edsel B. Ford American Legion Post 379, located in a log cabin building on the October 1942 until April 1945 employees south side of Michigan Avenue (photo courtesy at the Ford Motor Company’s Willow Run of The Story of Willow Run by Marion Wilson plant produced 8,865 of them. Each aircraft - copyright 1956) required 1,225,000 parts to manufacture, at the Edsel B. Ford American Legion Post a cost of $297,627. The B-24s proved well 379, located in a log cabin building on the worth the time and money. They saved south side of Michigan Avenue opposite countless lives while bringing hostilities to the government owned corner property. an earlier conclusion. Guests of honor at the dedication ceremony After an acceptance ceremony, the retired held May 26, 1946 were Mr. and Mrs. Henry With 110 feet of wingspan and 4 monstrous Ford (photo courtesy of The Story of Willow war bird was taxied to the airfield apron engines facing the highway, the sheer size Run by Marion Wilson - copyright 1956) to await transfer to its place of honor. of this winged behemoth made it impossible However, the challenge was to figure out By evening the crew reached Forest to pass without notice. The question was, how to move it without major difficulty, Avenue. The next day the movers headed “How did it get there?” using a caterpillar tractor hitched to the east to Spencer Lane, and the orchard One evening, late in 1945 several members nose wheel, and a smaller tractor hitched to location where the 67 foot long aircraft was of a nearby veterans’ group decided to ask each side wheel. positioned among the apple trees. the War Department for a dummy bomb to After difficulties getting out of the Kaiser- A ceremony to dedicate the plane was use as a war memorial. The request was Frazer yard the first day, the slow moving held May 26, 1946. Guests of honor were denied. Thereafter a member suggested, vehicles traveled Ecorse Road west to Ford Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford. The American perhaps in jest, that they ask for a plane Boulevard. En route a wing clipped a tree Legion post was named in honor of their instead, and they did. To their surprise, which had to be cut down to clear the way. son Edsel who had died in 1943. In notification soon arrived that they would In addition, highway signs and overhead addition, it was Henry Ford’s company that receive a B-24 to display. electric wires were temporarily removed so was responsible for the bomber plant. Old Bomber 139 landed at the Willow Run the plane and its accompanying procession 139 had returned to the place where it made airport February 26, 1946 for delivery to of helpers could pass. its maiden flight, home to Willow Run. [continued overleaf] 11 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 How did it get there? [continued from page 11]

Life for the former sky warrior was not as glorious as it had been flying combat missions overseas. The protective fence The 1914 Model T Ford Station Wagon was no match for curious folks longing to May 31, 1927, the last Ford Model T rolled explore the interior of the aircraft. Over off the assembly line. It was the first afford- time souvenir hounds picked away once able automobile, due in part to the assem- vital parts. Bit by bit neglect increased. bly line process developed by Henry Ford. No longer did admirers come to recall the It had a 2.9-liter, 20-horsepower engine and valiant service it had performed supporting could travel at speeds up to 45 miles per America’s war efforts. Finally, in 1950, hour. It had a 10-gallon fuel tank and could the remaining carcass of the once majestic run on kerosene, petrol, or ethanol, but it Liberator was carefully removed by couldn’t drive uphill if the tank was low, workers from a scrap metal company. because there was no fuel pump; people got As a pupil at Spencer Elementary School in around this design flaw by driving up hills “I will build a car for the great multitude,” the late 1940s I often stood and marveled in reverse. said Ford. “It will be large enough for the at the giant craft. I recall being saddened family, but small enough for the individual Ford believed that “the man who will use when I arrived at the school one day only to run and care for. It will be constructed his skill and constructive imagination to to find the B-24 gone. For more about old of the best materials, by the best men to see how much he can give for a dollar, in- number 139 see pages 78-83 of Marion be hired, after the simplest designs that stead of how little he can give for a dollar, Wilson’s The Story of Willow Run. modern engineering can devise. But it will is bound to succeed.” The Model T cost be low in price [so] that no man making a (Fred Thomas moved to Ypsilanti in 1948, $850 in 1909, and as efficiency in produc- good salary will be unable to own one - and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958 tion increased, the price dropped. and then from Eastern Michigan in 1965. He enjoy with his family the blessing of hours currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona.) By 1927, you could get a Model T for $290. of pleasure in God’s great open spaces.”

12 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 We hear Ypsilanti singing Historic Choir sings of WWII heritage

first assigned to fly the enormous bomber, By Val Kabat nicknamed the “flying barn.” But after a successful mission or two, Liberator crew- 30th Anniversary Concert to feature the members almost always sang her praises. Consolidated B-24 bomber, “The Liberator”, Osterland’s music captures the “rumbling, grumbling” assembly line, where the work- built at Willow Run airport in World War II ers “Keep those parts a moving, always The Ypsilanti Community Choir is excit- were being played out at that bomber plant. proving we can get the job done” and also edly looking forward to their 30th anniver- It fascinates me.” the dedication of the pilots who “soar as on sary celebration on Thursday, May 2. The wings of an eagle and grasp the heavens . . It was 1939, and the first B-24s were being concert, which is free, will be held at Em- . righting the wrongs and enforcing the will produced at the rate of one per day at San manuel Lutheran Church, 201 North River of a people who would be free.” Diego’s Consolidated Aircraft plant. Dear- Street, and will begin at 7:30 p.m. born’s Ford plant was under government What makes this concert especially excit- contract to produce some of the aircraft’s ing is that the choir will be premiering a parts. But then Henry Ford’s production new work by Ann Arbor composer Karl chief, Charles Sorenson, visited the San Osterland. YCC’s association with Oster- Diego plant. After seeing the manufactur- land dates back to the early 1980s when he ing process in person, Sorenson was sure and founder Denise Rae Zellner were col- that Ford—using the assembly line—could leagues in Music Youth International. do better. He was right, and by August of 1944, the Willow Run Bomber plant was In addition to Osterland’s day job as presi- producing one B-24 per hour. dent of Ypsilanti’s FasTemps, a full-ser- vice staffing agency. He is music director Henry Ford’s 80-acre factory with a mile- and organist at Historic Trinity Lutheran long assembly line employed more than Church in Detroit, where he directs three 40,000 people. This was the largest factory services each Sunday. When approached in the United States, and the largest any- about the possibility of writing a new work where outside the USSR. It had the largest to commemorate YCC’s anniversary, Os- assembly line in the world (3,500,000 sq. terland looked for an inspiration unique to ft.) at the time of completion. Ypsilanti’s The Choir in rehearsal Ypsilanti. He found it in the B-24 “Libera- major contribution to the war effort caused tor,” which contributed so much to the Al- the rest of the world to see southeastern Ypsilanti Community Choir lies’ efforts during World War II. Michigan as the “Arsenal of Democracy.” 30th Anniversary Concert Reflecting on the creative process, - Oster Not considered the most attractive of Premiering “Liberator” land says, “I find the incredible speed and WWII’s flying arsenal, the Liberator none- by Karl Osterland unity of purpose in the US and especially in theless provided incomparable service Thursday, May 2 • 7:30 p.m. Ypsilanti during WW II to be very inspir- during the Second World War and the Ko- Emmanuel Lutheran Church ing. In some ways, it was Ypsilanti’s finest rean conflict that followed. Many pilots 201 North River Street, Ypsilanti hour—a time when the hopes of a nation and crewmen were disappointed when Admission is free 13 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 The following unedited timeline gives more clues regarding Sanscrainte’s possible connections to what would later be known as Ypsilanti [All notations and parenthetical comments are attributed to the author] A Sanscrainte From Jim Woodruff’s Topologist’s Blog by Kevin Lajiness 1778 Timeline Margaret Solo m. Jean Baptiste 7 Romain 1723 dit Sanscrainte, bap 24 Dec 1754 Montréal Jean Baptiste Romain Dit Sanscrainte b: PQ; ma 13 Oct Detroit MI May 16, in Montreal, Canada 1779 Providing 1754 Serjeant Sanscrainte, whose father (who Full Credit Married: 25 FEB in Montréal, QC Suzanne- had come with Clarke from the Ilinois) at Amable DENIAU that instant stepping up raised the muzzle Reporting and obtained his son’s life by applying to & 1754 Colol. Clarke Debt Collection Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte b. probably Laprairie 1779 Services Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte was to 1760 deeded land on Rivire-au-Loutre (Otter • Individuals January 7, JEAN ROMAIN DIT SAN- Creek) in by the Potawatomies SCRAINTE witnesses the mutual consent • Businesses of the nuptial benediction to michel Boier 1786 • Public and Private and to josette marguerite de lignon at mich- 15, May Deed from Potawatomie for land Educational Institutions ilimakinak on the River Raisin; signed by 5 Indians with totems; witnessed by J. B. Sanscrainte • Government Agencies 1760 and Francois Navarre. From Labadie Fam- October 9 Jacque (one source says female) ily Papers. (This is attributed to both Jean CALL US TODAY! Sans Crainte born to Jean Baptiste Sans Baptiste Sanscrainte 1749-1822 [I question Crainte and Indian slave michilimakinak these dates] and Jean Baptiste Romain dit Sanscrainte b.1754) [email protected] 1761 jean romain dit Sanscrainte witnesses, the 1790 mutual consent of pierre duprés and of marie Explorer Hugh Heward’s journal describes a Credit Reports: joseph carignan at michilimakinak July 18, trading post, operated by Jean Baptiste San- scriante, in near the Potawatomi settlement 734.483.1130 1765 Jean Baptiste Sanscrainte (John Soncrant) Moravian indians Debt Collections: came from Quebec (this would have been 1795 the father the son would have only been (Nov 9 1810 –fifteen years ago) the late 734.482.0045 11 years old and the date may be right for surveyor, McNiff came up the Huron with when he set up the post but he was in Mich- Sanscrainte the interpreter to survey land ilimackinac as early as 1760 and up to 1795 by order of John Askins Fax: as noted by Greenville treaty notes –Kevin 734.483.1896 Lajiness) and settled on the north bank of 1795 the Huron river (Detroit Area) at present No prisoners remain in our hands in the Craig T. Annas day West Jefferson. He sold this property to neighborhood of Michilimackinac. Those President Gabriel Godfroy in 1796- Rockwood, The two Frenchmen present (Messieurs Sans Huron River, Patricia Quick, Rockwood Crainte and Pepin,) can witness to the truth of Area Historical Society this assertion “ (Indian to general Wayne)

14 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 The search for our first European settler continues

French traders Jean-Baptiste meeting with Native Americans Sanscrainte’s at a peltry along on these travels the younger By Michael E. Van Wasshnova Jean-Baptiste became acquainted story with members of the area’s many native tribes and began his career as In the summer and fall issues of the Yp- an interpreter and trader. He learned silanti Historical Society’s newsletter, the the customs and the native way of Gleanings, Tom Dodd wrote two satiri- life which served him throughout cal stories concerning a French-Canadian in English. This was a purely French-Ca- his long life. man with the surname of Sans Crainte. nadian custom. There were various reasons [Have no fear! J.B. Sanscrainte was here, for this practice, which we will not go into A year after his marriage to Margaret Solo GLEANINGS, Fall 2012 and Our French Con- at this time. (also spelled Soleau) on 13 October 1778, nection memory bank is still growing, GLEAN- Jean-Baptiste III negotiated a deal with INGS, Winter 2012.] From our research the Romain dit Sans several tribes in the Detroit River region to Crainte family came from the parish of St. purchase thousands of acres of land along I, being not only a member of the Ypsi- Martial in Angouleme, France. The first the River Raisin, known to the French as lanti Historical Society, but also a member Jean-Baptiste of that surname to arrive in Riviere aux Raisins, which is now the city of the French-Canadian Heritage Society North America was born there in about of Monroe. of Michigan, the Genealogical Society of 1696. He married in Montreal, Quebec on Monroe County and Descendants of Early 30 June 1722. The subject of our story was In August of 1794 Jean-Baptiste III was in- Frenchtown, already knew of this family. the grandson of that union. Jean-Baptiste volved in the Battle of Fallen Timbers along As a matter of fact, the Sancrainte family is the III, as we will call him, was born in with at least four other French-Canadians a collateral part of my family tree. Not only Montreal in the year 1754. He married Mar- from the Detroit and River Raisin region. that, but on the voyage that was mentioned garet Solo in Detroit on 13 October 1778. They fought for the British, who at the time in the Hugh Heward Journal that Mr. Dodd They were the parents of eight children. ruled the region, and the Indian allies of the sourced, a member of my French-Canadian British. General Anthony Wayne’s North- family was a participant. That man was Jean-Baptiste III lived a very full and ad- western American Army defeated the Brit- Joseph Lamirande, my third great grand venturous life, judging by the records we ish allies. After that battle the Indians had father who was hired to transport material have uncovered in our research. He was a little desire to fight for the British as they across country by canoe and portaging. So family man, trader, Indian interpreter for had received no help from them. this had become a personal story as well. both the Americans and the British and was involved in many of the historical events Along with several other French-Canadi- One problem when using the Heward Jour- that we learned of in our American history ans from the region, Jean-Baptiste was re- nal, is Mr. Dodd’s assumption that Jean- classes. The story of this man could fill a cruited by General Wayne to bring in many Baptiste Sancrainte’s site was located in or book, but that must wait for someone else chiefs from the various tribes to sign the near what is now Ypsilanti. In reading the to write. Treaty of Greenville. journal no definite land mark of any kind is Also in the records that have been located, mentioned. All that is written is the date, 1 So to keep this story short Jean-Baptiste and members of his family April 1790, the type of trees and that Mr. I will attempt to inform you were involved in the Battle of the Raisin. Sancrainte was along the Huron River. of the real facts of Jean-Bap- Some records have him on the side of the The Jean-Baptiste Sancrainte who was tiste Romain dit Sancrainte. British, some with the Americans. We do mentioned in the Hugh Heward record know that at least three of his four sons, Jean-Baptiste III began his adventurous was not the first Jean-Baptiste Romain dit one named Jean-Baptiste, fought with the life while a very young man. His father, Sancrainte in North America. He was born Kentuckians and had property destroyed Jean-Baptiste II, brought him along while in Montreal, Quebec, not France. He was during the battle. seeking places to establish missions. The actually a second generation French-Ca- father somehow had connections with the Jean-Baptiste III died in 1838 at the age of nadian and the third in line with the name Jesuits and was involved with the found- 84 while out hunting for horses. Jean-Baptiste. ing of missions at Black Rock, Fort Meigs, (Michael E. Van Wasshnova is a member of the We must explain here that the word dit is Maumee, Huron (which is now Windsor) Monroe County Historical Society and a regu- the French word for also known as (aka) and St. Lawrence (now Toledo). While lar visitor to the YHS Archives.) 15 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Donald H. Porter: Craftsman and Artist By Peg Porter

Publicly he was a school administrator, active in many community organizations (Lions, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, Congregational Church), husband of Ruth and father of Margaret, Don Jr. and Jane. Privately he loved to work with wood. He built at least three boats, a summer cottage, and a home addition. But he liked to build smaller objects as well. His woodshop was particularly busy as the holidays drew near. His Christmas outdoor decorations won the local holiday lighting contest at least five years in a row when he finally asked not to be part of the judging. He built cradles for his granddaughters, toy chests and trains for his grandsons. Other children and adults were also given a Porter original. Many of his items were made from Above: Don Porter served as an scraps of wood left over from larger projects. He particularly liked hard woods although administrator in the Ypsilanti Public Schools many of the toys were made with pine. He decorated much of what he built. Garlands of Above left: Don Porter’s “circus train” had flowers, hearts, and birds adorned his creations. Sometimes the paintings told a story; he animals riding in the cars with the giraffes’, for used names in his paintings to honor the receiver. example, having an open car letting them look out and survey the passing scene Several of his creations were on display as part of the Museum’s holiday decorations. He loved Christmas, loved making decorations and creating gifts. He did not consider Right: One of the doll cradles designed and built by Don Porter himself a craftsman or an artist. And yet, he was.

The following is an outgrowth of the It is not surprising that one of Don’s first The cottage holiday display. A number of people asked for projects was a speed boat built from a kit on Base Lake an article about my father focusing on his art. built by Don and christened the Mickey Mouse. He went Porter was This was not an easy assignment because, in on to build a rowboat, the Mimi, and a cabin an H-shaped large part, he rarely spoke about himself. In cruiser, Mimi II. The cruiser was modeled structure addition, he was a humble man and did not with the after the Crosby cruisers, which I knew, but kitchen, living believe he was especially talented. Others had no idea of its significance until I began room, porch thought differently. Fortunately, some of his researching the Porter family. and master work has survived. bedroom all When the family home was built on having a lake view Donald Porter never talked much about Owendale in the early 1940s, Don created a how he learned his craft. It was as if he workshop in the basement. The workbench always knew. The Porters of Colonial had small drawers on three sides. These Massachusetts and later Nova Scotia, held nails, screws, bolts, all carefully Canada, had numerous builders, particularly organized. The workshop was a prime ship builders, painters, weavers and others example of his skill in utilizing space. No who produced useful or beautiful items. longer just a builder he was now a designer Donald’s grandfather, Titus H. Porter, was as well. Several of his design projects were a builder who worked both in Nova Scotia featured in Better Homes and Gardens. and in coastal Massachusetts. According to one family source, he built homes, public In the mid 1940s, Don built the Porter buildings and, of course, boats. The latter cottage on Base (a.k.a. Baseline) Lake. included everything from fishing boats to The Davis family gave Ruth and Don the racing yachts. The Porters were cousins two lots as a wedding present. Mother had to the Crosbys, well-known boat and yacht lived with Spen and Hazel Davis while builders (The Crosbys also produced one she attended the Normal and helped take famous entertainer, Harry or “Bing”, but care of their four children. On the north that is another story). shore, the property had views of “Peach 16 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 As we were growing up, Dad was very busy overseeing the construction of at least six new school buildings as well as his usual responsibilities of budget, finance, transportation and maintenance, and executive secretary to the Board of Education. When he retired, I am told, three people were hired to fill his “position.” With the arrival of grandchildren, he Above: The Porters and their cousins, the returned to his workshop where he created Crosby’s, were boat builders. The boat is the doll cradles, toy boxes, and toy trains. Each Crosby Cruiser. Left: Don built this rowboat one of the items was personalized with called the “Mimi 1” the child’s name and most had his unique decorative painting. His “circus train” was displayed at the Ypsilanti Historical Mountain” and the hills on the lake. Mother refused to allow a phone Museum during the 2012 holidays. The the opposite side. My parents for a long time although she eventually animals ride in different cars; the giraffes, designed an H-shaped structure relented for emergencies. No TV was for example, have an open car letting them with the kitchen, living room and allowed either. We learned to make our look out and survey the passing scene. A doll porch and master bedroom all own entertainment. house shows the same level of detail with with a lake view. The focal point each of the rooms individually decorated. The next big building project occurred in of the main living space was a It is these smaller items that best exhibit the early 1950s. A large two story addition field stone fireplace. The cottage his artistry and craftsmanship. He created at the back of the house nearly doubled its had four bedrooms (one was very a short publication called “Making Toys size. This, like other projects, was done small) and a bathroom. Don did from Scrap Materials.” Had he access to in my Dad’s “free time.” His job with the most of the construction with the today’s technology his ideas would likely Ypsilanti Public Schools was demanding help of a group of friends. The have reached a larger audience. and time consuming. We got used to things finished kitchen featured a bay being torn up although we still didn’t like window with a custom made As he grew older, he did more carving it. A mother robin had constructed a very table. On the sides of the table focusing on shapes in hard woods. His nice nest while building was underway. he painted the names of all who creations became more abstract but also As a result the back wall was not erected had helped in his usual decorative more beautiful. His love and appreciation until the birds had hatched and were on style with garlands and hearts. As of wood was clearly apparent. their way. The Ypsilanti Press published a a child I used to study the names Our mother, Ruth Porter, certainly appreci- feature story on our feathered visitors. and as a result I “knew” some ated her husband’s talent. There were a few of Ypsilanti’s most prominent Our backyard held, at various times, items times, however, when she wished he would citizens. our Dad made for his three children. I, the take up golf or fishing. One day Mother oldest, had a swing set although this was not The upper kitchen cabinet doors and I returned from a shopping trip to Ann a typical swing set by any means. A pipe were painted to tell the story of Arbor to find the kitchen cupboards being was attached to two tall trees. Attached building the cottage. Unfortunately, demolished. “Don, what are you doing?” by chains were a swing, a trapeze, and a holes for hinges were drilled on the Mother exclaimed. Dad responded that she set of rings. He was ahead of his time in wrong side of one the doors leaving had told him many times that she wanted Several “re-purposeing” items; the trapeze was a the story out of sequence. That was different cabinets. “I didn’t mean right this of Don’s smaller pipe and the rings were metal as minute. We have company coming!” designs one of the few “goofs” I remember. well. Since I seemed to prefer looking at that were We left them that way. The mistake I have a brother-in-law who did not know created the world upside down, I spent most of proved to be a good conversation our father but hears about him often. Mike in his my time hanging from the trapeze or the workshop in starter and also a test of visitors’ once remarked, “Are you sure he did rings. My brother had a fort-jungle gym, a the family power of observation. everything you say he did?” Janie and I home on two level wooden structure that had a slide answered, “Oh yes, he did everything. You Owendale While the structure was and a fireman’s pole. Our sister, Jane, had were just had to know our Dad.” featured impressive, it was by no means Lilac Cottage, a small painted playhouse in Better fancy. We had only cold running with aqua trim. For a number of years, our [Peg Porter is the Assistant Editor of the Homes and water for a number of years. backyard often resembled a neighborhood Gleanings and regularly contributes articles Gardens Water had to be heated for playground. about growing up in Ypsilanti.] dishwashing. Baths were taken in

17 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 History’s message: Just do the job and leave your name! The Ypsilanti Historical Mu- tification was associated with Archer - soldier with bow and arrow seum is more than a collection his occupation or craft. Each Barker - tans hides with bark of ancient artifacts and historical hamlet and town had a miller, Bellows - bellows-maker, operates forge data; it is a collection of people. for example, who operated the Boardman - cuts timber mill for grinding the grain. If Boomer – hobo or explosive population Imagine the late Peter Fletcher his given name happened to representative assembling a group in the Ar- be “John”, he was referred to Bowman – see Archer chives meeting room which in- as “John the miller” to distin- Brewer – like Matt Greff at the Corner cluded Jack Miller, Ray Barber, guish him from “John the car- Brewster - female brewer (Rene Greff) Eric Maurer, Todd Barker, Patsy penter”. Carter - transports merchandise by cart Chandler, Gary Clark, Virginia What’s in a name? Cartwright - makes carts Cooper, Peg Porter, and Cheryl That which we call a rose Times change and literacy Chandler - candle maker or purveyor of Farmer. What might be the focus by any other name expands. Written records de- would smell as sweet… nautical supplies of such a meeting? Does the list mand an accounting of who’s -William Shakespeare Clark – clerk of their names offer any insight who. “Fred the cook” was Cooper – barrel maker into their commonalities? shortened to “Fred Cook” and the surname Crocker - potter “Cook” went on to designate generations Their surnames might hint at the meeting’s Currier - processes leather after tanning afterward. agenda. They could be tracing family histo- Cutler - makes knives and scissors ries back to occupations or crafts that were Herewith is a starter list of surnames found Draper – curtain-maker the origin of their surnames or cognomens. in records at the Museum or Archives Falconer - raises and trains falcons whose names likely have come from the Fisher – fisherman William Holden, in a 1974 article in Mid- talents of their ancestors. Some remain the Fletcher – arrow maker West Tool Collectors Association’s publi- same in current usage; others need some Forrester - lumberman cation [What’s in a Name?], offers this ex- explanation due to language and fluctua- Fowler - traps small birds planation: “In early days many a man was tions of craft or talent: Gardner - cultivates vegetable garden not known by a surname. Rather, his iden- Glazier - glass worker Glover – glove-maker Goldsmith – jeweler/craftsman Hooper – makes hoops for barrels. Horner - made utensils from horn Memory Care Keeler - barge tender Loomis - loom maker Supportive Living Mason - stone cutter Assisted Living Maurer – iron maker Miller (Mueller, Moeller, Muller) Nursing Care - ran the grain mill Minor - miner Naylor – nail-maker Packman - peddler Pearlman - deals in pearls Serving Ypsilanti for over 50 Years Pittman works in the pit with a pitsaw “Our mission is to continue a tradition of excellence by providing Porter – carries and delivers compassionate and dignified care for seniors in our community” Roper – rope-maker Sandler – sandal-maker Seaman – crews on a ship Shearer – shears sheep for wool Slater – a roofer from the quarry Smith - blacksmith Stoner - mason Tanner – makes leather from skins Taylor - tailor Thatcher – roof-installer 203 South Huron Street, Ypsilanti MI 48197 Tyler - makes and sells tiles 734.482.9498 www.Gilbert Residence.com Wagner (Waggoner) - makes wagons Wainwright – wagon-maker AD INFINITUM.... 18 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 Some Greek culture to accompany our Greek name Hebe fountain(s) found (but not in Ypsilanti) By Tom Dodd

Readers of the GLEANINGS perseverate likewise means “youth”, as can be seen over the loss of a local landmark they have in such derivatives as juvenile. In earlier never seen. Stories abound of the elaborate days, juvenile did not necessarily connote fountain that stood near what is the front delinquency, nor did adult mean something door of today’s Ypsilanti City Hall, but dirty.) faded photos of the complex pile of vessels In art, Hebe is usually depicted wearing with the figure of Hebe atop are all they have a sleeveless dress. There are historians seen. Still, the discovery of this community who posit that it may have been the image artifact would be a delight to those who of Hebe emblazoned on the wall of the recall its story. Help is on the way. Hay & Todd Manufacturing Company to hype their Ypsilanti Health Underwear In 1889, Ypsilanti philanthropist and ben- in 1865. After all, the five-story figure efactor, Mary Ann (Newberry) Starkweather was female and posed in the classical donated––among many other contributions to tradition. It was the advertising policy of the she city loved––a fountain that stood on that company to juxtapose their product the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and with classical art Huron Street. The elaborate baroque casting forms such as had watering sources for dogs, horses, and cupids and young people. Birds, she must have figured, could Starkweather’s fountain at Huron & Congress Greek women to (Michigan Avenue) sip at any level. At the top of all this was titillate the Victorian a statue of Hebe, the Greek mythological sensibilities of visage of Hebe and her bare arms in a goddess of youth, the daughter of Zeus and their clientele long variety of locations where an earlier ethic Hera. before Maidenform of historic preservation may have saved Who’s Hebe? bras were shown in their Hebe-depictions from destruction: Hebe was the American magazine • Taremtum, Penn- cupbearer for the ads under the A mid-century Maidenform model sylvania, displays gods and goddesses headline “I dreamt dreamed of going to two such cast stone of Mount Olympus, I (whatever) in my a “masquerade” in statues of Hebe. serving their nectar Maidenform bra.” her bra The mold for these and abrosia, until statues was donated she married Heracles Ypsilanti’s famous fountain has been absent to the borough by (the Roman equiv- for many years; some think it may be found the Tarentum Book alent of Hercules). at the bottom of the Huron River, but that’s Club on 6 June Another of Hebe’s just conjecture. Street talk has placed it in 1912. jobs was to draw the the DPW’s salt barn, and other speculators bath water for Ares, surmise it was turned into bomber parts in • In Vicksburg, but she was known World War II. No viable discovery of the Mississippi, the as Ganymeda in iconic fountain has been made to date. Bloom Fountain that role. She was Perhaps another place to look for Ypsilanti’s was installed in 1927 near the municipal Hebe, in a typical also recognized lost fountain is under the foundation of water-carrying pose as a female footman for helping Hera today’s police station since Hebe was also rose garden, thanks enter her chariot. Hebe had many helpful worshipped as a goddess of pardons or to a bequest of $6,500 in the will of Louis responsibilities; she was young and full of forgiveness; freed prisoners would hang Bloom, featuring a Hebe of cast zinc. energy. their chains in the sacred grove of her • At Bowling Green, Kentucky, the Hebe The name Hebe comes from the Greek sanctuary at Phlius. fountain in Fountain Square follows word meaning “youth” or “prime of life” Hebe depictions were popular in the 19th Canova’s model, in patinated (in colors) and how very appropriate it was for a city and early 20th century for garden fountains cast iron example, purchased in 1881 from with a Greek name to have at least one and temperance fountains, and were widely the J.L. Mott Iron Works of New York, at a example of Greek mythology in the form of available in cast stone. Thoughtful and cost of $1,500. [continued overleaf] a prominently-placed sculpture. (Juventas nostalgic Ypsilantians can still find the 19 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Hebe fountain(s) found [continued from page 19]

The girls on the porch (the caryatids of the erechtheum) seem to be mov- ing toward the future: note how each has one knee beginning to move forward, denoting a drastic change in the Greek Order and a move toward Rome and, eventually, the Renaissance

Antonio Canova’s • Similar Hebe Which “classical”style is that? Anyone Hebe became the fountains, probably wishing to separate Greek from Roman model for others to depictions of this popular mythological follow the Roman also from Mott, are tradition located in Court goddess need only to examine the Square, Memphis, placement of the feet. Greek sculptures More Hebe Tennessee, and usually have the feet placed parallel to each fountains in Montgomery, other with the legs straight; Romans would Alabama. often bend one knee, placing one foot at a and slight angle to the other. Art critics contend • There is a sculptures: the Greek statuary was actually a carved bronze statue of column intended to help hold up a building • Taremtum, PA Hebe, by Robert (see the caryatides of the erechtheum at the Thomas (1966), in • Vickburg, MS Athenean Acropolis). Romans, by contrast, Birmingham city seem to be “moving into the picture.” • Bowling Green, KY centre, England. • Memphis, TN • Antonio Conova (Tom Dodd taught art history at Schoolcraft College and Ann Arbor Community High using • Montgomery, AL also sculpted four different statues of Helen Gardner’s Art Through the Ages as a secondary source. He focused on 19th Century • Birmingham, Hebe: one of them England Architecture every spring semester, using Ann is in the Museum Arbor’s North Division Street and Ypsilanti’s • Forlî, Italy of Forlî, Italy. North Huron Street as primary sources to contrast and compare.)

20 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 Are you smarter than an eighth-grader? What it took to get an 8th grade education in 1895 Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the 8th grade exam in 1895? This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina, Kansas, USA. It was taken from the original document on Alvin Edward Rudisill (second from left in back row) completed his eighth grade file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society - andLi education in 1913 in this one-room school in Grandview School District #21 in Harding County, South Dakota. Rudisill is the father of our Gleanings brary in Salina, and reprinted by the Salina Journal. editor, Dr. Alvin Eugene Rudisill. 8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS - 1895 Grammar (Time, one hour) wide and 16 ft. long at $20 per metre? examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, 1. Give nine rules for the use of 8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days diphthong, cognate letters, linguals. capital letters. (no grace) at 10 percent. 4. Give four substitutes for caret ‘u.’ 2. Name the parts of speech and 9. What is the cost of a square farm 5. Give two rules for spelling words with define those that have no modifications. at $15 per acre, the distance of which final ‘e.’ Name two exceptions under 3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph. is 640 rods? each rule. 4. What are the principal parts of a verb? 10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory 6. Give two uses of silent letters in Give principal parts of ‘lie,’’play,’ Note, and a Receipt. spelling. Illustrate each. and ‘run.’ 7. Define the following prefixes and use in 5. Define case; illustrate each case. U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes) connection with a word: bi, dis-mis, pre, 6. What is punctuation? Give rules for 1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup. principal marks of punctuation. is divided. 8. Mark diacritically and divide into 7. Write a composition of about 150 2. Give an account of the discovery of syllables the following, and name the words and show therein that you under- America by Columbus. sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, stand the practical use of the rules of 3. Relate the causes and results of the mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, grammar. Revolutionary War. last. 4. Show the territorial growth of the 9. Use the following correctly in Arithmetic (Time,1 hour 15 minutes) United States. sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, 1. Name and define the Fundamental 5. Tell what you can of the history of feign, vane, vain, vein, raze, raise, rays. Rules of Arithmetic. Kansas. 10. Write 10 words frequently 2. A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet long, 6. Describe three of the most prominent mispronounced and indicate pronuncia- and 3 ft. Wide. How many bushels of battles of the Rebellion. tion by use of diacritical marks. wheat will it hold? 7. Who were the following: Morse, And by syllabication. 3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs., Whitney, Fulton, Bell, Lincoln, Penn, what is it worth at 50 cts/bushel, and Howe? Geography (Time, one hour) deducting 1,050 lbs. for tare? 8. Name events connected with the 1 What is climate? 4. District No 33 has a valuation of following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, Upon what does climate depend? $35,000. What is the necessary levy to 1849, 1865. 2. How do you account for the extremes carry on a school seven months at $50 of climate in Kansas ? per month, and have $104 for Orthography (Time, one hour) 3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use incidentals? 1. What is meant by the following: is the ocean? 5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. coal alphabet, phonetic, orthography, 4. Describe the mountains of North at $6.00 per ton. etymology, syllabication”. America. 6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 2. What are elementary sounds? 5. Name and describe the following: months and 18 days at 7 percent. How classified? Monrovia , Odessa , Denver , Manitoba, 7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches 3. What are the following, and give Hecla, Yukon, [continued overleaf] 21 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Eighth grade exam [continued from page 21] St. Helena, Juan Fernadez, Aspinwall and Orinoco. Old ads 6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. Name all the from our republics of Europe and give the capital of each. Yellowed Pages 8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude? 9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers. 10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth. [Gives the saying “he only had an 8th grade ed- ucation” a whole new meaning, doesn’t it?! No, we don’t have the answers! And we don’t think we ever did! But we did figure out that “Orthog- raphy” was handwriting.] Antiques & Architectural Elements since 1974

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22 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 Horses were Horse Thieves at Work! the target of thieves By James Mann in the early 1900s

On the evening of Tuesday, June 4, business. There, with Cleveland officers, 1901, Milo Hammond, the son of George Gillen found five horses, several buggies H. Hammond who owned a farm south and wagons, harnesses and a high stack of Ypsilanti, heard a noise from the barn. of blankets. Gillen returned to Ann Milo decided he had best take a look. At Arbor, where he questioned Shoemaker, the barn Milo found two men hooking a an account of the session was published horse to a buggy. The men had run the by The Ypsilanti Sentinel-Commercial on buggy out of the barn, harnessed the horse, Thursday, July 4, 1901. “Where did you get and were about to make it fast to the buggy all that truck?” asked Gillen. when Milo found them. He had never seen “They are the accumulations of thirty the men before, but the horse and buggy years,” answered Shoemaker. “I bought were the property of his family. These men them.” “Who from?” “Different people.” were horse thieves at work. Ann Arbor arrived in Toledo, and handed “Those last two horses you got. How did The surprised men turned and began to out a description of two stolen horses. The you get them there?” “I bought them off a run away, with Milo running after them. description of one matched that of the horse horse jockey and drove them to Cleveland The two men separated, each running in a Shoemaker had. Officers made a search of from Toledo.” “Did they come in at the same different direction, with Milo running after the city, but failed to find Shoemaker. time?” “Yes.” “Now what’s the use of your one of the men. Milo continued the chase lying?” demanded Gillen. “You know that One morning soon after, Detective Nichter until near the residence of George Moore, you got into Cleveland the night before and was walking on Erie Street, when he saw when the man turned and fired a gun at the horses came by boat. Your man asked Shoemaker. Nichter waited as Shoemaker Milo. “Hammond,” noted The Ypsilanti you where the horses were and you told approached, and then arrested him. Sentinel-Commercial of Thursday, June 6, him they were coming.” Shoemaker said he Shoemaker resisted and Nichter dragged 1901, “being unarmed, concluded it was was not lying. “The fact is,” said Deputy him into a grocery store where he telephoned time to quit the chase.” This was one of Gillen, “that everything in your place of for the patrol wagon. Shoemaker tried to three attempts to steal horses in the area business was stolen except your broom escape but was handcuffed and placed in that week. The Friday before, a horse, stuff. Every single thing.” “Didn’t you find the wagon when it arrived. carriage, harness and robes, were stolen a bill there for a new wagon I bought?” from the farm of George Jarvis, which was “When searched at the station a bank book Responded an indignant Shoemaker. “No, just east of the George Hammond farm. from a Cleveland savings bank was found I didn’t,” said Gillen. “Well, it’s there. I “The horse stolen is a large bay, weighing on his person, with nearly $400 credited bought that wagon.” Gillen laughed at 1300 pounds,” noted The Ypsilanti Sentinel- to him. The deposit of $55 was made on this, pointing out this was the only item Commercial of Thursday, June 6, 1901. Wednesday, and the officers believe that Shoemaker could say he purchased. “How “The animal has a white spot on its nose. this money was secured from the sale of did you come by this electric car fare receipt There is also a slight enlargement on one the stolen horse. To Nichter, Shoemaker that was found on you?” asked Gillen. of its hind legs.” The horse was traced by admitted that he had stolen the horse, but This was in regard to the interurban service officers to about two miles south of Willis, he said that it had died with the colic. Later running at the time. “It registers that you where all trace of it was lost. he was taken before Chief Raitz and Judge came from Springwells to Ypsilanti on the Wachenheimer, and he refused to talk about day that horse was stolen.” “I never saw A horse belonging to a John L. Hunter, was the affair. He was forced to admit that both [continued overleaf] stolen the following Sunday. The horse of the horses stolen in Michigan were taken was traced to Toledo but again the trail by him, but he would not tell where they was lost. At about this time in Toledo, two were or how he had disposed of them,” police detectives, Nichter and Hassenzahl, reported a story published by The Ypsilanti were in a residence section of the city Sentinel-Commercial on Thursday, June when they saw a man known as Frederick 27, 1901. Shoemaker driving a horse. For some reason the appearance of the horse struck Shoemaker was taken to the jail at Ann them, so they closely examined the horse. Arbor, where he refused to answer any The two knew nothing of the horses stolen questions. Deputy Sheriff Fred Gillen at Ypsilanti, so no further action was taken. visited Cleveland on Wednesday, July Then, about two weeks later, officers from 3, 1900, to search Shoemaker’s place of

23 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Horse thieves at work! man had on an overcoat and the [continued from page 17] side curtains were up. He had no whiskers, but a mustache. I recognize him by his appearance. it before,” said Shoemaker. He had a peculiar stoop and I “Well,” said Gillen, “we will saw him here and in the jail and have the conductor up here recognized him as the man. I am to identify you.” “If I could positive he is the man. This man only get bail bonds,” said did not have on a stiff hat, it was Shoemaker, “I could fix up all a faded brown.” these matters.” “Nobody in “When the adjournment at this county would go on your noon was taken,” reported the bonds. The best place for you account, “Dr. Nolan declared is right here in jail, for if these if they would let him in a room farmers get hold of you they with Shoemaker for about ten will sling you up to a telephone pole,” said Washtenaw County Deputy Sheriff Kelsey minutes there would be no more need of Gillen. To this, Shoemaker said nothing. was asked, “How many from Washtenaw any justices, prosecutors or lawyers to tend Two of the horses found in Shoemaker’s County?” “At least six and possibly ten.” He to the matter.” The next witness was Frank barn were identified as those stolen from answered, reported The Ypsilanti Sentinel- Healey who testified as follows: “I was Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Hunter. Commercial of Thursday, July 18, 1901. in the employ of Dr. D. W. Nolan. On or “B. D. Kelly, George Seaver and Burt “Shoemaker,” noted The Ypsilanti Sentinel- about December 19, I saw the defendant Moorman went to Cleveland Saturday Commercial of Thursday, July 25, 1901, “it under these circumstances. He came to the night to examine the stock of things found would appear, had been doing a land office barn and wanted to get a rig to go to Saline on the premises of the supposed horse thief, business for the last two years, stealing horses to get a girl. It was about 12 or 1 o’clock. Shoemaker, who is now in the jail at Ann by the wholesale. He ran a broom factory in I gave him a rig. I have never seen the rig Arbor, to see if they could not find among Cleveland and would start out with a load of since. I had a good opportunity to see him the articles something stolen from them,” brooms, telling folks there he was going to at the barn. I am positive he is the same reported The Ypsilanti Sentinel-Commercial take a trip through Michigan. After securing man. He had no beard then, but he has of Thursday, July 11, 1901. “They returned a bunch of horses he would take them to one now. I recognize his voice. I would Monday, having been successful, so far as Toledo and send them by boat to Cleveland, recognize it through the phone.” the articles stolen from Kelly and Seaver where they were disposed of.” Under cross examination Healy said: were concerned. Each found and positively “He had a cheap ulster and brown Fedora identified his lost horse blankets and Kelly Shoemaker faced examination for the theft of a horse and buggy belonging to a hat. I never talked over the identity of in addition found his neck yoke. While in Shoemaker to Dr. Nolan.” Shoemaker took the city they also found the horses stolen Dr. D. W. Nolan on Wednesday, July 31, 1901. The Ypsilanti Sentinel-Commercial the stand in his own defense: “I never saw about a year and a half or two years ago this man Healy. I was not in Ann Arbor in from Fount Watling and Horace Laflin. of Thursday, August 1, 1901 reported Dr. Nolan’s testimony substantially as follows: December 1900. I was at 45 Abbey Street, They fully recognized the horses, but Cleveland, . I did not hire a rig in my of course the owners will have to go to “On December 19 last, I was out in the country on a professional call and as I life either at Ann Arbor or any other place. Cleveland and identify their property before I have never had an ulster coat in my life.” they can be brought back. The horses were was coming in I recognized this man as a driver of one of the horses. The horse was Under cross examination Shoemaker said: sold to parties in Cleveland, who are now “I drove through Ann Arbor about six years in possession of them.” known as Nell. When I reached the stable I asked one of the boys who had Nellie. ago, while living in the city of Toledo and On Wednesday, July 17, 1901, Lenawee They said a gentleman came and got her to put up at a barn below the jail. That was County Sheriff Shepherd arrived in Ann go to Saline to get a girl. Said he gave his the only time I ever was in the county for Arbor accompanied by a Mr. H. Stretch of name as Hogan. When I returned the next 25 or 30 years. I went to school here in Tecumseh who identified a horse brought day the horse had not come back. I became Ann Arbor about two months. I do not from Cleveland as belonging to him. Sheriff alarmed. I have not seen the mare since. know when it was or who my teacher Shapherd was asked, “How many horses has Her value was about $100.” was, but it was in the high school. I don’t Shoemaker stolen from your neighborhood?” know who were in the class. I was living “One anyway,” replied Sheriff Shepherd. Under cross-examination Dr. Nolan at Hickory Ridge. I do not know the house “Probably two—and possibly ten. We have testified: “It was about half past one that I where I lived. All I remember was it was been missing them for the past three or four saw him, as I was coming in. It was within in Ann Arbor. I was arrested in Cleveland years and we think he is the man who has that hour. He was coming toward me and last spring for assault and battery by some done the job.” I had a good chance to recognize him. It stranger. I got bail. I appeared in court but was quite a cold day—not real cold, but the did not hear my case called and was taken 24 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 on an attachment. I paid $25 and costs amounting to $43. Aside from that I was Out of mixed fortunes, never arrested before. I now own and wear a brown hat, but never owned or wore one a lasting legacy for Ypsilanti By Janice Anscheutz before.” Shoemaker was bound over for trial during the next term of the court, with date set as October 6, 1901. At the end of the trial the jury considered the evidence from 11:40 a.m. until 2:50 p.m., with time out for dinner. The jury returned a verdict of guilty as charged. Judge Kinne spoke: “Shoemaker, stand up. Have you anything to say why sentence should not be passed upon you?” Shoemaker answered: “Only that I never did steal anything. I never Part I: needed to steal anything. I suppose the jury brought in a verdict according to the evidence, but people have sworn to things here in which they are mistaken.” “I don’t see how the jury could reach any other verdict. There are no mitigating THE GILBERT FAMILY circumstances about your case. You have no family, you had money and you had a The Gilbert name is familiar to most In light of the renown of the Gilbert name business. Yet you left Ohio and came into Ypsilanti residents. Many of us can in Ypsilanti, and the legacies by which it Michigan and committed a bad crime. It remember going to the beautiful Gilbert is remembered, you may have wondered, demands a severe punishment that will be Park on Michigan Ave. at Park Street to as I have, who the Gilberts were and a lesson to you and to all who are disposed enjoy the riverbank, to have a picnic, or what eventually became of them. I hope to commit such crimes. There are some to cheer on our children playing in Little you’ll find this account of the Gilbert saga localities that do not wait for courts and League baseball games. We keep these informative, and that it will do justice juries to act, but take it in their own hands. images in mind, even as the park today has to the honor the Gilbert family is due for I speak of this to show you how people view been overgrown with grass and trees and its contributions to the enrichment of our the nature of your crime. The sentence is put on sale by the city as part of the Water Ypsilanti community. that you be confined in the state prison at Street parcel. Jackson for a period of ten years from and The rise and fall including this day.” Other landmarks of the Gilbert presence are of Major John Gilbert readily apparent to those who merely visit The Gilbert family history begins with the Ypsilanti, as well as to its citizens. Cars life of Major John Gilbert, a resourceful traveling north from the Huron St. exit of man who devoted his many assets of I-94 pass by the imposing and currently intelligence, energy, skills and money expanding Gilbert Residence, a senior to improving the lot of his family and residence and nursing home founded by the community. His efforts, however, produced Gilbert family. Those taking a train through very mixed results of successes and failures, town, or walking through the beautiful making his life story at once amazing, historic east side, won’t fail to notice the exciting, and sad. Gilbert House on North Grove St., the former family home of John Gilbert, Jr. Today a John Gilbert was born on March 16, 1774 stylish apartment house, the building remains in the town of Lenox, Massachusetts, near a widely admired architectural showplace. Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His mother was For many male Ypsilanti residents, it is also Debiah Sweeting, born in 1745, and his father the source of vibrant childhood memories. Captain Job Gilbert. The parents had been Few among them nearing the age of fifty married in Norton, Massachusetts in 1769 will fail to recall fun-filled hours spent in and raised two sons, John and Thomas. [James Mann is a local author and historian, this spacious structure when it served as a Job Gilbert was well known for his a regular contributor to the Gleanings, and recreation center and later hosted a popular military service in the Revolutionary a volunteer in the YHS Archives.] Boys Club. War. And in the book [continued overleaf] 25 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Gilbert family land speculator and civil engineer, he soon [continued from page 25] Migration to Michigan and accumulated considerable wealth. business success and failures “Michigan Pioneers and Historical Society John also worked with his brother Thomas Though he was glad to be reunited with Collections,” published in 1896, we learn at the burgeoning salt works in Salina, New his family in New York, Gilbert remained that he also played a role in the earlier York. And, after distinguishing himself as a excited about his prospects for land French and Indian War. The publication’s cavalry quartermaster in the War of 1812, speculation and development in Michigan. memorial report credits Captain Job Gilbert where he was awarded the commission of Moreover, he, like Risdon, was a Mason, for his actions as part of “a small band of Major, he was hired by the governor of New vulnerable in New York at the time to a provincials which under the command of York, along with his father Job, to perform rising wave of anti-Mason distrust and , covered [General] Braddock both surveying and construction work on hostility. John quickly decided, therefore, to in his defeat and led his broken column to the new Erie Canal in the area of Syracuse, gather his large family together and pursue a place of safety.” In this battle, which took Rochester, and Lockport, New York. It his fortunes for good in the new Michigan place near Pittsburgh in 1755, British and was while bringing this massive project Territory. The trip proved a challenge for British Colonial forces had been routed by (1818-1823) to a successful completion a family with six children ranging in age a party of French and Indians, and General that John met a man with the unusual name from seven to twenty-six, who had been Braddock had been mortally wounded. of Orange Risdon. John hired him as a used to living the good life in the settled The then Colonel George Washington had surveyor, and also partnered with him in urban center of Rochester, New York. been forced to take over for Braddock and, land-speculation activities that earned both The family left New York in the winter, with the help of Gilbert and others, lead the men a considerable amount of money. traveling with horses over snow-covered British retreat. We learn more about the Gilbert/Risdon roads and crossing the Detroit River in a Captain Job Gilbert was a man of many partnership in the online article by Ray birch-bark canoe––the unharnessed horses talents. He was a surveyor, worked on Berg. In 1824 the United States Congress being brought to Detroit later by ferry-boat. large engineering projects, and was passed The General Survey Act of that year. While the trip was difficult enough through knowledgeable in the operation of iron The act mandated that the Army Corps of snow and ice, one can well imagine how ore furnaces and the construction of mills Engineers not only survey but undertake much more difficult it might have been in using water power. All of these skills he the improvement of a military road from spring, when the roads would be deeply passed on to his son John, who applied Detroit to Chicago. rutted and the wagon them in major undertakings while still a For this project, wheels prone to young man. Those projects and Gilbert’s Gilbert was hired as a ...scoped-out claims on ... sinking in mud. After subsequent business ventures are reported surveyor and Risdon mill pond and downown arriving in Detroit, the in a well-researched online article written as the survey director. area of Manchester, MI... family is said to have by Ray Berg, entitled “Major John While discharging stayed on a while at Gilbert–The Founder of Manchester” [viz. their nominal duties the Woodworth Hotel, Manchester, Mich.] We learn that, at the in the new territory, the two men also took before completing its journey and finally tender age of 18, John assisted his father advantage of their positions to purchase arriving in Ypsilanti in January, 1831. in surveying and developing a large tract some of the best large tracts. Gilbert himself A fellow surveyor of the time, C. E. of land in the Rochester area of New York was able to scope out and file land patents Woodard, wrote a narrative describing State. He also studied mill operations and on prime areas for the development of mills Washtenaw County as it looked when he civil engineering under his father. And and towns. Between May 10, 1826 and first saw it in the year 1833, around the time when the Gilbert family settled in what is October 1, 1835 he filed purchase claims on that the Gilbert family made Ypsilanti its now Syracuse, New York in 1799, John several of these sites, which included what permanent home. The narrative mentions helped design and build the Onondaga are now the mill pond and downtown area the Gilbert farm and the Gilbert Park area: furnace, which was used in manufacturing of Manchester, Michigan. equipment for the military. “It was nearly unbroken wilderness. Gilbert also invested in large holdings of ‘Lo the poor Indian’ had nearly While living in Syracuse, John Gilbert met land along the Chicago Road, now Michigan abandoned his happy hunting grounds Susan Ann Haskins (1784-1873), to whom Avenue, including those later developed in these parts and gone west. Except in he was married on May 4, 1803. Susan’s as downtown Ypsilanti and Pittsfield the fall of the year when he took up his father was Captain William Haskins, a Township. Other land was purchased in line of march along his well beaten trail wealthy Revolutionary War veteran who Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee Counties. towards Fort Malden, Ontario Canada to receive his annuity and return. He was had served in that war with Job Gilbert. The Gilbert was especially interested in land seldom seen. At the time of the Black young couple eventually had six children: that held the potential for running a mill Hawk War the few scattered settlers were Lavina b. 1805, Harry Hegerman b. 1807, by water power, or that lay along the soon- naturally alarmed at the apparent activity George Washington b. 1812, Emily Louise to-be-improved road to Chicago. In the among the Indians. At times hundreds b. 1816, John Jr. b. 1820, and Susan Ann, b. year 1830, however, both John Gilbert and might be seen camped on the banks of 1823. It was in Syracuse that John’s career Orange Risdon returned to New York State the Huron near the East Public Square prospered. Applying his skills as a surveyor, and their families. and on Gilbert farm. [NOTES: “East

26 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 The Huron Flouring Mill looking south Public Square” was located on the south from Congress Street/Michigan Avenue. side of East Michigan at Park Street. This See the bird’s-eye view on back page.... is where Gilbert planned the town square and where Gilbert Park was originally located. Gilbert Farm was located at West Michigan Avenue and Platt Road.] But I do not remember ever hearing anyone ever being molested by them or even trouble by their begging food for the land. Then it was alive with all kinds of wild game and plenty of meat could be had for the killing of it. They were better off than their white brothers being better hunters…. It was always understood that our most important highways--the Chicago Road would be welcomed by large numbers of and others followed the general lines of weary travelers passing through Ypsilanti these main Indian trails, thus admitting on the new rail line. In 1837, John started the Indians’ skill in their part in Civil in New York State (itself named after engineering, selecting the best ground on construction of a palatial four-story edifice Manchester, England) where he had worked which to locate our Highways. The main at the corner of River Street and the Chicago trail going through Ypsilanti was more or as a civil engineer during the 1820s. In any Road (now Michigan Ave.). Unfortunately, less used as an Indian trail down to 1834 case, he was soon able to sell his platted Colburn tells us in his book, “The main and their camp grounds plainly marked land in Manchester at a sizable profit. part of this hotel fell in before it was quite by the ashes of the camp and the then John’s next venture was to invest $500 completed.” When The Story of Ypsilanti standing of the Poles of the Wigwams. was published in 1923, the kitchen of the On the Gilbert farm 4 miles west of town, in a million-dollar scheme involving a number of investors to build a railroad hotel was still standing, while the opulent and which became the big Harwood farm spaces and rooms in what Colburn had was one of these camps near where Mr. line from Detroit to the mouth of the St. Woodard was then living.” Joseph River. Surveys were completed, parodied as “Gilbert’s Temple of Folly” but the scheme fell through before any had long before been reduced to rubble. Not only did John Gilbert have a large construction work on the line was started. farm on the Chicago Road near Ypsilanti, A curious side note In 1837, the state of Michigan purchased but he immediately started developing his Here, I might note as an interesting aside a still the surveyed land, as well as all rights for other land investments in both Ypsilanti unsolved mystery that originated less than a developing and building the railway. This and Manchester. Like other Masons in the mile from the ill-fated hotel at about the time it reversal, however, did nothing to diminish village of Ypsilanti, such as Walter Hewitt was being built. The mystery was discovered John’s entrepreneurial ardor. and Samuel Post, he quickly became by John Gilbert’s oldest son Harry, who had instrumental in the planning of the town Before the first train on the completed line become something of a celebrity in the area. and was elected the first village president passed through Ypsilanti in 1838, he and his Colburn tells us about it in his book: in 1832. Gilbert served in this position for son John Jr. had developed facilities ready “In 1835 Ypsilanti came into possession two terms. By 1833 he to make money from it. By of a mystery which time has left unsolved. Isaac Kimball and Harry Gilbert were joined other investors who 1835, Major Gilbert, with ...first village president hauling earth from the edge of the bluff not pooled their money for a his partner and soon-to-be far from the site of the present Beyer Hospital shipping boat that would of Ypsilanti son-in-law, Abel Godard, [now a nursing home on South Prospect carry goods between had purchased and rebuilt near Michigan Avenue] for the filling of a Detroit and Ypsilanti. This venture failed, a water mill and dam on Water Street at lot nearby…. Unexpectedly the spades of however, and John’s money was lost. what is now Michigan Avenue. The mill, the diggers struck a buried timber. Curiosity which was used to produce flour, was first stimulated their labors. More timbers Despite this setback, and while he was called Harwood’s Flouring Mill, and later appeared, and planking. The uncovering still the first village president of Ypsilanti, Huron Flouring Mill. Next to it was a large and removal of one of these planks revealed Gilbert undertook yet another project a dark hole beneath. Into this, a light being supply and feed store, run by John Jr. This in 1833, using his surveying and land- procured, the intrepid explorers descended. operation proved profitable in providing development skills to plat out the village They found themselves in a well-built goods and food stuffs for the building of of Manchester on land that he owned. His subterranean room, ten feet square and the new rail line. original plans called for one grist mill and eight feet high. Seeking the proper entrance to this room they discovered a burrow Harvey C. Colburn’s The Story of Ypsilanti, one saw mill, fourteen blocks (some of leading southerly for one hundred feet, into which he named), one store, one house, published in 1923, makes clear, however, the ravine, its opening being effectually one barn, and a bridge--all of which were that not all of Major Gilbert’s planning and screened by bushes…. Further exploration near the River Raisin. In naming the village development investments were profitable. of the hidden room revealed a furnace and Manchester, Gilbert probably had in mind Perhaps his biggest failure was his vision half a metal shell containing grease in which the village of Manchester on the Erie Canal of a new luxury hotel that he believed [continued overleaf] 27 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Gilbert Family [continued from page 27] attacked with a fit of coughing and ruptured a blood vessel. He died in about three minutes, a wick was floating. These exhibits being there was none of his family present but myself placed before the concourse of villagers until after his death, it was a sudden and very resulted in much speculation but no tenable unexpected blow to his family, the funeral theory. No resident, even of the earliest will be attended at 2 o’clock p.m. tomorrow. comers, had known of the cave’s existence, (Sunday) or at least would confess to such knowledge. This being the case, it was reasoned that the If you have an opportunity to help me to a cave must be referred to the Godfroy period. situation on the Rail Road by applying to Mr. Perhaps in the days of the old Indian trading Brooks or Mr. McCurd you will be doing me a post, a gang of counterfeiters had made the 302 North Grove Street great kindness as well as assisting our Father & place their rendezvous and burrowed out a of the little one-story bank building into Mother being out of employment at this time and workshop in the bluff-side. To be sure, this a village of wooden stores, wooden hotels our Father & Mother looking to us for support & theory did not explain the need for elaborate and wooden residences. At the Central Emily and her daughter for assistance it has used secrecy in the wilderness nor did it explain how the cave could have remained hidden Exchange he boarded a westbound stage, up all of my available means. I have nothing to from Godfroy’s Indian visitors, who must for the generous purpose of ‘creating look to nor means to assist them with unless I can have often passed that way. So the mystery specie’.… As the Cashier truly said, ‘They get into some employment such as I have stated. remains.” broke the bank the first night.’” If they should wish to employ any more assistants I should ask for references as to qualifications By 1840 John Gilbert’s mortgages were A final fall you may refer them to B. Follett, C. Joslin or any called in and his dreams for wealth and from riches to rags of the business men of this place or Ann Arbor. prosperity were shattered. He lost control In 1835, tax records indicated that Major Yours Truly, Geo. W. Gilbert” John Gilbert was one of the wealthiest of the Huron Mills and most of his land men in Ypsilanti. His first home had been a holdings. Earlier, he had deeded a few Reduced to near poverty, Major John wooden structure at the corner of Michigan pieces of land to his son John Jr. Gilbert and his wife Susan were still living in their home on North Grove St. when he Avenue and River Street, but by 1835 he had At this point in his life, the handwriting was died on January 19, 1860, after years of moved his family into a brick home, which clearly on the wall for John Gilbert. This poor health. John’s death came just a year still stands at 302 North Grove Street. once ambitious, resourceful, brave, and before his heart could be gladdened by the skilled man, who did so much to develop Unfortunately, John’s fortune did not last revival of the family fortunes achieved by what are now the city of Ypsilanti and long after this. A final business investment his namesake son, John Jr. That revival village of Manchester, retired from business proved so imprudent that, in a single remains embodied in the elegant mansard- and political life. By 1850, as disclosed in plummet, it brought him down from wealthy roofed mansion and park-like grounds of the census of that year, he was living in his and powerful, to penniless. In this dealing, the Gilbert House, which was completed home on North Grove along with his wife, he invested not only all the money he had, in 1861 and continues to glorify the east- his daughter Emily, Emily’s daughter, and but money obtained by mortgaging his side neighborhood across the street from several others. There is no mention in the extensive property holdings, including the Major Gilbert’s modest final residence. census of Emily’s husband, Abel Godard, mill. The assets were used to purchase shares Susan Gilbert died thirteen years after John who seems to have left Ypsilanti along with in a bank started by his son-in-law Abel in the home of her son George Washington the Gilbert fortune. Godard, husband of his daughter Emily, and Gilbert in Detroit, and she and her husband by Godard’s brother, Lewis Godard. This The poignant letter copied below, written now rest together at Highland Cemetery. proved to be a major mistake. in 1849 by Major Gilbert’s son George In his 1985 book Obsolete Banknotes Washington Gilbert to his brother John and Early Scrip of Michigan, Harold L. Gilbert Jr., gives us a sense of just how far Bowen identifies Lewis Godard as “king the Gilbert family had fallen. In it, George of the bank wreckers.” Gilbert’s money pleads with his brother to help him find a was invested in the Monroe and Ypsilanti job in order to support his parents, his sister Railroad Co., of which Lewis Godard was Emily, and Emily’s daughter. George himself president. “No road was ever built, but was married to an Ypsilanti grocer’s daughter, provided Mr. Godard with an ample supply Maria Ann King. Here is his letter: The Gilbert Family plot at Highland Cemetery of bills to be used in starting new banks,” Ypsilanti, March 10, 1849 writes Bowen. With an ironic twist, he Dear Brother [Janice Anscheutz’s story of the Gilbert Family’s offers as an example Godard’s start-up of We have had a very sudden death in our rise from ruin to renewed riches will be told in the the Bank of Coldwater: After having crisp family. Mr. King died yesterday at 12 o’clock next issue of the GLEANINGS, when we take up the life of Major Gilbert’s son, John Jr.. new bills printed and with the signatures as we were walking up from his store to his Anscheutz is a regular contributor to the scarcely dry, “Lewis Godard walked out house, on arriving at Grants corner he was Society’s GLEANINGS publication.]

28 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 The Skeletons of Bell Street By James Mann Thomas Smith, an employee of the Ypsi- The remains were turned over to Dr. W. B. ence of the fragments of board,” he noted, lanti City Water Department, was digging Hinsdale of the University Of Michigan “however, is a disturbing element.” a trench on Bell Street, on the morning of Museum Of Anthropology. He concluded “If an anthropological expert had been Tuesday, January 17, 1933. Smith was in the remains were of four persons, two men, present when the bones were taken up,” for a surprise, when he uncovered human a woman and a child. He was able to deter- said Dr. Hinsdale, “he would have been bones above the water main in the center mine there were four bodies in the grave, able to determine whether the soil had been of the street. When Smith found the bones, by the thickness of the fragments of the touched within comparatively recent times. these were in no order, with the skull and skulls. Dr. Hinsdale said, if more of the He also would have made a close study of jawbones next to the thigh and legs. skulls had been recovered and assembled, the bones in the position in which they lay then the race of the individuals could have “A box had evidently contained the re- to determine whether they had been placed been determined. mains at one time, as rotted fragments were there originally or whether the interment uncovered around the bones. That burial “Some of the bones are large, indicating was re-burial.” had taken place not so many years ago was that the person was probably a man of tall At the time it was estimated the individu- indicated by the fact that bits of rusted met- stature, while others of a similar kind are als where thought to have died about 100 al, which appeared to be screws were found much smaller, leading to the belief that they years before, it was noted, a smallpox epi- imbedded in the wood,” reported The Ypsi- are those of a woman. The condition of the demic was raging in the state. During the lanti Daily Press of that date. teeth indicate, according to Dr. Hinsdale, epidemic, several bodies were sometimes that the person from whose jaw they came “Several of the teeth were found in pieces buried in the same coffin. This was offered was not older than the of the jawbone,” continued the account. as a reason why sever- early twenties,” report- “They furthered the belief that the skel- “Some of the bones are al persons were buried ed The Ypsilanti Daily eton was that of a mature person. Although in a single box. “In a Press of Thursday, large, indicating that the cavities were located in the teeth, no dental Detroit cemetery from January 19, 1933. person was probably a work was evident.” man of tall stature...” which bodies were “No implements, jew- moved several years There was never a cemetery on this site, elry or other trinkets were found with the ago,” noted the account, “workmen discov- and, to add to the mystery, Smith said the bones, and their position in the earth led to ered from positions of bodies buried during remains were found directly on top of the the belief that the bodies may have been the plague that in haste to dispose of the sewer. Dr. J. J Woods examined the remains crowded into a small box in a cramped remains, some had been buried alive.” and estimated they had been in the ground position and buried in that way,” noted the Part of the mystery was explained by Rob- for no more than 50 years. account. ert Simons of 604 East Michigan Ave., who “An attempt is being made to shed further Dr. Hinsdale noted that it was a practice explained, the bones were first uncovered light on the case among the old-timers of of the Native-Americans of this region, to some thirty-five years earlier, perhaps in the city,” concluded the account. Some intern several individuals in one grave. He 1896, when workmen installed the water conjecture that this may be the first discov- pointed out, that only a few months before, main. He had been the foreman of the crew ery of an ingenious murder, in which the the remains of men, women and children who had found the bones in the center of corpus delecti was secreted under a city were found on property owned by the Ford the street. street.” Motor Company near Ypsilanti. “The pres- [continued overleaf] 29 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Skeletons of Bell Street [continued from page 29] Native-Americans who had once inhabited the region. Simons said no artifacts were found with the remains, which were usu- ally buried with Native-Americans. “The fragments of the box surrounding the bones when discovered Tuesday are ex- plained by the fact that the workmen placed the skeletons in a container, not attempting to preserve any orderly arrangement. The receptacle was then put in the ditch, when the main had been installed and covered up again, Mr. Simons stated. No investigation was held at the time of their first discovery and no formalities were gone through when “Although he cannot recall the exact po- returned to their resting place,” the account sition in which the bones lay, Mr. Simons concluded. says it was such that those who made the discovery One part of the mys- believed that there were No artifacts were found tery was explained, three skeletons. The skel- with the remains... but another was left etons were not complete; unsolved. No one several of the bones having rotted and the could say if the remains were those of Na- condition in which they were found made tive Americans, or of pioneers who died in interested parties believe the bones had the smallpox epidemic. Certainly, whoever rested in their grave for a long time,” re- they were, they deserved a better interment WANTED: ported The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Friday, than the one they received. Searching for information about January 20, 1933. [James Mann is a regular volunteer at the the Gilbert Teen Club. Fletcher-White archives and a prolific history If you can help, please email At the time of the first discovery of the writer who frequently contributes his research Fred Thomas at [email protected] bones, it was assumed the remains were of to publication in GLEANINGS.]

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30 Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 Farmers in Washtenaw and other Committee of the Association had the duty counties in Michigan were angered during to employ legal counsel for any member of the summer of 1878, as agents of a firm in The Farm Gate the Association who was taken to court for Ypsilanti worked to collect royalties on a refusing to pay the demands. farm gate in common use. A circular was Controversy “Any resident of Michigan may become a issued to warn the farmers of legal action, member of the Association by sending his unless the royalties were paid. The circular full name and address, with two dollars, read: You are hereby notified that suit will to the Treasurer,” reported The Ypsilanti be brought against you in the United States of 1878 By James Mann Commercial of September 14, 1878. On Court, for an infringement of patent upon October 30, 1878, the president of the the ‘Field Fence and Gate combined,’ as Association, H. D. Platt, with Mr. N. C. secured to John C. Lee, of Medina County Carpenter, traveled to Seville, Medina State of Ohio, by Letters of Patent, dated County, Ohio, to meet with Mr. John C. October24, 1865, and number 50,605; and Lee, the original patentee of the Lee Gate. which said patent, with full right to collect There, as noted in The Ann Arbor Register damages for all infringements thereof, has on November 7, 1878, they “found Mr. Lee been assigned to us. No further notice will to be by reputation an honest, square dealing be given before suit is brought, and you man, by occupation a farmer, residing two may pay to Babbitt & Griffin, Attorneys The patent Mr. Lee had for improvements to the miles south of Seville.” at Law of the city of Ypsilanti, the regular farm gate relating to constructing a fence so that any panel along the entire fence could be When told the reason for their visit, Lee rates; with fifty per cent, additional, in full readily converted into a gate settlement for your infringement, at any provided all the information he was in patent worthless, as, under patent laws, time before the commencement of said suit. possession of so as to place the facts before no article is patentable unless it involves a Signed, Joseph Bickford & Co. the farmers of Michigan. In an affidavit, new principle or discovery. Farmers asked Mr. Lee stated that his patent was “for an Farmers whose farms did not exceed sixty Washtenaw County prosecuting attorney improvement in a gate, known as the two post acres were to pay $3, those not exceeding J. Willard Babbitt, to prosecute the suit on gate, and that my improvement consisted in one hundred acres, $5, those not exceeding their behalf. He refused and further refused the dispensing with one post and the cross one hundred and sixty acres, $8 and those to turn the case over to someone else. This slats and in the use of a strip perpendicular two hundred and forty acres were to pay should not have come as a surprise to the with the post and slats running parallel with $10. “The firm secured the co-operation farmers––Babbitt had a conflict of interest, the gate; and further states that the two post of several agents, and have been scouring as he had been retained by Joseph Bickford gate was in common use in this county at the the country, picking up many a dollar from & Company as their attorney. At this time time my patent was issued.” farmers,” noted The Ann Arbor Courier of the county prosecuting attorney held the Friday, August 2, 1878. “They have not office while in private practice. Mr. Lee said he had told Mr. Bagley, of the adhered to their printed schedule of terms firm of Dale, Bagley & Root, that he did not “In order to make a test case,” reported The for rights, but have bull-dozed what they claim a patent on the gate post in common Ann Arbor Courier of Friday, August 23, could, anywhere from fifty cents to ten use, but an improvement on that gate. He 1878, “they have brought suit in the United dollars for a right.” said he showed Mr. Bagley the difference States court against two men by the name between the two gates as he had both in use Farmers claimed agents of the firm told them of Gardner, who reside in the township of on his farm. “Mr. Lee,” the letter concluded, other farmers had paid the rates, only to learn Livingston County, and Mr. Robert Yerkes, “told Bagley that if he collected royalty of later this was not the case. “Mr. Cook, Jr., of of Wayne County. Upon the termination the farmers of Michigan on the two post gate Pittsfield, says that Alfred Miller, of Saline, of these suits it will be determined if the it would be nothing less than swindling.” and Joseph Bickford, brother of the Ypsilanti present owners of the patent can realize Bickford, represented that several of his from their investment.” The United State Circuit Court must have neighbors had paid for a right, when such agreed at least in part with the view of Mr. As suits commenced in the United States was not the case, and therefore procured $10 Lee, as it seems the court did not uphold the Circuit Court against some of the farmers of him. Mr. Phillip Lohr says the same game patent. Those who had refused to pay the who had refused to pay the royalty, it was practiced on him. Mr. C. C. Warner, of royalty were right and saved their money. was important for the farmers to have Lodi, also paid $8 for a right, and how many “Those farmers who paid royalty on their the question of the validly of the patent more we do not know: but the number is quite gates are now looking for redress,” noted settled. The general belief among the large for the short time they have operated,” the Ypsilanti Commercial of Saturday, farmers was they had a good defense, but noted The Ann Arbor Courier. November 16, 1878. “But as they paid the cost of legal action was more than their money simply to avoid being sued, The farmers were angry for the fact that one farmer could afford. A meeting was redress there is none.” the type of gate in question had been in held at the fairgrounds at Ypsilanti, where [James Mann is a local author and historian, a general use in the county before the patent the Michigan Farmers’ Mutual Defense regular contributor to the Gleanings, and a was issued. This, if true, would make the Association was organized. The Executive volunteer in the YHS Archives.] 31 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013 Non--Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE PAID Ypsilanti, Michigan Permit No. 399 Ypsilanti Historical Society, Inc. 220 North Huron Street Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Where do you think you are?

Bits & Pieces of Ypsilanti History

from the Fletcher-White Archives From an 1890 panorama view looking north-east: Congress Street is now Michigan Avenue and that’s of the Ypsilanti Riverside Park in the upper left corner, so this is Historical Society basically the site of today’s still-waiting-to-be-de- veloped Water Street project. The four-story build- ing on the east bank of the Huron River (#45) was the mill owned by John Gilbert at one time. See page 25 for Janice Anscheutz’s initial installment on Ypsilanti’s famed Gilbert family.

Ypsilanti GLEANINGS • SPRING 2013 www.ypsilantihistoricalsociety.org • SPRING 2013