Aug 06

Hands Around the Library

I was honored to be among the crowd of concerned historians, genealogists and just plain Michigan citizens who attended the Michigan Genealogical Council sponsored “Hands Around the Library” yesterday. Our car included three members of the Oakland County Genealogical Society and two members of Geneabloggers, but there were four of us. I was the one who is bridges the gap between the more traditional Genealogical Societies and the new media types, since I am a member of both. I am planning to write more on that later this week.

When we arrived at the Capitol, I had to say, “That’s our crowd, look at all the old ladies!” But in fact, there were people of all ages, male and female attending the demonstration. I heard a little boy say, “We have to hug our Library, they are going to close it.” He had a very wise parent with him.

I don’t have a single photo of the event to post here, but my camera was in the van! If you are interested in photos of the event, there is coverage on the Lansing State Journal website. The used to be red-headed granny in the bottom photo is me; I have no idea how that happened. My new buddy, TK Sand also posted some photos, and will be blogging about this issue today. If you are a Facebook member, several genealogists have also posted photos, including Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens and Roger Moffat.

MGC had a good line-up of speakers, and two State representatives who were not on the program also spoke. Everyone was preaching to the choir, but it did feel good to be there among the 500+ people. During the Hands Around ceremony, I found I was standing next to a gentleman from my hometown. I had not met him previously, but his wife was a class ahead of me in high school. I am sorry I didn’t get to see her; they had traveled much farther than our little Detroit area group.

The power of the internet became perfectly clear at the Library, when Mary walked up to me and asked, “Are you GrannyPam?” I was completely floored. Believe me, she hadn’t looked at the photo I have here on this blog, but the one I have on Facebook and Twitter. Also, when TK arrived here to join me for the ride to Lansing, she said, “You look exactly like your picture!” Hmmmm.

I know of no way to minimize the damage that the closing of the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Historical Center will inflict on Michigan researchers and citizens. Destroying the Department of History, Arts and Libraries and splitting the department oversight among various State agencies will result in the loss of a priceless collection of Michigan History. I believe the support for local libraries provided by the department is essential for the continued education of our children.

Several years ago, I coordinated the move of the small, but very valuable Oakland County Genealogical Society library collection. We did it with boxes we begged, borrowed and stole, volunteer labor, and transportation generously provided by The Library Network, which loaded a box or so at a time onto it’s van on its regular route. It was hard work, but it saved a large collection of Oakland County history.

That experience tells me that moving the large collection at the Library of Michigan would be a huge, expensive task. I wonder if it might cost more to move the collection than to just keep the building open for several more years. I wonder what it might cost to remodel the building for offices (the current plan)? Certainly much more than simply renting offices.

Everyone wants to know is, “What can we do?”. Some answers lie in the good old fashioned political process; yesterday was just a start. My MGC representative said, in order of importance, to

  1. Personally visit my representative and senator
  2. Phone their offices
  3. Write snail mail letters to them
  4. E-mail them
  5. Please copy Governor Granholm on every piece of communication

Although electronic communication is simple, it doesn’t seem to carry as much weight. Today is the day to phone, write and e-mail the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee (get their addresses and phone numbers here) to tell them to preserve the Library.

The MGC is following this closely, and has now devoted a page to the issue. Please follow that and act often to save Michigan’s precious historical resource.

Our children and grandchildren are counting on you to demonstrate the importance of Michigan’s rich heritage and act to preserve it.

Jul 31

Belle’s Box – 3-64, 3-98, 3-103, 3-105

This entry is part 342 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

This is the last post of the items from Belle’s Box. At times I didn’t think I would make it, but I have. For the record, there have been 348 posts displaying and describing the items in these treasure trove. A few of the items were kept private, because the depict living people. This has been a great journey for me, and I hope all my readers and especially the family of Belle Lamunion have enjoyed seeing each of the posts.

I will be celebrating the completion of this series at the reunion of the descendents of Belle Lamunion and Henry Fellows near Cadillac, Michigan on August 2, 2009. If you are a member of this family, please join us. If you are a neighbor, or a descendent of a neighbor and know family members, come on over, too, we will be happy to see you. Click on the link to find out about the reunion

These remaining photos show Belle herself. Although they aren’t the only ones in the collection that are of her, they didn’t seem to fit into another post. I’m honoring her by posting them today, to thank her for saving the mementoes in the box for her descendants. The books containing the items will be on display at the reunion. These are thumbnails, click to enlarge.

belle 3-98a Belle 3-103a belle 3-105 Belle field 3-64a

Here’s to a remarkable lady, Belle Lamunion, 15 July 1864 – 27 Aug 1948!

Jul 30

Belle’s Box – 3–31, 3-38, 3-45, 3-50, 3-55, 3-59, 3-96, 3-101, 3-102, 3-118,

This entry is part 338 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

These photos appear to be related to the road construction that Charlie Tinker was involved in. If you haven’t read the newspaper clipping from the box, it does relate to these photos.

I found the photos so interesting that I prevailed upon a acquaintance who shall remain anonymous, to find out more about the first paving of US 131 near Paris Michigan, and received this reply:

“I have found some records (from a 1974 road and bridge trunkline atlas) indicating that the original stretch of US-131 (20′ wide pavement) from the Osceola/Mecosta county line heading south to Big Rapids (approx. 7.3 miles) was constructed in 1928.

Not sure how accurate this information is since I have never really relied upon it before. Also not sure if it even lines up with the decade you were thinking, but I assume this was the first construction.

Some of the records are sketchy, especially from this time frame. It appears there was a bridge and small 0.10 mile segment just north of Paris constructed the year after in 1929.”

This appears to be about the time that Charlie Tinker was “Working on the Road”. As I am able, I will check the newspapers from that time period to see if I can find the actual article in a paper.

Now, the photos from the collection that appear to be connected with road construction. These are all small thumbnails to save load time on the blog page. You can click them to see larger versions. This is a real blast from the past if you have see any road construction equipment recently.

rc-3-31 rc-3-38 rc-3-45 rc-3-50 rc 3-55 rc 3-59a rc 3-96 rc-3-101 rc-3-102 rc-3-118

Jul 30

Belle’s Box – 3-67

This entry is part 339 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

This photo seems to be of the ice storm I discussed here and here.

3-67a

I cannot identify the people in the photo, but they are near “iced down” trees.

Jul 30

Belle’s Box – 3-78

This entry is part 340 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

Even though there is some identification written on the back of this photo, it has not helped me identify the subject of the photo.

3-78a

I can see it was taken March 8, 1—. But no amount of manipulation helps me decipher the text that precedes the date. Can you help?

3-78b

Jul 30

Belle’s Box – 3-77

This entry is part 341 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

3-77a

L-R Charlie Tinker, Andrew Jackson Carter

“Uncle Andrew” Carter was married to Emily Lamunion, a sister of Belle’s. For some period of time, Charlie Tinker build and sold sawmills. One of the cards in this collection mentions Andrew Carter had some poles, and Charlie should come down to help cut them up.

Jul 29

Belle’s Box – 3-121

This entry is part 337 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

A group is cutting wheat. We do not recognize any of the people in this photo.

3-121

Jul 29

Belle’s Box – 3-32

This entry is part 336 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

Here are a couple of houses.

house ar 3-32

Here are a group of children that either lived in the houses, or were visiting them.

house kids 3-54a

If you know the kids, or the houses, please contact me.

Jul 29

Belle’s Box – 3-90

This entry is part 335 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

Here is a little house in the woods.

house 3-90

The sandy soil tells me this is from Wexford County or vicinity. For those who don’t know, when most recent glacier receded, the result was the sandy, stony, non-productive land that now exists in that area. This landscape actually has a name, “outwash plain“.

Jul 29

Belle’s Box – 3-125

This entry is part 334 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

Here is a proud couple on their farm.

3-125b

This is not Belle and Charlie, so I believe that the photo is of Belle’s sister Elizabeth and her husband Franklin Bisard. Elizabeth passed away in April, 1930, so the photo pre-dates that.

3-125c