Brandy’s is located at 902 West Michigan Avenue and has been owned by the Cathy and Samir Hanna since 1999. Before then it was called Forbes Market.

The controversial store has had a long history of problems with the City and neighbors. The owners in 2009 signed a consent decree with the City to continue operations after the city filed suit declaring the property a nuisance. A report indicated the store had over 100 calls for service, twice as many calls for police service than any other store or location in the city. The two year consent order expired yesterday, September 1, 2010.

According to the Ypsilanti Police, YPD and Michigan Liquor Control Commission executed a search warrant at 11am today. The search warrant stemmed from several complaints that individuals inside the store were purchasing stolen items and illegally distributing tobacco products. During the month long investigation undercover officers sold numerous items requested by store staff and purchased tobacco that was illegaly sold.

In Michigan, tobacco products cannot be sold without a tax stamp, which precludes the selling of individual cigarettes. Brandy’s has been accused in the past of breaking apart packs of cigarettes and selling them as ’singles’. It is unclear if today’s search warrant alleges a similar charge.

During the search, police noted what appeared to be building code violations and called both the Ypsilanti Fire and Building departments to the scene. City inspectors found numerous health and safety concerns and the store was condemned and shuttered.

The liquor store across the street called Cal’s, was also condemned by the city in 2008. The owners of Brandy’s purchased Cal’s and the store has remained closed since it was sold. A quick check shows that Cal’s is still condemned thus preventing the owners of Brandy’s from re-opening across the street.

The case has been turned over to the County Prosecutor for review to determine what, if any, charges will be filed against the owners and employees.

William Cooper's device helped simulate a live frog swimming.

When in 1909 they read the will of Chicago businessman William Cooper, father to Ypsilanti photographer Charles Cooper, it turned out that Charles had inherited a dead frog.

Or, rather, the rights to William’s patent: a complicated bit of fishing tackle that pinned a frog in a lifelike pose.

The “Fisherman’s Friend,” as it was called, consisted of a trident-shaped bit of wire roughly four inches long. The dead frog rested on a little platform on the trident’s center wire, front legs dangling down. The two outer prongs of the trident held the frog’s legs extended backwards. A big hook curled up over the frog’s back. When the contraption was cast on a fishing line and reeled in, the frog would appear to be “swimming” through the water in a lifelike way, to tempt large game fish.

William Cooper had patented his invention in 1906. The patent application said that he had “invented certain new and useful improvements in Fishing-Hooks . . . the invention in this instance resides more particularly in the simplicity of the combination and construction, arrangement, and adaptation of the parts, with the added advantage of cheapness in the manufacture of the device.”

Though it seems a bit complicated, the three-year-old wire device was popular and already being sold around the country. In Ypsilanti, the “Fisherman’s Friend” was sold for fifteen cents [$3.50 today] at E. D. Carpenter’s hardware store at 124 Congress (Michigan Ave) and Shaefer Hardware at 23 Huron.

In 1909, Shaefer’s, on the west side of Huron, was just a few doors south of Cooper’s studio. Cooper’s photographic studio at 39 North Huron occupied the second floor of the onetime post office, at the southwest corner of Huron and Pearl streets. Cooper’s other neighbors on the west side of Huron included the cigar-maker Mathias Stein, the Weinmann-Matthews drugstore, the milliner Marian Clarke sharing a space with the dentist George Mills, and the offices of Ypsilanti physician Ellen Murray. Cooper’s studio was popular—there are many photographs in the Ypsilanti Archives that have the imprint of his name and business.

At his father’s death, Cooper moved all of the machinery used to manufacture the fishing device from Chicago to Ypsilanti, and installed it in the rear of his studio. He intended to carry on his father’s legacy. The local newspaper crowed about this exciting new Ypsilanti business in a front-page, above-the-fold story.

“Within a short time, the city of Ypsilanti will have added another industry,” said the April 27, 1909 Ypsilanti Daily Press.

“Mr. C. E. Cooper, the photographer whose place of business is situated over the post office was bequeathed a patent by his father and intends to start manufacturing on a large scale in the near future.”

Charles had reason to do so—the device was popular. The Press said, “Cooper’s patented snap swivel or the ‘Fisherman’s Friend’ as it is called, has been manufactured for the past three years in Chicago under the direction of Mr. Cooper’s father.”

The article continued, “The Sears-Roebuck Co., of Chicago, probably the largest mail order concern in the world, recently placed an order with Mr. Cooper for 400 gross.

“The Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, in a recent letter to Mr. Cooper declared that within a year, their corps of salesmen could handle the entire output of the Cooper company.

“The little contrivance has a decidedly bright future and Mr. Cooper intends to push it extensively within the next year [1910].”

At this dawning of Charles’ fishing tackle empire, tragedy struck.

Charles Cooper became ill in early March, 1911. The doctors summoned could not help him. He took to his bed for six weeks as his wife Matilda tried to help. It was no use. Charles Cooper died on April 18, 1911.

His death certificate says that Charles died of Bright’s disease, a onetime catchall term for several different kidney ailments. Charles was buried in Highland Cemetery.

His widow Matilda lived until 1931. She is buried with Charles in section 49 of Highland.

The cemetery overlooks the Huron River. It’s possible that long after Charles’ death, local fishermen were still enjoying the device patented by his father and sold in Ypsilanti, the “Fisherman’s Friend.”

Laura Bien is the author of “Tales of the Ypsilanti Archives.” Have an old-time Ypsilanti history story to share? Contact her at ypsidixit@gmail.com.

With the Primary election on Tuesday, the Little Mayors are back. They are making a list and checking it twice.

The Ypsilanti Police took possession of a new Patrol Cart this afternoon. The cart will be used during festivals and special events.

It was a gift to the department from the Friends of the Ypsilanti Police.

Lula disappeared in the summer of 1905.

When Lula Kohlasch abandoned her husband and children in the summer of 1905, the only thing she left behind was her wheelchair.

The July 19, 1905 Ypsilanti Daily Press said, “If any question as to the metropolitan character of Ypsilanti is still entertained, it will promptly be set at rest by the discovery that the city has its sensations as well as the larger cities. All this came to light this morning by the report of Mr. Kohlasch, a respectable and hardworking man, whose wife, Mrs. Kohlasch, is and has been for some time an invalid and a cripple.”

Charles Kohlasch worked as a day laborer. In 1900, 40-year-old Kohlasch lived in Plymouth with his 24-year-old wife Lula. The Press spelled her name Lura, and on various other records it appears as Lola, Tola, Tula, and Jula. The couple lived with their 3-year-old son Walter and infant Rosella. They had married 4 years prior in nearby Northfield Township.

The family moved to Ypsilanti and by 1903 were renting a home at 438 Chidester Street, midway between Catherine and Spring streets. Two more children followed by 1905. Lula likely had a hard time caring for the 4 children ranging in age from 8 to 2.

Mr. Kohlasch, said the paper, had had difficulty securing household help. He eventually found a good candidate in Detroit, and the young woman began working in the house. Everything seemed fine until “a young fellow,” said the paper, “who makes his home on Forest Avenue at his brother’s, saw the girl for the first time, took her walking and the couple forgot to return. They claim that they expect to be married soon, although the ceremony has not yet taken place.”

Kohlasch was again without help. The Ypsilanti Daily Press said that he went to Ann Arbor to ask a young lady who’d previously worked in the house to return. He likely wanted to hire some help before leaving on a short trip that he and Lula had planned. He’d just been paid for the month–$16, or $380 today.

When Kohlasch returned home, his wife and the money were gone.

Also missing were some of her skirts, blouses, and shoes, as well as 13-year-old neighbor boy Carl Pepper, who had wheeled Lula around town in the past.

“Mr. Kohlasch has reported the matter to the police department,” said the Daily Press, “who are endeavoring to locate the couple. The husband is a hard-working man and is well liked by those who knew them. Mrs. Kohlasch has had every comfort lavished on her by her husband and no explanation of her absence can be offered.”

Lula’s wheelchair was found, said the following day’s Press, at John Schaff’s home at 113 Miles Street.

The paper continued, “Warrants which were sworn out by the father of the boy for truancy and for the woman for abandoning her children are still in the hands of the Ann Arbor officials, who have yet not been able to serve them.”

Gossip swirled around town. “Neighbors claim that Mrs. Kohlasch was not so ill as was supposed,” said the paper. “It is said that frequently on Sundays they would have a violin player at the house and dance at these times. Mr. Kohlasch would join in the merrymaking.”

The paper continued, “When asked about this the husband replied that his wife enjoyed the music as much as any one and sometimes would get up and step around to the music just as any one who is full of life.”

Lula, said her husband, “‘was getting to feel more like herself and had been able to do more than for some time.’”

Kohlasch was asked if the couple had had problems. He replied, said the Press, “‘No, we hadn’t any trouble lately; that is to say since I called her down for being too friendly with the boy, but I thought I had a perfect right to do that under the circumstances. She just laughed at me, but their actions worried me some. I hate to think of her leaving her children so and going off in that way.’”

Pepper was in his last week of summer grade school taught at the Normal College, said the paper.

The Press reported that Kohlasch had left the children with a neighbor. It continued, “When asked if he would take her back [he] replied that the matter was entirely out of his hands now, as he had gone before the prosecuting attorney and the crime for which the warrants were issued is punishable by not less than three years or more than ten.”

Town gossip intensified. “The report that Charles Kohlasch does not look after his children, which has been circulated in some quarters, is not true,” said the July 28, 1905 Ypsilanti Daily Press. “Mr. Kohlasch is a hard-working, industrious man, who bears a good reputation among his neighbors for sobriety and honesty.”

The paper continued, “Since the departure of his wife over a week ago in company with a 13-year-old boy, it has been something of a problem to the father to see how he could care for his motherless brood and at the same time earn money with which to feed and clothe them. Kindly neighbors, pitying the little family, came to the rescue and cared for them until the father could straighten out his affairs and find out what to do. At this point the usual busybodies interested themselves in the matter and applied to County Agent Childs to have them sent to the state public school at Coldwater.”

Agent Childs refused the request, said the Press, and when a local priest offered to place the children in a Catholic children’s home, Kohlasch expressed gratitude but said, as noted in the paper, that “he had made arrangements for a housekeeper to come next Monday and that he will try to keep the little family together.”

He succeeded. The couple eventually reunited.

The reasons for Lula’s disappearance remain unclear.

The family soon moved to Missouri, where son Frank was born, and then Kansas, where daughter Fern was born. Eventually Charles and Lula would return to Missouri, where a separation awaited the couple.

For the moment, however, Charles had succeeded in keeping his family together during a sad and difficult time in Ypsilanti.

Laura Bien is the author of “Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives.” Have an old-time Ypsilanti story to share? Contact her at ypsidixit@gmail.com.

Angeline R. (Angie) Veigel p

She was an executive secretary to Local 252 I.B.E.W. and worked as a substitute teacher for Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor Public Schools and Washtenaw Community College. Angie served on the Washtenaw County Jury Board for 13 years. She was instrumental and initiated the Greek/American flags at the Statue of Demetrius in Ypsilanti.

Angie was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and member of Philoptochos Society, Daughters of Penelope, Senior Citizens in Ypsilanti and the church where she held offices and was an active member. She was a lifetime member in the V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary and a member of Lambda Chi Omega Sorority. Angie loved sports, golf, gardening, crocheting, knitting, music, dancing, traveling and acrobatics.

She is survived by her loving husband, Fred Veigel, her son, Dr. Michael (Jonna) Roopas and granddaughter Samantha; three step-children, Karen (Ron) Veigel-Coon, Teri Veigel-Nims and grandchildren, Travis and Crystal Nims and David Veigel as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by five siblings, John, George, Tony, Heidi and Kula.

Memorials:

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Visitation:

2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Trisagion service at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 25, 2010

Nie Family Funeral Home - Carpenter Rd. Chapel
2400 Carpenter Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Service:

11:00 a.m.
Monday, July 26, 2010

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
3109 Scio Church Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Cemetery:

Bethlehem Cemetery
Ann Arbor, MI

If you can help identify this person, please contact Cpl Gerald Wagner at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s office (734) 973-4694.

Click on the picture to view a larger picture.

They include former mayor Cheryl Farmer, former City Council member John Gawlas, Attorney and former EMU Regent Karen Valvo, former EMU Professor Bill Fennel, and former Ypsilanti School Superindent James Hawkins.

On November 2, Ypsilanti voters will be asked if a Charter commission should be convened. Also on the November ballot will be the five names.

If the voters say no to convening a Charter Commission, then the votes for commission members do not count.

Mayor Paul Schreiber and former Mayor Pete Murdock have both previously said publicly they were opposed to convening a Charter Commission.

These were the themes of a talk given at an Ypsilanti business association. The themes sound familiar in a globalized Internet age that offers the choice of whether to buy goods made elsewhere or online, or patronize an Ypsilanti store. “Buy Local” is now a familiar idea.

But it isn’t new. The talk at the business meeting occurred not in 2010 but in 1906. The goods from afar undercutting the local economy weren’t from distant countries or the Internet.

“Last night’s meeting of the Ypsilanti Business Men’s Association in Cleary College reading room was a fine one and the turn out of citizens was magnificent,” said the March 2, 1906 Ypsilanti Daily Press. “The singing of the Pease men’s quartet was a revelation to those that had never heard them and they were heartily cheered by their delighted hearers. The talk given by [downtown clothing store co-owner] Mr. Horner was one that should have been heard by every person in Washtenaw County . . .”

Fred Horner went on to discuss the decline of downtown trade from the farmers around Ypsilanti. “That the rural trade of merchants of Ypsilanti is not what it should be is evident from the fact that the question has been asked, ‘what is the cause of the decline?’”

Horner attributed the decrease in large part to mail order companies. “They scatter their catalogues promiscuously throughout the country quoting prices (that to the customer seem great bargains) and reap a harvest in return, when the same quality could be bought at home for the same, or less, and the freight or express saved, and have the satisfaction of having kept the money at home. It seems like poor policy for any person that has any interest in the welfare of his home market to send abroad for his supplies, even though he could save a few dollars in his yearly purchases . . .”

Most of the large mail order houses, or “catalogue houses,” were in Chicago. Sears, Roebuck & Company with its iconic catalogue dominated them all. Sears is likely the “large catalogue house in Chicago” to which a February 19, 1906 Ypsilanti Daily Press editorial refers.

“The pure food commission of Minnesota recently issued a bulletin disclosing the names of concerns which have shipped adulterated foods into that state,” said the paper. “In this list the name of a large catalogue house in Chicago appears four or five times. The report, which is a scathing denunciation of manufacturers and dealers selling impure foods, shows that catalogue houses sell goods that are not only inferior, but a menace to health, if not life itself.”

The paper continued, “The commissioners declare, and their report is based upon an analysis of samples purchased, that the house referred to sells evaporated milk labeled evaporated cream; wild cherry phosphate colored with coal tar dye; cheese containing borax, and stuff which it advertises as pure fruit jelly, but is a glucose compound artificially colored and flavored. Thus is the secret of the low prices of catalogue houses exposed. They buy inferior goods because they can buy them at a low price, but they advertise them as the best on the market.”

“The agricultural implements offered by catalogue houses never bear the names and brands that are known to the trade, unless there is a deliberate steal of a name or brand, as sometimes occurs. The machines are made from obsolete patterns, hurriedly constructed out of inferior material.” Agricultural implements were manufactured and sold in the city by, among others, O. E. Thompson in the former Thompson Block. The paper continued, “The same thing is true of buggies and carriages.” In years past, the Beach Carriage Company had produced carriages in Ypsilanti.

The article concluded, “The catalogue houses buy these goods at low prices. Why shouldn’t they? But they sell them at high prices, considering their value. When a concern has been convicted of selling inferior and impure foods intelligent buyers should be suspicious of its other lines.”

Or at least some of its lines. The 1902 Sears, Roebuck & Company catalogue has an extensive gun section, featuring rifles bearing the storied names of Winchester and Remington that evoke the romance of the Old West.

It also carried the Flobert.

In all caps, the catalog’s blurb for the gun reads “WE DO NOT RECOMMEND NOR GUARANTEE FLOBERT RIFLES. Buy a good rifle. It will pay in the end . . . We think No. 6R665 [elsewhere on the page] is the best value for the money.”

A genuine Remington rifle on the next page sold for $7.50 [$184 today]. The Flobert went for $1.60 [$39].

Although they carried some iffy products, the catalogue houses also employed many craftsmen in producing worthwhile goods, as noted by one editorial written by a Midwest merchant in the February 23, 1901 Sanitary and Heating Age trade magazine.

“Now, 60 miles east of me is a small stove foundry,” said the writer. “They make a good cheap cook stove. A Chicago house takes their entire output. Can any one, or any association, by entreaty or legislation, or by ‘Influence and wisdom,’ stop this leak for the legitimate dealer? We cannot influence our home customer with the plea that the catalogue houses are putting out ‘shyster’ goods, for they are not. The stove I speak of is a good one, and offered cheaper than I can sell it.”

Despite this assertion, the reputation of catalogue houses was so poor that the 1902 Sears catalogue, in its introduction, said that it would ship goods in unmarked packaging. Merchants reselling the goods would not be stigmatized. “As some of our customers, especially townspeople and business houses, request us to ship our goods in plain packages or boxes, leaving off our name and address, so that no one will know what they have bought or where the goods come from, we have decided to make the transaction strictly confidential.”

Town merchants had demanded the anonymity, but it was likely also a blessing for Sears–at least when shipping out Floberts.

Laura Bien is the author of “Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives.” Have an old-time Ypsi story to share? Contact her at ypsidixit@gmail.com.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America:

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

— That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,

— That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

— Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

QUICHE LORRAINE AUNT GERRY

Culinarily speaking, Quiche is the pride of the french.  This may seem an odd column choice as we approach the July 4th holiday, however, France also gave us the Statue of Liberty.  I’m posting this recipe in response to a request from my grandniece Kathleen.  ~Aunt Gerry

Poke pastry shell all over with fork.  Bake pastry shell in a 450 degree oven for 7 minutes or just till lightly browned.  Remove from oven; reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.  Fry bacon till crisp; drain and crumble.  Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon for trim.  Place remaining bacon in pie shell; add cheese.  Combine remaining ingredients; pour over.  Sprinkle reserved bacon atop in a circle.  Bake at 325 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or till almost set in center.  Let cool 25 minutes before serving.  Serve with a garnish of green onions wrapped in ham slices.

GINGER AUNT GERRY SNAPS

These are a soft, delicious cookie.  They’re Uncle Joe’s favorite!  ~Aunt Gerry

Mix shortening, sugar, egg and molasses.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Chill dough.  Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Roll dough into balls the size of walnuts and dip tops in sugar.  Place sugared side up on greased baking sheet.  Sprinkle 2-3 drops water on each ball for a cracked surface.  Bake 10-12 minutes.

An ad for Wheat Hearts appeared in the August 12, 1909 Ypsilanti Daily Press.

Ypsilanti once had a chance of becoming an empire of breakfast cereals, like Battle Creek.

In 1909, electricity was still making inroads into the city. Only some houses were “wired.” Most were heated with coal. Cars were uncommon. Most women were homemakers, and most men’s commute consisted of a walk from home to another part of the city.

Many families got their flour from the Ypsilanti Milling Company on Cross Street near the river. The mill’s ad in the March 2, 1909 Ypsilanti Daily Press read,

“The Ypsilanti Mill is now running and turning out a STRICTLY HIGH GRADE FLOUR.

“Our BLUE LABEL brand is gaining new friends every day. Last week it was just a youngster. This week it is older and you will probably like it better.

“Further, we want you to try our ‘TIDAL WAVE’ brand. It’s a strictly high class patent and worthy of a little assistance from its friends in the way of trial orders.
“We have on hand BRAN MIDDLINGS, COTTON SEED MEAL, LINSEED MEAL, CALF MEAL, WHEAT HEARTS and GRAHAM.

“Our wagon is still running [for home delivery] and we want you to phone your orders in AT ONCE OR SOONER.”

The hydro-powered mill was an old one, dating from the 1830s. A feature article in the May 23, 1874 Ypsilanti Commercial gave an overview of the city businesses of the time. The piece mentions the city mill.

“[The mill stands] on the east bank of the Huron, above Cross Street bridge. It, or rather the mill of which this is an enlargement, was built in Territorial days [before Michigan became a state in 1837]. In 1865 it came into the possession of the Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company, and by this company was sold to T. C. Owen, Esq., a nephew of E. B. Ward of Detroit, who is also an interested party. The mill is an immense structure. It contains seven run of stone, and at present is turning out 250 barrels of flour per day. It, in addition, grinds 30,000 bushels of grain per year, for the farmers of the vicinity.  . . A side track from the Michigan Central Railroad runs to the door of the mill.” The side track ran approximately where Rice Street is today.

Ypsilanti poet-farmer William Lambie raised wheat on his farm just north of town. In his poem “A Harvest Hymn,” published in his 1883 book “Life on the Farm,” he lauded the grain:

We see the God of nature in bounteous love bestowing,
In every year of life we reap the seed we have been sowing,
Till our barns are filled with plenty and cups are overflowing,
As we are marching on.
We have entered on a calling that will never know defeat,
For honor and for daily bread we work in summer’s heat,
Ever reaping golden harvests of the finest of the wheat,
When summer days are long.

1909 was a good year for local wheat production. The Ypsilanti Milling Corporation decided to put some of that wheat into a new venture. It milled it into a breakfast gruel similar to Cream of Wheat.

On August 6, 1909 the first ad for “Wheat Hearts” appeared.

“WHEAT HEARTS

“What are they? Well, we’ll tell you. They are our new breakfast food made from the very best wheat grown; viz, that around Ypsilanti, and ground fresh every day. Why buy breakfast foods made away from home when you can get something here which you know is fresh and which will cost you less money. Ask your grocer for Wheat Hearts.
“The Ypsilanti Milling Co.
“East Cross St. Phone 171.”

The ad ran again on August 10, 12, and 16.

Several local grocers also ran ads during that summer, often listing their goods and specials in the ads. Some listed oatmeal and cornflakes.

None listed Ypsilanti Wheat Hearts.

The Ypsilanti Milling Company’s ads for Wheat Hearts vanished by September of 1909. Perhaps no one wanted a hot breakfast gruel in August. Possibly a fall launch of the cereal might have helped it to succeed. At any rate, Wheat Hearts vanished from the scene. The Ypsilanti Historical Museum holds no packaging artifacts of this forgotten cereal.

Had it caught on, Wheat Hearts might have made Ypsilanti a breakfast cereal empire, renowned from Mackinac to Monroe. Trains could have shipped the cereal to cities around the nation. Citizens could have been humming the catchy Wheat Hearts jingle, perhaps along the lines of:

From the fertile Ypsilanti
To the pantry of my auntie,
It’s Wheat Hearts!
For some good starts!

Alas, it wasn’t to be. Wheat Hearts vanished from the 1909 papers and presumably from local stores—if indeed it had ever been stocked.

The only people who remember our failed foray into the breakfast cereal arena are local hermits poring over crumbling newspapers.

And they’re no help in promoting Wheat Hearts. They usually  have just a miserly cup of coffee—black, no sugar—for breakfast.

Laura Bien is the author of “Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives.” Catch her free talk with local historianJames Mann at Ypsilanti’s Senior Center Wednesday, July 7 at 7:30 p.m.. Have an old-time Ypsi story? Contact Laura at ypsidixit@gmail.com.

The last Hudson dealer - Ypsilanti, Michigan, photo by sjb4photos

Here in Ypsilanti, Michigan is the last remaining Hudson dealership
in existence. It is now part of the Ypsilanti Auto Heritage Collection,
founded by Jack Miller, who’s Father started this dealership.

Jack was manning the front desk when we visited on New Year’s Eve.
This 1933 Terraplane is currently displayed in the showroom and is
all original.

Popular Porqupine Meatballs

When the rice cooks, it pokes out around the meatball, making it look like the back end of a porqupine. However, these “Porqupines” aren’t dangerous, they’re delicious! ~Aunt Gerry

2 lbs. ground beef
3/4 cup uncooked rice
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 teaspoons celery salt
2 tablespoons onions
1 (10 1/2-oz) can tomato soup
1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup dwater

Blend meat, rice pepper, celery salt, onions. Form into 24 balls. Place in baking dish; add soup, tomato sauce, and water. Cover and bake in slow oven (325 degrees) for 1 1/4 hours.

Lazy Lemon Cake

It’s called “Lazy” because the recipe calls for a box cake mix. I always keep one on hand in case I’m asked to prepare something for a funeral at church. My daughter thinks I’m morbid. The women in charge of the funeral luncheons think I’m wonderful. ~Aunt Gerry

1 small pkg. lemon jello
1 cup boiling water.
1 pkg. lemon cake mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup water

Stir together Jello and water until jello is dissolved; cool. While Jello mixture is cooling, in mixing bowl combine remaining ingredients. Mix with mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the cooled jello-water mixture. Mix until well blended. Pur batter into greased and lightly floured angel food cake pan or Bundt pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven and poke holes in top of cake. Pour glaze over cake while hot.
Glaze:
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup lemon jice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
Mix together until smooth and pour over hot cake.

Gerry Burns (Aunt Gerry) is an octogenarian & Ypsilantian who has resided with her husband Joe in their Augusta Township home for 43 years. After working 20 years at Eastern Michigan University, she retired in 1992. In addition to knitting and baking, Aunt Gerry enjoys the company of her husband & family which includes three grown children, three grandchildren and Minnie; a large, rambunctious, black Labrador retriever. At 80 years old, Aunt Gerry is happy that she’s “Still Cookin’” You can email Aunt Gerry at AuntGerry@YpsiNews.com

If you lost an iguana (we think that is what it is) I may know where it is.  Give me a brief description of what it looks like and where you last had it.  ~Steve

Steve can be contacted at Steve@YpsiNews.com

If the AWOL iguana is not claimed, perhaps there is a new belt or a pair of boots in Mr. Pierce’s future.

UPDATE:

June 22, 2010 @ 18:15

Approximately 20 responses were received regarding the little lost lizard.  This impressed Steve Pierce because as he put it, “You know, when you are the guy that wrote the (April Fools Day) stories about crocodiles in Riverside Park and oil discovered at Water Street… well, it is fair that some were skeptical about a report of a lost iguana.”  (http://ypsinews.com/index.php/200804-crocodile-spotted-in-riverside-park)

According to Pierce, the iguana’s owner has been found.  The owner was able to ID “Marissa” from pictures.  Marissa has been missing since May 28, 2010 and began her journey in the Normal Park area.  To make her way to Ypsilanti’s south side neighborhood, she would’ve had to cross busy Michigan Avenue.  Well done, Marissa!

Although the iguana’s owner has been found, the iguana herself has eluded capture so far.  Apparently it’s not easy to track a green iguana in a green tree.

YpsiNews.com does not anticipate CNN trucks lining the streets and doubts Nancy Grace will be reporting from Ypsilanti.  However, a small volunteer watch has been formed to locate Marissa.  YpsiNews.com will keep you posted on the Great Ypsilanti Iguana Hunt.

If you happen to spot “Marissa”, please contact YpsiNews.com and be informed that Marissa likes cream cheese.

It started with an idea for a song, but since MacGregor, the man with the idea, couldn’t write  music, play music, or even sing - he needed help.  He found it in Adam Dahl: singer, songwriter, guitarist. Together, they hashed out the lyrics, and within an hour had completed “How Was I To Know?” They played the song for friends and family with positive response.  Dahl & MacGregor both got the song stuck in their heads and figured that was a good sign.  Adam commented, half-joking, “We should make a music video!”  Ken responded, “You know… I know people who do that.”

MacGregor sent out emails and used his connections with local Ypsilanti talent to set things in motion.  He said, “I could see it in my head, and once I could do that, I knew I could make it happen in the real world…or at least on camera.”  Ken contacted videographer Scott Hatkow, who agreed to work pro bono saying, “I’ve always wanted to do a music video.”  MacGregor also called upon Kelly Jean Passage, the female lead in a zombie horror / comedy he’ll be  shooting this summer.  Passage loved the song and was enthusiastic about being in the video.  Matthew Fulton,  a buddy from high school, now a Kung Fu instructor happily agreed to choreograph the fight scenes.  A recording session was scheduled, filming locations were confirmed and they were ready to go.

Kelly Jean Passage had never studied martial arts, a key element of the video.  After a month of rehearsing fight choreography, Matthew Fulton had her looking like a mighty warrior, very convincing on camera as a competent Kung Fu practitioner.  Matthew also provided the armor used in the video and appeared as an extra.  The first day of shooting was devoted entirely to the fight scene, and was shot over five hours on a day with intermittent rain showers. They had to stop taping often to run into the garage out of the rain.  Shooting would resume when there was a break in the clouds.  MacGregor ended up ill after shooting scenes where he repeatedly had to fall  on the wet grass.  His enthusiasm still evident he remarked, “It was totally worth it. We got some great footage!”

The gym scene was shot at Ypsi Studio, a small fitness and wellness center in Ypsilanti on Michigan Avenue.  Julia Collins, the owner, donated the use of the space and agreed to fill in as an extra.  MacGregor also called in Dave Rahbari at the last minute as an extra-extra-extra playing three different parts.   The final location was Haab’s Restaurant, an Ypsilanti landmark.  There, the production was aided by a very helpful staff, including the bartender who made the actors fake cocktails to drink.

The video went up on YouTube on June 1, and is  already closing in on  1,000 hits.  YouTube has begun putting ads on the video, which can be assumed means  they think it’s doing pretty well.  It’s definitely a positive statement about the local talent in Ypsilanti.

WATCH VIDEO:  How Was I To Know?

Cafe’ Racer at 10 Cross Street acts as “Mission Control” for the free festival.  There will be live music on stage from noon to 11pm with a lineup of local musicians such as The Reefermen, Ypsitucky Colonels and Rattlebox.  A beer tent will be set up and motorcycle accessories & parts will be available from vendors.

A $5 entry fee gets your bike into the Mods Vs. Rockers bike competition.  Entrants have a chance to win in many categories:

During The Ton-Up Motorcycle & Music Festival, Cafe’ Racer is holding a contest to find a  model to grace a page of their 2011 Pin-Up calendar.  Contestants will model vintage 40s, 50s, & 60s pin-up attire.

Ton-Up is a British term that refers to a motorcycle capable of speeds of 100mph or more.  Organizers expect between 2,500 and 3,000 people to attend this first-time event.  To find out more about this event, sponsorship opportunities, the pin-up competition, or to register your bike for the show, visit The Ton-Up Web site at http://thetonup.intuitwebsites.com.

The Waiting Room:  Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8pm, Sunday 5pm; Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti  - An intriguing dark comedy exploring what would happen if three women from three different time periods and cultures met in a doctor’s office today to discuss their maladies.  Ticket Prices - General Admission: $16,  Students & Seniors: $11

Crossroads Music Fest:  Friday, 7pm-10pm; Washington Street, Downtown Ypsilanti - Barbara Payton and Just Jill perform.  No Admission Charge - Free

Depot Town Farmer’s Market:  Saturday, 8am-1pm; Freighthouse Plaza, Depot Town Ypsilanti - The market offesr fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, meats, bread and other baked goods, and craft items.  No Admission Charge - Free 

Ypsilanti Relay For Life:  Saturday - Sunday, 10am to 10am; Riverside Park, Depot Town, Ypsilanti - To benefit American Cancer Society.  No Admission Charge - Opportunity For Donation

“The Girl in Centerfield,” a feature-length documentary produced by Detroit-based Stunt3 Multimedia, is the story of Carolyn King’s fight to play Little League baseball. Using interviews, stock footage, and re-creation, Stunt3 will weave together the drama of the summer of 1973 when the nation watched as the city of Ypsilanti went head-to-head with Williamsport, Pennsylvania and the institution of Little League Baseball.  The film is scheduled for release in the summer of 2010. On Thursday, July 19, 2010, 7-8:30pm Ypsilanti District Library will premiere the trailer for the documentary and host a personal appearance by Carolyn King Minot. 

Carolyn King Minot being interviewed for”The Girl in Centerfield”

]]> http://ypsinews.com/index.php/201006-the-girl-in-centerfield/feed/ http://ypsinews.com/index.php/201006-ypsilanti-ladies-take-the-field/ http://ypsinews.com/index.php/201006-ypsilanti-ladies-take-the-field/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 03:44:44 +0000 Chrissy Burns / YpsiNews.com http://ypsinews.com/?p=2155 Eastern Michigan University is offering “Football 101″ -  a skills clinic for women Saturday, July 24, 2010 from 10 am-3 pm.  Participants will experience what it’s like to be a player as coaches teach them the importance of different positions and run them through practice drills.  At the end of the day, they will have the basic knowledge and skills needed to enjoy the game of football.

Registration for the event is $30 per person ($15 for EMU students) which includes lunch, a “Football 101″ t-shirt, and photo opportunities with Head Coach Ron English.  Each participant will also receive a season ticket to the 2010 EMU Football season.  Additionally, for each Football 101 registration, $5 will be donated to support EMU Volleyball’s “Dig Pink” fundraiser to benefit breast cancer research, which will take place in the fall.  For more information about the EMU Football 101 Skills Clinic, call 734.487.8109 or visit EMUEagles.com.

1) Collaborate to create & implement a Parks & Recreation Master Plan
2) Recruit/recommend/promote Parks & Recreation use and activities
3) Coordinate the Adopt-A-Park Program
4) Assist in recommendation and implementation of related city/area plans (non-motorized plan, border-to-border trail, etc)
5) Coordinate with other government units for area-wide collaboration (Washtenaw Parks & Rec, Ypsi Twp, School District)
6) Other governance as relevant to parks & recreation

Meetings are generally monthly (currently on Thursday evenings), and terms are four years. Adults and high-school aged youth are both welcome to serve.  Interested citizens should contact Mayor Schreiber at  mayor@cityofypsilanti.com to discuss their interest in being considered for an appointment.  The Mayor will take multiple factors into consideration, and interest in the position will not necessarily lead to an appointment at this time.

Construction continues on the Ypsilanti Freighthouse.
For more information on the Freighthouse restoration, visit www.foyf.org

Easy Mexican Casserole
“Hola mis amigos! Este guiso es fácil y deliciosa. Disfrute!”
(I really don’t know Spanish so I hope I wrote that correctly.)
I don’t want to start an international incident! -Aunt Gerry

2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
salt & pepper
1 10 oz. can mild enchilada sauce
12 corn tortillas
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup milk
1 small can chopped green chillies
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Brown beef & onions with chili powder and salt & pepper. Add enchilada sauce. Put 6 tortillas in a 9×13 pan, pour beef mixture over, then put remaining 6 tortillas on top. Mix together soup, milk, and chillies; pour over tortillas. Cover with grated cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Easy Corn Bread
This is just sweet enough to be the perfect accompaniment for spicy dishes.
For a sweeter treat, serve it with honey.
If you need more sweetness than that, come meet my granddaughters! -Aunt Gerry

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup corn meal
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup skim milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg, beaten

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8 or 9 inch pan. (Recipe can be doubled for a 9×13 inch pan.) Combine dry ingredients. Stir in milk, oil and egg, mixing just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or untl light golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Easy Pineapple Upside Down Cake
The recipe says that instead of pineapple you can use apples, apricots, prunes or peaches.
In my opinion, pineapple is the original and only “Upside Down Cake.”
This one is good enough to stand you on your head! - Aunt Gerry

1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 egg, well beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
5 slices drained pineapple
5 cherry halves (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts
whipped cream

Combine sifted flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Stir with whisk until thoroughly mixed and then sift. Add softened butter and cut into the flour mixture with whisk until mixed. Combine beaten egg, milk and vanilla. Add to flour mixture until blended, then beat vigorously for one minute with whisk or electric beater. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in 8×8x2″ pan or oven-safe skillet over low flame. Add brown sugar and cook & stir until thoroughly mixed. On this, arrange drained pineapple slices with half cherry (if desired) in center of each pineapple slice. Sprinkle with chopped nuts to fill the empty spaces. Pour batter over and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Loosen cake from sides of pan with spatula. Turn upside down on dish so pineapple is on top. Serve with whipped cream.

Gerry Burns (Aunt Gerry) is an octogenarian & Ypsilantian who has resided with her husband Joe in their Augusta Township home for 43 years. After working 20 years at Eastern Michigan University, she retired in 1992. In addition to knitting and baking, Aunt Gerry enjoys the company of her husband & family which includes three grown children, three grandchildren and Minnie; a large, rambunctious, black Labrador retriever. At 80 years old, Aunt Gerry is happy that she’s “Still Cookin’” You can email Aunt Gerry at AuntGerry@YpsiNews.com

While Washtenaw County is becoming a hot-bed for high-tech and green companies, I would steer you in simpler direction. There are many houses & buildings in financial distress that could be excellent investments. A person with time on their hands and some fundamental carpentry skills could purchase a home or building and convert it to a rental. Two major Universities plus WCC and many other learning operations in the Ypsilanti area bring in 50,000+ students - many of who will be looking for off-campus housing and a short commute.

Cheaper rent in Ypsilanti would definitely be a selling point.

Secondly, President Obama has instituted a tax credit called Energy Star. Under this stimulus plan Licensed Contractors replace defective windows, doors, appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters, etc. in the house that are not energy efficient. Visit www.energystar.gov for more information.

It’s a windfall for a home-owner and a great opportunity to invest in your infrastructure. You’ll be putting revenue back into the community by purchasing from local hardware stores, lumber yards, etc. and hiring local contractors. You’ll increase the value of your home, which brings up the value of your neighborhood, increasing tax revenue for schools, public transportation, roads, etc. That’s an investment in Ypsilanti! ~ The Armchair Investor

Pat Joseph is an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University and previously worked for the Internal Revenue Service. Joseph is not a professional financial counselor, accountant or stock broker. The information in “The Armchair Investor” is Pat’s opinion based on personal study, research and experience. Email The Armchair Investor at PatJoseph@YpsiNews.com

The Downtown Association of Ypsilanti welcomed local blues acts Chris Canas and the Martindales for the opening weekend of Crossroads.  The free outdoor summer concert series takes place 7pm-10pm every Friday through August on Washington Street in downtown Ypsilanti.