Recent and Current Exhibits
Author: Joan Carpenter
The Ypsilanti Display Room does just what its name says, it displays items of interest that pertain to Ypsilanti, past and present.
Among the displays you will find the “Little Train That Could”, better known as the Ypsi-Ann. This busy little train carried the handsome young men from the University of Michigan to Ypsilanti to meet the lovely young women who were attending the Normal School, and many a romance bloomed because of this competent little train. Come and see the leather buckets used by the early firefighters of Ypsilanti along with instruments used by the doctors of years past. The ill-fated Tucker that fell under the power of the “Big Three,” and a picture of the naughty lady exhibiting the finest long-Johns ever made, are all part of the permanent display in this room.
However, other cabinets in this room contain displays of the beautiful, whimsical, unusual and/or artistic collections of members of the community.
Herb Cornish's fantastic collection of clocks and Mary and Jim Baker's most unusual collection of ink-wells occupied these cabinets during the past months. Both of these displays enchanted those who viewed them.
Currently we have a beautiful display of Oriental China in one of the cases. These old pieces are the property of Bert Spear. The unusual designs and unique shapes are certain to please the eye of all viewers.
The photographic artistry of Catherine Metcalf is displayed in the Ypsilanti Room, also.
Mrs. Metcalf has photographed many of the historical buildings in Ypsilanti with a skill that enhances and brings out the beauty of the architecture of the 1800s. Displayed with many of her photographs are pictures of the same buildings as they looked when they were new.
If you, or someone you know has a collection of items that you think would make a good exhibit, please let us know. We are currently looking for a Christmas collection to fill-out the season. Please feel free to call us and talk about what you have stored away in that old cupboard in the attic.
971-0536
