News from the Fletcher White Archives
Author: Gerry Pety
By the time you read this, we will have been in the new archives in the museum basement for four months. The time has really passed quickly. What a dramatic change it has been. Although we are still not completely unpacked, we are open for you to come in to do that research you have been putting off for so long. We have come upon many items that were packed away when the archives moved to the Carriage House in the spring of 2002.
A special thanks to George Ridenour and Lyle McDermott for packing, assisting with the move, and then unpacking and organizing materials in our new location. Also, thanks to James Mann for volunteering to help our guests in the archives on a scheduled basis. Katie Dallos, our intern, has been instrumental in keeping the place organized and civil during the move-thanks Katie! All through this move AI Rudisill has been a tremendous help finding the infrastructure and furniture needed for the archive expansion. He also volunteers for special projects and drafts his grandson for help. Thanks guys!
We are about to receive more help in the person of Jessica Brigle. She has already received the nickname “little Jessica” due to her diminutive stature. She is a student at Eastern Michigan University in the Historic Preservation Program and is learning the ropes at the YHS archives.
A special thank you to Valerie and Mike Kabat, owners of Haab's Restaurant, for donating information and artifacts related to the restaurant. We received an original 1934 Haab's menu and information on the adjacent storefronts along Michigan Avenue. It is apparent that this area has catered to fine food and drink for over 150 years!
Come and visit the Archives in our new location. If you are interested in volunteering we will assign you to one of our many ongoing projects.
