Changing Seasons

The very first Tamarack (volume 1, number 1) was published in April 1897.  That spring must surely have begun in a similar fashion to the way it begins today: hopeful, bursting with flowers, sunshine, and the unspoken promise of a fresh start.  The students who haunted the hallowed halls of Detroit College back then must have welcomed the end of winter with as much enthusiasm as today’s students.  Spring meant a release from negotiating the icy streets, the snowy treks to campus, the unyielding freezing temperatures, and the general mess of winter.  Back then without the advantages of current cold temperature attire, it must have taken a lot of determination just to get to class.  And how wonderful it must have been to at last know the sun would grace those final days of classes before the end of the semester.

The change in seasons reflected the upcoming change in the century.  The potential for amazing advancement ushered in with the arrival of the 1900s likely weighed on the minds of students in similar fashion to the potential for new life that the warmer season usually seems to promise.  These two major changes surely helped influence the birth of this new publication.  Reading through the first few issues it’s easy to be transported to a time when winter was just a little more difficult to deal with, and spring was just a little more welcome.

One of my favorite essays in the early Tamarack issues is the one published in this particular issue (shown below titled “Etchings on the Way”).  This sort of descriptive work offers a rare glimpse into the world of the early student as he made his way along the streets of Detroit to class. (Keep in mind, this college was a man’s world back then.)  The reader can join the writer as he makes his way along those early streets to his college classroom. His world was slower and quieter and he shares the sights and sounds of an average morning walk through the city.

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“Etchings on the Way” by Maurice W. Chawke, class of 1897

Spend some time in this wonderful collection. You’re bound to find something interesting there.

Tamarack Archive , , , , , , , , Updated: March 13, 2014

Poetic Express

Creativity is an urge, I believe, and one we’re all born with. This urge can get directed in different ways, from cooking to construction to creating a business. In some people, this urge is expressed through art. Regardless of the way it’s expressed, however, what can’t be denied is its need for expression. Often the form of expression is part of the creativity itself.

Maurice Greenia, Jr. responds to this creative urge in various ways: from writing, to drawing, to music, to performance. Introduce an idea and he’ll give it a try. The urge encourages him to do something different, to change the world in a noticeable way, and to make a positive impact on society as a whole.

In the 1970s, Maurice decided to share his work in a unique way. Although he’d already been creating art for years prior to this, it was at this point that he started typing poetry, manifestos, drawings, and collections of old quotations (usually filling both sides of an 8” x 11” page). He’d make copies of these pages, and hand them out to people he’d run into around town. Sometimes, he’d mail these to various friends throughout the country to be distributed there. This was all done free of charge and in response to an urge to share his work.

In 1985, Maurice decided it was time to do a regular monthly publication. It was at this point that he came up with the name “Poetic Express” for this work. Since the publication would go out on a regular basis, he offered himself incentive with a deadline, thus forcing him to write poetry, draw, and create comic strips for each month. The Poetic Express is a way to connect on a very personal level to people he would never know or even meet. It’s a raw communication that offers his readers a recognition of the creative urge within their own lives.

When asked about his inspiration for this publication, Maurice says, “It’s always been about getting my work out to the people. I’ve had a lot of feedback over the years and the Express does have some sort of ‘underground cult following.’”

The recent Poetic Express (below) is one of Maurice’s favorites since it includes tributes to family and friends, both living and deceased. I hope you’ll spend some time with this section of the Maurice Greenia, Jr. collection. I think you’ll find it inspiring.

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Maurice Greenia, Jr. Collections , , , , Updated: April 4, 2014

1964 U of D Commencement

Here’s a question: What value is there in looking through digitized versions of past Commencement booklets?

Good question! Answers to this range from the obvious historical research benefit to the idea of satisfying curiosity. Suppose, for example, that you are curious about the history of Commencement at the university. When did this ceremony begin for the University of Detroit (or for Detroit College)? Did all schools participate? Were the various schools even established at U of D when Commencement first began?

And what about the deans at the various colleges?  You’ve heard of a few of them. How long did each dean hold the position? Who were these deans and what is their history with U of D?

What if we take a look at the 1964 Commencement booklet? Fifty years ago is a good place to begin. How have things changed since then? Where was the emphasis then as compared to Commencement ceremonies now?

1964 marked the eighty-first annual Commencement at the University of Detroit. It was also the twenty-third annual Commencement at Mercy College (also represented in our Commencement archive). And like every Commencement between 1952 and 1979, this ceremony was held at the Memorial Building. We can read that the Very Reverend, Laurence V. Britt, SJ was president of the university then and had been since 1961 (through 1966). The Invocation for this event was given by William H. Nichols, SJ, and the Honorary Degree recipient on this occasion was Dr. Edward Teller. William Kelly Joyce was the Committee Chairman for this Commencement and had served in this capacity since 1944 (through 1965).

Image 3 (shown here) provides the anniversary date along with the name of the dean from each college. And image eight offers a fine outline of the events of the day. We can almost imagine being there; and we can easily picture the bright and eager faces of those who had accomplished so much and were poised to accomplish so much more.

These little booklets hold a lot of information. All we have to do is spend a little time with them now to realize how valuable they really are and continue to be.

81st Annual Commencement Exercises University of Detroit Memoria

 

Commencement Collection , , , Updated: March 27, 2014

Students Then and Now

Take a look at the photo below.  This is an image of a usual campus scene in 1964.  In this photo, students rush to class or hurry to their parked cars or into the library at the right side of the picture. The day is warm, probably Spring, and students seem distracted by their studies, the change in the seasons, or each other.  One student in the foreground seems to be checking his watch, others seem lost in their own thoughts.  Here is a moment in time, fifty years ago, held forever in this frozen image.

When I see photos like this one, I tend to immediately compare this one scene so long ago with the way things look now.  It’s not that the student him or herself has changed that much, each one still has his or her own thoughts, goals, fears, and hopes.  Each student today is still working toward creating a successful future and maybe questioning the steps it takes to get there. It seems there’s a difference in the “how” part of those steps these days, however.

This same scene today would include not only a difference in fashion (which, to me, would be a lot less uncomfortable looking than the student attire pictured here), but in the inclusion of the technology that has become so much a part of the average student’s life these days. We’d be hard pressed to find a student who would come to class in a suit and tie (for example), but we’d be even more challenged to find a student without a cell phone, laptop, or other similar handy device. Students today would also probably carry their books and supplies in a backpack instead of bundled against their sides or clutched in their arms as this image shows.

Take another look.  Can you imagine yourself in this picture?  How would it be to strive for the same educational success then as it is now?  And how likely is it that if they met on campus, today’s students would have much in common with the students shown here? While students in this photograph likely didn’t worry about their futures, I would wager that today’s students would have a thing or two to teach them about the value of a good education.

1964_tower_yearbookImage 7, 1964 Tower Yearbook

The past is waiting for your presence. Why not spend some time in the Digital Archives? It will be well worth the investment.

 

University of Detroit Tower Yearbook Collection , , , , , Updated: March 5, 2014

The Future of the Moving Pictures

You may have surmised by now that my current favorite archive is the Tamarack.  What a wonderful find this collection is! Opening these dusty pages is like finding hidden treasure. These young student writers, likely only published in this one tome, were the reporting witnesses to an age that valued insight and “letters” (or writing well) over technological witticism.

The Tamarack spans the early years of the university’s history, and mostly the early years of the 20th century.  The first quarter of this new century seemed open to radical change and technological miracles … and they seemed constant: the sad end of the Titanic; the bitter fighting in World War I; the virulent strain of influenza sweeping the planet; societies world wide rocked by revolutions, violent riots, and union strikes. While all this turmoil was going on, Einstein was writing his theory of general relativity and Henry Ford was busy organizing the first assembly line.  Henry Ford’s work alone would make a major change in industry that would affect much of the country’s work force.

Peeking into the pages of the Tamarack issues published during these years, is a way of seeing these events from a particularly focused point of view. In any case, the changes taking place during these troubled years must have been on the minds of the students at U of D as they considered their futures. And, to me, returning to this frame of reference in these mute pages is very valuable.

So while reviewing the June, 1915 issue of the Tamarack the other day, I chanced upon this great essay titled, “The Future of Moving Pictures.” It may have been Henry Ford’s impact on production that inspired the writer’s perspective, or maybe he was just responding to the turbulence of the times. In any case, he saw the potential for this cinematic novelty as a tool for instruction and not just entertainment.  I found this very insightful and wondered why it took so long for the social world to embrace this perspective in the same way this young man had back in the early days of movie history.

 

Skip ahead to 2014 (just shy of 100 years) and you have youtube! Like a lot of ideas ahead of their time, this one just took off and got crazy effective!

Tamarack Archive , , , , Updated: February 20, 2014

Belle Isle Bridge Fire

Some things get lost to history. At first, dramatic events are passed along from one generation to the next — parents tell parents, friends tell friends. When the world gets busy with major events like wars and economic disasters, however, the smaller ones fade into the dusty lines of historic records. Later, when we stumble across these old social memories, we often react with surprise.  And isn’t that cool?

On April 27, 1915, a fire destroyed the mostly wooden bridge connecting the mainland to Belle Isle.  Those fortunate enough to have a camera with them at the time captured some pretty dramatic images.  Others, like the students at the University of Detroit, relied on their ability to communicate the excitement of the day through the written word.

The page below, taken from the June, 1915 edition of the Tamarack, provides a glimpse into the way the local community responded to what must have been a very tragic afternoon.

 

The remains of this sad wooden structure were replaced in 1923, renamed to the McArthur Bridge in 1942, and restored in 1986. (source: wikipedia)

Tamarack Archive , , Updated: February 4, 2014

Digital History

Looking for an interesting way to spend your time this weekend?  Here’s a suggestion: travel digitally through the history of Detroit and the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM)! Both the city and the university offer a diverse and interesting past just waiting to be shared. Since the end of the 19th century, each has reflected the changes in the other. The successes and growth of both Detroit and UDM are reflections of the people who live, work, and dream here. Be part of something vital by checking this out.

Where to start? Well, how about at the Father Couglin Collection? Many know the story of Father Charles E. Coughlin and his contribution to the history of Detroit, but did you know UDM has a digital collection of his work and recorded influence during his lifetime? This archive includes a short biography, along with his educational materials, primary writings, radio broadcasts, photographs, and much more.

Father Coughlin’s archive includes several publications of the Shrine Herald newspaper that he contributed to during the 1940s and 1950s. To check out the entire digital collection of the Shrine Herald publications, visiting this important collection is just a click away.

To gain an understanding of what was taking place at the University of Detroit and Mercy College during the same period, spend some time with the Commencement, Convocation, Course Catalogs and Bulletins, Mercy College collections (Sisters of Mercy and college newspapers collections), Tamarack, University of Detroit Yearbook Collection, Varsity News, and similar special collections.

Also included in our digital archives are people who have contributed greatly to the enrichment of both the city of Detroit and UDM such as Father Edward J. Dowling (Fr. Edward J. Dowling, S.J. Marine Historical Collection),  Dr. James T. Callow (The James T. Callow Folklore Archive), and Maurice Greenia (Maurice Greenia, Jr. Collections).

There’s nothing more rewarding on these snowy days of winter than gaining a deeper understanding of the history of place. Spending time within these digital pages offers visitors a great way to discover and experience a past that still influences us today.

University of Detroit Mercy Digital Special Collections

Special Collections Page, University of Detroit Mercy Digital Archives

Digital Special Collections , , , , , , , Updated: February 20, 2014

Anthony Burns

Those of you who have visited the Black Abolitionist Archive have likely noticed the photograph of a young man named Anthony Burns in the upper left-hand corner of the main page. There’s an interesting history to this young man’s experience that helped to bring to light the depth of the outrage of slavery, and to change the hearts and minds of the citizens of Boston. Through his own words we learn of his plight.

When Anthony Burns was 19 years old, he mustered enough courage to escape from slavery in Virginia and make his way to Boston. He found a job with a local merchant and kept to himself. He believed he’d found the freedom he so desperately sought in the solitary life he’d chosen for himself in Boston. Then he made a fateful mistake.

Historynet.com fills in the blanks of Burns’ story and describes how he sent a letter to his brother, also a slave held at the same plantation in Virginia, disclosing his whereabouts. The letter was intercepted by the plantation owner who traveled to Boston to retrieve his “property.”

Boston was a good place for Burns to be. The people of this city had long disagreed with the Fugitive Slave laws that now determined Burns’ fate. And at this point, there were opposition forces gathering together to take action in Burns’ defense, radical action association with an underground Vigilance Committee group.  (The Burns’ arrest took place around 1854. In 1859, just five years later, John Brown would shock the country with his raid on Harper’s Ferry.)

The Boston Vigilance Committee (BVC) secured an excellent legal defense for Burns free of charge. But before any legal proceedings could take place, rioters, organized by the BVC stormed the courthouse in an effort to free Burns.

Historynet.com describes it this way:

The BVC organized a huge meeting for the evening of Friday, May 26, at Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall. Some 5,000 irate antislavery protesters attended. Wealthy merchant George Russell, a founding member of the BVC, opened the meeting and immediately set the tone: “The time will come when Slavery will pass away…. I hope to live in a land of liberty — in a land where no slave hunter shall dare pollute with his presence.”

The rioters were turned back; one man was killed; and the trial proceeded. Though his legal defense was impassioned and would prove historic, in the end, Burns was returned to the plantation with his former master. At their parting, the plantation owner jeered at the crowd that could purchase Burns’ freedom for a fair price. And, later, this was done.

Burns returned to Boston, later studied at Ohio’s Oberlin College and then became a Baptist minister. On July 27, 1862, just seven weeks before Lincoln would issue his Emancipation Proclamation, 28-year-old Anthony Burns died in Canada from tuberculosis. As much as anyone, Burns had exposed the gaping divisions between North and South that would lead to disunion and Civil War.

 There are several audio versions included in the Black Abolitionist Archive, and the published speech by Anthony Burns is one of them.  The recorded voice of a volunteer reader of this speech adds depth and another perspective on this important part of history.

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In 1854, Emerson wrote: “Ask not, is it constitutional. Ask, is it right?”

 

Black Abolitionist Archive , , , , , , , , Updated: February 5, 2014

Mercy College Newspapers

Fifty years ago, on March 4, 1964, Mercy College was host to Michigan’s first ever Catholic Jewish Dialogue conference.  This was not only an important event for church leaders and their respected communities, but it seemed an important way to heal wounds and open a conversation that persists today.  Catholics can trace their roots back to the early Jewish Christians, yet the fissure between religions that began with the Crucifixion never seemed wider than during the second world war.  The changes in Church doctrine allowed for inclusion, rather than exclusion and the Catholic Church seemed to be the perfect place to start mending the tear.  First step?  Open dialogue, communication, listening, teaching, accepting.

So Mercy College joined forces with the Anti-Defamation League to bring about something positive, something that had never been done before.  And they began to talk, to discuss, to listen.  They found common ground in the two areas where both religions shared responsibilities and goals, even if they approached these from different perspectives.

The headline on the February 27, 1964 issue of the Mercy College student newspaper, read “Mercy College Hosts Dialogue Day,” and stressed the importance of the event. Visit the Mercy College Student Newspapers collection to read about this and other news published between 1941 and 1989.

Mercy College , , , Updated: January 22, 2014

William Still — Black Abolitionist

This month we celebrate Black History. As part of that celebration, our DVD of the week (titled “Underground Railroad: the William Still Story”) highlights a book by William Still. As it happens, William Still is one of my favorite Black Abolitionists. He is called an “unsung hero” and that he was. I’d wager that not too many people have heard of him. Yet his speeches, delivered during the late 1850s and early 1860s, are some of the most eloquent I’ve read.

The speech on Self-Improvement delivered in Philadelphia on March 2, 1860, is a great example. Still wasn’t the only abolitionist to emphasize self-improvement, but his words gained the attention of those who desperately sought a clear direction when the future seemed quite unclear. The south was poised to succeed from the Union (in April, 1860). Civil War would begin a little more than a year later.

And what should those who had fought so long and hard do once the possibility of their freedom was near? Some sought to just stay out of the way, not cause trouble, not be seen. But William Still (and others) urged “self-improvement” through education, a focus on religious standards, and a strong moral discipline. The ideas on education expressed then hold value even today: self-improvement,  the potential for fulfillment in life, and the opportunity to gain an important place among the ranks of those who can look with dignity and pride at how much they have to offer the social world.

The Black Abolitionist Archive offers a wealth of history just waiting to be explored.

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William Still speech, Weekly Anglo-African, March 17, 1860

“There is a flow to history and culture. This flow is rooted and has its wellspring in the thoughts of people. People are unique in the inner life of the mind — what they are in their thought-world determines how they act. This is true of their value systems and it is true of their creativity. It is true of their corporate actions, such as political decisions, and it is true of their personal lives. The results of their thought-world flow through their fingers or from their tongues into the external world. This is true of Michelangelo’s chisel, and it is true of a dictatorís sword.“  (Francis A. Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live?)

Black Abolitionist Archive , , , , , , , Updated: February 5, 2014
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