Washtenaw County Historian Hall of Fame

Ann Arbor Newsboys in 1892

There is a big difference between history makers and history documenters; history makers get most of the attention when history is discussed because they have been the builders, politicians, business entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, musicians, etc. who have made history through their amazing achievements and accomplishments. History documenters have quietly recorded and preserved history while receiving little attention for their efforts. The Ann Arbor Park System was established in 1905, and grew to 10 acres in 1905 with the addition of Cedar Bend and Felch Park; Walter Hammond and Esther Blanche Nichols donated 80 acres to the University of Michigan in 1906. University of Michigan Professor and Washtenaw County Historical Society President, Emil Lorch, was a well-know historical preservationist particularly with his eight years of work on Gordon Hall at Dexter, 1938-1946. Historical preservation began to become more popular with property donations following World War II as people began to donate properties for parks and other land preservation uses; the Huron-Clinton Metroparks were created in 1951 after being approved by voters in 1940. The Kempf Museum and Cobblestone Farm were two of the first major historical preservation projects in Washtenaw County in the 1970s. Eastern Michigan University began their Historical Preservation Instruction Program in 1979. Ann Arbor has over 2,200 acres of land with over 160 parks and nature area; Washtenaw County has over 8,000 acres of parks, preserves, open spaces, trails, rivers, lakes, and diverse ecosystems. The State of Michigan has 104 state parks with over 265,000 acres.

Alvan Wood Chase Printing House at the corner of North Main and Miller

The Bicentennial Celebration for the past 200 years recognizes the exceptional work by those who have devoted themselves to preserving the history of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County through a variety of methods including publishing books, articles, photographs, paintings, and other media along with archiving data; in addition, those who have been recognized by local historical societies within the county for their leadership and work to preserve history. It also includes those who have donated property, buildings, homes, etc. for historical preservation. Many of those recognized are former newspaper editors, reporters and photographers, librarians and archivists, curators of historic collections, bookbinders and printers including compositors and linotype operators, authors, artists, ministers, etc. Most of those recognized were not famous history makers; rather, they worked diligently on preserving historical data and records through a variety of methods. 

Argus Printing

While accumulating this list, I contacted every historical society in Washtenaw County and asked for input for additions to the list. Some historical societies volunteered people while others didn't; the ones that did volunteer names of esteemed historians also included biographies, pictures and other information as well. I began posting pictures, biographies and other bits of information about each historian on my facebook group in 2024. As a result of the documentation and preservation of historical documents from librarians, library archivists, antique+artifact+relic collectors, curators of historic collections, bookbinders and printers (compositors and Linotypists), newspaper editors, publishers, and reporters, photographers, artists, radio, television and other media including books that have now been digitally archived and preserved for public review, these Washtenaw County Historians have been nominated for the Washtenaw County Historian Hall of Fame:

Preface: The Early Years (1822-1881) include the Establishment of Libraries and Newspapers in the County

Peninsular Paper Company in 1875; it was founded in 1867, and supplied paper for many newspapers in the Midwest including the Chicago Tribune

After Washtenaw County was founded in 1822 from land in Wayne and Oakland counties, and the first village of Ypsilanti was established in 1823; Ann Arbor became the second city in the county in 1824, but didn't incorporate as a village until 1833 with John Allen, Elijah Morgan, Charles Thayer, and William Maynard constructing the charter and ordinances. The first documented settlers in the county were in 1823, and the first schools were established in 1825. The Merchants and Mechanics Bank was chartered in 1827. Washtenaw County established its 20 townships in 1827 with a population of nearly a thousand settlers. It was a slow process to establish county libraries to preserve documents; the first library was established in the county in 1827 as the Ann Arbor Library Association. Newspapers became a primary source of recorded history at that time with the Western Emigrant as the first county newspaper in 1829. Some of the first historians of county history were newspaper editors and librarians. Marriages began to be recorded in the county in 1827, and circuit court records in 1828. Jackson and Ingham County boundaries were established in 1829 out of land from Washtenaw County. Elijah Morgan came to Ann Arbor in 1829. Michigan's population in 1830 was 31,639 with 4,042 in Washtenaw County. The first parks established in the county were Frog Island Park at Ypsilanti in 1832, and Hanover Park at Ann Arbor in 1836. Volney Chapin came to Ann Arbor in 1833; he was the wealthiest person in the county, and the largest employer. Chapin was Ann Arbor Village President, 1840-1843. The Washtenaw County Courthouse was first built at Ann Arbor in 1834 as the county seat after 7 years of construction. The Ann Arbor Argus began to publish in 1835; it was Ann Arbor's first newspaper. The Bank of Washtenaw was chartered in 1835 with Elijah Morgan as its Director and Cashier, 1836-1839; he later founded the Ann Arbor Savings Bank. The Washtenaw County Poor House was established in 1836. Michigan officially became a state in 1837; also, the University of Michigan came to Ann Arbor that year with the building of the President's House in 1840. The Ann Arbor Land Company (Elijah Morgan, Charles Thayer, William Maynard, Chester Ingalls, William Thompson, Daniel Brown, Augustus Garrett, Samuel Denton, and E.S. Cobb) donated 40 acres of land from the farm on Henry Rumsey for the University of Michigan campus. The Panic of 1837 shut down the Bank of Washtenaw. The Michigan Central Railroad was chartered in 1831, and opened stations at Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor in 1839. Asa Gray established the University of Michigan Library in 1838; he purchased 3,400 volumes with a budget of $5,000. The first Michigan State Fair was held at Ann Arbor in 1839. Photography was established in 1839, and it was slow to become used in historical documentation. Some of the first photography used by Washtenaw County newspapers began in 1850 with the Michigan Argus; Michigan had 32 newspapers by 1840. Mason Hall was completed in 1841 to the University of Michigan could hold classes at Ann Arbor; University Hall was completed by 1849. In 1843, the State Superintendent of Instruction mandated that all schools were required to have a library. The University of Michigan established a Department of History in 1845 with Andrew Dickson White as its first Professor in 1857; Moses Coit Tyler also worked as a history professor, and Tyler was the first American History Professor in the United States. The first telegraph was set up in 1847 at the train station. University Hall was completed in 1848. Michigan State Normal School opened at Ypsilanti in 1849; that same year Union School at Ypsilanti was established. The University of Michigan established their Medical School in 1850. First Ward School was established at Ann Arbor in 1851; Union School at Ann Arbor was established in 1856 as the 4th oldest high school in the state. Ann Arbor incorporated as a city in 1851. Detroit Observatory was built in 1854. The Pioneer Society was established in 1857 with John Geddes as temporary chairman and Munis Kenny as its first President; it was the first county historical society in Michigan. The Ann Arbor Gas Light Company was established in 1858. The Univerity of Michigan initiated their first yearbook, The Palladium, in 1858. Sarah Burger, Harriet Ada, and Augusta Chapin were denied admission to the University of Michigan in 1858. The University of Michigan Law School was established in 1859, but didn't have its own building until 1863 with Haven Hall. Forest Hill Cemetery was built in 1859; many bodies were transferred from the Ann Arbor Cemetery on 12th Street. The Ann Arbor Cemetery was renamed Felch Park in 1894. Loomis & Talbott published the first City Directory in 1860; it was compiled by George Hawes of Detroit. By 1860, Washtenaw County had 35,686 residents with 5,097 in Ann Arbor and 3,955 in Ypsilanti; there were 640 students enrolled at the University of Michigan, and rivalries between the "Lits, Medics, and Laws" were established with the first "row" in 1868 at Black Friday. Henry Tappan was removed as University of Michigan President in 1863; John Tappan, his son, was also removed at Librarian. Michigan's first varsity sport was baseball in 1865. Ann Arbor began its street car system, and the Ladies Library Association was established in 1866. Vital Statistics began to be officially recorded by the Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds in 1867 with births, marriages, and deaths. Samuel B. Revenaugh became one of Ann Arbor's first major photographers, 1867-1885 although John Haarer was Ann Arbor's first photographer in 1861. The University of Michigan began to publish their first yearbook, The Castalian in 1866. The first student newspaper, University Chronicle, began in 1867. Thomas Edison gained his first patent in 1868 at the age of 21; in all, he patented 1,093 products with the automatic telegraph, carbon telephone transmitter, light bulb (1879), phonograph (1877), movie camera/viewer (1891), and alkaline storage battery (1906) as the most important inventions. Madeline Stockwell was the first woman to gain admission to the University of Michigan in 1870. Ralph Lane Polk began to publish City Directories in 1870. Hill Opera House opened at Ann Arbor in 1871 with a seating capacity of 1200. University Hall was recontructed in 1871, and dedicated in 1873. The first J-Hop began at the University of Michigan in 1872; it was the biggest yearly social event in Ann Arbor; it was first held at the Gregory House, Hank's Emporium, and Hangsterfer's. The Panic of 1873 initiated a long depression. In 1873, Ann Arbor was the second largest school district in the state with 373 students. In 1873, the Ann Arbor Pioneer & Historical Society reconvened after pausing activities during the Civil War with Alpheus Felch as President. A Semi-Centennial Celebration was held on February 24, 1874 at the Methodist Episcopal Church with over 500 attending; it was organized by the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County. The Pioneer Society of the State of Michigan was organized in 1874 with each county in the state ordered to organized their own historical society. John Sheehan, an Ann Arbor High School graduate in 1872, and University of Michigan graduate in 1876, began a book store on State Street in 1874. Necrological Reports were established by the Pioneer Society of Washtenaw County in 1875. The City of Ann Arbor took control of the 5th Ward Cemetery in 1875; it was renamed the Fairview Cemetery in 1898. The University of Michigan established a School of Dentistry in 1875, and a School of Pharmacy in 1876. A much larger Washtenaw County Courthouse was built at Ann Arbor in 1877; it was later replaced in 1955. Sarah Smith Putman founded the Ladies Literary Club at Ypsilanti in 1878. The Michigan State Capitol moved to Lansing, and was dedicated in 1879. By 1879, the University of Michigan had 50 professors, and an average enrollment of 1200-1400 students; it was one of the largest universities in the nation. Michigan began varsity football in 1879 after it was a club sport since 1866. The Ladies Library Association purchased a home on Huron Street for their library in 1880; it was at 324 East Huron St. The University of Michigan Museum/Romance Languages building opened in 1880. Michigan State Normal School began to publish their students newspaper, the Normal News, in 1881; it was renamed the Eastern Echo in 1956. The first major historical book publication of history in Washtenaw County was done by Charles Chapman in 1881: The History of Washtenaw County.

The Peninsular Paper Company in 1916

Argus Printing

The Elevation of Transportation and Communications with Radio in Historical Preservation (1883-1928):

University of Michigan General Library in 1883

In 1883, Raymond Cazellis Davis helped to establish a new University of Michigan Library in 1883; he served as University Librarian, 1868-1905. Nellie Loving was hired in 1883 to oversee a collection of over 2,000 books; an addition was built on Union School in 1889 for the library. Loving stayed on for 39 years until 1922, and building the library to over 20,000 books, and Ann Arbor High School opened the Carnegie Library in 1907 through the efforts of Anna Botsford Bach. There were 96 telephones in use at Ann Arbor in 1883. Tappan School was built on East University in 1883. Ellen Bishop was the first woman elected to the Ann Arbor School Board in 1883. The University of Michigan began publishing, The Palladium, yearbook in 1884. The Ann Arbor Water Company was established in 1885. Herbert Randall established an Art & Photography Studio at Ann Arbor, 1885-1917. Ann Arbor High School began its yearbook, The Omega, and varsity football in 1885. Ann Arbor Central Railroad Station was opened in 1886. There were 1982 students enrolled in Ann Arbor in 1887 with 578 at the High School. By 1890, Washtenaw County had a population of 42,210 with 9,431 in Ann Arbor, and 6,129 at Ypsilanti; Saline was the smallest town in the county with 706 people. Mary Ann Starkweather donated her home at 130 North Huron Street at Ypsilanti for the Ladies Library Association. The Michigan Daily began publication in 1890. Cleary School of Penmanship was established in 1891 at Ypsilanti. Michigan began to play their home football games at Regent's Field in 1892 after first using the Ann Arbor Fairgrounds, 1879-1891. The Ypsi-Ann Interurban began in 1891; it transported 600 passengers between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti that year. Michigan's third varsity sport was tennis in 1892. The Ypsilanti Electric Company built a new structure in 1892 on Cross Street; it became the Washtenaw Electric Company in 1900, and the Washtenaw Light and Power Company in 1903. There were 12,584 students attending school in Washtenaw County by 1893. Michigan State Normal College began to publish its yearbook, The Aurora, in 1893. The Ann Arbor Argus began publishing "Washtenawisms" in 1894. The Waterman and Michigan State Normal College Gymnasiums opened in 1894. The first May Festival was held in 1894 at University Hall after the University Musical Society began in 1880. The Ypsilanti Opera House was established in 1896. The Western Conference was launched in 1896 with the University of Michigan, Illinois, Chicago, Northwestern, Minnesota, Purdue, and Wisconsin as members. The paving on Ann Arbor streets downtown began in 1897. The Michiganensian yearbook replaced the Castalian and Palladium yearbooks at the University of Michigan in 1897. The Spanish-American War ensued in 1898. Washtenaw County Club was established at Ypsilanti in 1899. Island Park was established in 1899; it was designed by Ossian Cole Simonds, a University of Michigan graduate, and completed in 1905. It was estimated that Ann Arborites owned 2500-3000 bicycles in 1900. Washtenaw County had a population of 47,761 in 1900; Ann Arbor had 14,509 and Ypsilanti 7,378. Fielding Yost was hired by Charles Baird, Athletic Director, to coach Michigan Football in 1901; he utilized Whitmore Lake as their practice facility, and the Wolverines went to their first Rose Bowl. Dexter Ferry donated 20 acres which expanded to 38 acres in 1902; Regent's Field was renamed Ferry Field to be the University's Athletic Facilities, and Ann Arbor High School also used them. University of Michigan Opthamologist, Royal Copeland, a Dexter High School graduate, became Mayor of Ann Arbor in 1902; he began the Parks Commission, and spearheaded the efforts to clean up pollution along the Huron River from businesses. The Ann Arbor YMCA opened on North Fourth Avenue in 1904. Thomas Cooley donated his home for the Michigan Union in 1904. There were 2700 automobiles in Michigan in 1905; the Ford Model T was the best selling automobile nationwide, 1908-1927, and there were 47 people in Washtenaw County who owned automobiles by 1913. Politician Samuel Beakes wrote The Past and Present of Washtenaw County in 1906. Walter and Esther Nichols donated 80 acres to the University of Michigan for the Nichols Arboretum in 1906; Professor George Plummer Burns was its first Director. Ann Arbor also established Cedar Bend, Felch, and Riverside Parks by 1907. Ann Arbor City Hall was built in 1907. Lyndon Photography was established by Alfrord Samuel Lyndon, 1906-1926. The Chelsea Methodist "Old People's" Home was established in 1907; it was the first senior living facility in Washtenaw County. The Majestic Theater opened on Maynard Street in 1907; it was previously a roller skating rink. Michigan left the Western Conference in 1907. West Park opened in 1908; it was left to Ann Arbor by the Allmendinger family. Frank Glazier, Michigan State Treasurer, was convicted of embezzlement in 1908; he owned Glazier Stove at Chelsea, and built the Glazier Building at Ann Arbor in 1906. Elks Lodge #325 moved into the former home of William Maynard in 1909 at the corner of William and Main St. James Burrill Angell retired in 1909 as University of Michigan President; when he was hired in 1871, there were 9 buildings on campus, and he oversaw the building of 50 by his retirement. Harry Burns Hutchins became University of Michigan President, 1909-1920. The University of Michigan dedicated Alumni Memorial Hall in 1910 at the corner of State and South University; it also became the home of the Art Museum. Thomas W. Palmer donated land to the University of Michigan for Palmer Field in 1910. There were 4,513 students attending the University of Michigan in 1910. The Ann Arbor Armory was built in 1911. Arthur Hill donated $200,000 to the University of Michigan to build Hill Auditorium after he passed away in 1909; it was completed by 1912. Stephen Farrell has hired by the University of Michigan in 1912 as a trainer for football, and to coach track and cross country; he won the only NCAA Track Championship in Wolverine Athletic History in 1923. George Swain was the first photographer at the University of Michigan, 1913-1947. The Orpheum Theater opened on Main Street in 1913 by Fred Wuerth. Weinberg Coliseum opened at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Hill Street in 1913. Argo Dam was rebuilt in 1914. Selby Moran built The Arcade Theater on North University in 1914. Concrete stands were added to Ferry Field in 1914. Wines Field opened in 1915 for use by Ann Arbor High School for football, track, and other athletic activities. George Moe opened Moe's Sports Shop in 1915. The first two women's dormitories opened at the University of Michigan in 1915: Helen Newberry and Martha Cook Residences. The Rae Theater opened on West Huron Street in 1915. Martha Washington Theater opened at Ypsilanti in 1915. Ann Arbor Rotary Club began in 1916. The University of Michigan moved its Botanical Gardens from campus to Iroquois Street in 1916 on 52 acres. Nickels Arcade opened in 1916. The Ann Arbor Daily News moved to the corner of North Main and Ann Street in 1916. Walker Taxi began operations in Ann Arbor in 1916; Red Top Cabs were established by 1920. Barton Hills Country Club opened in 1917; the golf course was added by 1921. Prohibition began in Michigan in 1917. The new Michigan Union opened in 1919 on State Street; the University of Michigan's student enrollment exceeded 9,000 students. The University Library was demolished in 1917, and a new Library was built by 1920. Lane Hall opened in 1917 as a YMCA on State Street. The United States entered World War I in 1917. The first gas stations appeared in Ann Arbor in 1918. The Spanish Flu Epidemic began in 1918. Michigan became the 3rd state to approve Women's Suffrage in 1919 with the 19th amendment. Voters approved the Washtenaw County Road Commission in 1919 with 22 miles of county roads; it increased to 101 miles by 1921. Samuel and Rosaltha Groomes purchased Stilsenburg Beach at Whitmore Lake in 1919. Ann Arbor Curb Market began in 1919 on North Fourth Avenue. Eli Gallup became Ann Arbor Parks Commissioner in 1919. The first radio broadcast in Michigan came in 1920 at WWJ at Detroit; WWJ also began broadcasting Michigan Football games by 1923. Michigan played their first hockey game at Weinberg Coliseum in 1920; the program was elevated to varsity status in 1922 after first petitioning for varsity status in 1916. Fielding Yost became Michigan's Athletic Director in 1921. Ann Arbor Kiwanis Club was organized in 1921. The Colored Welfare League purchased the Kayser Block in 1921; the Dunbar Civic Center was established for negroes in 1923. The William Clements Historical Library was founded in 1923. Yost Field House was dedicated in 1923. Matt Mann was hired in 1923 to coach Michigan Swimming. The Story of Ypsilanti was published in 1923 by Harvey Colburn. Ann Arbor celebrated their Centennial at the Michigan Union in 1924. The Michigan High School Athletic Association was established in 1924 with Ann Arbor High School Principal, Lewis Forsythe, as its first President; it started with 4 sports: baseball, football, basketball, and track. Phil Pack became Michigan's first publicity director in 1924; he sold bonds 3,000 bonds to finance Michigan Football Stadium, 1926-1927. Angell Hall and University High School were completed in 1924. Mercywood Sanitorium opened on Jackson Road in 1924. The University of Michigan Hospital opened in 1925 with 700 beds. Cliff Keen was hired in 1925 to coach Michigan Football and Wrestling. Ann Arbor retired 12 streetcars in 1925; the trolley barn became the new location for Tappan School on Wells Street. Michigan Union added a swimming pool in 1925. By 1925, Ann Arbor had 25 gas stations. Weinberg's Coliseum was renamed the Michigan Coliseum in 1925. The Masonic Temple opened in 1925. Orlando Stephenson became a Professor at the University of Michigan in 1925; he published, Ann Arbor The First Hundred Years, in 1927. Ann Tillson Stinchfield donated $10,000 to the University of Michigan for the purchase of 320 acres of property in Dexter Township for Stinchfield Woods. Rolla Frisinger moved to Ann Arbor in 1926 from Rockford, Illinois; Lewis & Frisinger began construction on Stadium Boulevard. The Salvation Army Citadel was built at the corner of Fifth Avenue and East Washington St. in 1926. Ray Courtright was hired in 1926 to coach Michigan Football, Basketball, and Golf; he ended up coaching 6 different sports for the Wolverines with 2 National Championship in golf, 8 conference championships plus a conference championship in wrestling. By 1926, there were 10,000 students enrolled at the University of Michigan. Michigan Football Stadium opened in 1927. The University of Michigan Intramural Building was dedicated in 1928. The Michigan Theater opened in 1928. Frances Hannum was hired as Ann Arbor Librarian in 1928. Ann Arbor Municipal Airport opened in 1928. The University of Michigan Natural History Museum opened in 1928; a small zoo was built behind it in 1929, and Pumas guarded the entrance in 1936. The University of Michigan Women's Athletic Building was built in 1928. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra was founded at the First Methodist Church in 1928. By 1928, Ann Arbor had 35 gas stations including Tuomy Hills; it became a landmark for greeting visitors to the city.

Ann Arbor City News Editorial Office on Ann Street in 1935

The Golden Age of Radio through World War II in Historical Preservation (1929-1945):

Ann Arbor City News at the corner of East Huron and South Division Street in 1936

The First National Building opened in 1929 with a crowd of 5,000 for its dedication. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 spearheaded Depression across the United States. Michigan State Normal College revised their nickname from the Normalites to the Hurons in 1929. By 1929, the University of Michigan has over 3,000 employees; Alexander Grant Ruthven became President, 1929-1951. Mosher-Jordan Hall opened in 1930. Ann Arbor joined the 5-A Conference in 1930 with Lansing Sexton, Lansing Eastern, Jackson, and Battle Creek High Schools as members. Ypsilanti State Hospital opened in 1931 after land was purchased in 1929, and construction began in 1930; it initially had 922 patients, and grew to over 4,000 patients by the end of World War II. The new Ypsilanti High School was completed on Cross Street in 1930. The University of Michigan Press was founded in 1930. In 1930, Washtenaw County had 65,530 inhabitants with 26,944 in Ann Arbor and 10, 143 in Ypsilanti; Detroit was the 4th largest city in America. The University of Michigan Golf Course opened in 1930. In 1931, Newport Beach was built at Portage Lake by Birkett Newkirk, son of Ann Arbor Mayor, Wirt Newkirk; it was the most popular lake resort in the county along with Groomes Beach at Whitmore Lake. Charles Verschoor established International Radio Corporation in 1931. The Olmsted Brothers designed the Washtenong Memorial Park Cemetery in 1931. McKenney Union opened in 1931 at Michigan State Normal College. The Torch Murders occurred in 1931. Riverside Park was acquired in 1932 at Ypsilanti from Detroit Edison. Ford Motor Company built their Ypsilanti Plant in 1932. President Franklin Roosevelt began Fireside Chats on the radio with America in 1933 following the banking crisis that closed over 9,000 banks; there were 1,695 work stoppages that year. By 1935, there were 22 million radios in homes across America, and a million radios installed in cars. Milan Federal Prison opened in 1933. The Ford Rotunda opened in 1933 after the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village opened in 1931. Horace Rackham, President of the Detroit Zoo, donated $6.5 million to the University of Michigan in 1933; $2.5 million was utilized to build the Rackham Graduate School in 1938. Prohibition eneded in 1933. Horse Racing with gambling was legalized in Michigan in 1933. The Michigan Law Quadrangle was completed in 1933 with Hutchins Hall after construction originally began in 1924. Royal Oak Catholic Priest, Father Charles Coughlin, began a radio show on WJR in 1926 that peaked with 30 million listeners nationwide by 1934. Photographer Eck Stanger began working at the Ann Arbor News in 1934. The Soap Box Derby began in 1934. Grocers John and Ralph Neeland opened the Pretzel Bell Restaurant in 1934; Oscar and Otto Haab opened Haab's Restaurant in Ypsilanti that same year, and Oscar Haab also owned the Old German Restaurant. Washtenaw Dairy opened in 1934. There were 1,865 labor strikes in 1934 involving 1.4 million workers. The Mud Bowl was organized in 1934. George Gallup founded The Gallup Poll in 1934. The Richard Streicher murder at Ypsilanti went unsolved in 1935. Truman Tibbals purchased Drake's Sandwich Shop in 1935. Social Security was created in 1935. There were 12,189 students enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1935; there were 57.5% from the State of Michigan, and 288 foreign students from 58 countries. Burton Memorial Tower was dedicated in 1936; it was built to honor the World War I veterans from the UofM. The Ann Arbor Daily News moved to a new building at the corner of Division and East Huron in 1936. Argus Camera was founded in 1936. Ann Arbor Jaycees was founded in 1936. Rolla Frisinger donated land in 1936 that became Frisinger Park on East Stadium Blvd. Schutzenbunk Park became Fritz Park on Pauline Blvd. in 1936. Slauson School opened in 1937. The Betty Baker Murder Trial occurred in 1937. Harlow Whittemore and Henry Curtis proposed expansion of the park systems in 1937 including the establishment of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority which was approved by voters in 1943 after Harry Boyd Earhart helped move the project forward politically. Weber's Restaurant opened in 1937 at the corner of Washtenaw and Platt Road; it moved in 1939 to Jackson Road. By 1937, the Washtenaw County Road Commission maintained 1,411 miles of road, and Jackson Road (U.S.-12) was paved. The Dunbar Center was moved to 420 North Fourth Ave at Kingsley in 1937, the former home of Charles Godfrey of Godfrey Moving & Storage. Briggs Field opened at Michigan State Normal College in 1938, and Navin Field in Detroit was renamed Briggs Stadium after Walter Briggs. Fritz Crisler was hired as Michigan's new football coach in 1938; he introduced the "Winged Helmet." By 1938, Ann Arbor had 38 gas stations. Eugene Power founded University Microfilms in 1938. The West Park Orchestra Shell was dedicated in 1938. Main Street in Ann Arbor was repaved in 1939. Sportsman's Park was dedicated in 1939 on West Stadium Blvd. near Liberty. Julius Haab was elected County Commissioner of Schools in 1939; there were 153 school districts in the county at that time. The Farmer's Market Shelter was built in 1939. Philip Diamond and Morris Luskin opened Liberty Music Shop in 1939; Diamond was a Professor at the University of Michigan, and had his own band. Miller's Ice Cream had 3 locations in Ann Arbor on South University, East Liberty and Main Street in the 1930s. Northside School opened in 1940. Washtenaw County Clerk, Emmett Gibb, was elected in 1934, and re-elected in 1936 and 1938; he was found guilty of embezzlement in 1939, and sentenced to 5-10 years in prison. Gibb owned the Dixboro General Store, 1924-1941, and was paroled in 1942. Luella Smith became Washtenaw County Clerk in 1939. The Big Ten Market opened on Packard Road in 1940 by Erwin Mann and Roland Steeb. Ann Arbor Bus Depot opened in 1940. Fielding Yost retired in 1940, and passed away in 1946. There were 1,878 daily newspapers in America in 1940. Ann Arbor Train Depot had a derailment in 1940. Lucy Chapin, a 1876 Ann Arbor High School graduate, passed away in 1940; she worked for the University of Michigan for 42 years, and was Secretary of the Ann Arbor Alumni Association for 43 years. By 1940, Washtenaw County had a population of 80,810 with 29,815 in Ann Arbor and 12,121 in Ypsilanti. University of Michigan Forestry Professor, Leigh Jarvis Young, served as Ann Arbor Mayor, 1941-1945. The United States entered World War II after the bombing of Pearl Harbor December, 1941; Ann Arbor draftees left the city on May 13, 1942. The University of Michigan granted military leaves of absence to 223 employees for government service, 1941-1945. The Willow Run Bomber Plant was completed in 1941. The State Theater opened in 1942. War Bonds were sold, Scrap Drives, and Victory Gardens occupied much of Washtenaw County's war effort, 1942-1944. Ypsilanti established the Carver Center in 1943; it later became known as the Parkridge Community Center for negroe activities. Mel Ivory purchased the photography business of Oscar Mahlke in 1944, and moved the location from East University to 606 South Main Street in 1948. Wading pools were added to West and Burns Park in 1944 thanks to the Ann Arbor Kiwanis. Newt Loken came to Ann Arbor in 1944 to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Michigan; he became the gymnastics and cheerleading coach. By 1944, there were 30 million homes with 57 million radio sets. Pittsfield Village opened in 1943 with Pittsfield School built in 1945; Ann Arbor annexed the school in 1957. President Roosevelt passed away after leading America as President, 1932-1945; Harry Truman ordered atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan on August 6 and 9, 1945 forcing Japanese surrender on August 15, 1945. WPAG began broadcasting in the Hutzel Building in 1945.

Washtenaw County Photostatic Machine for the Register of Deeds in 1945

The Rapid Changes of Media with Television, Videotaping and Microfilming for Historical Preservation (1946-1969):

Washtenaw County Clerk, Luella Smith, and Staff in 1948

University of Michigan student enrollment skyrocketed to 19,000 by 1946. A gambling scandal rocked the Ann Arbor Police Department in 1946; Police Chief, Sherman Mortenson resigned. Staebler-Kempf Oil Company moved their location to 912 North Main Street in 1946; they owned 65 gas stations. Leland Sanitorium was established on Geddes Road at Ypsilanti in 1947. Willow Run Airport was sold to the University of Michigan in 1947; Warren Avis began a rent-a-car at Willow Run Airport. Ann Arbor began busing students to school in 1947. Pittsfield was incorporated into East Ann Arbor in 1947; it was later annexed to the City of Ann Arbor in 1957. WWDT changed its call letters to WWJ-TV in 1947 for its first television broadcast on channel 4. 82% of Americans listened to radio broadcasts in 1947. WHRV (Huron Valley) signed on for radio broadcasts in 1947; it was sold in 1963, and became WAAM. Warren Fowler built a cafe at the corner of West Liberty and West Stadium Blvd. in 1947 that operated as Fowler's Pancake House until 1971. Wier's Gun Shop moved from Main Street to 3245 Washtenaw in 1948. Manpower began operations in 1948 for temporary employment; they began operations in Ann Arbor in 1963. The University of Michigan began the Phoenix Project in 1948. The Ypsi-Ann Drive In opened in 1948. The Freedom Train came to Ann Arbor in 1948; over 800 bicyclists participated in Youth Day. There were 23,903 students enrolled at the University of Michigan by 1948. WJBK-TV(Channel 2) and WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) signed on in 1948 for television broadcasts. Comic book sales reached 728 million in America by 1948. NATO-The North American Treaty Organization began in 1949 after the Cold War began with Russia in 1948. Kiddie Korner opened in 1949 at the corner of Main and Madison. G. Mennen Williams, a University of Michigan Law School graduate in 1937, was elected Michigan Governor, 1949-1961; he established the Paul Bunyan Trophy in 1953 increasing the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State. The Washtenaw County Farm Bureau was established in 1950. The Elks Home was rededicated in 1950 after $120,000 of construction and improvements. There were 87 gas stations in Ann Arbor by 1950. The Food & Drug Mart opened in 1950 at the corner of Packard and East Stadium replacing a Kroger store that moved down the street in a larger facilty on Packard. The University of Michigan built a clubhouse for their golf course in 1950. Ann Arbor's first parking structure was built at the corner of West Washington and First Street in 1950. Chrysler Proving Grounds was established at Chelsea in 1950. Joseph McCarthy created a moral panic across America with a Communist purge in 1950; it led to the dismissal of 3 University of Michigan Professors in 1954. The Korean War began in 1950. A 24' War Eagle was dedicated at Michigan Football Stadium in 1950. Ann Arbor had two terrible fire tragedies in 1950 with the Montgomery Ward and Haven Hall fires. The Women's City Club was established in 1951. Driver's education programs began at Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and other county schools in 1951. The University of Michigan acquired Wines Field in 1951 in exchange for the golf course fields at the corner of West Stadium and Main Street; it would be used to build a new Ann Arbor High School by 1956. Veteran's Hospital was built on Fuller Road in 1951. The Humane Society of Washtenaw County moved to Dixboro in Superior Township in 1951. The murder of University of Michigan nurse, Pauline Campbell, in 1951 by three young teenage men dominated news for months. Bud Lynch began broadcasting televised Michigan Football games in 1941 on WWJ-TV; he also broadcast Detroit Red Wings Hockey, 1949-1975. Tappan Junior High School opened on East Stadium Blvd.; Tappan School was renamed Burns Park School. A passenger train collided the a freight train at Dexter killing 7 people in 1952. Boersma Travel was established in 1952. Dexter-Huron Metropark opened in 1952. Huron Lanes was built in 1952 on East Huron Street. Ann Arbor acquired Buhr Park in 1952 from Joseph Buhr. Mitchell School was dedicated in 1952. Michigan Track Coach, Don Canham, began School-Tech, Inc. in 1953; he also produced 20 "loop" instructional films on a variety of sports from football to cheerleading. The Ypsilanti-American Little League was founded in 1953; it was the oldest in Michigan. The Scio Drive-In was established in 1953. Pat's Par 3 opened in 1953 on Carpenter Road near Packard. Bill Flemming, a 1943 Ann Arbor High School and 1948 University of Michigan graduate, went to work at WWJ-TV in 1953; he became the voice of the Detroit Pistons, 1957-1962, and joined ABC's Wide World of Sports in 1961 covering over 600 sporting events. Meadowview School was built in Pittsfield Township in 1953. Ypsilanti became the training site for the Detroit Lions, 1949-1956. Bill Stegath broadcast Michigan Football games on WUOM, 1953-1962. A fire gutted the Ypsilanti Press in 1954. By 1954, Washtenaw County reduced their number of school districts from 153 in 1948 to 75; there were 47 new school projects costing the public $20 over the next 5 years. National Educational Television was founded in 1954. The Brown vs. Board of Education at Topeka, Kansas decision in 1954 became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement; Dr. Martin Luther King became its leader. The Central Campus Recreation Building was completed in 1954 with the Margaret Bell pool. Ann Arbor District Library began its bookmobile program in 1954. The University of Michigan produced a Michiganensian video for the 1953-1954 school year. Donovan School on Wall Street was converted into Advertisers Publishing Company in 1954. Faber's Fabrics moved into the old Orpheum Theater in 1954. Washtenaw County voters approved a Juvenile Home to be constructed on Platt Road in 1954 after 345 cases of juvenile crime in 1953 and 500 in 1954; it was completed by 1956. Thomas Huckle Weller won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954; he was the son of University of Michigan Pathology Professor, Carl Vernon Weller. There were fires at Quality Bakery in 1954, and Gill Lumber in 1955. John Barfield established Barfield Cleaning Company in 1955 after leaving his position as janitor at the University of Michigan. Jonas Salk announced the polio vaccine at the University of Michigan in 1955 on closed-circuit television with 54,000 physicians nationwide at movie theaters watching; over 1 million children were innoculated over the next 6 weeks nationwide, and after 58,000 cases were recorded in 1952, there were only 161 reported by 1961. The Whitney Theater was demolished in 1955 to build the new Washtenaw County Jail at the corner of North Main and Ann St. The ship LST-1166 was renamed the U.S.S. Washtenaw County in 1955. The Vietnam War began in 1955. The City of Ann Arbor signed a 99 year lease for the Ann Arbor Fairgrounds, and renamed it Veteran's Park at the corner of Jackson, North Maple and Dexter Roads. The Space Race escalated the Cold War between the U.S. and Russia in 1955. The Michigan Undergraduate Library began construction in 1955, and it was completed in 1957 for the UGLI. Nye Motor Sales was converted into the Towne Club in 1956 on West Washington. The Beal House was demolished in 1956 to make way for the Ann Arbor District Library at the corner of Fifth Avenue and William St. Howard Johnson's Restaurant opened on East Stadium Blvd. in 1956. Michigan State Normal College was renamed Eastern Michigan College in 1956. Guy Larcom became Ann Arbor's first city Administrator in 1956. Edwards Brothers moved to State Road in 1956. Don Botsford opened Gymkhana in 1956 on South Maple Road. In 1956, there were 2,000 Good Humor Ice Cream Trucks operating around America; the franchise began in 1920, and had 85 flavors by 1960. The Hockettes were born in 1956. Ann Arbor High School was completed in 1956 at the corner of South Main Street and West Stadium Blvd. Matt Mann Pool was built in 1956. The Wizard of Oz made its television premier in 1956. Elvis Presley's first film, Love Me Tender, premiered in 1956. Delhi Metropark opened in 1956, and Hudson Mills opened in 1957. The new Ann Arbor YMCA opened at the corner of East William and South Fifth Avenue in 1957. The Campus Theater opened in 1957. A Welcome to Ann Arbor Sign was displayed at the corner of Washtenaw and Arlington in 1957. Eberbach School on Wells at Forest became the Ann Arbor Pubic Schools Central Office Building in 1957. A Marine Weapons Demonstration was held at Veterans Park in 1957. A 32 acre site on the Edwin Steeb Farm on Washtenaw was selected for the Arborland Shopping Center in 1957; it was completed by 1961. The Mackinaw Bridge opened in 1957 connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Couzens Hall was built on Ann Street in 1958. Downing Hall was built at Eastern Michigan College in 1958. Charles Gelman founded Gelman Instrument Company at Chelsea in 1958; he moved into Scio Township in 1962 after 20 acres was rezoned. Bill Knapp's opened in Ann Arbor in 1958. McDonald's opened in 1958 next to the West Stadium Shopping Center. The West Park Shelter was constructed in 1959. Big George's Home Appliance was established in 1959. The A&P Store opened on South Industrial Highway in 1959. Hessenaur's opened in 1959 on South Main St. By 1960, Washtenaw County had a population of 172,440; Ann Arbor checked in with 67,628, and Ypsilanti had 20,957, and 87% of Americans owned television sets. The Ann Arbor Community Center was established on North Main St. in 1960. Ernie Harwell began broadcasting Detroit Tiger Baseball Games in 1960. Tom Monaghan established Dominick's Pizza at Ypsilanti in 1960. The Ann Arbor Art Fair began in 1960. Huron Towers were built in 1960 on Fuller Road. Discount Tire was founded in 1960 on West Stadium Blvd. Forsythe Junior High School opened in 1960. Colonial Lanes opened on South Industrial Highway in 1960. Ann Arbor High School graduate, Bill Reed, became Big Ten Commissioner in 1961 after serving as Deputy Commissioner, 1945-1961. Ann Arbor High School hosted several Civil Rights Activists, 1960-1961, including Odetta Holmes, Josh White, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez. Frontier Beef Buffet opened on East Stadium Blvd. in 1961. Lela Duff wrote Ann Arbor Yesterdays in 1962. U.S. Highway 112 was renamed U.S. 12 Old Chicago Road and M-92 became M-52 in 1962. Lou Hollway retired as Ann Arbor High School Athletic Director in 1962 after serving the school since 1927. Lamp Post Plaza was built in 1962. Eugene Power sold University Microfilms to Xerox in 1962. The Cuban Missile Crisis ensued in 1962. Martin Luther King Jr. came to Ann Arbor in 1962; he led the Detroit Walk to Freedom and the March on Washington in 1963, and was the youngest person to win a Nobel Peace Prize. The Chuck Wagon on Packard became Fraser's Pub in 1962. Zip codes began in 1963. Thetford Corporation was established at Dexter in 1963. The Ann Arbor Film Festival began in 1963. The City of Ann Arbor acquired 936 acres of property on the Huron River from Detroit Edison plus the Leslie property of 207 acres in 1963. Concordia Lutheran Junior College was established in 1963. The Greater Ann Arbor Industrial and Research Park was established in 1963 at Pittsfield Township. Veteran's Park Shelter was constructed in 1963. The Huron Valley Ad-Visor began operations in 1963. John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963; the Zapruder film became a historical documentation of the event, and Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin, was murdered the following day by Jack Ruby at Dallas, TX. The British Invasion began in 1963, with over 73 million people watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 during Beatlemania. University Towers was built in 1964. Cassius Clay became the World Boxing Heavyweight Champion in 1964, and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. DeLong's Barbeque Pit was established in 1964. President Johnson presented The Great Society in his speech at Michigan Football Stadium in 1964. From 1964 to 1971, there were 750 riots across America with 228 dead, 12,741 injured, and over 15,000 cases of arson during the Civil Rights Movement. Mario Savo and Bob Dylan came to Ann Arbor in 1964. Washtenaw Community College was approved by voters in 1965; they held their first commencement in 1968 with 47 graduates. The M-14 Northbelt Bypass was completed in 1965. Bill Knapp's and Howard Johnson's Restaurant opened on Carpenter Road in 1965 near Washtenaw. University Drive-In opened on Carpenter Road in 1965. The Loving Branch opened in 1965 on Creek Drive near Packard and Platt Roads. Tuebingen, Germany became Ann Arbor's first Sister City in 1965. The Ark was founded in 1965. UFO-Unidentified Flying Objects were sighted near Peach Mountain Observatory in 1966. Ann Arbor gained recognition as an All-America City in 1966. Fifth Forum opened in 1966. Medicare was created in 1966. The Raquet Club opened on Hickory Lane near Geddes in 1966. Jerry Lewis launched the first televised Muscular Dystrophy Telethon in 1966. Bobby Kennedy spoke at Eastern Michigan University in 1966; he was assassinated in 1968. The Fifth Dimension opened on West Huron in 1966. The William Street Parking Structure was built in 1966. Anne Holtgren Pellegrino completed Amelia Earhart's Round The World Flight in 1967 at Willow Run Airport. The Michigan Murders began in 1967; John Norman Collins was finally apprehended in 1969, found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The Fox Village Theater opened in 1967. Jay Cassidy was a photographer and reporter for the Michigan Daily, 1967-1970. The University Events Building was completed in 1967 with high school graduation ceremonies being held there in 1969; it was called, "The House That Cazzie Built." Cazzie Russell led Michigan Basketball to three Big Ten Conference Championships and two Final Four appearances, 1964-1966, and averaged 30.8 points per game in his final season. Ann Arbor closed 28 annexations in 1967 for 626.9 acres with the Airey land of 231 acres, Bolgos property of 194 acres, Katz area of 77 acres, and Isberg property of 30.4 acres; the city grew to nearly 20 square miles by December 25, 1967 with 12,645.15 acres (19.75 square acres). The city has doubled in area since 1915, and since 1949, it has tripled. In 1955, Ann Arbor had 9.7 square miles of land, and only 6.7 square acres in 1949. In 1968, the University of Michigan owned 1,457.63 acres in the Ann Arbor city limits; it was originally 40.3 acres in 1837, and moved to 45.3 acres by 1871, 70.47 acres by 1901, 153.22 acres by 1911, 201.94 acres in 1921, 278.09 acres by 1931, 290.61 acres by 1941, 323.37 acres by 1951, 1,276.86 acres by 1961. The Wayside Theater opened in 1968. Don Canham replaced Fritz Crisler as Michigan Athletic Director in 1968. 60 minutes began in 1968; it was the most popular show on television by 1983. Bill Martin established First Martin Corporation in 1968. Ann Arbor had a mammoth flood in 1968. University High School closed in 1968. Greenhills School opened in 1968. The CIA-Central Intelligence Agency office was bombed in 1968 and the ROTC-Reserve Officers Training Corps Building was bombed in 1969. Francie Kraker became the first Michigan woman to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team in 1968. The Detroit Tigers won the 1968 American League Championship behind Denny McClain's incredible 31 wins; they then won a come from behind World Series over the 1967 World Champion, St. Louis Cardinals, behind Mickey Lolich's 3 wins in the 7 games. Huron Parkway opened in 1968. Huron High School was completed in 1969; Ann Arbor Public Schools had total enrollment of 20,139 students. Bo Schembechler became Michigan's Football Coach, and guided the Wolverines to an upset win over rival and 1968 NCAA Champion Ohio State, 24-12, at Michigan Football Stadium in 1969. Leslie Golf Course opened in 1969. Tower Plaza opened in 1969 at the corner of Maynard and William St. The concrete stands at Ferry Field were demolished in 1969. The Campus Inn opened in 1969. Ann Arbor opened three public swimming pools in 1969 at Buhr Park, Fuller Road Park and Veterans Park; they became known as "Swim City." The first Blues Festival was held on Fuller Road in 1969; it attracted many musicians to Ann Arbor including Shakey Jake. Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon in 1969; the event was witnessed by over 530 million on television. Eastern Michigan University completed the Hoyt Conference Center in 1969 with with Pittman, Hill, and Hoyt Residence Halls. Radical John Sinclair was given a 10 year prison sentence for his 1967 arrest for marijuana possession. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital opened in 1969. The Pig Bowl was held at Ann Arbor High School in 1969 between the Ann Arbor Police Department and the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department. The 1969 Draft Lottery was held for draftees in the Vietnam War.

Ann Arbor Press on Maynard Street in 1960

The Advent of Computers, DVDs and Video Editing for Historical Preservation (1970-1995):

The Black Action Movement (BAM) shut down the University of Michigan Campus for 17 days. The Human Rights Party was established in 1970. The Cigarette Advertising Act prohibited cigarette advertising on radio and television; this followed the Surgeon General's finding in 1964 that smoking caused lung cancer. The law has reduced cigarette smoking in American from 42% to 14% over the past 50 years. Earth Day was organized under the leadership of Bill Stapp, University of Michigan Professor. The Ecology Center was established. Goose Lake Music Festival was held at nearby Leoni Township with over 200,000 spectators. The Equal Rights Amendment was reintroduced in 1970; it had 22 states ratify it by 1972, 30 states by 1973, 35 states by 1977, but fell three states short of meeting the deadline in 1979 so it was never enacted due to efforts by conservative republicans led by Phyllis Schafly in a rigorous media campaign. Free Rock Concerts were temporarily halted at Gallup Park following a shooting. Washtenaw County's population stood at 234,103; Ann Arbor had 100,035, and Ypsilanti had 29,538 in 1970. Border's Book Store was founded in 1971. The Free John Sinclair Concert was held in 1971 at Crisler Arena; Sinclair was freed from prison following his sentence for marijuana possession. Michigan decriminalized marijuana possession in 1972 to a misdemeanor. The Power Center for Performing Arts opened in 1971. The first Hash Bash was held on the Diag in 1971. The Washtenaw County Land Conservatory was created in 1971. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 in 1971. Willow Run Principal, Dean Bodley, was "tarred and feathered" by Klu Klux Klan supporters in 1971; he became Principal at Community High School in 1972 when it opened. WCBN, a student run radio station, began in 1972. Judge Francis O'Brien founded the COPE Center at Ypsilanti in 1971. The Ann Arbor Public Schools Administration Building on Wells Street was set on fire by arsonists following protests in 1972 about discrimination in student discipline. The State of Michigan approved their lottery in 1972. The Watergate Scandal began in 1972; it later forced the resignation of President Nixon in 1974. Vet's Park Ice Rink was completed in 1972. Sambo's Restaurant opened on West Stadium Blvd. in 1972; it changed its name in 1978 to the Jolly Tiger. The first Ozone Parade was held in 1972. HBO was launched in 1972. Georgetown Mall was built in 1972. Plymouth Mall was built in 1973. The Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in 1973 across the United States. George and Mary Campbell sold the Cobblestone Farm to the City of Ann Arbor in 1973. Ypsilanti High School moved to Packard Road at Hewitt in 1973 on the former Breakey Farm. Title IX was signed into law in 1972; this gave the University of Michigan varsity sports in basketball, field hockey, swimming & diving, synchronized swimming, tennis, and volleyball in 1973. Dawn Farm was established in 1973 to help with alcohol addiction. Michigan created No-Fault Insurance in 1973; as a result, Michigan is amongst the highest insurance rates nationally. Briarwood Mall was completed in 1973. The Oil Crisis in 1973 led to gas rationing, and significant changes in gas prices. The 5-A League became the 7-A League in 1972 when they added Ypsilanti; however, the league disbanded to to the oil crisis and rise in gas prices, and Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti were independent until they joined the Southeastern Conference in 1996. Ann Arbor held their Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1974; a journal was kept on activities. Ann Arbor approved a $5 fine law for marijuana possession in 1974. Streakers were seen on several occassions in 1974 as a new fad. Satellite TV was launched in 1974. The Smoke Shop closed in 1974; it was replaced by Chances Are, and it was later renamed Second Chance at the corner of Maynard and Liberty. The Blue Frogge opened on Church Street in 1974; it later became Rick's American Cafe. High Point School was built in 1974. The Michigan Indoor Track Building opened in 1974. The Dexter-Ann Arbor Run was inaugurated in 1974. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital purchased 213 acres in Superior Township; they moved the hospital to Ypsilanti in 1977 after first petitioning for land in Pittsfield Township near the airport at State and Ellsworth in 1971. Groundbreaking for the new Washtenaw County Jail in 1975 at the corner of Washtenaw and Hogback Road; it was completed by 1977. Cedar Point purchased property at Irish Hills to build an amusement park in 1975, but the project was never implemented. Microsoft Corporation went public in 1975. A fire closed the Old German Restaurant permanently in 1975. The Vietnam War ended in 1975. Albert Wheeler was elected Ann Arbor Mayor in 1975; the University of Michigan Professor has been the city's only African-American Mayor. The Old World Village Mall was established at Westgate in 1975. The VA Murders in 1975 saw 35 patients die of respiratory failure; two nurses were accused and tried, but not not responsible in their deaths. Jimmy Hoffa, Labor Union leader, went missing in 1975; he has never been found. The Pontiac Silverdome opened in 1975. The Masonic Temple was demolished in 1975 to make way for the new U.S. Post Office and Federal Building at the corner of Liberty and Fourth Avenue. The Schulenberg kidnapping in 1975; a General Motors Executive had his three children and wife held hostage for a $54,000 ransom by three young men, 18 to 20. Also in 1975, GM Executive, Robert Temple, also was kidnapped by two young men, 19 and 22, for a $50,000 ransom Mr. Steak opened on East Stadium in 1975. Saturday Night Live was launched in 1975. Bolgos Dairy was sold in 1976 to Twin Pines Dairy; it operated since 1870 with over 3,000 customers. The Ann Arbor Observer was founded in 1976 by Don and Mary Hunt; John Hilton was the editor. Ann Arbor Railroad was sold to CONRAIL in 1976 as a result of its 1973 bankruptcy; it opereated since 1895. The Great Lakes Shipping Company Restaurant opened in 1976 at the corner of State and Ellsworth. Ann Arbor's 911 Emergency System was fully operational by 1976 after implementation in 1975. Doug Horning and Dave Hirth, Ann Arbor High School Teachers, purchased Stein & Goetz Sporting Goods, and renamed it M-Den. The North Campus Recreation Building was completed in 1976. Roma's Hall opened on West Stadium in 1976 at the former National Grocery Store location on the corner of Liberty. Roots captures American with its history of slavery in the country; it was viewed by over 100 million. The Great Lakes Blizzard occurred in 1977, and the Great Blizzard of 1978 left Michiganders freezing. The University of Michigan sold Willow Run Airport to Wayne County in 1977. Maude's and Moveable Feast opened in 1977. Independence Lake Park was established in 1977 as a Washtenaw County Park. Michigan added varsity women's sports in softball, track and golf in 1977. The Ypsi-Ann Drive In closed in 1978. Ann Arbor Federal Savings was renamed Great Lakes Federal Savings in 1978. Dallas premiered in 1978; it became the most popular television show in the 1980s in America with over 41 million viewers by 1980. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum was founded by Cynthia Yao in 1978; it replaced the Fire House that was erected in 1882 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and East Huron. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival was incorporated in 1978. Madonna dropped out of the University of Michigan in 1978 after studying dance since 1976; he moved to New York to begin a music career with her first single in 1982. The Michigan Beverage Container Act provided a ten cent container return in 1978. Howdy Holmes raced at the Indianapolis 500 in 1979 with a 7th place finish. Ann Arbor Public Schools were humbled by the Ebonics ruling for "Black English" in 1979 after spending $210,000 on the case. The Dalai Lama came to speak in Ann Arbor; he stayed at the Inglis House in 1979. Smuggler's Inn opened in 1979; it became Bombay Bicycle Club by 1982 on Boardwalk across from Briarwood. The Iran Hostage Crisis began in 1979. Lord & Taylor moved to Briarwood in 1980. There were now only 50 gas stations in 1980 at Ann Arbor after 87 existed in 1950. Oosterbaan Field House was constructed in 1980. Japan became the World's Largest Automobile Seller in 1980. A terrible storm knocked out power for over 45,000 in Washtenaw County in 1980. The Gerald R. Ford Library was completed in 1980, and dedicated in 1981 in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. John Lennon was assassinated in 1980. Arborland Shopping Mall revamped themselves to an indoor shopping mall between 1980 and 1981. A firebomb a Burley Hall killed two students. Lady Diana Spencer wed Prince Charles in 1981 with 1 billion watching on television. Two young men were arrested and found guilty of a sniper attack on M-14 that shot at 15 vehicles with over 200 shots in 1981. Mitchell Field was dedicated on Fuller Road in 1981. Medicaid began in 1982. Late Night with David Letterman began in 1982. Crazy Wisdom Book Store opened in 1982. Zingerman's opened in 1982. Cunningham's Drug Store closed its 29 store chain in 1982; they re-opened their three Ann Arbor stores as Apex Drugs, but they were renamed Perry Drugs by 1985. USA Today launched its first issue in 1982. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority was established in 1982; there were 1,215 businesses operating at that time in the 67 city blocks or 271 acres. Parker Mill became a Washtenaw County Park by 1984. The Kyle Johnson escape from Huron Valley Prison ended on a Pontiac Trail farm in 1982. The University of Michigan purchased the Bendix site in 1983 after they left in 1975. Mike Abbot began Abbott's Landscape and Nursery in 1983 in Scio Church Road. Detroit Edison was demolished at the corner of William and Main Street in 1983. Tom Monaghan purchased the Detroit Tigers in 1983; the Tigers won the 1984 World Series. Ann Arbor Bank became First of America in 1983; Ann Arbor Trust Company also became Citizens Trust. Carol Hutchins began to coach Michigan Softball in 1983. The Pretzel Bell went out of business in 1983. The Ark moved to the corner of Main and Mosely in 1983. Apple launched the MacIntosh computer in 1984. Michael Dell also established Dell Computer in 1984. Dan Bicknell found dioxane levels exceeding federal standards at Gelman Sciences in 1984. Red Berenson was hired to coach Michigan Hockey in 1984. Deja Vu opened at Ypsilanti in 1984. Second Chance became the Nectarine Ballroom in 1984. Jay Williams founded Main Street Motors in 1984. BKS Iyengar, came to Ann Arbor to teach yoga at the YMCA in 1984. ToysRUs opened at Arborland in 1984 with over 6,000 frenzied shoppers. The Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed in 1984 mandating 21 as the age of consent for alcohol. Domino Farms was created in 1985 on the Domino's Headquarters property. Escoffier's opened in 1985. Seat belts were required in Michigan in 1985. The Scio Drive-In closed in 1985. Stadium Tavern was demolished in 1985, and replaced by Citizen's Trust Bank. The Unabomber attack on Professor James McConnell came in 1985. The Space Shuttle Disaster in 1986 killed all seven astronauts, and was witnessed by millions on television. Patricia Garcia purchased the Ann Arbor Observer in 1986. Stucchi's Ice Cream began in 1986. The Naked Mile was established in 1986 to celebrate the end of Winter Term. A Taste of Ann Arbor started in 1986. Casey's Tavern and Pizza House were both established in 1986. Mercywood Hospital closed in 1986. The University of Michigan began its project in 1986 to demolish the old hospital built in 1925. The Oprah Winfrey Show began in 1986. Dennis Chernin and Edward Linkner moved two Main Street homes to Huron Parkway for the medical practice in 1986. Quality Bakery closed in 1987 on Main Street; it opened in 1920. Tally Hall was built in 1987. There were over 3,000 homeless people in Washtenaw County in 1987. University of Michign graduate, Jack Kevorkian, began "death counseling" in 1987; he assisted for over 130 suicide deaths, 1990-1998. Kresge's closed at the corner of State and North University in 1987. Don Canham retired in 1988; he was replaced by Bo Schembechler. Ed Martin began his relationships with Michigan Basketball Recruit Chris Webber and Assistant Coach Steve Fisher in 1988, and later with Perry Watson; the Michigan Basketball Scandal didn't surface until 1996. Schembecher became Detroit Tigers President in 1989; he was replaced by Jack Weidenbach. Citizens Trust was renamed Trustcorp Bank in 1988; it was renamed Society Bank in 1990. Wolverine Adult Entertainment and Porn in Ann Arbor was zoned out in 1988. Showcase Cinema opened on Carpenter Road in 1988; the old site of University Drive-In. Canham Natatorium was built in 1988. Michigan won their only NCAA Championship in Basketball in 1989; the Detroit Pistons won a NBA Championship in 1989 as well. Meijer's opened on Saline-Ann Arbor Road in 1989. The Potawatami Land Trust was established in 1989. The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, and Germany was unified after decades of Soviet Russian control. Gary Moeller became Michigan's Head Football Coach in 1989. Nelson Mandela was freed after 27 years in prison; he came to Ann Arbor in 1991 and was awarded an Honorary Degree. Rolling Hills Water Park was established in Pittsfield Township in 1990. The Museum of Washtenaw County Life moved from Wall Street to North Main Street in 1990. The final Fireworks Show at Ann Arbor Airport was held in 1990; they could no longer obtain financing for the event. The Gulf War began in 1990. South Lyon High School was completed in 1990. Matt Mann Pool became Varsity Arena in 1989 and then Cliff Keen Arena in 1990. Detroit Tiger President Bo Schembechler fired Ernie Harwell in 1990; he had broadcast Tiger Baseball games since 1960. Ypsilanti State Hospital was shut down in 1991 after Governor John Engler cut all mental health funding. Little Professor Book Store opened at Westgate in 1991. The World Wide Web went public in 1991. Riots broke out nationwide following the Rodney King beating in 1991. Liz Brater was the first woman to be elected Mayor of Ann Arbor in 1991. The Croatian War began in 1991. The Meri Lou Murray Washtenaw County Recreation Center opened in 1991. Eastern Michigan University changed its nickname from the Hurons to the Eagles in 1991. Common Grill opened at Chelsea in 1991. Actor Jeff Daniels of Chelsea opened the Purple Rose Theater at Chelsea in 1991; he was nominated for an Oscar for his performance in The Purple Rose of Cairo in 1985. Palio opened in 1991. Jay Leno took over for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show in 1992; Carson appeared, 1962-1992. Bo Schembechler was fired by Tom Monaghan as Detroit Tiger President in 1992; Monaghan sold the Tigers to Mike Illitch in 1994. Drake's Sandwich Shop closed in 1993. Northside Grill opened in 1993 on Broadway. Max & Erma's came to Ann Arbor in 1993. Bob-Lo Amusement Park closed in 1993; it had been in operations since 1898 at Amherstburg, Ontario. Joe Roberson replaced Jack Weidenbach as Michigan Athletic Director in 1994. The Dalai Lama returned to Ann Arbor in 1994. The Michigan Militia was founded in 1994 by Norman Olson; its membership increased to over 12,000 in 70 of Michigan's 83 counties by 1995. The Oklahoma City Bombing in 1994 killed 168 people and wounded 680 others. Yahoo was established in 1994. Amazon was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994. The Ypsilanti Press ceased operations in 1994. Nicole Brown Simpson was murdered in 1994; her husband, All-Pro Running Back, O.J. Simpson, was accused, but acquitted in 1995 with over 150 million watching on television for the verdict. Photographer Harvey Drouillard began taking nude photographs at the Ann Arbor Art Fair in 1994. Bill Martin established the Bank of Ann Arbor in 1995. Ann Arbor Brewing Company opened in 1995. Ann Arbor Ice Cube opened in 1995. Mindell's went out of business at the Carpenter Plaza in 1995.

The Modern Era with Google, YouTube and Digital Archiving plus the Extinction of Print Media: Newspapers, Books, Magazines, etc. (1996-2023):

HathiTrust Archives

Fretter Appliance filed bankruptcy in 1996; Ollie Fretter, a University of Michigan graduate in 1944, opened an appliance repair shop and built his chain of stores to 242 prior to his downfall including his Ann Arbor location at the corner of Washtenaw and Hogback in 1958. FoxNews began in 1996 behind Rupert Murdock. Ann Arbor's Area Code Changed from 313 to 734 in 1996. Michigan's Varsity Tennis Center was built in 1997. Ann Arbor Pioneer High School graduate, David Westin, became President of ABC News, 1997-2010. University of Michigan employee, Nora Callan, was responsible for 73 arsons over a five year period in 1997. Tiger Woods, 21, won the Master's in 1997. Netflix was launched in 1997. The University of Michigan established M-Care in 1997. Mort Crim retired at WDIV-TV in 1997 after serving as news anchor since 1978. Princess Diana died in 1997; over 2 billion people watched her funeral on television. The Bill Clinton and Intern Monica Lewinsky Scandal broke out in 1998; it left Clinton impeached. A Klu Klux Klan Rally came to Ann Arbor in 1998. Chelsea High School was completed in 1998. University of Michigan graduate, Larry Page, launched Google in 1998. American Online had 15 million users by 1998. There were 171 cable channels in America in 1998. Bruce T. Halle Library was dedicated in 1998 at Eastern Michigan University. Eastern Michigan Convocation Center opened in 1998. Quality 16 opened on Jackson Road in 1999. A&W Root Beer was demolished in 1999 on West Stadium Blvd.; the Ypsilanti A&W closed in 2005. Metzger's closed on East Washington in 1999, and re-opened on Zeeb Road a few years later. The new Pinckney High School opened in 1999. Donald Dely embezzled nearly $120,000 from the Ann Arbor District Library, 1997-2000. University Microfilms became ProQuest in 1999. The population in Washtenaw County was over 323,000 with over 114,000 in Ann Arbor and 22,000 in Ypsilanti in 2000. Tom Goss resigned as Michigan Athletic Director; Bill Martin replaced Goss. Comerica Park opened for the Detroit Tigers in 2000. The MGM Grand and Greektown Casinos opened in Detroit in 1999 and 2000. Great Lakes Bankcorp became TCF National Bank in 2000. Ann Arbor had only 30 gas stations in 2001, down from 87 in 1950 and 50 in 1980. Mathew Morgan and Tom York renamed the Big Ten Party Store as Morgan & York in 2001. Meijer's opened on Jackson Road in Scio Township in 2001. Hudson's was renamed Marshall Field's in 2001; Macy's acquired Marshall Field's in 2005. The Twin Towers were destroyed by an El-Queda attack on September 11, 2001; this event triggered wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Xbox was introduced in 2001. The Whittaker Branch of the Ypsilanti District Library opened in 2001. American Idol began in 2002; Kelly Clarkson was the first winner, and it was the most popular television show in America, 2004-2011. Mary Sue Coleman became the University of Michigan's 13th President in 2002. Ford Field opened in Detroit for the Detroit Lions in 2002. The Donald B. Women's Shepherd Gymnastics Center opened on State Road in 2002. Bill Knapp's and Jacobson's went bankrupt in 2002, and closed; Zingerman's Roadhouse moved into the Bill Knapp's at Jackson Road in 2003. The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated in 2003 killing all 7 astronauts. The Washtenaw County Youth Center opened in 2003. Milan opened their new high school in 2003. The Delonis Homeless Shelter opened on West Huron Street in 2003. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard built a new high school on the Domino Farms Complex in 2003. Foster Bridge was rehabilitated and rededicated in 2003. Ann Arbor approved the Greenbelt; in 2023, it has 7,652 acres of land preserved. Pew Research Center was established in 2004. The Mallett Creek Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library opened in 2004. The new Saline High Schol and the new Manchester High Schools opened in 2004. Facebook was launched in 2004. Frank's Nursery filed for bankruptcy in 2004; it closed all 170 stores inclduding the Washtenaw and North Maple Road stores. Saline Christian School built a new facility, and renamed it Washtenaw Christian Academy in 2005. YouTube was launched in 2005. The new Ann Arbor YMCA opened on West Washington in 2005; it now has over 25,000 members. Michigan won the NCAA Softball Championship in 2005. The average American watched 8 hours and 11 minutes of television daily in 2005 compared to 4 hours and 51 minutes in 1955. University Bank moved into the Hoover Mansion in 2005. The Stephen R. Ross Academic Center opened in 2006; Ross has donated over $478 million for improvement at the University of Michigan. The Pittsfield Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library opened in 2006. Whitmore Lake Secondary School was completed on 82 acres in 2006. Ypsilanti High School changed their nickname from the Braves to the Phoenix in 2007. Pfizer left Ann Arbor in 2007 taking 2100 jobs away; they came to Ann Arbor in 1959 as Parke-Davis. Apple launched the IPhone in 2007. Ann Arbor initiated the FestiFools Parade in 2007. The Frankel Cardiovascular Center opened in 2007. Big George's moved into a new facility on West Stadium Blvd. in 2007. The Big Ten Network was launched in 2007. South Lyon East and Howell Parker High Schools opened in 2007. Shakey Jake Woods died in 2007 at the age of 83; he came to Ann Arbor in 1973. Video camera surveillance was installed at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School after a theft epidemic in 2007. The Dalai Lama returned to Ann Arbor for a third time in 2008. John Wilkin established the HathiTrust in 2008; over 13.5 million volumes of materials including 6.8 million books were digitized by Google. The Traverwood Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library opened in 2008. Trevor Staples initiated The Ann Arbor Townies Facebook Group in 2008; it now has over 30,000 members. Ann Arbor Skyline High School was finished in 2008; Ann Arbor Pioneer High School reached a peak of 3812 students. Google launched its Chrome browser in 2008. The Lehman Brothers Bankruptcy triggered a Financial Crisis and Recession in 2008. Michigan lost over 500,000 jobs, 2000-2008; the worst job loss since the Depression in the 1930s. Steve & Barry's went out of business in 2008 on State Street. Border's went bankrupt in 2009; it went out of business by 2011. The Frankel Family Wing was added to the University of Michigan Museum of Art in 2009 with 53,000 square feet and 18,000 art works collected over 150 years. Homer Chance passed away in 2009; when he came to Ann Arbor in 1946, the Ann Arbor District Library had 11,000 borrowers, 75,000 books, and a budget of $45,000; when he retired in 1977, there were 63,000 borrowers and 235,000 books with a budget of over $1 million. Conan O'Brien succeeded Jay Leno on The Tonight Show in 2009. The Ann Arbor News ceased publication in 2009; the Ann Arbor District Library began publishing "Old News" in 2012. The Al Glick Field House opened in 2009. Firekeepers Casino opened in 2009 at Battle Creek; it is owned by the Potawatami Tribe. The new Humane Society opened in 2009 at Dixboro in Superior Township. The Bahna Wrestling Center opened in 2009. The Super Bowl of 2010 drew over 100 million television viewers. The John Leidy Shoppe closed in 2010 after 58 years in Ann Arbor. The population in Washtenaw County grew to 344,791 with 113,934 in Ann Arbor and 19,935 in Ypsilanti; Saline became the third largest city in the county with 8,810. Detroit, once the 4th largest city in America, was the 18th largest city in the U.S. by 2010. Domino's CEO, David Brandon, succeeded Bill Martin as Michigan Athletic Director in 2010; Brandon fired Rich Rodriquez as Michigan Football Coach, and replaced him with Brady Hoke. Ugly Dog Distillery opened on North Territorial Road in Chelsea in 2010. Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation acquired 347 acres of land valued at $18 million, 1988-2010. President Obama spoke at the University of Michigan Commencement in 2010. North Quad opened at the corner of East Washington and State Street in 2010; it was formerly the site of Ann Arbor High School, 1907-1956, and the Frieze Building. Michigan Football Stadium was rededicated after $223 million was spent to add 83 luxury boxes and permanent lights for night games in 2010. College Shoe Repair closed on William Street in 2010. North Point Restaurant at Dexter closed in 2011. Prince William wed Catherine Middleton in 2011 before over 2 billion television viewers in 180 countries. Ypsilanti Lincoln High School was renovated in 2011. The Larcom Municipal Center was completed in 2011 at a cost of $47.4 million. The Weisfeld Golf Center was dedicated at the University of Michigan Golf Course in 2011. Kodak filed for bankruptcy in 2011; it had been in business since 1888. Ann Arbor announced plans in 2012 to upgrade their water treatment plant for $120 million; it was first built in 1936. The Ark moved to 316 South Main St. in 2012; it was previously at 637 South Main St. since 1984. The COPE/O'Brien Youth Center closed in 2012. The Parkridge Community Center in Ypsilanti announced a $2.5 million expansion project in 2012. Saline High School reported more students than either Pioneer or Huron High School in 2012 with 1849 students. The Crisler Center re-opened in 2012 after $72 million in renovations, and increasing the space by 63,000 square feet. The Chelsea Alehouse opened in 2012. The University of Michigan continued their campaign to purchase Ann Arbor with the purchase of 29 properties over 13 years in 2013. Kwame Kilpatrick, former Detroit Mayor, 2002-2008, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for racketeering, mail and wire fraud in 2013 as Detroit declared bankruptcy; he spent his term at Milan Federal Prison until release by President Trump's clemency in 2021. Herb David Guitar Studio closed in 2013; it was opened in 1962. Ypsilanti and Willow Run School Districts merged in 2013; they became the Grizzlies. Wal-Mart was America's largest employer in 2013; Kelly Services was the second largest. AnnArbor.com was acquired by MLive in 2013. 80% of Americans used mobile devices in 2013; 55% of Americans used their mobile devices to keep up with news. The Ypsi-Arbor Bowling Alley was demolished in 2013. Jim Chaconas was recognized by the Ann Arbor Observers as the "King of Commercial" real estate in Washtenaw County in 2013. Seyfried Jewelers closed in 2014 after 100 years of operations. The University of Michigan purchased the Edward Brothers facility on State Road to build their South Athletic Campus project in 2014. Jimmy Fallon became the new host of The Tonight Show in 2014. The Flint Water Crisis began in 2014. Ann Arbor Skate Park opened at Vet's Park in 2014. Organist Marilyn Mason retired from the University of Michgan after 67 years of service, 1947-2014. The Blake Transit Center opened on Fourth Avenue in 2014. Ford, Chrysler and General Motors-The Big 3 now had 44.5% of the market share of automobiles sold in America in 2014; in 1966, they had 89.6% of the market share. Ann Arbor Huron High School renamed their track after Social Studies Teacher, Kent Overbey, in 2014. Middle Earth closed in 2014 after 47 years. David Brandon resigned as Michigan Athletic Director in 2014 after students petitioned for his removal; he was replaced by Interim, Jim Hackett, until being replaced in 2016 by Warde Manuel. Jim Harbaugh replaced Brady Hoke as Michigan's Football Coach in 2014. Hooper Hathaway Attorney, Christopher Taylor, was elected Mayor of Ann Arbor in 2014. Pew Research Center concluded that Ann Arbor was the nation's 8th most economically segregated city in American in 2015 from a 2012 study. North Hall was demolished in 2015. The University of Michigan owns approximately 1,700 acres of land within the Ann Arbor City Limits, and an additional 1,440 acres with Botannical Gardens and Golf Courses. There are roughly 485 acres used for both indoor and outdoor recreational purposes including parkland and sports complexes in 2015. Ann Arbor has an incredible 2,088+ acres of parks it manages with 157 parks including 48 buildings, 34 ball diamonds, 31 tennis courts, 10 soccer fields, 75 playground areas, 87 picnic areas, 4 swimming pools, 2 ice rinks with 697 acres of woodlands, 478 acres of green space, 200 acres of shrub land in 2015. The Village Apothecary closed in 2015. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority had 20 construction projects underway in 2015. Former University of Michigan graduate, Larry Nasser, was fired in 2015 by USA Gymnastics; he was sentenced to 60 years in prison in 2017 for child pornography and assaulting 130 girls and young women. Bryan Westfield passed away in 2015; they 1960 Ann Arbor High School graduate coached Ann Arbor Pioneer High School Girls Track to 16 State Championships, 6 Runner-Up finishes and was 2015 National High School Track Coach of the Year. Munger Graduate Dormitory was completed in 2015; Krazy Jim's moved to Ashley Street. Ann Arbor Historian, Wystan Stevens, passed away in 2015. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was launched in 2015. The Ann Arbor Marriott/Residence Inn opened in 2015 on West Huron St. Revel and Roll replaced Colonial Lanes in 2015. Packard Square replaced the Georgetown Mall in 2015; it was a $93.5 million project. Gambling or Gaming in the United States has become a $240 billion industry in 2016 with revenues of over $73 billion with 581 casinos in 24 states, and employs 1.7 million people. There were 26 casinos in Michigan, and 460 gambling operations operated by 240 Indian Tribes with over $27 billion in annual revenue. There are over 1 million attornies in America with the lowest ratio (300:1) of attornies to people of any other country; America is the 5th most litigious country in the world. On July 2, 2016, it was announced that the intersection of State Rd. and Ellsworth Rd. roundabout completed in 2013 for $2.3 million led the county with 114 car accidents in 2015 (Roundabout history of Washtenaw County began in 2003). The State/Ellsworth Roundabout ranks #7 in the State as the worst intersection, and the Top 20 Worst Intersections in the State of Michigan cause nearly 30% of all automobile accidents and 26% of fatalities. In 2016, the University of Michigan announced their Michigan Union renovation project of $85.2 million. The University of Michigan had 55,500 applications in 2016 for 6,600 Freshman spots. In 2016, there were 373 reported millionaires in Washtenaw County; the University of Michigan ranked 12th internationally in universities who produce millionaires. The Coleman Jewett Memorial was unveiled at the Farmer's Market in 2016. Karen McKeachie, a Dexter High School and University of Michigan graduate, died while riding her bicycle in Chelsea in 2016; she won 6 World Triathlon Championships, and was inducted into the Triathlete Hall of Fame. The Inglis House was put up for sale by the University of Michigan in 2017. The University of Michigan spent $17.4 million to renovate the North Campus Recreation Building in 2017. The Peaceable Kingdom closed in 2017 after 44 years. Emagine opened a theater at Saline in 2017. Red Berenson retired as Michigan Hockey Coach in 2017; Mel Pearson replaced him. Saline was the best high school athletic program in the State of Michigan in 2017. MCity, a driverless shuttle, was established at the University of Michigan in 2017. There were 126 million households in American in 2017; there were only less than 53 million households in 1960. In 2017, the University of Michigan employed over 32,000; the largest employer in the county. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority approved $7 million in renovations to the Farmer's Market. ToysRUs went bankrupt in 2017. Little Caesar's Arena opened in Detroit in 2017; the new home of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, and top event hosting site in Michigan. Fuller Road Park was chosen in 2017 as the site for an $81 million Amtrak Train Station. A report showed that Michigan has the highest automobile insurance rates nationwide. Cumulus Media, owner of WJR, filed for bankruptcy in 2017. Ann Arbor District Library received a 5-Star Rating for their 10th consecutive year by the Library Journal; there are only 13 libraries nationwide to accomplish that, and there budget was $11.82 million with service to 163,590 cardholders with 1.6 million visitors yearly. Ann Arbor approved the $55 million Treeline in 2017. In 2018, Walgreen's purchased 1651 Rite-Aid stores for $3.6 billion. DTE unveiled a $75 million Riverfront Plan for Ann Arbor in 2018. A 2018 Supreme Court decision legalized gambling for college gambling, and allowed universities to share in profits; the NCAA made over $1 billion in profits in 2017. Detroit Free Press Reporter, David Jesse, uncovered dozens of problems with the University of Michigan's Multi-Billion Dollar Endowment since 2014. Canada and Michigan legalized marijuana in 2018. Country Market at Dexter closed in 2018. Sear's filed for bankruptcy in 2018, and closed all their KMart and Sear's stores nationwide including at Briarwood. Ann Arbor Community Center on North Main St. was sold for $1.6 million. Ann Arbor voters approved Central Park to be built near the Library between Fifth Avenue, Liberty and Division in the Library Lot. Fingerle Lumber closed in 2018; the University of Michigan purchased their properties for $24 million, and will build a new dormitory while moving the band to a new facility on the 6.54 acre property. In 2019, Manchester Market closed. The Downtown Development Authority reported 1,318 businesses in operation at Ann Arbor. Tiger Woods won his 5th Master's Championship in 2019 at the age of 43 following 4 back surgeries. Former Ann Arbor Priest, Tim Crowley, was arrested in 2019 for sexual assaults committed, 1987-1990, while at St. Thomas. Seitz Tavern closed at Chelsea in 2019; it opened in 1916. Ann Arbor approved a $1 Billion Bond in 2019. Dexter Pharmacy closed in 2019. University of Michign Provost, Martin Philbert, employed since 1995, was placed on administrative leave, and then fired for sexual misconduct with an 88 page report released. Luckey's Market closed in 2020 in 2020 after the supermarket chain filed bankruptcy. The Treasure Mart closed in 2020. Sava Lelcaj opened the Dixboro House on Plymouth Road; the previous home of The Farm Cupboard, The Lord Fox and Roger Monk's. The Coronavirus outbreak began at China in 2019, and spread to the United States by March, 2020 with over 1.1 million deaths in the U.S. and nearly 7 million worldwide. Howard Lazarus was fired as Ann Arbor City Manager in 2020. The Robert Anderson Scandal at the University of Michigan, 1968-2003, was made public in 2020; a settlement was reached in 2022 with over 1,050 people he sexually assaulted and molested for $460 million. The death of George Floyd at Minneapolis triggered racial unrest including riots and protests in over 140 cities across America in 2020. The University of Michigan faculty voted "no-confidence" for President Schlissel in 2020; he was ousted as President in 2022 after an inappropriate sexual relationship was made public, and was allowed to teach at the University in 2023. A plot to kidnap and assassinate Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was discovered from the "Michigan Watchmen" in 2020 with 14 suspects charged in an attempt to overthrow the State of Michigan Government, and 7 men were convicted of conspiracy. On January 6, 2021, Pro-Trump supporters stormed the Washington Capital with an insurrection following Trump's unfounded allegations of an election conspiracy; 5 people died, 143+ were injured, and 234+ were charged in the insurrection. Armed Boogaloo protesters came to protest at Ann Arbor City Hall in 2021. An arson fire at Miller-Manor evacuated over 100 residents. Multiple shots were fired inside the Von Maur store at Briarwood in 2021. In 2021, the Supreme Court voted to allow college students to allow payments to student-athletes; this began the new era of NIL-Name, Image and Likeness. After voters approved a $1 billion bond, Ann Arbor Public Schools announced the elimination of child care services. The United States troops left Afghanistan ending America's longest war in 2021. Crazy Wisdom Book Store and Tea Room closed in 2022. Haab's Restaurant closed at Ypsilanti in 2022. Kellogg's moved their headquarters from Battle Creek to Chicago in 2022. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Santa Ono became the University of Michigan's new President in 2022. Michigan won the NCAA Football Championship on January 8, 2024.

The Next Generation of History: Artificial Intelligence