Full text of "Report"
WOODBRIDGE N. FERRIS, LL. D., GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN
rom the oil painting by Percy Ives which was presented to the State as a tribute to the
Governor at the end of the first year of his administration and which
Governor at the end of the first year of his administration and which is now in the Capitol.
The photograph from which this illustration was made was loaned to the Historical Com-
mission through the courtesy of the Detroit Evening News, and was taken while the
portrait hung in the Detroit Museum of Art.
MICHIGANJHISTORICAL COMMISSION
"I
FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
May 28, 1913 to December 31, 1913.
WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFORD CO., STATE PRINTERS
LANSING, MICHIGAN. JANUARY. 1914
1913
CONTENTS
PAGE
Frontispiece, Governor Ferris
Letters of transmittal and approval 5
Committees 7
Inception of the Commission 9
Legislative history and organization 12
Special meeting, June 5, 1913 14
Minutes of the meeting held August 6, 1913 16
Minutes of the meeting held October 7, 1913 18
Publicity 21
Museum collection 23
Historical pictures and portraits 35
Maps 41
Publications 45
Information Bureau ; 49
County Societies 49
Libraries and schools 51
Clubs and local societies 53
Cooperation with Mackinac Island State Park Com 'n. . . 54
Visit to Nazareth Academy and the Univ. of Notre Dame. 56
Perry's Victory Centennial Celebration 57
Cooperation with the American Historical Association . . 58
Criticism and appreciation 59
Financial statement . 61
Michigan Historical Commission
Office of the Secretary
Lansing, Michigan, January 1, 1914.
To His Excellency, Woodbridge N. Ferris,
Governor of the State of Michigan :
Sir In accordance with Section 9 of Act No. 27 l f
Public Acts of 1913, we have the honor to submit to
you herewith the first annual report of the Michigan
Historical Commission, covering the period from May
28, 1913 to December 31, 1913.
Very respectfully,
C. M. BURTON, President
W. L. JENKS, Vice President
FRANK A. O'BRIEN, LL. D.
EDWIN O. WOOD
LAWTON T. HEMANS
CLAUDE H. VAN TYNE, Ph. D.
GEORGE NEWMAN FULLER, Ph. D., Secretary
April 1, 1914.
Approved.
WOODBRIDGE N. FERRIS
Governor.
COMMITTEES
FINANCE AND AUDITING
Rt. Rev. Monsignor F. A. O'Brien
Edwin O. Wood
William L. Jenks
PURCHASING
Lawton T. Hemans
Edwin O. Wood
Rt. Rev. Monsignor F. A. O'Brien
EMPLOYING
Governor W. N. Ferris
Lawton T. Hemans
Clarence M. Burton
PUBLISHING
William L. Jenks
Claude H. Van Tyne
Clarence M. Burton
INCEPTION OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission has stated briefly in its Bulletin
No. 1 the essentials about the organization, adminis-
tration and aims of the Department. The causes
operating to create the Department may appropri-
ately be here restated. They are partly local and
partly general. The latter are in scope almost world-
wide. Of these the most striking is the gradual growth
of the scientific conception of history. Indeed the his-
tory of the changes in the conception of history itself,
as reflected in the thinking of succeeding ages, is one
of the most instructive chapters in the evolution of
world history.
A fundamental series of operations involved in
the modern idea of history consists in collecting,
preserving, editing and publishing original sources
of knowledge. For local history there are, among
other sources, the official records in the public deposi-
tories of the state, the counties, the townships, the
cities and the villages. From these records, when they
are ready for the use of scholars, the internal history
of the state and the nation must be largely rewritten.
To prepare these materials for this use is very
properly one of the functions of government, and
following the initiative of our national government,
prompted by the leaders of the American Historical
Association, many states of the Union have established
for this purpose Historical Commissions, or Depart-
10 ANNUALREPORT
ments of History and Archives. 1 Back of this move-
ment in these states there have invariably been also
the leaders in the state historical societies and in the
historical departments of the state universities. In
Michigan the movement was hastened by Governor
Osborn's veto, in 1911, of the appropriation made
to carry on the work of the Michigan Pioneer and
Historical Society. The leaders of that society there-
upon brought to a successful issue the formation of
the Michigan Historical Commission.
Chief among the local causes of this action was
the unsatisfactory relation between the Society and
the State government. Almost from the time of the
organization of the Society in 1874 the State appro-
priated to it annually moneys varying from $500 to
$4000, principally for the publication of an annual
volume of papers and documents. In due course
the Society had a valuable collection in its books,
manuscripts and museum, but it remained a private
corporation, in the management of whose affairs the
State had no voice. The Society was legally free
to dispose of its property at any time. This seemed
wrong and the Directors of the Society decided that
action should be taken to establish the Society as
the trustee of the State so far as related to the property
acquired by it.
At the next annual meeting of the Society in June
Among the states now having institutions similar to a Depart-
ment of History and Archives are notably Alabama, Arkansas,
Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Maine, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
and Wisconsin.
ANNUALREPORT 11
1912, Article I of the Articles of Association was
amended as follows:
Article I. "The name of this Association shall be
the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, and all
the property which it has or may acquire by gift,
purchase or otherwise, shall be held by the Society
in trust for the State of Michigan."
Article VIII of the Articles of Association was
amended to read: "The property, affairs and business
of the Society shall be under the general charge and
management of a board of eleven trustees, one of
whom shall be the Governor of the State of Michigan,
ex officio: the others shall be elected at the an-
nual meeting of the Society to hold for two years
and until their successors are elected and qualified.
At the first election under this amendment, one-half
of the number shall be elected for one year and one-
half for two years. Five trustees shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction *of business at any
meeting. The Board of Trustees shall have power
to appoint a Secretary and a Treasurer to hold office
during the pleasure of the Board and with such salary
as they may determine."
These resolutions submitted by the Board of Trus-
tees were unanimously adopted by the Society.
Hon. Henry R. Pattengill of Lansing, formerly
Superintendent of Public Instruction in Michigan
and for a generation one of the most active workers
in the interests of the public schools of the State,
had for many years given his services to the Society
as Secretary. The work had, however, long since
12 ANNUAL REPORT
assumed such large proportions that a paid assistant,
Mrs. M. B. Ferrey, had for some years been employed
by the Society.
After this action was taken the Directors felt that
better and more permanent results could be obtained
if a State Commission or Department should be
established to take over and manage the property
interests of the Society, and have a permanent appro-
priation which would enable the employment of
competent assistants and the carrying out of matured
plans. A committee was appointed to draft a bill
for these purposes.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
From the inception of the idea of a Historical
Commission for Michigan, the sympathy of Governor
Ferris with the spirit and purpose of the movement
and the encouragement given by him through every
phase of the legislative history of the bill were of
large account in impressing the measure upon the
attention of a generous legislature. On February
10, 1913, the measure was introduced in the House
by Mr. Dwight G. F. Warner, as House bill No. 327.
(House Jour. 1.384). On April 19 the bill was passed
without a single dissenting vote, and on motion of
Mr. Charles W. Smith was ordered to take immediate
effect, (House Jour. II. 1807). On the same day it
was transmitted to the Senate, and on April 24 it
passed the Senate without a dissenting vote and was
ANNUALREPORT 13
ordered to take immediate effect. (Senate Jour. II.
2005). May 8 it received the signature of Governor
Woodbridge N. Ferris, and became Public Act
No. 271. 2
Acting in accordance with the provisions establish-
ing the Commission, Governor Ferris at once appointed
its members, who met and organized on May 28, 1913.
The meeting was held in the executive chamber
in the Capitol at Lansing. There were present the
Governor, Clarence M. Burton of Detroit, William
L. Jenks of Port Huron, the Right Rev. Monsignor
Frank A. O'Brien of Kalamazoo, Edwin O. Wood of
Flint, Lawton T. Hemans of Mason, and Claude H.
Van Tyne of Ann Arbor.
By unanimous request of the Commission, the
Governor, who is by law ex officio a member of the
Commission, acted as chairman pro tern.
Professor Van Tyne was made Secretary pro tern-.
Clarence M. Burton, President of the Michigan
Pioneer and Historical Society, was unanimously
elected President of the Commission.
William L. Jenks, Vice President of the Michigan
Pioneer and Historical Society, was unanimously
elected Vice President of the Commission.
Dr. George Newman Fuller of the University of
Michigan was unanimously elected Secretary of the
Commission.
It was voted that a regular meeting of the Com-
2 This Act is printed in full in the Commission's Bulletin No. 1,
copies of which can be had by addressing the Michigan Historical
Commission, Lansing, Michigan.
14 ANNUALREPORT
mission should be held in the first week of July, and
within every three months thereafter.
Mr. Jenks was appointed to prepare the necessary
forms for the transfer of the property and effects of
the Michigan Pioneer, and Historical Society to the
State, and to see' to the execution of the same.
Mrs. M. B. Ferrey, then Assistant Secretary of the
Pioneer and Historical Society, was unanimously
elected Curator of the. Museum.
Mr. Jenks and Mr. Wood were appointed a com-
mittee on rules, to report at a special meeting to be
held June 5, 1913.
SPECIAL MEETING, JUNE 5, 1913
This meeting was held in the Lieutenant Governor's
office in the Capitol at Lansing. There were present
Governor Ferris, and Commissioners Burton, Jenks,
O'Brien and Wood. Commissioners Hemans and Van
Tyne were unavoidably absent 3 .
The choice of the date was determined by the date
of the regular annual meeting of the Pioneer and
Historical Society. As the Commissioners present
were also members of the Board of Trustees of the
Society, the larger part of the available time was
spent in session with that Board. The executive
work which most needed attention concerned the
adjustment of relations between the Society and the
3 Professor Van Tyne was on the eve of departure for Europe,
expecting not to return until the end of the summer of 1914.
ANNUALREPORT 15
Commission, in particular as to the property of the
Society. At this session of the Board of Trustees
William L. Jenks, in accordance with a resolution
adopted at the May meeting of the Commission,
presented for consideration the following bill of sale:
"Be it known that the Michigan Pioneer and
Historical Society, a corporation organized under
the laws of Michigan, by its President thereof duly
authorized does hereby give, grant, sell, and assign
to the State of Michigan all the property of every
kind, character and description which it now owns
/or has under its control, giving and granting to the
State of Michigan said property to have and to hold
forever.
'The purpose of this instrument is to carry out
the intent of said Society indicated by resolutions
duly passed by its members and in recognition of the
fact that the funds with which the said property was
acquired were given by the State of Michigan through
legislative appropriations over a long period of years,
and in recognition of the propriety of the property
so acquired being legally vested in the State of Michi-
gan.
"In witness whereof the Michigan Pioneer and
Historical Society has caused these presents to be
signed by its President the 5th day of June in the
year 1913.
(Signed) C. M. BURTON,
President of the Pioneer and Historical Society."
16 ANNUALREPORT
On motion of Commissioner Frank A. O'Brien, the
Society ratified this deed 4 .
In this session of the Commission one of the most
important steps taken was the adoption of the by-laws
submitted by a committee composed of Commissioners
Jenks and Wood. 5
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AUGUST
6, 1913
The first regular meeting of the Commission was
held in the executive chamber in the Capitol at Lan-
sing August 6, 1913; present, Governor Ferris, and
Commissioners Burton, Jenks, O'Brien, Wood and
Hemans.
On motion of Mr. Wood it was voted to accept
the invitation of the Mackinac Island State Park
Commission to assist in determining and marking
historic sites on the Island and in selecting historic
names associated with the Island to give to its paths,
drives, vistas, lookouts, etc; and on motion of Com-
missioner O'Brien a vote of thanks was tendered
to the Park Commission for this invitation.
A set of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Col-
lections was, on motion of Mr. Wood, loaned indefin-
itely to Mrs. Mina Humphrey Varnum, whose charm-
4 See Proceedings of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society
for 1912 and 1913, published by the Commission.
5 These by-laws are printed in full in the Commission's Bulletin
No. 1, pp. 17-20.
ANNUALREPORT 17
ing writings in the Detroit Saturday Night and else-
where have done much to foster an interest in the
romance of early Michigan history.
It was voted, on motion of Mr. Wood, that the
Secretary be instructed to communicate with leading
citizens of Jackson relative to securing the coopera-
tion of that city with the State to preserve as a me-
morial the home of former Governor Blair, and to
report upon the same to Governor Ferris.
On the recommendation of Mr. Burton it was
ordered that $200 be paid to Mr. W. G. Leland of the
Department of Historical Research in the Carnegie
Institution at Washington to assist in carrying out
the cooperative plans of transcribing from the French
archives materials relating to the history of the
Mississippi Valley during the period of French occu-
pation.
Commissioners Burton, Jenks and O'Brien were
made a committee to pass upon a bulletin submitted
by the Secretary relating to the inception, organiza-
tion and work of the Michigan Historical Commission.
Commissioner Jenks and the Secretary were con-
stituted a committee to pass upon a bulletin submitted
by the Secretary relating to the organization and
work of local historical societies in Michigan.
18 ANNUALREPORT
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD OCTOBER
7, 1913
On October 7, 1913, the members of the Commission
were guests of the Right Rev. Monsignor Frank A.
O'Brien at his residence in.Kalamazoo. The regular
October meeting was held on that date at Nazareth
Academy in Kalamazoo and at the home of Com-
missioner O'Brien. Those present besides the host
were: Governor Ferris, and Commissioners Burton,
Jenks and Wood.
It was voted on motion of Commissioner Wood
that all publications distributed by the Commission
should be sent to the consignee free of all trans-
portation charges, as provided by law.
On motion of Commissioner O'Brien it was ordered
that any publications distributed by the Commission
might at the discretion of the Secretary be loaned
indefinitely to all libraries contemplated by law which
should have less than 500 volumes; provided, that
if such libraries cease to exist in connection with the
original institution or some institution contemplated
by law the volumes shall become State property;
provided also, that in loaning single volumes the
cost of transportation shall be paid by the consignee;
provided also, that the volumes of the Michigan
Pioneer and Historical Collections and the volumes
of the Michigan Historical Commission be sold at
any time to any person at the uniform price of $1
per volume.
ANNUALREPORT 19
A set of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Col-
lections were presented to St. Mary's University,
Baltimore, Maryland, and a set also to the University
of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, in exchange
for the publications of those institutions.
It was ordered that a set of the Michigan Pioneer
and Historical Collections be loaned indefinitely to
the library of any educational institution in Michigan
upon request from the proper authority, to become
the permanent possession of said library when it
shall contain 500 volumes.
The sum of $300 was set aside for the purchase of
such cases and supplies as might be needed to secure
a, more efficient arrangement of the objects in the
museum.
It was ordered that the following committees be
appointed: on finance and auditing, on purchasing,
on employing, and on publishing.
The Commission approved of appointments made
by President Burton to a joint committee relative
to Mackinac Island, submitted as follows: Commis-
sioners William L. Jenks and Frank A. O'Brien are
this day, September 24, 1913, appointed by me,
Clarence M. Burton, as President of the Historical
Commission, members of a joint committee of the
Historical Commission and the Mackinac Island State
Park Commission to serve with Mr. Ira A. Adams of
Bellaire and Mr. Edwin O. Wood of Flint appointed
by President A. O. Joplin of the latter Commission t
to select and recommend names of historical charac-
ters connected with the early history of Mackinac
20 ANNUALREPORT
Island which should be given to lookouts, roads,
drives, streets, paths, vistas, groves, etc., on Mackinac
Island.
It was ordered that all suitable duplicates now in
the museum at Lansing be forwarded to the con-
templated museum on Mackinac Island when that
museum shall be ready to receive them.
The reprinting of further volumes of the Michigan
Pioneer and Historical Collections was ordered sus-
pended for the present, in order that the work on the
new publications of the Commission might be pushed
more rapidly.
It was voted that an entire new. index, constructed
upon the most approved principles of indexing, be
made for the 38 volumes of the Michigan Pioneer
and Historical Collections as soon as practicable.
Papers read at the meetings of the Pioneer and
Historical Society were ordered to be included in a
publication to be called " Proceedings of the Michigan
Pioneer and Historical Society."
The Commission voted to cooperate with all inter-
ested societies of southwestern Michigan and northern
Indiana in excavating near the site of old Fort St.
Joseph for the recovery of the remains of the missionary
Allouez who is supposed to have been buried in that
vicinity.
A unanimous vote of thanks was tendered to Com-
missioner O'Brien and to the Sisters and officers of
Nazareth Academy and to Very Reverend John
Cavanaugh, C. S. C. D. D. of the University of Notre
ANNUAL REPORT 21
Dame, for the very cordial reception and entertainment
given to the Michigan Historical Commission.
PUBLICITY
One of the earliest steps taken by the Commission
was to more fully acquaint the people with the Com-
mission's nature and purpose in order to gain their
more active cooperation and support. Bulletin No. 1,
already mentioned, set forth the inception, organiza-
tion, administration and aims of the Commission. It
printed in full the act establishing that body, also
the by-laws. It contained a brief discussion of plans
for collecting, housing and publishing historical ma-
terials, for the distribution of its publications, for
service to the general public through an information
bureau, for cooperating with schools, clubs, local
societies and societies of a similar nature in other
states, and of making the museum of larger usefulness
to the people.
An edition of five thousand copies of this Bulletin
was printed. A copy was sent to every newspaper
and periodical in Michigan, to each State officer
and member of the legislature, to the officers and
history teachers of Michigan schools and colleges,
to the County Commissioners of Schools, to Michigan
granges and public libraries, to historical societies,
commissions and libraries of other states and to a
large number of individuals and educators at home
and abroad.
22 ANNUALREPORT
Before the publication of Bulletin No. 1 there was
sent to every newspaper and periodical in Michigan
the following circular:
The Michigan Historical Commission wish to be of service
to you, and to the public through your paper.
Three obvious means appear: (1) To send to your paper
from time to time items of live historical interest gleaned from
all parts of Michigan; (2) To stimulate your readers to do the
same; (3) To preserve a complete file of your paper in the news-
paper department of the Commission, which is collecting one
of the most valuable bodies of historical material to be found
in the Middle West.
A Bulletin of information about the work of the Commission
is being prepared, to be distributed to all interested. If you
desire it, kindly notify the Commission on the enclosed card,
stating also whether you are willing to insert gratis in your paper
once a month during the coming year the following notice :
To the People of Michigan:
The Michigan Historical Commission, established by the
last legislature, wish to communicate with every person who has
in his or her possession old newspaper files, pamphlets, letters,
diaries, account books, local histories and atlases, museum objects
illustrative of Michigan or of Michigan people, anything what-
ever of value for the history of Michigan. The Commission
is composed of Governor W. N. Ferris, Clarence M. Burton,
William L. Jenks, Frank A. O'Brien, Edwin 0. Wood, Lawton
T. Hemans, and Claude H. Van Tyne. Address, The Michigan
Historical Commission, Lansing, Michigan.
A generous response was received, which was
acknowledged by the Commission in the following
circular mailed with Bulletin No. 1.
The Historical Commission most highly appreciates the recent
generous response of the press to the publicity needs of the
Commission. It would be a favor as highly esteemed if as time
ANNUALREPORT 23
and space permit, you would feature in your valued publication
the brief articles of bulletin No. 1. The items would in this way
reach a wide circle of interested readers whom otherwise the
Commission could not reach but desires to serve. Your attention
is specially requested to page 35 of this bulletin.
It is the desire of the Commission that at least the
most prominent newspaper of each county in Michigan
shall be received for its files. At present the Com-
mission regularly receives many of the prominent
newspapers of the State. In Bulletin No. 1 the
Commission has already called attention to the
historical importance of this material and emphasized
the need of collecting not only contemporary news-
papers but even the fugitive sheets of all the important
papers and periodicals that have been published from
earliest times in Michigan. 6
MUSEUM COLLECTION
The museum is greatly in need of larger quarters.
The present collections if properly displayed would
require four times as much space as they occupy
now. The sum of $300 which was set aside by the
Commission is being used to make the more imperative
improvements in casing the displays. A catalog of
the museum is being constructed on plans consonant
with methods favored by the American Association
of Museums, of which this Museum is a sustaining
member.
Bulletin No. 1, pp. 24-25.
24 ANNUAL REPORT
A large part of the educational value of a museum
depends of course upon the nature of the objects in
it, and upon the manner in which they are displayed,
but a primary desideratum is to get the objects.
That is the present problem of the Commission's
museum. Bulletin No. 1 (pp. 39-41) has already
briefly considered its present status, and the forth-
coming catalog will do so in satisfying detail.
The Curator of the museum, Mrs. M. B. Ferrey,
reports the following articles added to the museum
during the past two years since January 1912:
Snuff Box
Owned by Lucy Beals, born Aug. 7, 1798. Presented by her
grandaughter Mrs. Leonora Chamberlain, Hartford, Mich.
Check
Drawn on the Michigan Insurance Bank for $188.50 for
House expenses. Dated Nov. 1, 1865. Presented by
George Clark, Lansing
Pigeon Net
Presented by Miss Emma Wilson, Northport. Used about
1883 by Walter S. Wilson
Peninsular Railway Excursion Ticket, and Campaign Hat.
From Lansing to Battle Creek, July 4, 1870. Presented
by Caleb Smith, Lansing
Pontiac Weekly Bill Poster
Dated Feb. 23, 1876. Account of Oakland County Pioneer
Society. Presented by Mrs. D. D. Solis, Pontiac
Five Silver Buttons
Presented by Miss Sarah L. Burr. Owned in the family
since 1838
Map of Michigan, 1838
Presented by Miss Sarah L. Burr
ANNUALREPORT 25
Mulberry Plate
Presented by Mrs. Betsey Webber, Lansing
Flag
First one carried by women of Lansing, 1849. Dewitt
Union Daughters of Michigan
Foot-Warmer
Presented by Mrs. Betsey Webber, Lansing
Bead Bag
Belonged to Mrs. Catherine Busier, Centerville, St. Joseph
Co., who came to Michigan in 1836. Presented by her
daughter, Villetta L. Woods
Constitution and Discipline of M. E. Church, 1854
Small Bonnet, Baby's Shirt, Pincushion, Hand Embroidery, Quilt
Presented by Mrs. Laura A. Ayers, East Lansing
Account of Fort Dearborn Massacre by Lieut. Helm
Presented by Nelly Kinzie Gordon, Savannah, Ga.
Transactions of the New York Agricultural Society, 1850
Presented by Mrs. Mary E. Henry, Albion
Medical Book
Presented by the widow of Dr. Tyler Hull, Dimondale, Mich.
Surgical Instrument
Used about 1820. Presented (as above)
Knapsack
Used in Civil War. Presented by Jay See, Dimondale, Mich.
Four Campaign Buttons
From Chicago Convention, June 1912. Presented by Fred
Hadrich, Lansing
One Bottle and One Jug
Presented (as above)
Silk Shoes Side-Laced
Made in the family of George Trary. Secured from Mrs.
W. H. Dodge, Lansing
26 ANNUALREPORT
Gloves
Made and given by Indians to M. D. Skinner, formerly of
Lansing
Reeds and Rattans for Skirt
Presented by Miss Hattie Nash, Lansing
Account Box
Kept by David Scott, DeWitt, Mich. Presented by his
grandson, Charles W. Webb, postmaster, DeWitt
U. S. Flag
Presented by Boy Scouts, Greenville, Mich.
Booklet "Picturesque Walloon"
Presented by H. McConnell, Walloon Lake
Indian Relic
Found near lake, Livingston County. Presented by R. W.
Cooper, Lansing
Two Pieces from the Charter Oak
Presented by A. Warden Palmer, Jr., Grand Rapids.
Piece of Atlantic Cable
Presented (as above)
Virgin Lamp
Purchased in Jerusalem and presented by Mrs. Nellie Osband
Baldwin, Grand Rapids
Stays, Home Made
Made by Mrs. Hannah Durfee, aunt of Mrs. Nellie Osband
Baldwin
Silver Teaspoon
Presented by Mrs. Loraine Pratt Immen. First used by
her mother, Mrs. A. P. Bell
Silver Table Spoon
Made of silver dollars given as wedding present by Julius
Bartlett of Connecticut to his daughter Lucre tia Baldwin
in 1823
Presented by Mrs* Nellie Osband Baldwin, Grand Rapids.
ANNUALREPORT 27
Napkin
Purchased in Europe and presented by Mrs. Loraine Pratt
Immen, Grand Rapids
Log Cabin Quilt
Made by Mrs. Maria Dumont Fisher and given to Mrs.
Philo L. Daniels, aunt of Mrs. Mina H. Varnum, who pre-
sented it
Bronze Medal of the Louisiana Centennial, April 30, 1812
Presented by Louisiana
Democratic Free Press
Dated May 5, 1831. Owned by Charles A. Little, Detroit.
Presented by Mrs. Elizabeth Child, Lansing
Chattanooga Daily Rebel
Dated June 28, 1863. Presented by Daniel E. Soper, Chat-
tanooga, Tenn.
Oaths of Office taken by Members of House of Representatives,
1879
Presented by Dr. F. W. Shumway, Lansing
Tomahawk
Found on St. Joseph river about 1893 and presented by
Hon. G. W. Schaeffer, Sturgis
Ear Ring Mold, and Half of Ring
Presented (as above)
Two Daguerreotypes
Presented by Mrs. Adams, Mason
Saddle-Bag
Bought in 1780 by John Wilcox, who gave it to his grandson.
Amos Wilcox, Pittsford, Hillsdale County. Presented by
the latter
Rubber Fire Bucket
Used in Lansing before organization of fire department.
Presented by H. H. Lamed
28 ANNUALREPORT
Charcoal Flat Iron
Presented by Mrs. F. D. Ferle, Lansing
Seven Pennants, Five Political Badges
Presented by Fred Hadrich, Lansing
Twenty-Six Confederate Notes
Hair Wreath
Made by Mrs. George W. Porter, Portland, Mich. Pre-
sented by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. W. E. Porter, Portland
One block of Crazy Work Quilt
Pieced by Anna Maria Robbins in 1891. Presented by her
daughter, Mrs. Laura A. Ayers, East Lansing
Scrip Fifty Cents
Issued by John McDonall at Detroit in May, 1818. Pre-
sented by his grandson, H. B. Vaill, Keene, N. H., through
C. M. Burton, Detroit
Indian Skinning Knife, Two Tablets
Found in Mecosta County in 1912
Four Newspapers
Louisville Daily Journal, Oct. 14, 1863.
The Salem Whig, Oct. 7, 1840
The Salem Weekly Union Advocate, May 10, 1866
The Washington Democrat, April 20, 1865
Presented by Seymour Foster, Lansing
Common Prayer Book, 1828 and 1850, Concordance New Testa-
ment, Picture of The U. S. Steam Frigate Merrimac
Presented by Mrs. Bessie Stephenson Bentley
Double Barrel Shot Gun
Presented by Gerald Swan, Hastings
Four Bonnets, Brass Kettle, Copper Pail, Wooden Sugar Bowl,
Wine Glass, Small Pitcher
Presented by Mrs. Henry Turney
Black Straw Bonnet
Presented by Mrs. Lovell, Lansing
ANNUALREPORT 29
Northern Advocate, May 16, 1840
First paper in Flint, then called Flint River. Presented
by M. W. S. Townsend, Mount Pleasant
Eaton County Republican for 1861
Bound. Presented by Major Nesbitt, Big Rapids
Map of City of Lansing, 1866
Presented by Unity Club, Lansing
Air Castle made of Rags
Presented by Mrs. M. J. Adams, Mason
Shoulder Cape
Worn by Mrs. Mary Brock, a Quakeress in Norristowri, Pa.
Walker's Dictionary, 1817, Philadelphia
Presented (as above)
Pair White Cotton Stockings
Knitted by Eleanor Connard, about 1865
Michigan State Journal, May 26, 1859
State Republican, Dec. 13, 1865
Presented by Mrs. O. R. Hardy for the E. M. B. Club,
Lansing
Record of Grant Township, 1866
Presented by Mrs. George A. Shields, Bay City
Pennant
Fiftieth anniversary of the Battle of Chattanooga, 1863
Card of Georgia Monument
Views of Chattanooga
Presented by D. E. Soper, Chattanooga, Tenn.
Workbag, Razor, Brush, Whalebone, Piece of Counterpane
From the family of Luke Phillips. Presented by his daughter
Mrs. Philip Ernsberger, Lansing
Forty-Three Old Books, Two Pictures, Forty-Six Small Photo-
graphs, Sewing Machine and Old Chest
Presented by Mrs. Hall Thayer, Saginaw
30 ANNUALREPORT
Three Certificates, One Bond, One Program of Legislative Re-
union, June 10, 1886
Presented by Mrs. Mary C. Spencer, Lansing
Two-Dollar Wild-Cat bill, Bank of Monroe
Presented by J. C. Obert, Durand
Eight Pamphlets Found in File Case
Presented by Miss Gertrude Wolcott, Public Domain Office,
Lansing
Hand- Wrought Nails
From old Fort St. Joseph, Niles. Presented by W. Hillis
Smith, Niles
Two Pennies
Presented by Don Hinchman, Lansing
Two Coins
From Byron Warren, Bay City
Two Books .From the Franciscan Monastery, Petoskey
Presented through Father Evers
Indian Sweet Grass Basket, Indian Hatchet, Blue and White
Splint, Snake Charm, Bow and Arrow, Skull
From Cross Village Indian Cemetery
Picture of Squaw, Bottle with Wood Picture Inside
Given by Indians of Cross Village
Methodist Almanac 1856 and 1844, Two Pamphlets, Two Small
Photographs
Presented by Mrs. Parmelee Scofield, Lansing
Boy Scouts' Flag
From Wyandotte, through Rev. R. G. Hershey, Chaplain
Three Pieces Pewter, Sugar Bowl, Creamer, Teapot
From Mrs. Mary E. Hawley. Presented by the Van Winkle
Woman's Club, Caro, Michigan
Penny, 1861
From Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, West Branch
ANNUALREPORT 31
Two Nuts
Carved from peach stones by Stanley Pixley
Embroidery
By Mrs. Sarah Scripture Lewis, born in 1804
Cardboard Cross
Made by Mrs. Clorinda Taylor in 1870. Presented by Mrs.
O. Palmer, Grayling, Mich.
Three Pictures
Given by Dr. and Mrs. Palmer, Grayling
Portrait of General George A. Custer
Given by Mrs. Elizabeth C. Custer
Letter Scales
Presented by Judge Joseph B. Moore, Lansing
State Republican April 19, 1865
Containing account of death of Abraham Lincoln. Given
by Clinton Leach Chalfant, Springfield, Mo.
Coral Basket
Presented by Mrs. Juliette Freeman
Wallet, Hymn Book, Prayer Book
Owned by John Helfridge, and given by him to his son
John in 1820
Lace
Knit by Mrs. Thayer and given to Mrs. Miller in 1873
Letter
From Mrs. John Helfridge, written from Old Mission and
signed by Helen E. Morrell
Rate Bill for District No. 3, Peninsula Township
School started in Chandler's barn. Presented by Mrs. S.
' A. Miller, daughter of John Helfridge
Picture
Group of Eaton County Women's Club, Eaton Rapids
Twenty-Six Pamphlets
From T. L. P. Miles, Lansing
32 ANNUAL REPORT
Door Latch, Dickie, Three Posts and Headboard of Four Poster
Bed
From L. G. Palmer's home near Napoleon, Mich.
Indian Mortar and Pestle, Surgical Instrument
Broken Pieces of Indian Pottery
Found under tree in Churchill, Ogemaw County. Presented
by R. A. Babcock, West Branch
Hoop Skirt and Bustle
Presented by Mrs. B. Bennett, West Branch
One Box "Nacht Lichters,'' Book of Three Maps, Leases Mineral
Region
Lake Superior, Autograph Letter
From Chief Blackbird, Harbor Springs. Presented by Mrs.
E. M. Schettler, Muskegon Heights
Yiddish Doll
Made by Mrs. Ida D. Menore, a blind woman who gave it
to Mrs. Irons, West Branch, for a door stay. Presented by
the latter to the Museum
Sausage Stuffer
Wooden Cowbell
Given by an upper peninsula settler to the wife of Capt.
Thomas, father of Calvin Thomas. Mrs. Thomas gave it
to Mrs. Marion H. Irons, West Branch who presented it
to Museum
Side Saddle
Brought from the East by the mother of Mrs. Lucy C. Davis,
Lansing, and presented by Mrs. Davis
Tankard
Hood and Dolman
Presented by Mrs. F. A. Travis, St. Johns
Deed to Mr. Allison Jume, of Gratiot County, and Bible
Presented (as above)
ANNUALREPORT 33
Handkerchief
Made by Emily Virginia Mason on Congress Street, Detroit,
in 1839. Presented by her aunt, Mrs. Dorethea Mason
Wright, Newark, N. J.
Papers
From Father O'Brien, Mrs. Hopy, Mrs. Geddes, Perry
Ostrander, and others. Programs of Women's Clubs and
D. A. R. Meetings
Pewter Candle Stick
Presented by Mr. and Mrs. Redfield, Marshall
Mat
Made by Chippewa Indian woman, 1857, and presented by
Mrs. Frances E. Burns, St. Louis, and Mrs. A. J. Hughes,
Big Rapids
Piano
Used in the home of Governor Blair. Given by Mrs. Blair
to Helen, daughter of her oldest son George, and on her
death presented by her mother, Mrs. Vienna Blair, Los
Angeles, California.
Lumber Wheels
Presented by H. M. Loud, Oscoda
Beaver Hat
Worn by Governor Austin Blair. Presented by Hon. Frank
E. Dodge, Lansing
Seal of Michigan
Made of Corn by Ralph Oversmith, aged 14, and flag made
of corn by Frances Fitzgerald, aged 12, grammar school
pupils of Miss Gertrude Cartwright of Brooklyn, Jackson
County, Mich.
34 ANNUALREPORT
The following loans to the Museum were made
during the same period:
Picture
Made of cork by Mrs. Moots, loaned by her grandaughteiv
Miss Helen Brown, Lansing
Sash and Picture
Young ladies taking part in parade July 4, 1873, Lansing.
Loaned by M. Helen Simons
Fish Spear
Owned and used by Horace W. Reynolds, Clinton County.
Loaned by his son, W. R. Reynolds, Lansing
Copper Spear Point
Eight inches long. Picked up on a farm at Jordan Lake,
Ionia County, by Jerry Preston
Two Volumes by Dr. Gill
Commentaries on the Old and New Testament. Loaned by
Mrs. J. Cummins, Leslie
Manual
Hon. DeWitt C. Leach, U. S. Congress 1860-1. Loaned by
Clinton Leach Chalfant, Springfield, Mo.
Sling Shot
Used by Indian women
Reading Desk
From first Indian mission, Cross Village
Book of Indian Accounts
Loaned by Mrs. M. E. Schettler, Muskegon Heights
Two Large Gilt Frame Pier Glasses
Having marble shelves inscribed, "To Mrs. Gov. Blair
from the officers of the tenth and eleventh cavalry." Loaned
by Mrs. Charles Blair, Lansing
ANNUALREPORT 35
HISTORICAL PICTURES AND PORTRAITS
A historical portrait gallery is a worthy conception,
well fitted to stimulate the pride of the people in
their State and in the achievements of its leaders.
All ages furnish examples of the honor paid to it,
from the Parthenon of the Greeks to the Louvre and
Westminster Abbey of today. In the old Northwest,
Michigan has been a center of the best ideals of this
section of our country. It can not be long before
Michigan must build larger quarters for the rapidly
growing work at the State Capitol, and in view of
securing at that time a suitable room for a historical
portrait gallery every possible effort will be made
to obtain portraits of the men and women who have
been prominent among the makers of Michigan.
Through the generosity of patriotic citizens the
following historical pictures and portraits have been
presented to the Commission and are now on display
in the Museum: 7
General Andrew Jackson
Engraving, 8 x 12, presented by Mr. and Mrs. De Camp,
Ovid, Michigan
Thomas D. Gilbert
Photograph, 8 x 12, from Grand Rapids
Centennial Photograph
Two sections, twenty-four pictures each
Centennial Photographs
Four sections, containing 8 x 12 spaces
7 Report submitted by the Curator.
36 ANNUALREPORT
Centennial Photographs
Two sections containing forty-eight pictures
Centennial Photographs
Territorial Judges, ten spaces, six pictures
Centennial Photographs
Territorial Delegates, seven portraits, 24 x 32
Metropolitan Gallery
One hundred portraits, 22 x 25
Faculty of University of Michigan
Nine portraits
Faculty of University of Michigan
Five portraits
World's Fair Board
Chicago, 1893
United States Commissioners
1891-1894
Supreme Court and Lansing Business Men of 1893
Forty-one portraits, 30 x 45
Michigan United States Judges
Nine portraits, 10 x 12
Methodist ministers
Group
Michigan governors (nineteen) and Capitol
Group of pioneer pictures
Three group pictures of Legislatures
OIL PORTRAITS
Mrs. Lucinda Hinsdale Stone
Painted by Mrs. Stone's daughter-in-law. 26 x 28. Pre-
sented by D. A. R.'s and Ladies Literary Club of Kalamazoo,
through Mrs. Mary M. Hopt
ANNUAL RE PORT 37
Jonathan Shearer
President Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society, 1876-77.
20x22
Mother Rod, prominent Indian woman of Sarnia
Presented by Mr. Harrington of Port Huron
Isaac E. Crary
Presented by Mrs. Belona Crary Frink, Marshall, Michigan,
through Judge Patterson Marshall
William A. Burt
Inventor of the solar compass. Presented by his sons .
Okemos
Portrait painted by Stanley of Detroit. Presented by C. M.
Burton
Captain Marsac
Pioneer of Bay City. Portrait purchased for $50. 45 x 60
William Woodruff Gibbs, Artist
Presented by Macomb County citizens through George H.
Cannon, Washington, Michigan
Carroll of Virginia
PHOTOGRAPHS
Governor John S. Horner.
Presented by his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Burling, Ripon,
Wisconsin
Peter White
Presented by his son-in-law, Mr. A. O. Jopling, Marquette,
through Hon. Charles R. McCabe, Marquette, Mich.
Hon. Joseph Greusel
Presented by his children
Arthur Hill
Presented by his wife
38 ANNUALREPORT
Judge and Mrs. Tenny
Presented by Mrs. Mary C. Spencer, State Librarian
Emily Ward, Detroit, Michigan
Presented by the Women's Club, Marine City, through
Mrs. George Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Elder
Presented by their daughter, Mrs. Perry, Lansing
Mr. Bliss of Blissfield
T. T. Lyon
Presented by Mr. Murray
E. O. Haven, LL. D., former President of University of Michigan
Presented (as above)
F. H. Rankin
Presented (as above)
C. I. Walker
Presented (as above)
John D. Pierce, Marshall, Michigan
First Superintendent of Public Instruction in Michigan
Presented (as above)
Governor William Woodbridge
Presented by Major H. E. Johnson
Capitol, Lansing
Architect's drawing presented by Hon. D. E. Hineman,
Detroit
Governor W. N. Ferris
Purchased by Mrs. Ferrey
Mrs. Mary Stillman's sister, Mason, Michigan
General George E. Custer
Presented by Mrs. Custer
Governor Austin Blair
Presented by Mrs. Mary C. Spencer
ANNUALREPORT 39
Henry E. Tappan, President of the University of Michigan
Presented by Mrs. Mary C. Spencer
Mr. and Mrs. Elder
Presented by her daughter, Amy Perry, Lansing
Samuel Rowe
Presented by J. V.. Barry, Lansing
Joel Carpenter
Blissfield pioneer
Nun
Unidentified
Three Lenawee County Soldiers, 1861-1864
Daguerreotypes
Paneled; sixteen small pictures from Adrian
Washington and His Cabinet
Harry E. Conant
Presented by Mrs. Mary C. Spencer
E. Lakin Brown of Schoolcraft
Abraham Lincoln
Lewis Cass
Okemos
Ambrotype; presented by O. A. Jenison, Lansing
Ezra Baldwin Taylor
Silhouette, full length. Presented by Mrs. Mary C. Spencer
Judge Babbitt
Presented by Mrs. Florence S. Babbitt
John M. Longyear
Presented by his wife, Lansing, Michigan
John D. Pierce
Governor Josiah Begole
Presented by his wife, Flint, Michigan
40 ANNUAL RE PORT
Governor Crapo
Presented by his son-in-law, Dr. Willson, Flint
William Milham
Two portraits not named
William H. Taft,
William McKinley
Presented by Hon. William Alden Smith
George Washington
Presented by Henry Chamberlain, Three Oaks
John W. Dewey of Owosso, Michigan
Presented by himself
Judge Charles Long
Presented by A. C. Chapin, Lansing
Governor A. T. Bliss
Presented by his wife, Saginaw, Michigan
Stephen A. Douglas
Presented by Lucy Cowles, Lansing
A. B. Gardner, of Albion, Michigan
Presented by his daughter, Mrs. Gale, Albion
Rt. Rev. Monsignor Frank A. O'Brien of Kalamazoo
M. D. Osband, of Hillsdale
Replica of the Governor Mason Statue at Detroit
Presented by Hon. Daniel McCoy, Grand Rapids
Henry A. Tappan
Plaster medallion. Presented by University of Michigan
Governor John J. Bagley
Bust
Henry Dexter
Bust
ANNUALREPORT 41
MAPS
The value, for historical purposes, of the early maps
of any territory is now acknowledged to be very great,
and the Commission has begun the collection of maps
to illustrate the history of the Great Lake Region,
with a view of obtaining a complete line of the char-
acteristic French, English, Dutch, German and Italian
maps, so as to display the gradual increase of knowl-
edge of this region down to 1800.
It has already in its possession the following maps
of this section of the New World:
1635
Blaeu, Willem J. Americae Nova Tabula. A good example
of the Dutch maps of this period, showing both North and
South America, but not indicating any knowledge of the Great
Lakes
1642
Jansson, Jan. America Septentrionalis
The map is from the same plate as a map of the same title
issued in 1839, by Hondius, the brother-in-law of Jansson
1670
DuVal, Pierre. Le Canada faict par le Sr. de Champlain
suivant les Memoires de P. Du Val Geographe du Roy. Un-
dated, but about 1760. Very rare map; the plate was reissued
several times, first probably in 1653. This copy contains a
reference to the route taken in 1665 to go to Japan and China.
The configurations of the Lakes are very curious
1680
Berry, William. North America divided into its principal
parts
42 ANNUAL RE PORT
The largest and most authentic English map of North
America published up to this date. It is based largely on
Sanson's map
1685
Daniel, R. A map of ye English Empire in ye Continent
of America
A very rare map; the earliest English map to show three
of the Great Lakes, Ontarius, Hurons and Erius or Felis
1694
Jaillot, H. Amerique
An interesting map following Sanson in the configuration of,
the Lakes
1695
Morden, Robert. A new map of the English Empire in,
America. A copy of the first issue of this map, which shows
the Lakes approximately in their proper positions
1710
Senex, John. North America
A large fine colored map extending beyond the Mississippi,
1718
DeFer, Nicolas. Carte de la Nouvelle France
While this rare map is unsigned and undated, it is undoubtedly
a reduced copy of a larger map issued in 1718, by DeFer.
The Lakes are more fully detailed than in any other map up to
this date
1719
DeFer, Nicolas. Carte tres curieuse de la Mer du Sud.
This beautiful map is a reduced copy made for Chatelain's
Atlas of 1719, from a large map published by DeFer in 1713.
Many very fine engraved inserts represent cities, Indians,
animals, etc.
1720
Moll, Herman. A new map of the North parts of America.
This map shows all the lakes on a large scale. In the upper
right hand comer is a view of the Indian fort Sasquesahannock
ANNUALREPORT 43
1720
Homan, J. B. Amplissimae Regionis Mississipi
An interesting map showing the lakes on a good scale, with
Hennepin's route marked by a dotted line
1746
d'Anville. Amerique Septentrionalis
Usually considered the best French map up to this date of
the whole of North America
1753
Vaugondy, Robert de. Carte des Pays connus sous le nom
de Canada. A well detailed map on a large scale.
1755
d'Anville, J. B. Canada, Louisane et Terres Angloises.
A fine map on much larger scale than the map of 1746
1755
Mitchell, John. A map of the British and French Domin-
ions in North America. A copy of the first issue of this im-
portant map, the largest and most authentic of North America
down to this date. It was issued under official sanction and
was the map chiefly relied on by the Commissioners in making
the Treaty of Peace in 1783 between Great Britain and the
United States
1755
Jefferys, Thomas. North America. An important map
based on d'Anville, contains several columns of descriptive
text entitled "English title to their Settlements." This is a
copy of the first impression of this map which was reissued
several times
1766
Kitchin, Thomas. A new and accurate map of the British
Dominion in America
1783
Pownall, Thomas. A new map of North America
1790
Blair, John. A map of North America
44 ANNUALREPORT
1794
Laurie and Whittle. A new and general map of the Middle
Dominions belonging to the United States of America
1802
Bruyeres, R. H. Sketch of the North Shore Contiguous
to the Falls of St. Mary
1831
Burr, David H. Michigan
1834
Wightman, J. A new Emigrant's map of Michigan with
a part of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois
1835
Farmer, John. An improved edition of a map of the sur-
veyed part of the Territory of Michigan
In the collection are also Farmer maps of Michigan and
Wisconsin, 1835, Michigan 1836, 1852, 1854, 1864
1836
Young, J. H. The Tourists Pocket Map of Michigan
18 ?
Houghton, Douglass. Maps of Lenawee, Jackson and Wash-
tenaw Counties. These are three of the County Maps prepared
under the direction of the first State Geologist
1846
Hubbard, Bela. Map of the western counties of Michigan
1848
McCracken, T. Map of the Town of Michigan in the
County of Ingham
1859
Geil & Jones. Genesee and Shiawassee Counties
1859
Geil & Jones. Macomb and St. Clair Counties
(The above list of maps was prepared by
William L. Jenks.)
ANNUALREPORT 45
PUBLICATIONS 8
In the preface to Bulletin No. 1 it was suggested
that there be published a descriptive catalog of the
Museum of the Commission, the proceedings of the
Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society and reports
of cooperative activities with other state organiza-
tions of a similar nature; a constitution and by-laws
for local historical societies in Michigan, suggestions
to local societies regarding methods of work, and
reports and papers contributed by local societies;
a preliminary bibliography of materials for Michigan
history, a calendar of unpublished materials in the
public and private libraries of Michigan, and a cal-
endar of Michigan state and local archives; also
suggestions to writers of local history in Michigan,
and topics, references and suggestions for the study
and teaching of Michigan history, including Indian
legends and pioneer life, with references to material
for English exercises and story telling.
Of these the Commission has thus far published
Bulletin No. 2, "Suggestions for Historical Societies
and Writers in Michigan," in an edition of 5000
copies. The volume of " Proceedings of the Michigan
Pioneer and Historical Society" is now in press. The
edition of the present "Annual Report of the Michigan
Historical Commission" was 1000 copies. A calendar
of the Askin, Schoolcraft and other Papers is now in
8 See Bulletin No. 1, pp. 17, 31-33
46 ANNUAL REPORT
preparation. Volume XXI of the reprints of the
Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections is now
ready for distribution and Volume XXII will soon be
in press.
It was voted at the last meeting of the Commission
that further work on the reprints be suspended for
the present in order to make way for work on original
publications. One of the most important of the
proposed new publications is a new index of the
entire 38 volumes of the Michigan Pioneer and His-
torical Collections, to be constructed from the view-
point especially of the historian, the economist, the
sociologist and the scientist.
Other items of work to be undertaken in the near
future are a preliminary bibliography of materials
for Michigan history and a calendar of unpublished
materials in the public and private libraries of the State.
A prospect to which the Commission is hopefully
looking forward is the publication of official documents
from the State and local archives. Few writers
on Michigan history, especially outside of the State,
can readily have access to this original material.
The publication of it is therefore felt to be a pressing
need. In this series there will probably be published
the messages of Michigan governors.
It has been contemplated for some time to issue
a complete translation of the Margry papers, which
were collected by Pierre Margry and published through
the assistance of the U. S. Congress. This has been
delayed, in consequence of the thorough examination
being made of the French Archives under the direc-
ANNUALREPORT 47
tion of Mr. W. G. Leland of the Carnegie Institution
of Washington. This examination has now been
-completed, and the papers may be consulted at the
office of the Commission.
The conditions upon which the publications of the
Commission are distributed, exchanged or sold, are
set forth in Section 7 of the act establishing the Com-
mission. The statutory requirement that a library
contain 500 volumes in order to receive these publi-
cations is disappointing to many vigorous but small
communities especially in the northern part of the
'State. In view of this the Commission has provided
that loans may be made at the discretion of the Sec-
retary on receipt of request from the authorities
in charge of any local library contemplated by the
law. This enables every school, grange and public
library in Michigan to have all of the practical benefits
to be derived from these volumes.
Relative to public school libraries a circular letter
was sent recently to every County School Commis-
sioner in the State calling attention to the shipment
of volumes of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Collections sent to the schools in each of a number of
districts indicated and asking for the names of the
present teachers in these schools so that the Com-
mission might correspond directly with them regard-
ing the condition of their sets. The purpose of the
Commission is to fill out the incomplete sets where
these volumes are of real value, and to supply new
sets to such schools as the School Commissioners
should deem eligible.
48 ANNUALREPORT
The cordial response of the School Commissioners
enabled the Historical Commission to get into direct
relations with the teachers in the schools, and a
circular was then addressed to each teacher asking for :
1. Total number of volumes in the school library
exclusive of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Collections ;
2. Number of volumes of the Michigan Pioneer and
Historical Collections with volume number of each
volume ;
3. The condition of these volumes, with specific
statement as to any damage to any volume;
4. Desire to have set completed.
A prompt response from the teachers is anticipated.
The Commission desires to assure the school com-
missioners and teachers of its hearty appreciation
of their cooperation in this work.
To 250 secretaries of the larger granges of Michigan
a circular was sent some months ago asking:
First, how large is your grange?
Second, does your grange possess a set of the Michi-
gan Pioneer and Historical Collections?
Third, is the character of these volumes well known
in your community?
Fourth, could your grange use to advantage a
set of these volumes? .
Up to the present time only one reply has been
received.
ANNUALREPORT 49
INFORMATION BUREAU
In response to the invitation extended in Bulletin
No. I 9 to all persons desiring information on questions
of Michigan history, numerous letters have been
received and answered by the Commission. It was
anticipated that this one activity would require a
large share of the Commission's attention, and the
experience of the past few months shows that if the
answers were made as full and explicit as the Com-
mission desires, the function would consume entirely
the time of at least one assistant. Undoubtedly
this phase of the work is one of most vital concern
to all interested in the history of Michigan, and the
Commission is hopeful of such an increase in its ap-
propriation as will make possible the employing of this
very much needed assistance.
COUNTY SOCIETIES
The Commission has sought to learn the present
condition and past achievements of every local his-
torical society in the State. It desires to strengthen
the work of the older societies and to organize new
societies in counties which up to this time have been
without them. Very early in its work it sent to the
secretary of each society a personal request for in-
formation. In substance this request was repeated
as follows on an enclosure in Bulletin No. 1 :
"See Bulletin No. 1, pp. 35-36
7
50 ANNUALREPORT
To Local Historical Societies in Michigan:
We beg leave to call attention to a forthcoming
bulletin on the local historical societies of Michigan.
The bulletin will go to all of the county societies
of Michigan and to all of the important state societies
in the United States and Canada.
There could scarcely be a more far-reaching notice
of your county, nor a more pleasing association for
the person or persons who should merit such attention
by furnishing the material to the State Historical
Commission.
Will you kindly give this notice the utmost publicity,
in order that your county society may appear to its
very best advantage in the bulletin.
In some replies to this circular there has been
scarcely enough information to indicate a live interest
in the local work. Other replies show a very energetic
and promising spirit.
Typical of the local historical societies organized
under the auspices of the Commission is that at
Flint, Michigan, which was organized December 3,
1913. It began with nearly a hundred members
comprising leaders of thought in Flint and in Genesee
county. The Board of Education provided gener-
ously for its accommodation, setting apart a separate
room in the Flint Public Library to be used as a history
room and museum. The impulse and sustaining
power which was given to this work by the Flint
Daily Journal is a model of that patriotic press support
which the Commission is assured it will meet with
throughout the State.
ANNUALREPORT 51
To aid the work of local societies 5000 copies of
Bulletin No. 2 have been printed for wide distribution
among the workers in the local fields. The bulletin
bears the title, "Suggestions to Local Historical
Societies and Writers in Michigan," and contains,
besides materials for the constitution and by-laws of
the local historical society, hints for practical work-
namely, methods of arousing and directing popular
interest in collecting historical materials, means of
interesting the club, the lodge, the school, the public
library, the church, and the press as allies of the
society, together with counsel to writers of local
history.
LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS
A special effort is being made to meet the desire
shown by the public libraries to cooperate in the
work of the Commission and of the local societies.
As far as possible the libraries have been supplied
with sets of the Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Collections for their reference rooms. The larger
libraries will upon request, be presented with sets
for their circulating department. The problem of
popularizing these volumes is a large one, and solutions
are being actively sought -and applied. 10
Among the special means of increasing the use of the
volumes and of bringing the historical work of the
libraries into closer relation with the schools and the
people is the equipping of a special room in the library
10 See Bulletin No. 2, pp. 25-26
52 ANNUALREPORT
as a history room and local museum. For the purpose
of bringing this to the attention of librarians a cir-
cular was sent out to all public libraries in Michigan
inquiring about the possibility of having a room set
aside for these purposes and urging the many ad-
vantages.
The Commission desires to aid in every possible
way the historical work of the teachers and students
in the schools and colleges of the State. As already
said, earnest efforts are being made to increase the
use of the volumes of the Michigan Pioneer and
Historical Collections, sets of which are being placed
in every school that asks for them. A syllabus is
contemplated, for use in schools and libraries, con-
taining a chronological list of vital topics on the
social, political, economic, industrial, educational,
literary and humanitarian phases of Michigan history,
with specific page references to these volumes. Mrs.
M. B. Ferrey, Curator of the Museum has been very
active in bringing to the grade pupils, as well as to
the High Schools, increased interest in the history of
the State. The Secretary presented the plans and
purposes of the Commission to the State Teachers'
Association at Ann Arbor, and arrangements are
being made for effective work at the meeting of the
Michigan Schoolmasters' Club. Not only history
teachers, but every teacher in Michigan schools, should
have a vital interest in knowing the history of that
environment in which the majority of the school
children are destined to assume the responsibilities
of citizenship.
ANNUALREPORT 53
CLUBS AND LOCAL SOCIETIES.
For stimulating interest in local history, very potent
are the local clubs and societies. The womens'
clubs and patriotic societies are strong influences in
promoting the study of local history, in determining
and properly honoring the old landmarks, and in
assisting to celebrate the anniversaries of historic
events. Mrs. M. B. Ferrey, as chairman of the
History Committee of the Federation of Womens'
Clubs in Michigan, has done excellent work along
this line. Following is the Curator's report of visits
to schools, clubs and local societies:
June 8, 1913, meeting of St. Helens Community
Club, of Roscommon County, with members of West
Branch Club as guests.
June 10, 1913, meeting of Ingham County Pioneer
Society in Senate Chamber, Lansing.
June 14, 1913, meeting of Clinton County Pioneer
Society, at Court House, St. Johns.
August 7, 1913, meeting of Library section of the
Bay View Assembly at Bay View.
August 19, 1913, meeting of Eaton County Pioneer
Society at Charlotte.
Sept. 16, 1913, meeting of Women's Club at Holt.
Sept. 10, 1913, visit to West Branch, Ogemaw
County.
Sept. 11, 1913, meeting of Women's Congress at
Roscommon.
Sept. 12, 1913, visit to Grayling, speaking to school.
54 ANNUALREPORT
Sept. 25, 1913, quilting by Lansing D. A. R.'s in
Governor's parlor.
October 8, 1913, visit to Lawton, speaking to school.
October 9, 1913, visit to Paw Paw, speaking to
school.
October 18, 1913, visit to Napoleon, speaking to
Farmers' club and schools.
October 21, 1913, meeting of Michigan State Fed-
eration of Women's clubs at Muskegon.
November 3, 1913, visit to Big Rapids, speaking
to Ferris Institute students, then to County Normal
and to Kindergartners.
November 5, 1913, visit to St. Johns, speaking to
four grades in high school and to the Normal.
November 5, 1913, visit to Greenville, speaking
to schools and club.
November 18, 1913, visit to Sunfield, speaking to
grade school and primary, also to the Sunfield club.
December 3, 1913, meeting of D. A. R. at Marshall.
December 4, 1913, visit to Galesburg to secure relics.
December 19, 1913, Farmers' institute at Wolverine,
Cheboygan County.
COOPERATION WITH THE MACKINAC
ISLAND STATE PARK COMMISSION
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission has
undertaken the construction of a new and detailed
map of Mackinac Island, for which an entire new
survey has been made. Upon this map there will
be shown all of the important historic sites, drives,
ANNUALREPORT 55
paths, groves, vistas, lookouts, caves, springs and
other points of natural beauty.
To obtain suitable names for these places the
service of the Historical Commission was solicited
and cordially given. A joint committee was appointed
consisting of Commissioners Jenks and O'Brien for
the Historical Commission, and for the Park Com-
mission, Hon. Ira A. Adams and Hon. Edwin O.
Wood. A visit was made to the Island, in the summer
of 1913, by the members of this committee, when it
was agreed that the names selected should, in the
main, commemorate the Indian tribes and the ex-
plorers, missionaries, soldiers and civilians connected
with the Island's early history. Plans were considered
for establishing a museum on the Island, which should
illustrate its historic growth and development. For
this purpose all appropriate duplicates at the State
museum will be sent, in due course, to the Island
museum.
The historic importance of the Mackinac region in
the early history of Michigan, and its present far-
reaching fame as a summer resort, justifies the most
energetic work of both commissions in properly
preserving the history of its past, and improving the
great possibilities it affords at present as the rarest
gem of natural beauty in our northern lakes.
56 ANNUALREPORT
VISIT TO NAZARETH ACADEMY AND THE
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
On the occasion of the regular October meeting,
the Commission was most cordially entertained at
the home of Monsignor O'Brien in Kalamazoo. The
visit to Nazareth Academy, of which Monsignor
O'Brien is Dean,' was keenly enjoyed. The modern
sanitary halls and recitation rooms of the Academy
were found to be models in artistic appointment and
ample equipment.
A very enjoyable program was given by the girls
and boys of the Academy. To their addresses of
welcome, characterized by courtesy, intelligence
and patriotism, Governor Ferris responded warmly,
drawing upon his boyhood experiences to impress his
11 gospel of work." The spirit of hospitality shown
by our colleague, and by the officers and Sisters of
the Academy, was most highly appreciated.
The cordial invitation of the Very Rev. John Cav-
anaugh, C. S. C. D. D., to visit the historic collections
in the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, was ac-
cepted, and the Commission spent there a most
profitable day in the library and museum, and among
the historic art treasures of this most noted institu-
tion of its kind in the Middle West. To an audience
of a thousand students Governor Ferris again pre-
sented his "gospel of work," and extended to the
students and professors a most hearty invitation to
ANNUALREPORT 57
visit the educational institutions of Michigan and
see how this gospel was there practiced.
Neighboring historic sites were visited, including
that of Old Fort St. Joseph in southwestern Michigan,
nearNiles, and the site of the supposed burial place
of the missionary Allouez. The Commission voted
to cooperate with all local societies of that region
to excavate for relics of that period.
It is believed that these visits may result in fruitful
cooperation in the interest of the history of Michigan.
PERRY'S VICTORY CENTENNIAL CELEBRA-
TION
Michigan was officially represented at the Perry's
Victory Centennial Celebration, September 11-13,
by Governor Ferris, the Michigan Memorial and
Centennial Commission, and the Secretary of the
Historical Commission.
The strategic import of Perry's victory on Lake
Erie was vital for the American occupation of the
old Northwest, enabling Harrison to free Detroit, to
invade Canada and to bring the war in the west
practically to an end at the battle of the Thames.
The celebration, however, of the one hundredth
anniversary of that event, centralized at Put -in-Bay,
had as its chief significance, the official recognition of
the century of peace ensuing between the United
States and Great Britain. To aid in promoting a
suitable celebration and memorial, the Michigan
legislature appropriated the sum of $30,000.
58 ANNUALREPORT
The program was largely one of peace. Governor
Ferris delivered an address on "Lewis Cass, Michi-
gan's Hero in the War of 1812." Cass was essentially
a man of peace, whose constructive work as Governor
of Michigan during nearly two decades following the
War of 1812, laid broad and deep the foundations of
Michigan's growth as an agricultural commonwealth.
A valuable collection of material was made, relative
to the inception; organization and execution of Mich-
igan's part in the celebration. A paper on this sub-
ject was read at the last meeting of the Pioneer and
Historical Society, and will be published in the
Proceedings.
.COOPERATION WITH THE AMERICAN HIS-
TORICAL ASSOCIATION
The great importance of calendaring and transcrib-
ing materials in foreign archives relating to American
history is unquestioned; the problem is to achieve
this task with the least waste of time, energy and
money.
Since 1907, the American Historical Association
has been active in securing a solution of this problem,
and the most promising suggestion of that body is,
that it might be done by groups of states having
historical interests in common. Such a group, for
example, is that lying in the old French province of the
Mississippi valley, which properly includes Michigan.
Michigan is one of a number of states in that group
which are now contributing to a fund to be disbursed
ANNUALREPORT 59
for the above purpose, by a committee of the American
Historical Association on "Cooperation Among His-
torical Societies." The obligation of $200 made some
time ago by the Michigan Pioneer and Historical
Societ*y, has been assumed and paid by this Commis-
sion. The work in the French archives is being done
by Mr. Waldo G. Leland, of the Department of
Historical Research of the Carnegie Institution, Wash-
ington, D. C.
CRITICISM AND APPRECIATION
It is with a deep sense of gratitude, that the Com-
mission looks back over its first few months of
work, and reviews the many marks of approbation
it has received from the people and the press of Mich-
igan. This work has necessarily been that of plan-
ning and organizing, of making known its plans, and
of soliciting the cooperation of other historical agencies
at home and abroad. The high ground which the
Commission has now reached affords an outlook
that is bright with promise.
A large debt is due to the experience of Historical
Societies and Commissions of other states. Our
special thanks are due to the State Historical Society
of Wisconsin, and to the Departments of Archives
and History in the states of Alabama and Mississippi.
At the very beginning of our work the Commission
was counselled by the wise experience of our late
lamented friend, Dr. Reuben Gold Thwaites, of the
Wisconsin Historical Society, who was personally
60 ANNUALREPORT
present at the first meeting of the Commission after
its organization.
For counsel and encouragement the Commission
is under great obligations to Victor H. Paltsits, chair-
man of the Public Archives Commission of the Amer-
ican Historical Association; to Dr. J. Franklin Jameson,
of the Department of Historical Research of the
Carnegie Institution, to Worthington C. Ford of
the Massachusetts Historical Society, and to faculty
members of the Department of History in the Univer-
sity of Michigan.
ANNUALREPORT 61
FINANCIAL STATEMENT.
Total amount of appropriation available to Jan. 1, 1914 $2,500 00
EXPENDITURE FROM APPROPRIATION
Salaries
July 15, 1913 $157 68
July 31, 1913 168 12
August 15, 1913 r 157 68
August 31, 1913 168 12
September 30, 1913 282 75
October 15, 1913 146 74
October 31, 1913 156 48
November 15, 1913 146 74
November 30, 1913 146 86
December 15, 1913 146 74
December 31, 1913 157 52
#1,835 43
Traveling expenses (Commission)
Rt. Rev. Monsignor F. A. O'Brien, August
6, 1913 $7 11
Hon. W, L. Jenks, August 6, 1913 5 02
Hon. W. L. Jenks, October 7 and 8 7 25
'19 38
Traveling expenses (Secretary)
Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Port Huron,
Meeting of St. Clair County Pioneer
Society, August 28, 1913 $13 52
Perry Centennial Celebration, Putin Bay,
Ohio, September 25, 1913 16 10
Kalamazoo and Notre Dame, Commission
meeting, October 6, 1913 6 61
Ann Arbor, State Teachers' Association,
October 30, 1913.. 10 24
62 ANNUALREPORT
Flint, Port Huron, Detroit, Ann Arbor,
Conferences, November 21, 1913 $14 48
Flint, Organization of Flint Historical
Society, December 3, 1913 $2 83
$63 78
Traveling expenses (Curator of the Museum)
Mrs. M. B. Ferry, various addresses August
7, to December 19, 1913 $71 85 71 85
Office Supplies
One filing cabinet, July 1, 1913 $36 75
Pictures framed for office and musuem,
November 17, 1913 1 20
37 95
Telephone
June 30-July 9, 1913 $4 90
November 15, 1913 65
5 55
Museum
Sustaining membership and publications
to American Association of Museums,
September 29, 1913 $10 54
Express on relics to museum, October 2 to
November 20 1 35
Transferring piano from Blair home in
Jackson to Capitol, Lansing, October
24, 1913 6 62
Transferring lumber wheels from Au Sable
to Lansing, November 17, 1913 16 80
Cases for the museum 300 00
335 31
American Historical Association, calendar-
ing and transcribing documents, Sept.
1,1913 $20000
200 00
Total expenditure from appropriation to January
1, 1914... $2,569 25
ANNUALREPORT 63
As will be seen from the above, notwithstanding
the strictest economy we begin 1914 in debt. We
have endeavored to curtail expenses in every way
possible, even in a way uncomplimentary- to the
state. ' For instance, we have not sent one of our
members as a delegate to the meeting of the American
Historical Association.
No purchases of rare books or manuscripts have
been made.
The balance of the price of some rare maps which
were ordered abroad, will be paid from the private
funds of the President of the Commission.
In justice to our Commission, and to do properly
what the state would expect of us, we must have a
larger appropriation.
We feel that we can "make good," and be of im-
mense value to the state and to posterity, but we
must have the funds.
None of the Commissioners receive a penny of
remuneration for services rendered. They are de-
voting their time and talent for the good of the cause.
We believe you will agree with them that sufficient
means should be at their disposal to maintain the
honor and credit of this great state.
F Michigan. Historical Commissj
561 Report
M52
1913
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