Prof. B. W. Peet's new residence on Normal street, now almost completed, will undoubtedly rank among the most elegant homes in Ypsilanti.
Imposing as the structure is form the outside, no expense and artistic design have been spared to make the interior equally pleasing.
Perhaps the most attractive room is the dining room, situated on the north side of the house, with a front outlook. The most striking feature here is the beam ceiling, which is only found in some of the most modern houses. The woodwork, including wide panels and a plate shelf, are finished in weathered oak, making a pretty contrast with the white walls.
The beautiful curved stairway has called forth many comments of admiration. This, like the woodwork of the hall, living room, and nursery, has the dull, golden-oak, wax finish.
Plenty of light is admitted through the large plate glass windows in front made more attractive by the leaded panes around them. At the sides, the windows are entirely of leaded panes.
The nursery, at the rear of the living room, is made more pleasant by the large double French door, opening on the rear veranda. The same plan is used in the study, just above, the glass doors opening upon a little balcony, which will be enclosed with screens, making an excellent out-of-doors sleeping room.
Upstairs, the three front bedrooms are beautifully finished in white enamel, while the bath is of the same, with nickel trimmings.
Hardwood floors are used throughout the house, those of the bedrooms and bath being of beech wood, while the study and hall, upstairs, are finished like the rooms downstairs in oak.
Every possible convenience has been provided. Not only those which have come to be looked upon as necessities, as gas and electric lights, and bath with hot and cold water, but also others which aid much in making the home comfortable. One of these is a special flue, 8x12 feet, built along the chimney and opening into the kitchen, to create a draught which will carry away the steam and odors from cooking.
Another convenience is the clothes shoot, which is built from the linen closet, upstairs, to the laundry room in the basement.
(Prof. Peet taught chemistry at the Normal, now EMU, from 1899 until 1941. The hosue still stands at 128 North Normal Street)
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
A christmas Walking Tour?
A suggestion had been made that I give a walking tour every other month. I think this is worth looking into. As the month after November is December, this should be a Christmas Walking Tour. Now what do you think should be included in a Ypsilanti Christmas Walking Tour? I am open to ideas, and am looking forward to hearing from you.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Succesful Ghost Tour
The Ghost Tour was a success as a good number of people came to the tours. The best group in terms of numbers was the first on Friday night. I think this was because it followed the event on Michigan Ave. A number came from there right after it was over. A good size group followed me around Depot Town, in spit of sometimes pouring rain, to listen to the stories of ghosts, murders and mysteries. A smaller group came on Saturday, in spite of the nice weather. Smaller numbers came to the two tours on Sunday.
One problem for this, I think, was the confusion over where the tour was to start. It seems most people are unaware of the parking lot north of the Depot and across the railroad tracks from the Freighthouse. In the press releases I said it was across from the freighthouse, but this was cut because of space limits.
I think I will give a Ghost Tour next year, as this was such a success. But where should this start? Do you have any ideas?
One problem for this, I think, was the confusion over where the tour was to start. It seems most people are unaware of the parking lot north of the Depot and across the railroad tracks from the Freighthouse. In the press releases I said it was across from the freighthouse, but this was cut because of space limits.
I think I will give a Ghost Tour next year, as this was such a success. But where should this start? Do you have any ideas?
Monday, October 8, 2007
Depot Town Ghost Tour
I will be hosting a Ghost Tour of Depot Town on the weekend before Halloween, October, Friday, October 26, Saturday October 27 and Sunday October 28, 2007. Each tour beginning at 7:00 PM in the parking lot off River Street, across the railroad tracks from the Freighthouse. There will also be a tour on the afternoon of Sunday, October 27, 2007, beginning at 2:00 PM. The tour will include stories of ghosts, murders, mysteries and more. Stories will include the murder of Henry Minor and the mystery of the Tunnels of Depot Town Admission for each tour is $5.00 per person. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Accidents Galore
This story was carried by The Ypsilantian on October 3, 1907.
Last week was prolific of accidents, but not serious results. Thursday afternoon while Mr. M. O. Straight of Detroit was giving several of his friends an automobile ride, they took the steep Tuttle hills. They went down the north hill safely but when nearly at the top of the south hill the machinery went wrong and the chauffeur was unable to stop it. The auto backed down the hill and was making for the bridge, where it would have gone off and dropped some distance into the river. As the ladies in the tonneau were closed in by the curtains, which were down, the gentleman realized the danger and pulled the car off the road by a great effort, landing it against the fence with such force as to break the back of the car badly, but without harming the occupants. A traction engine that came along just then towed the car out of its bad plight. (The sight of this accident is now under Ford Lake, as Tuttle Hill road once ran through there before the damming of the river. The bridge in the story is still there under the lake.)
Friday afternoon the brewery team ran away down River street, being frightened by the cars at the depot, and on turning into Congress street (now Michigan Ave.) caught the hind wheels into the buggy wheel of the rig in which Street Commissioner Lewis was sitting and whirled the horse and buggy completely around. The buggy wheel was smashed and Mr. Lewis wrenched his ankle in springing out, but none of the horses were hurt.
Saturday night the arc light wire in front of Davis & Co.’s store at the depot burned off and dropped to the pavement while the street was filled with people, making a fine display of fireworks and scaring everybody around. A telephone to the waterworks led to the turning off the current and the break was soon repaired. The same evening a tree limb fell across the Washtenaw electric Co.’s wires near Geddes and for two hours during the busy shopping hours, the stores had to resort to gas lamps and candles.
Last week was prolific of accidents, but not serious results. Thursday afternoon while Mr. M. O. Straight of Detroit was giving several of his friends an automobile ride, they took the steep Tuttle hills. They went down the north hill safely but when nearly at the top of the south hill the machinery went wrong and the chauffeur was unable to stop it. The auto backed down the hill and was making for the bridge, where it would have gone off and dropped some distance into the river. As the ladies in the tonneau were closed in by the curtains, which were down, the gentleman realized the danger and pulled the car off the road by a great effort, landing it against the fence with such force as to break the back of the car badly, but without harming the occupants. A traction engine that came along just then towed the car out of its bad plight. (The sight of this accident is now under Ford Lake, as Tuttle Hill road once ran through there before the damming of the river. The bridge in the story is still there under the lake.)
Friday afternoon the brewery team ran away down River street, being frightened by the cars at the depot, and on turning into Congress street (now Michigan Ave.) caught the hind wheels into the buggy wheel of the rig in which Street Commissioner Lewis was sitting and whirled the horse and buggy completely around. The buggy wheel was smashed and Mr. Lewis wrenched his ankle in springing out, but none of the horses were hurt.
Saturday night the arc light wire in front of Davis & Co.’s store at the depot burned off and dropped to the pavement while the street was filled with people, making a fine display of fireworks and scaring everybody around. A telephone to the waterworks led to the turning off the current and the break was soon repaired. The same evening a tree limb fell across the Washtenaw electric Co.’s wires near Geddes and for two hours during the busy shopping hours, the stores had to resort to gas lamps and candles.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Family are Destitute
This story is from The Ypsilanti Daily Press of Wednesday, October 2, 1907.
A more pitiable condition could not be found in Ypsilanti than that of the family of Oscar Lawrence, who were burned out, on Railroad street, Monday night.
Almost destitute before the fire, they are now left penniless and with no household goods, and no clothes except what they had with them.
Mrs. Lawrence has been sick with a low fever for the past two months, and is just able to be up now.
Their four little boys, aged ten, five and three years, have poor prospects for food and warm clothing this winter.
Mr. Lawrence, who engages is horse trading and cistern cleaning, ahs no steady work.
Mrs. Lawrence, in her weak and nervous condition is almost frantic with worry.
“If it were only in the spring it wouldn’t be so bad,” she said, “for I don’t know how we will ever get through the winter.”
The family is now staying with his father and mother, at 53 East Forest avenue.
A more pitiable condition could not be found in Ypsilanti than that of the family of Oscar Lawrence, who were burned out, on Railroad street, Monday night.
Almost destitute before the fire, they are now left penniless and with no household goods, and no clothes except what they had with them.
Mrs. Lawrence has been sick with a low fever for the past two months, and is just able to be up now.
Their four little boys, aged ten, five and three years, have poor prospects for food and warm clothing this winter.
Mr. Lawrence, who engages is horse trading and cistern cleaning, ahs no steady work.
Mrs. Lawrence, in her weak and nervous condition is almost frantic with worry.
“If it were only in the spring it wouldn’t be so bad,” she said, “for I don’t know how we will ever get through the winter.”
The family is now staying with his father and mother, at 53 East Forest avenue.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Depot Town Ghost Tour
I will be hosting a Ghost Tour of Depot Town on the weekend before Halloween. The tours will be on Friday, October 26, 2007 and Saturday, October 27, 2007, beginning at 7:00 PM in the parking lot on River Street, across the railroad tracks from the Freighthouse. I am also thinking about holding a tour on the afternoon of Sunday, October 28, 2007, for those who prefer not to go out at night. The tour should take about an hour, and will include tales of ghosts, murder, and more. Cost $5.00 per person Looking forward to seeing you there.
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