May 9, 2012
Detroit history in Washington, D.C.: Alexander Macomb
Visiting the grave of Alexander Macomb, hero of the Battle of Plattsburgh, namesake of Wayne County, painter, playwright, son of a swindler, and decorated early Detroiter.
• • •
May 7, 2012
Happy birthday to this guy
Celebrating General Friend Palmer’s birthday with “whiskey in the gentlemen’s dressing room, and champagne in the supper room.”
• • •
April 25, 2012
Upcoming events: Drunk history at Slows + Reading in Farmington
The Detroit Drunken Historical Society takes over the side room at Slows to talk about the city’s mutable past. And I’m giving a reading at the Farmington Public Library on May 10.
• • •
April 5, 2012
Spring break
A picture book of spring in Detroit. Historical glimpses of weather patterns. A poem about Lake Erie. Plus, it’s Opening Day.
• • •
March 21, 2012
Upcoming events: Chief Pontiac + Nain Rouge
Have a drink, learn about Detroit’s original badass, then get together to banish our little red devil in high historical spirits.
• • •
March 12, 2012
One reason we might be called “Wolverines”
Why are we called “Wolverines”? You’ve heard the stories about the Toledo War and greedy land-grabbing settlers. Here’s one more idea, from an old tavern in Dearborn.
• • •
February 29, 2012
The history of William Webb, composed by himself.
The story of an escaped slave living and working in Detroit.
• • •
February 20, 2012
Drunk history night: Venue change!
If you’re planning to join in the drunk lecture on Wednesday, please note a venue change! We had so much interest that Foran’s won’t fit all of us.
• • •
February 20, 2012
Upcoming events: History, drinks and discoveries in Detroit, Dearborn
Get out your calendar! Here’s where I’ll be in the next couple of weeks.
• • •
February 17, 2012
CYCLORAMA! Gigantic Paintings in Detroit, Part 2
Part 2: From Germany, to Milwaukee, to Atlanta, to Detroit: the cyclorama of the Battle of Atlanta.
• • •
February 16, 2012
PANORAMA! Gigantic paintings in Detroit, Part 1
Starting around 1850, Detroiters could pop into Old City Hall or the Firemen’s Hall and, for 25 cents or so, see the latest “greatest painting ever made” — sweeping views of overland route to California, the funeral of Napoleon, Bible scenes, the life of George Washington.
• • •
February 7, 2012
Meditations on a Boat Club
The Detroit Boat Club, founded in 1839, is the oldest in the country. Its home on Belle Isle is crumbling, compelling, and calls home centuries of water sport.
• • •
February 3, 2012
Sharks on Belle Isle and slavery in the Michigan Territory: links for Friday, 2/3/12
The historic Belle Isle Aquarium, closed since 2005, opens for one day only during Shiver on the River.
• • •
February 1, 2012
Detroit history tour (in FLORIDA!): The Edison-Ford Winter Estates
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison had neighboring seaside summer homes (and a research lab) in Florida. We visited.
• • •
January 26, 2012
Michigan celebrates 175: Worthy readings, commemorations and cake recipes
Enjoy your dodransbicentennial, Michigan.
• • •
January 24, 2012
Reminder: Reading at Mentobe Cafe, Downtown Farmington, Weds. 1/27
I will be reading tomorrow (Wednesday) night as part of Wednesday Night Sessions. Vievee Francis and Jeff Kass are also reading. It will be great.
• • •