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James Mann's Historically Speaking

Looking back - how a father thwarted his daughter's elopement

As Mr. A. T. Stewart explained later, it was just happenstance that he was in Ypsilanti early on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1911, and prevented his daughter from eloping.

He later explained to The Ypsilanti Daily Press, that on that morning his daughter Carrie left home to go to work at the store where she was employed. A few minutes after she had left, Mrs. Stewart decided she wanted her daughter to return home. Mr. Stewart did not explain why his wife decided Carrie should return home, and may not have asked. He did hitch up the horses and left his home just east of Ypsilanti.

James Mann's Historically Speaking

1920 storms caused havoc in southeast Washtenaw County

Those who live in Michigan always have something to talk about. For one thing, the weather gives everyone a topic of conversation. On occasion, the weather is cause for more than a few passing remarks.

Take for example, the storm that swept through southeast Washtenaw County on Thursday, April 22, 1920. The dark threatening clouds came across the sky on the afternoon of Thursday, April 22, 1920, from the southwest, at about 4:30 p.m., giving warning of what was to come. The storm appears to have followed Ridge Road in York Township, between the county line and the village of Mooreville, where some of the worst damage was done.

James Mann: Historically Speaking

A look at Ypsilanti's role in the Underground Railroad

Editor's note: Attribution has been added to this story for two paragraphs near the end containing information obtained from a 1992 Ypsilanti Press article.

Ypsilanti is said to have been a major stop on the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape from the South to freedom in Canada. Sadly, most of what is known of the Underground Railroad is myth. After the Civil War, when admitting to having taken part in the Underground Railroad was safe and prestigious, many came forward with their tales of bravery and derring-do, and some of the stories were true.

Even now, when an old house or building is being remodeled and what might have been a hidden room is found, the assumption is made it was part of the Underground Railroad. Some of these houses and buildings were built long after the Civil War but before Prohibition. In truth, only a few were part of the Underground Railroad, and some of these were in and near Ypsilanti.

James Mann: Historically Speaking

A return home to Ypsilanti receives a parade, then outrage

When most of us go to visit family and friends, we expect nothing more than a warm greeting at the door and perhaps a nice meal in the dining room. We certainly do not expect to be honored with a parade and a band. That is what did happen to one young man when he visited Ypsilanti in December of 1885. This treatment resulted in the outrage of the community.

James Mann: Historically Speaking

The great wind storm of 1919 left Ypsilanti in the dark

A strong wind storm passed over southern Michigan on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 29, 1919; bringing down wires and trees as it did.

“The storm came from the west and according to state reports seems to have started in Cass County and swept eastward hitting hardest in Lenawee and Monroe counties. Owing to the fact that Ypsilanti is cut off from communication with nearly every out side point it is impossible to get complete details of the result of the wind over the state,” reported The Daily Ypsilanti Press of Monday, Dec. 1, 1919.

James Mann's Historically Speaking

The mis-marriage of Adien Stone

There are those who believe in love at first sight, a short relationship, and a happy marriage to follow. Then there are those who believe in long courtships, where the couple gets to know each other before the commitment to marriage. Neither of these was in store for Adien Stone, as marriage was not something he was really prepared for.

Historically Speaking

James Mann: Justice caught up to culprit in 1924 Ypsilanti killing

Albert Duckett most likely knew the day was coming, the day he would be arrested for the murder of Bert Goodall. He must have known it was only a matter of time before the police found him, but the date of the arrest must have left his shaken. Duckett was arrested on Aug. 22, 1929, exactly five years to the day of the murder. Duckett may have been surprised by the place of his arrest, as he was in the Detroit House of Correction at the time.