Laura Bien, author of the new book, "Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives: Tripe-Mongers, Parker's Hair Balsam, the Underwear Club & More," will be presenting excerpts and new readings Saturday, April 24, at the Ypsilanti Historical Society from 1 - 3 p.m. If her recent presentation at Nicola's books is anything to go by, audience members are in for a real treat (and fun handouts)!
"Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives", published by The History Press, is a collection of articles of local history that have appeared in multiple Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor newspapers and Web sites. The book contains an introduction by Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber and is divided into three sections: ‘Old Times’, ‘Bad Times’ and ‘Good Times’. In addition to her articles, some of the artifacts that inspired the written pieces are also presented. Images of instructions for a family fallout shelter, copies of handwritten letters, beet sugar advertisements and photographs are a few of the treasures sprinkled throughout the book.
Cover of "Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives," part of the American Chronicles History Press series.
When presenting her book earlier this week, Bien read new material she's written - including a piece on smallpox. The audience learned how something fairly simple in her everyday life can trigger her research and open a new window in viewing Ypsilanti history. In this case, it was looking at an old yearbook which revealed more about the school and the town than probably intended.
She also discussed the principles she adheres to when writing, acquired while working for the Ann Arbor Observer for ten years. These include succinctness and writing vividly - both of which are evident in her book. What is best about it, though, is that it contains an array of puzzle pieces of Ypsilanti - seemingly disconnected, except that as a whole they help create a vibrant picture of a community as it shifted over time. The reader meets the Ypsilanti heavyweight who fought Jack Dempsey and spies into the daily life of a servant girl and her mother. In addition, the reader finds out about locavores and community gardens - necessitated by poverty. When looking at a grocery bill, speculations about the recipient are made. And, by extension, what does that reflect about the community at that time?
I found myself thinking about the census, and in fact, that topic was briefly touched on in discussion after her reading. The census is one mirror of a community. However, a community is not simply individuals; it also includes animals (pets or otherwise), businesses, architecture and the lay of the land. The reader discovers Ypsilanti's own time zone, horse regulations and the mailman's rural route.
The pleasure in this book is in glimpsing at a world that is simultaneously recognizable and alien to our own. Pieces that comprise the stuff of life (from hair balsam testimonials to zoos) are highlighted; so often these small pieces are overlooked or taken for granted, but Laura Bien reminds us of just how much each can contribute to a whole picture.
Julia Eussen received her B.A. in English from Kansas State University. She is currently a graduate student in Eastern Michigan University's Professional Writing Program. She is also an active member of the Ann Arbor Classics Book Group. She can be reached at jeussen at emich dot com.
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