[Michlib-l] 2014 State History Awards Presented in Big Rapids, Mich.

Fri Sep 26 23:53:51 EDT 2014

For Immediate Release: Sept. 26, 2014

2014 State History Awards Presented in Big Rapids, Mich.

The Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) awarded 15 top honors during its
annual State History Conference, which was held in Big Rapids, Mich., Sept.
26-28, 2014. The Society presents the State History Awards every year to
individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to
the appreciation, collection, preservation and/or promotion of state and
local history. The awards are the highest recognition presented by the
Historical Society of Michigan, the state's official historical society and
oldest cultural organization.

The winners are: (Detailed descriptions of each recipient are listed at the
end of this news release.)

.         Lifetime Achievement Award-Kaye Hiebel from Marquette

*	Distinguished Volunteer Service-Marge Sawruk from White Lake
*	Books: University & Commercial Press-

*	"Arsenal of Democracy: The American Automobile Industry in World War
II" by Charles K. Hyde, Wayne State University Press
*	"Cholera in Detroit: A History" by Richard Adler, McFarland &
Company, Inc.
*	"Detroit: Race Riots, Racial Conflicts, and Efforts to Bridge the
Racial Divide" by Joe T. Darden and Richard Thomas, Michigan State
University Press
*	"Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City" by Robert P.
Swierenga, Van Raalte Press, in partnership with William B. Eerdmans
Publishing Company
*	"'Old Slow Town': Detroit During the Civil War" by Paul Taylor,
Wayne State University Press

*	Books: Private Printing-

*	"Perry Hannah's Gifts: Then and Now" by Peg Jonkhoff and Fred
Hoisington
*	"Schools of Yesteryear Volume II" by Janis Stein

*	Books: Children & Youth-"Hunter's Quest: Finding Heritage and
Friendship in Southwest Michigan" by author Mara MacKay (aka Mara Mae) and
illustrator Dan Smith
*	Communications: Newsletters and Websites-The Ford Legend, newsletter
produced by the Henry Ford Heritage Association
*	Education: Educator-Kelly Eddy from Ann Arbor, teacher at Churchill
High School in Livonia
*	Local Societies-Leelanau Historical Society
*	Special Programs/Events-Grosse Pointe Historical Society's "Legends
of the Lake"
*	Best Article in Michigan History magazine-"A Weed Goes to War" by
Gerald Wykes

This year also marks the 140th anniversary of the Historical Society of
Michigan's State History Conference. The Society is celebrating this
milestone in conjunction with the 130th anniversary of Ferris State
University, a statewide sponsor for the conference. Other sponsors and
supporters for this year's conference are Chemical Bank, City of Big Rapids,
Mecosta County Historical Society, Ice Mountain, Schuberg Insurance Agency
and Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.

The State History Conference explores significant people, places and events
in Michigan's past through a diverse offering of keynote speakers, breakout
sessions, workshops and tours. Each year, the conference moves to a
different location within the Lower Peninsula to feature the local history
of that area and to address notable statewide historical matters. The
Historical Society of Michigan also hosts the Upper Peninsula History
Conference, which focuses on the history of the U.P., and Michigan in
Perspective: The Local History Conference, which concentrates on Southeast
Michigan and statewide history.

-----------------------------

The recipient of the 2014 State History Award in the Lifetime Achievement
category is Kaye Hiebel from Marquette. For the past 34 years, Hiebel has
been the driving force behind the Marquette County Historical Society's
(MCHS), now the Marquette Regional History Center's (MRHC), dynamic and
innovative educational programs and museum exhibitions. Hiebel began her
career with MCHS in 1980, but her crowning achievement came after she was
appointed executive director of the MCHC in 2005. At that time, she began
the herculean task of finding a new building for the society's museum and
library, launching an incredibly successful $3.75 million capital campaign.
Today, thanks to her efforts, the Marquette Regional History Center is a
recognized state-of-the-art museum and historical research facility, second
to none in the upper Great Lakes region.

The Historical Society of Michigan recognizes the important work of Marge
Sawruk from White Lake with the State History Award for Distinguished
Volunteer Service. The Fisk Farm, a historic complex that was slated for
demolition, survives today because Sawruk worked to save it on its original
site. Now restored, the farm serves as a focal point for an annual festival
that raises much of the White Lake Historical Society's operating revenue.
Later, she spearheaded the effort to save the one-room 1876 Thompson School
and move it to the farm property. Sawruk serves as a docent for tours, edits
the society's newsletter, wrote the text for the society's coloring and
activity book, and works with numerous other historical organizations.

A State History Award in the Books: University & Commercial Press category
has been presented to Charles K. Hyde and Wayne State University Press for
"Arsenal of Democracy: The American Automobile Industry in World War II." In
this book, the author masterfully examines the role played by the American
automobile industry in the production miracle that was a major factor in
defeating the Axis powers in World War II. The transformation of a civilian
industry into a wartime manufacturing powerhouse was a success story of
organization and innovation. The variety and quantity of military hardware
produced in the former automobile plants was staggering, and it swamped
enemies who could not produce at the same level. 

A State History Award in the Books: University & Commercial Press category
has been presented to "Cholera in Detroit: A History" by Richard Adler,
McFarland & Company, Inc. In 1832, cholera reared its ugly head in Detroit,
carrying off many citizens and terrifying the populace of the rapidly
growing city. Four more significant outbreaks in the city would follow as
late as the 1860s. In this book, the author examines the history of cholera
in Detroit during the mid-19th century from the perspectives of historian
and physician. His narrative is supported by solid sources, and his medical
training gives him an understanding of both the science and the history of
science as they relate to cholera and the fight against the disease.

A State History Award in the Books: University & Commercial Press category
has been presented to "Detroit: Race Riots, Racial Conflicts, and Efforts to
Bridge the Racial Divide" by Joe Darden and Richard Thomas, published by
Michigan State University Press. The race riots of 1967 had an enormous
impact on Detroit's history, but the narrative of racial conflict has often
obscured the lesser-known but equally important episodes of interracial
cooperation in seeking solutions to the city's problems. Thoroughly
researched, this book does not mire the reader in endless statistics and
academic jargon. It is immensely readable and a "must have" for anyone
interested in the history of race relations in America.

A State History Award in the Books: University & Commercial Press category
has been presented to "Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City"
by Robert P. Swierenga, Van Raalte Press, in partnership with William B.
Eerdmans Publishing Company. Every community in Michigan should have the
good fortune to have someone write its history in as comprehensive and
readable fashion as this three-volume set. The author has penned a masterful
study of the city founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants who sought religious
and economic freedom. His books trace the town's history from a Christian
colony of Ottawa Indians that settled there in 1839 to a description of
Holland in the 21st century. These books prove that the history of a single
community can be entertaining, thought-provoking, and just plain fun.

A State History Award in the Books: University & Commercial Press category
has been presented to "'Old Slow Town': Detroit During the Civil War" by
Paul Taylor, Wayne State University Press. Although far from the fighting,
Detroit was the center of Michigan's significant participation in the Civil
War. In this book, the author carefully examines the many issues and events
in Detroit during the war and shows how Michigan's largest city and its
people were affected by the conflict. 

The Society presented a 2014 State History Award in the Publications:
Private Printing category to authors Peg Jonkhoff and Fred Hoisington for
their book, "Perry Hannah's Gifts: Then and Now." The book showcases the
life and times of Perry Hannah, Traverse City's founding father, and
celebrates the heritage of the Grand Traverse region. When Hannah arrived in
the sparsely settled wilderness in 1851, he envisioned his new home would be
the "Queen City of the North" and started building it. Now, even in the 21st
century, Hannah's fingerprint is evident as the region continues to grow and
prosper. This volume shines a light on the man, the vision and the gifts
that created a thriving, sustainable community.

In the category of Books: Private Printing, the Society presented a State
History Award for the publication "Schools of Yesteryear Volume II" by Janis
Stein. As the second volume in a series, this well-researched book focuses
on rural one-room schools in Bingham, Paris and Sheridan Townships of Huron
County; the first volume covered the histories of schoolhouses in Sand Beach
and Sherman Townships. At one point, there were 7,000 one-room schools in
Michigan, and about 100 of them were in Huron County. Today, there are 18
across Michigan, six of which are in Huron County.

The State History Award for Books: Children & Youth goes to "Hunter's Quest:
Finding Heritage and Friendship in Southwest Michigan" by author Mara MacKay
(aka Mara Mae) and illustrator Dan Smith. "Hunter's Quest" is set in
Kalamazoo where young Hunter and his family have just moved. The relocation
causes a difficult adjustment for Hunter but his wise and caring grandfather
finds innovative ways to help smooth the way. The journey eventually leads
Hunter through the historic years on Parson Street, and readers have a
wonderful opportunity to learn more about Gibson guitars, Shakespeare
fishing lures, and the generations of talented people who crafted them.

In the category of Communications: Newsletters and Websites, the Society
presented a State History Award for the newsletter The Ford Legend, produced
by the Henry Ford Heritage Association, which is dedicated to fostering
interest in the life and accomplishments of Henry Ford. This publication has
been produced three times a year since 1992, and a new website launched
earlier this year complements the newsletter with a vast array of resources
available free of charge to audiences worldwide, including a history of
Henry Ford and information about Ford car clubs.

This year's recipient of a State History Award in the Education: Educator
category award is someone who exemplifies the very essence of an
award-winning teacher: Kelly Eddy from Ann Arbor. Recognized in the "Who's
Who of American Teachers," Eddy firmly believes, "The best teachers are
always students at heart." As a result of her personal drive to be the best
teacher she can be, her students at Churchill High School in Livonia have
achieved phenomenal scores on the AP U.S. History and AP European History
exams. But it is the obvious and widely recognized passion that Eddy's
students exhibit for historical topics after she has taught them that stands
out as testimony to her success as an educator here in the state of
Michigan.

In the Local Societies category, the State History Award went to the
Leelanau Historical Society. With determination, donations and grants, the
Leelanau Historical Society continues its mission to inspire people to
explore the past, understand the present and envision the future of the
diverse cultures in Michigan's little finger and its five islands. First
housed in Leland's original jailhouse, the society moved into a
state-of-the-art museum and research center that hosts exhibits and programs
throughout the year. Two staff members are augmented by a very active board
and a cadre of volunteers. The group participates in the Wood Boat Show on
the Leland River and partners with the Leland Township Library to bring
lectures and activities to the community.

This year's State History Award in the Special Programs/Events category goes
to the Grosse Pointe Historical Society's "Legends of the Lake." Using live
outdoor theater as a medium to share its history, the Grosse Pointe
Historical Society presented three sold-out and standing-room-only
performances of "Legends of the Lake." This special program is a personal
retelling of the experiences of folks who settled and lived in the Grosse
Pointe/St. Clair Shores area from Windmill Pointe to Gaulker Pointe. Growing
from a previous but much smaller effort, the production is now a joint
effort between the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, the Grosse Pointe
Theatre, and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.

"A Weed Goes to War," which appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of
Michigan History magazine, most captured the attention of the readers and
has won the State History Award for Best Article in Michigan History
magazine. Written by Gerald Wykes, a historian, interpreter and illustrator
from Monroe, the article explains how the milkweed was once considered a
pest by farmers, but then researchers discovered that its fine white floss
could be used to enhance buoyancy in life preservers used in World War II.
That prompted everyone from the oldest senior to the youngest school child
to join together in Michigan and other milkweed-producing states to pick
milkweed pods and bag them for transfer to the processing plant in Petoskey.
Harvesting milkweed made Americans on the home front feel that they were
contributing something important to the war effort. 

  _____  

  _____  

The Historical Society of Michigan is our state's oldest cultural
organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and
explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses
on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming,
and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote
Michigan's rich history.

  _____  

For more information on the Historical Society of Michigan, please visit
<http://www.hsmichigan.org/> www.hsmichigan.org or e-mail us at
<mailto:hsm at hsmichigan.org> hsm at hsmichigan.org.

  _____  

The Historical Society of Michigan

5815 Executive Dr. . Lansing, MI 48911

Phone: (517) 324-1828 . FAX: (517) 324-4370

Contact:
Nancy Feldbush
(517) 324-1828
 <mailto:feldbush at hsmichigan.org> feldbush at hsmichigan.org

High-resolution photos are available for all award recipients. Contact HSM.

Books: Private Printing-"Schools of Yesteryear Volume II" by Janis Stein

Communications: Newsletters and Websites-The Ford Legend, newsletter
produced by the Henry Ford Heritage Association

Lifetime Achievement Award-Kaye Hiebel from Marquette

Distinguished Volunteer Service-Marge Sawruk from White Lake

Best Article in Michigan History magazine-"A Weed Goes to War" by Gerald
Wykes

This e-mail is sent to our members and friends to keep you updated on
historical activities and opportunities to learn more about our state's
history. To opt-out, please respond to this e-mail with "remove" in the
subject line.

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