Bejesus! What have I done?

Dipping my toes into historical research.

I was surprised when Terris Ahrens, the executive director for the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights festival has been around for over four decades.

(Caption Chelsea Sidewalk Sales, 1990)

“Really?” I said, “You should pitch a story to the Michigan History Magazine.”

Terris seemed to like the idea. So I said, “I know a person who would be perfect to write it. Dianna has published articles with the magazine on numerous occasions.”

Even while suggesting Dianna, I knew in my heart I’d be the one researching and writing the article, which both thrilled and scared the living bejesus out of me. Sure, I’ve done research before, but not like this.

Dianna was so gracious and said, “Brenda, you should write it,” and even told me to say she referred me. She warned me, “The process is often long. A story for next year would be due in the fall of this year…if approved.” She said that if the editorial team is interested, I’d have 30 to 60 days to complete the piece, including citations for historical accuracy and photos.

I pitched my story concept in June, hoping I’ll hear back by the end of July. As of today, I’ve not heard back either way, which is neither good nor bad.

When the rush of adrenaline ebbed, and I scanned all the crap we’d packed into July and August, I thought to myself, “My GOD, what have I done?” I need to get all the research done NOW if, by some miracle, they were interested.

List maker that I am, I started one with possible resources:

• Chelsea District Library

• Chelsea Area Historical Society

• Key Players: Craig Common, Bob Pierce, Merkels Furniture Store

• Bentley Historical Library

• Ann Arbor District Library

• Washtenaw County Historical Society

Maddy Lee-Lehner, from the Chelsea Area Chamber, emailed the first three introducing me; it went something like this: “Brenda Marshall is hoping to pitch to Michigan History Magazine about the history and impact of Sounds & Sights…”

The ball was rolling.

Phase 1: The Rejections & Dead Ends

The Chelsea District Library responded with a link to their online archive and an introduction to their archivist for their closed collections. She asked how she could be helpful. Feeling optimistic and excited about the project, we exchanged several emails until she finally sent this:

Hello Brenda,

Thank you for your patience! I unfortunately could not locate any photos or documents from the mid-1970s regarding Sounds and Sights in our Local History Collection.

I hope you may locate them from another source.

It felt like she was breaking up with me after the first date. I sent a follow-up email clarifying that, in the mid-1970s, it was called the Sidewalk Festival or Sidewalk Sales. She said,

“There was nothing on the sidewalk sales in our records either. Most of what we have regarding events in Chelsea centers around the Fair and the Fair Parade.”

I continued to push, begging for photos and referencing the amazing photos published in the Chelsea Standard. Her last communication:

“The Bentley may have some photos, or at least unbound copies of the newspaper, that you may be able to view in person. Another possible option would be the Chelsea Historical Society. That being said, I’m not confident that either of the organizations has the photos.

Another option is if you, or anyone you know, has contact with individuals who used to work for The Chelsea Standard, or their publisher Heritage Newspapers, they may have an idea of where the photos could be located.”

After stalking everyone on the Chelsea Historical Society’s webpage, someone finally responded and said the time period is too recent. They are focused on older history. Sigh.

I was starting to understand why Dianna passed on this project.

Phase 2: The Corporate Maze & Copyright Paywalls

Before the Chelsea Library’s archivist threw in the towel, I’d already emailed the Bentley Historical Library and gotten an automated response saying it would take 2-3 weeks. Eventually, the Bentley’s archivist found a few photos and suggested I review the annual report of the Chelsea area regional planning committee. The photos were interesting but not useful for this project. Link to all of them.

Sports Day Parade, Chelsea, Michigan ca. 1909

Around that time, I got an email from the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL) saying they’d found some materials and shared a link to them. There were several excellent photos. I was over the moon. Even this comment didn’t bring me down:

“In case you are not aware, AADL does not hold the copyright on these photos. Permission to license these images can be obtained by contacting MLive Media Group.”

I figured surely they’ll give me permission. Oh, yes, they’ll give me permission but at a price. One I can’t afford. I’m still miffed about it.

There were still a few leads that I hadn’t chased down. I jingled the Washtenaw County Historical Society’s chain. I got an upbeat response saying she’d check. That was June 18th; still no word.

I met with Bob Pierce, the Chelsea Area Chamber’s executive director in the early 2000s, when the Sounds & Sights Festival was becoming what the festival we recognize today is. He was extremely helpful and had more details to fill in the cracks. He had a few photos from the early 2000’s timeframe.

Feeling a bit desperate, I posted on the Michigan History Facebook group: “I’m looking for copies of photos from the Chelsea Standard, published from 1957-1980. Any suggestions for locating them? I’ve contacted the Chelsea Historical Society and the Chelsea District Library. No luck.”

Someone commented suggesting I contact the Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University, as they maintain a digital archive of Michigan Newspapers. So I did, and they responded quickly but said,

“We checked to see if there were any archives that kept the records of the Chelsea Standard newspaper operation, but we could not locate any. We know that paper folded into the Heritage Newspapers group, which then was acquired by Journal Register, which is known as 21^st Century Media. Maybe their corporate headquarters have some information, although it is a bit of a long shot.”

It was indeed a shot in the dark. And the response from Century Media:

Your email was received on the main contact page of MediaNews Group. Each newspaper region manages its own content and archives. Please contact the Michigan region directly:

• Vice President of News for the Michigan newspaper region. Don Wyatt, email: Dwyatt@medianewsgroup.com

• Link to the contact page for the News-Herald for more contacts: https://www.thenewsherald.com/contact-us/

And Don Wyatt’s response:

“Thanks for reaching out for information about legacy photos from the Chelsea Standard. Unfortunately, our company does not have archival images from this publication for the time period you are interested in. The dates you cite are before images were digitized, and we do not have the hard copies or negatives for the Standard.”

But they did give me permission to use screenshots from the Chelsea Standard. I figured the masthead might be fun.

Still, I wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. I reached out to George Merkel, whose family owns Merkel Furniture and played a role in the 1957 Sidewalk Sales. I even emailed him a 1965 Chelsea Standard photo featuring Jack Merkel as a friendly nudge. Radio silence.

The 1965 newspaper photo I used as my “friendly nudge” when reaching out to Merkel Furniture.

Deciding to try a different approach, I stopped by the store in person. As luck would have it, George was at his desk. I poured out my story, and he kindly promised to see what he could dig up. When I asked, “Is it okay if I badger you for these photos?” he smiled and assured me it most likely would be necessary.

Craig Common, a key festival organizer from the early days, was still on my list. He suggested a local photographer might have photos. Later that week I found myself in the photographer’s office at the Welfare Building. I spent a good while prattling on, essentially reciting the entire email I sent him.

He listened for a bit and finally interrupted me to say, “No, I don’t have any photos.”

My heart sank, but then he added, “But I do know where the stacks (aka files) for the Chelsea Standard are.”

“What? Are you kidding me? Where?” I said. I was so excited and almost stood up.

“In the basement of this building.” He said, pointing down.

I asked if he had any contact information; he mentioned a number on the side of the building and a name which he didn’t spell correctly. It could have been me that messed it up. So, yes, more sleuthing.

I eventually connected with Helen, the archivist in charge of the Chelsea Standard stacks. It felt like she had genuine interest in my project and agreed to look in the stacks for the specific photos I’d identified in the Chelsea Standard. She made no promises and even warned me about getting my hopes up. I’m looking forward to seeing what she might find.

During July’s Sounds & Sights committee meeting, I shared my quest for photos. A few people were eager to help, brainstorming leads and sending text messages to anyone who might have pictures. Denice Cugliari mentioned a box of photos in the Chelsea Chamber’s basement and agreed to help me find it—Jackpot!

Photos from the box - circa 1974

What Comes Next?

By now, you are likely wondering why I didn’t throw in the towel on this project. Well, I thought about it. Next up is writing the article.

I have seventeen pages of notes pulled from hundreds of Chelsea Standard articles and hours of personal interviews. My task now is to turn this mountain of material into a narrative that does the festival’s history justice. Wish me luck!

I would love to hear any advice you might have on researching community events or tracking down old photographs.

Every Sunday Sip is free and always will be.

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The latest Life In Michigan Podcast episode is out!

If you have an idea for a guest, email me (info@lifeinmichigan.com). We are looking for anyone who is creative and passionate, and who has a story to share about their Life In Michigan. Don’t be shy. Looking for older episodes? I was hoping you would ask. The full catalog is on our YouTube Channel.

The latest episode of Fans with Bands just dropped!

Coyote Man - Prosthetic Memories

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LifeInMichigan.com covers the stories, community life, and cultural experiences that mainstream media often overlook. Click on the image to read the whole article.

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🗓️ Never Miss an Event: Chuck has been hard at work on our public Google Events Calendar. From book launches to local gigs, it’s all there. Subscribe to the Calendar

You’ll find things like this on the calendar! (Click on image for more information.)

I’ve got two fresh Substack posts to entertain you this week!

Donn Dobkin’s “Critter Comedy.” So fun.

Critter Comedy

Jenn Woltjen’s “Front Porch News: Notes from the Mountains.” Perfect escape from reality.

Front Porch News: Notes from the Mountains

Plus a few old ones of ours.

Book Reviews

Since I loved “The Midnight Library,” it wasn’t a stretch to read Matt Haig’s “The Life Impossible.” One review mentioned it felt a bit “woo-woo.” I’m not sure exactly what they were referring to, but I imagine it might be that at times the characters seem to have taken a hit of acid. Once I suspended my disbelief and settled into the story of a 72-year-old woman finally living her best life, I really enjoyed it.

Have a great week!