Murdoch Mysteries or The Artful Detective? Murdoch Mysteries started production on its 10th season last month. If you aren't familiar with this gem which is known as The Artful Detective in the United States (Ovation TV), take a little time some rainy day this summer to catch up on past episodes. You won't be disappointed! [...]
Heat Up Your Summer with Victorian Romance Ah, summertime. Do you like hot days spent at the beach or cool evenings by the campfire? Whatever your choice for summer relaxation, a good romance novel is always a good companion. Here are three romance novels set in the Victorian era you might enjoy. Secrets of a Summer [...]
The Freedom Machine When the bicycle gained popularity during the late 1800s, women were still tangled up in the fashion of the day, making enjoyment of this new mode of transportation prohibitive. The push toward dress reform, also known as the rational dress movement, had been around since the mid-19th century. Once the bicycle became [...]
By Donna Klein Thanksgiving During the Gilded Age Thanksgiving is here! As I thought about the holiday, I wondered what it was like during the glory years of the characters on Downton Abbey. I know the British don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but what was it like for their American counterparts? What was Thanksgiving like [...]
by Donna Klein Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Who was Bass Reeves? When thinking of lawmen of the American Old West, minds drift to men like Wyatt Earp, not Bass Reeves. My first exposure to Bass Reeves came earlier this year. There is a program on AHC (American Heroes [...]
Recollections Fashion Show Recap The Lake Huron Discovery Tour 2015 has come and gone, but the Recollections fashion show at the Centennial Building in Alpena continues to live in the memories of those who joined us on October 10 for the festivities. The day started early for Recollections, with the models from the show prepped [...]
by Donna Klein Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Second Floor - Rooms to Rent and the Odd Fellows Banquet Facility We've gotten some background information, visited the first floor and the basement. Next, we headed for the second floor. A massive stair case leads directly to the third floor, [...]
by Donna Klein Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 First Floor - Retail Space and Offices Once I was brought up to speed on the early history of the Centennial Building, Mike and Kate took me on a tour of the building. I was about to embark on a trip back [...]
By Donna Klein Part 1 | Part 3 | Part 4 Meet Mike and Kate Phillips, Co-owners of the Centennial Building After speaking with Mike Phillips, co-owner of the Centennial Building in Alpena, Michigan, I was more excited than ever at the prospect of exploring the inside of this 1876 architectural celebration of the [...]