Manuscript Collections

This collection contains 1 audio interview between Robert Garrett of the Michigan History Center and Vergil Pickney from Mcbain, Michigan. The interview discusses Vergil's background, his work at the Boys' Training School, his work in education, and the correction system.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of papers of the Clark Preston family. The collection includes correspondence, dating 1862-1866, which includes essays concerning the Civil War, holidays, and loss of friends.

Ernst Floeter is a former German soldier who served as a Prisoner of War of the United States during World War II. He is interviewed by Bob Garrett of the Archives of Michigan. 

This collection consists of 7 letters. There are 4 letters from John C. Wheaton, 136th New York Infantry, June 6, 1863-Jan. 28, 1865, to his sister, Avis Wheaton Owen, containing some especially interesting comments on looting; a letter from John C. Wheaton, June 12, 1865, to his sister, Avis Wheaton Owen, commenting on civilian life; and a letter from R. Wheaton, April 23, 1865, to his sister, Avis Wheaton Owen, commenting on John C. Wheaton and other members of the family. The final letter is dated June 12, 1865 from John Wheaton to Avis Wheaton Owen.

The George L. Dart papers contain records illustrating the military service of George Leonard Dart in the United States Navy during the Second World War from 1944-1945. The material primarily focuses on George's military training prior to his deployment to the Pacific Theater on the USS Aaron Ward. However, the collection also highlights his experience at sea and the news following his death in May 1945. The collection is primarily correspondence from George to his wife, Lena Dart, and their two daughters. From the start of his naval training in April 1944 to his death in May 1945, George writes almost daily to his family in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Subjects include military experiences, news from home, military training, life in the navy and camp activities. Other material types include postcards, photographs, financial records, death records, military honors and condolences and publications.

This collection consists of the 1864 Civil War diary of William A. Dewey of Leslie, Mich. Dewey entered service in Company A, 20th Michigan Infantry. He was commisioned a 2nd lieutenant, July 31, 1862 and made a captain on Dec. 30, 1862. He mustered, April 25, 1863 and was killed in action near Petersberg, Va., June 18, 1864.

This collection consists of letters from Lemuel Osborn to his wife, Eunice, dating 1851, and 1865-1865. The collection includes a letter from Osborn from the gold fields of Calif. He describes his activities at the diggings and includes a list of provisions and their costs. The remaining letters were all written during Osborn's participation in the Civil War. They describe his feelings, troubles, hopes, and movements during the last years of the war.

This small accession consists of 9 letters - 8 from John S. Potter to family members from November 1862-September 1863 and one from the Quartermaster General dated January 1869. Potter's letters are very descriptive - he writes of the landscape of the south, how the railroad is built, his opinions of the war, deserters, wealthy citizens of Kentucky, a soldier's funeral, and the betrayal of officers. He also describes how the "black troops are used as sappers and miners" and the sentiments towards African Americans in the south, both by southerners and by commanding officers.

This collection contains images of the interior and exterior of various structures designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, as well his models of certain projects..

This collection consists of various items (1838-1865) of, or relating to the United States Christian Commission and its war work. Also includes an act dated 1838 providing for relief for the Detroit and Pontiac Railroad Company.

This collection contains miscellaneous Civil War materials, mostly of Capt. Charles D. Lyon. Includes the enlistment papers of Alfred Henry Slocum (Feb. 6, 1862); a letter from Brady E. Backus, Jan. 2, 1862, to Capt. Charles D. Lyon; a letter from W.B. Morrison, Jan. 15, 1862, to Charles D. Lyon; an invoice of ordnance and stores turned over by Capt. Charles D. Lyon, May 4, 1862; list of stores lost at Seven Days Battle, Oct. 1, 1862; copy of portion of orders for Capt. Lyon to report for duty at St. Louis, Mo.; and a railroad pass dated July 5, 1864.