2019 New Hardbound Available for "The Fowlerville Chronicles"

The proof copy has arrived! Additional copies will be coming in a few weeks -- newly set-up as an 8.5x11 hardbound book. All the same great information but even better than the paperback from a few years ago. Message me if you'd like me to reserve a copy. And, please share -- Fowlerville has a lush history and this book has so many pictures, you almost feel like you are stepping back in time. Thank you to all that have been great over the years helping get this book this far!

If you'd also like to go to my author page on Facebook, click here and message me to reserve a copy.

2018 Library Ribbon-Cutting

Fowlerville District Library

Ribbon Cutting, June 7, 2018

Hello all – my name is Marion Cornett, President of the Board of Trustees for the Fowlerville District Library.  As you are all aware, the Fowlerville District Library is entering a new chapter – pun intended!

Thirty-plus years of fiscal responsibility has made both the current staff—Cindy, Marty, Tally, Jackie, Jen M and Jen K, Kate, and Audrey, Sue, Shelley—and this board—myself, Norma Moore, David Campbell, Terri Ridenour, Sue Spalding, Jim Gioia, and Mike Newstead—the lucky recipients of being part of this momentous event.

But, before we get to the business at hand, let’s look back at how this all began.  In March, 1904, a group of woman formed the Ladies Library, under the auspices of the village of Fowlerville Council.  G.L. Adams, publisher and editor of The Fowlerville Review, made the announcement in his local newspaper, March, 1904.

A location had not been found by the following week when the officers were announced.  But eventually, the northeast corner of the fire department, now Handy Township offices at the corner of Power Street and North Grand River, became home to the Ladies Library.

It took 66 years, but with increasing inventory and service to the community, the Ladies Library finally outgrew their cozy corner in the three-story building and a new location was chosen.  After the grist mill at the corner of Mill Street and North Grand Avenue was burned down (intentionally by the fire department), the village constructed an approximately 2,000 square foot building for specifically for library use.

With additions in 1986 and 2009, the original building was doubled in size, making it 4,425 square feet. 

By 2012, the Board began looking for ways to expand.  Originally, a third addition was planned but eventually scrapped, being considered nothing much more than a “band-aid” to the over-crowded conditions. 

So, that brings us to today and this special celebration.  But, we are celebrating more than a new, larger building.  We have two major events; well, really three events:

First off, this newly-renovated 17,000 square foot building.  I’d like to thank Ron Cieslak, our architect; John DeMattia, construction manager; and, Scott Naumoff, site manager.  I can’t say enough wonderful accolades for these three gentlemen and crews.  Thank you.

Secondly, we are pleased to recognize Beth Lowe, who will be taking over director duties as of July 1^st.  Thank you, Beth.

Which brings me to our third event.

Special best wishes to both Cheryl Poch and Karin Pomeroy.  After 30-some years of polishing this spectacular gem in our community, they are both retiring as of the end of this month and receiving a very deserved rest.  (Note:  Karin retired one week earlier.)

And now, Cheryl and Beth, if you would please hold these scissors, let’s cut this red ribbon, christen this new location, and all get back to work!

Congratulations to all and a huge thank you for all involved, including our taxpayers!

2017 Future Home of the Fowlerville District Library

Big things are happening in the community of Fowlerville!

As of May 10, 2017, the Fowlerville District Library now owns the building former used by Curtis Grocery at 130 South Grand.  The board has bought the building with the intent to renovate 10,330 square feet of it (doubling the current building) for library use, another 3,000 square feet for storage, and an additional 3,000 square feet to be renovated at a later date.

In addition to having all the same wonderful services, the historical collection will now be housed in the library and available for patrons to access much easier.  Larger rooms, more space between stacks, improved children programming facilities, even a fireplace, will be included.

It will take time to accomplish all of this.  At current estimates, it will take about a year.  Maybe this time next year, we will be announcing the move.

As the Library Board President, I had the great honor of signing the purchase papers.  I'm pretty sure 10.10.17 at 10 am will be etched in my memory forever!  What a privilege.  But, as I'm beginning to think, purchasing the building was the easy part.  Now comes the real work.

I've created a Facebook page entitled "Future Home of the Fowlerville District Library" where updates will be posted on a regular basis.  Check it out by clicking here.

Also, checked out the upcoming issue of Fowlerville News and Views.  I sat down recently with Steve Horton and he has written an informative article.

Be sure to check back here for updates but also be sure to head to Facebook.  Check out the excitement.

2017 Secondary Characters

Thought I'd do a little self-promotion today.  It all goes along with Fowlerville, though.

When I was doing the research for "The Fowlerville Chronicles" and "Through the Eyes of a Country Editor," I used much of what I learned to write my two historical fiction novels (a third one is in the works).  I changed the name of the town to Cedartown but it certainly looks a lot like Fowlerville in the early 1900s!

So, promoting my books on social media takes quite a bit of extra work.  Basically, books don't just sell themselves as there are so many out there.  To that end, I do a great many blog posts for other bloggers.  My latest for my two books can be found by clicking here.

I wrote about my favorite secondary characters -- Izzy in "Juniper and Anise" and Rita Mae in "Tilly Loves Johnny."

If you are interested in purchasing my books, you can head to my website or search on Amazon for both the ebook format or paperbacks.  They are fun reads involving hooch, rumrunners, bootlegging, blind pigs, and a ton of other stuff.

2016 Historical Fiction Novel Giveaways

I've had two historical fiction novels published and, right now, they are on Goodreads for some lucky winner to win a copy.  If you click here and here, follow the instruction, you might win!

2016 Sud-Z-Pet Grooming

It is so nice to see the old building tucked between Kim's Barber Shop and the old Mack Tractor sales location fixed up and occupied.  In my compiled history book, "The Fowlerville Chronicles," there is a picture of this block shown around 1901.  The buildings are old yet worthy of preserving.

Yay!

2016 Little Free Library

The Little Free Library I've been a steward for these past three years is on the move.  Today, it will be relocated inside the village limits, just off of Benjamin Street on Devonshire.  I've thoroughly enjoyed making sure the library was clean and accessible, filled with books, and a friendly stop for anyone discovering it.

But, it was time for a change in location.  

And, unfortunately, I did finally get a bit tired of some of the shenanigans from those only interested in ruining something for others.  I won't make this a complaint forum but I did want to mention a few:

~~One time, someone removed all of the CDs from their cases, left the CDs and took the cases for their own use.  A bit selfish?

~~One summer, the box was routinely filled with religious pamphlets.  Not that the pamphlets were wrong, this just isn't necessarily the place.

~~This summer, someone decided to throw hardbound books on the wet grass as well as possibly adding water to the kids books.  All expanded with the moisture, some got moldy, and ultimately a dozen books went into the trash.

~~And, someone grumping they didn't like cars stopping in front of the library.

As I climb up onto my soapbox, I'd just like to remind everyone grassroots movements, like these nearly 20,000 little free libraries across the country, are a gift to communities.  To making communities a bit more like home.  Let's treasure and celebrate little free libraries wherever they pop up, including the four that can be found within the village limits.  (Oof, climbing down from the soapbox now...)

So, once the library was removed, a deep hole either needed to be filled in or used.  Next spring there will be flowers growing in this chunk of 1927 cast iron water main salvaged from North Grand Avenue when work was done to upgrade the system in 2013.  Check out this link to see what I wrote back then.

Juniper and Anise Giveaway

Here's another giveaway -- click here and read my article.  Then either comment there or come back here and comment to have your name added to the drawing.  The winner will be announced June 6:

Also, please read and share on your facebook page!

2016 Interview with Fussy Librarian

I was recently interviewed by The Fussy Librarian about my historical novel, Juniper and Anise, as well as how I got started.  You can find it by clicking here.

My novel is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, as well as the publisher's site at by clicking here.  Search on either my name, Marion Cornett, or the book title, Juniper and Anise.

:)

2016 Building Demolition

Just a pile of rubble.  That is what you'll find at the southeast corner of East Grand River and South Collins Street.

A few years back, this building was operated as Hill's Sporting Goods.  After Frank Hill's passing, the building went into further decline and sat unused.  Makes me wonder what this lot will become, now owned by Ion Electric.

For a bit of history, in 1875, this lot was owned by A.W. Cooper.  He was a local druggist.  Following is a plat map showing his ownership in the upper left hand corner:

Eventually the building (the one just demolished) was built on this corner lot and used as a gas station/restaurant.  Some of that history can be found in my history book, "The Fowlerville Chronicles."  

Following is a picture from 1973 when Dan Eldridge owned the building and used it for a gas station/towing business:

When I get word of what's to become of the lot, I'll post it here.

2015 Johnson Auction

Along about the first first or so of doing this blog, I started taking "squint shots" -- close-ups of architecture in particular.  One of my pictures was of some woodwork at the roof peak of the house at 310 South Grand Avenue.  Never knew until years later it was uninhabited, but used only as a storage facility for Johnny Johnson's immense photography and filming collection.  

I used to see Mr. Johnson walking more often than not when I would come into town.  I started missing him lately and found out he had passed away this summer.  Well now there's going to be an auction Saturday, October 10, at that same house I took a squint shot years ago.  Sometimes, things like this make me a bit sad, even if I never met him.

(Article found in current issue of Fowlerville News and Views)

2014 Good News and Bad News

Hello All -

It has been a while since I've posted -- so busy I am working on a historical fiction piece -- but I did want everyone to know I have now sold out The Fowlerville Chronicles.

Thank you to all who purchased copies.  I hope you enjoy the book for years to come.

I still have a few copies of Through the Eyes of a Country Editor if anyone is interested in purchasing a copy.  Look to the right of this blog and you will find information on buying a copy.  I also have postcards you can purchase.

Never fear, I will get back to posting historical articles once the fictional writing slows down!

2013 Olden Days Storefront

Saturday morning, we had a late breakfast, or an early lunch for some, at Olden Days.  As we munched away, two men worked hard at the front of the building, painting and detailing.  When we were finished, we headed out the back entrance and walked around to the front, where there's still no traffic on North Grand Avenue because of the construction, and we were able to check out the progress (while the three kids with us danced and twirled in the middle of the road).

The first two pictures show where the door, to the left of the storefront, was open and we could peek up the staircase to the old Bell Opera House (you can search on this name and find all sorts of articles).  

 This picture shows the awesome new front to Olden Days.  What a great update:

And now, head back up to the first picture.  As I snapped the digital, I jumped back and laughed, saying to the young fellow with us that I saw a ghost.  He shrugged nonchalantly, but stepped back a bit.  We laughed a bit more about it and went on our merry way.  But, lo and behold, as I'm posting these pictures, check out the first one -- do you see a ghost?

2013 East Grand River Sidewalk

Work progresses on the East Grand River, northeast quadrant, sidewalk work.  The following two pictures were taken Saturday morning, as the construction workers labored away, but we were able to get a close enough look.

In the late 1800s, wooden plank sidewalks lined the sides of the main streets up to the storefronts.  Into the early 1900s, those planks were being replaced with cement sidewalks and always heralded as much-needed progress.

I might be getting a little ornery, but as some complain of the mess and traffic hold-ups, and anything else they can think of, I like to start blabbering on about progress and infrastructure upgrades and, I'm pretty sure, some stop listening.  But I think this is grand!!  The village council and staff are working hard to find grants and extra monies to improve the downtown area.

Just remember, in a few weeks, the mess and inconvenience will be a fading memory, and we will be enjoying new brickwork and asphalt.

2013 Coal Chutes Uncovered

Thanks to a local business owner, following are additional pictures of the coal chute in from of both Maria's and Edward Jones:

If you search, in the upper right hand box, on Edward Jones, you will find additional squint shots I posted of the basement below the offices.

And, by the way, there is caution tape around the coal chutes, so don't get too close!

2013 East Grand River Work

The work continues at the main four corners and I happened along an interesting moment on my way into Sweet Sensation for a chocolate fix (and a gift).  

I got into conversation with two of the village's DPW workers.  Old shut-off valves--corroded and barely usable--were being replaced with new ones.

Asphalt has been removed in the areas where there were recently parking spaces along East Grand River.  Eventually, bricks will be laid same as have already been placed on North Grand Avenue.  I can hardly wait to see all of this finished.

2013 Olden Days

North Grand was opened for Homecoming but then immediately closed again for more work.  On Tuesday morning of this week, there was an eight-foot hole in the center of the intersection and all of this equipment for the work at hand.

After checking out the construction, I also noticed the owners of Olden Days Cafe are doing something with their storefront entrance.  Old, and very dry, shakes were being thrown to the ground by one of the workers.  I asked what the change might be but got a noncommittal answer.  Guess we will just have to keep an eye out for what's happening.

2013 Main Four Corners Work

As promised, following are three pictures taken the other day.  The first one is looking west from the front of the Edward Jones' storefront toward the intersection.

The second one is looking eastward from the same spot, showing how the road is closed and some of the asphalt has been removed.  (Note: Wayne Copeland, village president, can be seen at the far left as he inspects some of the sidewalk.) 

And then, another westward picture -- obviously the sidewalk is closed, or should it say "sidewalk missing"! 

Tomorrow, a couple of pictures looking southward from about the front of Olden Days on North Grand Avenue.

2013 Coal Chute Hole

As work progresses in the downtown area, an interesting moment arrived for the workers.  While tearing up the sidewalk in front of Edward Jones and Maria's School of Dance, a sinkhole appeared.  As it turns out, it's not the Florida-type sinkhole, but one that is man-made.  

Below the sidewalk, a no-longer-needed coal chute was covered up.  Between the coal chute and the concrete sidewalk, there was a layer of plywood and some steel poles, but that was pretty much it.

I happened to be talking with Wayne Copeland and Kathy Arledge, from the village, and was allowed to sneak a bit closer to get a couple of pictures.  There's not much to see, but I can tell you, it would have been about a six-foot drop if anything gave way under my feet!  Here are the two pictures I snapped:

Tomorrow and the next day, there will be pictures of the intersection, both from East Grand River and from North Grand.

2013 Brickwork on North Grand Avenue

Tonight is the Fowlerville High School Homecoming and the work being done on North Grand Avenue has been temporarily suspended so the parade come travel this route.  According to reliable sources, this initial layer of asphalt was laid down, covering everything including the manhole covers.  

After tonight's parade, the roadblocks will go back up and work will commence next week, uncovering the manhole covers and eventually applying the final layer after whatever work needs to be done.

For now, here are a couple pictures of the new brickwork and the initial layer.  Progress is a wonderful thing!