FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848. The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language. —Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941) Postcard Key: 1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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FRANKENMUTH, MICHIGAN

A German settlement known throughout the State for its chicken dinners, served harvester style, and its Frankenmuth beer. It was settled in 1845 by a group of Franconians from Bavaria and, later, by refugees from the unsuccessful German revolution of 1848.

The neat village, spread out for some distance, has retained its German flavor; most of the inhabitants are descendants of the original settlers and speak the German language.

—Michigan: A Guide to the Wolverine State (WPA,1941)

Postcard Key:

1. Maypole 2-4. Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn 5. The Fischer Opera Haus 6. Schnitzelbank Shop 7. Bavarian Festival 8. Bodenbender’s Apfel Haus 9. Bronner’s 10. The Edelweiss Trio

* * *

Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.

HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA) Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town. Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness. Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA. * * * EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.
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HOLLY, MICHIGAN (ANYTOWN, USA)

Left from Fenton on State 87 is HOLLY, 5 m. (980 alt., 2,252 pop.), a small industrial city with some regional fame as a flower center. Flower gardening, encouraged by the Holly Flower Lovers’ Club, is a feature of the civic program.

— Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941)

The town I grew up in was always quiet. It was always small and it always seemed as if it was about 20 years behind. Fifty miles north of Detroit, it was one of hundreds of other small towns that had auto and factory workers looking to live with their families away from the more traditional suburban spread of identical factory-produced homes and packed strip malls. The homes were old, but well kept. The businesses were small, but frequented by the people who lived there, grew up there and raised their kids there. By all definable standards Holly, Michigan was a thriving small town.

Not unlike the rest of the state of Michigan, Holly has been hit hard by the auto industry crash, as well as the general weak economy of the state. People have lost their homes, businesses have closed. Walking down the main through road that runs north and south within the town, Holly looks like it has literally stood still. Each time I go back to visit, I’m further saddened by the continuing spreading emptiness.

Holly, unfortunately, is not unlike a million other towns in the U.S. It’s actually totally average. Although I’d like to think the town of my childhood and the town I love so dearly is beyond being categorized as average, it really is Anytown, USA.

* * *

EE Berger is a photographer Detroit bred and Brooklyn based. She seeks out emptiness, solitude and peaceful moments and was recently selected as one of Photoboite’s “30 Women Photographers Under 30” for 2013. You can find her on Tumblr at eeberger.tumblr.com, and find her website at eebergerphoto.com.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NEAR EAST SIDE OF DETROIT Because of swift, undirected growth, Detroit may have forlorn aspects, but this does not indicate a lack of civic pride. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) * * * Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. You know that thing you broke at that hotel, he fixed it. His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.
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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NEAR EAST SIDE OF DETROIT Because of swift, undirected growth, Detroit may have forlorn aspects, but this does not indicate a lack of civic pride. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) * * * Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. You know that thing you broke at that hotel, he fixed it. His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.
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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NEAR EAST SIDE OF DETROIT Because of swift, undirected growth, Detroit may have forlorn aspects, but this does not indicate a lack of civic pride. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) * * * Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. You know that thing you broke at that hotel, he fixed it. His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.
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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NEAR EAST SIDE OF DETROIT Because of swift, undirected growth, Detroit may have forlorn aspects, but this does not indicate a lack of civic pride. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) * * * Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. You know that thing you broke at that hotel, he fixed it. His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.
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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NEAR EAST SIDE OF DETROIT Because of swift, undirected growth, Detroit may have forlorn aspects, but this does not indicate a lack of civic pride. — Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941) * * * Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. You know that thing you broke at that hotel, he fixed it. His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.
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A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE NEAR EAST SIDE OF DETROIT

Because of swift, undirected growth, Detroit may have forlorn aspects, but this does not indicate a lack of civic pride.

— Michigan, A Guide To the Wolverine State (WPA, 1941)

* * *

Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. You know that thing you broke at that hotel, he fixed it. His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.

THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
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THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
Zoom
THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
Zoom
THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
Zoom
THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
Zoom
THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
Zoom
THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
Zoom
THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN  In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”. Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come. —The Mystery Spot Website * * * Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.
Zoom

THE MYSTERY SPOT - ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN 

In the early 1950’s, three surveyors named Clarence, Fred and McCray came from California to explore the Upper Peninsula. They stumbled across an area of land where their surveying equipment didn’t seem to work properly. For instance, no matter how many times they tried to level their tripod, through the use of a plum-bob or level, the plum-bob would always be drawn far to the east, even as the level was reading level. As they continued their research of this land, they noticed a constant feeling of being light-headed. Later, realizing their queasiness and problems with the surveying equipment only occurred in an area about 300 feet in diameter, they felt they had discovered a “Mystery Spot”.

Millions have visited their Mystery Spot and many return year after year to experience the unusual sensations that occur within its boundaries. Where else can a tall person seem smaller by comparison or a visitor climb a wall and tilt precariously into the air but not fall? The laws of gravity seem uneasy while sitting in a chair with its back legs balanced on a beam and front legs suspended in the air. You will without a doubt remember your visit to the Mystery Spot for years to come.

—The Mystery Spot Website

* * *

Jordan Smith is the guide to ephemeral America for The American Guide. He currently works for the University of Notre Dame during the day and scans at night. He lives in South Bend, Indiana and you can find him on Flickr, his blog, or one of several Tumblr sites.

MAYOR YOUNG “It would be a big mistake for anyone to believe that the Great American Dream is apple pie and a happy ending.” Coleman A. Young Mayor, City of Detroit 1974-1993 * * *  Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. “You know that thing you broke at that hotel, I fixed it.” His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.
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MAYOR YOUNG

“It would be a big mistake for anyone to believe that the Great American Dream is apple pie and a happy ending.”

Coleman A. Young

Mayor, City of Detroit

1974-1993

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Jonathan Miller is our Guide to Detroit, the city where he lives and works as a hotel maintenance manager. “You know that thing you broke at that hotel, I fixed it.” His photography is on tumblr at detroitmaintenanceman and everything else is at his website, detroitmaintenance.

A WORKER READS HISTORY Who built the Model T?The books are filled with the names of flivver kings.Was it the kings who hauled the engine blocks and turned the dies?Who built the city up? In which of Detroit’s housesLived those who built it?In the evening when Grand Boulevard was finishedWhere did the masons go? New CenterIs built upon vaulted domes. Who reared them up? Over whomDid the Captians of Industry rule? The Roaring Twenties live in song,Was everyone a flapper? And even in 1929The night the market crashed, didn’t The money brokers still bellow for their servants? -With thanks to Bertlot Brecht Credit: Union Town A Labor History Guide to DetroitWritten by: Steve Babson and Dave ElsilaCopyright, Workers Education Local 189, Michigan Chapter * * * #AmericanGuideWeek dispatch from the Motor City, care of Detroit Maintenance Man, Jonathan Miller. His drawings, mixed media art, and photographs are well worth your time. You can find his handiwork on Tumblr or his website, DetroitMaintenance.blogspot.com.
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A WORKER READS HISTORY Who built the Model T?The books are filled with the names of flivver kings.Was it the kings who hauled the engine blocks and turned the dies?Who built the city up? In which of Detroit’s housesLived those who built it?In the evening when Grand Boulevard was finishedWhere did the masons go? New CenterIs built upon vaulted domes. Who reared them up? Over whomDid the Captians of Industry rule? The Roaring Twenties live in song,Was everyone a flapper? And even in 1929The night the market crashed, didn’t The money brokers still bellow for their servants? -With thanks to Bertlot Brecht Credit: Union Town A Labor History Guide to DetroitWritten by: Steve Babson and Dave ElsilaCopyright, Workers Education Local 189, Michigan Chapter * * * #AmericanGuideWeek dispatch from the Motor City, care of Detroit Maintenance Man, Jonathan Miller. His drawings, mixed media art, and photographs are well worth your time. You can find his handiwork on Tumblr or his website, DetroitMaintenance.blogspot.com.
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A WORKER READS HISTORY Who built the Model T?The books are filled with the names of flivver kings.Was it the kings who hauled the engine blocks and turned the dies?Who built the city up? In which of Detroit’s housesLived those who built it?In the evening when Grand Boulevard was finishedWhere did the masons go? New CenterIs built upon vaulted domes. Who reared them up? Over whomDid the Captians of Industry rule? The Roaring Twenties live in song,Was everyone a flapper? And even in 1929The night the market crashed, didn’t The money brokers still bellow for their servants? -With thanks to Bertlot Brecht Credit: Union Town A Labor History Guide to DetroitWritten by: Steve Babson and Dave ElsilaCopyright, Workers Education Local 189, Michigan Chapter * * * #AmericanGuideWeek dispatch from the Motor City, care of Detroit Maintenance Man, Jonathan Miller. His drawings, mixed media art, and photographs are well worth your time. You can find his handiwork on Tumblr or his website, DetroitMaintenance.blogspot.com.
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A WORKER READS HISTORY Who built the Model T?The books are filled with the names of flivver kings.Was it the kings who hauled the engine blocks and turned the dies?Who built the city up? In which of Detroit’s housesLived those who built it?In the evening when Grand Boulevard was finishedWhere did the masons go? New CenterIs built upon vaulted domes. Who reared them up? Over whomDid the Captians of Industry rule? The Roaring Twenties live in song,Was everyone a flapper? And even in 1929The night the market crashed, didn’t The money brokers still bellow for their servants? -With thanks to Bertlot Brecht Credit: Union Town A Labor History Guide to DetroitWritten by: Steve Babson and Dave ElsilaCopyright, Workers Education Local 189, Michigan Chapter * * * #AmericanGuideWeek dispatch from the Motor City, care of Detroit Maintenance Man, Jonathan Miller. His drawings, mixed media art, and photographs are well worth your time. You can find his handiwork on Tumblr or his website, DetroitMaintenance.blogspot.com.
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A WORKER READS HISTORY

Who built the Model T?
The books are filled with the names of flivver kings.
Was it the kings who hauled the engine blocks and turned the dies?
Who built the city up? In which of Detroit’s houses
Lived those who built it?
In the evening when Grand Boulevard was finished
Where did the masons go? New Center
Is built upon vaulted domes. Who reared them up? Over whom
Did the Captians of Industry rule? The Roaring Twenties live in song,
Was everyone a flapper? And even in 1929
The night the market crashed, didn’t 
The money brokers still bellow for their servants?

-With thanks to Bertlot Brecht

Credit: Union Town A Labor History Guide to Detroit
Written by: Steve Babson and Dave Elsila
Copyright, Workers Education Local 189, Michigan Chapter

* * *

#AmericanGuideWeek dispatch from the Motor City, care of Detroit Maintenance Man, Jonathan Miller. His drawings, mixed media art, and photographs are well worth your time. You can find his handiwork on Tumblr or his website, DetroitMaintenance.blogspot.com.