Jane Schmiedeke papers, 1973-2009
018.JS

Summary Information

Repository
Eastern Michigan University Archives
Creator
Edmonds, Nathalie
Creator
First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti.
Creator
Schmiedeke, Jane
Creator
State of Michigan. Michigan.
Creator
Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation.
Creator
Ypsilanti Historic District Commission. City of Ypsilanti.
Title
Jane Schmiedeke papers
ID
018.JS
Date [bulk]
Bulk, 1980-2006
Date [inclusive]
1974-2009
Extent
5.0 Linear feet 3 record center cartons, 3 archive boxes
Language
English
Language of Materials note
All records are in English unless otherwise noted.
Abstract
The Jane Schmiedeke papers consists of materials relating to her preservation efforts in Ypsilanti, Michigan from 1974 through 2009. The majority of the materials are centered on the foundation, operation and preservation activities of the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation (YHF), preservation of the Towner House, her time on the Ypsilanti Historic District Commission (YHDC), and the controversy between the YHDC and the National Bank of Ypsilanti. This collection contains primary and secondary research materials such as agendas and minutes, correspondence, meeting notes, legal documents, promotional calendars / postcards, photographs and newspaper clippings. Also, this collection contains information on preservation legislation, proposals to the Ypsilanti Historic District Commission, recognition of fellow preservationist Earl Greene, fund raising activities, Historic District Marker program and various tours of historic sites and homes in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The collection is arranged into four series: Towner House; Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation; Ypsilanti Historic District Commission; and Visual Materials.

Preferred Citation note

Please cite materials from the University Archives in the following manner: Item. Collection Title. Eastern Michigan University Archives.

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Administrative History Note

The Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation (YHF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Ypsilanti contains the second largest historic district in the State of Michigan and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The YHF was formed on 21 October 1974 to maintain the historic Towner House and to preserve other historic structures in city.

The Towner House is a historically significant structure in Ypsilanti that was purchased by the First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti in the early 1970s and rented out as a residence to local college students. After falling into disrepair the church considered tearing down the structure. In 1974 the YHF approached the church and offered their services to maintain and find an adaptive reuse for the structure. Eventually the YHF and church became in a very long legal battle that eventually reached a precedent setting settlement that turned ownership of the structure over to the YHF.

Including Schmiedeke, the first Board of Directors also included prominent Ypsilanti residents Nathalie Edmonds, Dorothy Disbrow (Ypsilanit Historical Society), Oscar Haab (founder of Haab's Restaurant), John Kirkendall (local attorney and member of First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti), Benjamin Koerber (local banker), Andrew Smith (owner of Smith Electric), Maxe Obermayer, Jr (local realtor), Donald randazzo (restoration carpenter), Mary Warner and Joseph Warren.

The Ypsilanti Historic District Commission (YHDC) guides development and renovation within the district and is charged through the provisions of the Historic District Ordinance. Any proposed work on the exterior of a structure within the District must be reviewed by the YHDC.

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Biographical Note

Jane Bird Schmiedeke has been a resident of Ypsilanti since 1955. Early in her life she became interested the importance of Ypsilainti's cultural heritage and quickly became a strong advocate for the identification and appreciation of the built environment, cultural landscapes and material culture of Ypsilanti. Schmiedeke is a founding member of the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation and also served on the Ypsilanti Historic District Commission.

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Scope and Contents note

The preservation activities and efforts of Jane Schmiedeke are documented in this collection of administrative, legal, financial, and outreach materials. The collection is arranged into four series Towner House, Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation, Ypsilanti Historic District Commission and  Visual Materials and within those series are arranged alphabetically then chronologically.

The Towner House series contains one subseries (Documents), the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation has two subseries (Home Tours and Publications) and the Ypsilanti Historic Districts Commission series contain two sub series (Agendas & Minutes and National Bank of Ypsilanti).

The Towner House, Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation, Ypsilanti Historic District Commission series primarily contains papers with a small portion containing postcards and publications. The  Visual Materials series contains 3 1/2 x 5 and 4 x 6 photographs on photographic and letter sized paper and negatives. The Towner House series contains materials related to the legal battle between the YHF and the First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti, administrative operations, adaptive reuse plans, building permits, grants, publications and grants. The Publications subseries in the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation series contains almost complete runs of The Old House Journal from 1973 through 1986. Missing are The Old House Journal Vol. IV, No. 3 (1976 March) and Vol. VIII, No. 6 (1980 June); runs of this publication after 1985 in this collection are incomplete.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Eastern Michigan University Archives 2011 October 7

Halle Library, Room 310
Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197
734-487-0020

Revision Description

  2011 November 11

Legal Status note

This collection contains copyrighted materials. Researchers must secure permission from the University Archivist before any materials are copied.

Conditions Governing Access note

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Custodial History note

Papers and organizational records were accumulated by Jane Schmiedeke while involved in preservation activities and organizations before being donated the University Archives at Eastern Michigan University.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Materials note

Materials related to this collection may be found in the Susan Wineberg papers (University Archives, Eastern Michigan University) and at the Ypsilanti Historical Museum.

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Controlled Access Headings

Geographic Name(s)

  • Michigan.
  • Ypsilanti

Occupation(s)

  • Architects

Personal Name(s)

  • Greene, Earl
  • Schmiedeke, Jane

Subject(s)

  • Built Environment
  • City planning.
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Greek revival (Architecture)
  • Heritage tourism
  • Historic districts
  • Historic Preservation Organizations
  • Historic preservation.
  • National Register of Historic Places
  • Towner House

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Collection Inventory

Towner House 

Adaptive Reuse, Childrens Museum 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 1

Building Permit & Plans 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 2

Correspondences 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 3

Documents 

1980-1982 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 4

1982 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 5

1992 January-April 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 6

1993 September 22-1994 November 7 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 7

1994 November 10-1995 March 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 8

1995 April 24-1996 February 1 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 9

First Presbyterian Church 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 10

Grants 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 11

History 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 12

Legal 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 13-18
    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 1

Master binder 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 19-21

Meeting Notes 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 22

Newspaper Clippings 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 2

Notes from Negotiations between First Presbyterian Church & Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation, Lease of Towner House, 1974 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 23

Petition for Demolition 1993 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 24

Publications 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 25

Public Hearing on Petition for Demolition/Relocation 1996 April 16 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 26

Publicity 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 27

Records of Proceedings of Public Hearing, 1996 April 16 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 1
    Box Folder
Text (32307023988968)   1 28-29

Stabilization Project 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 2

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Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation 

Agendas & Minutes 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 3-6

Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 3

Banquets 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 7

Calendar Creation Materials 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 8

Calendars 1976-1980 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 9

Calendars 1981-1985 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 10

Calendars 1986-1989 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 11

Calendars 1990-1994 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 12

Correspondences 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 13-15

Publications 

Heritage News, 1995-2001 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 31

Heritage News, 2002-2009 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 32

Index to The Old House Journal 1973 October/1974 January - 1985 December 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   4 1

The Old House Journal Vol. I 1973 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 2

The Old House Journal Vol. II 1974 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 3

The Old House Journal Vol. III 1975 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 4

The Old House Journal Vol. IV 1976 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 5

The Old House Journal Vol. V 1977 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 6

The Old House Journal Vol. VI 1978 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 7

The Old House Journal Vol. VII 1979 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 8

The Old House Journal Vol. VIII 1980 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 9

The Old House Journal Vol. IX 1981 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989420)   5 10

The Old House Journal Vol. X 1983 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 1

The Old House Journal Vol. XI 1983 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 2

The Old House Journal Vol. XII 1984 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 3

The Old House Journal Vol. XIII 1985 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 4

The Old House Journal Vol. XIV 1986 February - April 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 5

The Old House Journal Vol. XIV 1986 August - December 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 6

The Old House Journal Vol. XVII 1989 November/December, Vol. XVII 1990 January/February, Vol. XVIII May/June 1991 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 7

Getting to Know Your Early Twentieth-Century Neighbourhood Conserve Neighbourhoods Special Issue 1982 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 8

The Old House Journal Buyers Guide 1977 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 9

The Old House Journal Order Forms 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 10

The Old House Journal Supplements 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023989438)   6 11

Earl Greene 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 16

Financials 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 17

Fund Raising 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 18

Heritage Festival 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 19

Historic District Signs 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 20

Historic Marker Program 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 4

Home Tours 

Booklets & Maps 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 5

Correspondences 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 21

Docent Information 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 22

Financials 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 23

Historic Homes Information 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 24

Newspaper Clippings 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 6
    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 8
    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 7

Wrap Up Meetings 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 25

Maps 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 26

Membership 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 27

Proclaimations & Resolutions 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 28

Projects 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 29

Restoration of Demetrious Ypsilanti Statue 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 33-34

Riverside Arts Center 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 35

Tax Status 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 36

20th Anniversary 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 37

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Ypsilanti Historic District Commission 

Administrative 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 38

Agendas & Minutes 

1996 July 16, 1997 January 21-1997 September 2 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 39

1997 September 16-1998 May 19 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 40

1998 June 2-1998 September 15 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 41

1999 January 19-1999 October 5 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988984)   2 42

1999 October 19-2000 May 2 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 1

2000 May 16-2000 August 15 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 2

2000 September 5-2000 December 19 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 3

2001January 16-2001June 19 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 4

2001July 3-2001 December 18 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 5

2002 January 15-2002 July 16 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 6

2002 August 6-2002 December 17 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 7

2003 January 21-2003 December 16 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 8

2004 January 20-2004 December 24 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 9

2005 January 18-2006 January 6 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 10

2006 February 7-2006 December 19 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 11

Built Environment 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 12

Correspondences 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 13

Legislation 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 14

Michigan Historic District Network 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 15

National bank of Ypsilanti Controversy 

NBY Proposal HCD Denial to Review Committee Work 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 16

CC Surveys to Miscellaneous 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 17

Newspaper Clippings to Elections 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 18

Newspaper Clippings 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988992)   4 9

Proposals & Reports 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 19

Publications 


    Box Folder
Text (32307023988976)   3 20

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Visual Materials 

Towner House 


    Box Folder
Graphic materials (32307023988976)   3 21

Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation 


    Box Folder
Graphic materials (32307023988976)   3 22

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