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    The original collection was transferred to ACPL by the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan in 2009. The Alpena Postcard Collection contains postcards published from the early years of Alpena’s foundation to the 20th century. The main focus of the collection is Alpena-related postcards but also covers some surrounding areas such ...

    The Marcia Simmons collection ranges from Evergreen Cemetery history and research notes to images of the Nurse Aid class of the 1940s. From Simmons’ research came five self-published books: Civil War Veterans of Alcona County, MI, Civil War Veterans of Alpena County, MI, For the Purpose of a Burial Ground, ...

    The Adam Ludewig Collection highlights the paper materials of the Adam Ludewig’s Bookstore located on 118 N 2d Ave (Polk City Directory 1914 pg.266). Several materials, within the collection, also show his family and employees throughout his time (the 1900s to 1950s). The collection fits into the archives in that ...

    'Way Out Wayne' Kendziorski has been entertaining audiences and influencing other musicians for decades. Wayne started forming bands in high school- the likes of Pendulum and The Rutt. He later moving to Detroit where he performed for many years with the Rick Hall Band and The RH Factor- highlighted by ...

    Trinity Episcopal Church organist Bill Kaltrider's story begins as a lad in Owosso, Michigan who was fascinated with organs. In this interview, Bill and his wife Pat recount his career in music- from sneaking into churches for some playtime on the organ, to touring with the Blue Jacket Navy Choir, ...

    At age 10, Clint Kirchoff received his first accordion from a Norwegian family in Leer, MI. He studied piano with Mrs. Douville while he was in high school. Clint played local dances and weddings in the area before he began sailing on the cement boats in 1949. He was often ...

    Coming from a musical family, Cal's love for music began at the early age of five and was influenced by his travels growing up in a military family. While his father was stationed in Hawaii, Cal learned traditional Hawaiian music and torch dancing which contributed in developing a passion for ...

    A native of Alpena, Don Deadman was born into a musical family and began playing music at the age of one. In addition to teaching music and owning a music store in downtown Alpena, Don led a variety of local bands, preferring jazz, but comfortable in many styles. Don's father, ...

    St. Paul Lutheran Church organist Marvis McNeil recounts her life in music from her roots in Alpena to playing the violin in regional orchestras,and piano in supper clubs and private parties. Marvis talks about her musical family as well as her musical achievements in the Alpena Public School system.

    Jim LaCross started playing sax and clarinet in local Alpena bands in the 1950's- including theThe Jim LaCross Trio, The Monarchs and The Kombo Katz. In 1960 Jim set off on tour with the Hal Wallace Quartet, a traveling show band that had been playing at Twin Acres. Jim was ...

    Bonnie Bartz is the lead vocalist of Alpena's Wild Rose, a group that offers a mix of blues, classic R & B, and Rock. She is also a founding member of the Thunder Bay Folk Society and president of its board. In this interview, Bonnie talks about her musical background, ...

    Jim Weeks, guitarist and radiologist, makes music with fellow doctor, Dave Larkin, in a band called House Call. They've performed locally at the Guitar Summit, the Thunder Bay Folk Festival and in the summer, you can find them on the shore of Grand Lake keeping the seanachie tradition alive. In ...

    Guitarist John Marzean began taking lessons from Alvin Ash at age 6. At the age of 19, he played with Wickes and Company, a country band from Hillman, Michigan. These days, you can hear John play in the Norm Seiss Band, The Over the Hill Band and at Maplewood Tavern ...

    August 2016 James Rasche began playing guitar at the age of 14 and performed in the local Alcona music scene. In this interview, James talks about some of his early years playing at the Mountain Inn, Slanty Shanty, and Rainbow Lounge, as well as many local festivals, dances, and parties ...

    Husband and wife, Doug and Eve Allyn, worked professionally in rock and roll bands for over 35 years. Both natives of Northeast Michigan, the Allyns talk about their formative years in the Alpena area and their experiences working as musicians in Taiwan while Doug was stationed during the Vietnam War. ...

    Greg Adamus earned his chops playing weddings and funerals with his dad's bands in West Detroit. After receiving degrees in both music and educational administration, Greg and his wife Betsy moved to Alpena in 1988. Greg was instrumental in shaping the music scene in the area through the Thunder Bay ...

    Longtime and lifetime Alpena residents, Doris Knechtel and Hattie Sheppler talk about growing up on the North side (Hattie) and the South side (Doris) of town. Local industry, entertainment, businesses and family ties are discussed in this interview that includes Alpena historian, Bob Lyngos.

    Lifetime Long Lake Resident, Clarise Grzenkowicz talks about working as a cutter at The Alpena Garment Factory from 1935-40. In addition to discussing the working environment at the factory, Clarise describes day to day life in Alpena at that time.

    Guitar player Glenn Anderson talks about playing music in the Alpena area, in Texas and recording in Nashville.Glenn plays country music primarily and some polka music as well. He started out with locally with Bussey String Band and discusses other players and venues in this interview.

    Bobby Rigg started playing drums under the tutelage of his dad Tubby Rigg, then played drums at St. Bernard's and in the City Band. Enamored by the sounds of rock and roll, he formed the band The Chevelles with Ralph Pinkerton, Donny Hartman and Jack Smolinski. Their success in the ...