Regional History

We are currently adding our Finding Aids to our online database to make them more searchable. What is a Finding Aid? A Finding Aid is a document created to describe an archival collection. These documents describe the history of the collection and the arrangement of material to help the researcher navigate the contents of the collection. Think of it as a Google search of our papers, photographs, business records, and family collections.

SEARCH FINDING AIDS

Digital Collections

Discover an extensive range of digitized materials encompassing over 4,500 items exhibiting the diversity of content housed within the George R. and Edith Angell Cook Special Collections Department. The Digitial Collections include photographs, text, and oral histories, all of which align with the department’s mission. Our digital archives are continually expanding to present the rich history of our Michigan region.

Carl R. Henry Diaries

A young man with glasses and a formal outfit, posed against a faded background with handwritten notes, dated January 7, 1924.

The Carl R. Henry Diaries are made possible by generous donations in memory of Mary Florence Henry Davidson, Carl Henry’s youngest daughter.  The diaries include 66 years of daily diary entries by local corporate and estate attorney, Carl R. Henry, starting at age 13.  (His family built and lived in the stone “castle” on State Avenue.)  This is truly a treasure trove of local history and genealogy.  Click to view: Diaries, Description of Carl R. Henry

Fred R. Trelfa Collection

The image features a portrait of a balding man in a suit, looking directly at the camera. The photo has a grainy texture.

Fred Trelfa was born in Strathroy (ONT) on April 9, 1886. He moved to Alpena on May 6, 1895. He married Mable C. Hagen (d. Aug 19, 1974) in 1914 and had two children, Mable and Richard. He worked for the Alpena City Water Co., Holmes & Kelsey Wholesale Grocery, and Alpena County Savings Bank. From 1919 until his retirement in 1964, he worked at the Fletcher Paper Company. He was active in the community having served on the hospital and school boards, as well as being a member of the Masons. He was a self-made historian and photographer dedicated to preserving and documenting Alpena’s heritage. His catalogued files contained hundreds of photographs and articles that traced Alpena’s growth from its earliest beginnings. Trelfa died at the age of 92 on March 27, 1979. (The Alpena News March 28, 1979). Click to view the Fred R. Trelfa Collection

Research Materials

City Directories- digitally available directories from 1884 to 1920. 1924 to present are located in the Alpena History Room.
Geography & Maps- view a selection of local maps and regional surveys ranging from 1880 to 1970s

Regional Newspapers

Digitally Available:

Microfilm Available in Alpena History Room

  • Alpena County, Mich
    • Alpena Argus – 1893–1909
    • Alpena Argus Pioneer – 1909–1917
    • Alpena Frolic – 1875–1880
    • Alpena Weekly Argus – 1871–1893
    • Labor Journal – 1887–1892
    • Michigan Labor Journal – 1884–1887
    • The Alpena News – 1914–Current
    • The Alpena Pioneer – 1890
    • The Evening Echo – 1890
  • Montmorency County, Mich
    • Lewiston Journal – April 28, 1898
    • Montmorency County Tribune (Atlanta, MI) – 1914–1994
  • Cheboygan County, Mich
    • Cheboygan Tribune – 1886–1887
  • Presque Isle County, Mich
    • Onaway Outlook – 1900–1960
    • Onaway Interlake – 1902–1905

Regional History

Indigenous History and Genealogy

To learn more about the long history of Indigenous use and settlement of the area visit our Indigeneous History page.  You can also reach out to our staff!