Tag Archives: Michigan

“Actress, Detroit Girl, Here This Month”: When the Newspaper Gets It Wrong

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Don Taylor

Sometimes the newspaper gets it wrong. But even when it does, it can still hand us some wonderful information. On Sunday, February 8, 1920, The Detroit News ran a small feature on page 61 under the headline “Actress, Detroit Girl, … Continue reading →

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Confirming Uncle Russ’s Military Service

Posted on July 29, 2026 by Don Taylor

Brown-Montran LineBy Don Taylor When I set out to confirm Russell’s Korean War service, my search on Fold3 turned up only his draft card — no service record at all, which genuinely surprised me given how confident I was about … Continue reading →

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Russell Erwin Kees (1927–2016)

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Don Taylor

Ancestor SketchFamily line: Brown-MontranBy Don Taylor Identity Question How did Russell Erwin Kees — born Russell Erwin Clark Amsterdam to Madonna Mae Montran and Samson Clark Amsterdam, and later known by an unofficial surname taken from his mother’s partner (a … Continue reading →

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In the News – 1925-12-03 – Jefferson Theatre, Muskegon, MI – Donna Darling & Girls

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Don Taylor

🎭 Vaudeville Flashback! 🎭
On December 3, this day in 1925, Donna Darling & Girls took the stage at the Jefferson Theatre in Muskegon, MI! Featuring dazzling Bathing Suit Revues, catchy songs, and lively dances, this was a must-see act of its time. A glimpse into the golden era of 1920s entertainment!
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A Case of Mistaken Identity? Mrs. Montran (or Montrose?) in Vicksburg, 1901.

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Don Taylor

Montran MondayBy Don Taylor As part of my ongoing Montran Monday series, I search historical newspapers for any mention of individuals bearing the Montran surname. Each brief reference is another clue in the larger puzzle of my maternal grandmother’s elusive … Continue reading →

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