Olivet College Spring Break

NOTE: the picture on the left, at the top of this blog.

In 2008, on the website Roosweb.com (no longer usable, but still has some information “read only”) a notice appeared on one of their ‘Archives’ mailing lists with the name Hazelton in the subject line. It was from someone who had a picture that she had “rescued.”  On the back it indicated that it was taken at the Crispell Studio in Battle Creek, Michigan (owned by Theron Crispell and in business from 1873-1883) and dated April 3, 1876. It was a group of students (calling themselves “Odette of the Shrug”) on vacation from Olivet College. The six students listed were: Ella Hazelton of Hartford, MI, Frankie Hazelton of Hartford, MI, Belle Mather of Detroit, MI, May Smith of Somerset, MI, Frank Green of Olivet, MI and Sherman Upton of Big Rapids, MI. Mary Ella (my great-grandmother) and her sister, Frances Ann (Frankie) are on the right. The woman who found the picture had done some initial research on the students in the picture which was included on the mailing list. I contacted her and she generously sent the picture to me. 

What a treasure to have been found it, done the initial research and then to reach out and give to a family member. Genealogists are such a fun, interesting and giving community.