Memorials of a Half-century

This collection of essays by a noted writer, explorer, and Detroit civic leader offers detailed descriptions of Michigan's geography, geology, and local history in a consciously crafted literary style. Hubbard discusses the natural history of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron; topographical and geological features of Michigan; a geological expedition to the salt springs of the Grand and Saginaw River valleys with the new state's geologist, Dr. Houghton (1837); local factors and the 1837-38 financial panic; and land speculation and settlement. In addition Hubbard writes about Michigan Indians and Indian antiquities; flora and fauna, animal behavior; climatology; and the world of Michigan's French-speaking inhabitants, especially Detroit habitants, rural farmers, and voyageurs (who paddled the waterways as guides, trappers, and tradesmen), comparing the life-styles of French speakers and Yankees. The book is heavily illustrated with sketches of Indian artifacts, landscapes, folk architecture, trees, and diagrams representing the Mound-Builders' ancient garden beds.