Writing
My writing is about local history, bringing together my interests in theaters, Judaism, and Michigan government.
I contribute to Wikipedia under the handle DontCallMeLateForDinner, writing and rewriting articles in my own time. Wikipedia is a collaborative project, and my work on articles is frequently improved by other contributors.
In this project, I created a new article for Wayne State University's new performing arts center in Midtown Detroit. I also updated the pages for its predecessors the Bonstelle Theatre and the Hilberry Theatre, adding historical context and taking new photographs.
Poster: A. Raymond Katz, public domain
Alexander Raymond Katz, also known as Sándor, immigrated from Hungary to Chicago in 1909. There, he embraced a distinct style of modernist visual art, thoroughly influenced by the landscape of Chicago and themes of Judaism. His works are in a variety of media, including murals, woodcuts, posters, stained glass, architecture, and casein paintings.
Katz's works are seen in over 200 synagogues across the country, and are treasured as unique components of 20th-century American synagogue architecture. Katz's legacy is also present in United States federal buildings and private art collections.
Katz's works are cherished parts of multiple Michigan synagogues, and his work on movie palaces in Chicago is in line with my interests.
Image: National Vaudeville Artists Benefit Fund, public domain
This collection of articles on Michigan cinema history traces the W. S. Butterfield Theatres chain from beginning to end, spanning over eighty years.
This collection is introduced by two newly written articles, on the theatre chain and its founder. This ongoing project has introduced me to historical resources and techniques in the fields of Michigan Jewish history, Washtenaw County women's suffrage history, and more.
Articles listed below are written or substantially rewritten by myself.
The Mayan Revival-styled State is impeccably restored to its 1930s glory.
Image: Carol M. Highsmith, public domain
Once one of four theaters in downtown Monroe, and now Monroe's premier performing arts destination.
The new State Theatre is four screens of classic movie palace glory, but its original incarnation was even more grand. Saved from the wrecking ball by the founders of Borders, the State is now half Target store, half retro-modern cinema.
Originally built by Michigan State Treasurer George L. Maltz, the former State Theater will soon become a live theater once again.
Image: John Margolies, public domain
The successor to Steinberg's Grand Opera House, the labor of love of Traverse City's first Jewish resident, the State was revitalized by Michael Moore's Traverse City Film Festival.
Image: supercraigtalbert, CC BY 2.0
Ypsilanti's most luxurious movie theater, but not its first. Originally built and operated by Florence W. Signor, the only Michigan woman to manage a theatre at the time, the Martha's history is unique in context with its current use as a club.