The Woodruff-Marin papers contain information about Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, and greater Michigan. The bulk of the collection consists of photographs taken by Eugene C. Woodruff between 1890 and 1896. The collection is arranged into two series, the Woodruff Family Papers and the Marin Family Papers.
John F. Woodruff (1841-1917) was a Michigan Lumberman based in St. Clair and Ludington, Michigan. He was married to Helen F. Williams, daughter of Jeremiah D. Williams of Ann Arbor, the Republican State representative for Washtenaw County. Their sons, Eugene C. Woodruff (1871-1944) and Edwin F. Woodruff (1874-1898) attended the University of Michigan in the early 1890s with Edwin F. Woodruff received his BS in engineering in 1896.
Eugene C. Woodruff received a BS in engineering in 1894, a MS in music in 1896, and a PhD in engineering in 1900. His work was on electrical engineering, in particular automatic push-button controls for electric trolley cars and the creation of electricity. Eugene Woodruff taught at the high school level between his degrees. After his PhD he taught at several universities, including Montana State University, Milliken University in Illinois, and Penn State University. While teaching, he continued to research electrical transportation, as well as radio and automobile electrical systems. In 1900, Eugene Woodruff married Goyce Houston of Vassar, Michigan, the daughter of State Senator Benjamin W. Houston. Their daughter, Helen Woodruff, also attended the University of Michigan, receiving her BA in 1923. Helen Woodruff then became a professor and the Dean of Women at Flint City College, teaching French and Spanish.
Victor Marin (b. 1865) immigrated to the United States from Stockholm, Sweden in 1886 to join his father, a fine building finisher, in Manistique, Michigan. In 1888, Victor Marin was able to send for his sweetheart, Mathilda C. Humble, and they were married the same year. The couple had twelve sons, and nine of them finished high school in Manistique. Axel Marin (1896-1980) went on to the University of Michigan, graduating with a BS in mechanical engineering in 1922, and began teaching mechanical engineering at the university. Axel Marin married Lois A. Fischer, daughter of John C. Fischer (1886-1934), owner of Ann Arbor's Fischer Hardware. In 1922 Axel Marin became president of Fischer Hardware while continuing to teach at the University. Axel Marin also served on the University of Michigan Board of Intercollegiate Athletics in the 1940's. Fred Marin also graduated from the University of Michigan in 1924 with a degree in business, and began a career as a state banks examiner.
Fred Marin married Helen Woodruff in 1926. Their son, Edwin W. Marin, and his wife, Jane A. Marin are the donors of this collection.
