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Student papers, 1930-1987 prepared for classes in history at the University of Michigan (primarily Michigan history class taught by Lewis G. VanderVelde, but also including research papers for classes taught by Sidney Fine and others); topics concern Michigan social and political history; Michigan biography and bibliography; and local community history.

The student papers are organized alphabetically by author in two series, which are similar in date range and topics covered. Topics of papers concern Michigan social and political history; Michigan biography and bibliography; local community history and University of Michigan history. A topical index to the papers is available in the first box of the collection.

Three Civil War diaries, a supply record book, and correspondence between Faxon and his wife and other members of the family concerning family affairs, the Rochester Colony (1851-1852), and a trip from Adrian to DuPlain township (1851), and description of Mount Clemens, Michigan, in 1849. In letters related to Faxon's Civil War service, he describes Camp Lyon, a boat trip to Cleveland, and the flooded Ohio River, a Washington's Birthday celebration, and the execution of a traitor. He tells of camp life and duties and of sickness in camp, of foraging and scouting parties, picket duty, skirmishing, and marches with the wagon trains. He shook hands with Lincoln and describes his appearance. Much of each letter is devoted to his religious activities and reflections. Also includes letters of Mary Stephenson Faxon describing her trip to Michigan before her marriage (1850) and a letter (1859) enlisting Faxon's aid in recruiting Methodist missionaries for work among Michigan Indians. Letter (Feb. 23, 1862) describes Washington's Birthday celebration. Correspondents include Edward F. Everest (Dec. 3, 1851), Theron James, and John Bromley. Diary entries describe William H. Howard speech (Jan. 27, 1864) and Abraham Lincoln White House reception (Apr. 1, 1864).

Missionary agency of the Michigan Council of Churches. Correspondence, staff reports on local projects, annual reports, treasurer's reports and related printed material; and papers, 1965-1968, of Michigan Migrant Opportunity, Inc. [federally funded organization jointly administered by the Michigan Council of Churches and the Michigan Catholic Conference], including correspondence and reports.

The records of the Michigan Migrant Ministry cover the years 1946 to 1969 with the bulk from 1954 to 1969. One-third of the records consist of committee and project reports from the local community projects. These folders are arranged chronologically with the reports arranged alphabetically by county. The reports contain information about the type and size of the crops in the area, the number and ethnic makeup of the migrants, the types of activities in the communities and personal glimpses of the lives of the laborers. Also included in this series are the annual reports published by the Michigan Migrant Ministry, minutes of the Executive and State Committee Meetings, financial reports, budgets and the minutes of the National Migrant Ministry Meetings from 1954 to 1959.

The records of Michigan Migrant Opportunity, Inc. are part of this collection, also. The records include background information, bylaws of the corporation, executive committee meeting minutes, progress reports and financial reports. Information is also included about the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Title IIIB programs.