Collections

The collection includes papers and photographs about Alpena, Michigan, and general Michigan history.

This collection of papers and photographs focuses on the history and people of Alpena, Michigan, although there are other Michigan counties and topics documented in it. Additional related Michigan materials may be found in several other photographic and papers collections of Fred R. and Tom C. Trelfa.

Photographic materials collected by the Trelfas, documenting a wide range of Michigan and national people, places and events.

This collection, 6.25 cubic ft. (in 14 boxes) 1849-1925, and undated, was donated over a period of time by one or both of the Trelfa brothers and is divided into six series. The series were established by accession number and topic matter. For a more detailed listing see the Box and Folder Listing. Overall the collection is in good physical condition.

Series 1 consists of 1.25 cubic ft. (in 3 boxes), Acc#3071, Boulton Collection. The collection consists of numbered glass-plate negatives #176-242, 244-332, and 330-345-3, dating between 1886-1916, as well as unnumbered plates. Size of the plates varies. Some of the original sleeves of the plates in Box 1 noted “See Boulton album.” The identity of Boulton is unknown. Topics include views of Alpena, buildings, logs, rivers, ships, homes, and fire damage. Some of the original sleeves of the plates in Boxes 2-3 noted “From Dorothy MacDonald”. Her identify is unknown. Images cover the same topics as those found in Box 1, as well as an elephant, animals, Partridge Point, and Thunder Bay.