Mick, it sounds like a grand and glorious time. My people (Aldriches from Sussex) settled in Battle Creek and Grand Rapids over 150 years ago, and I lived in Otsego for one year at the age of 5- I have few memories of Michigan, but you have made me want to go back! My Aldrich grandfather married a Dalton who was not proud of her Co. Westmeath ancestry, so little is known about my Irish forbears- maybe I'd find some of them in Conklin! Thanks for a wonderful story!
Allison