A long history of reading & writing

#RockSolidHistory from #MackinacIsland and #FortMackinac in #Michigan!

This fort, which was active for more than 100 years, had not only soldiers staying onsite, but their families too. The Reading Room was a versatile place, including a library and schoolhouse for the soldiers and their children. Yes, the schoolhouse was for night school for adults, as well as day school for children.

Interestingly, the small library had the book “Anne” by Constance Fenimore Woolson. The story is set on Mackinac Island, and Woolson knew the island well because she spent her childhood summers here in the 1840s.

Woolson’s book, which was extremely popular in the 1880s, gives a true snapshot of how life used to be on the island. It reflects her true experiences. You can read it for free online today.
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#thisismackinac #AnneBook #ConstanceFenimoreWoolson #MackinacHistory #LiteraryHistory #FortMackinacReadingRoom #UPMichiganHistory