looking back
This photo and its original label from the Detroit News photo collection at the Walter Reuther Library at Wayne State University present a lesson in reading his-
torical sources. The caption for the photo reads “Foreign Colonies — Jewish Types — 1909.” First, don’t be offended that your American ancestors lived in a
“Foreign Colony.” Photographs for every immigrant group in Detroit were listed as “Foreign Colonies” instead of ethnic neighborhoods. And, the label “Jewish
Types”? Well, the labels were written by an unknown someone at the News in 1909, likely a white Protestant person who needed to create a system of label-
ing. The overall point is that there are some wonderful historic items out there, but do not expect someone from more than 100 years ago to use the same
reference terms we use today for photos or documents. And, labels also depend upon the background of the labeler. •
From the DJN Davidson Digital Archive
J
ewish women in Detroit have had some
remarkable accomplishments over the past
100 years. We know this. So, why am I think-
ing about this particular topic for this week’s col-
umn? Because I had a very pleasant and interest-
ing meeting with Michael E. Williams.
The meeting came about by happenstance on
Mackinac Island in June. We were both attend-
Mike Smith
ing the Mackinac Policy Conference, but we
Detroit Jewish News
met on the road. I was walking one way and he
Foundation Archivist
was walking in the opposite direction. We saw
each other’s conference badges and had a brief
discussion in the middle of the road. This was
my good fortune — Michael is the president and CEO of Orchards
Children’s Services in Southfield, and he invited me to see his
operation. Well, the work this organization performs on behalf of
Michigan’s children in need is impressive.
From Michael , as well as the Orchards website, I also learned
that Orchards was founded in 1962 by the Greater Detroit Section
50
July 26 • 2018
jn
of the National Council of Jewish Women. It began as a residential
center for boys. Now, its programs include adoption, foster care
and family preservation for the entire state of Michigan.
Of course, once I realized the connection to the NCJW, I decided
to look into the Davidson Digital Archives and see what I could
find on Orchards. It was well covered in the JN: There were 349
entries related to Orchards. And, not too long ago, there was an
excellent story in the March 24, 2016, issue of the JN for the birth-
day of the NCJW titled “125 Years of Service.” Along with a very
nice photo of board members in 2013 — taken, appropriately, at
the “All Kids Playground in Waterford established by NCJW” — the
article cites the organization’s work with education, poverty, hun-
ger and, well, you name the need, and these Jewish women are on
the job! Orchards Children’s Services is just one example of dedica-
tion to bettering our community. •
Want to learn more? Go to the DJN Foundation archives,
available for free at www.djnfoundation.org.