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Kalamazoo Mechanics Institute (Kalamazoo, Mich.)

 Organization

Biography

The Mechanics’ Institute in Kalamazoo was established before the 1850’s as a way to bring citizens together through education. At this time, “Mechanics’ Institutes” had been widely established the Europe, as well as the British colonies in Australia. These Institutes were educational establishments for adults often including lending libraries, classes, and other educational events. According to the Mechanic’s Institute of San Francisco (est. 1854), “Mechanic” describes a “skilled maker of things, avid student of technology, a self-respecting yeoman eager to make his way in the world.” These qualities are exemplified in the lecture topics listed on the flyer, as well as in the roster of Reverends, pastors, and attorneys that represented examples of what a “successful” man might have looked like at the time. The Kalamazoo Gazette contains limited information on the Institute.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

The Mechanics’ Institute Flyer

 Item
Identifier: RH-A-4314
Scope and Contents This collection is composed of one flyer from The Mechanic’s Institute of Kalamazoo, dating from 1882.The flyer details a series of lectures at the Mechanics’ Institute at Institute Hall located at N. Burdick St. Some topics are listed such as “Socrates,” “Epochs of National Life,” and “Gladstone.” Two additional lectures are listed (Spoken by Hon. Charles S. May and Edwin M. Irish, respectively) with subjects and dates to be announced. On the bottom margin of the page, tickets...
Dates: 1882