A diligent reader sends along
A diligent reader sends along the definitive word, or at least several non-definitive words, on the naming of A2:
[H]e approached the arbor where Mrs. Rumsey was sitting and, lifting his hat, remarked with a smile, ‘My! What a restful place you have here; what do you call it?’ Mrs. Rumsey resplied, ‘This is Ann’s Arbor; don’t you think that is a good name for the place?’ John Allen agreed that it was a good name for not only that particular spot but for the whole place he and Mr. Rumsey had lately surveyed.
And “Annarbour” even has an explanation:
Russell Bidlack explains in his latest book:“While map-maker Judd spelled the name ‘Annarbour,’ and Governor Cass wrote it as two words, John Sheldon inserted a hyphen between Ann and Arbour. The Governor’s choice became standard, except for the gradual acceptance of Noah Webster’s ‘American’ spelling of arbor, i.e., arbor, although neither John nor Ann ever made the change.”
Hmmm. Ann-Arbour Is Overrated?
Spell it however you like, it's still overrated.
posted by Boris on October 30th, 2003 at 1:50 pmAnn-Arbour is Oveurrated?
posted by Steven B. Cherry on October 30th, 2003 at 2:10 pmStill restful, after all these years.
posted by Sam on October 30th, 2003 at 4:13 pmMaybe these signs are meant to emphasize Ann Arbor's “European feel,” as Mayor Hieftje likes to put it. Gag me.
posted by Brandon on October 30th, 2003 at 4:29 pmHowever it is spelled, Ann Arbor is still 20 square miles surrounded by reality, at least until the greenbelt project is implemented. Then it'll be 20 square miles surrounded by real trees.
posted by Jon on October 30th, 2003 at 8:46 pm