The sketch today will focus on one who was instrumental in a great amount of the past which is featured in each of our Silverbrook Legacies.

Indeed if it were not for the detailed accounting of "A Twentieth Century History of Berrien County, Michigan," by author and editor, Orville W. Coolidge, the recorded history of this region would be greatly diminished.

The accounts within the volume are exact and eloquently written. This is a work done by a dedicated historian and writer who spent long hours at his craft. That alone is impressive.

However, when we consider that Coolidge, born in Edwardsburg, Oct. 9, 1839, was also a lawyer; mayor of the City of Niles from 1890-91; circuit judge in Michigan's 2nd Circuit, 1894-1911; lecturer and teacher in addition to being an author and historian: we are even more thoroughly impressed.

It must be noted when Coolidge turns his flowery prose to himself and his family, he like any autobiographer is here too choosing what to share with his readers. That inherent bias understood, he still has earned legitimate "bragging rights."

Click here for the full article on the Niles Daily Star website

Published March 28th, 2009