Armory Masquerade
There are masks for many occasions. Some wear masks to protect their identities while evading danger. Others wear masks to instill fear, as did the cowardly men who tarred and feathered the principal of Willow Run High School, Dr. R. Wiley Brownlee, in 1971.
Masks can also be used for celebration, as is the case with this project. Armory Masquerade allowed students to make colorful, vibrant masks for a joyous celebration that was retrofitted into a place that touched so many; the Ypsilanti Armory.
(A photo of the Armory from 1939 which is part of the Ypsilanti Historical Society's Photo Archive, accessible through the University of Michigan Library's Digital Archive)
Built in 1923, the Ypsilanti Armory’s main function was to serve as a space to train and mobilize National Guard soldiers. Because of its size, it also served as a venue for live music, dances, fundraisers, weddings, trade shows, and the annual Fireman’s Ball, to name a few events. However, because it was a general community event space rather than a dedicated commercial concert venue, it lacks a comprehensive archive, adding to its lore and mystique.
Bettye LaVette (the spelling of her name changed in the late 1970s) performed there in 1964, New Heavenly Blue in 1972, and both The Rabbits and The New Order in 1975. It is said to have hosted many other big names as well.
A concert ticket shared by Bettye LaVette on her Facebook page.
There were five steps in this project:
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Review the materials, including a blank cardboard mask, construction paper, and out-of-use school library books
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Cut or rip the construction paper and/or pages from the books into desired shapes
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Glue the shapes to the cardboard mask
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Sit for a studio portrait while wearing the mask
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Imagine partying with your friends and family, listening to great music, and eating good food at the Ypsilanti Armory
An aerial photo from 1959 of South Huron Street and I-94, and the Armory, donated to the Ann Arbor District Library by the Ann Arbor News
Sadly, the armory, which was located at 1025 South Huron Street, fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1989.
Photos taken by Terry Towler in 1989 before the Armory was demolished as part of the Ypsilanti Historical Society's Photo Archive, accessible through the University of Michigan Library's Digital Archive.
Each link below corresponds to the work created at that school for this project.
