Syrian-Lebanon Directory of Michigan. 1943 Edition
[Detroit]: 1943. [388]pp. Original red printed wrappers bound into modern quarter calf and marbled paper-covered boards, gilt spine titles. Some sunning and minor scuffing to spine, minor edge wear. A few ink notations and scribbles on front wrapper, a few pencil notes in the text, otherwise clean. Very good. Item #4333
An informative and quite rare directory compiled by and for the Syrian-Lebanese community in Michigan. The work centers around an alphabetical listing of Syrian and Lebanese residents of the state, organized by city. Naturally Detroit is the longest list, but there are also listings for Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and numerous other Michigan towns. In addition to the directory listings, the work contains informative articles by Syrian and Lebanese immigrants, such as "I Am America!" by John W. Coury, the Assistant Prosecutor for Wayne County, who calls on his own ethnic group to rise in patriotism for their new homeland and fight for the United States in World War II. Another article of interest was written by Dr. Philip K. Hirtti, who writes: "It is not enough to make money; we should use our money for a higher end; a nobler purpose." Dr. Hirtti writes of the relatively recent immigration of his people who should now be ready to serve in the war. The work also includes a wealth of advertisements for Syrian-Lebanese businesses and those friendly to the community from across Michigan. Many of the ads feature photographic portraits of the proprietors, providing a valuable pictorial record of Syrian-Lebanese immigrants and citizens from the early-mid-20th century. A rare directory, with just two copies in OCLC, at the University of Minnesota and the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies.
Price: $850.00