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Eastern Michigan University

Refinement and Architecture in Early Ypsilanti

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>The objective of this work is to examine refinement and architecture in nineteenth-century America with a focus on rural areas and Ypsilanti, Michigan in particular. The research utilized consists of an analysis of primary and secondary sources. Included among the primary sources are architectural style books such as those by Andrew Jackson Downing, pioneer writings such as those of Caroline Kirkland and Solon Robinson, historical buildings, and probate record inventories of Washtenaw County. Ypsilantians did not assume the genteel refinement that developed in the nineteenth century. They instead modified gentility to become a form of respectability that suited their needs. By examining one small town in which gentility was unrealistic and undesired, we can conclude that Americans in other periphery locales had differing opinions and feelings toward the movement of gentility which helped shape respectability and comfort in American society.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts (MA)
Level thesis:degree_level
Open Access Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
History and Philosophy
Year dc:date.available
2015

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • McCarron, Lynda
Contributors dc:contributor
  • John McCurdy, Ph.D., Chair
  • Richard Nation, Ph.D.
  • Dan Bonenberger, Ph.D.

Subjects

dc:subject × 3

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/722
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2103

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Eastern Michigan University
Base URL
commons.emich.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

McCarron, Lynda. Refinement and Architecture in Early Ypsilanti. Open Access Thesis thesis, 2015. https://commons.emich.edu/theses/722