Baldwin Library Welcomes 2 Authors to Birmingham This December

History fans, take note: Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library will be hosting two authors this December and they're talking World War II and Michigan history.

Baldwin will be hosting author programs with Teresa Irish on Dec. 6 and Michael Hodges on Dec. 19. Both programs are at 7 p.m.

Irish is the author of A Thousand of Letters Home: One WWII Soldier's Story of War, Love and Life. The WWII Correspondence of Aarol W. "Bud" Irish. A Northville resident, Irish's visit to Baldwin is in remembrance of Pearl Habor Day on Dec. 7.

One day after her father's death in 2006, Irish discovered an old army trunk in her childhood home, finding thousands of handwritten letters postmarked from 1942-45. Written by Irish's father to his parents and the sweetheart who would later become his wife, the letters detail a touching story of war.

Irish's book has been named a Reviewer's Choice by Midwest Book Review while the Military Writers Society of America call it a "fascinating book" and a "treasure trove." This month, A Thousand Letters Home was named an honorable mention in the 20th annual Writer's Digest Self Published Book Awards.

On Dec. 19, Baldwin will then host writer and photographer Michael Hodges, author of Michigan's Historic Railroad Stations. In his newest book, Hodges — a columnist for the Detroit News — documents the railroad's chapter in Michigan history, ranging from a functioning Amtrak station in Jackson, to a converted office building in Battle Creek and spectacular abandoned depots in Saginaw and Detroit.

The book, published by Wayne State University Press, takes a look at the railroad's glory days in Michigan, from 1890 and 1925, while also delving into the role these iconic structures play local history and culture. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of the Book Beat bookstore.