Max Ellison (1914-1985) was an American poet who was born in Bellaire, Michigan.[1][2][3] Ellison attended Bellaire High School for two years. During the Second World War, he served in the US Army's 1st Cavalry Division in the Philippines and was awarded the Purple Heart. After the war he became a hog farmer in Plymouth, Michigan. In 1967, he left farming and returned to Bellaire to write poetry.[4] There he lived in a small wooden cabin without plumbing, electricity, or a telephone.[5] He travelled extensively, performing poetry recitations in numerous schools and colleges.[4][6][7][8][9] His poems were said to be, "earthy, direct and naturalistic."[10] While another reviewer noted, "When speaking, his deep, rolling voice draws out the lyrical quality of strong simple images and the musical meter of his own and others' poetry."[11] He recited his poem, "Michigan," at the first inauguration of Michigan Governor William Milliken.[12][13] In 1973, he represented the United States at an international poetry festival held at the University of Massachusetts.[14] Ellison published several books of poetry including The Underbark,[15] The Happenstance,[16] and Double Take.[17]
References
edit- ^ "Northern Michigan Bard Leaves Word After Death". AP News. May 6, 1985. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
- ^ Wooten, Terry (March 21, 2021). "Happy Birthday to a Pivotal Michigan Poet". The Traverse City Record Eagle. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
- ^ Wooten, Terry (November 17, 2019). "Frog Holler and Stone Circle comes full circle in Ellison's memory". The Traverse City Record Eagle. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
- ^ a b Clock, Bob (May 2, 1969). "Bearded Bellaire Ex-Hog Farmer to Publish Poems". Petoskey News-Review. p. 5. Retrieved August 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ BeVier, Tom (September 17, 1984). "Poetic Journey; Frog Holler man takes show on the road". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1 & 13A. Retrieved August 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Philomatheans to Hear Poet, Max Ellison". Livingston County Daily Press and Argus. Howell, Michigan. January 12, 1972. Retrieved August 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ ""Piper-Poet' Visiting Schools In Marion Area". The Marion Star. Marion, Ohio. September 19, 1979. p. 19. Retrieved August 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Junior High Students Hear Poet". Richwood Gazette. Richwood, Ohio. September 29, 1981. p. 7. Retrieved August 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Merusi, Aldo (May 7, 1971). "Poetry for The Birds - Not to Max Ellison". Rutland Daily Herald. Rutland, Vermont. p. 8. Retrieved August 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Smith, James Lister (March 26, 1980). "Itinerant Poet Sells His Skills Easily". The Burlington Free Press. Burlington, Vermont. pp. 1 & 8D. Retrieved August 3, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Anderson, Loraine (March 24, 1978). "Wandering Poet Reads at Lakeshore". The Herald-Palladium. Saint Joseph, Michigan. p. 5. Retrieved August 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Max Ellison Will Read His Poems At Inauguration". The Holland Evening Sentinel. December 30, 1970. Retrieved August 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Schedule for State Inaugural". Detroit Free Press. January 1, 1971. p. 5. Retrieved August 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Max Ellison Represents United States at Festival". Petoskey News-Review. March 6, 1973. Retrieved August 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Ellison, Max (1969). The Underbark. Huntington, VT: Sleepy Hollow Books.
- ^ Ellison, Max (1972). The Happenstance. Conway House.
- ^ Ellison, Max; Berry, Lynn (1973). Double Take: A Collection of Poems by Max Ellison: Introducing the Poetry of Lynn Berry. Conway House.