Max Ellison Explained

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.[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]

Notes and References

  1. News: May 6, 1985 . Northern Michigan Bard Leaves Word After Death . AP News . July 26, 2022.
  2. News: Wooten . Terry . March 21, 2021 . Happy Birthday to a Pivotal Michigan Poet . The Traverse City Record Eagle . July 26, 2022.
  3. News: Wooten . Terry . November 17, 2019 . Frog Holler and Stone Circle comes full circle in Ellison's memory . The Traverse City Record Eagle . August 1, 2022.
  4. News: Clock . Bob . May 2, 1969 . Bearded Bellaire Ex-Hog Farmer to Publish Poems . 5 . Petoskey News-Review . August 1, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  5. News: BeVier . Tom . September 17, 1984 . Poetic Journey; Frog Holler man takes show on the road . 1 & 13A . Detroit Free Press . August 1, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  6. News: January 12, 1972 . Philomatheans to Hear Poet, Max Ellison . Livingston County Daily Press and Argus . Howell, Michigan . August 1, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  7. News: September 19, 1979 . "Piper-Poet' Visiting Schools In Marion Area . 19 . The Marion Star . Marion, Ohio . August 3, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  8. News: September 29, 1981 . Junior High Students Hear Poet . 7 . Richwood Gazette . Richwood, Ohio . August 3, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  9. News: Merusi . Aldo . May 7, 1971 . Poetry for The Birds - Not to Max Ellison . 8 . Rutland Daily Herald . Rutland, Vermont . August 3, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  10. News: Smith . James Lister . March 26, 1980 . Itinerant Poet Sells His Skills Easily . 1 & 8D . The Burlington Free Press . Burlington, Vermont . August 3, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  11. News: Anderson . Loraine . March 24, 1978 . Wandering Poet Reads at Lakeshore . 5 . The Herald-Palladium . Saint Joseph, Michigan . August 1, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  12. News: December 30, 1970 . Max Ellison Will Read His Poems At Inauguration . The Holland Evening Sentinel . August 1, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  13. News: January 1, 1971 . Schedule for State Inaugural . 5 . Detroit Free Press . August 1, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  14. News: March 6, 1973 . Max Ellison Represents United States at Festival . Petoskey News-Review . August 1, 2022 . Newspapers.com.
  15. Book: Ellison, Max . The Underbark . Sleepy Hollow Books . 1969 . Huntington, VT.
  16. Book: Ellison, Max . The Happenstance . Conway House . 1972.
  17. Book: Ellison, Max . Double Take: A Collection of Poems by Max Ellison: Introducing the Poetry of Lynn Berry . Berry . Lynn . Conway House . 1973.

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