INDEX FEBRUARY 2023

chains also published travel guides, but they were mainly used to list all their locations across the country.

From The Editor

During the 1930’s, Franklin Roosevelt hired 6,500 unemployed writers and artists for $20 a week as part of the Federal Writers Project to travel the country. A series of American Guide Books were published from the information they gathered. The books highlighted local attractions, culture and traditions, which became invaluable for travelers.

With today’s smart phones equipped with GPS, it’s hard to believe all of the guide books and maps it previously took to travel.

However, many of us back road travelers, who love to visit small towns and roadside attractions, would argue that the journey, not the destination, is much more exciting and still the best way to travel.

Steve Ellis, SPARK Publisher steve@swmspark.com

Editor and Publisher: Steve Ellis

Graphic & Page Development: CRE8 Design, Kalamazoo

Content/Photography: Lauren Ellis

Writers and Contributors Include: Area Agency on Aging, Steve Ellis, Lee Dean, Laura Kurella, Richard Martinovich Dave Person, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Portage Public Library, Senior Services of Southwest Michigan, YMCA

SPARK accepts advertising to defray the cost of production and distribution, and appreciates the support of its advertisers. The publication does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. Spark is a publication of Ellis Strategies, LLC. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher.