Sleuthing the Story Behind a Photo

May 29, 2025

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Read time:

<5 mins
Photo Of Estelle Mislik Mears Benjamin King And Two Others At An Alpha Lambda Fraternity Farewell Party For Benjamin King

Edward Mears uncovered a 1933 photo of his grandmother, Estelle, with a Chinese student named Benjamin King, sparking a three-year journey from Michigan to China. His research revealed their unique friendship amid cultural barriers and shed light on the experiences of Chinese exchange students at U-M in the 1930s. This story highlights the power of connection across cultures during a turbulent era—read on to discover how these unlikely friendships were uncovered.

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