"A teacher's life should extend beyond the classroom," stated Professor Jack Harris of Eastern's English Language and Literature department. Harris graduated from Central Michigan University and received his degree from the Shakespeare Institute at Stratford-on-Avon, England. Harris has been a faculty member at Eastern for more than thirteen years. He has been instrumental in the development of successful programs. Trips to Stratford, Ontario and a foreign studies course at the Shakespeare Institute in England are two of such programs.
Although Harris feels comfortable in a classroom, he doesn't think the closed classroom situation helps the students to open up and feel relaxed. "I like to have students come to my house. We all get into attitudes about what a class should be and too many people have a class which is divorced from their lives," he stated.
Living in Ypsilanti for the past five years has provided many advantages, according to Harris. Among them is the convenience of walking to work in less than ten minutes. But what has made him most content and comfortable in Ypsilanti is his home. Harris resides in an old historical house on Pearl street which was built in 1870. He delights in restoring and preserving the structure. His garden, with it's antique bird bath and vines, has increased his enjoyment of Ypsilanti living.
Having a centennial house inspired Harris to become involved in both the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation and the Historical Society. The Heritage Foundation initiates many programs to preserve the Ypsilanti area. Harris worked to save the Towner and Stachlewitz Houses from destruction and was chairperson of the Huron Street Historical Walk. This tour enabled people to see, learn and appreciate the architecture in the area. The Walk consisted of open house tours, and public discussions on significant buildings in the area.
Another of Harris' involvements includes his service as vice chairman of the Historical District Commission. With it's more than 700 buildings, the Ypsilanti Historic District is one of the largest in the country. Residents of the district are made aware of the strict city ordinances enforced through the Commission. All alterations and repairs must be approved by permit through the commission. The Commission also acts in giving advice home owners and private businesses on preserving an improving their buildings.
Harris has learned that "the long standing history (of Ypsilanti) has proven to be a cultured community... place that everyone looked to with respect." Quoting a long-time resident of his neighborhood, Miss Evangeline Lewis, Harris said that "Historical Ypsilanti was an elegant place, but it wasn't stuffy."