The story of the cabin being built took place in 1955 when her husband retired from teaching at Michigan university. Michigan University is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ann Arbour at the time: Ann Arbor, Michigan was a town with houses, stores and a very big college in the center. Nothing major happened in 1955 except in January of 1955 The bakery "Quality Bakery" Caught fire and burnt nearly down overall the damage cost $25,000.
Michigan University: There wasn't much online about the University of Michigan in 1955. The only thing I found was there, the football team. The Wolverines finished 12th in the AP poll and 3rd in the Big 10 conference.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1955_Michigan_Wolverines_football_team