Naval Air Station Grosse Ile turned back to local control after meritorious service
The big news in 1970 would be in the aviation field. After 42 years of dedicated service as a naval air field, Grosse Ile would open to the public as a regional, township-owned airport, code named KONZ. It would handle the small prop aircraft that neither of the three major airports serviced.
I-75 would officially receive a name in 1970, as a ceremony on September 17 christened the Downriver section as the Fisher Freeway, named in honor of the Fisher brothers, who formed and ran the famed Fisher Body plants in Detroit.
Tall things were in the works as 1971 began, with construction well under way on the Security Bank skyscraper, located just north of the former Wonderland Park at Fort / Pennsylvania / Trenton Roads. When completed, the landmark structure would be billed as the tallest building between Detroit and Toledo, a rank it would hold for many years.
I-75 would officially receive a name in 1970, as a ceremony on September 17 christened the Downriver section as the Fisher Freeway, named in honor of the Fisher brothers, who formed and ran the famed Fisher Body plants in Detroit.
Tall things were in the works as 1971 began, with construction well under way on the Security Bank skyscraper, located just north of the former Wonderland Park at Fort / Pennsylvania / Trenton Roads. When completed, the landmark structure would be billed as the tallest building between Detroit and Toledo, a rank it would hold for many years.
Trenton Theater ushers in an uncomfortable film industry locally
In late 1972, the venerable Trenton Theater would change hands. New owner Lawrence Moore of Ferndale signed an operating license on December 18 to continue operations as they had been doing. A further agreement signed by Moore on January 10, 1973 assured that family-fare films would continue playing the bill. The first few weeks fell comfortably under this routine, but a sudden jolt would be felt around the community on January 29, 1973. This was when the marquee would now read, "Adults Only," as it would become the first of the local moviehouses to show X-rated films.
The city's response in protest was immediate. Officials felt betrayed, as they felt the 1972 agreement they signed with Moore would guarantee the X-rated fare would not air at the theater. The pact was made verbally as well as in writing, accompanied by a $10,000 bond, a gesture of goodwill, from Moore himself. Theater worker George Koates would vouch for the facility, claiming the movies shown were no different than from others showing in other metropolitan adult complexes. The movies, he argued, did not fall under the State and Federal definitions of "obscene," and therefore did not violate the terms of the 1972 agreement with Trenton.
The city's response in protest was immediate. Officials felt betrayed, as they felt the 1972 agreement they signed with Moore would guarantee the X-rated fare would not air at the theater. The pact was made verbally as well as in writing, accompanied by a $10,000 bond, a gesture of goodwill, from Moore himself. Theater worker George Koates would vouch for the facility, claiming the movies shown were no different than from others showing in other metropolitan adult complexes. The movies, he argued, did not fall under the State and Federal definitions of "obscene," and therefore did not violate the terms of the 1972 agreement with Trenton.
Other locations with storied pasts, such as the Lancaster, Mel, Park, and even the venerable Wyandotte Theater would begin to cater to the more adult crowd with X-rated features headlining their bills, at a time when many houses in downtown Detroit were following suit in order to stay in business with the newer, more traditional complexes springing up in the suburbs. On the opposite end of the spectrum, drive-in theaters hit their peak at this time, with 132 operating state-wide.
Trenton's quick actions would force the Trenton Theater to close barely a week after debuting adult fare, as their operating license was revoked due to "material misrepresentation of facts." Bomb threats had also been phoned to the facility. Despite this, attorney Steve Taylor, representing owner Lawrence Moore, insisted the theater would continue to operate, especially since he and his client considered the revocation was handled illegally (for example, no notice of a hearing was given to discuss the procedure). In addition, Taylor stated that Moore "signed away his First Amendment rights," by inking the 1972 deal with the city.
A trial involving projectionist Neal Brandt accused him of operating the theater without a valid city license. The case was heard by 33rd District Court Judge Gerald A. McNally; the resulting decision on February 14 was deflating for the city and its citizens. The theater would continue to operate as it had before. McNally agreed the revocation process was handled illegally: the city did not call a proper hearing, due process had not been followed, and all charges would be dropped. McNally would further state his decision had nothing to do with the level of obscenity shown in the films, cited Moore's right to Freedom of Expression.
As McNally dropped the case, a counter-suit seeking injunction against city interference, being prepared by the theater owners against the city, was likewise dropped.
Trenton's quick actions would force the Trenton Theater to close barely a week after debuting adult fare, as their operating license was revoked due to "material misrepresentation of facts." Bomb threats had also been phoned to the facility. Despite this, attorney Steve Taylor, representing owner Lawrence Moore, insisted the theater would continue to operate, especially since he and his client considered the revocation was handled illegally (for example, no notice of a hearing was given to discuss the procedure). In addition, Taylor stated that Moore "signed away his First Amendment rights," by inking the 1972 deal with the city.
A trial involving projectionist Neal Brandt accused him of operating the theater without a valid city license. The case was heard by 33rd District Court Judge Gerald A. McNally; the resulting decision on February 14 was deflating for the city and its citizens. The theater would continue to operate as it had before. McNally agreed the revocation process was handled illegally: the city did not call a proper hearing, due process had not been followed, and all charges would be dropped. McNally would further state his decision had nothing to do with the level of obscenity shown in the films, cited Moore's right to Freedom of Expression.
As McNally dropped the case, a counter-suit seeking injunction against city interference, being prepared by the theater owners against the city, was likewise dropped.
Downriver would show America how to bowl
Bowling, on the other hand, was much more family-friendly than the former cinema venues, and there was no one better able to prove that than the citizens of Metro Detroit. The area had been known as the unofficial "Bowling Capital Of The World" for decades, since the old brewery-sponsored teams made Detroit one of the hearts (along with Chicago) of bowling activity. More BPAA-registered bowlers came from the Detroit area than any other place in the world. Yet Detroit did not have a bowling show to call its own, other than perhaps the occasional event produced by the Professional Bowlers Association. This would change in a big way by 1973.
Many metropolitan areas across the nation were starting their own "Bowling For Dollars" shows, where temporary lanes would be constructed inside various television studios. The competition factor would be eliminated, as bowlers were bowling individually for prizes. The Detroit area attempted the telecasts, at first to no avail - or ratings.
Many metropolitan areas across the nation were starting their own "Bowling For Dollars" shows, where temporary lanes would be constructed inside various television studios. The competition factor would be eliminated, as bowlers were bowling individually for prizes. The Detroit area attempted the telecasts, at first to no avail - or ratings.
Channel 4's next resort was to tap into a local radio show host's talents, to see if he could keep the program from being canceled. Bob Allison, host of the "Ask Your Neighbor" radio show, was initially reluctant to make the venture into television; he was comfortable being a radio voice without a face. Once management piqued his interest (and he campaigned for listener approval on his radio show), he made the journey to Claster Productions (the producers of the popular Romper Room series), who were producing the individual telecasts: they crowned the Baltimore production as the best of its class.
Allison was not impressed with Baltimore's output, as he felt too much time was spent on introductions, and not enough of it on the bowling itself. He told Claster Productions to allow him to try a different production method, which he guaranteed would be the industry standard within a year of its re-release. Given the go-ahead, Allison went to Allen Park's Thunderbowl Lanes, whose Arena section was built for productions of this stature. We'll produce the show, Allison told the proprietor, and people will end up "know(ing) your place."
Being the first Bowling For Dollars series to eminate from an actual bowling center, with introductions shortened and the main focus turned to the actual bowling, Detroit's Downriver version did become the standard to which all future productions would adhere to. Bowling For Dollars would become the highest-rated local television show ever produced, and landed Thunderbowl Lanes among the best-known and highest-ranked bowling centers in the country.
Allison was not impressed with Baltimore's output, as he felt too much time was spent on introductions, and not enough of it on the bowling itself. He told Claster Productions to allow him to try a different production method, which he guaranteed would be the industry standard within a year of its re-release. Given the go-ahead, Allison went to Allen Park's Thunderbowl Lanes, whose Arena section was built for productions of this stature. We'll produce the show, Allison told the proprietor, and people will end up "know(ing) your place."
Being the first Bowling For Dollars series to eminate from an actual bowling center, with introductions shortened and the main focus turned to the actual bowling, Detroit's Downriver version did become the standard to which all future productions would adhere to. Bowling For Dollars would become the highest-rated local television show ever produced, and landed Thunderbowl Lanes among the best-known and highest-ranked bowling centers in the country.
Grosse Ile's fight against over-development and Urban Sprawl gets a huge boost
In early 1973, tentative plans had been made by Grosse Ile officials to consider a bid for an 878-unit apartment complex to occupy an 88-acre area near the Macomb Street business district. This would send alarm bells ringing among many island residents.
On April 8, more than sixty residents gathered at Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club to reactivate the Active Island Defenders (AID), a neighborhood watchdog which had begun fighting unnecessary development concerns in 1957. Driving their anger was the proposed number of 1,300 multiple housing units being erected over a two-year period east of Meridian Road, while a similiar project near Grosse Ile Municipal Airport would have developed 43 acres with 232 apartment units.
The following night (April 9), at the bi-monthly meeting of the Township Board, 103 residents would be in attendance to voice their disapproval of the main (Macomb Street) project submitted by Kaufman and Broad Homes of Southfield. Grosse Ile Supervisor DeWitt (Dewey) Henry stated the island community was at a "crossroads" regarding increased development. Nine houses were added in 1971, but the number would increase to 44 in 1972. This was much too fast for the community.
Instances such as these would figure in Grosse Ile's future history, showing that decisions against unnecessary building, as well as care for natural areas, would help define their expanding leadership role in their conservation plans in today's modern times.
On April 8, more than sixty residents gathered at Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club to reactivate the Active Island Defenders (AID), a neighborhood watchdog which had begun fighting unnecessary development concerns in 1957. Driving their anger was the proposed number of 1,300 multiple housing units being erected over a two-year period east of Meridian Road, while a similiar project near Grosse Ile Municipal Airport would have developed 43 acres with 232 apartment units.
The following night (April 9), at the bi-monthly meeting of the Township Board, 103 residents would be in attendance to voice their disapproval of the main (Macomb Street) project submitted by Kaufman and Broad Homes of Southfield. Grosse Ile Supervisor DeWitt (Dewey) Henry stated the island community was at a "crossroads" regarding increased development. Nine houses were added in 1971, but the number would increase to 44 in 1972. This was much too fast for the community.
Instances such as these would figure in Grosse Ile's future history, showing that decisions against unnecessary building, as well as care for natural areas, would help define their expanding leadership role in their conservation plans in today's modern times.
Trenton Theater's curtain goes down on a brief, forgettable era
Shortly after 33rd District Judge Gerald McNally had ruled in favor of Trenton Theater owner Lawrence Moore and projectionist Neal Brandt for the right to show adult-oriented films, the city of Trenton passed a new ordinance governing provisions for defining pornography and obsecnity as it applied to the city. This was given a further boost by the Federal Government who, on June 22, 1973, issued an important proclamation giving individual cities the ability to decide for themselves what movies, books, or other media they (themselves) considered immoral. Their rulings, therefore, would rank over state statutes. At this time, Michigan still did not legally define what the terms meant, or to what degree.
On that same day, the theater would also close voluntarily, as it was implied the ownership wanted to "lay low" for awhile. Reopening in September 1973, they would be shut down again that same day. Owner Moore and new projectionist Charles Holt would be brought before Judge McNally, resulting in a $2,500 personal recognizance bond for each. There were talks at this juncture of Moore voluntarily surrendering his operation license.
On that same day, the theater would also close voluntarily, as it was implied the ownership wanted to "lay low" for awhile. Reopening in September 1973, they would be shut down again that same day. Owner Moore and new projectionist Charles Holt would be brought before Judge McNally, resulting in a $2,500 personal recognizance bond for each. There were talks at this juncture of Moore voluntarily surrendering his operation license.
The saga would finally end on September 21, 1973. Moore would act on his informal verbal promise and sign away his rights to the Trenton Theater, and promptly remove the "adults only" sign on the marquee. A September 25th court trial date to be overseen by Judge McNally would therefore be canceled. Trenton Mayor Isadore Mulias agreed with passing on the need for trial, stating it would save the city time and money, given the facility was already closed.
First reconstruction of I-75 draws retribution by Rockwood
Barely eight years after Interstate 75 was constructed in the southern Downriver area, reconstruction to allow for widening of the freeway (from two lanes to three), as well as a new interchange for Huron River Drive was taking longer than anticipated.
A September meeting of the city council directed city attorney Richard Smiertka to mail letters to state officials letting them know of their concerns, which included excessive dust, noise, and re-routed automobiles. Fears centered around possible accidents involving bicyclists choosing to travel underneath the Huron River Drive viaduct instead of across it. In fact, a three-car collision on August 28 had killed two brothers from Huntington Woods. The letter-writing was suggested by D.C. Bowen, supervisor of the reconstruction project, claiming it would be the most effective way for the contractors to get the message.
Rockwood police chief Bernard Herzog weighed in, mentioning the 45 MPH construction zone mandate was rarely enforced, and the zone itself was not long enough to assure adequate safety. Further, the State Police had been reluctant to patrol the area for unspecified reasons. The project would also be threatened with another possible extensive delay, as news of a possible equipment operator strike was made known.
A September meeting of the city council directed city attorney Richard Smiertka to mail letters to state officials letting them know of their concerns, which included excessive dust, noise, and re-routed automobiles. Fears centered around possible accidents involving bicyclists choosing to travel underneath the Huron River Drive viaduct instead of across it. In fact, a three-car collision on August 28 had killed two brothers from Huntington Woods. The letter-writing was suggested by D.C. Bowen, supervisor of the reconstruction project, claiming it would be the most effective way for the contractors to get the message.
Rockwood police chief Bernard Herzog weighed in, mentioning the 45 MPH construction zone mandate was rarely enforced, and the zone itself was not long enough to assure adequate safety. Further, the State Police had been reluctant to patrol the area for unspecified reasons. The project would also be threatened with another possible extensive delay, as news of a possible equipment operator strike was made known.
Final Downriver annexation attempt hand-delivered to Boundary Commission
To date, the last bid to annex nearby lands was made by the city of Gibraltar in September, 1973, as they desired to capture a portion of Brownstown Township; namely, the Fort Street / Vreeland Road area. This bid would be initially denied by the State Boundary Commission due to a technical error in the plat description, but mentioned they would accept a revised version of this proposal. City Attorney Michael Russell would be authorized by city council to "hand-carry, if necessary," such a revised petition to Lansing.
"Captain Bob-Lo" passes away at age 90
The Bob-Lo amusement park was saddened to hear of the death of Captain Bob-Lo, Joe Short, on Christmas Eve of 1974 at age 90.
Mr. Short had been recruited from Ringling Brothers Circus several years earlier by Bob-Lo to provide entertainment as the boats were being loaded. He would work whenever the mood struck him, and he was a true professional at his craft: absolutely no one dared tell him how to go about his work.
Children were the specialty of the 4' 4" entertainer, who would also play one of Santa's elves at the old Kern's Department store in Detroit.
When initially admitted as a patient, he received no visitors. Word quickly spread of this and hundreds of well-wishers would end up mobbing the hospital he was staying at. The Detroit Fire Department's auxillary clown unit acted as his pallbearers at his funeral.
Mr. Short had been recruited from Ringling Brothers Circus several years earlier by Bob-Lo to provide entertainment as the boats were being loaded. He would work whenever the mood struck him, and he was a true professional at his craft: absolutely no one dared tell him how to go about his work.
Children were the specialty of the 4' 4" entertainer, who would also play one of Santa's elves at the old Kern's Department store in Detroit.
When initially admitted as a patient, he received no visitors. Word quickly spread of this and hundreds of well-wishers would end up mobbing the hospital he was staying at. The Detroit Fire Department's auxillary clown unit acted as his pallbearers at his funeral.
Riverview looks to repurpose its landfill and set a precedent
Headlines went out the first week of January 1976 incorporated an un-heard of suggestion. The Riverview Landfill, in operation since 1968, was due to have its credible life expire within six to eight years and be closed off. The city of Riverview was in close contact with landfill engineer John Jenkins, who represented Jones & Henry Engineering, Ltd. of Toledo. The proposed idea was for a ski hill, something not seen of that stature before Downriver.
At the time, the hill was almost 150 feet high, but could be extended to 165 feet, or even 175 feet if an additional ten feet cap of earth was laid. This would allow for three potential ski lanes with a 12% sloping grade. The project would start with beginners' level slopes only, extending to intermediate and advanced skiing in later phases. The ski hill in its full form was expected to be open by the 1979 holiday season.
Additional announcements included making the entire area near the landfill user-friendly, as a 34 acre lake was proposed adjacent to the hill. The lake, which would be 30 feet deep in spots, would be fed by up to 175 million gallons of filtered water from the Frank & Poet Drain. The city could not rely on sanitary water (too expensive) and did not see themselves mining for mineral water underground. It was also mentioned that the lifespan of the hill could be extended indefinitely, as the Riverview School District proposed a land-swap deal which would give the Land Preserve additional acreage to the south and west to continue its operation into the 1990s.
At the time, the hill was almost 150 feet high, but could be extended to 165 feet, or even 175 feet if an additional ten feet cap of earth was laid. This would allow for three potential ski lanes with a 12% sloping grade. The project would start with beginners' level slopes only, extending to intermediate and advanced skiing in later phases. The ski hill in its full form was expected to be open by the 1979 holiday season.
Additional announcements included making the entire area near the landfill user-friendly, as a 34 acre lake was proposed adjacent to the hill. The lake, which would be 30 feet deep in spots, would be fed by up to 175 million gallons of filtered water from the Frank & Poet Drain. The city could not rely on sanitary water (too expensive) and did not see themselves mining for mineral water underground. It was also mentioned that the lifespan of the hill could be extended indefinitely, as the Riverview School District proposed a land-swap deal which would give the Land Preserve additional acreage to the south and west to continue its operation into the 1990s.
"Controlled burn" demolishes old Naval Air Station Captain's Quarters
The headlines of the March 4, 1976 News-Herald looked ominous: firefighters battling a real-life blaze in an old building with "arson" appearing in the first paragraph. But the fire was deliberately set by firefighters participating from five communities in addition to Grosse Ile. Downed as a result of this training exercise was the old Captain's Quarters builiding at Grosse Ile Municipal Airport. This was one of the first major tests of the effectiveness of the future Downriver Mutual Aid system. A total of 110 personnel aided in the operation, which resulted in the abandoned building leveled in ninety minutes.
Grosse Ile Fire Chief Joe Miller said some initial problems did come into play, with the staged fire burning out of control in the middle of the building; but fires set on either end of the structure burned to satisfaction. "We learned a lot," admitted the chief.
After years of haggling among local politicians, approval was finally granted for the Riverview Co-Operative Senior Citizen Apartment tower, to sit on Pennsylvania Road behind Korvette's and next to St. Cyprian Church. This would be Downriver's tallest structure to serve this purpose for many years.
Grosse Ile Fire Chief Joe Miller said some initial problems did come into play, with the staged fire burning out of control in the middle of the building; but fires set on either end of the structure burned to satisfaction. "We learned a lot," admitted the chief.
After years of haggling among local politicians, approval was finally granted for the Riverview Co-Operative Senior Citizen Apartment tower, to sit on Pennsylvania Road behind Korvette's and next to St. Cyprian Church. This would be Downriver's tallest structure to serve this purpose for many years.
Selection and quality of movies created their own disturbing plot Downriver
"It is unfortunate and disheartening that recent court fights show that a community's (X-rated) law does not stand up in court." |
A concerning streak, meanwhile, finally came to a close at the Wyandotte Theater's Annex section. Its new bill of Blazing Saddles and Chino were the first non X-rated movies to air from there in two months.
|
Resulting police operations around adjacent businesses saw multiple cases of questionable publications being shelved at the Open Book store nearby, though they were within a clerk's easy view and paper bag wrap covering front pages of the magazines. The operator of the Wyandotte Theater said he was in no control of what was shown at the movie house; responsibility for that fell upon a theater operating company out of Southgate. The good news from all this was that no further scheduled X-rated features were planned to be shown at the Annex for the forseeable future.
More troubling to the general public were the rapidly increasing counts of school vandalism Downriver, much of which was coincidentally tied to the 1976 showing of the television special "Helter Skelter," which focused on the Charles Manson family murders of the 1970s. Sibley School in Trenton was vandalized in April to the tune of $6,000 - $7,000, mostly done over a four-hour period of window-breaking. Two area youths were quickly apprehended. "Helter Skelter" graffiti was found tagged in various locations at the school. The same month, Grosse Ile High School suffered $10,000 worth of damage to its structure, with its shop area the hardest hit. Classes there were canceled for two days as cleanup was initiated.
The following week (April 17), alert citizens stopped a possible fire from occurring at Lincoln Junior High School in Wyandotte. A small fire was quickly doused in a classroom. Three wine bottles had also been hurled through windows. Just two days later, a small fire also erupted at Schaefer High School in Southgate. Damage there was not widespread, but the commons area near the gymnasium suffered heavy smoke damage, in addition to an "unknown substance" being found on the floor nearby. At the time, no one knew of any probable suspects. Reaction among various school principals was mixed as to the issue of the television movie being wholly responsible for the uptick in school vandalism.
The following week (April 17), alert citizens stopped a possible fire from occurring at Lincoln Junior High School in Wyandotte. A small fire was quickly doused in a classroom. Three wine bottles had also been hurled through windows. Just two days later, a small fire also erupted at Schaefer High School in Southgate. Damage there was not widespread, but the commons area near the gymnasium suffered heavy smoke damage, in addition to an "unknown substance" being found on the floor nearby. At the time, no one knew of any probable suspects. Reaction among various school principals was mixed as to the issue of the television movie being wholly responsible for the uptick in school vandalism.
McLouth Steel finds it is not impervious to the 1970s recession
The first signs of stress at McLouth Steel - the newest of the three Downriver landmark steel mills - began surfacing in the 1970s, owing mainly to both the ongoing economic climate of the mid-1970s, as well as the increased proliferation of foreign imports of stainless steel product.
Federal assistance was being offered to those who had been laid off by the steel firm in the preceding few years, as per the Trade Act law of 1974. In just five short years, requests for stainless steel production had plunged from 180,066 tons in 1970, to 85,000 tons by 1975. Although this latest action generally affected only the original Detroit plant (whose payroll shrunk from 1,150 in the early 1960s to 600), it was becoming clear that adjustments at the Trenton and Gibraltar mills might be forthcoming. It was hoped that the federal assistance could aid all three plants.
Federal assistance was being offered to those who had been laid off by the steel firm in the preceding few years, as per the Trade Act law of 1974. In just five short years, requests for stainless steel production had plunged from 180,066 tons in 1970, to 85,000 tons by 1975. Although this latest action generally affected only the original Detroit plant (whose payroll shrunk from 1,150 in the early 1960s to 600), it was becoming clear that adjustments at the Trenton and Gibraltar mills might be forthcoming. It was hoped that the federal assistance could aid all three plants.
"Michigan Lefts" and railway bypasses serve to dominate motorist headaches
In May, construction barrels began popping up along Fort Street as the median would be torn up for much of the summer in the Southgate and Wyandotte portions. Workers were installing the first of the now-infamous "Michigan Left" turn-arounds, which back in 1976 were still simply called left-turn lanes. With this project came the questions as to why Fort Street wasn't widened to four lanes across. There were numerous areas of concern along the route, namely the Fort and Grove Street intersection on the Wyandotte side. Many cars had taken the curve in front of Danny's Foods too quickly and either skidded off the road or into the ditch, although appropriate blame was also placed on the angle of the curve, not just speed limits.
Meanwhile, a new law had taken effect in late 1975 regarding right-hand turns, specifically on red lights. By the spring of 1976, Wyandotte Police Chief Marion Jezewski cited increasing concern about motorists disregarding oncoming traffic when making these turns, often requiring two lanes to do so. "Turning right on a red light," the chief admitted, "is not always the best thing to do."
Meanwhile, a new law had taken effect in late 1975 regarding right-hand turns, specifically on red lights. By the spring of 1976, Wyandotte Police Chief Marion Jezewski cited increasing concern about motorists disregarding oncoming traffic when making these turns, often requiring two lanes to do so. "Turning right on a red light," the chief admitted, "is not always the best thing to do."
Motorist headaches of the present day are sometimes dominated by the difficulties in navigating around two railroad crossings in the Trenton and Woodhaven areas. These headaches, found on Allen Road, Fort Street and Van Horn Road, were causing delays and inconvenience before the 1970s and current wave of urban sprawl. Much of the arguments in favor of a railroad bypass (over or underground) centered around ambulances' inability to get from the north end of the cities to the south. In May 1976, a tentative plan was announced which would allow Trenton firefighters a way to get around the daily logjams.
Trenton City Engineer Thomas Seymour introduced an indication system package which would enable the city's two fire stations to connect directly with the rail crossings via relay. Its purpose would be to send alerts to the fire stations that a train was crossing (and possibly blocking) the affected areas. Fire dispatchers would then be able to send this message to the fire truck en route, where an alternate route through neighborhoods could be quickly taken to save time. The estimated cost to start up this system was pegged at $3,350, including an $8.95 monthly charge by Michigan Bell Telephone for relay service.
Trenton City Engineer Thomas Seymour introduced an indication system package which would enable the city's two fire stations to connect directly with the rail crossings via relay. Its purpose would be to send alerts to the fire stations that a train was crossing (and possibly blocking) the affected areas. Fire dispatchers would then be able to send this message to the fire truck en route, where an alternate route through neighborhoods could be quickly taken to save time. The estimated cost to start up this system was pegged at $3,350, including an $8.95 monthly charge by Michigan Bell Telephone for relay service.
"The Bird is the Word" in "secret" pizzeria and in the city of Southgate
The biggest sports name Downriver was the same name capturing attention all over the country: Mark Fidrych, the charismatic Detroit Tiger ace right-hander. He was profiled in the News-Herald at a meet-and-greet for children at a local pizzeria (the news article would not mention the name of it, but safe to say it was likely Little Ceasar's Pizza Treat on Eureka Road, the former Shakey's Pizza).
He was as down-to-earth locally as he was in the general public eye. He lived at the Fountain Park South apartments off Trenton and Leroy Streets during the season, where he would be selected as the starting pitcher for the American League All-Stars.
Asked how he liked living in Southgate, he said "it's alright," then simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled - definite hallmarks of "The Bird."
He was as down-to-earth locally as he was in the general public eye. He lived at the Fountain Park South apartments off Trenton and Leroy Streets during the season, where he would be selected as the starting pitcher for the American League All-Stars.
Asked how he liked living in Southgate, he said "it's alright," then simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled - definite hallmarks of "The Bird."
Four Corners plaza in Grosse Ile destroyed in Thanksgiving blaze
A three-alarm fire resulted in firefighters battling in vain to save the Four Corners Shopping Plaza at the corner of Meridian and Grosse Ile Parkway. After a four hour battle, the building, known for housing the Eat and Greet Nook, was considered a total loss.
The initial cause of the fire was suspected to be faulty wiring, although arson investigation units were still inspecting the property. The building, which had recently been offered on the market for $185,000, had many construction defects which helped spread the blaze quickly. Constructed in the 1930s, it was thought the quality of lumber selected was dried out, there had been no recent fire inspections, numerous false (suspended) ceilings, air tunnels and no modern firewalls which could have contained the blaze.
The most frustrating issue from the firefighters' perspective, however, was ongoing problems with water pressure, something the Fire Department would say was becoming an "as usual," all-too common problem. The lines servicing that portion of Grosse Ile were laid in 1935, but a new water line for fire use would cost between $3 and $5 million dollars. In spite of the increasing population of Grosse Ile, that cost was still too high for the Township budget.
Four Corners would never be rebuilt. By the late 1970s, the environmental movement was beginning full-throttle on Grosse Ile. Gone would be the days of building for the sake of building. Although the Open Space Act was still years from passage, the downtick in construction and the new awareness of Grosse Ile's natural areas would change the course of the township's evolution.
The initial cause of the fire was suspected to be faulty wiring, although arson investigation units were still inspecting the property. The building, which had recently been offered on the market for $185,000, had many construction defects which helped spread the blaze quickly. Constructed in the 1930s, it was thought the quality of lumber selected was dried out, there had been no recent fire inspections, numerous false (suspended) ceilings, air tunnels and no modern firewalls which could have contained the blaze.
The most frustrating issue from the firefighters' perspective, however, was ongoing problems with water pressure, something the Fire Department would say was becoming an "as usual," all-too common problem. The lines servicing that portion of Grosse Ile were laid in 1935, but a new water line for fire use would cost between $3 and $5 million dollars. In spite of the increasing population of Grosse Ile, that cost was still too high for the Township budget.
Four Corners would never be rebuilt. By the late 1970s, the environmental movement was beginning full-throttle on Grosse Ile. Gone would be the days of building for the sake of building. Although the Open Space Act was still years from passage, the downtick in construction and the new awareness of Grosse Ile's natural areas would change the course of the township's evolution.
Tragic story shows heartwarming progress for baby Joey Lewis
That Thanksgiving weekend, a horrifying discovery was made inside a Salvation Army dropbox located in front of the K-Mart on Eureka Road. A baby, less than two weeks old, was found inside the bin, abandoned in the freezing weather and covered only by a blanket wrapped in a paper bag. There was no danger of immediate suffocation, but hypothermia was a very real possibility.
The infant, 4 pounds 11 ounces at birth, was rushed to Wyandotte General Hospital for care. Hospital staff were pleased to report the baby, named Joey Lewis, was eating normally, and his weight was up to 5 pounds 4 ounces. The requests for adoption of Baby Joey were extremely high in number and delighted his caretakers at the hospital, which would ultimately send him to a foster home in the interim once his condition was stabilized.
|
"We hope to keep Joey with us until after the Holidays, because we all want to be Santa Claus." |
His parents were unknown and neither could be located, although a search for clues was ongoing.
Eureka Road gets that "sinking" feeling
In July 1977, an accident underneath Eureka Road caused the westbound section between the railway trestles and 12th Street to collapse and sink, putting this busy stretch of road out of commission for nearly a year.
Work underneath the road had been ongoing as part of the long-running "Big Barrel" sewer project servicing the area. This area project was engineered by Hubbell, Roth & Clark, with United Construction and Mancini Construction the contractors. Temporary tunnel bracing consisted of wood supports, whose sawdust caught fire that day. The fire spread to the wood support braces for the tunnel. Workers from Mancini Construction tried to put out the fire on their own before the Fire Department arrived. They sent down hoses with attachments that twisted, spraying water all throughout the affected area. Due to the fire and/or resulting loss in air pressure in the tunnel, cracks began to quickly form on the Eureka surface and - within minutes - the westbound portion sank along with the surrounding grassy area.
Fortunately, there were no injuries, as there had been enough time to warn motorists and pedestrians about the problem: Eureka had been closed for a couple hours prior to the sinking. Grosse Ile, Riverview and Trenton would lose water service as a result. The Detroit Water Board announced shortly after that water had been re-routed, but to expect lower water pressure than normal. The initial estimated time to repair Eureka Road was six to ten weeks.
Work underneath the road had been ongoing as part of the long-running "Big Barrel" sewer project servicing the area. This area project was engineered by Hubbell, Roth & Clark, with United Construction and Mancini Construction the contractors. Temporary tunnel bracing consisted of wood supports, whose sawdust caught fire that day. The fire spread to the wood support braces for the tunnel. Workers from Mancini Construction tried to put out the fire on their own before the Fire Department arrived. They sent down hoses with attachments that twisted, spraying water all throughout the affected area. Due to the fire and/or resulting loss in air pressure in the tunnel, cracks began to quickly form on the Eureka surface and - within minutes - the westbound portion sank along with the surrounding grassy area.
Fortunately, there were no injuries, as there had been enough time to warn motorists and pedestrians about the problem: Eureka had been closed for a couple hours prior to the sinking. Grosse Ile, Riverview and Trenton would lose water service as a result. The Detroit Water Board announced shortly after that water had been re-routed, but to expect lower water pressure than normal. The initial estimated time to repair Eureka Road was six to ten weeks.
Meijer Thrifty Acres opens in Taylor, showing Downriver the "hypermarket" activity
Other areas of Eureka were looking better, though. Meijer Thrifty Acres opened their first store Downriver at Eureka & Pardee in Taylor in the summer of 1977.
The first "all in one" store (termed a hypermarket) in the area, it immediately began drawing people in and would foreshadow the current age, where most stores strive to be multi-purpose versus specialty. In a rarity for its time, the Taylor Meijer would be among the many 1970s-built Meijer stores to have a kids-based "Oasis" in the center of the store. This section was hugely popular, but was removed within eight years due to concerns for safety and responsibility.
The first "all in one" store (termed a hypermarket) in the area, it immediately began drawing people in and would foreshadow the current age, where most stores strive to be multi-purpose versus specialty. In a rarity for its time, the Taylor Meijer would be among the many 1970s-built Meijer stores to have a kids-based "Oasis" in the center of the store. This section was hugely popular, but was removed within eight years due to concerns for safety and responsibility.
The beginning of the end for the Neisner Brothers chain
Despite Downriver hosting three different dime store chains (which seems a small number compared to the numerous dollar stores seen today), Kresge, Neisner and Woolworth & Woolco were all holding their own until 1977, when Neisner would begin faltering.
The chain had decided to experiment with a larger, more traditional department store concept, titled "The Big 'N'", which sought to rival stores such as K-Mart. This launch failed, however; which jeopardized its core dime store business. Neisner did its best to ensure its customer base that the firm was healthy, and set out on a renovation that would totally re-dress its Lincoln Park and Wyandotte stores.
New colors (oranges and yellows) were introduced, new store fixtures were installed. To the delight of the dedicated customer base (and on the wishes of its Wyandotte store manager), the creaky, sloping wood floor was retained in its original state to add nostalgia value. It was a nod to history that was years ahead of its time.
This was not enough. Forced to file for bankruptcy, Neisner ended up bought out by the Ames Discount Store chain, and both Downriver stores wound up closed by the end of 1978.
The chain had decided to experiment with a larger, more traditional department store concept, titled "The Big 'N'", which sought to rival stores such as K-Mart. This launch failed, however; which jeopardized its core dime store business. Neisner did its best to ensure its customer base that the firm was healthy, and set out on a renovation that would totally re-dress its Lincoln Park and Wyandotte stores.
New colors (oranges and yellows) were introduced, new store fixtures were installed. To the delight of the dedicated customer base (and on the wishes of its Wyandotte store manager), the creaky, sloping wood floor was retained in its original state to add nostalgia value. It was a nod to history that was years ahead of its time.
This was not enough. Forced to file for bankruptcy, Neisner ended up bought out by the Ames Discount Store chain, and both Downriver stores wound up closed by the end of 1978.
Did Downriver suffer the brunt of the 1978 blizzard?
Much press and speculation has been made about the great Blizzard of 1978, which slowed activity to a crawl from the Midwest states into New England. This was the result of an Alberta clipper merging with a storm system emanating from the Gulf of Mexico.
Areas to the west and east of Downriver reported up to three feet of snow in certain areas. However, our storm total for that timeframe registered at just 8.2 inches, which does not even qualify it for the list of top 25 snow storms to hit our area since the 1880s. How did this end up being true? |
A freelance weather expert specializing in historical weather events indicated that much of the precipitation that initially fell during the storm was in the form of rain. This likely froze over and, combined with the snow, helped bring down power lines at a massive rate. In any event, parts of Downriver were crippled for several days without having the benefit of the exorbitant snow totals.
Oil battles in 1979 curtail Columbia & Ste. Claire from their appointed rounds
The Arab oil embargo was starting to take a toll not just on automobiles, but on boats. The Columbia and Ste. Claire Bob-Lo boats saw their travel schedules noticeably curtailed, which caused attendance at the park to drop. The park had a particularly bad year from a financial standpoint in 1979, compounded by the fact that steamship excursions were curtailed from Wyandotte due to a lack of quality parking near Bishop Park. So after 30 years of ownership, Todd H. Browning would sell Bob-Lo amusement park and the boats to Cambridge Properties of Kentucky.
Rockwood manages to avoid construction of a Wayne County prison
Rockwood residents may have had good reason to be alarmed in the spring of 1979, and State Senator James DeSana took notice. In May, he wrote a letter to Michigan Governor William Milliken asking him to stop the proposed construction of a 550-cell prison planned for Rockwood.
The Michigan State Department of Corrections was interested in a 120-acre purchase of land, of which forty acres would be for the prison, while eighty acres would be sold by the D of C. The drain on the tax base would have been two fold: A prison - since it is on exempt state land - does not pay taxes, and there would be an obvious fear for potential businesses to locate or build near a prison site. As a result, residential tax rates would have to rise to make up for the potential loss. In his letter, DeSana mentioned the Upper Peninsula community of Kinross as an alternative home for the prison. Kinross already had a medium-security facility operational, while making it known they would welcome the new project.
The Michigan State Department of Corrections was interested in a 120-acre purchase of land, of which forty acres would be for the prison, while eighty acres would be sold by the D of C. The drain on the tax base would have been two fold: A prison - since it is on exempt state land - does not pay taxes, and there would be an obvious fear for potential businesses to locate or build near a prison site. As a result, residential tax rates would have to rise to make up for the potential loss. In his letter, DeSana mentioned the Upper Peninsula community of Kinross as an alternative home for the prison. Kinross already had a medium-security facility operational, while making it known they would welcome the new project.
Clark Tank Farm explosion forces evacuation of 5,000 area residents
A petroleum storage tank with a 1.2 million gallon capacity went up with two explosions at the Clark Tank Farm on Ecorse west of Telegraph on December 15, 1979, forcing the evacuation of over 5,000 neighborhood residents into the late autumn cold. Flames from the explosion threatened mobile homes in the nearby Robinwood Trailer Park in Taylor, and in fact an undetermined number of them were destroyed. Fortunately, there were no deaths and only one minor injury from the incident.
The first explosion occurred around 3:00 AM and was visible from downtown Detroit. The next explosion, though not as fierce, occurred over seven hours later and hampered firefighter efforts to keep the blaze and hot spots under control. |
Though the cause was not officially determined at the scene, it was suggested that the exploded tank had been overfilled with petroleum, with a resulting surface vapor cloud trailing off to the trailer park area. Something as simple as lighting a stove could have taken flames along the invisible vapor cloud, toward the tank.
A sidenote was that looting was a major problem following these incident, as it was reported various youths began breaking into the homes and taking "anything they could find." A total of nine ended up in police custody, six directly tied to the thieveries.
A sidenote was that looting was a major problem following these incident, as it was reported various youths began breaking into the homes and taking "anything they could find." A total of nine ended up in police custody, six directly tied to the thieveries.