See Downriver from the viewpoints of TV commercials and personal images!
As a general rule, please note these video presentations were submitted freely by individual YouTube members, who may or may not be members of the Facebook "Downriver History & Facts" site, or predecessor sites, unless otherwise noted. Neither downriverthings.com nor weebly.com are responsible for the existing content in the videos, though proper discretion is taken when selecting them for our listing, in order to eliminate those with excessive profanity or less-than-flattering social commentary.
Artistic License is solely the responsibility of the video provider.
Artistic License is solely the responsibility of the video provider.
The Michael Stoner video collectionFilm footage taken from the 1940s to the 1960s
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Downriver YouTube clips
"Get a Dawg-Gone Good Deal" at Ray Whitfield
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Michael Stoner has kindly provided us with links to personal home movies shot by his grandfather, Walter Stoner, from the 1940s into the 1960s. The film footage has been on our Facebook site since 2013, but was recently rediscovered.
In a brief telephone interview, Michael Stoner stated he wasn't sure why his grandfather specifically did this... but it is definitely to the benefit of Downriver history that he did. Long-time Downriver residents may easily recognize the Stoner family name. Stoner's Hobby Shop was a Wyandotte institution for more than two generations near its downtown area. Mr. Stoner told us he is in the process of putting a DVD compilation together, which may be completed within the next few months. The actual films have stood the test of time quite well, but digitizing them ensures their permanent survival with improved resolution and quality. As the film clips are currently accessible only through Facebook, we can only provide the direct links here for the time being. When the links can be directly posted (as a typical YouTube video, for instance), we will update them. In the meantime, enjoy this film footage down memory lane! Wyandotte Parade, circa late 1940s
This footage is shown looking north on Biddle from Eureka Road. Most of the parade floats pass by the current day location of the Wyandotte City Hall on the corner, which was flanked by a Packer's Supermarket at the time the film was shot. Note the increased amount of marching bands included in the footage.
"Memories of Downriver" from 1950s
Many small clips are included in this selection. Businesses profiled include longtime TV repair icon Longton Brothers (complete with three brand new repair trucks), an old Sinclair fuel station at Eureka and 21st, and Vic's General Store on "Fort Super Highway" in Riverview.
Wyandotte Parade of 1954
"Here Come The Kids" Taken from roughly the same vantage point as the late 1940s footage posted above, the clarity is stunning for its age. The camera is generally pointed toward the block of buildings downtown which were cleared in Wyandotte's first major Urban Renewal push, which took place around 1961.
Wyandotte Parade, 1954 (Part 2)
Another film reel taken of the above event from the same location, with the same tremendous quality. Notice the prominence of the original Wyandotte Cab Service cab stand, which would stand on the northeast corner of Biddle & Eureka until torn down and replaced by Dasher Drugs later in the decade.
Outdoor school footage; location unknown
This unlabeled film footage shot by Mr. Stoner has not been identified with a location and generated much good-natured debate among Facebook group members. Possibilities centered around Taylor Center or Taylor Kennedy High School; a Lincoln Park School, the old Edison School. A small majority determined it might be the old Quandt School in Allen Park. If you can positively identify the building, please let us know!
Memories of Downriver businesses
More business promotional footage highlights this nine-minute reel. Beginning with locations in Romulus and Wyandotte, much footage surrounds Grosse Ile and the Four Corners area when it was built up. Of note is the informal slogan promoted by Island Hardware Company: "Prices born here, raised elsewhere."
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Kayaking and walking Elizabeth Park in Trenton
Walt Lazar Chevrolet, "The Super, Super Dealer"
The first commercial in this clip is for Walt Lazar Chevrolet in Taylor.
Remembering "Bowling For Dollars"
A Taylor junkyard frozen in time
The webmaster himself did not discover this until 2016, as this parcel is next door to his workplace. This video was uploaded in 2009, and not much has changed since then. Cars pre-dating 1950 dot this lot near Eureka and Jackson Street; beyond repair, but still classics nonetheless.
Wyandotte Boat Club ceremony, 1928
Provided by: DARYL PUCKETT
Delray / River Rouge Historian Back in the day, the Detroit News featured periodical newsreel footage, which were likely played in movie houses prior to showing the main attraction. This 1 1/2 minute segment profiles the Wyandotte Boat Club receiving a gift of a new boat shell. Jerome Bishop himself is the honorary oarsman at this event.
Roosevelt High School: 1927-28
Provided by: DARYL PUCKETT
Delray / River Rouge Historian Profiled here, again via Detroit News newsreels, are a 1928 school-wide Fiddler's contest at Wyandotte Roosevelt. The winning entry was "Turkey In The Straw." Additional footage shows the ladies' exercise program outdoors at Roosevelt Field.
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