The Redford Township Historical Commission will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 4, 2019 with a special event at the Redford History Center, located at 12895 Berwyn. Current Commission members will pay tribute to past members and their important work preserving Redford’s history. Founding Commission members Fred and Aileen DesAutels, in particular, will be honored. … Continue reading Join us May 4 for Heritage Day!
When sitting down with a WWII vet, you never know how, or if, conversations will unfold. Some veterans have a lifetime of stories to tell, others choose not to share any of the details of the war that wiped out over 400,000 American soldiers. During my time with Robert Miller, he was gracious enough to … Continue reading Honoring Robert Miller, WWII Vet
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jeffries at this year's Memorial Day parade. As I walked past him, the words "World War II" on his hat caught my eye and I had to do a double take. Fighting back tears, I stopped to thank him for his service. He must have noticed the look of … Continue reading Honoring Joe Jeffries, WWII Vet
Women in the War Nearly 400,000 American women served in World War II. The majority of women in the war held office jobs. Although much less dangerous than being on the front lines, these jobs were essential. By filling office jobs that would otherwise be held by men, women freed more men to fight. The … Continue reading Honoring Sgt Helen Johnston (Amick)
After election posters for Romaine Chapin Rice Sr were discovered in a resident’s attic (see part 1), the Historical Commission began researching Mr. Rice (see part 2) to find the story behind the posters. What we found was a power couple who made a huge impact in our community. In part 3 of this 3-part series, … Continue reading Attic Treasures: Mrs. Rice (part 3)
Whenever I tell people about Redford, I mention that most of the Township was built in the 50s. Literally blocks and blocks of brick ranches and bungalows. According to the 1950 census, there were 18,940 people living in Redford. By the time the 1960 census rolled around, that number jumped to 71,276 people. In a … Continue reading The 1950s Housing Boom
If you've ever driven on 6 Mile Rd, between Beech Daly and Inkster, you have likely seen The Methodist Children's Home Society, commonly referred to as Children's Village. A short brick wall carrying the name separates the continuous traffic flow of this busy road from this peaceful, park-like property. One of the few buildings visible … Continue reading Methodist Children’s Home: 100 Years
After election posters for Romaine Chapin Rice Sr were discovered in a resident's attic (see part 1), the Historical Commission began researching Mr. Rice to find the story behind the posters. What we found was a power couple who made a huge impact in our community. In part 2 of this 3-part series, we'll introduce … Continue reading Attic Treasures: Mr. Rice (part 2)
Living in an older house has its perks - typically well built, plenty of character, and if you're lucky...treasures hidden in the attic! Last year the Traffic Sergeant for the Redford Twp Police Department, Duane Gregg, contacted us about some election signs he found while cleaning out his attic. Three beautiful posters and 2 very … Continue reading Attic Treasures: Rice and Donuts (part 1)
In an interview with the Redford Observer in 2005 on the event of her 90th birthday, Sybil Raeside reflected on many of her life experiences. One was her first trip to Redford in 1929. She visited a drug store and tea room on the corner of 5 Mile and Beech Daly. At the time, Beech … Continue reading Newly opened collection: The Sybil and Jack Raeside Papers
