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
Dr. Sarena Shivers came to Redford in 2015 to lead the Redford Union School District. She’s making history as the first black Superintendent of the district. Shivers has worked in education for over 20 years, including for Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Southfield Public Schools and districts in Indiana, Maryland and the Department of Defense. Thus … Continue reading Dr. Sarena Shivers, Redford Union Schools Superintendent
Linda Jackson joined the Redford Township Board of Trustees last year after receiving more votes than any other candidate. Her election is historically significant because she is Redford’s first black Trustee. Jackson grew up in Detroit with a big family – she was one of five children. Her parents taught them “we could be whatever … Continue reading Redford Trustee Linda Jackson
When Charles Bradley moved from Southern California to Detroit when he was 12, the thought of becoming a police officer wasn't on his radar just yet (<----see what I did there?). In fact, it didn't even cross his mind in high school or when he started college at Wayne State University for teaching. But one … Continue reading Redford’s 1st Black Police Officer
I know what you're thinking..... "HUH?!" At the very end of Western Golf Course is a unique home. Before 1969, this low-lying parcel only contained a Township pumphouse. The brick structure served as the operations center for township sewage treatment. Sounds delightful, right? After the Township vacated the property, the building became a dangerous eyesore. … Continue reading Redford’s “Home on Stilts”
Throughout February and March we'll be honoring our Fire & Police Departments with a special exhibit - From its beginnings in the early 1920s (The first chief was Officer Jack Bissell, who served as the chief of both departments, with just 2 men working under him) to what the departments are up to today. The exhibit … Continue reading New Exhibit: Redford Fire & Police
Do you ever wonder how one event could change the course of history? I do this all the time. Like, what if my grandfather would have died in World War II? What if Michael Jordan would have never picked up a basketball? What if Henry Ford would have never worked on a farm in Redford? … Continue reading From Redford Farm to Henry Ford Museum
As featured in part 1 of this blog, Lola Valley Drugs was one of the tenants in a brick retail strip along 6 Mile Rd. When I drove by the Lola Valley Drugs space a few months ago, it was vacant. And I couldn't help but notice that most of the strip's exterior brick has been painted, … Continue reading History Has a Way of Repeating Itself (part 2 of 2)
