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)
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
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
