Jack and Sybil Raeside 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. … Continue reading Recently opened collection: The Sybil and Jack Raeside Papers
Dr. Sarena Shivers, Redford Union Schools Superintendent
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
Redford Trustee Linda Jackson
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
Black History Month in Redford: Charles Bradley (The First Black Police Officer)
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 Black History Month in Redford: Charles Bradley (The First Black Police Officer)
Redford’s pumphouse becomes a “Home on Stilts”
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? Observer photo of the pumphouse, published March 1969. After the Township vacated … Continue reading Redford’s pumphouse becomes a “Home on Stilts”
Redford Fire & Police Exhibit
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 Redford Fire & Police Exhibit
Gleason Farm & Henry Ford
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 Gleason Farm & Henry Ford
The Onofrey Family & Lola Valley Drugs (Part II)
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 The Onofrey Family & Lola Valley Drugs (Part II)
The Onofrey Family & Lola Valley Drugs (Part I)
In 1941, 2 entire blocks of houses were built (with the exception of 3 houses, built in 1926, 1944, and 1966) neighboring Glenhurst Golf Course to the west and 6 Mile Rd to the north. It was only a matter of time before the need for nearby shopping would arise. Just across 6 Mile, a small brick … Continue reading The Onofrey Family & Lola Valley Drugs (Part I)
Making History at Redford Cemetery
It was a dark and stormy night... Just kidding! It was our first Movie in the Cemetery! It was a chilly day but we had an awesome crowd that braved the cold to watch Night of the Living Dead. Just before movie-goers arrived we spotted some cemetery regulars supervising during set-up: Hello. Is that popcorn??? The ghost … Continue reading Making History at Redford Cemetery
Redford Township Historical Commission 