Meet Your RTHC Board Members Julie Atkinson-FountainChairperson/President Appointed: May 2018 Ashley JohnsonVice Chairperson/Vice President Appointed: August 2019 Kathy AndersonTreasurerAppointed: February 2018 Amanda FlesherAppointed: November 2018 Lorie WallaceAppointed: March 2023 Lou WysockiAppointed: 2021 Emeritus Board Members: Amanda "Mac" MacDermaidServed 2016 - 2022 Redford Township Designated Historians: Fred DesAutels Served 1969 - 1974 Sybil RaesideServed c.1970s - 2008 Volunteer/Associate … Continue reading Board Members
Honoring Robert Miller, WWII Vet
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
Honoring Joe Jeffries, 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
Honoring Sgt Helen Johnston, WWII
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, WWII
Mrs. Dawn Rice: Attic Treasures (Part III)
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 Mrs. Dawn Rice: Attic Treasures (Part III)
Mr. Romaine C. Rice: Attic Treasures (Part II)
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 Mr. Romaine C. Rice: Attic Treasures (Part II)
Rice and Donuts: Attic Treasures (Part I)
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 Rice and Donuts: Attic Treasures (Part I)
Recently opened collection: The Sybil and Jack Raeside Papers
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