River Rouge
Historical Museum
10750 W. Jefferson Ave.
River Rouge, MI 48218
[email protected]
Delores Swekel – Director
Tom Abair – Asst. Director
Trustees – Jenny Cooper, Sue Decker,
May Halladay, Mitch Cox,
Marylyn Beaudrie
The Museum is supported by the River Rouge EDC. Jim Krueger – Chair,
Lisa Givens – Vice Chair, Members: Mayor Michael Bowdler, Linda
Dupuie, Lisa Givens, Brian Ponder, Raletha Moch, Kamilla Pasha, Troy
Newman Sr., Lisa Yanatta
MUSEUM NEWSLETTER – February – 2010
I’m sure that you noticed that there was not a January issue of the
Museum Newsletter. My Sister Jenny, who writes the newsletter, lost her
Husband J.C. to a heart attack on January 8, 2010.
J.C. was 65 and retired from the Ironworkers and Detroit Edison. He
served as a River Rouge Councilman in the 80’s and served on many
committees with local clubs. He was very active with Rouge events and will
be sadly missed by the community.
When We first started the newsletter, I thought it would be one or two
pages. But when Jenny gets started, you can’t stop Her. Because of this, the
printing cost is higher and the postage is 61 cents instead of 44 cents.
Therefore, we have to raise the cost of the mailed subscriptions to $10 per
year instead of $7 starting in March. If you check your address label, the
date of your first mailing is in the right corner (Add one month because of
the missing January issue) Subscriptions by e-mail are still free.
To subscribe to the newsletter send $10.00 with your name, address,
city and zip to the address above. Make all checks payable to R.R.H.M. Or
to get it free by e-mail, send us your e-mail address and name to our e-mail
address above.
Tom Abair
SENTIMENTAL JOURNAL
BY: JENNY COOPER
JULY 4, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. Eddie Falan, Manager of the local Kroger meat market, returned to work Monday
after a two week’s vacation spent in Ishpeming.
2. Miss Wanda Gass was the guest-of-honor at a miscellaneous shower Friday evening
given by Mrs. James White at her home, 235 Richter. Miss Gass will become the
bride of George Lickfelt, July 6, at the Grace Baptist Church.
3. Mrs. Jason Sigler, 124 Oak was the guest of honor at a shower given Thursday
evening at 121 Leroy, by her sister, Mrs. Thomas Moore. About 16 guests were
present and enjoyed an evening of bunco.
4. Mr. & Mrs. Albert Sharkey, 39 E. Anchor, announced Saturday, June 22, the
engagement of their daughter, Alberta, to Jack Renaud, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph
Eberline, of Division St. No definite date has been scheduled for the wedding.
5. Miss Ritamay Gallagher, 10750 W. Jefferson, will entertain several friends at her
home this evening (Tuesday), the occasion being a miscellaneous shower, at which
time Miss Dorothy Kohnen will be the guest of honor. Miss Kohnen will wed
Thomas Benner of Ohio, July 13.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” – Among the score of more of prominent
business and professional men in River Rouge who came from Western Michigan is
Hollis Noder, proprietor of the well known Johnson, the Jeweler, store at 10522 West
Jefferson. He spent the early part of his life in that area of the State where he received
much of his business training and experience. Born in Reed City, he obtained his
education and some of his early business experience there. His forebear were among the
early pioneers of the section; he comes largely from pure English stock. As a young men
he went to Big Rapids where he was associated with a jewelry business for several years,
and where he obtained most of the groundwork of experience. Entering business at
nearby Evert, he operated a store there for a year, but decided that the opportunities on
the Eastern side the State were better. He located in Wyandotte, for a time until the
opportunity to buy the Johnson business in River Rouge came along. In 1938, he
purchased the Johnson store, which had been operated here for a quarter of a century. He
is a certified watchmaker, and with his extensive business experience, has developed the
store to a high plan of merchandising efficiency. Like most former residents of Western
Michigan, Mr. Noder likes hunting and fishing. He doesn’t find much time for either of
this diversion, but occasionally during the season’s takes a day or two off to fish or hunt.
He likes to tramp the uplands for birds, and enjoys rabbit hunting when opportunity
affords; Mr. & Mrs. Noder have one daughter, Patricia, aged 16. During the past week
they moved to a new home which they recently built in Lincoln Park. He is an Odd
Fellow and a member of the River Rouge Business Men’s association, and attends the
Methodist Church.
Rouge Teachers were Wilkie Schoolmates – When the news came through last week of
the Republican nomination of Wendell Wilkie for the President of the United States,
perhaps no one was more interested or enthusiastic than Blanche and Caroline Wise,
music instructors at the River Rouge High School. The Misses Wise returned to the town
of their Alma Mater, Elwood, Indiana for a week during the Republican Convention.
Blanche Wise as among 39 students who graduated from Elwood High School along with
the nominee, Mr. Wilkie. She also attended the University of Indiana during the time he
did, and is able to recall with keen pleasure, several incidents of their high school and
college days, “Wendell’s chief characteristic is sincerity”, she said, “he never hesitates to
express his honest opinion, thus avoiding the creation of false impressions.” He was a
very likeable chap in our class, and was very prominent in all school activities. During
our senior year, he and I struggled to produce a Shakespearean Drama, but our English
teacher threw cold water on our enthusiastic plans by telling us we were not experienced
enough to present more than a one-act portion.” “Often, I heard Wendell practicing his
debate speeches at college in which subject he majored”. Monday night, plans were
made for an old-fashioned Hosier rally to be held at which time scenes from Mr. Wilkie’s
life were depicted by Elwood’s home talent. He plans to return to Elwood some time
during the month to give his acceptance speech. Several months ago the Misses Wise
were asked to support Wendell Wilkie, the requests coming by mail from loyal
schoolmates. “Last fall I predicted his excellent chances for the presidential candidacy”,
stated Miss Blanche Wise, “and I guess from the looks of things, I wasn’t far off. He’s a
fine fellow and I sincerely hope to see him in the White House.”
Foot Officers May Soon Have Radios In Rouge – River Rouge Police Officers on beats
along West Jefferson will carry portable radios, if a plan of Chief Thomas F. Verellen is
carried out. Chief Verellen plans to equip one officer with a small portable set in the next
few months, and if this proves successful, others may be added later. The set will be one
of the smallest portables made and is strapped under the arm like one type of gun holster.
It will pick up all broadcasts reproduced loud enough for the officer to get them. In
addition to police cars which will soon have two-way sets permitting them to
communicate to the police station and with one another, one motorcycle will have a oneway set for picking up police reports. However, the work of installation will be carried
out piece meal, and it may be sometime before the equipment is complete in all details.
The police radio now is operated as one way system. Police say the present one-way
radio is adding greatly to the efficiency of the department in its scout car patrol work, and
that two-way radio for emergencies will be a boon to the department.
To Begin Naval Training Today – Robert “Bob” Watson will report today (Tuesday) at
the Great Lakes Naval Training Station at Chicago having enlisted in the Navy.
Following the training at Great Lakes he hopes to specialize at the Navy Commercial
School. Mr. Watson graduated from the River Rouge High School in the class of ’39,
and was Chairman of the Rouge Student Association for two semesters. He was very
active in the debating divisions and since leaving school has been with the A & P Super
Markets. He is the son of Mr. & Mrs. J. Watson, 28 E. Pleasant.
Asks For Co-operation in Holiday Observance – Citing the critical condition of world
affairs and the stories of subversive elements at work in American Industrial Centers as
showing the need of reaffirmed patriotism, Wallis-Wainwright-Hack Post, No. 319,
American Legion, is making a special effort to have a wider Independence Day display of
American flags in the River Rouge business section and the city as a whole. Business
men up and down West Jefferson and others in scattered parts of the city have promised a
100 per cent flag display, Thursday. Literally hundreds of new flags have been ordered.
Many families have signified their intentions of displaying a standard size flag over their
homes. “River Rouge people are proving that they are loyal and patriotic,” said S. Hilo,
Chairman of the American Legion Flag Committee. “We have received fine cooperation.
Once the matter has been brought to their attention, local people have been quick to plan
proper display of our country’s flag on July Fourth.” F. L. Stanley, a war veteran and
Legion member, has been calling on the business people of the city and asking them to
display standard flags over their buildings and in front of their places of business. The
Legion has been helping to supply flags at virtually cost, Mr. Hilo said. Mr. Hilo asks
any person interested in flag display to call him or Mr. Stanley. He says that many
resident owners are asking for information, and suggests that they call at once if they
want to obtain a flag for Independence Day.
Couple United In Chapel Rites – The last Saturday of June was the wedding date of
Margaret DeWitt daughter of Mrs. Helen DeWitt, 931 Stinson, Detroit and Daniel Riney
son of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Riney, 63 Pine, who were united at a nine o’clock nuptial high
mass celebrated at the Little Flower Chapel, Parsons Ave., Detroit, with the Rev. Father
Edward Hardy, Pastor, officiating. It will long be remembered by those who witnessed
the pleasing picture of beauty, sentiment and charm. The bride, wearing a white net
bridal gown, trimmed in white satin and a floor length veil, was easily one of the most
charming, attractive brides of this season. She carried a prayer-book with white
streamers and gardenias. A novel note was introduced in the attire of her attendants. The
maid-of-honor, Grace Flanagan, of Detroit, as well as bridesmaids, Marian Riney and
Mary Fallan wore white Marquisette gowns, and green, pink and lavender assessories
respectively, and carried baskets of wild flowers. The best-man was the bridegroom’s
brother, Elmer Riney, the ushers were Jack Fallan and Morris Riney. Following the
ceremony the immediate families enjoyed a breakfast at the League of Catholic Women
Headquarters next to the Chapel. In the evening 200 friends attended a reception at 3542
Trumbull. The couple left on a week’s trip after which they will make their home in
River Rouge. Mrs. Riney is a graduate of the Class of ’37, Visitation High School,
Detroit and Mr. Riney an employee of the Great Lakes Steel Corp., graduated in 1935
from Our Lady of Lourdes.
JULY 11, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. The Hi-Hopes Club attended a surprise birthday celebration for Kermit Gregory given
by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Gregory, 2463 S. Edsel, Detroit. The
celebration ended with a wiener roast at Rouge Park. Several Canadian guests were
present.
2. Many persons will be saddened by the news of the passing last week of Mrs. Charles
Turner, a Detroit resident, who formerly lived on Burke Ave. Her husband is an
employee of the Detroit Edison. Mrs. Turner, who had been in ill health for a few
years, was buried Saturday.
3. Wilfred H. Burke, President of River Rouge Savings Bank, who is a delegate to the
Democratic National Convention at Chicago, left for that place this morning
accompanied by Herman H. Goldnitz who is also a Director of the Bank.
4. Orlin Rinna of James St. left Monday evening by train for New York City where he
will vacation indefinitely.
5. Thirteen little friends gathered at the home of Richard Totzkay, son of Mr. & Mrs.
Arthur Totzkay, 126 Oak, the afternoon of July 2 to honor the little fellow on the
outstanding occasion of his fifth birthday. The table set with a large birthday cake,
ice cream, candy and pop was daintily decorated in pink and white. The youngsters
enjoyed many games, several winning prizes.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” – Identified with River Rouge approximately
a year, Carl D. Primeau, proprietor of the Primeau Appliance Shop, 10447 West Jefferson
is one of a growing group of young business men here. Widely trained in his particular
field, interested in public affairs and a booster for the things that will benefit this section,
Mr. Primeau is the type of businessman who is a distinct asset to any community. He
was born in Chatham, Ontario, coming to the Detroit area in 1924. His early experience
was with the Frigidaire Company where he remained two years most of the time with an
agency in Texas. A decade ago he became affiliated with the Kelvinator people where he
has had a diversified experience in appliance distribution. Starting out as a salesman, he
has been supervisor, store manager, wholesale contact man and district manager where he
earned widespread recognition in the trade. For several years he was a district manager
in Davenport, Ia. Mr. Primeau is a red blooded young man who enjoys sports. He not
only likes to see athletic events but to take an active part in them. He was an amateur
wrestler several years ago, in fact was taken part in most sports. He is an enthusiastic
fisherman and hunter. When business permits he manages to take a fishing trip now and
then, and his catches indicate that he is a genuine follower of Isaac Walton. He has done
considerable small game hunting and has gone north occasionally for deer. While located
at Davenport several years ago, Mr. Primeau married an Illinois girl. They have two
daughters, Diana Elizabeth, aged 3 and Nancy Jane who is 6. Mr. Primeau with a small
sales force has established a fine record in slightly more than 11 months by booking
nearly 450 new customers all of whom have made appliance purchases in that period.
Congratulations! – Congratulating the various departments of the City of River Rouge on
their good showing in finishing the fiscal year in excellent financial condition, Mayor
Edmund T. Higgins at the July 2 meeting commented at length on the city’s condition:
“We have ended the fiscal year and started the new tax collection period without
borrowing money”, he said. “The City’s financial condition is good, and is showing
steady improvement. I want to place the credit where it is due with Department’s which
have worked so well in the public interest. I thank you for your support and cooperation,
and ask a continuance towards still greater improvements. “Taxes have been reduced and
city affairs generally are in good condition”.
Windstorm Damages Buildings In Rouge - A storm that threatened to assume the
proportions of a tornado damaged several places in River Rouge between 3 and 3:30pm
Wednesday. According to the River Rouge Police Department reports, Gilbert Motors
Building West Jefferson at Chestnut suffered the heaviest. A large tree was blown down
on Abbott St., and wires were down in several parts of town. Detroit Edison crews soon
had the situation in hand. Station WROQ, Rouge Police Department radio was at 3:15 to
3:35 when damage to the transformer of the Edison Company caused power to be shut
off. Considerable damage was done to the huge five-panel plate glass window at Gilbert
Motor Sales, 10955 W. Jefferson Ave. Two cars on the floor were showered with a large
quantity of broken glass that flew almost halfway up the stairs. The storm also destroyed
the neon and used car signs. Daniel Casetta, a salesman, received a few slight scratches.
A fish and poultry market belonging to John Parrinder also located on West Jefferson
Ave., lost one panel from its double window during the deluge. In addition, several
awnings and signs were strewn along the avenue.
New Director At Beechwood – Recently taking over his new duties as Director of the
Beechwood Community Center, William Boone is busy with details of the summer
program. Boone who comes from Beverly, New Jersey, and who graduated from
Virginia State College at Petersburg, obtained his Master Degree from the University of
Michigan. He hopes to build up the Beechwood Center and make it an even greater
service to the people of the West Side. He is particularly anxious to make it of value to
the adult population. The Center now has a few books, but he hopes to increase the
number and build up a library seeking contributions of books from persons who have
many books in good condition for which they have no particular use.
JULY 18, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. President Glen White of the Grace Baptist Church announces that the first of the
summer schedule was the swimming party last Tuesday evening and this week will be
a cabinet meeting in the basement of the church at 8 o’clock.
2. Dr. Henri Belanger returned Friday from a week’s fishing trip to LeCheneaux Islands.
He has a picture of a string of fish about five feet long to prove his prowess. An 18point pike was captured the last evening before their return.
3. George Mihaiu, son of Mr. & Mrs. Zosim Mihaiu, is following in the footsteps of his
brother, Attorney Michael Mihaiu, taking a law course at University of Detroit. He
recently was awarded a copy of Agency given to the student attaining the highest
standing in that course by the Lawyers’ Co-operative Publishing Co. of Rochester,
N.Y. Dean McKinna announced the Award to Mr. Mihaiu.
4. Mr. & Mrs. Kirby Wilson entertained 36 guests at their summer home at Belleville
last Sunday honoring the 41st wedding anniversary of Mr. & Mrs. William Montroy.
Judge Jeffries and family of Detroit and Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Pryor were among the
guests.
5. Robert S. Rosa, 104 Leroy, River Rouge is a member of the Education Committee for
the University of Michigan summer parlay “This War We Live In”, a series of panel
discussions on education, civil liberties, and the national election, being held Friday
and Saturday, July 19 and 20.
6. The Down River Empire Social Club will install the newly elected officers Friday
evening at the clubhouse, Walnut at Richter. Plans will also be made for the annual
picnic of which George Parker is chairman of the Entertainment Committee. The
officers are as follows: President, John Baird; Vice-President Mrs. Sally Kenemy;
Secretary, James Innis; Financial Secretary, Jane Parker; Treasurer, Mrs. M. Barr;
Trustees, David Allan, William Carshout and Andrew Innis. The installation begins
at 7:30pm.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” – The name of Brownlee long has been
connected with the lumber business – manufacturing, wholesale and retail in Detroit and
vicinity. Perry L. Brownlee, President of the West End Lumber Co., West Jefferson at
Victoria represents the second generation of that name engaged in the lumber business in
this section, one of the two well known brothers in business here. Mr. Brownlee’s father,
the late William G. Brownlee entered the business in 1871 when he established a lumber
mill in Detroit, “At Holden and the railroad” as it was then designated. He was killed in
an accident some nine years later, but the family acquired a mill and salt-block in River
Rouge about 1895. This was located on property now occupied by the present Brownlee
Lumber Co. All of the brothers of Perry L. Brownlee entered the lumber business.
William E. who lives on Grosse Isle, heads the Brownlee Lumber Co. in River Rouge,
one of the leading wholesale and jobbing lumber concerns in the Detroit area. Another
brother, John is engaged in lumbering at Shubuta, Miss. And a third brother, C.C., who
died last year was located at Cedartown, Ga. where he was engaged in the same business.
Perry Brownlee was born on Wilis Ave., Detroit, but the family lived near Warren and
Second during most of his early boyhood. Neither Warren nor Second near the
intersection was paved, and the old Cass Farm not then subdivided offered a considerable
tract of undeveloped territory there. He remembers standing nearly an hour on
Woodward Ave. to see the first electrically propelled street car. After finishing high
school in Detroit, young Brownlee was offered a scholarship in William & Mary College,
but decided he wanted to begin working. Today as he looks back, he regrets that he did
not devote the next four years to college. He spent three years in the South as a Lumber
Co. Employee, before returning to this section. His experience includes seven years as a
Building Contractor in Detroit, and two years as a traveling lumber salesman. He has
watched Detroit grow from a population of approximately quarter of a million person to
its present proportions and during that time he has been affiliated either directly or
indirectly with the construction business. In 1916 a year after the organization of the
West End Lumber Co., Mr. Brownlee became associated with that concern. He devotes
most of his time to the business and has few diversions. He likes to read, and listen to
broadcasts of Tiger games on the radio. Enjoying travel he has managed to see a large
part of the United States during his vacations. The family home is in Detroit. Mr. &
Mrs. Brownlee have two married daughters. A third of a century in the material and
building business leads Mr. Brownlee to observe that building trends show marked
changes. Shortly after the turn of the Century, the average house was much larger than
today. Wood siding exteriors were the rule for average houses. Now space is conserved
in every way possible, brick veneer is very popular in Detroit and vicinity. Kitchens and
bathrooms show the greatest changes. Efficient arrangement and equipment is the
watchword for kitchens, while the bathroom is a work of art with all of the latest
bathroom fixtures and equipment.
Campaign To Put Steele On “All-Star” Underway – Buck Weeber, the veteran football
coach of state championship teams, leaned on the backstop at one of his summer
playgrounds and looked us straight in the face. Coach Weeber, after 14 years of
successful coaching, can look any man straight in the face because he’s always played the
game that way. His was the time honored pose of the coach whose boys go to college
and produce. The subject of his immediate peak against Wyandotte in gaze was a
twenty-three-year-old athlete weighing 155 pounds, and standing five feet nine inches.
The husky’s name is Arch Steele who has won praise as a signal caller in the Ohio
Conference ever since he stepped onto the starting lineup as a sophomore against
Michigan State Normal three years ago. “His selection of plays while quarterbacking for
me was almost beyond criticism; and he reached 1933, setting up our winning touchdown
with deliberate selections,” declared Weeber in answer to that oft-asked question
concerning the sending of young Steele to the All-Star game which will be played in
Soldier Stadium, August 29. “All of us who are behind the drive sincerely believe that
had Arch attended one of the larger Universities he would certainly have been a serious
contender for All-American Honors. Why, even while playing for Bowling Green State
University, Ohio, he was placed on Eddie Dooley’s All-American check list and was
given prominent mention in the Football Annual. Because during his 3 seasons at
quarterback of the B.G.S.U. squad he has been outstanding as a ball carrier and field
general,” continued Buck. “We realize that, even though of equal ability, the player from
the small school suffers in competition with the nationally known for an All-Star berth. It
is for this reason that the campaign is necessitated,” concluded the Coach of Champions.
The Big All-Star squad will be pruned heavily next week in the County Wide balloting
tests when something like 75 per cent of the entrants will be rolled into the gravel ditch
and left by the way side. Steele is as unspoiled as any prominent athlete we have ever
known. To pay him a compliment is only to make him blush and squirm. If the kids of
this county care to pick up someone to follow in every respect, they could make no
mistake in following the methods and manners of Steele who, we are sure, will remain
unspoiled to the last ball he carries. It couldn’t be any other way, and next fall after a
great game River Rouge will lay a just claim to “I-told-you-so” honors when talking
about our boy Steele.
C.C.C. Quotas For Rouge, Ecorse Still Unfilled - Although usually filled quickly, the
July C.C.C. quotas for River Rouge and Ecorse still lack several of the required number,
it was announced yesterday. Despite the fact that few restrictions were placed on the
candidates for C.C.C. service, only 11 have signed up from River Rouge and seven from
Ecorse. The quota will be open until July 31. The April quota of 24 of the two places
were filled without much difficulty, although the growing feeling on the part of the public
that C.C.C. service may be classed as military and results in boys with this training being
called to arm service, cut down the number seeking to go to camps. Originally only boys
whose parents were on Relief were taken. A few exceptions were made of so-called
borderline cases. After the European War broke out, it became harder and harder to fill
the quarterly quotas from families on relief. The April quotas were largely from
borderline cases. For the July quota, restrictions were dropped for the most part. While
applicants from River Rouge and Ecorse are referred to F. Barret Lafferty, Welfare Relief
Director, most of the selections are from families which are not even considered
borderline cases. Indications are that the quota will not be filled although applications
are still being made at 1025 East Forest, Detroit. Officials assert that C.C.C. boys will
not be called any quicker than others in case of a national emergency and that this service
will have no bearing on sections in case of a draft.
ADS
1. Gilbert Motor Sales, Inc. 10940 W. Jefferson Ave. – Used Cars and Trucks – 1938
Chevrolet Coach – You’ll like this one – made to order - $125 down. * 1939
Hudson 6 Coach; radio and heater. It’s first class throughout $149 down. * A good
selection of ’35 – ’36 – ’37 Fords Chevy and Plymouths sold on a 50-50 guarantee.
Down payment from $25 and up.
2. Kresge’s – 10571 W. Jefferson Ave. – Lingerie Sale – A special sale on our most
popular rayon satin slip! Bias cut for smoother fit; trimly tailored for longer service
32 – 44. * Mesh girdles and pantie girdles special price 43 cents. For greater
summer comfort an open mesh two-way stretch girdle or pantie girdle of rayon and
lastex. *Brassieres 25 cents. * Panties 10 cents – 15 cents – 25 cents. Mesh and
Tricot knit rayons in brief or midway lengths; tailored or lace trimmed styles.
Regular and extra sizes.
3. Bob-Lo (Lake Huron Cruise) 85 cents adults, 40 cents children. Reduced Fare Round
trips only 60 cents, children 30 cents. “New roller skating rink; Modern amusement
park, saddle horses and ponies; Baseball … tennis; picnic grounds; Popular-priced
café and cafeteria and dancing every day to Mattie Hollie’s CKLW orchestra – Free
in the evening. Continuous free dancing to the music of George Smith’s or Phil
Skillman’s Band aboard these streamlined ships. All ships leave from the foot of
Woodward.
JULY 25, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. Birthdays of the following W.B.A. members were observed Tuesday evening at a potluck dinner and regular meeting held at the home of Mrs. Saunders, 1010 Coolidge
Highway; Mrs. Arthur Kuritz, Mrs. Alexander Sequin, Mrs. Neil Smith and Mrs.
William Fox.
2. Twelve members from the Freshmen Girls Club of Our Lady of Lourdes High School
are enjoying a week’s stay at Wampler’s Lake.
3. Little Jimmy Schultz, three year old son of Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Schultz, 224 Burke, is
convalescing at his home following a tonsillectomy and adenoid operation performed
Friday at the Delray General Hospital.
4. Twenty-five members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and the Daughters of the V.F.W. were
guests Tuesday of Walter O. Briggs at the stadium to witness the game between
Detroit and Washington. Mrs. Georgia Russel, 35 Bell, Ecorse, Junior Chairman of
the Daughters, received the complimentary tickets, entitling the women to attend.
5. Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Brown and son, Thomas of Nashville, Tennessee, are guests of Mr.
& Mrs. Edward Rasmussen of Summit St. this week. The Browns are former River
Rouge residents. During this time Miss Donna Rasmussen is visiting Mrs. Violet
Grows at Clawson.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know- Secretary of the River Rouge Businessmen’s
Association, the organization which annually puts on Rouge Day, Attorney Fred H. Sims
can lay claim to a ground-work of business as well as legal training and experience.
Coming from a family which has been intimately associated with business affairs here he
has been affiliated with activities of this community with the exception of a few brief
intervals since coming to River Rouge in his teens. He received his early education in the
Pittsburg, Pa. area, coming here when a Sophomore in High School. He graduated from
River Rouge High School in 1920, having been business manager of the first annual, then
known as “The River Rogue”. He also was active in debating. Entering the University of
Michigan, he graduated from the law school in 1925. At the University, he went in for
track and made the cross country squad. He father and uncle operated Sims Brothers, a
well known River Rouge store where the Father and Son store is now located. The name
is now earned by two of his brothers who operate stores in Lincoln Park and Ecorse.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, he became associated with Fixel &
Fixel, well known downtown law firm where he obtained excellent experience
particularly in war-risk insurance cases. In 1929, he went to San Antonio, Texas where
he practiced law one and one half years, but in July 1930 returned to River Rouge and
opened a law office. Since that time he has been engaged in the general practice of law
here. He is a member of the Michigan and Texas bars, and belongs to both the Detroit
and Down River Bar Associations. Two years ago he was elected Secretary of the River
Rouge Businessmen’s Association. At one time he was a tennis enthusiast, but this year
he turned to boating as a pastime. With one of his brothers, he has acquired a catboat,
and spends his spare time during the summer sailing on the Detroit River. He also enjoys
horseback riding.
Cub Scouts Hold Model Boat Race – A regatta of model homemade sailboats featured the
July meeting of River Rouge Scout Cub Pack, No. 641 at Elizabeth Park Saturday.
Thirty-one cubs took part, some 30 other persons accompanying them to the park to
witness the events. About 30 small boats were entered in the race held in a small lagoon,
the boat made and entered by James Foster being declared the winner. He received a
gold satin whistle cord as prize. M. Hench, Chairman of Michigan Cub Scouts awarded
the prize and was a speaker.
Record Attendance In Prospect For Outing – Advance tickets sales for the Fifteenth
Annual Rouge Day at Bob-Lo today indicate a record attendance for the big event. Aided
by the warm weather, and the plans for general closing of business houses, the number of
persons taking part in the events of the day are expected to far exceed those of any Rouge
Days of the last few years. A parade on Tuesday night which made up with noise what it
lacked in numbers drew the attention of the general public to the coming outing.
Promptly at9:30am the Steamer Columbia will put out of the Great Lakes Engineering
Works Dock in River Rouge, and head for Bob-Lo. On this trip the steamer is made
available exclusively for the people of River Rouge. While a boat leaving Bob-Lo on the
return trip at 6:00pm is scheduled to make the Great Lakes Engineering docks stop, it is
possible that another boat also will dock there if enough persons from the Rouge are
aboard to warrant it. The Pay-Day drawings may be held in the forenoon although the
exact time has not been announced. The contest and field events program will begin at
1:00pm at Diamond 2. With over $600 available for the Pay Day and the Regular
Contest Prizes, plenty of interest is expected in all Rouge Day activities.
Thousands At Flag Ceremony Of Steel Mill – With planes maneuvering above the huge
crowd assembled at Tecumseh Rd. and West Jefferson the three 100 foot steel flag poles
at the Great Lakes Steel Corp. Ecorse plant were fittingly dedicated Saturday noon. The
crowd visiting the place Saturday was variously estimated at from 10,000 to 15,000
persons. Great Lakes Steel Post, American Legion, under the direction of Commander
John MacCauley, had charge of the dedication. The Great Lakes Post Drum & Bugle
Corps Commanded by William Greer took part. Preparedness was stressed by Capt.
Alonzo J. Baker, of the Kellogg Foundation, Former State Commander of the Department
of California, American Legion, who was the dedicatory speaker. A big tent on vacant
property near Tecumseh Rd. was erected to house a large crew dispensing refreshments
to employees of the Mills and their friends.
Steel Votes Near One Half Million, Report – With a number of names secured for Archie
Steele as a candidate for quarterback on the All Star Team which meets the Green Bay
Packers on August 29 approaching the half million mark, his chances for landing a good
place on the team are considered good. The final appointment of results of the polling
probably will be made today by the Chicago Tribune. Steele has been constantly gaining.
Late last week he jumped from twelfth place for the quarterback position to ninth. Since
seven will be named for the quarterback position, his chances of making it are considered
extremely good. His backers hope that he will finish in sixth or seventh place for the
position. Every effort was made by backers of Steele headed by Bill Frutig to get the
number of votes over 400,000. In every section of the Metropolitan Area, volunteers
circulated his petitions. Many petitions were circulated by college mates and
acquaintances at distant places. The volume of votes secured, surprised even his backers.
If Steele is selected, local friends plan to give him an ovation at the Airport when he
leaves by plane for Chicago for the training period next month.
AUGUST 1, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. Leonard & Norma Lozon, children of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lozon, 86 ½ Pleasant, are at
the Free Press summer camp near Saline. Marcella Lozon, another member of the
family, has just returned from a visit with relatives in Ontario.
2. The Leaders Class of the Sunday School of the First Christian Church will hold their
regular monthly class meeting tomorrow evening (Friday) at the home of Mrs. Peter
Munroe, 9409 Henley Place, Detroit.
3. Rev. & Mrs. H. D. Smallwood are leaving for a month’s vacation in King’s
Mountain, Kentucky, their hometown, after the service on Sunday at the Grace
Baptist Church.
4. Mr. & Mrs. Ormund Rugg of Oak St. are leaving Friday in their house trailer for a
three weeks’ trip in the Copper Country of the Upper Peninsula. They will be
accompanied by their sons, Erwin & Wilbur.
5. Miss Evelyn Rose, 204 Summit, is employed in the local Kroger Grocery and Baking
store.
6. When Miss Bette Bresinski, 259 Burke, returns from a month’s cruise on the S. S.
North American, which goes to Georgian Bay, where she was a hairdresser, she will
resume her work at the Stewart Beauty Shop.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” – A native son of River Rouge Joseph C.
Lozon, 86 ½ Pleasant who last spring was elected a City Constable, has lived a large part
of his life here except for the time spent in the Army during the World War. Indirectly he
had a lot to do with the health and well being of American troops in France for he served
with 26th Engineers, known as the water-supply outfit, which had charge of maintaining a
proper supply of water in one of the principal sectors occupied by the Doughboys. He
was born and grew up in River Rouge where he received his education. Enlisting in the
Army, after the war broke out, he was one of the youngest men in his company. He
served seven months in France where as a member of a Water Supply Company, it was
the duty of his outfit to make sure that pure water was available for the troops. If there
was any question about the water, it was put through a purifying treatment, and plentiful
supplies made available close behind the fighting lines. Often under fire, he was close to
the activities at St. Mihiel and during the Argonne Forest fighting as well as the offensive
sector near the Meuse River. He was gassed, although not badly. His outfit moved into
Germany with the Army of Occupation, but remained only a month. In all he saw service
in France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany. After returning to River Rouge he spent
several years in the employ of the Great Lakes Engineering Works where he contributed
his part to the construction of many ships now in the lakes. He was a member of the
River Rouge Fire Department for a few months. Some three or four years ago, he
became disabled as a result of failing health, but is gradually improving. During the five
months he has served as constable he has served many legal papers and finds the work
interesting. Mr. Lozon married a Canadian girl. They have two daughters, Marcella and
Norma and a son, Leonard. His greatest diversion and the nearest to a hobby to which he
pleads guilty is fishing. He likes to troll for bass, pike and other fish of this kind. He is a
member of Henry A. Dennison Post, No. 2222 V.F.W., and Down River Rats, Pup Tent
No. 18, Military Order of Cooties, a social organization composed entirely of V.F.W.
members.
Rouge Day Crowd Braves Heat Wave For Contests – Although the excessive hot weather
cut down attendance to slightly under 1,000, the Fifteenth Annual Rouge Day at Bob-Lo,
last Thursday made up in enthusiasm what it lacked in numbers. Nearly 800 took
passage on the steamer Columbia which left the Great Lakes Engineering Works Dock at
9:30am, while a small number went from the downtown docks on the regularly scheduled
boats. Temperatures on the boat were much lower than in town while the island offered
cooling breezes and considerable comfort for those who could keep out of the sun. The
boat leaving the island at 6pm which docked at River Rouge was crowded, as it contained
many persons other than the local crowd. Many of the younger people waited until the
last boat, one small group of boys having exhausted all of their funds walked to River
Rouge from the Woodward Ave. docks. Vic Haener, President of the River Rouge
Businessmen’s Association, Bert Honour, Vic Rizzi, Fred Sims, Harry Gunzberg, James
Cassidy, Max Baker and Charles Dickson were among those actively in charge of
program details at the Island. In the various events only the names of winners of first and
second place are given: Boy’s Race (50-yard dash) – 8-10 yrs. Of age. (1) Chester
Gryniewiez, 356 Burke; (2) Bill Chorkey, 202 Richter: Bunny Hop for girls 6-10 yrs. Of
age. (1) Molly Milligan, 166 Division & (2) Margery Kisella, 341 Holford: Boys Shoe
Race, 10-16 yrs. Of age. (1)Richard Hamilton, 121 Leroy & (2) Paul McKee, 103 Leroy:
Three Legged Race for boys 10-16 yrs. Of age. (1) William Kelly, 209 Charles &
Charles & Frank Riopelle, 220 Division (first pair): Joseph Milnarich, 192 Fairmont &
Lawrence Kramer, 47 Stoner (second pair): Girls Race (50 Yard Dash ) 10-16yrs of age,
(1) Catherine Campeau, 14 E. Glenwood and (2) Madeline Bury, 95 Abbott: Married
Men’s race (50 yard dash) (1) Paul Galligan, 108 Brownlee and (2) Arthur F. Goniea, 95
E. Cicotte: Married Women’s Race (50 Yard Dash) (1) Mrs. Joan Lozon, 219 Richter
and (2) Mrs. Jos. Kovach, 126 Great Lakes: Men’s Obstacle Race (50 Yard Forward, 50
Yards Backward) (1) Bill Honour, 131 Maple and (2) Nick Rabchenia, 191 Charles:
Ladies Slipper Kicking Contest, (1) Dorothy Barnard, 132 Pine and (2) Ruth Sekley,
Attica, Mi. NOTE: Vic Rizzi who kicked a shoe over the heads of the judges for a new
record was disqualified. Fat Men’s Race – (1) Robert Gnam, 205 Richter and (2) Nick
Rabchenia, 191 Charles: Married Couples Race (Siamese Twins) – (1) Madeline
Bourdeau, 336 Richter & Bill Honour, 131 Maple (first couple). Marcene DeCello, 49 E.
Anchor and Robert Gnam, 205 Richter (second couple). By agreement the contest was
not confined to married couples. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Abair, 76 Leroy married 49 years
last July 19, won the prize for being the oldest married couple attending. Mr. & Mrs.
Caesar Bomya, 15 W. Anchor, who lacked three months of being married 49 years
qualified as the second oldest married couple. Mr. & Mrs. William Marvin, 52 Oak
married one year and Mr. & Mrs. Dan Charboneau, 57 E. Cicotte, married three years
qualified as the youngest married couples. Thomas Edward Cunningham seven week old
son of Mr. & Mrs. William Cunningham, 114 Catherine, was the youngest baby present.
Caesar Bomya, 15 W. Anchor, who is 82 and Alexander Watson, 16 Louis, 78, were
given prizes for being the oldest men present. The oldest women was Mrs. Della
Willette, 81 E. Henry, 73 and Mrs. Isabel Cadzow, 76 Batavia, 72, taking second prize.
The prize for the largest family present went to Mrs. James Charson, 233 Richter, who
was accompanied by six children. Although the River Rouge Businessmen’s Association
team used several stars of former days in their line-up, they bowed to the River Rouge
Herald’s Softball Team 15 to 16 in a fast game.
AUGUST 8, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. Seventeen friends were present at a moonlight party Saturday evening to Bob-Lo
honoring Netoneo “Sis” Montroy, the occasion being her birthday. Those attending
were: Romeo & Lydia Montroy, Mrs. Mary Beaudrie, Ed Phail, Phyliss Messimer,
Tom Riley, Ritamay Gallagher, Ed Hamel, Frances Labadie, Bea White, Johnny
Slabodnic, Dorothy & Buff LeClair, Steve Montroy, Art Orjek, George Gardiner,
William Hamel and Miss Montroy.
2. Margie Trzcinski, 145 E. Henry a member of the Class of ’40, River Rouge High
School has enrolled for the fall term at Cleary College, Ypsilanti.
3. Mr. & Mrs. A. R. Reno, Mr. & Mrs. E. A. Cheff, Mr. & Mrs. James Leyes of Grosse
Ile and Mr. & Mrs. Frank Halbrook Detroit were at Hubbard Lake near Alpena for
several days last week.
4. Howard Pilon is now employed at the Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn.
5. Mrs. Betty Frew, 11324 W. Jefferson, has just returned from Cleveland, where she
was the guest for 9 days of a former Rouge Resident, Thelma Montgomery.
6. Members of the local Chapter of the Knights of Columbus with their family and
friends will hold a picnic Sunday, August 11 at 1pm at King & Allen Rds. A day of
amusement and fun, it promises to include games, races and dancing, and lunches are
to be brought packed in the family picnic basket style.
7. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Riney and family, 63 Pine, are enjoying a ten-day visit in
Jacksonville, Florida with Mr. & Mrs. Edward Cazabon.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” – A business man who has been eminently
successful in his field but who has a number of outstanding hobbies is Frank S. Hawkins
proprietor of Frank’s Wallpaper & Paint Store, 10900 W. Jefferson Ave. Although he
gives business his closest attention during regular hours, once he has finished the day’s
work, he turns for relaxation to some of his hobbies. These hobbies are many and
diversified. He is a talented musician who plays the piano and guitar. Art has always
been a hobby with him, in fact it has been more than that, since as a sign painter several
years ago, it was a basis of a successful business enterprise. He likes to fish and hunt and
is known for his success in the realm of Isaac Walton and for his ability to bringing down
small game. Last but by no means least, he is interested in archery which ties up with his
prowess as a hunter. Next fall he is planning to take an Archer’s license to hunt deer in
the North during the brief season set aside for that purpose just before the regular deer
season opens. Mr. Hawkins was born in England at Waymouth in Dorset. The town is
located on the English Channel, and broke into print a few days ago when it was bombed
by the Germans. He lived in England until he was eight years of age, when he was
brought to Canada. Residing in Ottawa until he was 16, he became a resident of the
United States, locating in the Detroit area. Although born overseas, Mr. Hawkins now
has no near relatives in England and no close ties with the land of his birth. He has been
a citizen of the United States for many years. He was employed at the Great Lakes
Engineering Works for several years, but during that time he was busy with art as a side
issue, taking several courses at the University of Detroit night school. He finally opened
a sign painting business, known as Frank’s Sign Store. He operated this for over four
years, but his interest in decorating finally led him to go into the paint and wallpaper
business. He has operated his business for eight years, during the early period having a
store opposite Memorial Park. Four years ago he built the structure where his store is
now located, and which he owns with the exception of two years spent in Los Angeles, he
has been identified with River Rouge for the last 16 years.
To him hobbies are
important, and he believes they have a vital place in the lives of many people. Aside
from his hobbies, he finds time for regular courses in reading. Mrs. Hawkins was the
former Bertha Brahmer. Mr. & Mrs. Hawkins have one daughter, Helen.
Rouge Old-timers Plan An Outing – The second annual outing of the River Rouge Oldtimers will be held at Schaeffer Park, on Goddard Rd. between Dix and Allen on the
afternoon of Sunday, August 18. Preparations are being made for a gala event although
no regular program is planned. The picnic will start at 1pm and many of these taking part
will want to visit with old friends and acquaintances. In order to be eligible for the Old
Timers group, a person must have been resident of River Rouge for 40 years or be the
husband or wife of such a person. Tickets may be secured of any of the following
persons: Louis Goniea at City Hall; Daniel Goniea at the Bank, August Philippart, Abel
Lezotte, Dr. Henri Belanger, Herman Meyer, August Genter, Gill Marantette and William
Kleinow.
Plan Doll Show Tomorrow Night – River Rouge children are expected to bring at least
500 dolls to the annual Recreation Doll Show being held tomorrow evening (Friday_ at
the five various playgrounds. The event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 o’clock. Serving as
judges at Memorial Park will be Mr. John Greig, Mrs. Sidney Scanes and Mrs. Joseph
Gennaro; at Cicotte will be Mrs. Roger Carrington and Miss Edith Deering; at the
Community Center, Mrs. H. M. Ross and Mrs. R. L. Brown and at the Northrup grounds
Mrs. John Walthal and Mrs. Ola Darden. Ribbons will be given for the prettiest blonde,
brunette and red haired dolls, largest, smallest oldest; largest, smallest and prettiest eyed
dolls and many others. In all ribbons will be given for 23 different types of dolls.
Returns From Trip As Ship’s Surgeon – Dr. H. A. Brady, 10538 W. Jefferson Ave.,
returned Sunday from a very enjoyable week’s cruise as ship surgeon on the steamer
South American of the Georgian Bay Line. The ship called at the Soo, Mackinac Island,
Harbor Springs, Chicago and Buffalo. Mr. Brady’s daughter, Mary Lou, joined him on
Friday for the two-day cruise to Cleveland and Buffalo. This was her first boat trip and
she had such a good time that she insists on going along again next year. While they
were away, Mrs. Brady’s father, A. L. Goble, of Grand Rapids, flew down to visit her at
their home in the Reno Building.
Playground News – The River Rouge Community Center boasted two city checkers
champions, Clara Hughes winning the Junior Title and Ethel Charron the Midget Crown.
Hazel Perry and Willa Lee Simmons of Beechwood were runners-up in the Junior and
Midget division respectively.
Ten Years Ago In River Rouge –

The tree sitting craze was at its height and several boys in the community took a
fling at it. Jack Hochkiss aged 16, of 1891 Beatrice, occupying a tree not far from
the Rouge-Detroit line on Coolidge, was threatening to break a few records. He


had spent two weeks in the tree, and said that he intended to stay there until
school started. He had things well organized with a bed in the tree.
Action was taken by the River Rouge City Council to bar from the streets buses
which gave off obnoxious odors, and were not considered in good condition from
the standpoint of safety. The action was sponsored by Commissioner Valade and
opposed by Commissioner Julius Durant, the latter contending that it might
handicap service in River Rouge.
City Clerk Raymond J. Peters lost a collar button, that might not have been
considered a matter of importance were it not for the fact that the pair which Mr.
Peters had owned for 18 years. He claimed the long distance record for use of a
set of collar buttons, and said that the small piece of jewelry had a sentimental
value out of proportion to its actual worth. Several persons challenged his record
of 18 years.
AUGUST 15, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. Commissioner George A. Deering entertained 20 guests at his summer home in New
Boston Sunday in honor of his mother and sister, Mrs. Alice Deering and Miss
Edythe Deering of Fargo N.D. Other out of town guests included Miss Harriet
Farmer of Duluth, Minn., and Mrs. Mildred Sage and son, Wallace and Miss Dorothy
Deering, Detroit.
2. Mr. & Mrs. H. R. Hasselbach and children, Mary Louis and Robert, who formerly
resided at 1959 S. Annabel, took up their new residence in the Robert Oakman
Apartments on Schaeffer Highway Wednesday. Mr. Hasselbach is Manager of
Barron’s Inc.
3. Chief Joseph Benoit of the River Rouge Fire Dept. and Mrs. Benoit have returned
from two weeks at their cottage at Stony Point where the former spent his vacation.
4. Officer Richard Fox of the River Rouge Police Dept. will leave late this week for a
trip to Philadelphia and other Eastern points.
5. Mr. & Mrs. Leon Gatton, 87 Batavia, announce the coming marriage of their daughter
Charlotte, to Harvey L’Hereaux also of River Rouge. The wedding will take place
August 31 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The bride-elect was honored with a
miscellaneous shower August 7 by her mother.
6. There will be a regular meeting of the Henry A. Dennison Auxiliary on Thursday
evening, August 15, in the V.F.W. Hall. This is the only meeting to be held during
the month of August.
7. The Junior Young People’s Society of Christ Lutheran Church are sponsoring an Ice
Cream Social tomorrow (Friday) beginning at 2:30pm and extending through the
evening. The members are trying something this year which they have not tried
before. They are combining a small “Vanity Fair” with the social.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” – Holding good jobs in newspapers and
commercial printing plants, in a score or more of cities will be found nearly 150 young
men who obtained their early training in the Printing Department of River Rouge High
School. That means that they received their inspiration and technical schooling from
Roger H. Carrington who started the Printing Education Department in the local high
school 18 years ago and has been in charge of it since. Hundreds of other students have
taken work in the Printing Department for the training it has afforded, particularly in
English where many a youth has learned spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure
from having to laboriously put in type routine printing exercises. To the wide circle of
friends of Mr. Carrington, it probably will come as a surprise that he was a very frail
child whose parents despaired of ever raising him. He was born in St. Paul, Minn., but
the family located in Menomonie, Wisc., when he was a small boy as it was felt that he
would find the conditions more healthful there. He graduated from Menomonee High
School and became a student of the Stout Institute there where he specialized in graphic
arts and from which he was graduated with a B. S. Degree. He served a Printing
Apprenticeship with the Dun County News of Menomonee, and has had experience in
shops in Duluth, and Detroit. His later experience includes work in the Mechanical
Departments of both the News and the Free Press. He has an A.M. Degree from Wayne
University. After graduating from Stout Institute he was employed as an Instructor in the
Fargo (N.D.) High School for two years. He came to River Rouge in 1922 to take over
the new Printing Department here, and has built it up from small beginnings to its present
proportions. It probably has more successful graduates in positions then any of the
several high school shops in the suburban districts of Detroit. Mr. Carrington was
married to Margaret Deering while a resident of Fargo, N.D. They have two children,
Jean 16 and Robert 13. Aside from stamp collecting which has long commanded his
interest, Mr. Carrington has few hobbies. He pleads guilty to a liking for bowling and
golfing and hunting as recreations. He is a staunch supporter of River Rouge High
School athletics, and during the 18 years he has been here has never missed a local
football game in which the first team took part. His activities as an educator have
brought about his membership in a formidable list of organizations. He belongs to the
National Graphic Arts Educator Guide and the Michigan Industrial Education Society.
He holds a Life Membership in the Stout Printing-Teachers’ Association. Other
Organizations to which he belongs include the National Education Association, Michigan
Education Association and the River Rouge Teachers’ Club. He is a member of Detroit
Typographical Union, No. 18. He has been Secretary of the River Rouge Kiwanis Club
for the last four years, and is a member of the K of C. In recreational activities, he
belongs to Lourdes Bowling League and River Rouge Recreation Golf.
Premier Flower Garden Of River Rouge – While River Rouge may not impress the casual
stranger as a City of Flowers, judges for the Kiwanis Club Garden Contest Tuesday
agreed that the community could hold its own with other places in competition of
individual gardens. Twenty-four gardens were entered in the contest which closed
Monday night. The garden of Mrs. Frances Balos, 541 Frazier, was awarded first prize of
$5 cash and $4 worth of merchandise. The selection was made on the general excellence
of the garden which showed the results of skill and judgement in laying out and
developing. Size of garden, arrangement, bloom and variety were taken into
consideration, Mrs. Balos’ garden ranking high in all. George Bommer, 45 Elm, won
second prize of $4 cash and $3 in merchandise. Third place went to Mrs. T. Lazia, 132
E. Henry. She will receive $3 cash and $2 in merchandise. Mrs. L. Deters, 132 Maple,
won fourth and will be given $2 cash and $1 in merchandise. Other prize winners in the
order of awards each of whom will receive $2 in cash each are as follows: Mrs. Joseph
Gennaro, 117 Walnut; J. Butler, 48 Stoner; Mrs. George Banyase, 27 Florence; Mrs. Paul
Retting, 24 Cora and H. O. Kaurin, 252 Frazier. All winners will also receive ribbons in
Kiwanis colors. Each will be invited to be the guest of River Rouge Kiwanis Club at the
regular meeting in the Methodist Church, Tuesday, August 27. At that time the prizes
and ribbons will be presented. Clarence Aldrich, Program Chairman, is arranging for the
showing of a special motion picture on gardening. Judges were Mrs. John Breen, Mrs.
Columbus Roberts and Frank Weeber. Hazen Pingree Knoch, who was elected as a
judge, was unable to officiate. Mr. Knoch donated the nursery stocks which is designated
as merchandise in the prize list.
FASHION
1. Hat fabrics will feature broadcloth – Fashion significance’s predicted many months
ago that fabrics will play a more and more important role in fall millinery. And as the
autumn season has unfolded, there has appeared a decided revival of fabrics. Among
these, two stand out as recently launched – broadcloth and corduroy, selected because
of their sturdy qualities, and their association with costume acceptances. Broadcloth,
which can easily double for felt in its finish, is best in black, beige and gray.
Corduroy, with a fine wale looks newest in beige, a shade in which it has been
featured. Both are in attractive contrast with costume materials and present varied
turban variations.
2. Cut-Away Neckline For Dinner Dress – It isn’t such a closed case for necklines as it
was last year in those sleeved dinner and evening dresses that have grown to be such
favorites with both our young women and older ones too. There is a stronger
inclination to make the dinner dress have some little something that distinguishes it
from a daytime dress (besides of course, the long skirt). The same fabrics, the same
colors, the same cuts and details, even some of the same brilliant embroideries leave
no excitement at all for the after-six dress. But cutting away the neckline to a deep
square or a deep V, or a deep U, does the trick better than anything else. Buyers say
that women and particularly the larger-size customers, like to have that open neckline
look décolletage at front that expresses formality. There are more of them for this
coming season, and more of them with the front low then the cut-down back.
3. McCosky & Gorsica Will Present Trophy – Two of the Detroit Tigers most
popular players, Barney McCoskey and Johnny Gorsica, will present the River
Rouge Herald Trophy, symbolic of the most valuable Recreation League hardball
player, at the Annual All-Star game tomorrow (Friday) night at Burke Field. The
game is scheduled to start at 6 o’clock. The popular McCoskey presented the
Herald Trophy last year to Dick Settles and also awarded the Junior League
Trophy to Rollie Paul. Five members of the Downriver Bowling Nine have won
starting assignments with the first team while four others will see action for the
second team. The league leading Police team were given but two positions on the
first team and a like number on the second squad, while the second place
Howell’s Team totaled seven players for the two teams. Tony Smolak and Russ
Michaelis, Managers of the first squad, will present a team batting average of
.330, it’s the lowest regular batting .313, while the second team, managed by
Walter Patterson and Dutch Robinette, boasts a .271 average, its lowest regular
batting .174. Proceeds of the game will be used for the Injured Players’ Fund.
All Star Line Up: First Team; Fifty Laginess, Police (C); Stanley Szarek,
DownRiver (P); Ray Haener, Police (P); Charles Nemeth, Howells (1B); Charles
Jurczyk, Down River (2B); Louis Kritz, Down River (3B); Fred Mondon, Police
(SS); Russ Michaelis, Howell’s (LP); Alex Banoski, Down River (CP); Tony
Smolak, Down River (RF); Louis Perry, LeChateau (U1); Paul White, Howell’s
(UO); Tony Smolak (Mgr); Russ Michaelis (Mgr); Fifty Laginess (Capt).
Second Team: Ray Zimmerman, Howells (C); Howard Short, Howell’s (P);
Steve Adaline, Down River (P); Walter Nowak, Down River (1B); Jimmy Butson,
Police (2B); Clarence Roberts, Howell’s (3B), Jimmy Weldman, Down River
(SS); Andy Uram, Com. Center (LF); Gerald Wagatha, Police (CF); Richard
Crosson, Down River (RF); Johnny Tatten, Howell’s (U1); Bob Moore’s
Howells’ (UO); Walter Patterson, LeChateau (Mgr); Dutch Robinette, Com. Cen,
(Mgr), Walter Nowak (Capt).
West Side News
1. The recent forum discussion of the River Rouge Ecorse Youth Council of the
W.A.A.C.P. was a success. Miss Alma Strong, the coordinator of the branches,
was the main speaker. She received the Jasper Choice Case and pointed out
several accomplishments in Michigan. She explained the purpose of a Youth
Council and how it benefited our community. Several Memberships were taken.
The next meeting will be held Sunday, August 25, at 3pm at Beechwood
Community Center.
2. There is going to be a lawn party given by the Egnor Club Saturday August 17, at
8pm at 360 Beechwood.
3. The Annual Doll Show once again proved itself one of the most popular events of
the Recreation Playground season when over 400 dolls were present with their
“Little Mothers” at the various city playgrounds last Friday evening. Ribbons
were given in 22 different classes to more than 100 individuals. Serving as judges
were Mrs. John Greig, Mrs. Sidney Seanes, Mrs. Joseph Geunaro, Mrs. Roger
Carrington, Miss Edith Deering, Mrs. H. M. Rosa, Mrs. R. L. Brown, Mrs. John
Walthall, Mrs. Ola Darden and Mrs. A. Kemp. At Northrup School, little Evelyn
Mogor entered 14 dollars, winning 12 ribbons. Included in her collection were
Chinese and Hungarian dolls.
Two All-Star Teams To Meet – Both the American Legion, defending champions,
and Our Lady of Lourdes Junior Hardball teams placed three members on the first
team All-Stars will be pitted against a second team tonight (Thursday) at Burke Field.
West Side’s Chet Gutowski will catch and manage the first team while Harry Price of
Nemeth Bros., the league leading team, will act in a similar capacity for the second
team. Pitching for the first team will be Bud Schomsky of Pitocco’s and Randy
Royals of the Legion while Walter Rakocy and the Slicker’s Shinever will be on the
mound for the second team. Lourdes’ Trio of Harold Jones, Fred Zimmerman and
Teddy Plaza will be at first second and third bases with the Legion’s Johnny Andrews
at shortstop for the first team while the Picot infield of Jerry Riopelle, Art Pitocco,
Joe Vargo and Bob Saunders will toil for the second team. Included in the first team
outfield are Leroy Stone, Steve Doulos and Al Smith while George Dobrich, Bill
Nemeth and Bill Charron will perform for the second team. First team utility men are
Rudy Martin and Dan Sheenan while the second team has John Stone and Howard
Spiegel. The Junior Hardball Team opened their season in June and have played six
games each week, the regular schedule ending this week with the play-offs slated for
the first part of next week.
AUGUST 22, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. The Detroit Automobile Association which has about 30 Down River members
will sponsor a Moonlight to Bob-Lo Friday evening, August 23 at 8:45pm,
leaving from the foot of Woodward.
2. Seventeen friends surprised Joan Hebert with a kitchen shower last Wednesday at
the home of Mrs. Clarence Fobar, Leroy St. Miss Hebert, who resides at 144 Oak
will wed John Shevnock of Ecorse at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Saturday
morning.
3. Miss Helen Bilak, 188 Richter accompanied by Eva Prather left Sunday to
vacation one week in the Irish Hills.
4. The Misses Betty Jean and Catherine Shannon, former Rouge residents, are here
this week as the guests of Miss Marguerite June Hand, 209 Summit.
5. A meeting of officers and committee-heads of the Young Ladies Sodality of Our
Lady of Lourdes Church was held Friday evening, August 16 at the rectory. Plans

for the coming year were discussed and the new Sodality Sponsor, Father Richard
Parrish, outlined the program to begin when the monthly meetings are resumed in
September.
6. The Ushers Club of Our Lady of Lourdes church will hold their second annual
picnic at Schaeffer’s Grove, Sunday, August 25. The park is located on Goddard
Rd. between Allen and Dix Rds. To reach the site, go out Dix and Goddard and
turn right. About 40 members are expected to attend.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” – There may be some connection between
the fact that Lee L. Rivard is a successful assessing official, and also is very adept at
chess and other scientific games. At any rate the River Rouge Assessor who is highly
regarded among the assessing officials of the State, has always shown an interest in
games which require a great deal of mental discipline and skill. Mr. Rivard who has
been City Assessor since 1932 and who didn’t have opposition in the last two
elections in which he was a candidate, is a Michigan product although he spent
several years of his early life outside of the State. He was born in Bay City, but at the
age of nine was taken East, living in Philadelphia for a number of years. He
graduated from Kaighn School of Camden, N.J. and Strayers Business College of the
same city, and obtained considerable experience in bookkeeping and accountancy in
Eastern business houses. He was a Court Clerk in the East for a short time.
However, the limited salaries paid office employees led him to take up a trade, and he
became a boilermaker. After some shipyard experience in the region of Philadelphia,
he came back to Michigan and was employed by Great Lakes Engineering Works.
After maintaining a residence in River Rouge for some time, need of skilled artisans
in the Canal Zone caused him to go to Panama. He spent several months of 1912-13
in the Canal Zone where he was employed on the Locks, and the Spillway Gates at
Gatun Dam. In 1919 Mr. Rivard married Elizabeth Campeau, his father-in-law
Alfred Campeau, was elected Assessor and made Mr. Rivard his assistant. He had
charge of the assessment rolls for sometime, and became well grounded in the
technique of property valuations. His business experience includes 11 years as a Cost
Accountant for Whitehead and Kales. In addition to chess (he organized and heads
the River Rouge Chess Club), he likes golf. He was the prime mover in getting the
Duffer’s Club underway and is its President. He also goes in for fishing. He is a
member of the National Association of Assessing Officers, and is looking forward to
attending the convention at Baltimore in a few weeks. He also belongs to the
National Tax Association, as a member of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors,
he holds membership in the Welfare, Tax and the Northville Training School Comm.
He is Vice-President of the River Rouge Goodfellows. Mr. & Mrs. Rivard have two
daughters, both married, and two granddaughters.
River Rouge Is To Have A New Cut Rate Store – River Rouge will, in the near
future, have a new men’s store bearing the name the Star Cut Rate, which will operate
on the basis of many sales at a low profit. This new establishment will be located at
West Jefferson and Myrtle (formerly occupied by The Workingmen’s Store) and
when alterations are completed it will be one of the showplaces of River Rouge. Mr.
Harry Shaw, Manager of this welcome addition to River Rouge business places,
realizes there is a real opportunity for a store of this type and looks forward to giving
the people of Down River district values such as they have never known. It is
expected that the opening will be held about Saturday, September 14th.
Ten Years Ago In River Rouge
Commissioner John Cassidy was making a check of bus service in River Rouge,
and investigating reports of obnoxious odors in buses. The bus company
promised to install ventilators in all buses operating here.

The death of Julius Meyer was announced at his home on Deacon St., Detroit.
Mr. Meyer had served River Rouge 16 years as light plant engineer at the time
when the city owned its own plant.

The development of the depression a decade ago was indicated by tax collection
figures. On August 12, tax collections had reached $88,268 compared to
$130,000 on the corresponding date of 1929, according to the report of Louise
Perreault, City Treasurer.

River Rouge had a flooded basement problem in 1930. The master sewer plan
was unfinished, and a bond issue of $183,000 was to be submitted at the next
election, to finish the next unit of the sewer system. Dr. Henry Belanger, City
Health Officer in a talk before the Businessmen’s Association said that the sewer
system as then constructed had been planned for a village of 5,000 people.
Kiwanis Club –

Rocky Jordan, Manager of the Woolworth Store in River Rouge, was accepted
into membership in the River Rouge Kiwanis Club Tuesday by Past President Joe
Johnston.

Clarence Aldrich, the Program Chairman, put on an unusual program. Every
member in turn was asked to make a one minute speech concerning the
improvements that had happened to his particular business during the last ten
years. Each member presented a brief insight into his business that was
interesting to every other member present.
Scouts Enjoy Summer Camp – Scout Troop RR-3 of Our Lady Of Lourdes Parish
recently spent a week at Camp Brighton in Livingston County, the Boy Scout Camp for
this area. The boys were under the direction of Charles Howell, and enjoyed the outing
very much. It was not all play, the various scout duties taking up considerable time.
Among those attending were the following: Arthur Ferstle, Raymond Bezzo, Kenneth
Paquette, Jack Perry, Bud Perry, Edward Maloney, Richard Downes, William Kelly,
Milton Charbeneau, Donald Schultz, Hadley McCarthy, Stanley Rykwalder, Robert
Compeau, Robert Alandt and Donald Bellemore.
ADS
1. Werners Department Store – 10508-12 West Jefferson Ave. – August Specials –
Ladies (All Wool) Skirts all colors Hollywood styles sizes 24-40 $1.98 ***
Growing Girls (All Wool) plaid jackets just arrived sizes 14 to 20 $3.29. ***
Something New in River Rouge – Roblee (Featherweight and Brownyweight). Shoes
for Men and Boys and Boy Scout Shoes – Made of genuine leather and with arch
supports. These shoes are on display in our window. Be sure to see them and you
will buy them.
2. Grinnell Bros. – 10454 West Jefferson (Open Evenings) 1941 Zenith – AC-DC
battery portable $29.95. Plays anywhere! Switch instantly from its self-contained
battery power to electric current … for use at home, hotel, office! The ideal vacation
companion … with batteries. Only Zeneth has this! … the detachable Wave Magnet.
The only portable guaranteed to play where others fail, or your money back.
AUGUST 29, 1940
In River Rouge Social Circles
1. Monday evening Irene Laurain was honored at a linen shower given by her sister,
May Laurain, at the family residence, 210 Burke. About 24 guests were present.
Mrs. Laurain and John Russ, Jr., 33 Oak will wed Saturday, August 31 at the 7:30
mass in Our Lady Of Lourdes Church.
2. Mrs. Frank Gallagher, daughter, Ritamay and son, Patrick, 10750 West Jefferson,
Netones Montroy, 73 E. Henry, and Miss Dorothy LeClair of Wyandotte, left Sunday
evening for 10 days in New York City.
3. Miss Rita Laginess, 42 E. Anchor was confined in bed a few days this week due to a
severe cold.
4. Music Lovers of River Rouge will be pleased to know that Anton Brees, the famous
Belgian Carillonneur who received his training under his father, Gustaaf Brees, of the
Antwerp Cathedral will return to Christ Church at Cranbrook on the Lone Pine Rd.
for a series of carillon recitals. The first will be Sunday, September at five in the
afternoon. The recitals are best enjoyed at a distance of 500 to 1,000 ft. Anton Brees
is Director of the Carillon School at the Bok Singing Tower at Mountain Lake,
Florida.
5. Members of the Drum & Bugle Corps of American Legion Post, No. 314, are
expected to turn out for rehearsal Thursday night, August 29, at the American Legion
Memorial Home at 15 E. Henry. Plans will be discussed for the Labor Day parade.
6. Arthur Lozon,201 Charles has returned from a seven-day cruise of the upper lake on
the S.S. South American. In addition to Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island and
Harbor Springs, he visited Cleveland & Buffalo.
“Intimate Notes About People You Know” Babies and flowers have been considered
something of a specialty by Dr. Henri Belanger, beloved veteran Physician of River
Rouge. Most of his life he has cultivated flowers, and has many a prize to his credit. As
for babies the Detroit Medical News gave him credit for ushering 4,500 of them into the
world as far back as 1933. Conceded the ideal type of general practitioner, Dr. Belanger
has found time to attend to many public duties. He served his community long and well
as the Member of the School Board and Health Officer. If all persons who were assisted
into the world by Dr. Belanger ever decide on a reunion with him as honor guest, the
largest building in the Metropolis would be needed to hold all of them in 1919, his record
year, he had 197 successful maternity cases. In one family along he has assisted the store
16 times, but the bird stole a march on one occasion with twins, the family’s total
reaching 17 children. Born in Pain Court, near Chatham, Ontario, he was educated at
Ottawa University and Assumption College, before entering the Detroit College of
Medicine in 1891. He had other associations with the Michigan Metropolis, his
grandfather, Pierre Houle, having been one of the early French residents in Detroit. He
received his medical degree in 1894, and in October of that year came to River Rouge. It
was that year that he brought his young bride who was Clara Reaume of Chatham to this
community, Mrs. Belanger passed away two years ago bringing to close a useful like
devoted to no small extent to the service of the Community. The doctor’s public spirit
was shown when he consented to run for the School Board. He served 21 years in this
capacity and eight times was named President. The public schools of River Rouge owe
much of their broad scope and widely accepted success to his efforts. He was one of
those helping to incorporate the village 40 years ago. He served River Rouge 20 years as
Health Officer, holding a similar capacity in Ecorse Township for 21 years in all.
Although for many years, he attended his wide practice using horse drawn vehicles, and
was known for his fine horses, he was the first successful owner of an automobile in
River Rouge. He bought a one-cylinder Brush car in 1909, and despite his love for
horses, he used the car when roads permitted. When the road systems had spread
sufficiently, he turned to automobile transportation exclusively. Even today, many of the
old timers like to tell of the fine horses Dr. Belanger owned and drove years ago. He was
Staff President of Delray Hospital one year and has been prominent as a consultant at that
Medical Society and the Wayne County Society. He belongs to the Down River chamber
of Commerce, and the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, to name a few of the organizations with
which he is affiliated. He has long been a member of the Exchange Club. He has
gradually been giving up responsibilities, his son, Dr. Ernest Belanger, having become
associated with him. He recently retired from the Board of Directors of River Rouge
Savings Bank.
Parade Draws Many Despite Cool Weather – The second Annual Playground Parade held
last Friday proved to be a huge success with approximately, 500 children taking part.
Thirty-five competed in the amateur show at Memorial Park. Honors for the night went
to the Community Center. Several thousand River Rouge citizens witnessed the parade
while a good number braved the chilly weather at the amateur show to lend
encouragement to the children. In addition to the floats from the various playgrounds,
groups taking part included the American Legion Drum & Bugle Corps. The City
Council and the Board of Education members, and West Side American Legion Drum &
Bugle Corps. Cash prizes for the event were donated by the River Rouge Exchange Club
and the River Rouge Businessmen’s Association the money being used to purchase
refreshments for a playground picnic. Serving as parade judges for the Exchange Club
were: D.J. Goniea, Dr. M. Dickens Jr., and Richard B. Munson while Joe Gennaro, Louis
Deutsch and Dr. Ellenfieldt served in a similar capacity for the Businessmen’s Group.
The Exchange Club’s W. A. Orr and the Businessmen’s C. D. Bowen were judges of the
amateur show. Success of the affair is attributed to the City of River Rouge, the Board of
Education and the Michigan Works Progress Administration. The following Recreation
leaders were responsible for the floats of the various playgrounds: Roy Lipsom, Claude
McMatch, George Vail, Henry Pollard, William Boone, James Jackson, Pauline Salagan,
Alian Wells, Willa Mae Sullivan and Mrs. Lillian Osborn.
Ten Years Ago In River Rouge

More and more indications that the depression was becoming intensified were
contained in reports. Mayor Arnold Frutig pointed out at a meeting of the City
Council that unemployment, something rather new for River Rouge, was
increasing. He instructed Commissioner Arthur Greig to make a survey of all
possible city work, and give a report at the next meeting. City Engineer Brown
was also instructed to prepare plats of needed sidewalk so that new public works
could be started and put some of the idle residents to work.

Frank C. Caswell, City Attorney, gave an opinion that there was nothing in the
State constitution or State law which would prevent the city from collecting taxes
on the installment plan. The matter had been brought up by Commissioner Arthur
Valade who said that in view of the hard times the municipality should make it
easier for tax payers by permitting installment paying.

A group of River Rouge golfers’ including Edmund T. Higgins, Jack A.
MacLeod, Able N. Lezotte, and Philip Lozon challenged Ecorse, Ellis (Duke)
Underill was expected to organize a group to accept the challenge.

Property owners were objecting to an alley widening assessment. The alley in
question was west of Richter between Coolidge and Riopelle (E. Pleasant). It was
to be paid in installments over a five-year period.

Postage stamps have the value of one pie, equal to one-sixth of a cent, and are to
be issued in Burma.
All Is Ready For Opening Of Fair – Additional ticket sellers, ticket takers, and guards
have been arranged for to handle what is expected to be the largest crowd of the fair
when Dick Rogers’ All American Motor Maniacs perform at the Michigan State Fair,
three afternoons only Saturday, August 31, Sunday, September 1 and Sunday September
8. The Daredevil Congress has set new attendance records at all the fairs they have
played, and with many new thrillers to show here a mammoth crowd is expected. Some
of the thrillers on the program will be the crash into a brick wall with our auto traveling at
60 miles an hour, the driver staying in the car, and head on collision between two autos
both traveling at a speed of 50 miles -, a car jumping through a house of flames, four
motorcyclists crashing solid board walls -, rolling an automobile over and over and
driving a man through a board wall head foremost. There will be twelve thrillers and
nine comedy stunts on the program.
ADS
1. R & S Shoe Store, 10583 West Jefferson Ave. – Reno Building – Back-To-School
Sales - * Kiddie-kickers (saddle oxfords) Dutchies oxfords made of fine quality,
smart leather uppers, fully lined. Solid leather soles $1.98. * Boys & Girls oxfords
98 cents. R & S’s “Miracle Value” in boys and girls’ schoolshoes. Black or tan elk,
patent or gun metal uppers. Extra heavy weight cork, rubber or leather sole.
Smoothly lined, Made one roomy lasts for fit and comfort. * Men Fall Shoes only
$1.98.
2. Werners Department Store – 10508-12 West Jefferson Ave. - * Boys corduroy
overalls in all colors sizes 3-8 $1.00 * Children dresses sizes 3-6x and 7-14
Specially priced at $1.00. * Children’s sox in all colors and all lengths, all sizes 15
cents and 25 cents.
3. Rouge Cut Rate Store – 10540 West Jefferson Ave. near Coolidge – Fall Opening
Sale. * Boys fancy anklet sox – made with elastic top 8 cents. * Men’s dress shirts
sizes 14 – 17 - $1.00. * Special lot of Men’s wool felt hats, assorted colors and
styles $1.00. * Men’s sweaters – slipover style, 100% worsted, regular $1.98 value.
While they last $1.00. * Boys dress oxfords choice of several styles, sturdily built
for wear sizes 12 – 6 $1.79 pair.
4. Tom’s Lunch Room – 10620 West Jefferson Ave. next to Coy’s Service Station –
Make a habit of having Sunday Dinner at Tom’s Lunch Room. Monday to Saturday
We serve a Special Lunch for 30 cents also a special Business Men’s Lunch including
soup, meat or fish, dessert and beverage 35 cents open 6am – 9:30pm.
Regulations Limit Football Season – Three weeks of practice by High School teams prior
to the first games are necessary under regulations of the Michigan High School Athletic
Association. Here are a few of the rules: (1) Football practice may not be held prior to
September 1 (In the Upper Peninsula, prior to August 19). (2) There must be three weeks
of football practice prior to the first game as provided in Article II, Section 4, of the State
Association by-laws. (3) If practice is started between Monday September 2, and
Wednesday, September 4, the first game maybe placed September 20 – 21.