1926 New High School Building

While doing research on a different subject, I came across this picture, published in "The Fowlerville Review," September, 1926, issue, announcing "School Opens in This Building Tuesday, Sept. 7."  This new high school building was three stories tall and located on Collins Street, across the street from what is now the senior center.

The building was torn down in 1998. 

Would love comments from anyone having attended this building.

1929 Prohibition Era

This is not a Fowlerville house (as far as I know) but probably located in the Detroit area around the late 1920s, early 1930s, as I got permission to post it from another website.  The picture shows a raid by the police, where barrels were tipped over, causing a waterfall of illegally-gotten or illegally-made alcohol during the years this country was supposed to be "dry."  Isn't this just a most interesting picture?

Part of the reason I gravitated to it was because my first historical novel, "Juniper and Anise," is about a woman bootlegger.  During the writing process, I tried to visualize the old farmhouse she operated out of.  In my story, I placed it just north of town and the house looked a bit like this one.

The other reason I wanted to show this picture was to make mention of my two novels, "Juniper and Anise" and "Tilly Loves Johnny," both available through the publishers, on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, etc. and to let you know I am in the process of having my local history book, "The Fowlerville Chronicles," reprinted as a hardbound.  I will have the proof copy shortly and will then be offering it for sale, here on this site as well as at a couple local venues.  Be sure to check it out!

1919 Novara Christmas Ad

A couple days back I showed an advertisement from 1945 for Spagnuolo's Confectionery.  Today, I thought we needed to see a 1919 Novara ad, as shown in "The Fowlerville Review."  Mr. Andrew Novara had his store where Sweet Sensations now offers up wonderful chocolate treats and before the Spagnuolo family made it one of their storefronts. 

Such a wonderful variety of items to purchase right before the Christmas giving season.

1928 Local News

The editor of the local newspaper, G.L. Adams, was truly a gossip -- in a good way.  Today we have social media to keep us informed of what our friends and neighbors are doing.  Local residents received the paper once a week for that kind of information.

Here's a section from the June 20, 1928, issue of "The Fowlerville Review:"

Part of the reason this caught my eye was due to the fact I've been doing a little research for one of my readers on N.P. Jensen, a local photographer.  His name leaped off the page -- "Have your Kodak films developed and printed in Jensen's Studio."

When I was doing research for my novel, "Tilly Loves Johnny," I needed a photographer.  Mr. Jensen became my main man!  I've even included him in my third novel, a work-in-progress at the moment.

Another reason I like to post this local news is for the names you can read about.  So m any of them become like old friends.  While I was researching for Fowlerville, I felt like George L. Adams became my "invisible" friend.  I would have loved to have met him.  I have noticed a comment by one of my readers that he might be a great-grandson.  I would so love to have you contact me through this blog.  :)

1928 New Lutheran Church

Back to our regularly-scheduled local information!  I just got myself stuck in 1928 and over the next couple of days, there will be some posts during that time period.  

The following article, found in "The Fowlerville Review," June, 1928, reports the old Lutheran Church building being razed and gives a bit of history.  In 1909, a "cyclone" came through Fowlerville, overturning the Rounsville grain elevator as well as destroying the St. Agnes Catholic church, when it was located on Maple.  It appears it had also done damage to the Lutheran building.

The tornado, as we would call it today, followed the railroad tracks over South Grand, eventually turning northeast into town, before traveling eastward and disappearing.

In 1928, the known Opera House was located above the current-day Olden Days restaurant (one half) and the other half above Maria's School of Dance.  As you face the restaurant, there is a wooden door to the left, where a narrow staircase leads up to the second floor.

In my novel, "Juniper and Anise," a temperance meeting is held in the old opera house and, at the podium, is Ida B. Wise, the leader of the movement in the midwest area.  Some loved her while others didn't, including a few that threw ripe tomatoes at her!

1914 Sinking of the Titanic

I decided, for a little change-up, to post some history away from the village.  The sinking of the Titanic in 1914 has been in the news a bit lately, especially as it always seems to be of fascination, since some new evidence has surfaced that the ship was having problems long before it hit the iceberg.  That the iceberg might have been the final death knell in staying afloat. 

The following article was found in the April 18, 1914, issue of The Fowlerville Review:

1916 Oyster Advertisement

The other evening, while being served some clam chowder, the conversation turned to other fish and seafood, such as oysters.  I mentioned how, in the early 1900s, oysters and canned fish were commonly found in mid-Michigan.  Quite often, lunchrooms advertised specials for oyster meals and some early benefit meals (fundraisers) were oyster-feasts.

I came across this ad from Copeland and Griffin in The Fowlerville Review, January 5, 1916, issue--a hundred years ago.

1924 General Motors Proving Ground

Had the pleasure of watching a promotional video for the General Motors Proving Ground -- how and when it was designed and built.  Started me thinking there may be quite a few here in Fowlerville interested in one of Michigan's largest employers.  

In 1924, farmland and bluffs were purchased northeast of Brighton and construction began on the proving grounds.  Following is an article published in The Fowlerville Review, February 24, 1924:

Three years later, the following advertisement ran in the paper for quite a few weeks for the tested and proven (at the proving grounds) Chevrolet, sold by Gannon and Finlan:

1929 Halloween Cake

Halloween is upon us.  Well, it has been for quite some time with all of the grocery stores offering up candy way too early!  But, anyhow, this is a first for me.  In 1929 the Rossetter Bakery made a Halloween cake, filled with goodies.  Here's an advertisement from the October 23, 1929, issue of The Fowlerville Review:

A few years back, I had the great pleasure of having lunch with Thelma Rossetter.  We enjoyed a meal at Olden Days.  Our lunch grew cold as she reminisced of those years with the bakery.  I was able to include some of her memories in The Fowlerville Chronicles. 

1929 Kroger Advertisement

I grabbed this advertisement out of The Fowlerville Review from the June 26, 1929, issue.  This Kroger store was located in the northeast quadrant, possibly right next to the pharmacy.  I never did find an address.  One of its employees and eventually manager was Stirling Douglass.  Some may remember him--he was very active in the community.  He eventually opened his own grocery store as well as running the Twin-Q Inn in the 40s. 

Wouldn't it be lovely to get groceries at these prices!

1923 Grand River Avenue Paving

Over the years, I've been asked when the "silent policeman" was removed from the center of the main intersection and also when Grand River Avenue was paved.  (For those not familiar with the silent policeman, you can search that on this blog or read my novel "Juniper and Anise" and find out.)

In the November 7, 1923, issue of The Fowlerville Review, the following article was published on the front page:

It was some time after that a street light was installed at the intersection.  There are two pictures in "The Fowlerville Chronicles" showing the "silent policeman" -- the cover and under 1918.

1920 Milking Machine

If you've spent any time perusing this website, you've probably figured out I love the ads from long ago.  Today, I pulled up the digitized files of The Fowlerville Review (which can be accessed at the Fowlerville Library) and randomly scrolled through the 1920s.  The following ad for a milking machine caught my eye:

Eugene D. Defendorf ran a hardware/farm implement supply store and was very active in the community.  He sat on the school board as well as being involved with local organizations.

1930 Happy New Year

The Fowlerville Review, now owned by the Rabys after purchasing the paper from G.L. Adams in 1929, celebrated the new year for Fowlerville with comments from various local businesses.

With Juniper and Anise, my historical novel of a woman bootlegger during the Prohibition Era, now available for purchase as an ebook on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookstrand, and my publisher's site at www.whiskeycreekpress.com, I am working hard on a companion novel.  It is set in the same time frame, with new characters and new trials and tribulations.

 

While busy with research, I thought the above ad would also be of interest to my readers.

 

 

2013 Water Main from 1927

Work continues to progress on the water and sewer construction on North Grand Avenue, and I'm pretty sure some of the workers are beginning to wonder about me.  The other day, for instance, I was making a delivery to the Carpet Depot (right in the midst of all the chaos) and I noticed a number of the men standing around a rather large hole.  Just looking in, talking, contemplating, I supposed.

So, of course, after I made my delivery, I crossed the street to join them gazing down into this 8-foot (at least) deep hole.  A couple of the village DPW workers were there (and recognized me) so I got into conversation with them.  

At that point in the day, the guys digging had exposed a major portion of the 1927 lead (I believe) watermain and were in the process of capping it off to stop any water flow from about in front of Kim's Barber Shop to South Street.

Me, being the crazy lady I've become, asked if there was anyway I could get a chunk of the old main for our historical collection.  After a few puzzled looks from those not knowing me, one of the guys deep in the hole asked, "how big?"  

Below is what he then easily tossed up onto the grass between the road and the sidewalk.  It didn't look nearly as nice as this, as it has since been power-washed and dried.  So, this is what a watermain looked like in 1927 and was still very operational 86 years later.  And, by the way, this little chunk of 6" (inside diameter) by about 2-feet long watermain is heavy -- not something I could easily toss up from a deep hole!

Eventually, when we can put together a display, this will definitely be available for a close-up look.

I did some cursory research for around 1927, looking for information on the watermain work and possibly of the old water tower that used to stand in the northwest quadrant (behind Fowlerville Lumber) but couldn't find anything.  I did find an article, though, of a watermain break on East Grand River, which follows:

The lead pipe to the water main in front of the Novara store sprung a leak Saturday and a hole had to be cut in the new pavement and a tunnel dug under for some distance to make the repair.

The Novara store was located in the northeast quadrant about where Edward Jones is now located.

1928 Paul Snell

Sad things happen.  And, one of the saddest, and definitely horrific, was a drowning that happened in 1928.  A mother drowned her son one late afternoon -- no explanations, no forewarning (although after the fact some spoke about how the mother was acting odd).  A year and a half later, the remorseful mother hung herself.

The lad of six was buried in between his grandparents -- Charlotte and John Snell.  

And then the years advanced, with the family not wanting to talk much about this murder.

Years later, step in Barb Thumudo, a local resident many will know.  A couple years ago, she began research on this family, remembering how her own grandmother -- who used to live next door to the family when the murder happened -- would occasionally mention that horrible event.  In Barb's search, she found a family member living in Washington and they were soon  in e-mail contact.

Very long story told short, Barb made it happen to have a headstone made for Paul Snell and two family members were in Fowlerville this last Thursday, and a small, intimate ceremony was conducted honoring a young lad, long forgotten but no more.  The new headstone has been nicely placed between his grandparents' headstone.  If you would like to see it in person, head to the northwest corner of the old portion of Greenwood Cemetery.

Those in attendance at the honorarium were two family members of Paul Snell, Barb Thumudo, Wayne Copeland, myself, and Scott Niblack, offering a couple of prayers and comments.

So many people work behind the scenes, unrecognized and and quiet in their help, making lives better in today's world.  Some, such as Barb, work behind the scenes to remember those before us.  Isn't it wonderful there are so many types in this world?

1929 Gehringer Keeps At It

In this final article following Charley Gehringer's early pro career, with the Detroit Tigers, following is an article that was reprinted in The Fowlerville Review from the Detroit Free Press:

It was also reported:

Charlie Gehringer has punched out more hits for more bases and scored more runs than any other player in the league.  He has crossed the plate 29 times and collected 40 safeties that totaled 68 bases.

For some additional reading on the "mechanical man" from Fowlerville, be sure to check out Mike Grimm's history of the village.  You can read more about his book by clicking on the link from this website to his.  Scroll down the page and look for his link at the right hand side of the page.

And now a question for my readers.  I have been working on a book of three sensational murders that took place in the early days of Fowlerville.  If I were to pursue self-publishing this book, would I have takers?  Would you be interested in purchasing a copy?  My other thoughts -- if I were to put the book on this website as an e-book of sorts, would you be willing to make donations to the site to keep things going?  Your thoughts?  Your support?

1928 Gehringer Visit to Fowlerville

For a brief shining moment in baseball fun, it was reported in September, 1928, Charley Gehringer would visit his old haunts at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds.  The following short blurb was found in the local paper:

The friends of Charles Gehringer may see him in action with the Fowlerville ball team at the Fowlerville fair.

But then:

All Aboard!

For the Fowlerville Fair~~Everything looks good for the Fowlerville Fair if the weather holds good it will be a record breaker so far as attendance is concerned.

The grounds are in fine condition and the buildings have been made attractive.

The secretary reports the entries are coming in fine and everything points to a good showing and the race horses are much in evidence and the free attractions are showing up big, while the midway is chuck full and running over.

We regret to have to report one great disappointment in the fact that Charles Gehringer will not be here as advertised, and no one can possibly regret the fact as much as the fair association, which has advertised the fact, that the star in Michigan base ball will not be present.  It is no fault of the fair management and it was not known until this week that Mr. Gehringer had made other arrangements and had joined a barnstorming company that was taking him out of the state.

Mr. Glover states the Mr. Gehringer distinctly stated to him that he would be here for the games and bring a man with him and Mr. Glover has witness to that statement.

As soon as it was discovered that Mr. Gehringer had made other arrangements, the telephone wires were kept warm by the ball fans and business men, but without success.

Arrangement had been perfected to present Mr. Gehringer with a fine token of their regard for him as a community which adds another deep disappointment to his absence.

This is the first time in the history of the fair association when they have advertised an event that did not take place and the association and all friends of Mr. Gehringer deeply regret the fact.

In future articles regarding the fair events, it would appear everything else was a great success.

1928 Celebration of Graduates

G.L. Adams, the editor and publisher of The Fowlerville Review, celebrated two graduates from the Fowlerville high school in his opinion column:

Romine Hamilton's parents began the C.D. Hamilton & Co. dry goods store at the southeast corner of East Grand River and South Grand.  Some may still remember it when the store was Ruth's Resale.

1928 Spring Training for Charlie Gehringer

Spring training camp for the Detroit Tigers was held in Texas in 1928 to continuing accolades, as published in the local newspaper, such as "Charlie Gehringer, who is with the Detroit Tigers, is picked by many to reach the top of the leaguers as the best second baseman this season.  Good for Charlie."

I did some looking but could not find a location for a spring training camp in Texas.  If any of my readers know where it might have been, please feel free to comment for other readers.

1928 Two Stars

Nineteen twenty-eight was a very good year for Fowlerville citizen notoriety.  Gehringer had a great 1927 season with the Detroit Tigers and the prospect for the summer of 1928 looked to be the same.  That same year, Gehringer was congratulating G.L. "Dad" Adams for his longevity as the editor and publisher of the local newspaper. 

As a little bit of self-promotion, please consider purchasing a copy of my book, Through the Eyes of a Country Editor.  G.L. Adams was opinionated, passionate, exceptional in his writing, and a "cheerleader" for his adopted hometown.  As I did research for The Fowlerville Chronicles, I fell in love with Mr. Adams' writing and decided that would be my second book.  I set up the book in the same format -- chronologically by years -- but added so much more.  I am very proud of how the second book turned out and still find myself heading back to it for my own research for this website.

At this point, I am getting to the point of a limited number of copies of both books and would like to get these last copies out there.